Movies in Review: "Inferno"

So I'm a little late as I have never seen The Davinci Code and Angels & Demons, which are all films based on best-selling books. By the way, I have also never read any of the books ~shrugs. So I went into this film with little to no background on the story, so forgive me if I don't meet your standards for this review for anyone who is a follower of this series. I think the only reason I even went to see this film was because it was the only major released movie this weekend. If it wasn't, I might have passed on seeing this installment as well, especially since it received less than positive reviews from critics. My expectations weren't high, but I wasn't expecting it to be as bad as critics charmed it to be. Ron Howard was in the director's chair, and Tom Hanks was in the lead, so how bad could it be?

Ok so I'm not sure what critics were fussing about because I kind of enjoyed it more than the 20% Rotten rating Rotten Tomatoes gave it. I thought the film got off to a great start because it wasted no time getting into action. I was a little confused at all the symbolic lingo, but not confused enough that I was unable to follow the story. I liked how the story was a mystery at the beginning and was slowly pieced together by the end. It made the film more interesting to me because it was unpredictable and I didn't see the twist coming. Made the film very exciting for me, and came together well in the end. The film did a great job of building the story up and by the end my stomach was in knots and I was on the edge of my seat anticipating the events. This is what I enjoyed the most. I did think there were too many pieces/people in the story that cluttered the plot caused more confusion than was necessary. However none of that ruined the story.

I don't know how the movie compares with the book, nor do I care. I walked into this movie open-minded, and walked out satisfied. The film had great mystery, thrills, and surprises that held my full attention, what more could you ask for...B

Movies in Review: "Moonlight"

Finally...the critically acclaimed film Moonlight, written and directed by a fairly newcomer Barry Jenkins. This film had me intrigued from the release of its first trailer. You ever see a trailer for a movie that feels like poetry? Like everything is in sync and flows. This is what this trailer did for me. I loved that the trailer gave you just a taste of the story, but nothing that gave it all away. I also fell for the theatrical poster, which I would hang on my wall as art...it is a simple and beautiful piece of work. I knew I had to see this film in theaters. Everyone had the same idea this weekend. As a limited release, this film was only showing in 2 theaters and was sold out...Yaaaassssss! Once I saw this I purchased my ticket for a 10am show the next morning.

This movie was well worth me waking up at the crack of dawn and commuting just so I could make my showtime. This movie was everything. It was a work of art that is hard to put in words, but definitely something that needs to be experienced. I loved the way this movie was filmed, it was like poetry in motion. The cinematography heightened the story. It's crazy because the movie wasn't filled with a great deal of verbal dialogue, but delicate moments of body expressions. The musical score was also a masterpiece and injected life into every scene. I was very pleased with all performances, especially newcomer Trevante Rhodes, who plays the adult of the boy's story the story surrounds. The emotion that goes into a role like this and the remarkable way he pulled it off...wow. This young man is definitely one to watch.

It warms my soul to see movies like these, with original stories and great direction, acting, and cinematography, living up to all the hype placed behind it. This movie will hit an emotional cord that will have you thinking about this movie even after leaving the theater...A Must See...A+

Movies in Review: "Jack Reacher: Never Go Back"

I am always rooting for Tom Cruise (secretly...lol). I have always enjoyed him in action thrillers, and other roles as well, but action thrillers are my favorite genre for him. Age aside, this man can still get on the screen and kick butt. So I was looking forward to this sequel of Jack Reacher. I didn't have heavy anticipation, but I knew I would be seeing it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the first one, and felt like this was the start of another decent franchise for Cruise.

Ok so the movie started out real cliché and corny in my opinion. The sequences that were happening in the beginning did nothing for the story and was leaving me bored. The action sequences for this movie, of course were great, but did nothing for the story that took away much of the film's life. There was nothing really out of the box for this movie, and it felt like it was following a very dull action-thriller handbook. I was left feeling less than impressed, so much so, I found myself falling asleep a few times. I could not wait until this movie ended, unfortunately it seemed to go on forever...smh.

All in all, I think the story lacked a little focus and was weak in so many areas and was a little cliché. The action was cool, but isn't enough to give this movie the boosts it needed. This sequel did nothing to outshine or even compare to the first one. I think I would be ok with them giving it another try with Jack Reacher 3, but I'm also ok with Reacher retiring...C+

Movies in Review: "Queen of Katwe"

Although I am behind on some of my reviews, I knew I had to make sure I watched this one. You ever watch a trailer and it gives you chills or causes and emotion? This happened to me every time I watched the trailer for this film. Not to mention Lupita Nyonga was starring in it, alongside David Oyelowo, two actors whose work I greatly appreciate and respect. I walked into the theater knowing that all of my expectations would be met, and that I would walk out of the theater smiling, but it far exceeded that.

This movie was like a breath of fresh air, and exactly what I needed. Everything about this movie was great. I loved where, and how the movie was filmed. All scenes had beautiful colors, and although the main character in story lived in the slums, it never felt like the slums. Lupita is getting well deserved praise because she was absolutely remarkable as Phiona's mother Nakku. She was a great representation of every mother who has their child's best interest at heart. I adored her in this role. There is no role that David Oyelowo doesn't kill, and this role is no different...he was perfect. However the best part about the movie were the kids cast in the film. They were amazing, fun and entertaining to watch. That finger popping thing they had going made me smile from ear to ear with each snap of their fingers. This is definitely one of the most inspiring films I have seen in a while. I had no idea the emotions it would bring out of me. I laughed, I cried (I mean seriously shed tears)...it was crazy...lol.

I am so happy someone decided to bring this young girl's story to the big screen. We need to see more stories like this. I left the theater on an emotional high and feeling inspired. Parents with daughters should definitely take their girls to see this...boys are welcomed too...lol. This is one movie that is a MUST SEE for all...A+

Movies in Review: "The Girl on the Train"

It kind of depresses me to think that we are losing our creativity with the constant remakes, and film reboots. How many books do we need adapted into film?...yawn. I really shouldn't be complaining, since I haven't read most of the books that are no movies...but still. Creativity is stepping out the door for films, and I'm just left here feeling empty. Well that's what most of the films I've seen in the past few years have me feeling, and this is another to add to the list. I wasn't impressed with the trailer for this film, but Emily Blunt was in it, and there was nothing else released this weekend, so I took my chances. Some books just don't need to be adapted into film...this would be one of them...

I swear sitting through this movie was like watching paint dry. It moved so freaking slow. So slow that it was hard to connect, or even care about the characters. I enjoyed Emily Blunt who gave great emotional performance, but the story did nothing to back her performance. The movie felt as if I was reading the book, except I couldn't skip pages to get myself quickly to the end...yes it was like that...I just wanted it to be over. Movie is being marketed with this "thrilling twist" in the plot, but when it got to that part I was less than thrilled, surprised, or satisfied. I was like "I sat through all of that for this?"...womp womp. The film does a decent job at building the story, but it took way too long for it to climax. The story wasn't really good enough for me to care...

I curse these book adaptions. Not every book needs to be seen on the big screen. It makes more sense to leave some on pages. If the book reads anything like this movie, I could see myself struggling to get through half of it, but eventually giving up out of boredom and tossing it to the side never to be read again...ijs...C-

Movies in Review: "The Birth of a Nation"

You could cut the tension, buzz and anticipation on the release of this movie with a knife. The film that is written, produced, stars, and is also the directorial debut for Nate Parker. As a fan of Parker's work I was definitely looking forward to what he would do with a film based on the story of Nat Turner, a slave who rebelled against slave owners. As I write this review, I feel my blood boiling, but I will do my best to remain focused on this movie...

I must say, not a bad debut Mr. Parker, not bad at all. This movie had its flaws, but when it comes to the story of Nat, I enjoyed it. The movie started out a bit weak. It was a little all over the place and I wasn't the biggest fan of some of the performances, especially by the kid who played young Nat. The movie got better for me when Nate Parker (who is an exceptional actor) arrived on the scene. Parker always exudes the best emotions in any character he plays. That is a remarkable thing to do. I definitely enjoyed him in the role of Nat. However, the film lacked the power I was expecting from the trailer. It was kind of lukewarm throughout the film with jolts of fire. Definitely not like what 12 Years a Slave had you feeling, just in case some of you are looking for that. Besides Parker, many of the other performances were nothing to really praise. Armie Hammer was ok...but he's always just ok. Gabriel Union is in the cast, but I seriously don't recall her having a speaking role...so weird. Aja, who played Cherry, wasn't bad, and I look forward to her in more roles. I also had a major problem with the makeup. Why did they have Aja Naomi King looking like that in her first scene? Was that wig you had on her necessary, was the black face supposed to be dirty? And don't get me started on the ash around some of the slaves’ mouth. The poor make-up job took away from the movie more than it needed too.

The movie seriously focuses on Nat and religion, which I didn't have a problem with. As we all know religion was used to keep slaves/people in line. As with Nat's story, it is the motivating force (among others) for his actions, I believe Parker's directing could use a little work, but not bad for a debut. I felt the story was a bit rushed in some parts. Like I wish there was more time spent on the organizing of the slaves for the rebellion. That should have been a bigger part of the story.

In response to all the controversy over the rape charges he was acquitted of in 1999 and the plot of rape inaccurately portrayed in film, I will say this...Nate Parker has had a 12yr career and has been in at least 20 films since he was acquitted and I never heard a peep about these charges until 2016. With word of Oscar nominations for this film dredging up dirt on him seems convenient. I can't be the judge and jury on the charges that were brought against him because he was already trialed for those in 1999. I will however like to point the finger at the media for pretending to care about the alleged victim by bringing up this case just to push your own agenda...shame on you. His first movie role was in 2005, and there was no press for the alleged victim and her case? There is so much focus on a man who was acquitted of charges 17yrs ago, and hardly any press given to Brock Turner and his sexual assault victim. Why is that? As far as the rape that was added in the plot is it really historically inaccurate. It is historically known that slave women were repeatedly raped by their slave owners, and that part of the story is portrayed in every slave film. Unless you can say the rape of black slaves never happened, please do me the favor and have several seats...I'm just going to leave that right there. 

All in all I enjoyed Parker's powerful performance. Parker's directing could use some work as the story sometimes lost its way. I enjoyed the strong focus on Nat, but felt there were some compelling parts of his story and the rebellion that were left out. I applaud Parker for bringing Nat Turner's story (one that needs to be told) to the big screen...B+

Movies in Review: "Deepwater Horizon"

As much as I enjoy any movie Mark Wahlberg is in, I honestly wasn't that hype about this movie. That's not to say I had no plans of seeing it, but if I missed it, I don't think I would have been trying to catch it on another weekend. I honestly think it was Kate Hudson who turned off the appeal of this movie for me. I don't have the most confidence in Hudson's acting abilities, and anything I've seen her in has only been "ok" at best. She has a way of bringing down the value of a film in my opinion, and her presence in the trailer brought down my desire to see it. If it wasn't for the exceptional buzz around this movie, I think I honestly would have let it pass...ijs.

Kate Hudson still brought down the value of this film for me, but her scenes were so few, the value wasn't brought down enough to really count. This movie was way better than I expected. I enjoyed the way it was filmed, with some scenes being filmed in continuous motion. There was good movement throughout, never a dull moment. The cast was great and worked well together. I loved John Malkovich and that southern accent he was giving me. Malkovich can do no wrong in my eyes, always an exceptional actor. Wahlberg was receiving exceptional praises for this role, which were well deserved. But it fell in line with most of his other performances in my opinion. My favorite part about this movie was the build-up, climax, and ending...so I guess you can say, the whole movie. The action scenes were phenomenal, and had my heart racing. I was jumping in my seat, and to think this was a true story...Wow!

This film didn't have the best trailer, and if you saw Kate Hudson you probably lost as much interest as I did. Please don't let what the trailer was lacking deter you, because this is a good movie. The best movie I watched this weekend, and have seen in a while...A+