Movies in Review: "Avengers: Infinity War"

So, the most anticipated film of 2018 has finally arrived. Coming off the success of Black Panther, MCU fans were ready to keep this momentum going, and it showed at the box offices...but are we surprised??? I know I was excited, but also a little worried. Do you see how many of the MCU characters this movie had in it!? was I the only one concerned this movie wasn't going to play out as well because of the amount of characters? My concern for this brought my expectations for this film just slightly. I wasn't even concerned the movie had a 3hr running time, that should be expected with an ensemble like this right? I'm not going to lie, I was here for Black Panther, Hulk and Thor, everyone else was just extra...lol.

Ummmmmmmm....Let's start from the beginning and let me tell you I was not ready. Josh Brolin as Thanos put fear into my soul. Did you see that opening scene!? Are you kidding me!? The power Thanos and his goons possessed was enough to make me want to retreat. All I have to say is...The Hulk...smh. I thought the amount of characters was going to be a mess, but it actually worked well. Everyone had a decent amount of screen time, but The Guardians of the Galaxy received the most, along with Iron Man. Anyone wanting to get their Black Panther fix, don't let that trailer fool you. Although Wakanda was the backdrop for the major battle scene, the Black Panther characters were more of an afterthought. T'Challa had a few lines, but Black Panther was about the only hero without any upgrade to his powers...eh. There was just a bunch of kicking and scratching like in the first Avenger film he premiered in...eh. However, there were other character upgrades that had my jaw on the floor. The new Spiderman was my favorite...right!? He was so dope, cute, and funny. I kinda like this kid. Iron man had an exciting upgrade that blew my mind. I was also loving Dr. Strange, especially towards the end, and I've never seen Scarlet Witch more powerful than in this film. She was definitely badass, where I usually found her a little corny. The film still had all the humor we love about MCU films, I found myself laughing out loud on more than a few occasions.

Please be warned that Thanos is going to ruin your whole life. When I tell you I was not ready, I was not ready. I was expecting a rally, but what I got was quite unbelievable. You could tell the audience was feeling the same way because when the credits rolled, people who wanted to clap were too busy being pissed by what happened at the end. Never has a Marvel film wrecked my whole life the way this movie did. Now I have to wait until 2019!? Ugh!? Marvel is a genius...and you should do yourself a favor and see this film and hold on for the 2019 release...A-

Movies in Review: "Disobedience"

As with most movie goers this weekend, the only film really on my radar was the newest installment from the Avengers. However, I already know most have plans to see it, with or without my review, and thought I should definitely add another flick to my roster for review. That's when I can across the trailer for Disobedience, a film based off a book of the same name. I love films based from books, I love Rachel McAdams and Rachel Weisz, and the trailer was more than intriguing to get me into the theater to see this film. I'm sure many of you have not heard of it. Here is link for the trailer.

I very much enjoyed the way this movie was filmed. There were shots in the film, with no dialogue, that still told a story. Those were some of the best scenes for me. The dialogue in the opening scene was very thought provoking and a theme that ran throughout the film. The 3 main characters, Weisz, McAdams, and actor Alessandro Nivola gave exceptional performances in this love triangle. Nivola was my favorite. My favorite scene was at the dinner table where Weisz shined for me. From the trailer you can see that the movie is centered around a forbidden lesbian relationship. Not that I believe anyone would take a child to see this film, but there is an uber erotic lesbian scene in the film...fyi.

It is unfortunate many of you may not have the chance to see this film as it only has a very limited release. If you do find it in your area, I recommend seeing it. If you are unable to see the film, then read the book. After seeing this movie, myself, I'm more than eager to read the book...A

Movies in Review: "I Feel Pretty"

I love Amy Schumer's comedy style and have an appreciation for her work. She won me over in the film Trainwreck, which she also wrote, however I was hugely disappointed with the film Snatched. I am trying not to hold Snatched against her and still believe in her talent to entertain and make me laugh. I loved the trailer for I Feel Pretty. Stories like these always seem to resonate with me...girl problems ~shrugs. With this weekend's weak movie releases, this was the film I was most looking forward to seeing. These days I can use a good laugh, and I depended on this film to deliver...and it did.

This is definitely a film for the ladies. This movie's premise deals with a situation I think we have all felt. I definitely could see myself in Schumer's character during the first few scenes of the film. My heart didn't just break for her, but I also saw myself. I think we could all relate in one way or another to Schumer's character. One of my favorite characters in the movie was definitely the front desk employee at Soul Cycle. She was EVERYTHING. Her expressions and reactions couldn't have been more perfect for her scenes. I also loved Schumer's boyfriend and their chemistry. I think Michelle Williams voice was supposed to be funny, but ummmmmmmmm...no. Seeing Schumer's character go through her own self outlook was an emotional ride for me, and I loved it.

I feel like I walked out of the theater with a different outlook about my own personal image that made me smile. I could have used a few more laughs and there were some parts of the story line that could have been stronger, but I still think this movie is a winner for all women. It's entertaining, felt real, and I enjoyed it...B

Movies in Review: "Super Troopers 2"

I admit sometimes I get my movie choices wrong. This weekend wasn't an exceptional weekend for new releases with I Feel Pretty (the movie I wanted to see the most), Traffik and Super Troopers 2. I knew I was going to see I Feel Pretty and although I could have ended my weekend seeing just this one film seeing another was no additional charge for me, so why not. With Traffik and Super Troopers to choose from, I already from seeing the trailer once Traffik was a no. Even the trailer was horrible. Super Troopers won because when I watched the trailer I laughed and was a little entertained, which was more than what I could say about the Traffik trailer. I don't think I really cared about the movie that much to really form any expectations. I honestly watched it just to fill time ~shrugs.

I know I said I wasn't expecting much, but I left the theater with less than that. I think I should have known better when I walked into the theater and was the only female in there at the time. When I walked in, it felt as if everyone thought I was in the wrong place. As if I interrupted their boys club ~shrug. I admit, I felt a little uncomfortable, but sat down anyway. However, by the end of the film I wished I would have went with my gut and exited the theater. Men like dumb shit. This movie was so lame. Although the cast were grown men, film felt like something only a teenager high on pot would enjoy, but I was in the theater with a bunch of grown ass men who were laughing their asses off...smh. I wanted to find this movie funny, but the comedic antics were too forced. I enjoyed the parts I watched in the trailer, but that's as far as my enjoyment went. I quickly found myself bored and dosing off only to be woken by the hearty laughter of the other male patrons...ugh.

This movie wasn't for me, or any other female in my opinion. I think maybe young girls might like it, but the movie is rated R so...~shrug. I think if you have any taste you would be ok with letting this film pass you by. If you are on drugs you might find this movie a little more entertaining. Either way, I still don't suggest paying for this movie in the theater. If this film is your preference, I recommend enjoying it from the comfort of your home...D-

Movies in Review: "Rampage"

I seriously had no desire to see this film. There was nothing that made me feel like any parts of this movie would be good. The only thing that got me into the theater was the chance to see Dwayne Johnson flex those muscles attached to that beautiful body. I'm likely to pay money to see this any day no matter how bad I think the movie is...ijs. Needless to say, my expectations for this film were pretty low, but I was only here to see The Rock flash those pearly whites and make me drool over bulging biceps. I went to a matinee anyway, so the cost of my movie ticket was definitely worth that...lol.

As I expected, the movie was a little corny and that story lack luster. However, it still packed enough excitement to keep me entertained. Those mutated animals were bananas! I found myself jumping with fear on more than one occasion. I loved the albino gorilla Gorge, and the chemistry between him and Johnson. That was the most entertaining part in the movie. I thought Naomie Harris was too talented for this role. It felt like a role she might take early on in her career and it would still feel like she was too talented for it ~shrugs. I was happy that the film had a short running time because the stunts kept getting more outrageous to be believable and the horrible acting from Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy were enough to make my skin crawl.

I didn't hate this movie. I guess that it helped to have low expectations. I kind of walked out of the theater enjoying it more than I thought I would. It helped that the final scene made for a pretty great ending. This film may lack in some areas, but thrills and excitement is not one of them...C+

Movies in Review: "Beirut"

I'm sure I'm not the only person who saw or heard little about this film. I only came across it when researching what movies, I planned to see this weekend. There wasn't much of a selection for new releases, but I knew I had no intentions of seeing that PG-13 "horror" flick. Horror flicks should not be contained to PG-13. Such a waste of time in my opinion. But anyway, since the horror flick was out I came across the trailer for Beirut and decided to give it a go. I'm a fan of espionage thrillers as well as Jon Hamm and Rosamund Pike. The trailer looked decent enough, so I walked into the theater confident my movie selections would meet my expectations ~shrugs.

This film wasn't bad, by any means. As expected the film shined with exceptional performances from both Hamm and Pike. However, I think my attraction for these war espionage films dies every time I watch films like these. The same theme seems to run throughout, with Americans being the savior and saving other people and countries from themselves. From the opening scene you could feel the weight of this ideal and it was expressed throughout the film. There was definitely more going on, but this ideal had me sucking my teeth for most of the film. I'm sorry but as decent as this film probably was I was annoyed by the "white savior" theme. As Americans we would find ourselves sitting in the theater eating this propaganda up, as we make ourselves out to be the heroes...eh.

This movie was cool, with great performances, but the story and theme were nothing exceptional. I think I will you and myself a favor and steer clear of films like these. I left the theater sucking my teeth and rolling my eyes for the most part...sorry...B-

Movies in Review: "A Quiet Place"

We all know I'm not the biggest fan of horror films, mostly because they are usually just cream flicks with very little acting or talent involved...ijs. However, upon seeing the trailer for A Quiet Place I was more than interested, but also a little worried and skeptical. From what I could see in the trailer, the film involved no talking...hmmmmmmmmm. Sooooooooo...I'm just going to find entertainment in an hour and a half of facial expressions??? Again, I was skeptical, but the movie starred 2 of my favorites, Emily Blunt and John Krasinski (who also directed the film). I also had to see how the scene played out with Emily Blunt's character was hiding in the tub...lol...

This movie was EVERYTHING! Omg...you should have seen me in the theater, gripping my chair, seated at the edge of my seat crunching on popcorn with my eyes wide open in anticipation for what was about to happen next. Here is how the film drew me in. That opening scene when we get introduced to the aliens...OMG...you are going to piss yourself...holy cow. Here's why you won't notice there isn't much talking, they did a great job of having the music tell the story when there isn't much talking. Not to mention the scenes that involved the aliens is enough to raise every hair on your body. The sounds that these things make will have you on edge for weeks. The sound is piercing and the creepiest sound you will ever hear...lol. I am so serious. I screamed (lightly) in the theater at least 3 times...smh. Oh, and that Emily Blunt tub scene...Omg...I don't need my blood pressure rising like that.

The emotions that went through my body watching this film is crazy. I just watched a horrific masterpiece. Although not perfect, but damn near close to it. I applaud this film and Krasinski for this directorial debut. Well done...A+!

Movies in Review: "Blockers"

Blockers is the one movie I was definitely looking forward to seeing this weekend. I love a good comedy and there was nothing in my mind that had me thinking this film wouldn't be able to deliver a barrel of laughs. I mean come on, with a comedic cast that includes Leslie Mann, John Cena (who can deliver a laugh), and Ike Barinholtz, I was expecting to be pissing my pants. Needless to say, my expectations were set high, but there was no reason this film shouldn't be able to deliver.

I admit that I did have a few laugh out loud moments, but the writing was killed moments that should have been great. There were a few moments that felt really empty in some scenes, and it felt like the humor was put in a box and I was waiting for it to be let loose. However, there was still some great laughable moments. I enjoyed the story line between the teenagers, making regular teenage decisions, and doing stupid teenage stuff ~shrugs. For anyone who is thinking you may want to bring your older children to see this film, please keep in mind it has an R rating. There is a reason for the rating...fyi.

I enjoyed Blockers, although it did feel like not only was sex being blocked, but also some of the real humor. I was waiting for the comedy to let loose, but it seriously felt like it was blocked (pun intended). I did laugh, but I think I should have laughed more. I left the theater smiling at the more humorous scenes, but still left the theater a little unfulfilled. ~shrugs...B-

Movies in Review: "Isle of Dogs"

This movie wasn't particularly on my radar because I'm not the biggest fan of stop-motion animation. Also, when I watched the trailer, my skin kind of crawled. Crawled in like a "Omg, that looks boring" kind of way.  I guess now you are wondering how I found myself in the theater and now writing this review. To my surprise, my kid wanted to see it and was all types of excited when he saw the trailer for it...smh. Ugh! I was not looking forward to seeing this film and was expecting to find myself napping on my kid's shoulder. I was grateful that the running time was reasonable and crossed my fingers for the best.

I have to admit that my interest about seeing the film only peaked when we headed out and I found the theaters that were playing it were mostly sold out. The theater we were able to get tickets to see it was also sold out. Had me now thinking my original thoughts about this film had to be all wrong...and they were. This movie was a pleasant surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I was a little worried for my kid at first because there were subtitles as the characters spoke in their native language, but thankfully the film is also narrated in English. I loved this movie, but keep in mind it is rated PG-13. I was a little worried my kid wasn't enjoying it as much as I did because the story and humor was over his head, but the stop-action animated characters were enough to keep him enthralled to the end. This is an uber creative and animated film. Very well done. I enjoyed the story and the delivery of the humor.

This film was definitely a pleasure to watch. Creativity at its best. I am all smiles about this film. One of my favorite animated films of the year so far. If you are looking for something different and entertaining, this is your movie...A+

Movies in Review: "Acrimony"

I don't usually mind Tyler Perry's films. Perry usually has a set of fans who hate him or love him, I guess I fall in the group of love. Besides his "Madea" films, I usually enjoy Perry's movies. They usually have a way of feeling a little low budget, but I enjoy the stories. Acrimony had more going for it because of the star power of Taraji P. Henson. I was definitely going to see it because of Henson. I enjoyed the trailer and had to see how this story played out. This was the movie I was looking forward to seeing the most this weekend. I usually get the jump on films compared to my friends, but this was a movie that watched before I had the chance to view it Sunday. All raving about what they saw. I was looking to be thrilled...and I was.

Holy Smokes! The emotion in this movie is on another level. I seriously felt like I was living Taraji's crazy while watching the film. It was easy to get wrapped up in her character. She was on another level with this one. I can say, without Henson, this movie wouldn't have been nearly as decent as it was. It still had that same low budget film feel, and those C-list sub-characters. The storyline, of course, wasn't perfect with plot holes that you come to terms to give a pass on when it comes to Perry films. I love how they always use that same young actress to play the younger version on Taraji in anything that she does...lol. She is a pretty decent actress, and I look forward to seeing more from her.

The movie had great build-up, with Henson narrating from her therapist session. The way her story played out from her point of view was a thrill in itself. I was an emotional wreck when I left the theater. Unfortunately, with all the great build-up, the film fails almost miserably in the end. That ending was too much and overly dramatic. I wish they would have taken the time to tighten that ending up because it kind of ruined the movie a little for me ~shrugs.

Please believe that Taraji did her thing, and definitely makes this movie worth seeing. I know this seems like a film only for females, but I know a few men that said they also enjoyed it. This movie isn't all that bad...C+ (I probably would have given it a B- if it wasn't for that ending ~shrugs)

Movies in Review: "Ready Player One"

I don't think I was as hype about this movie as much as the marketing efforts behind this film tried to make me. I viewed the trailer several times when going to see other films, and there wasn't a shortage of commercials for this film, but for some reason I wasn't moved. Yes, I was going to see it, but I can't say I would have shed a tear if I missed it ~shrugs. I had little expectations, but noticed critics favored it. However, I was more concerned with a 2hr running time for a film I could take or leave...Ugh. It had better be worth it!

Sooooooooo...I liked it...for the most part. However, I can't say I was anymore hype about it going in than when I left the theater. The move was cool. A great deal of 80's/90's references, which I suppose were supposed to be nostalgic, but I felt were overwhelming. There were so many characters and references it felt like too much to take in. I was seriously exhausted by the time this movie ended. The film was visually appealing but there is a limit to the amount of visual effects that should be jammed into 1 film. The movie felt like it focused more on all the elements around it than the character stories, but on the other hand, there were way too many characters to develop. This was one of my biggest complaints about the film. The movie keeps a great pace, but dragged a bit in the end. There are some great laughs to be had, especially during The Shining referenced scenes, one of my favorite parts of the film.

This movie definitely had a lot going on, so I can't say you will be bored. However, I would have preferred more focus on the characters, than all the visual elements around them. This is a good family film, I think older kids will definitely enjoy it...B+