Movies in Review: "Jigsaw"

Has anyone been missing the Saw franchise? After 7 movies, was it really necessary to continue with this madness? I mean, I loved the 1st film, the 2nd...meh. I think I also loved the 3rd or 4th film, but seriously only about 3 out of 7 were great, the rest were just ok at best, and were definitely far reaching after a while. When you love a franchise you never want it to end. I was happy when Saw ended, and now wondering why continue it. I never watched a trailer for the film, only seeing the theatrical poster. I know John Kramer (Jigsaw) died in the final film, so how were they supposed to keep this story going? This was probably the only reason I stepped foot into the theater to see this film. That and I also figured if they were continuing the story, they might have some better torture methods than seen in the previous films. This would definitely make this new franchise worth seeing...right?

So the movie played out like it usually does, with the start of the game. As we follow the story and watch the players get tortured and killed 1 by 1, we never really find out the full story as to why they were chosen and how the game came about until the very end. This is a part of the film I actually like, when the story is pieced together at the end. However the movie failed in the torture category. There was really nothing exciting about the torture methods this time, nothing that made me cringe like in previous films. The game was just ho-hum, and started and ended that way. I don't see a reason to continue past this first film if there is nothing that really separates it from the earlier films. The fact that John Kramer is no longer around really dampers the story even more...eh.

I didn't hate the film, but it had nothing new to offer, just more unknown actors/actresses getting chopped up. I think it would help this movie if they stepped up to at least B-list actor/actresses...ijs. Also, if they don't step up their torture game I don't see this franchise lasting past the 2nd film...C

Movies in Review: "Suburbicon"

I was definitely on the fence about this movie because the trailer was off kilter, but I've found that most films directed by George Clooney are, and I've still enjoyed them. Not to mention the film starred Matt Damon, so I thought maybe the film would make more sense than the trailer did, and decided to take my chances with this film. However I was a little thrown off when I saw the rating rotten tomatoes gave it, but they have been wrong before.

This time Rotten Tomatoes rating got it right. This movie was a hot mess. To make it even worse, after watching the film, the trailer actually made more sense than the whole movie did. I did not understand what was going in on in this film, from a twin sister that steps in the place of her dead sister, to the odd racial subplot (which was powerful but didn't feel like it fit in this film), and the weird murders. Nothing about this film made sense. I was happy that the running time was normal because the slow plot and empty dialogue had me falling asleep at the beginning. The best part about the film was the kid and the relationship happening with his neighbor...ijs.

Do yourself a favor and don't get caught up with this movie. It is a waste of 2 productive hours, unless you're trying to take a nap, then this film is perfect...lol. Such a surprisingly huge disappointment...D-

Movies in Review: "The Foreigner"

Oh how I love me some Jackie Chan, and I have definitely missed seeing him on the big screen. He has definitely been working, however his last few films were voice features for more than a few animated films. I was starting to think that he was out of the martial arts action flicks, and understandably so. I mean come on...the man is 63 years old...lol. So imagine my surprise and excitement when the trailer for The Foreigner came across my screen. I couldn't wait for this film to be released. Jackie usually is more of the comedic style, but this more dramatic role had me more excited. My expectations were off the charts, and I had little doubt I would be disappointed.

I seriously loved almost everything about this movie. It was so kickass. Even at the age of 63, Jackie Chan looks like he is still in his prime. I enjoyed this dramatic role more than any of his comedic ones. He was definitely on point, and had a phenomenal supporting cast. I enjoyed the story and its pace. I wanted more character development on Chan's character, but you are given pieces of his characters background throughout the film to piece it somewhat together.

I thought the film's story had great build up. Each piece leading to the conclusion, which I enjoyed. The very end of the movie I thought needed a little work. It kind of rolled to credits on a flat note, but the conclusion of all the events in the film were very satisfactory. The action sequences were great, and without a doubt, very entertaining to watch.

Another great Jackie Chan movie for the books. You will be in awe at the way this man still moves at his age. You will be drawn into the story which will keep your interests to the very end. Not a perfect film, but still very much worth seeing...B

Movies in Review: "Marshall"

I remember when I first saw the theatrical poster for this film there was nothing that had me thinking it was about the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. The reason is because Chadwick Boseman was the person on person with the word "Marshall" underneath. I seriously thought it was a movie about cops?...maybe?...lol. I didn't know, and at the time, didn't care. I would go see anything Boseman was in, except that James Brown film he starred in, which I'm still wishing I could get my money back for...lol. It wasn't until I watched the trailer did I finally get the scoop on this biographical drama, that left me a little baffled at their choice for Boseman to play this role. I'm sure most of you are/were thinking the same thing. I seriously had a hard time getting my head wrapped around seeing this film based mostly on the fact that Boseman looked nothing like Marshall. Once I calmed down, I realized this was a silly reason not to see this film. So I shook it off and headed to the theater...

Anyone who still has a problem with Boseman not looking like Marshall you aren't doing yourself any favors by not seeing this film. I admit it was hard at times to visually see Thurgood Marshall, but Boseman's performance was so great at times it felt like all I could see was Marshall. Sometimes Boseman can be a little too dramatic and extra with some emotions, but I felt he was more spot on in this film. He's a great dramatic actor, I will definitely give that. I haven't seen emotion like he gives on the screen since Denzel Washington, and Nate Parker (yes I'm a huge fan of Parker's). The story focuses on the beginning of Thurgood Marshall's career, and one case in particular. Thurgood Marshall's work for people of color is powerful and riveting and I was more than happy to experience a small piece of his story, which was very well done in my opinion. Josh Gad was a great co-star as Counsel Sam Friedman. Gad is a great comedic actor, but can also switch it up. He and Boseman worked well together and made it a very entertaining film.

I forgot how much I enjoy a good courtroom drama until I saw this film. Watching the story play out had me locked to the screen as all the pieces were being put together, and obstacles were being hurdled, all the stuff that good courtroom dramas are made of. Yes there are a million actors who favor Thurgood Marshall more physically, but I don't think many could have matched Boseman's performance...B+

Movies in Review: "The Mountain Between Us"

If it wasn't for the 2 lead actors in this film, of which I am both fans of, I probably would have passed on this film. There were a number of actors who were considered and passed for these roles and I can't say any of the others, besides maybe Michael Fassbender, would have gotten into the theater to see this film more than Elba and Winslet. Not to say that I even thought these 2 looked like they matched well together in the trailer, because I didn't think they did, but the trailer was ok enough for me to give it a chance...

I must say that it was the performances of Winslet and Elba together that pulled me through this film. They seriously looked like an odd couple, but upon seeing this film, their chemistry was magnetic. I believe they worked well together even when things were falling apart around them. The story was hugely farfetched and I felt Winslet had too many near death experiences that Elba's character should have no way been able to revive her from. Also can we talk about that miracle dog :/. There is no way survival from that crash should have been possible for him...right?! Lol...but either way he was still a joy to have in the movie, so I let them get away with that.

This was a cute survival love story with scenarios that were too unbelievable at times, but with engaging performances from Winslet and Elba, there is still some joy to be had. I found myself thinking there was no way they could survive, and hoping they did kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the film. Not a blockbuster hit, but something decent to watch while cuddled up with someone special on wintery evening...lol...C

Movies in Review: "Blade Runner 2049"

Is it bad that I went to see this film without watching the first film? To be honest, I really tried to watch the first Blade Runner, but couldn't get into it and found myself dozing more than watching. Please don't kill me, because I know there are some big fans of the first film. Although the original didn't do anything to keep my attention I still had interest in seeing this second film...why? Ummmmmm...Ryan Gosling of course...duh. I was hoping I could jump right into this film like I did the last Star Wars movie without having to see the previous films and still be able to follow what was happening...lol. I wasn't pressed to see this movie, and with a running time of 3hrs, I seriously almost passed on it. However I thought I would be missing out on something, so I decided to go.

The best part about this film was definitely the cinematography. It was one of the best creative, visually appealing films I've seen this year. Kudos in that department. The story was ok and had a really nice pace, but nothing will have you get over the fact that it will feel like you spent have the day in the theater. I thought the time I spent in there didn't bother me as much and the film was still good enough to see, but all I kept thinking about was what I could have been spending my time on more important...perhaps sleep...lol. Gosling was great, and I don't feel I was lost because I didn't see the first film...ok maybe a little. However that was because I missed a little of the introduction, which kind of got everyone caught up to speed as to where this story began.

All in all not a bad film, just not great enough in my opinion to spend 3hrs in the theater watching. However I do feel the visual effects are definitely worth seeing on the big screen. So if you have the time, it still may be worth you seeing...B+

Movies in Review: "American Made"

I am probably one of the only Tom Cruise fans left, as it seems he doesn't really pack in the theaters the way that he use to anymore. However there probably isn't a film that he stars in that I wouldn't see. I enjoy his performances, especially in action movies. They trailer for American Made was nothing riveting, it looked like something Cruise was well suited for, and still something I'd enjoy watching. What surprised me was that critics were praising this film, unlike the reception of his other previous movies. So now I was definitely expecting to see something great!

This movie and Tome Cruise were good, not great, but good enough for me. There was nothing exceptional about Cruise's performance. His personality fit well with this story, but his performance was much like what we see in other films. He is always a delight to watch and seems to shine on-screen. He always seems to get out of every situation with a big wide grin, even when he's scared, he's smiling...lol. I enjoyed the story, although I've ready it's very loosely based on what actually happened. I think the movie felt a bit longer than I think it needed, but other than that, still very entertaining. There were some great flight scenes and we found Cruise's character in some very interesting situations.

All in all, not a bad film, if you are a fan of Cruise's work. The film was a bit too long for my tastes, but that would be about my only complaint. Cruise is Cruise in this film and as he is in other films, but it worked better I guess for this story. I just don't want you thinking Cruise's performance was out of the box based on what critics have been saying...B+