#The villain is wonderful the animation and visuals are breathtaking

[synth-ab]

This is what happens in Blue Eye Samurai right ??

[adamwatchesmovies]

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

When you hear the words “Classic Disney”, your mind immediately jumps to the studio's many animated films but have you ever taken a peek at some of the live-action works in the library? 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a wonderful adventure, full of memorable characters and terrific special effects. It perfectly captures the thrill and imagination of the novel by Jules Verne, making it splendid entertainment for the young and old.

In 1868, a series of disasters in the Pacific Ocean lead the nations of the world to believe a sea monster prowls the waters. While investigating, Professor Aronnax (Paul Lukas), his assistant, Conseil (Peter Lorre) and master harpooner Ned Land (Kirk Douglas) discover the monster is actually a man-made “submerging boat”. The Nautilus is responsible for these attacks and now, the men are prisoners/guests of its captain: Nemo (James Mason).

Those who’ve already seen the film probably remember it best for a spectacular sequence during the second half. The Nautilus is deep underwater when a giant squid attacks. Generally, the illusions used to bring the Nautilus to life are quite good but in this scene, you’ll wonder how director Richard Fleischer pulled it off. I’m sure that inevitably, we’ll get a big-budget remake (or rather, another adaptation) of the novel and when we do, I wonder if the matching scene will have the same impact as this one. Sure it will look slick thanks to modern special effects but here? You can tell the people are actually struggling against the water, the wind and the physical animatronic.

This is a great-looking picture. The Technicolor process makes even mundane objects like the sailor's red hats pop and underwater footage has never looked better. There’s a scene that shows how Nemo and his crew harvest the sea bed for food. It isn't crucial to the story, but the footage is so clear no editor in their right mind would ever dream of cutting it. Seeing the men in their deep-sea suits gathering seaweed, using nets to calmly wrangle a school of fish or guide a sea turtle is nothing short of breathtaking because you know those are real people and real animals being filmed. I'm certain more than one oceanographer could tell you that scene is what made them choose their career because they saw it as a kid. The wonders aren’t limited to the outside either. The interior of the Nautilus is a wonderful place full of ndetails that will make you fall in love with the aesthetic of steampunk (even though technically, the submarine is nuclear-powered).

But ultimately, all of these visual flairs wouldn’t mean much if it weren’t for a great story and most importantly, great characters. Captain Nemo is such a compelling… hero? villain? anti-hero? On the one hand, he seems sympathetic. All he wants is to be left alone so he and his crew can keep living on the ocean. Then, you remember that to ensure his solitude, he indiscriminately attacks whatever vessels get too close. He is technically keeping the Professor, Conseil and Ned prisoner but the very fact that he didn’t just kill them shows how classy a guy he is. Much credit is to due to the extremely charismatic James Mason. Long stretches of the film simply concern day-to-day life aboard the Nautilus and Conseil and Ned's attempts to escape - the Professor being (understandably) too mesmerized by everything around him to bother. That sounds like it could be boring but it never is. In fact, this is the kind of movie you hope never ends.

If there’s one aspect of 20,000 Leagues that might not have aged as well as the rest, it’s a brief sequence where Nemo allows Ned and Conseil above sea level to explore an island. He warns them that cannibals live there. In real life, there have never been cannibal societies and the myth has racist connotations. Ned and Conseil do, in fact, encounter hostile natives, though whether these are actual cannibals could be up for debate, as mounting skulls on pikes as a warning against intruders is something many societies have done and both men suspect Nemo just said there were cannibals to discourage them from wandering too far. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

1954’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea has aged surprisingly well. The special effects are excellent and the underwater photography is crystal-clear - something even modern blockbusters struggle with. It’s a thrilling adventure that captures the imagination thanks to the source material by Jules Verne - faithfully adapted by Earl Felton - and director Richard Fleischer, who keeps the pace consistent despite the episodic nature of the story. Best of all, it features an excellent and memorable performance by James Mason. How good he is cannot be understated. This is a new favorite for me. (August 9, 2022)

[cinephile-perspectives-blog]

TITLE: Kung Fu Panda 3

Sibulo Buendia Leona

Kung Fu Panda 3 is a 2016 computer-animated martial arts comedy film produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson and Alessandro Carloni. The film is the third season in the Kung Fu Panda film that continues the story of Po, a easy-going and lovable panda who becomes the Dragon Warrior and defends the Valley of Peace from various threats. The film started with introducing the new villain, Kai. Soon, Po learned that there is a threat and needed to go out and find a way to learn chi so that he can prepare to fight Kai.

Starring Jack Black as the voice of Po, the Kung Fu Panda 3 promises to take audience on a new, fun, and exciting storyline that appeals to not only for kids but also to adult audiences.

                  THE GOOD IN KUNG FU PANDA 3

Despite the fact that Kung Fu Panda 3 was published in 2016, a time when animation technology was still developing, I was utterly mesmerized by its visual grandeur. The animation's use of vivid colors and gorgeous lighting was simply magnificent. The way the combat scenes between the endearing protagonist Po and the powerful antagonist Kai were orchestrated was a marvel of visual craftsmanship.

Po's voice actor, the one and only Jack Black, gave a performance that can only be described as remarkable. His interpretation brought Po to life in such a way that he seemed to have jumped off the screen and into our hearts. 

Infusing the characters with depth and personality, the voice performance by the entire cast—including the fearsome Furious Five—was genuinely superb.

The animation in Kung Fu Panda 3 was a wonderful feast for the senses, a fascinating spectacle that left me in amazement despite the limits of technology at the time. The film reached new heights thanks to the combination of breathtaking visuals, thrilling battle scenes, and excellent voice acting, producing an amazing cinematic experience that never ceases to astound and inspire.

”Your Real Strength comes from being the best “you” you can be. So who are you? What you are? What do you love? What make “you” you?

Beyond its comedic brilliant, Kung Fu Panda is a goldmine of profound insight with scenes that provide life-altering lessons. The movie offers audience members some pearls of wisdom that really hit home among the physical and clever gags. It's amazing how the movie seamlessly and effectively combines fun and important life lessons.

The notion that every weakness may be turned into a strength is one of the movie's most potent themes. Even our weaknesses can become sources of power through cooperation and solidarity. This inspirational message emphasizes the significance of resilience and cooperation in our quest for personal progress by encouraging us to embrace our flaws and work together to overcome obstacles.

The phrases from the movie are like pearls of wisdom that stick with us long after the final credits have rolled, giving us significant insights that may one day change our lives. Beyond simple amusement, Kung Fu Panda is a source of illumination, inspiring us to contemplate life's deeper truths and equipping us with priceless life lessons that have a lasting impact.

THE BAD THING ABOUT THE FILM

The one blemish that slightly tarnished the brilliance of Kung Fu Panda 3 was the sense of the story being nudged into place. Perhaps, the introduction of Kai could have been seamlessly woven into the original storyline, or alternative avenues could have been explored to unveil the next formidable villain. Acknowledging that the tale may have reached its natural conclusion could have been a courageous decision as well.

Overall: Star Star Star Star.5 

In conclusion, Kung Fu Panda 3 is a cinematic masterpiece that captivates with its compelling story, mesmerizes with its breathtaking visuals, and uplifts with its powerful messages. It's a film that leaves you craving for more, yearning for another season of Po's epic adventures. Highly recommended for kids and adults alike, this film is a treasure trove of laughter, inspiration, and pure cinematic magic that will continue to captivate audiences around the world for generations to come.

Writers: Sibulo, Buendia, Leona

[sophiaavaus]

Top 5 Spider-Man Movies Ranked: A Top-Notch Guide!

Are you a Spiderman movie fan? Well, everyone is... The web-slinging superhero Spider-Man has enthralled fans for decades with his acrobatic feats and battles against nefarious villains. I mean, I've seen my friends hooting in the movie hall like crazy, throwing popcorn on each other, and getting so excited for that one epic entry of Spider-Man. 

As one of Marvel's most iconic characters, Spider-Man's cinematic adventures have thrilled audiences and broken box office records. With so many spectacular Spidey films to choose from, ranking the best can seem like trying to pick your favorite child. However, after much debate among passionate fans, a clear list of the top 5 Spiderman movies ranked that will have you crying.  So, sit back, relax, and keep reading. 

Top 5 Spider-Man Movies Ranked

Here are the top 5 spider man movies ranked: 

SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (2018):   Pushing animation boundaries, Into the Spider-Verse presents a vibrant, distinct aesthetic marrying cel-shaded CG with traditional hand-drawn techniques. Its emphasis on character-driven storytelling, " Miles Morales' who suddenly mysterious powers that transform him into a Spider man. With a 97% critic score and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature, Into the Spider-Verse redefined the superhero genre and attracted both die-hard fans and newcomers to its web.

SPIDER-MAN: ACROSS THE SPIDER-VERSE (2023):  The sequel Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Part One) maintains the kinetic visual style while expanding the multiverse storyline. Earning a 95% critic rating, Morales' film continues Miles' adventures alongside Gwen Stacy and new Spider-heroes across dimensions. Its cliffhanger ending leaves audiences anticipating the conclusion, solidifying its spot as the second-best Spider-Man movie.

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME (2021):  Taking the third position is Spider-Man: No Way Home. As the highest-grossing film of 2021, No Way Home shattered box office records with its payoff to the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Phase Miles'. Featuring cameos from Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield alongside Tom Holland, the film pleased longtime fans with its deep dive into Spider-Man's extensive comic lore. With a 93% critic score, No Way Home seamlessly merges the franchise's multiverse elements into a crowd-pleasing blockbuster, thrilling audiences of all ages.

SPIDER-MAN 2 (2004):  The fourth spot on the list is occupied by Sam Raimi's 2004 film, Spider-Man 2. While the first movie introduced viewers to Spidey's world, Spider-Man 2 delved deeper into Peter Parker's struggle to balance his heroics with his personal life. Alfred Molina's portrayal of Doctor Octopus was nuanced villain and matched the franchise's wit and physicality. Many consider Spider-Man 2 to be the best live-action adaptation of the character, as it heightened the stakes and provided Raimi's catharsis that resonated with both critics and audiences alike.

SPIDER-MAN: HOMECOMING (2017): Spider-Man: Homecoming, starring Tom Holland and Michael Keaton, is a movie that stands out for its realism and heart. Set in high school, it shows a grounded portrayal of the beloved superhero as he balances his wit and determination. Keaton delivers a memorable performance as the villainous Vulture - a character that audiences can understand. The movie has been praised for fitting seamlessly into the larger Marvel Cinematic Universe while retaining the qualities that make Spider-Man special.

Bottom Line

Those mentioned above were the top 5 Spiderman movies ranked. With a rich and diverse catalog of stories and adventures, Spider-Man has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. From the breathtaking visuals to the inspiring tales of heroism, there's no wonder why the Spider verse shows no signs of slowing down. As we eagerly await the next chapter in this iconic superhero's journey, we can only imagine what thrilling and unforgettable experiences await us. So, whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual moviegoer, get ready to sling into action and witness the amazing adventures of Spider-Man!

[themovieblogonline]

Justice League Warworld Review: A Stellar Cosmic Showdown with Room for Improvement

In Justice League: Warworld, director Jeff Wamester takes audiences on a thrilling cosmic adventure that brings the iconic superhero team face-to-face with a formidable threat. Packed with jaw-dropping action, impressive animation, and a star-studded voice cast, the film captures the essence of the Justice League while introducing a new and menacing antagonist. While the movie successfully delivers on its promise of epic battles and team dynamics, it falls short in certain aspects, leaving room for improvement in its storytelling and character development. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IPDLodUE9gg The Good: One of the standout features of Justice League: Warworld is its visually stunning animation. The film boasts a captivating blend of traditional hand-drawn animation and modern CGI, bringing the characters and settings to life with vibrant colors and fluid movements. The attention to detail in the action sequences is commendable, especially during the epic battles against Warworld's formidable adversaries. The film's cosmic landscapes are breathtaking and provide a captivating backdrop for the league's intergalactic struggle. While not flawless, the animation's occasional dips in quality do not significantly detract from the overall visual experience. Warworld's storyline, while engaging, feels somewhat formulaic and predictable. The plot revolves around the Justice League facing Mongul, an intergalactic despot who challenges them to combat on his war-ravaged planet, Warworld. While the premise is intriguing, the movie tends to rely heavily on familiar superhero tropes, leaving little room for genuine surprises. The pacing, though mostly steady, experiences occasional lapses that could have been better balanced to maintain a more gripping narrative. Certain storylines feel rushed, and character arcs lack the depth needed to fully resonate with the audience. The Justice League members are portrayed with their classic attributes, and the film adequately showcases their individual powers and personalities. However, Justice League: Warworld fails to delve deeper into the characters' emotional struggles, inhibiting the audience's connection with them. Superman's internal conflicts with his immense power, Batman's burden of leadership, and Wonder Woman's sense of duty are hinted at but never fully explored, leaving much untapped potential. The voice cast for Justice League: Warworld comprises a talented ensemble of actors who breathe life into the iconic heroes and villains. Notably, Jensen Ackles delivers a commanding performance as Batman, capturing the Dark Knight's gruff demeanor with finesse. Darren Criss brings the required gravitas to Superman, while Stana Katic's portrayal of Wonder Woman strikes a perfect balance between strength and compassion. Justice League: Warworld excels in its action sequences and choreography. The film is filled with epic battles that showcase the league's powers and teamwork, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed and animated, making each clash feel impactful and intense. From intergalactic space battles to hand-to-hand combat, the action in Warworld is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the film's prowess in delivering superhero spectacles. The Bad: While Justice League: Warworld touches upon themes of power, unity, and sacrifice, they are not explored to their full potential. The film has the opportunity to delve deeper into the ethical dilemmas faced by the heroes as they battle a formidable foe, but it merely skims the surface. Additionally, the theme of teamwork and camaraderie, essential to the Justice League's essence, is present but lacks the emotional resonance required to truly resonate with the audience. Overall: Justice League: Warworld is an enjoyable cosmic adventure that satisfies the thirst for thrilling superhero battles and dazzling animation. It succeeds in providing an action-packed ride with its top-notch visuals, voice acting, and choreography. However, the film falls short in terms of plot depth, character development, and exploring its themes to the fullest. While it may leave die-hard DC fans satisfied, it misses the opportunity to stand out as a truly exceptional animated superhero film. Nevertheless, Justice League: Warworld remains a worthwhile watch for anyone seeking an adrenaline-pumping experience with their favorite iconic heroes. Read the full article

[moviewarfare]

A Review of “Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)”

Raya and the Last Dragon is an original (oh thank god) Disney animation movie that was overshadowed because it's $30 on Disney+ and it came out the same day as the WandaVision finale. I was intrigued to watch this because of it being focused on Asian culture and the fact that it wasn't going to be a musical like Frozen. It felt like the Disney Animation Studios were going to do something different and I liked that. The premise "Long ago, in the fantasy world of Kumandra, humans and dragons lived together in harmony. However, when sinister monsters known as the Druun threatened the land, the dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity. Now, 500 years later, those same monsters have returned, and it's up to a lone warrior, Raya (Kelly Marie Tran), to track down the last dragon and stop the Druun for good". So is this a great surprise or a very unwelcomed one?

I want to get this straight off my chest but I love that this focuses on Southeast Asia culture. It's nice to see it get more representation in mainstream movies. I also really love the world-building with the Dragons, the overpowering evil force the Druun and the 5 tribes. It feels familiar such as in Avatar: The Last Airbender but in Raya, the world is still different enough to set it apart from others. It is such an interesting world that I wouldn't mind more movies or shows set in this universe.

The animation is very breathtaking and gorgeous. It's very colorful and there are different variety of locations from the bustling city of Talon and the snowy plains of Spine but all of them are visually stunning.  I also have to praise James Newton Howard for the score is as there is some rapid music for the more intense scenes and some uplifting scores for the more hopeful moments. The entire score feels like it represents the world of Raya and southeast Asia perfectly and it elevates the movie to another level. It also has a great song in the credit "Lead the Way" by Jhené Aiko. There are also some surprisingly great hand to hand combat and swordplay that would put a fair amount of action movies to shame. It's genuinely got some exciting action sequences!

The titular character herself Raya (Kelly Marie Tran) is also excellent. She's a fierce and courageous warrior princess with some swagger but is flawed in not trusting people and not believing the world can become united again. She never gets to the point of unlikeable and to a certain extent the movie shows she's right in some ways. I thought the dragon Sisu (Awkwafina) might be unbearably annoying from the trailers but she is pretty fun to watch. Raya's developing friendship with the contrasting view of Sisu is enjoyable and Sisu encouraging Raya to change is convincing. Namaari (Gemma Chan) the "villain" is also wonderful and her rivalry with Raya are some of the best parts of the movie. What makes Namaari work as a character is that she is not evil but also flawed like Raya but both have common ground with each other. Throughout the movie instead of wanting Raya to win, you want her and Namaari to solve their conflict and trust one another. The other supporting characters are hilarious and loveable as well. Boun (Izaac Wang) is funny as the owner of a shrimp boat restaurant, Tong (Benedict Wong) is a scary warrior giant with a heart of gold and there is a toddler con artist, need I say more? Every voice actor in this movie does a phenomenal job in their role, especially Kelly Marie Tran as Raya which is just perfect casting.

However, I do wish it explored the supporting cast a little bit more through something like a flashback because they just feel like they're along for the ride than significantly important. Furthermore, the story is very predictable and there is genuinely no surprises as it hits a lot of the clichés which is slightly disappointing. The movie also has a surprising amount of exposition throughout the movie instead of just at the beginning which slows the pacing.

Overall, Raya and the Last Dragon is one of the best original Disney Animation movies in a long time. It's filled with amazing visuals, great characters, exhilarating action sequences, a beautiful score and terrific performance from the voice actors. It just does a lot right. I loved the movie and hope Disney does more movies like Raya and The Last Dragon. Just don't do a $30 premium service and just make it available with Disney+ like Soul okay?

[horrendous-haddocks]

My HTTYD3 Review *SPOILERS*

First of all: I ADORED IT! It was a wonderful ending to the best trilogy of films I have ever seen. I started this journey with DreamWorks in 2010 and it was worth the 9 year wait to finally finish it. The Hidden World has left a gaping hole above my heart that nothing can fill, I don’t know what to do now, and I still can’t stop crying.

I’m sorry that this took so long to post, I’ve been an emotional wreck and I’ve been really struggling to collect my thoughts. This will be a positive review, I don’t like to partake in discourse in this fandom. I may be critical at times, but I’m finding it super hard to find negatives in this film.

Things that I loved (I couldn’t fit every single thing I loved, it’d just be the whole film):

1) Hiccup did not try and name the light fury, he recognised her as wild and untameable and he was finally accepting of the idea he can’t train everything. Also, Hiccup acting like a protective dad over Toothless and saying that he doesn’t trust the light fury was adorable and hilarious.

2) Toothless using Hiccup’s leg as a chew toy. Golden. (Also, the use of the motif from Together We Map the World in this scene).

3) The soundtrack! John Powell expanded on the existing themes and feel of the previous scores in the most creative and inspired way. The use of the Forbidden Friendship and Test Drive motifs during Once There Were Dragons absolutely dESTROYED me. The whole thing was stunning. (I’m listening to Third Date as I write this).

4) Ruffnut annoying Grimmel and Tuffnut’s beard obsession. Perfectly in character. Niceeee.

5) THE FLASHBACKS! The first time Stoick appeared on that screen I nearly wailed (I stifled it to a muffled sob). The element of vulnerability it developed in Stoick’s character was a privilege to witness. Also, tiny Hiccup is tiny.

6) The animation was unlike anything I have ever seen before! It was visually appealing at ALL times and the attention to detail is unparelled. In 3D, it was like walking through a moving, flowing art exhibit.

7) The Hidden World itself was gorgeous, creative, breathtaking. I actually held my breath when I saw it, with Jonsi and John Powell’s enchanting score underpinning the visual treat.

8) The parallels to the previous films were seamless, effective and invoked so much pathos. I have waited nearly nine years to hear “probably something stupid” all over again, and it was worth it.

9) Astrid and Hiccup’s relationship was well-developed and it felt so real, it held so much honesty. They were vulnerable with each other (when Astrid was telling Hiccup that she was who she was because of him? Poetic cinema), and they had each other’s backs constantly without having to even consider it. Just pure, undying trust and respect.

10) “There were dragons when I was a boy” (I am writing this through my tears). I got to hear the monologue from the books, see it enacted on screen, after so many years of hoping and dreaming that line. It was surreal.

11) The whole finale was the right fit for me. It may not have been everyone’s desired ending. But it gave me everything I needed. I got a Hiccstrid wedding and children at a time that felt natural, I got the moment where Hiccup wasn’t sure if Toothless would recognise him (my heart stopped), I got one final flight to Test Drive. (Right guys, the tears are now slipping down my cheeks).

12) Nuffink, Zephyr and the Night Light babies. I would die for them. All of them.

13) The credits with the sepia-toned scenes from the trilogy, what a touching ending, really making use of the beauty the whole team have given to the world. It felt like one last gift to the fans, to me.

Things I’m not sure about:

1) The warlords didn’t seem necessary, I would’ve been satisfied with Grimmel as the sole villain.

2) At times, it felt that Grimmel was there as a means to an end, rather than as a singular, defined villain (but, let’s be honest, WHO was watching it for the villain?)

3) Snotlout and Valka. What. (It did tickle my humour though so....)

4) They just waved goodbye to Berk like that? So quickly?

5) The film didn’t actually start with “This is Berk” and I’m a tiny bit salty.

6) It could’ve been longer and I am excited to see the deleted material.

Overall...

I am so satisfied, devastated and grateful for this wonderful film. Without this series, I don’t think I’d be going to study film at university. I don’t think I’d be anything like myself as I am today at all. And I am so, so grateful for every single minute.

[theconnoisseurreviews]

“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” Review

The first two “How to Train Your Dragon” films have been one of the greatest sets of films of the last decade and the third one does not disappoint in capping off this amazing series of epic films. Yes, to put it bluntly, “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” is amazing.

The first thing you’ll notice is the leap in animation. The first couple movies are pillars in terms of visuals in the animation world and this one only enhances and improves on that. The backgrounds are vivid and well detailed, the character animations are fluid and weighted, the details in the character’s design are precise and meticulous, and the fire, water, hair, scale, and other visual effects are breathtaking. Yes this film is a visual treat from start to finish. The cinematography like in the other films are just breathtaking. The flying sequences are absorbing that you get lost in the visually detailed world. The camera work along with the stunning visuals create a living breathing world that you almost forget doesn’t exist. 

The characters are great. The dynamic between Toothless and Hiccup is still the heart of the film. It’s amazing to see the amount of growth these two have had since their previous adventures. One thing that I particularly love about this series is the character progression from film to film, they don’t stop growing and evolving. The side characters are great and I like how they are tested on how well they work together under Hiccups leadership. 

Music has always been in the forefront of this series and it does not disappoint here either. John Powell’s classic scores still bring that same sense of wonder and mystique, while the new ones enhance the world and character themes, It makes you feel every emotion that the filmmakers want at every venture of the film from beginning to end, whether it’s humor, fear, or tears.

Dean DeBlois has crafted an amazing world with so much heart and wonder. He’s made a modern epic series of films that rival the greatest Hollywood fantasies and epics, such as The Lord of the Rings or “Gladiator.” He knows exactly, when to throw in humor or make you cry. The final 15 mins of the film are some of the best moments in any film, period. It’s filled with moments of real danger, visceral action, and tears that would make even the hardest of souls cry. 

I’ve praised “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and made it sound like it’s even better than the second film. However, it does fall short, but only by a little. This film is more humor heavy, but that doesn’t take away from the real emotional moments in it. However, the stakes do feel less here and the villain, while solid for the film, wasn’t necessarily needed. He added a nice dimension, but the film could have sufficed and excelled on the drama between Hiccup and Toothless and them learning to grow and be individual characters. These are minor complaints in an otherwise great film.

This is how you end a trilogy. The Dragon series is one of not just modern animation’s, but modern film’s greatest series. And The Hidden World concludes this franchise in a bittersweet, but satisfying end. I give it 4.5/5

[ljones41]

"JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" (2018) Review

"JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" (2018) Review Following the release of "JURASSIC PARK III" in 2001, I had figured that was it for the JURASSIC PARK movie franchise. Boy, was I proven wrong. Fourteen years after the release of that third film, Universal Pictures and producer Frank Marshall presented a fourth movie for the franchise, "JURASSIC WORLD" in 2015, that proved to be a major hit. Following the success of that film, it was only natural that a fifth movie would be made.

Set three years after the events of the 2015 movie, "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" began with the United States Senate debating over whether to save the dinosaurs on Isla Nublar from an impending volcanic eruption from the island's volcano Mt. Sibo. Mathematician Dr. Ian Malcolm testifies that the dinosaurs should be allowed to die in order to correct John Hammond's mistake of cloning them. Meanwhile, Jurassic World's former operations manager, Claire Dearing, has established the Dinosaur Protection Group to save the animals. When the Senate decides not to rescue the dinosaurs, Hammond's former partner, Benjamin Lockwood, summons Claire to his Northern California estate, where he and his aide Eli Mills reveal a plan to relocate the dinosaurs to a new island sanctuary. They need Claire to help reactivate the park's dinosaur tracking system in order to locate the animals - especially Blue, the last surviving Velociraptor. Despite being estranged from him, Claire recruits Jurassic World's former Velociraptor trainer and Blue's alpha, Owen Grady, to help capture her. Accompanying them would be the park's former technician Franklin Webb and paleo-veterinarian Zia Rodriguez. Upon their arrival on Isla Nublar at the now defunct Jurassic World amusement part, Claire and Franklin work to reactivate the park's online tracking system. Meanwhile, Owe, Zia and a mercenary team led by Ken Wheatley search for Blue. When they find the velociraptor, one of Wheatley's men shoots Blue and Wheatley tranquilizes Owen. The mercenaries take Zia with them to treat Blue's injury. The mercenary ship, loaded with the captured dinosaurs, departs for the U.S. mainland, while the dinosaurs left behind die in the eruption. Meanwhile; Claire, Franklin, and Owen manage to escape the dying island and sneak aboard in time and assist Zia in transfusing Blue with Tyrannosaurus blood. The group now realizes that the captured dinosaurs were never being transported to a new island and have been captured for another purpose. And the latter has to do with a financial scheme being involving Eli Mills and Dr. Henry Wu, behind Lockwood's back. Despite earning over a billion dollars at the box office, "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" received very little positive reviews upon its release. In fact, it is regarded by some as a failure. Many critics and some film goers certainly regard it as inferior to the 2015 movie. How do I feel about "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM"? I had a few problems with it. Well . . . to be perfectly honest, I had two major problems with it. My first problem centered around Benjamin Lockwood's estate serving as the setting for the film's second half. I found this rather limiting and claustrophobic. And I found myself wondering if the film's budget was responsible for this decision to limit the setting to a California country estate. The longer the film remained on that estate - especially inside that house - the more I became frustrated. And I have a second complaint about "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" - namely the fate of Benjamin Lockwood's granddaughter, Maisie. Why did Owen Grady and Claire Dearing end up as her guardians at the end of the movie? What happened to Maisie's nanny, Iris, who had been with the family for years? I do not recall her being killed by a dinosaur. So what happened to her? Why did she not take care of Maisie, following the death of the latter's grandfather? Despite my complaints, I enjoyed "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM". In fact, I enjoyed it very much. Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow created a first-rate tale filled with tension, drama and especially comedy. I remember when the film first hit the theaters, many had complained about the movie's finale. They found it . . . illogical. Messy. I still find this complaint rather hard to swallow. The premise behind the JURASSIC PARK franchise can be considered illogical. Frankly, considering what happened in a period of twenty-five years and five movies, I thought it was only a matter of time that the franchise would reach this point. It almost did in 1997's "JURASSIC PARK: THE LOST WORLD". However, this film took it a step further with the release of several dinosaurs into the modern world. It was bound to happen. InGen and John Hammond had opened Pandora's Box a quarter of a century ago with the creation of dinosaurs, thousands of years after they naturally went extinct. I would almost equate the creations of these animals with that of nuclear energy and weaponry. Considering the occasional misuse and mishandling of nuclear energy throughout the years, I found it appropriate that a more disastrous scenario would finally befall in the JURASSIC PARK franchise than what happened in the previous films. "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" is also a popcorn summer film that depends upon a great deal of action. And it had its share of some first-rate action sequences. If I must be great, I enjoyed most of the action in the film's first half. I especially enjoyed the sequence featuring the natural destruction of Isla Nublar and Owen Grady, Claire Dearing and Franklin Webb's efforts to escape from the island after being abandoned by Ken Wheatley's team. For me, it was a breathtaking sequence as the trio raced to reach the boat conveying Wheatley's team and Zia Rodriguez (kidnapped and forced to treat the wounded Blue) to the United States. But there was an action sequence in the film's last hour that also impressed me. It featured the protagonists being hunted throughout the Lockwood mansion by Dr. Henry Wu's latest creation, the Indoraptor, a creation from the DNA of Indominus rex from the last film and Velociraptor - namely Blue. For me, those two sequences featured the best of some pretty damn good action scenes throughout the film. The movie did not feature as many breathtaking visual scenes as "JURASSIC WORLD". But there were a few that caught my eye, including scenes of those dinosaurs roaming the Earth:

But the one scene that produced a knot in my throat featured that last shot of Isla Nublar . . . and the death of the very brachiosaurus that Alan Grant, Ellie Sattler and Malcolm Campbell first saw in 1993's "JURASSIC PARK". Director J.A. Bayona, cinematographer Óscar Faura and the visual effects team really knocked it out of the ballpark by capturing both the grandeur and the pathos of the scene:

If there is one thing I can guarantee from a JURASSIC PARK/WORLD movie, it is a first-rate cast featuring excellent performances. Jeff Goldblum returned to give a short, yet solid performance as Dr. Malcolm Campbell, one of the original visitors to Isla Nublar. "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM" featured the acting debut of Isabella Sermon, who gave an excellent performance as the young Maisie Lockwood. Trust this franchise to always hire naturally talented child actors. Ted Levine's performance as mercenary Ken Wheatley struck me as a gleeful portrayal of toxic masculinity. B.D. Wong's return as Dr. Henry Wu was somewhat briefer than it was in the 2015 movie. Yet, once again, the actor conveyed the convoluted egoism of Dr. Wu with great skill. I hope he will have a bigger role in the next film. Toby Jones gave an entertaining, yet slightly theatrical performance as the weasely auctioneer hired by Eli Mills to help sell those dinosaurs taken from Isla Nublar to potential buyers. James Cromwell struck me as emotional, yet dignified as Hammond's former partner, Benjamin Lockwood. Geraldine Chaplin gave a skillful performance as the Lockwoods' reliable employee Iris. Daniella Pineda was brash and entertaining as the sharp-tongued Dr. Zia Rodriguez. Justice Smith proved to be equally entertaining and quite hilarious as anxiety-ridden systems analyst Franklin Webb. Rafe Spall skillfully portrayed one of the most subtle and corrupt villains in the franchise, Eli Morrow. Chris Pratt returned as former Navy SEAL-turned-dinosaur trainer Owen Grady. I realized that many might not agree, but I enjoyed Pratt's first-rate portrayal of the no-nonsense Grady more than I did in the 2015 movie. I thought Pratt's performance was more subtle and best of all, his Grady seemed to have dropped that sanctimonious I had found slightly irritating in the previous film. Bryce Dallas Howard managed to skillfully take her character, former operations manager of Jurassic World, to the next level. In "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM", Claire's previous encounters with the dinosaurs had led her to develop an appreciation of them as sentient beings. This new Claire is a passionate animal rights activist who has dropped her arrogant disregard of the park's inhabitants. It is possible that this new passion may have slightly affected her common sense, especially during the film's last 10-15 minutes. But thanks to Howard's excellent performance, she managed to convey a sense of plausibility in the slight changes in Claire's personality. As I had earlier pointed out, the critics did not like "JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM". In fact, some moviegoers had expressed dismay at the film's ending. I had at least two quibbles with the movie. But if I must be frank, I enjoyed it very much. More importantly, I found its ending very believable for a science-fiction tale. For once, the franchise was willing to face a consequence that its previous films managed to elude so far. The movie featured first-rate direction by J.A. Bayona; a well-written screenplay by Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow; and an excellent cast led by Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. Good work guys!

[notnicky]

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - SPOILER FREE Movie Review

So, it’s been a hot minute since I’ve written anything on here. I’d blame it on college but really I think it’s just because I’m so lazy. I’m working on that and hopefully, this summer will give me some time to get stuff done. Anyways, here I am, and I’m about to talk about the movie I have so patiently waited THREE years for - Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Unfortunately, this movie isn’t out everywhere yet, so I’ll keep this review spoiler FREE, and maybe I’ll get myself to write a spoiler-filled review once this movie is out worldwide. Bear with me, this is long.

1. Cinematography

My absolute favorite thing about this film was the incredible cinematography thanks to Oscar Faura and JA Bayona. Almost all the shots in this film are ones I’d like to hang up on my wall. The scenes on the island are breathtaking, but the cinematography in the second half is on a whole different level. The brilliant use of light and shadows by Faura adds so much to the gothic/horror tone that the second half possesses. The visuals together with the score, courtesy of Michael Giacchino (which I will talk about later), create a striking effect that will be sure to scare the living shit out of you, and sometimes make you feel emotions you didn’t think you could feel in a Jurassic movie. The cinematography in this film is unlike any other Jurassic film, and I say that in the best way possible.

2. Music

Michael Giacchino’s score is absolutely gorgeous. At times, it was the reason why I couldn’t stop my heart from aching, and other times, it was the reason why I couldn’t stop my heart from beating uncontrollably. The music during emotional scenes would be the main factor in me sobbing out loud, and the music during tense scenes would be the reason why I would jump out of my seat. The power that Giacchino’s score has over this film is truly incredible, always being the reason as to why I felt specific emotions during different plot points throughout the movie.

3. Story

I can’t delve too much into this because I don’t want to enter spoiler territory, but I really enjoyed the story. 

All I’ve heard over the past week was “why do people keep going back to save the dinosaurs, just let them die” and “why do we need another Jurassic film?”, and this really frustrates me. This might be because I’ve developed a specific emotional attachment to these animals, but I personally believe that every human being in this franchise is responsible for keeping these animals alive. They brought them back to life, despite none of the dinosaurs wanting to (at least I doubt it), and exploited them for their own gain, so I don’t believe that humans deserve an easy way out of the mess they created in the first place and the dinosaurs certainly don’t deserve to die when they didn’t ask for this shitshow in the first place. The core of Fallen Kingdom explores the ethics behind this choice, which is precisely why I love it so much. 

I know a lot of people think the plot is useless and repetitive, but along with what I previously said, there is so much left to explore about this ethical dilemma. It is incredibly nuanced, interesting, and relevant. Fallen Kingdom shows us the reason why we can’t just leave these animals to die. It explores guilt, empathy, and redemption. But then again, I have a strong personal opinion and I love ethical dilemmas, so I am heavily biased. 

in addition to the core of the movie, there is a plot twist later on that I really loved. I thought it seemed like a natural progression for the franchise, and it opened a lot of new doors for the story to continue through. Although I loved it, plenty thought it was stupid and unneeded, but to each their own.

Despite this, I understand the reasoning behind why some people think it’s a stupid idea to go back to the island in the first place, which I will discuss when I look at the pacing of the movie.

4. Characters

We know that in Jurassic World, Claire started out as cold and calculated and as the events of the movie unfold, she begins to change, as her actions started to become more in sync with her morals. In Fallen Kingdom, Claire has started her own foundation that is dedicated to protecting these dinosaurs she once exploited for money. Though I do wish that we got to see more of how this change developed during the time between Jurassic World and Fallen Kingdom, the way her character has changed for the better and how that change makes her the driving force of this movie is one of my favorite things about it. Seeing Claire having the passion that she lacked in Jurassic World was something that made me love her even more than I already did. Although we don’t see how this 180-degree change develops, we definitely get to see how it influences her actions and choices throughout the movie. Bryce Dallas Howard does a wonderful job at really showing us this profound change in Claire, making us feel for Claire and truly believe that she has a passion for saving these prehistoric creatures.

As for Owen, he is more or less unchanged by the events of Jurassic World, so his character development is much less, or maybe even non-existent, in comparison to Claire. The one thing I can point out is that perhaps his decision to go back to the island and save Blue is an indication of trying to face his problems, rather than simply running away from them.

For those who know me, I live for Claire and Owen’s relationship. Fallen Kingdom builds on their relationship and puts Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt’s natural chemistry to good use. I have always loved that these two characters are polar opposites but work very well as a team, and I was glad to see that dynamic again, although, I wish there could have been more time spent on further elaborating and developing this dynamic, but that’s mostly due to problems with the pacing of the movie.

Maisie, Maisie, Maisie. She is the heart of this film. All the Jurassic movies have had kids in them, but for the most part, they aren’t hugely significant. Maisie changes the game. No more can be said without entering spoiler territory, so I’ll stop there. BUT, Isabella Sermon is INCREDIBLE as Maisie, I am so surprised this was her first ever acting gig. 

As for the supporting characters, I really loved Zia and Franklin, played by the wonderful Daniella Pineda and Justice Smith. The brother-sister relationship the two have off-screen translates very well on-screen and makes for some really fun interactions between these characters. Franklin serves as comic relief in a lot of scenes, and I think the skills he brings to the team are underappreciated. Zia is a badass, however, Pineda’s performance is the reason why and not and so much the story that is written for her.

The villains are a little too “I’m evil!” but for the most part enjoyable. Toby Jones seems to be the villain in every movie I watch so he’s pretty good at doing that. I don’t want to specify certain actors since I’m not sure if its common knowledge that they are villains, but I think the performances by the villans are good, apart from, as I said earlier, sometimes being a bit too cartoonishly evil. 

For the cameos... Ian Malcolm is back, but not for a whole lot, which I think is a shame. Jeff Goldblum is excellent and shines in his scenes, despite not being in the film for very long. Dr. Wu appears yet again, and the one big problem that I have with this movie is how underused he is. His character understands that what he is doing is a whole other level of fucked up but he understands how these dinosaurs work as well as the consequences of what he does. I really wished that his character was more significant because his opinions reflect a big part of the ethical dilemma that the movie explores.

5. Dinosaurs

There are a lot of them and they look incredible. The animatronic Blue, Indoraptor, and T-Rex breathe a whole new life into these dinosaurs, making them feel more like characters rather than just animals for us to be in awe of. My favorite has got to be the Stygimoloch, as it plays quite a significant role in a couple parts of the movie, and also, it's so adorable. OH and I think dinosaurs are really smart, people are dumb, and so maybe people should be extinct, not the dinosaurs.

6. Pacing

Now, this is the biggest problem I have with the movie. From the very start of the movie, AFTER the beautiful opening sequence, that is, everything seemed to be moving at warp speed. There was always something going on and it was just non-stop, not giving the audience a chance to breathe and take in whatever they just watched. There are a lot of character building moments that are ruined by the lack of time the audience gets to process them, making them much less impactful than they could have been if the film had slowed down for just a few minutes. Whenever something significant would happen, it immediately became insignificant because something else would happen not long after. 

The part of the film that takes place on the island moves way too fast, and I really wish they stayed on the island a bit longer, especially considering this is supposed to be the last time we will ever see Isla Nublar. The lack of time we spend there takes away from what should be an extremely significant and emotional plot point not just for Fallen Kingdom, but for the entire Jurassic franchise.

As I mentioned in the “story” portion of this post, the movie explores the reasons as to why we can’t just let the dinosaurs die. Although the movie does look at empathy, guilt, and redemption, it does so through the characters, as if we should already know these characters well enough to know why they are motivated to go and save these dinosaurs. For someone like me who is familiar with these characters and previous characters in the franchise, it is easy for me to understand their motivations. However, the film doesn’t give enough time for the casual viewer to empathize with these dinosaurs and help them understand why these characters feel a responsibility for these creatures’ fates. Again, this has to do with pacing, since with a lot of things happening from the get-go, there aren’t enough opportunities for the story to build and give viewers this understanding. I think the lack of build-up toward the decision to go back to Isla Nublar to save the dinosaurs is the main reason why many people don’t understand why this movie had to happen at all. 

IN CONCLUSION, I really really did love this movie. I’ve seen it twice now and it was better the second time around because my over-excitement for the movie as a whole and for some specific aspects didn’t get in the way and I was able to focus on a lot more things, allowing me to enjoy it even more. To end things, I really need to send my biggest thanks to JA Bayona for his excellent addition to the Jurassic franchise. Whenever people talked about Jurassic Park, they’d always talk about how terrified they were when they saw the T-Rex on screen for the first time. The first time I saw Jurassic Park, I had already seen big scary monsters in the cinema, so the movie never really scared me the way it did some people. However, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom made me feel so terrified at times that I could finally understand where these people were coming from when they talk about being terrified by Jurassic. So thank you JA for scaring me into a true Jurassic experience. Despite major problems with pacing, the film is beautiful when it comes to the visuals and sound, has a really interesting plot, as well as characters that I really love. I know this movie has been met with mixed reviews, and that really bothers me, but I loved it and I hope you at least give it a shot because it certainly deserves a fighting chance. 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom gets 4/5 baby Blue’s

[adamwatchesmovies]

The Best of 2018

This was a hard list to compile. It was made harder by the fact that I’ve gotten a new perspective on what “The Best Movies of the Year” should be. I’ll tell you ahead of time that Green Book isn't on my list. It isn’t that, in hindsight, I feel as though it’s another example of the white savior story, or that I’m upset about the real-life Shirley family informing us that what’s happening on-screen isn’t accurate to the truth. It’s a great film with solid performances, some of the year's biggest laughs and terrific characters. I WANTED to put it on my list but also wondered if it would be a picture that endures. In 5 years, 10 years, will we look back and say “I remember who I was before Green Book, and who I was after it. The picture changed something for me.” I’m not sure I will. This feeling of change and lasting power is what I kept in mind when listing...

10. Upgrade

The vigilante revenge film is an enduring genre. We saw two others in 2018, (Death Wish and Peppermint), 2019’s already had Cold Pursuit. Upgrade tries many new things. It’s got buddy-comedy elements and winds up being one of the funniest dark movies of recent memory. It’s action sequences are dynamic and creative, the camera work top-notch. The story’s many twists and turns show much intelligence beneath what seems like a simple story. It’s not quite a game-changer but does highlight the problem with bare-bones films such as Venom (which appeared on my “worst of” list). I’ve bought it on Blu-ray and can’t wait to show it to others. I think it’s favorite just waiting to be discovered.

9. Black Panther

Now this is one people are going to remember. Yes, it might’ve featured wobbly special effects in a couple of scenes and the climax is a little generic but wow does it have an identity. From the music to the costumes to the story, everything about it stands out. Many people had been waiting decades to see it. Black Panther is the Star Wars of this year, the film which blew up and changed EVERYTHING. Within are one of the year’s best villains and a spectacular soundtrack. It elevates the superhero genre once again.

8. Crazy Rich Asians

The romantic comedy genre is largely dead. I saw a couple of them in 2018 but these were obscure, back-alley titles only hardcore fans of the genre heard of - if they even went to see them. Comedies as a whole are trying to find their footing right now, largely due to the increasingly light tone of many of Marvel’s superhero films and the high-quality children’s animated features arriving to theatres on a semi-regular rate. People don’t accept couples falling in love within an hour and a half anymore but still want to see romance on-screen, as this film proves. While it might not have been as big as Black Panther, Crazy Rich Asians proves there are groups thirsting to see themselves represented in big-budget productions. Or maybe it was a success simply due to its great cast, lavish production, and laugh-out-loud moments. It’s the best date movie of 2018 by far, an unashamedly romantic 2-hour tale which features a wedding so beautiful it moved me to tears.

7. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse

I'll bet money Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse wins this year’s Academy award for best animated film. Sony's take on the character has bold visuals which combine comic book art with graffiti-like graphics and a blend of 2-D and 3-D animation. It improves the material it’s based on significantly, brings us not just one but a half-dozen new, favourite characters and features an emotional story whose depth no one expected. This film uses tricks others have never even thought of and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

6. A Star is Born

Initially a shoe-in for the year’s best picture, many critics have now dismissed it because it doesn’t have a big message or isn’t politically tied to anything. So what? This directorial debut still brings forth powerful emotions and features some of the year’s best tunes. A Star is Born has single moments that once seen, cannot be forgotten. When Bradley Cooper’s Jackson Maine is at his lowest, he’s such a mess you simultaneously hate and pity him. Who would’ve thought Lady Gaga was going to be this good?

5. Mission: Impossible - Fallout

Probably the best instalment in the series - which is saying something - this is the definition of a satisfying blockbuster. It delivers the stunts, special effects, thrills, and action you crave by giving you one dazzling set piece after another. You won’t believe how this film could top itself, but it does over and over. And then, it does the unexpected and delivers great character moments as well. Many action franchses could learn from Fallout, its smart, twisty plot, expert direction and jaw-dropping stunts. It’s one of the greatest action films ever, right alongside Mad Max: Fury Road, how could it NOT be on my list?

4. The Favourite

With stellar performances from its entire cast, gorgeous and moody cinematography, lavish costumes and immersive camera work, it’s easy to get lost in Yorgos Lanthimos’ period-piece drama. Even the choice of fonts and placement of characters in the chapter cards is meticulous. It’s such a good movie to look at its demented tone takes you by surprise. Full of venom and scheming, you’re tense the whole way through, biting your nails hoping Emma Stone’s character will make it out alright, only for her dark side to come up and turn her into an even bigger monster than Rachel Weisz' Duchess of Marlborough. Meanwhile, everyone’s walking on eggshells, carefully trying to influence Queen Anne of Great Britain (Olivia Colman), a cross between a vindictive child and an incompetent ruler. It’s fascinating stuff.

3. Roma

Roma is one of the reasons it took me so long to make this list. I started watching it weeks ago and was immediately enraptured. Unfortunately, I got caught up with other business and didn’t get the chance to finish it, delaying this list once again. It’s a beautiful film both visually - I’m particularly fond of the black-and-white cinematography - and content-wise, with lasting, intimate emotional beats which put you right there in Cleo’s shoes. The instant you understand what the image on the poster means is just - wow.

2. They Shall Not Grow Old

A crowning achievement in documentary filmmaking, They Shall Not Grow Old brings history to life in ways I could’ve never envisioned. I was initially against colorizing black-and-white footage. Seeing the results - in 3D to boot - is breathtaking. The way it humanizes the people and the war is unforgettable. I think it's destined to be shown in classrooms, which might make it sound like homework, but no. This is a living, breathing documentary full of love and respect.

Runner-ups

There were a number of pictures I wish I could’ve put on the list, maybe at the #10 spot, which I reserve for films “just for me”.

A Fantastic Woman and Paddington 2 SHOULD’VE been on my list last year but weren’t for various reasons. Hopefully mentioning them now is penance enough for my mistake back then. The stylish and unique Sorry to Bother You and BlacKkKlansman deserved to be on this list too but I just couldn’t knock anything else off of it. Finally, I was immensely pleased with the new Halloween, A Simple Favour and Colette. They’re a bit more niche but if you think they’ll align with your tastes, I think are highly enjoyable. And now that we’ve stalled enough to get your anticipating peaked, let’s talk about my number 1 film…

1. The Rider

The Rider is too small to get the attention it deserves. It only played in one theater in my city, the smallest one with only a single screen. I knew it never had a shot at an Academy Awards but I don’t care about budgets or box office results. I care about how a movie makes me feel, how long it lasts and how powerful its message is. Blurring the lines between real-life and fiction, director Chloé Zhao uses untrained actors to tell a metaphor-rich story of masculinity. It’s an engrossing drama whose themes blend so well with its characters and story it seems almost effortless. 

[oscar-isaacs-number-one-bitch]

“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” Movie Review

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is the direct sequel to 2015’s Jurassic World, as well as the fifth movie in the Jurassic Park franchise. Directing duties have shifted from Colin Trevorrow to A Monster Calls director J.A. Bayona, and this installment stars Bryce Dallas Howard and Chris Pratt once again as Claire (in a character shift from amusement park money-maker to dinosaur-rights activist) and Owen, the “action-hero-man” of the franchise whose character never shifts at all. Claire has been working tirelessly to save the dinosaurs from the active volcano island of Isla Nublar, arguing that they should be given the same rights as other animals due to their being living creatures. After the last film’s events, however, some of the world’s leading officials are not so sure this is a good idea, since each time mankind has attempted to control or interfere with the world’s natural order, disaster has struck (as evidenced by the failures of now two dinosaur parks). Eventually, both Claire and Owen are put on assignment to carry out a rescue mission to save the dinosaurs (Claire because she knows the park, Owen in order to rescue Blue, the raptor from the last movie). And, what we’re given here is what’s supposed to be a dumb, fun action movie that tries to be more than what it is and fails miserably at it, albeit with more style and grace in its failings than the previous installment.

I’m no keeper of secrets when it comes to movies I like or dislike despite any mass audience opinion to the contrary (love The Witch and Hereditary, dislike The Greatest Showman, Guardians of the Galaxy felt flat, etc.), so most people who have been following my reviews and general movie “thing” for a while know well enough that I didn’t really like the first Jurassic World. Sure, it was mindless entertainment and there were parts about it I enjoyed, but it seemed to take the “mindless” angle a little too much to heart, with a lazy script filled with lazy characters, an overabundance of filmmaking clichés, and what amounted to cardboard cutouts of villains, dialogue, plot progression, or basically anything that wasn’t purely spectacle-driven. In that vein, Fallen Kingdom has a lot of heavy lifting to do in terms of drudging this series back up where it rested after its predecessor was barely on-par with, or better than, The Lost World, but also in establishing J.A. Bayona as a legit director. And, for the most part, it really, truly fails. Luckily, that didn’t bother me as much this time around.

If there’s one thing Bayona can do with the best of them, it’s style and scale. This guy kills it at bringing larger than life visual creatures to screen and legitimately making them, well, larger than life. The sheer scope in Fallen Kingdom (for like the 15 minutes of the first act that they’re on the island at least) is breathtaking, and Bayona’s visual flourishes don’t just paint the dinosaurs as massive, but also majestic. The director’s understanding of scene geography is something to be commended here as well, as it nearly saves the movie from being ultimately worse than the first one. The visual effects have also been much improved on both a wide and a close-up scale. Do they rival the effects in the original Jurassic Park? Well, not really, but they’ve come to closest since to capturing not only the awe these creatures inspire, but the terror as well. The design of the new dino for this one is entirely frightening, and really highlights the “monster” aspect of these animals. (Side note: there was a moment in this film where I did legitimately start to tear up near the end of the first act and you will too, so good job on that one, movie.)

The performances in this film have also improved since last time. Bryce Dallas Howard getting to play a character that’s much less a product of corporate cartoon-isms and more of an at least two-dimensional character with her own agency without having to wear heels the whole time is a good step up, especially since it gives the actress more to do in terms of informing the character. Chris Pratt is also back, and while I wouldn’t say the character improved, his performance did; stripped of all the generic action hero Chris Pratt-isms that informed much of his character in the last film, it’s a lot less annoying to follow him and Howard around, despite the fact that, again, neither of their characters goes through the slightest bit of a personal growth arc, despite legitimate plot points brought up by this installment’s main villain that could have informed that sort of change.

Unfortunately, though, that’s where the positives essentially stop cold. This particular installment may have better style and less ultimately clichés running around (though it keeps the same bad editing), but it swaps decisions that used to be purely annoying for decisions that are purely stupid or forgettable. During the course of the film, especially the first act, it’s posited again and again that if these animals aren’t saved, they’ll go re-extinct, and humanity shouldn’t let that happen (notwithstanding the ecological and societal destruction they’ve already wreaked on their own enclosures and would eventually wreak on the world at large if not kept in an enclosure). Yet despite the number of times this is brought up, no one thinks to address the fact that they can just make more dinosaurs, as was the entire premise for this franchise’s now two series-starting films. They have the technology, they have the know-how, and they’re smart enough the acquire the funding to make more, and this never comes up.

In addition to this, the characters being less annoying apparently also meant stripping them of anything resembling what makes a character in the first place. Yeah, I know I said the performances were better, but that doesn’t make the characters better. It’s as if the writers of the previous film made the clichés and cartoon-ish behavior these people once carried the entire point of the characters in the first place, and without all of that, the characters are left to be deflated versions of what they once were; less annoying, but more underdeveloped.

There’s also a solution reveal to the extinction problem that’s played for what ends up being an insanely predictable twist to the point where one wonders if the characters were deliberately ignoring it just so a movie could happen (the “twist” is in the last trailer but the thing that leads to it is not…for some reason they thought that was a good idea instead of the reverse), but it ends up not only ripping a gaping hole in this film’s plot but in the first Jurassic World’s plot as well. One starts to wonder why they didn’t just go that route in the first place, given what’s meant to at first be this movie’s central conflict.

A lot of this has much more to do with the writing of the film than the production of it post-script, but no one thought to stop and question these glaring plot holes not just within the franchise, but within this entry? It’s entirely lazy writing that’s focused on making dinosaurs this big, philosophical talking point in the beginning (forgetting that they don’t have to be because they’re dinosaurs – that’s cool enough), then just wanting them to be mindless, dumb monsters in the end only for the sake of having an action-oriented finale. Not only does it not ultimately decide what message it wants to send (does it want humanity to not mess with nature or does it want us to campaign for animals rights), I don’t even know if it knows what message it’s trying to send, as the script is so fuddled and messy that there’s no clear emotional thru-line to follow. Oh, and in case you were thinking “yes, we finally get to see Ian Malcolm back in a Jurassic Park movie,” Jeff Goldblum amounts to nothing more than a cameo with the most generic dialogue in the film and none of the humor he brought to his previous appearances in the franchise, for a total screen-time of about 2 minutes, maybe less.

I went into this film not expecting much, given that I didn’t enjoy Bayona’s previous film, nor the previous film in this franchise, and maybe that’s why I was pleasantly surprised that I didn’t outright hate this movie. Sure, I wanted to like it, and I was hoping it would be good, but I wasn’t expecting that, so I was likely less disappointed than a lot of my fellow critics or audience members out there. Still, it can’t really be denied that while I personally enjoyed this film more, it is, on as objective of a level as art can be (which is not very, mind you), a worse film than the previous one, and worse than Bayona’s previous work as well. Sure, Jurassic World was mindless entertainment, but even though it did take the mindless part a little too seriously, it was still entertaining even after it was over. This one, while still entertaining (perhaps more so) and rid of the clichés that informed the first one (again, swapping them out for laziness), can’t be bothered to not rip apart at the seams once you’re done watching it. And even as unsurprising as that is, it’s still disappointing.

I’m giving “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” a 5.8/10

[darliframerch]

One Punch Man: 5 Best Villains in the Series (& 5 Worst)

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One Punch Man: 5 Best Villains in the Series (& 5 Worst)

One Punch Man sends up the hero type from various perspectives, including having an excessive number of scoundrels. Some of them are extraordinary, and others crash and burn.

Superheroes have since a long time ago been a staple of western funnies, particularly with the most mainstream titles from Marvel, like Captain America and Spider-Man, and DC, like Batman and Wonder Woman. The anime world has fired getting on this pattern as well, like My Hero Academia. Yet, it’s a beautiful goofy sort, so it’s ready for parodies. Enter One Punch Man, the mainstream anime that affectionately makes fun of the hero pattern.

The caped legend, Saitama, goes on a mission to battle any trouble makers he meets and discover some proportion of fulfillment in it. Being superpowered is a bit exhausting, all things considered, and a portion of Saitama’s scoundrels challenge him more than others. Also, some are essentially more fun or intriguing to see on screen. Which are a portion of his best reprobates, and which are scarcely even worth the punch?

10.Best: Mosquito Girl

A significant number of the scoundrels in One Punch Man are unusually thoughtful since they are just paying special mind to their own sort or following up on nature as opposed to on vindictiveness or plans of global control.

Mosquito Girl is defensive of her interminable mosquito multitude, and she simply needs to take care of all her small kids. In any case, she does this each life in turn, and on-screen, a multitude of these bugs depletes a gangster to death in a moment or two! Her forces are startling and noteworthy on-screen, and just legend Saitama can bring her down.

9.Worst: Vaccine Man

  Curiously, the main scalawag to show up on the screen for One Punch Man is likewise one of the lamest: Vaccine Man! However, he’s not here to shield your children from polio. This muscular humanoid considers progress to be a scourge on nature and needs to purify the earth of mankind.

But… how? He’s only one person, and not horribly solid, even contrasted with other lesser reprobates. His visual plan isn’t exceptionally fascinating, by the same token. It’s an alleviation when Saitama clobbers him, so we can continue to better adversaries.

8.Best: Dr. Genus

This rundown will incorporate both Dr. Class and one of his lab-developed manifestations. The man himself is more seasoned than he looks, being more like 80 years of age or somewhere in the vicinity. His logical undertakings were disdained and disparaged in his time, and he developed old, harsh, and undesirable.

We feel awful for him until he assembles the House of Evolution to unleash destruction as his vengeance! All things considered, he’s a cool miscreant, and it’s entertaining to see him grow a whole clone multitude of himself to run the spot.

7.Worst: Subterraneans

The solitary amusing part about the Subterraneans is that by one way or another, Saitama imagined about them before he met them, all things considered. Saitama’s psyche imagined them as incredible, startling adversaries who gave him a genuine test, and Saitama was excited to have a decent fight on his hands.

Then, at that point he woke up, the Subterraneans showed up seriously… also, escaped immediately! They’re so feeble, they will not confront him. It makes for a good gag, yet something else, it’s enigmatically baffling. Wouldn’t they be able to accomplish more?

6.Best: Speed-O-Sound Sonic

It very well may be contended that Speed-O-Sound Sonic is the principal antagonist of One Punch Man, and like numerous anime reprobates, he announces himself the legend’s harsh adversary (a contention that isn’t returned). Sonic is quick, he’s brilliant, he’s exact, and he can bring down an entire horde of adversaries without taking a solitary blow consequently.

His outfit is upscale and truly cool, and that purple scarf really looks incredible on his silver ninja shield, making him truly stick out. Furthermore, when he’s not kicking butt, his mysterious lily liver side is truly interesting!

5.Worst: King Of Beasts

To be reasonable, the lion-man known as King of Beasts is just a follower of the House of Evolution. However, a few watchers might in any case contemplate whether they might have gotten somewhat more out of the arrangement. He’s a sturdy beast contender with a major nibble… furthermore, that is it.

Saitama impacts him away with his brand name one punch, and this “lord” is truly a furball by correlation. Indeed, even his buddy, the imagined cyborg gorilla, is more intriguing than that (and entertaining, as well).

4.Best: Deep Sea King

This monstrous adversary positions among the best lowliness because he has a remarkable appearance, and he’s probably the hardest enemy Saitama and co. at any point face. He feels like a legitimate Shonen scalawag, cornering a horde of guiltless observers as the saints challenge him individually.

Indeed, even Puri Prisoner can’t deal with him, however, Deep Sea King shows him a fascinating exercise about punching to kill. It’s an exciting second when Saitama deposes this ruler forever.

3.Worst: Hammerhead

This chrome-arch danger is the head of the Paradises, an entire gathering of men who might much rather fool around the entire day then, at that point search for paying work. Hammerhead and companions maybe a remark on the hikikomori marvel in Japan, where youthful grown-ups decline to incorporate into society and stay in their homes as hermits.

In any case, while Hammerhead has an entertaining proclamation, he couldn’t in any way, shape, or form back it up. His cronies are butchered because of Speed-O-Sound Sonic, and he can’t do much against the scarfed ninja, by the same token. So much for his transformation!

2.Best: Carnage Kabuto

Dr. Genus showed up as a decent reprobate on this rundown, and presently his #1 crony, Carnage Kabuto, goes along with him. However he’s a beast power contender, Carnage Kabuto is quite interesting and great to see. He hasn’t set foot outside the House of Evolution HQ yet, however, Saitama and Genos make for fine guineas pigs.

Kabuto is as of now a beast, yet in frenzy mode, he’s genuinely unnerving! Also, exactly when it seems as though Saitama is hopeless, we understand that Saitama is disturbed about missing a Saturday-just deal! The pressure is broken in breathtaking style as the caped saint crushes Kabuto separated and clears out.

1.Worst: Crablante

Sequentially, this is the primary beast that Saitama confronted, while he was as yet a disappointed salaryman walking through life. In any case, the issue is that Crablante is just exhausting when you get over his senseless appearance. He is an upstanding lobster-man with enormous eyes, his middle sitting on human legs, complete with “tighty whities” clothing.

His demonstration of villainy? Menace a child with a goliath jaw. Ho murmur. The solitary intriguing part about this fight is that Saitama (being pre-exercise) turns into a legend through sheer boldness and kills this beast. Beneficial thing Saitama has much better adversaries to look at later on!

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Thanks For Reading Our Post. Hope You Enjoy and Have an Energetic Day.

[koskela13]

Talk about a perfect way to start off a year’s moviegoing experience, because Marvel Studios’ Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler (Creed), has for me not only quickly become my favorite IMAX experience thus far— taking the throne from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 —but, even though we’re only halfway through the first quarter of the year, it is an easy contender for Best Movie of 2018. From literally the very first frame of the opening scene to the scene after the end credits have rolled by, this film provided me with one of the most perfect experiences I’ve ever had at the cinemas, even if it was only showing in 2D where I saw it.

After his father’s death in Civil War, T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) returns to his home nation of Wakanda to take his place as its king. But all (and I do mean all) is threatened by a man named Erik Stevens (Michael B. Jordan), joining with Claue (Andy Serkis) from Age of Ultron, who seeks to claim the throne and unveil Wakanda’s powerful arsenal to the world. So as the Black Panther, T’Challa must face off against this dangerous adversary with the help of his former lover Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and CIA Agent Ross (Martin Freeman doing an unbelievably dead-on American accent, even for a Brit), and to say anymore than this would just spoil how good the writing in this film is.

And I mean that; this is probably one of the best scripts I’ve ever seen filmed in a Marvel movie. Not only are the characters really intriguing and perfectly defined, but the story is also really strong here. There’s the lovingly fun humor we’ve come to love from a Marvel Studios movie, but the tone here this time is refreshingly mature. In fact, this is probably the most serious, thought-provoking superhero film I’ve seen that didn’t have to sacrifice charm and wit to be mature. There are some damn good twists and revelations here that, like I said, I’m not gonna give away here, and there’s even an element that helps this movie really work for me that most superhero movies rarely touch upon: It’s not just a simple “one side is right, the other side is wrong” battle of good vs evil; both sides are right AND wrong on what to do about certain situations. You have your moments where you side with the good guys and want them to prevail, sure, but you also surprisingly find yourself understanding what the villain wants, as well as why he’s the way he is, and even question the good guys’ solutions to certain situations at points. That’s something you almost never see done in a superhero film without it being unintentional (ahem, DC!), and to see a film pull it off this well, I actually congratulate the writers for it.

But that’s not the only thing to love about this film; the visuals are astounding here, especially in IMAX. The effects are well-crafted and even sometimes breathtaking— In fact, the opening sequence where a man tells his child about how Wakanda came to be what is it now is told with this fantastic animated sequence where everything seems to be made of sand and it’s constantly blowing in the wind, and if you see it on the big screen, you’ll know exactly what you’re in for visually as soon as it starts. —and the costumes are really impressive, but for me, the cinematography and the production are where the look of this film really shines. Hannah Bleacher and her design team just make Wakanda look so gorgeous and inviting, I’d actually find myself wanting to go there at points, visit all the great places and see the sights of everything, and that leads us to Rachel Morrison’s phenomenal cinematography. Everything from the thriving city streets of the technologically-advanced nation and the gorgeous cliffsides overseeing a good deal of the land to something as ordinary as the nightlife in the South Korean City or as huge and seething with the rare, rich material known as Vibranium as the underground mining caves is simply gorgeous to look at, and even more mundane stuff like the basketball court or apartment California feels kind of nice and homely. So yeah, a wonderful visual treat.

On top of that, all the actors deliver some great, fantastic performances, with Michael B. Jordan being the highlight for me as Erik, portraying him as a menacing threat, but also as someone you kinda understand for reasons that, again, need not be spoiled here, and by God, who the hell would’ve thought Martin Freeman could pull off a perfect American accent? I swear, if you closed your eyes and just heard his voice in this, you’d think it was a completely different person.

And then there’s the music. Sure, the sound design is wonderful, but both the score and the songs are something to behold, and they just match the film’s visuals perfectly in both feel and structure. I’m not gonna lie, I may actually get both of this film’s soundtracks on iTunes; the music’s just that great.

In short, I really love this movie. The year’s barely begun, but already there’s a bar every other film has to meet in my opinion this year. What else can I say about it? The writing’s great; the cast is great; the music’s great; the visuals are phenomenal. I honestly can’t find a legitimate flaw with this film, I think it’s an absolutely perfect movie. It’s definitely recommended, especially in IMAX, because you’ll have even more of a breathtaking time when you see it that way.

10/10

[junker-town]

20 sports movies we love that will ease your boredom

WireImage

It may be hard to find real sports to watch right now, but there is an ABUNDANCE of great fictional sports at your fingertips.

Televised sports are on hiatus for the foreseeable future. It’s a tough (but obviously necessary) blow, considering we’re all stuck inside with little to do, and sports would be the perfect diversion right about now.

Thankfully, there are hundreds, or possibly thousands, of sports-centric movies available to wile away the hours. Some might even be convincing enough to get you to yell at your screen, or feel the inimitable catharsis that comes from watching your team (the good team, obviously) win.

Below are some of the SB Nation staff’s go-to sports flicks, with information about where to stream them included. The majority are also available to rent via Amazon, YouTube, Google Play and the like.

Hot Rod (2007)

Available on Netflix, Prime and Pluto.

Insofar as failing to jump over things with a moped is a sport, Hot Rod is about sports. It’s an extremely dumb, pleasant movie with no stakes whatsoever, and it is my number one.

— Seth Rosenthal

Yes, it’s hilarious — but even more importantly, it has the ability to absorb you before you realize it and not let your mind wander out of its grasp. Distraction grade: 10 out of 10

— Will Buikema

Creed (2015)

Available to rent

Too many Rocky sequels to count, but this one really engages with the mythos around the character and who gets to take part in that myth. Michael B. Jordan and Tessa Thompson are two of Hollywood’s brightest stars, and while it’s frustrating they were not awarded like Sylvester Stallone for their performances, all three are terrific here. Also: unlike the original Rocky, this movie recognizes that boxing includes dodging and blocking as well as punching!

— Pete Volk

Goon (2011)

Available on Netflix.

You could probably analyze Goon for commentary about how we glorify violence in hockey, or you could sit back and enjoy a genuinely hilarious movie. It has everything you want in a hockey film. There’s a dim-witted but lovable bouncer who gets a chance at a hockey career in the minors, and a grumpy Quebecois prodigy with a physicality issue. There’s gratuitous blood and gore, and Liev Schreiber getting into fights, and a hint of bromance. There are even cameos from former NHL players, and one from current Dallas Stars forward Tyler Seguin in the film’s 2017 sequel, Goon: Last of the Enforcers, which is also on Netflix.

If you don’t mind some exaggerated violence and slapstick comedy (and particularly if that’s what you’re into), I highly recommend it. Plus, the soundtrack slaps.

— Sydney Kuntz

Bend it Like Beckham (2002)

Available on demand with Starz and DirecTV

It’s funny, it’s sweet, and the fact that you’ve definitely seen it before doesn’t mean you shouldn’t watch it again. It made Keira Knightley an international star, and Parminder Nagra picked up the FIFA presidential award. Beyond the film, it represented a crucial moment in David Beckham’s relationship with his country. He’d gone from villain in 1998 after that red card against Argentina, to hero in 2001 after that free kick against Greece. Eight months later this came out, and canonized him as a national treasure.

— Andi Thomas

High Flying Bird (2019)

Available on Netflix

What better to watch during a period without basketball than a movie about basketball personnel that takes place during a time of no basketball? High Flying Bird, shot entirely on iPhone by Steven Soderbergh, follows a top rookie and his ambitious agent during an NBA lockout, as they try and change the owner-heavy economic structure of the NBA.

— Pete Volk

Escape to Victory (1981, also just known as Victory)

Available on demand with Cinemax and DirecTV

Sylvester Stallone is an Allied solider in a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp. So is Michael Caine. In there with them, for some reason, is Pele, Bobby Moore, Ozzy Ardiles, and half of Ipswich Town’s 1981 UEFA Cup winning squad. And wouldn’t you just know it, they have to play an exhibition against a handpicked German side, for reasons of propaganda. Will they escape … to victory?

— Andi Thomas

Goal of the Dead (2014)

Available on Shudder

”Some kind of a riot. They are burning cars.”

”Given the refereeing, no wonder.”

French football superstar Samuel Lorit faces off against his hometown team in a cup game. His formerly adoring fans now all despise him. And then a tainted steroid injection turns pretty much everybody into zombies, straight from the 28 Days Later school of hard-running mouth-frothers. Good blood-soaked fun, if probably a bit too long. But then all films are too long these days. Return of the King won a million Oscars, and that didn’t have a ‘roid-raging zombie kicking a man’s head off his neck and into the goal.

— Andi Thomas

Fighting with My Family (2019)

Available on Prime and Hulu

Maybe the only worthwhile WWE Studios release ever? I’ll await the flame from fans of The Marine 5: Battleground in the comments. What would have otherwise been yet another vanilla sports inspiration story is elevated by a terrific cast, led by newly Oscar-nominated Florence Pugh.

— Pete Volk

The Damned United (2009)

Available to rent

An adaptation of a brilliant but bleak novel about Brian Clough’s doomed spell at Leeds United, the film dispenses with most of the book’s harrowing existential loneliness and discovers a surprisingly soft-hearted buddy story underneath. Michael Sheen disappears uncannily into his role, absolutely nailing Clough’s astringent self-possession, but Colm Meaney almost steals the film as Clough’s nemesis, Don Revie. A reminder that English football, back in the ‘70s, was a strange, drizzly place full of strange, compelling people.

— Andi Thomas

Hoop Dreams (1994)

Available on HBO, Kanopy and DirecTV

One of the best American documentaries. Also one of the best movies about dreams, who crushes them and how they evolve. It is also one of the best movies about race and poverty in America. All in all, this is one of the best movies about the allure and grace of basketball. A phenomenal film!

— Pete Volk

Horse Feathers (1932)

Available via the Internet Archive

I grew up watching the Marx Brothers with my dad, and I would be remiss not to mention this college football-centric classic. Turns out the “amateur” status of college football players was a joke in the 1930s, too!

— Pete Volk

Minding the Gap (2019)

Available on Hulu

Only tangentially about sports, since the group of kids at this documentary’s focus are skateboarders, but this is one of the great modern American documentaries about growing up, difficult friendships and toxic masculinity. Highly, highly recommend.

— Pete Volk

Starship Troopers (1997)

Available on Showtime, CBS All Access, DirecTV and Vudu

There are several reasons Starship Troopers is memorable — the broadly written anti-nationalist commentary! The exploding bugs! The co-ed showers! That one fight scene soundtracked to Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” for some reason! — but space football is the only one that fits with our theme. In the future, America’s favorite sport is played in high school gymnasiums on old wrestling mats. There are no special teams or roughness penalties. The ball is Nerf’s rough approximation of a baked potato wrapped in foil.

Johnny Rico, our protagonist, wins and is escorted off the field a hero. Roughly 20 minutes of film later, he’s left to die on an alien planet. Shit’s real, yo.

— Christian D’Andrea

Rush (2013)

Available on HBO

If you liked Ford V. Ferrari, you’ll probably love this. Retelling the true story of James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda’s intense Formula 1 rivalry, Rush has fantastic racing scenes and benefits from focusing on the wildly different personalities and approaches of the two rivals.

— Pete Volk

A League of Their Own (1992)

Available on Showtime, and very often randomly on cable

It almost feels redundant to list this classic, which you’ve probably already seen once or dozens of times. But if you have seen it, you know it holds up better than most of the feel-good, strings-swelling-styled sports hagiographies of the 1990s. A more-or-less accurate retelling of a vital and often ignored part of American sports history, conveyed via an all-star cast and too many quotable lines to count. The “hard” may be what makes it great, but there’s nothing hard about watching this iconic and genuinely uplifting movie. (I also wrote more about it here.)

—Natalie Weiner

Speed Racer (2008)

Available to rent

One of my favorite movies of all-time, taking many aesthetic cues from anime and seamlessly bringing them into the live-action world with breathtaking visual effects. Speed Racer is visually explosive and a delight for the senses, with a grounded conflict at its core (a family business getting bought out by a heartless corporation). In my opinion, this is sports + movies in their best balance with each other.

— Pete Volk

The Heart of the Game (2005)

Available to rent

A hardscrabble team works diligently to overcome the odds, with a few twists. The movie centers on a girls basketball team from Roosevelt High School, 10 minutes from where I grew up in Seattle, and the star of the team gets pregnant. Bring tissues.

— Natalie Weiner

Uncut Gems (2019)

Available to rent

No movie better captures the anxiety of being a sports fan, or the bad decisions you make because of your fandom. Also sports luminaries Kevin Garnett and Mike Francesa deliver excellent performances. My favorite 2019 release! Louis wrote more about it here.

— Pete Volk

Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006)

Available on Starz and DirecTV

This is the height of me on-my-bullshit, but please allow it: Scott Adkins and Michael Jai White are generational action stars, and this entry in the excellent Undisputed series shows their singular talents at their best. White plays an ex-boxer framed for a crime and sent to prison, where he fights for his freedom in an underground MMA ring. Adkins plays the terrifying Yuri Boyka, the reigning prison champ. This is so up my alley it’s not even funny, and hopefully it’s up yours, too!

— Pete Volk

More Than a Game (2008)

Available on Starz

It’s very easy to take LeBron James for granted. After all, he’s been doing otherworldly things in the NBA for almost two decades now. Sometimes it just seems like he’s always existed, like he’ll just be inevitable forever. At a time when we’re (hopefully temporarily) deprived of watching him play basketball, it’s worth revisiting this great documentary about his origin story. Yes, he overcame seemingly insurmountable odds, but the part that sticks with you is the people around him — those who believed in him completely, and who he has been just as loyal to in return.

— Natalie Weiner

[unblinded-by-nostalgia-blog]

One question this Christmas Special... Is K oK?

Part 1 (Episodes 1-5)

The Story

The opening and first scene to episode 1 is confusing and mysterious and confusing, the main word here is confusing! In fact, the entire first episode is confusing! We are told NOTHING and are given very little information about this world. Is it supposed to set in the future, or is it set in modern day Japan? What makes the 'kings want to kill each other? What the heck is up with this naked cat chick? Who are the Reds and Blues? Why is the red haired guy in prison?

Episode 2 has the protagonist talk about his little sister, but it also hints with him being the villain... The scene where the samurai covers his eyes in front of the naked cat girl when he is trying to kill the main protagonist is so stupid, it is actually funny! Even though the show is supposed to be serious... I think... Maybe not... The ending of the episode 2 isn't serious at the least!

Episode 3 answers the question of why the red haired guy is in prison. But the scene is just a exposition dump for the audience, but it is done poorly! And one of the characters tells us their is ANOTHER team called the Greens! Not only do we have a Black, White, Red and Blue, we have a Green team!!!

But we are finally given more information in episode 3 about the Red Team, but we are given no information about the others. In fact, we are told their are SEVEN Teams. Seven and we barely know anything about the teams we already have! How is the story going to be told in 13 episodes?

We are given even more information about the blue team, but we've already been given WAY too much information that an average person won't remember everything told in this huge exposition dump!

Episode 4... This series has turned from a serious show to a comedy... Not that I have a problem with comedies. But you need to make a comedy as simple as possible to make it work, or at least explain the world BEFORE you add the comedy, which you certainly have not done!!! And the comedy is NOT FUNNY!!! And most of episode 4 is about Shiro finding an alibi, there is a lot of jokes thrown our way, but none of them are funny! The mystery is so predictable! It is obviously a long lost sibling or some look-alike but it definitely isn't Shiro,

Episode 5 has brought back the serious tone from before... Is this a comedy or not!? And who's side are we on anyway? The show keeps on showing all sides of the war and let's the viewer decide who the heroes and villains are.

The Characters

The main protagonist of this series is not a bland character. His personality is more like a comedy relief!

In episode 2, we are introduced to a literal cat-girl! She is very cat like in that she does things on her own terms,but that's all the character she really has.

The comedy reliefs on the Red team are really bland. All they do is argue with one another and make the boss mad, that's it!!!

They weren't creative on the names of the characters. I mean, Kuro and Shiro... Neko... Really? That is REALLY subtle!

The relationship between the Samurai and Shiro's classmate's is really believable. It wouldn't surprise me if they become a couple at the end!

We are given some character development in episode 5 with a blue and a couple of red soldiers.

The Animation/Special Effects

The opening in this series is awesome! The song is a mix of pop and rock and the visuals and animation is just beautiful!

In fact, the animation looks like it belongs in an anime movie! The attention to detail is AMAZING! It looks like the creators put a lot of money into this production.

The battle song in episode 2 is great, it is surprising that they put a song their, but somehow it works! The rap-song in the bedroom scene however does not fit at all with the scene.

The end credits is of just the cat girl in different poses naked. Their isn't any nipples or any pussy (pun intended) which can distract some.

The Dub

The English dub of this series is really good. They put their hearts and souls into the characters and it shows. The lip syncing is off from time to time, but it is a very minor problem.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this series up to a good start. The story and characters maybe a bit weak, but it might build up into something great and be on par with the amazing animation and dub.

Will this get better... Will this be bad.... Or will it be oK?

The Story 3/5 The Characters 3.5/5 The Animation/Special Effects 4.5/5 The Dub 4.5/5

Overall 4/5

Part 2 (Episodes 5-9)

The Story

Episode 6 starts off with the main character trying to come to terms of what he found in his wardrobe. When he calls his friend, she seems to have forgotten about him. Maybe the shows about to pick up...

We are given a flashback from three years before involving the Red King clan. Which tells us about what we already know. Then we are given another one from three months before and the red clan finding their dying clan mate in another flashback!

We are given a huge expansion dump about one of the characters which feels really forced.

Episode 7 beings with the Blue clan trying to arrest Shiro. We learn more about how the Kings work and how Shiro fits into this puzzle.

We also learn something about Neko and how her powers work. In fact, I don't wanna spoil the series, but the clocks finally turning... There is also a third wall joke that did make me laugh!

Episode 8 starts with a flashback and the group sitting by a bridge. The series has turned into a mystery show. Even though the plot is moving, the pacing is really slow in this episode, with a hell of an exposition dump to boot!

We even find out who the dancing man is... And OMG, you will NEVER guess who it is! And the episode ends with a MASSIVE cliffhanger!

Episode 9 begins in 1945 in Germany with a science test, which explains where the King's power comes from. After that, we are shown what the school kids are doing. Then we are seen a the fourth king and the blue king talking about the recent events. But this scene gets to the point! No long dialogue scenes whatsoever! We may have find out who the killer is...and if it is the school kid with the mask, that would make the mystery really anticlimactic... And we see the Red King in action once again!

The Characters

We are given a few more characters, but they are characters we have seen before in many times before in better shows! We learn a lot more about the protagonist and Kuro and it is a very heartwarming scene. We even learn more about Kuro and his power. In fact, he is my favourite character in this series.

We also learn about the first king's past, which also explains how the Kings came to be, which makes the show a lot better than it was.

The Animation/Special Effects

The animation quality does drop from time to time during these episodes. With the action scenes just being still images with speed lines from time to time and poor CGI is included. The song in episode 6 is a really great song, but it is only the Japanese track. They didn't translate the song which may annoy some.

The opening has different animation from episode 7 and it is very interesting to see.

The Dub

The dub has better lip sinking and is perfect! The voice acting is amazing and the amount of emotion these voice actors put in their roles is breathtaking. You actually forget that this is an animated show. The voice acting make the characters seem real!

Final Thoughts

Overall, this series is definitely picking up in quality. But the animation has gone down in budget noticeably. With the last few episodes to review, will K be an above average show, a masterpiece or just a rental?

The Story 4/5 The Characters 4.5/5 The Animation/Special Effects 4/5 The Dub 5/5

Overall 4.5/5

Part 3 (Episodes 10-13)

The Story

Episode 10 starts off with a bang! Literally! The Red clan are in the game once again! They raid the school and we really see both the good and the darker side of the group.

We also find out more about how the Kings work and about how their lines work and learn about the Red clan and their relationships. It makes the dialogue scenes a lot more interesting then they were in the previous episodes.

There is a scene with the red king and the blue king (involving cigarettes) which is really funny. I recommend that you look that clip look!

We finally see the three main characters return to their now destroyed home and we get a really emotional scene with Kuro.

Episodes 11 starts off with a masked man and the Red clan looking for Shiro.

We see the entire scene with the Red King and Blue king again! That is the laziest thing I have seen this series do. We saw all this in the previous episode! If you were watching an episode weekly, it makes more sense. But it doesn't when your watching the series on DVD!

We see the Red and Blue clans at war and we see how dirty each clan fights and the final battle between Kuro and the Red King and it is awesome! Then it is interrupted by the Blue King.

We get a huge plot twist in this episode! OMG! What is going on!!?? And we find out who Shiro is! And OMG it ALL makes sense now! Everything! Well... Almost everything...

Episode 12 continues the war and answers the rest of the questions that we were still wondering and we have this episode and another to resolve it!

We see Shiro take the blue clan's vice captain on an unknown journey and we see Kuro trying to stop the war.

We the see Shiro and co visit the rest of the Red Clan while the two kings duke it out! And we see the Gold king and Shiro talk one last time and how much Shiro cares for everyone, even though they have all forgotten about him. It is a really emotional scene.

Then we get a 'Gollem scene' with Shiro's classmate... With at least three personalities in the mix!

Now we have come to the final episode and.... It is the BEST FINAL EPISODE I HAVE EVER SEEN!

I am not kidding! The ending is heartwarming, heartbreaking and is overall satisfying. If you are looking for an anime with a perfect ending, look no further than K.

The Characters

We find out about the Red King and the little girl's relationship and how close they are to each other. In fact, we learn more about the relationships between the Red clan.

We learn about the Red and Blue King's relationship, which is interesting to see. Especially when their clans are at war with each other.

We see that Kuro still cares for Shiro's schoolmate, even though she doesn't remember him.

We really do learn how much Neko loves Shiro and how far she would go for him.

We learn about how the Red king found his clan mates. It is a very interesting scene.

The Animation/Special Effects

The animation quality is about on par with the previous episodes. Beautiful, but contains lazy animation and recycled scenes to make up for running time. And we get an up skirt look at Shiro's classmate's panties.

The Dub

The dub is still as amazing as ever. I don't know what else to say other than perfect...

Final Thoughts

Overall, these final episodes made the series amazing. The story answered all of our questions, the characters are great and dub is great! But while the animation is still amazing, it still takes shortcuts.

The Story 5/5 The Characters 5/5 The Animation/Special Effects 4/5 The Dub 5/5

Overall 4.5/5

Overall Thoughts

Overall, this is THE most underrated series OF ALL TIME! It may be slow and confusing in the first few episodes, but trust me when I say that once you get over that hurdle, you will be submerged in awe and wonder. This series is without a doubt a masterpiece.

Part 1 4/5 Part 2 4.5/5 Part 3 4.5/5

Overall 4.5/5