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Scream Review

Scream is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Oplin and Tyler Gillett and written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. The film stars Melissa Barrera, Jack Quaid, Jenna Ortega, Mason Gooding, Dylan Minnette, Mikey Madison, Jasmin Savoy-Brown, Sonia Ammar, Marley Shelton, David Arquette, Courtney Cox, and Neve Campbell. Set twenty-five years after the events of the first film, a new Ghostface killer emergers in Woodsboro to terrorize the town and it’s residents. It’s up to a new group of teenagers to stop and find the new Ghostface before it’s too late. I’ll be honest even though I’m a fan of this franchise I was a bit skeptical about how I would feel about this film given that Wes Craven is no longer with us. I’m thankful to be proven wrong with this film as this felt like a great homage to what Wes created with the first film and a love letter to us fans. 

This new cast of characters are all fun and fit into the Scream world quite well. I really enjoyed seeing this new group of teenagers figure out who the killer is and play within the rules of this universe. Melissa Barrera and Jenna Oretga are the heart of this film as two estranged sisters who through certain events reconnect with one another to help stop Ghostface. It’s a really sweet relationship in the film and something that felt fresh in the series. The legacy characters of Dewey, Gale, and Sidney returning are great and how the characters are incorporated into the story is one of the film's strengths. It’s smart of the creators to bring in these legacy characters at the right moments without overshadowing this new group of teenagers in the film. 

As with any Scream film comes the meta approach to riffing on films of the time period it’s set in and this one is no different. It doesn’t come across as distracting or too much here, the creators knew what they were doing when writing and directing this film. The humor also works with the kill scenes being effective at what is trying to be conveyed on screen and at times fun to watch. There isn’t much I didn’t enjoy about this film except for maybe a nitpick here and there. The best way to go into this film is knowing as little as possible to get the most fun out of the surprises and easter eggs that are featured throughout. Without Wes Craven I didn’t think another Scream film could be made that would work, thankfully the creators and everyone behind this film made it work with the right amount of love and care that would make any fan of this franchise happy. 

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Spider-Man: No Way Home Review

Spider-Man: No Way Home is directed by Jon Watts and written by Chris McKenna and Erik Sommers. The film stars Tom Holland, Zendaya, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jacob Batalon, Jon Favreau, Benedict Wong, and Marisa Tomei. Now I know some who may read this have seen it or know who else appears, but I want this review to be as non spoilery as possible. Set shortly after the events of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Peter Parker (Holland) now has his identity revealed to the world as Spider-Man. He goes to seek help from Doctor Strange (Cumberbatch) to create a spell that can undo what happened, but the spell goes awry and causes some unexpected people from other universes to appear and now Peter and his friends have to find a way to undo what has happened. This is a film that we’ve all been anticipating and waiting for and boy does it payoff in such spectacular fashion. 

After watching this film, I’ll say this is Tom Holland’s best performance as Peter Parker/Spider-Man. The journey our young hero goes on in this film is what I may say is a transition into adulthood by the end. It’s brilliant what Holland does in the film, it’s just chock full of so many emotional layers I haven’t seen this character fully go on in other films. Zendaya is terrific as MJ and the chemistry is just perfect between her and Peter, you really feel like they have this strong and profound love for one another. I was really excited that Jacob Batalon got to do more as Ned in this film and much like MJ, they are the glue to who and what makes Peter who he is. I’m also going to give a shout out to Benedict Cumberbatch who can do no wrong as  Doctor Strange in my book and it was fun to see him in more of a supporting role here and all the interactions he has with Peter are just great.

I have some nitpicks with some of the characters that appear in the film, but those are few and far between with this film. I had so much joy watching this film and it gives us the fans what we want in a way that serves the story and Peter’s journey. It also feels like a satisfying conclusion for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man for the time being. I know I’m dancing around a lot in this review, but it’s for the best as this Spider-Man despite what has been rumored and leaked is best to be viewed with knowing as little as possible. If you’re a Spider-Man fan of any kind there’s no way you’re not going to enjoy the hell out of this and the emotional payoffs it gives. Jon Watts has made a solid trilogy of Spider-Man films with this one in my opinion being the best in that trilogy. 

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West Side Story Review

West Side Story is directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Tony Kushner. The film stars Ansel Elgort, Rachel Zegler, Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Brian d’Arcy James, Corey Stoll, and Rita Moreno. Set in 1950’s New York City, the film follows Tony (Elgort) & Maria (Zegler), a pair of teenagers on the opposite sides of two rival street gangs who fall in love with one another. Before I continue on with the review I want to state that this was the first time I had watched and experienced West Side Story in any medium. After watching it I now understand why it’s so beloved and considered a classic in musical theater. As a first time viewer I found this to be a wonderful story with amazing choreography and music. 

The acting and performances from just about everyone in this film was brilliant. Rachel Zegler in her first ever acting role announces herself as a future movie star. She was amazing and I fell in love with her and all that she brought to the role of Maria. Ariana DeBose is a powerhouse in her performance and she embraces and takes pride in who she is as the character of Anita, it’s wonderful to see. Rita Moreno that’s all that really needs to be said about her, the women lead this film in my book in all the best ways. Mike Faist and David Alvarez give it their all as Riff and Bernardo the leaders of the Jets and Sharks, you really feel animosity they have for one another, but also the respect and pride they have for their respective groups that they’re a part of. 

I felt like I was immersed in 1950’s New York in this film and that’s in part due to the production design and cinematography. The scale in this film is a sight to behold and for me as an audience member it made me feel like I was living in this time frame of history. The cinematography from Janusz Kaminski looked like this film was shot and filmed in the time frame the story is set in. Both of these elements are some of the many aspects of the film that made this story feel authentic. The dance number scenes are unlike any I’ve seen in a film adaptation of a musical before, they’re so full of vibrancy and at times also gritty. Spielberg did not shy away from anything in this film and told this story the way it should be told. 

There are not many criticisms I have with this film other than one, but it wasn’t something that took me out of it. I think Ansel Elgort’s performance is fine and he could sing, but I just couldn’t buy the chemistry he had with Rachel Zegler as I thought she carried that chemistry throughout the film. With that being said however, this is something to be seen on the big screen. As someone who never experienced West Side Story before, I fell in love with the story and the characters. It’s a story that feels timeless and relevant today as when the story was set in. If you’re a fan of this story I think this will be for you and if you’re someone like me who’s never experienced this now’s your chance to do so on the big screen. 

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Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Review

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is written and directed by Johannes Roberts. The film stars Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, Robbie Amell, Tom Hooper, Avan Jogia, Donal Logue, and Neal McDonough. This film is based on the Resident Evil games and this iteration adapts and combines elements from the first two games. The story follows favorite characters Chris and Claire Redifeld (Scodelario & Amell), Jill Valentine (Kamen), Leon Kennedy (Jogia) and Albert Wesker (Hooper) as they all explore and investigate different parts of Raccoon City the night the T-Virus is released. This film is what the previous films should have been. Welcome to Raccoon City captures the spirit of these early games by creating a new story with the characters we love from this beloved property. 

I felt every member of the cast did a good job capturing the spirit of their respective characters. I enjoyed the performances from just about everyone and liked seeing certain characters that don’t share a lot of time together in the games share screen time with one another here. After watching this film I hope that these actors can possibly return again in future installments as these characters. I commend director Johannes Roberts for making this film feel more atmospheric and less about the action, it feels more grounded than what had come before. The tension and build up is there, the scares feel genuine, and the creature effects for the most part work. It’s clear this film was made with a love and appreciation for the games as that shows in just about every aspect of this film.  

Now I’m not entirely sure if average audiences who aren’t familiar with the games will enjoy this. There are some pacing, story aspects, and character development that may bother and deter some people’s enjoyment of it. As I’m writing this I’m speaking as a fan of these games and finally getting to see a live action film that for the most part worked and came together is satisfying. It’s fun, silly, campy, and feels like it was made in the era that this film takes place in and knows what it’s shooting for. I went in with low expectations given what I saw in the trailer and came out feeling like this was what I wanted in a Resident Evil film. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a fresh and welcome reboot of the game franchise that will hopefully satisfy fans of the games and possibly bring in a new set of fans after watching the film. 

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Ghostbusters Afterlife Review

Ghostbusters Afterlife is directed by Jason Reitman who co-wrote the film with Gil Kenan. The film stars Carrie Coon, Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, Logan Kim, Celeste O'Connor, and Paul Rudd. Set about thirty years after the original films Afterlife follows Egon Spenger’s family as they move to a rural town in Oklahoma and inherit his farmhouse. The family soon starts to learn more about their father and grandfather as supernatural occurrences start taking place in the small town. I am a fan of the original Ghostbusters, but not a super fan like I am with other franchises. I’ll say this film felt like the original with all the fun humor and cool scares and is a Ghostbusters film for this generation while also paying homage to what came before. 

The cast here is great and it’s nice seeing Carrie Coon lead a film on this scale. Paul Rudd is also fun in the film and like a majority of his roles, he’s just so damn likable when he’s on screen. This man oozes charisma anytime he does anything, he’s a true treasure of an actor. Though the star of this film is without a doubt Mckenna Grace as Spengler’s granddaughter, Phoebe. I’ve seen this young actress in small roles over the years as the younger versions of the lead characters. It’s so damn nice to see her finally get that chance to be a huge part of a film and be an important character who’s also the heart and soul of the film, I’m so happy for her.   

Now the term fan service gets thrown around a lot in film and television these days and for the most part I don’t mind it. This film has a fair amount of it and that’s something I could see potentially being an issue for some audiences. With that being said though, if you’re a huge fan of this property you’ll love this film. I think Jason Reitman did right by what his father created with the original film, but also making it more modern for this generation of film goers. There’s a certain moment towards the end of the film that I teared up at and some audiences may do the same whenever they watch it. Ghostbusters Afterlife is a great and fun time that reinvigorated my love for the original Ghostbusters and is a film that I didn’t expect to be what it was. 

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Tick, Tick... Boom! Review

Tick Tick Boom is directed by Lin Manuel Miranda in his directorial debut and written by Steven Levenson. The film stars Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, Robin de Jesus, Joshua Henry, Judith Light, and Vanessa Hudgens. This film is based on the same name of the musical written by Jonathan Larson. The story follows Jonathan Larson (Garfield) who’s an aspiring playwright in New York waiting to get his big break and make the next best American musical. All the while Larson is trying to navigate the struggles of his life as an aspiring artist and trying to maintain love and the friendships he has. I’m not the target audience for musicals, but this film sure did a number on me in all the best ways. 

Andrew Garfield gives a magnificent performance in this film that’s certainly worthy of an Academy Award nomination. I wasn’t aware that Garfield could sing, but he does a tremendous job acting through song in this film. Garfield became Jonathan Larson in the film and brought out this youthful vibrancy of wanting to achieve one’s dreams. Garfield carries this film and showcases that he can sing his heart out as well as give a terrific performance at the same time. Lin Manuel Miranda’s direction is also worth praise in his first feature film, it’s so evident that this was a film only Miranda can put to screen. Anyone knows he can choreograph great musical numbers and sequences, but I was also impressed with the more intimate dramatic moments he gets out in this film. 

The concept of time that’s presented in the film was the aspect I most related to. It really does hit you at how precious time is and how we should spend it in our lives before it’s all gone.  I’m 28 myself and the journey Jonathan has in this film hit me in unexpected ways that struck a chord with me, but also felt familiar to my own life and struggles. I think this is a story that anyone who’s been passionate about their own dreams and artistic visions in life can relate with. Tick Tick Boom showcases a wonderful musical film from Lin Manuel Miranda that boasts a terrific performance from Andrew Garfield with musical sequences that are fun to watch. For all the musical theater geeks out there this film is for you and for those like myself who are not as into them this film is still worth watching and enjoying. 

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King Richard Review

King Richard is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin. The film stars Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis, Saniyya Sidney, Demi Singleton, Tony Goldwyn, and Jon Bernthal. This film tells the story of Richard Williams (Smith) the father of Serena and Venus Williams (Sidney and Singleton) and the role he played in getting his daughters to be two of the greatest tennis players of all time. I’m a fan of sports and always love when films come out that tell stories of great sports moments or players that I may not be as familiar with. I have always been aware and cognizant of who Serena and Venus are, but it’s nice to see the curtain pulled back and shown how they became who they are today. This is one of the more unconventional sports biopics I’ve seen, but it’s quite heartfelt and was able to make me smile. 

Anytime Will Smith has taken on real life figures in his filmography they always seem to bring out the best of him as a performer. This film is no different and Smith gives one of the best performances of his career in this role. At times you can be a bit puzzled by Richard and his methods as a father, but Smith has that charisma about him that he brings out that makes you want to root for him to succeed. Not to be outdone is his screen partner for the film Aunjanue Ellis. She gives a stellar performance and shows that it wasn’t just their father that helped them, but also their mother and what she was able to do to help get her daughters on the path of success. Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton are just adorable as the Williams sisters and both shine bright in the film. 

As far as qualms go I’d say maybe the runtime and some of the pacing could have been trimmed down a bit for this film. Other than those aspects nothing else stood out for me as a negative. I enjoyed how well the tennis matches were choreographed in this film, I can’t imagine they’re easy to film. I also liked how more of a spotlight was shined on Venus Williams and getting to know more than we thought we did about her life. Like with any good sports film there’s an underdog aspect to it and the struggles and challenges that our lead characters have to overcome in order to succeed. King Richard may be unconventional at times when telling it’s story, but the end result is something that audiences can come away feeling positive about. 

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The Harder They Fall

The Harder They Fall is directed by Jeymes Samuel who co-wrote the screenplay with Boaz Yakin. The film stars an ensemble cast that include: Jonathan Majors, Zazie Beetz, Delroy Lindo, Lakeith Stanfield, RJ Cyler, Danielle Deadwyler, Edi Gathegi, Deon Cole, Regina King, and Idris Elba. Set in the American West, the film follows Nat Love (Majors) on his quest for vengeance against Rufus Buck (Elba) who murdered his family when he was a young boy. In his quest Love reunites his old gang of outlaws to help track and take down Buck and his gang. What we have with this film is a fun-filled Western revenge story that is a bit stylized at times, but tells a compelling story with great characters. The Harder They Fall is a fresh take on the Western genre as it features an all Black cast, but still retains what audiences love about Westerns. 

It goes without saying this is a great ensemble of a cast assembled for a Western. All the performances are great and each have their own moments to shine. Jonathan Majors continues to cement himself as a leading man in films and television and is just so cool to watch him play a cowboy in the film seeking revenge. Idris Elba doesn’t play an antagonist that much, but he does it so well in this film and also brings a twisted charm about his character. The women of the film are just amazing as Zazie Beetz, Danielle Deadwyler, and Regina King all kick ass and you can tell they are having so much fun in these roles. The cast and the characters are what carry this film and keep you engaged with what’s going on. 

The story of the film is something any person who’s watched a western has seen before, it’s nothing new there. However, the story works because of its cast and the style that Jeymes Samuel brings to this film. The only issue I’d have for this film is the runtime could have been a few minutes shorter. Outside of that issue and a few small nitpicks here and there, this is a fun film to watch. As someone who doesn't watch a whole lot of Westerns I had a good time watching this film. I think anyone who’s a fan of Westerns can enjoy this film as well as audiences who aren’t big fans of this genre. 

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Last Night in Soho Review

Last Night in Soho is directed by Edgar Wright who co-wrote the film with Krysty Wilson-Cairns. The film stars Thomasin McKenzie, Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Michael Ajao, Terence Stamp, and Diana Rigg. An aspiring fashion designer named Eloise (Mckenzie) travels to England only to mysteriously time travel into the 1960’s and starts to live the life of a young beautiful singer named Sandie (Taylor-Joy). The fun starts to turn sinister as Eloise slowly discovers the dark secrets of the life of the person’s past she’s been reliving. In all the films I’ve seen Edgar Wright, I don’t think I’ve seen any like the one he’s made here in this new film. Last Night in Soho is a bold new film from Edgar Wright that for myself is a rip-roaring good time and is something new and fresh in the horror genre. 

There are three performances in this film that are terrific and these women should get all the love for these roles. Thomasin McKenzie who was a breakout star in Jojo Rabbit shines again in this film. Her character was one I could relate with as there were certain character traits that I shared with her like being a shy and quiet person who also feels a bit of an outsider. I’m a huge fan of Anya Taylor-Joy as there’s not a performance I’ve seen from her that’s not been great. Along with the great acting she also does some amazing singing in this film and exudes charisma, but also channels that dark side of her character as the film progresses. Last but not least is the great Diana Rigg who gives quite a final performance in a role that is just best to be seen in the film. 

Part of this film takes place in the 1960’s and you can feel that aesthetic throughout. The production design, costumes, soundtrack all of which made me feel like I was travelling with Eloise back into the 1960’s. Similar to Baby Driver, Edgar Wright has given me another soundtrack that I want to listen to over and over again. It’s always great when a filmmaker and the team behind the film can make those creative choices because it makes me feel as an audience member that those elements of the film are just as important as the characters are. Chung-hoon Chung is the cinematographer on this film and he did a wonderful job as he was able to capture the madness that this story takes you on with some great use of neon lit imagery. The cinematography in the film is a sight to behold and one of the better horror films where cinematography is a major highlight within the story. 

Now I can see some audiences getting a bit puzzled with some of the narrative choices that are made in this film. There’s a certain suspension of disbelief one may have to have with this film when following the story and it’s characters. I was able to go along for the ride and just enjoy what I was watching and the journey it took me on. This film is horror in nature, but it’s more psychological than anything else and it feels a bit more classy in a sense. There are certainly horror elements throughout the film and if you’re a horror fan I’d definitely recommend giving this film a watch. Last Night in Soho is Edgar Wright’s most mature film he’s made thus far that showcases how unique of a filmmaker he is at bringing stories to the big screen. 

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Dune Review

Dune is directed by Denis Villeneuve who helped co-write the screenplay with Jon Spaihts and Eric Roth. The film stars an ensemble cast that includes: Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac, Josh Brolin, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Zendaya, David Dastmalchian, Chang Chen, Sharon Duncan-Brewster, Charlotte Rampling, Jason Momoa, and Javier Bardem. Based on the 1965 novel of the same name written by Frank Herbert, Dune follows young Paul Atreides (Chalamet) who journeys with his family to the desert planet Arrakis. On the planet he discovers that his family has been targeted by their enemies and must forge an alliance with the native people, The Fremen in order to fight back and bring peace to Arrakis. Many I’m sure have seen the 1984 David Lynch film that for myself did not enjoy or understand a whole lot. Fortunately, this adaptation of Dune by Denis Villeneuve is not just a visual feast for the eyes, but a smart and cohesive adaptation of the source material that kept me engaged throughout. 

The cast of this film is stacked and loaded with many talented people. Timothee Chalamet leads this film and he does it well. Known mostly for his independent film roles, this is his first big mainstream role that audiences outside the film community will see him in. He has this grace about him in his young age as an actor and here in this film you believe him as this future leader with special gifts. Everyone in this cast delivers and gives a great performance and makes the most of what they can given small amounts of screen time for some of them. Rebecca Ferguson is as always terrific as is Stellan Skarsgard who I’ll say is more menacing as the Baron here than how the character was portrayed in the 80’s film. I’ll even give a shout out to Jason Momoa for how cool his performance and character Duncan Idaho was, it fit well for who Momoa is as an actor. 

The scope of this film is huge and breathtaking and when I saw it on an IMAX screen it was quite magical for myself. The visual style, cinematography, costumes, score, and production design all should be praised for this film. Villeneuve plants you into this world and you feel like you’re a part of it as much as the characters in the film are. It’s not everyday that I can be surprised by the scope and nature of a film, but this film certainly did that and more. Hans Zimmer composes one of his best with Dune as I heard different sounds and instruments that I haven’t heard much before in film. The score you hear in the film feels like something that would fit within the universe of Dune and like the visuals helps tell the story of the film. 

This film is only part one of a two part story so some audiences may end up feeling a bit unfulfilled once the credits roll. Like it’s been said about the novel, this film can be a bit dense at times and can drag for some viewers. It can also be a bit overwhelming at times for all that is going on in the film. I am someone who was caught up in everything when watching this film and was so intrigued with the characters and everything that was going on. This is a science fiction epic come to life on the big screen while also being a coming of age story for a young man trying to do what is right for himself and his family. Denis Villenuve has made another great science fiction film and I hope to see the conclusion of this story that he has created with this film. 

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Halloween Kills Review

Halloween Kills is directed by David Gordon Green who co-wrote the screenplay with Scott Teems and Danny McBride. The film stars Jamie Lee Curtis, Judy Greer, Andi Matichak, Will Patton, Robert Longstreet, and Anthony Michael Hall. The sequel picks up immediately after the events of the 2018 film where Michael Myers has escaped his supposed death and is now back on the hunt in Haddonfield. While the three generations of Strode women recover in the hospital, the town of Haddonfield lead by Tommy Doyle (Michael Hall) takes it upon themselves to hunt down Michael and end his reign of terror once and for all. I quite enjoyed the re imagining of this film from 2018 and was ready to board the train for this sequel. What happens in this film can only be described as mayhem being unleashed that you’ll either be on board for or not. 

As one might expect Jamie Lee Curtis just continues to shine as Laurie Strode in this film. Every time Curtis is on screen she shines and gives it her all as Laurie. I can also say the same about Judy Greer and Andi Matichak as Laurie’s daughter and granddaughter respectively. I wasn’t as big of a fan of Greer’s performance in the first film, but here she’s given more to do and has that emotional weight that I kinda felt was missing from her character in the first film. Matichak as the granddaughter of Laurie also is given more to do in this film and also gives a solid performance. I’ll say that the three generations of Strode women are one of the few highlights of this film and all of their performances are worth praise and admiration. 

This sequel does have it’s fair share of issues that I’m sure have audiences mixed when they walk out of the theater. For one, Laurie is a bit sidelined for the film so her presence is not the main focal point of the film. The main focal point I believe with this film is the effect that Michael Myers has on the town of Haddonfield and what happens to a town when they want to rise up and take action. Now parts of that story kinda worked for me and it was a unique idea to have that in this film. Though that combined with other story beats and more characters, it kinda made me feel half and half when it came to watching this film. However, there’s this flashback sequence in the film that was my favorite sequence in the film and the one that felt the most emotionally weighted for me. 

Now if you want to just see Michael tear through the town of Haddonfield and watch the town lose it’s marbles, you’ll get that and more with this film. If you’re looking for what the 2018 film gave, you may be a bit disappointed. This sequel can also be seen as a style over substance with more focus on the kills and carnage than the emotional weight of what the first film gave us. As I said above, I’m of the mindset where I feel average about this sequel. I liked aspects and didn’t like others, but I had some fun with what I watched and I’m looking forward to how this all ends with a third film. 

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No Time to Die Review

No Time to Die is directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga who co-wrote the screenplay with Neal Purvis, Robert Wade, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The film stars Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Lea Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Wishaw, Naomie Harris, Ana De Armas, Billy Magnussen, Jeffery Wright, Christoph Waltz, and Ralph Fiennes. The 25th Bond film and Daniel Craig’s last outing as the titular character finds himself pulled back into one last mission to save the world from a deadly adversary. I’ve been a fan of Daniel Craig’s Bond and have found films like Casino Royale and Skyfall to be his best as the character and some of the best Bond films. Quantum of Solace was what it was and Spectre just didn’t work for me as much. No Time to Die on the other hand is a fitting and proper sendoff for Craig and the work he’s committed to this character. 

Daniel Craig has been a great James Bond and will likely be my favorite Bond for the foreseeable future. I grew up watching him as this character from Casino Royale and onward, he’s the one that got me to enjoy these films more than previous iterations. It’s with no surprise he gives a great final performance as this character and brings out a certain level of emotion and pathos that’s unlike the character of James Bond. I also enjoyed seeing Jeffery Wright come back as Felix Leiter, these two actors started this new era of Bond and it was fitting they helped conclude it as well. Ana De Armas may not have a big role in the film, but she certainly is a standout and was my favorite of the new characters that I hope to see again in a future Bond film or for Armas to delve more in the action genre. I also enjoyed seeing Lashanna Lynch in this film as she kicks ass even more than in Captain Marvel and as the new 00 gives Craig a little run for his money, but still her own character. 

The action scenes are as one might expect great and intense that keep you on the edge of your seat. I’ll even add the score by Hans Zimmer may be one of my favorite scores that I’ve heard in a Bond film. The issues I can see some people having are it’s length and some of the story beats. The story beats I had issues with are carry over from Spectre, which if you didn’t enjoy that film I can’t say you’ll enjoy them here. With that being said though, those plot points more than make up for it in the action scenes, character interactions, and the new story that’s being presented in the film. No Time to Die is Daniel Craig’s swan song that will give fans of Craig’s Bond and longtime Bond fans an enjoyable ride with this actor one last time. 

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Venom: Let There Be Carnage Review

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is directed by Andy Serkis and written by Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy. The film stars Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, and Woody Harrelson. The sequel to the 2018 film follows Eddie Brock (Hardy) now trying to adjust to life with Venom as he tries to get back into the swing of things by interviewing serial killer Cletus Kasaday (Harrelson). Things don’t go as well and Kasaday becomes host to the symbiote Carnage and thus craziness ensues and Eddie and Venom have to stop them. I wasn’t a particular fan of the first Venom film as the tone was just something that didn’t work for me and I couldn’t get into it. I’ll say that despite my feelings on the first film, I can say that I enjoyed this sequel compared to the first. 

Tom Hardy is one of my favorite actors working today and I was at times taken out of his performance in the first film until I understood the tone of that story was trying to tell. Here in the sequel he fully embraces that in his performance and goes even more wacky and zany with the humor of Eddie and Venom. I’m still half and half on the odd couple aspect of the two of them, but you can’t deny the comedic chops Hardy brings as an actor in this role. Now where I feel this film shines tremendously over the first is it’s antagonist Cletus Kasaday/Carnage. Woody Harrelson goes for it in his performance and it works for what this film is and he bounces well off of Hardy’s performance. The special effects done with Carnage are terrific and all the scenes with Carnage are some of my favorite scenes in the film including the final battle towards the end. 

I’m not entirely sure the sequel will be your cup of tea if you didn’t enjoy the first film. The sequel worked better for me because I understood what the film was going for this time around and I had fun with it. That’s not to say there aren’t issues with this like maybe a more padded runtime and cohesion, but that’s not what you’re getting yourself into with this. This is a full on mayhem, crazy, inducing ninety minute ride that you’re either on board with or not. Regardless of how one feels though, the post credit scene is a must watch for anyone who watches this film. These are some odd and one of a kind comic book films that seem to have found it’s place and have set themselves apart from what the MCU and DCEU have done. 

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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings Review

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings is directed by Destin Daniel Cretton who co-wrote the screenplay with Dave Callaham and Andrew Lanham. The film stars Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Meng’er Zhang, Fala Chen, Florian Munteanu, Benedict Wong, Michelle Yeoh, and Tony Leung. The latest MCU film introduces the character of Shang-Chi (Liu) a master of martial arts whose heroic journey begins by confronting and learning more about his past. In his journey of becoming a hero he learns more about the mystical Ten Rings and how that is also connected to his family history. I’ll say this off the bat, this was damn refreshing and a great new take in the comic book genre. This is another hit for the MCU that boasts wonderful performances, great action, and a story with characters that many of us fans will adore and love for years to come. 

There’s no better way to get your career launched than being a lead in a comic book film and Simu Liu delivers. This is his film and he carries it from beginning to end and backs it up with both the stunts and acting, Shang-Chi is a character that we’re all going to want to see more of in this film. I hope that this is only the beginning for Simu Liu and that his career goes well beyond the MCU as he gets more prominent roles in feature films. Among the many great supporting roles in this film, Tony Leung gives this nuanced and complex performance as the leader of the Ten Rings and Shang-Chi’s father. There’s so much going on with his character that makes him one of the most compelling villains in the MCU to date. Plus as someone who’s had a strained relationship with my father, I can relate well to that relationship the two of them have in this film. 

I don’t know how many will think this after watching the film, but this has some of the best action in an MCU film that rivals the two Captain America sequels. This is a martial arts film and it’s done beautifully and takes elements from past martial arts cinema and incorporates it into this MCU comic book world. The action and choreography of the fight scenes that go on in this film are great and the stunt team behind this film should be applauded tremendously. There’s also this wonderful exploration of Asian culture and mysticism that is integral to the story of this film. The mysticism and how that plays into the visual storytelling is I’ll just say amazing, don’t want to spoil much about that. I also want to give a shout out to Joel P West who composed this film and created a score that felt like a classic Asian centered film. 

After the credits rolled I sat in the theater and just smiled at what this film was and what it added to the MCU. I didn’t really have any flaws with the film and I think most who watch this would concur with that. Sure there may be some small nitpicks here and there, but I believe this will be one of the top tier MCU films. Shang-Chi is something that I believe the MCU needed to kick off their new phase of films going forward into the future. It’s an origin story yes, but it is so much more than that and what meets the eye. Anyone who watches this film can relate to the characters and story, that’s what makes these films appealing to the general movie going audience. Shang-Chi is not just a comic book film, but a celebration of Asian culture that takes pride in the story that it’s telling. 

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Candyman Review

Candyman is directed by Nia DaCosta who co-wrote the film with Jordan Peele and Win Rosenfeld. The film stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Colman Domingo, and Vanessa Williams. Anthony McCoy (Mateen II) is a struggling visual artist living in Chicago with his partner Brianna Cartwright (Parris). Looking for new inspiration for his art, McCoy stumbles upon the now gentrified Cabrini Green neighborhood and learns about the tragic past of that neighborhood and the legend of Candyman. As someone who doesn’t hold the 1992 film with as much love as I do other horror films, I’ll say this spiritual sequel is an improvement over the original. Candyman is able to take what came before and build upon that mythology that makes this film more than meets the eye. 

The performances in the film are all excellent in their own ways. Yahya Abdul-Mateen II gives this haunting performance and I don’t want to say much else for those who want to go into this film blind. All I’ll say is that it’s another terrific performance from him and something I haven’t seen from him before. Teyonah Parris is just a shining light anytime she’s on screen and her performance here is subtle at first, but as the film gets towards the latter half of the story she really starts to shine and can feel the emotional journey she’s going through. Nathan Stewart-Jarrett adds some of the film’s more light hearted moments at times when the story needs a chuckle or two, but he also doesn’t shy away from some of the more dramatic moments in his conversations with Brianna. Colman Domingo and Vanessa Williams are great and make the most of the smaller screen time they have. 

Nia DaCosta did a wonderful job directing this film. She’s able to create some tension filled moments and scares without relying so heavily on the gore, as it’s more in the shadows and through the lens of us as a viewer and our imagination. The cinematography and score of the film should also be commended for how they add to the foreboding dread and horror of the story. The cinematography is done by John Guleserian and some of the shots he’s able to create with the lighting are fantastic, they are also quite beautiful in a haunting way. As much as the score from the 1992 film is iconic, Robert A. A. Lowe is able to create his own that fits within the realm of this story that like any well made horror score builds up and creates tension. The storytelling use of flashbacks in the film is excellent and adds some exposition in a unique and creepy way.

This film tackles and builds upon the societal and racial topics explored in the first film. I think it’s important that a film does that and creates discussion amongst viewers afterwards. If you’re looking for an in-depth analysis about the subject matter this film tackles, I’d suggest seeking out reviews written by people of color for their perspective on the film and how they felt about it overall. It’s hard to believe this film is only about an hour and a half long, but it sure does pack a punch that delivers. If you’ve never seen the original Candyman, you can still watch this film, have a good time, and not be lost in the campfire mythology. Nia DaCosta along with Jordan Peele were able to breathe new life into a horror franchise and make a film that works. 

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Free Guy Review

Free Guy is directed by Shawn Levy and written by Matt Liberman and Zak Penn. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Jodie Comer, Lil Rel Howery, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Joe Keery, and Taika Waititi. Set in the video game world of Free City, a bank teller named Guy (Reynolds) realizes that he’s an Non Player Character (NPC) and decides to be the hero of his own story within the game. He teams up with the mysterious Molotov Girl (Comer) who helps him save the game and his world from being deleted by the game’s creator Antwan (Waititi). As far as original ideas and concepts go this was a great one and it was refreshing to see that the film pulled it off. Free Guy is the best video game movie to date without relying on existing IP to make a clever and fun film that works. 

Ryan Reynolds as the lead is someone you can’t go wrong with and he delivers in the film as this average person like you or me. The comedic chops are on point with him and he’s just a likable presence on screen. Though for myself, it’s both Jodie Comer and Taika Waititi that stole the film for me. Anyone who’s watched Killing Eve knows how great of an actress Comer is and here she shows that while also being a kick ass action hero. Hopefully with this film and The Last Duel later this year Comer will become a household name and lead future films. Taika Waititi is just perfect and every time he’s on screen in this film it’s comedic gold, but also does a great job at being a villain and comes off as this unlikable corporate game designer. 

I feel like after watching this film I wanted a little more and felt that there were some things missing here and there that I wanted to see. However, those are just personal issues and gripes I had with the film. This film is chock full of video game Easter eggs that I enjoyed and picked up on and others who are gamers will I’m sure enjoy those as well. The concept of the film and the characters are what I enjoyed most about it. I think anyone who watches this will have a blast and is something I think most people need these days. It’s a relatable story that anyone can be the hero and do good things no matter who you are or what you do. 

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The Suicide Squad Review

The Suicide Squad is written and directed by James Gunn. The film stars Margot Robbie, Idris Elba, John Cena, Joel Kinnaman, David Dastmalchian, Daniela Melchior, Peter Capaldi, Sylvester Stallone, and Viola Davis. This is the tenth film in the DCEU and is set as a standalone and spiritual sequel to the Suicide Squad film from 2016. Task Force X otherwise known as the Suicide Squad are sent to the South American island of Corto Maltese to find and destroy a secret laboratory that holds an unknown and mysterious alien weapon known only as project starfish. I’m so glad and happy that James Gunn is back with another film as I’ve missed his handiwork in the film community. The Suicide Squad is fantastic that shows the best of what can work and fit in a R-Rated comic book film. 

At this point Margot Robbie has solidified herself as Harley Quinn similar to how Robert Downey Jr, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman have solidified themselves as their respective comic book characters. Robbie just continues to shine as Harley and I couldn’t see anyone else at this point portray Harley in a live action format. King Shark is a character I’ve always been fascinated with, here he is voiced wonderfully by Sylvester Stallone and through performance captured by Steve Agee. Simply put, King Shark is a delight and someone you can’t help but love. Though it's Ratcatcher 2 that steals the film as she’s my new fave and the performance from Daniela Melchior is terrific and heartfelt, I hope she becomes a household name after this film. I appreciated that James Gunn took obscure characters from the comics and put them front and center with this film and had them be characters we cared about.

Like any other comic book film there are deeper themes and allegories that are explored in the film like the criminal justice system and how prisoners are treated and used by the government. I’m always happy when I can pick up on those and how they’re discussed in the film. It’d be hard pressed to think about many issues with this film overall as I had a blast watching it from start to finish. I’d think most audiences would feel the same after watching it or at least enjoy a good portion of the film. Similar to Deadpool, The Suicide Squad is a comic book film that wears its humor and violence at the center and takes pride in that. At the heart of this is a story about a bunch of oddballs and outsiders coming together and saving the day, who doesn’t love that?