Movies in Review: "Kingsman: The Golden Circle"

Eggsy's Back!!! Woooohoooo...I know I can't be the only one excited after seeing the first film. The first movie was off the chain, and I've been anticipating a sequel, although I was highly pissed that they offed Harry, played by Colin Firth, in the first film. I didn't know why they thought that was a good idea. However I guess they felt the same way because Harry appeared in the trailer for this second film...hmmmmmmm...definitely interested to see how they were able to work that magic...lol. My excitement level was on 10, and I couldn't wait to see what this next installment had to offer.

This movie started out with action from the door. The first action sequence however was so over-stylized. I kind of loved the understated and smooth action sequences in the first film. Thar first car scene was way unbelievable and kind of turned me off a bit. But no worries, it did get better...sort of. You can tell a film wants to take a movie in a different direction with future films when they pretty much kill off everyone that returned from the first...womp womp. I'm not mad at that, I just think they could have done it in a better way. So needless to say, new characters were introduced, which I loved. Whose idea was it to cast Elton John? Best idea ever, he was one of my favorites in the movie...lol.

I loved the other action sequences, although I felt the introduction to Channing Tatum's character was a little corny. Halle Berry's character didn't really shine in this film and was too understated for me. The way they brought Harry back had me giving it a side-eye, but I'm going to let them have that, it was nice to have him back.

This film definitely has some work to do for the next installment, and one of the things they need to change is the longer than needed running time for this movie. They also need to work on keeping the move and actions sequences classy, but well done. This installment didn't pack the punch of the first film, but I still left the theater entertained...B-

Movies in Review: "Battle of the Sexes"

I didn't see a trailer for Battle of the Sexes, only the theatrical poster. However this is all I needed to see to know that I was definitely interested in seeing this film. I had no idea what it was about, but being a huge fan of both these actors work, I would bet money that I would enjoy it. It was later that I found out it was loosely based on the tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs...cool. Knowing this didn't change my expectations as they were already pretty high. I was ready to see a good film, and I knew this would do the job.

I really enjoyed this movie, mostly because of the performances from all, but especially Stone and Carell. Steve Carell did his thing, and not only looked like Bobby Riggs, but it felt like he was the real deal. The same for Emma Stone. This film is loosely based on their tennis match, but a story that we all needed to see. You could tell the film embellished some things for drama, as the plot felt weak at times, but the performances outshines any holes you might feel it had. My only complaint would be that I felt like they focused too much on Billie Jean King's affair...but that's just me.

If you are a fan of Billie Jean King and her work to get equal pay for women in the sport then you will enjoy this film. A story that needs to be seen, as reform needs to be had across the board and the way women's roles are perceived still needs to change. This film may open a few eyes...A-

Movies in Review: "Ninjago"

So I've been a huge fan of this franchise since the first Lego movie was released in 2014. The original film was innovative, fun, entertaining and great to watch. All of these characteristics were carried over in the 2nd film, which focused on Batman and had its own flavor, but was still a pleasure to watch. So my excitement for this 3rd installment was on a high when I watched the trailer for Ninjago. I love me some Dave Franco, and I enjoyed the trailer enough to feel this movie would be another winner.

Imagine my disappointment when I walked out of the theater. This movie was decent, but unfortunately not a winner...eh. This movie had so much potential but was far too sappy and sad that it brought the movie down. Far less upbeat than the previous films. Even my son noticed, asking "why is this movie so boring?", wanting to see more action. I felt the same way...The humor was ok, but nothing like the first 2 films. Even the story was weaker and felt a little all over the place. I found myself dozing off on this one more than once...smh.

Ninjago could have used a kick of humor and fun. It took a more emotional route that failed it miserably. It's cute, and my kid said he enjoyed it, but I saw him staring at the screen with a blank stare far too much. Not the worst movie, but definitely the worst installment for this franchise...C-

Movies in Review: "American Assassin"

I wasn't too thrilled about the new releases this weekend. If my weekend plans hadn't fallen through I probably would have skipped out on the movies this weekend. However since my schedule opened up, I did what I had to do to keep this blog updated...lol. One this is for sure, out of the 2 major released films I was only spending my time watching 1. American Assassin won because fans, not critics, like it much more than the other major released film. I was happy with my choice as the action in the trailer looked kick ass, but my expectations for anything else I was unsure of.

I think I really wanted to like this movie, but the more I sat with it, I couldn't take how absolutely stupid it was. The storyline was weak as hell. It had not base, and therefore no structure. It fell apart at the seams. Everything about the story was unbelievable and weak. I mean don't get me wrong, the action sequences were decent, and the best part about the movie, but that's not saying much. The opening scene would have you believe you are in for something great, but it all goes downhill from there. The movie had a Jason Bourne-esq type of feel, but the feel was all it had. How is the main character able to get away with so much and out of so many situations? His character could have used better development in my opinion...eh.

Although this film wasn't one of my favorites many of you might ignore the huge holes in the story and some of the nonsense happening. There are enough gun and fight scenes to cloud a movie-goers judgement...lol. I wouldn't advise paying to see this one. There are definitely better movies out there like this, and more to be released. Save your coins and check it out on cable TV...D+

Movies in review: "It"

We all know how I feel about horror films, I'm not the biggest fan. So before I go any further, No, I didn't see the original film. Seriously? Why would I do that? Why would I ruin my childhood and hold on to a fear of clowns for no reason...smh. I probably wouldn't have seen this one either, but there has been so much hype about it, and so much talk about how great the original was, I figured I was old enough and could handle whatever this movie had to offer now. Who am I kidding...the trailer for this movie had me shook, and there was no way I was walking into that theater without support. Thank goodness I had it, or this review would not have happened...lol.

Ok...Sooooooo...I'm going to punch anyone who decides to dress up as Pennywise this Halloween...seriously. I don't want that clown anywhere near me. It is clear this movie put fear in my heart, but it also satisfied my entertainment taste buds. When I wasn't being scared to death, I was really enjoying all the other components of the film, especially the young actors that were cast. They really cast a great group of kids, who each had me cracking the hell up. I could seriously watch them all day. The story had a great story and good performance, and humor that balanced out being scared and grossed out at times...lol.

 I think this movie may have scared me more than I think it would most of you, but it's still a movie worth seeing, if just for the laughs, which this movie has plenty of. I find most horror films to either be corny or just screamer flicks, but this was neither. A well rounded, good horror flick...A-

Movies in Review: "Home Again"

No one enjoys a romantic comedy more than me. I guess I'm just sappy that way. However I can't say I was too excited about seeing this one. The trailer was cute, and I love me some Reese Witherspoon, however there wasn't really anything that I saw special from the trailer. It was one of those movies that just looked ok. I think I could have gone without seeing this film if I hadn't watched "It" the night before and needed some lighthearted comedy to relieve of the fear "It" put in me...lol. 

So I was right...this movie was just ok, but at least it did do its job and relinquished me from the terror from the night before. There wasn't anything really special about this film as I suspected. It had some funny moments, but also a very predictable storyline. This movie has the format of something that has been done before. I wish I could go on, but there really isn't much to say about this movie. The story has cute moments, but is predictable and lack luster at best.

This romantic comedy may hit the spot on a rainy night curled up on your couch with nothing else to do. However I wouldn't recommend paying a dime to see it. Waiting for this to come on cable TV is your best bet...D

Movies in Review: "Unlocked"

I've been having a blah movie experience these past couple of weeks and was hoping this Noomi Rapace thriller would fill me up. I watched the trailer I was definitely on board for this one, as it is well cast with a few of my favorite actors, and Rapace never disappoints in an action sequence. Critics were rating this one poorly, but I was certain they had gotten it wrong again, there was no way this movie could be that bad. I had about average expectations when I walked into the theater. I just wanted to walk out feeling better about movies again.

I was right...the movie wasn't as bad as critics made it out to be, but it wasn't great either. Many of my expectations were met, but this story just missed the mark in so many ways. The story was really kind of juvenile, and had definitely been done before. It sort of felt like I was watching a Jason Bourne-ish type of film, but with a female heroine. Rapace was great, but this movie was not up to her level. Her action sequences were everything, but the story was so weak, the A-list cast couldn't save it completely. This film had a running time under 2hrs, but still felt long and drawn out. The ending was shallow and predictable which definitely took away from what they built up to this point...meh.

This movie wasn't horrible, but I don't think it's worth any more than paying $5 for ~shrugs. The actions sequences were decent, but this film missed the mark in so many other areas. It just didn't feel like it was enough. Unfortunately I still walked out of the theater feeling a little empty and unsatisfied...C-

Movies in Review: "I Do...Until I Don't"

It's been a bit slow on the movie front the past couple of weeks. I won't be surprised if you've heard nothing about the 2 movies I am reviewing from this weekend because I heard nothing about them either. However in making my movie plans, I came across this film, as there were really no major released films dropping this weekend, or at least any that I wanted to see. After watching the trailer, I thought it looked ok, I loved the cast and I was in the mood for a comedy. I had very little expectations, except I did expect to laugh...unfortunately this wasn't the case.

Some films take a minute to get going as we are introduced to the story and characters, and I feel I gave this film it's time to develop. Unfortunately it didn't develop into much. I spent most of the movie waiting for it to get funny. Do you know how nerve racking it is to sit in a theater to watch a comedy and not laugh at all? That alone was a serious waste of my time. The movie was well cast but these actors couldn't bring any life to the stale writing. There were so many comedic opportunities that were missed in this film, and it was kind of annoying to watch. I was hoping things would get better but it also failed miserably in the end. Yes there were some things to take away when it comes to relationships, but nothing really exciting or anything that came across well. All of it was just kind of corny ~shrugs.

I was hoping to have something positive to say about this movie, but after thinking about the film for a few days, I realized I left the theater really unsatisfied with what I saw. This movie had talent and a story that never reached its potential...D