Movies in Review: "Creed II"

The Rocky franchise was renewed when the 2015 film Creed landed in theaters. We were all hype walking out of this film and on board with the new direction the franchise was taking. I know I wasn't the only one who got chills when watching trailers for this sequel. I know I was hype. I admit, I enjoyed Creed, and liked the way the story continued, but I didn't rave about the film as much as others. However, Creed II had me on another level. The trailer for this sequel had chills running up my spine, of course, much of that could have been due to the music accompanying the trailer. I was all the way hype, not to mention the storyline...Yaaaassssssss. I was prepared to see a boxing match this Holiday weekend, and I was all the way ready.

I very much enjoyed this movie. However, I thought that the storyline of Drago and Creed would be the best part, but it was the love story of Bianca and Creed that drew me in. Their love story wasn't the focal point of the film (just in case you men are worried), but to me, it was the most powerful part of the film. There was some real love felt in those scenes with them, I'm always here for that.

Besides the love story, the film had the heart and power we felt in the first film, if not more. I wish the Drago character had more dialogue, and they made him more personable. He just felt like an animal in the film. That would probably have been the only thing I would have changed. Jordan however was giving me life! Can I get and AMEN for that body! Apologies male readers of my blog, but I'm about to spaz out for a second. I am still applauding that work Michael B. Jordan put in on the body. Believe me when I tell you, Jordan alone is enough to get you into the theater to see this film. Half the movie was filmed with his shirt off, sit on that for a min...Girl!

I have so many good things to say about this movie. It wasn't perfect, but it had all the right things in it to make it good enough to recommend you see it...A-

Movies in Review: "Ralph Breaks the Internet"

I loved the original film Wreck-it-Ralph, so I was more than excited when I first watched the trailer for this sequel. The trailer looked amazing and seemed to have a nice spin from its original. Almost everything is about the internet now, so I thought this was a good direction to take the movie. The trailer looked like it had all the original characters returning, with some interesting new additions. Besides Creed II, this was the other film I was definitely looking forward to seeing over this holiday weekend. Sequels usually don't add up to its predecessor, but I had high hopes for this one.

This movie was way more than I expected it to be. They really stepped it up on this sequel. The original really felt focused on the kid audience with a story fitting for the younger audience, but this sequel is way more tech, and savvy. The story had more depth and will keep an older audience interests on the screen. It is still a movie that the kids will love. The animation, and CGI is amazing, and the characters will give you life. I loved the scene with all the Disney Princesses, they looked stunning, were funny, and I loved how they made them into relatable characters. My favorite character was Yesss, voiced by Taraji P. Henson. Yesss had the best hair and clothes in the movie. Her look was so fly, and changed in almost every scene she was in. There were definitely a few hairstyles and outfits I wanted for myself...lol. She is everything.

Ralph Breaks the Internet really packs a punch and is fun and exciting throughout. The story has depth, characters are on point, and the visuals are amazing. If you are interested in seeing this film, I would recommend you definitely check out the Wreck-it-Ralph first. This sequel is well worth seeing and adding to the collection...A+

Movies in Review: "Robin Hood"

I'm not the biggest fan of the same tales being told over and over again, and I think Robin Hood has definitely had its run and should be put to rest. So needless to say, I was less than thrilled when I watched the newest trailer for this story. The trailer was ok, but I think I was most intrigued by Taron Egerton, who I happen to have a massive crush on. He is an extra cutie. He was actually the only reason I even went to see this film as I am not the biggest fan of Jamie Foxx's acting skill. Outside of Ray, he has pretty much been obtuse on the big screen ~shrugs. This movie is 2hrs long, which I thought was a lot of time for a movie I didn't really care to see, however the action scenes in the trailer looked decent and there was also 2hrs gazing at Egerton, so I decided to go.

Although I wasn't expecting much from this movie, I received even less than that from my time. Egerton was the only take away from this movie, the rest of the film was mostly a bust. I disliked Foxx in this role, as I thought I would. I could not take him seriously as an Arab fighter. It is hard to take his performances seriously because it always feels like he's acting out a comedy skit in his roles. I seriously recommend he gets a new acting coach ASAP. The action sequences were mediocre at best, mostly filled with explosions and weak choreographed fight scenes. Nothing that was really exciting or stood out. The story was dull too. I was expecting more as there had a nice build-up, but never really climaxed...eh.

This movie is just ok. I wouldn't recommend spending 2 hours of your time or your money to catch it in the theater. Waiting until it is released on cable television is a much wiser and better bet. There are far too many movies better than this out there...D+

Movies in Review: "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald"

I may be the only one to admit this, but I was not the biggest fan of the first Fantastic Beasts film...sue me. It's not that I hated it, but while everyone else was raving about it, I just thought it was ok ~shrugs. However, there was definitely something different about this film when I watched the trailer. The adventures seemed more riveting and the beasts more interesting. Not to mention the addition of new characters. I was happy to see Jude Law (who I love) cast, as well as Johnny Depp, who hasn't released a decent movie in a while. I wasn't a fanatic about with the first film, but I was more than intrigued with this second installment, and admit I was looking forward to seeing it.

I definitely enjoyed this movie far better than the first. This installment seemed to move at a quicker pace, which worked well for my attention span...lol. The wizardry was on another level in this movie as well, and I loved it. The film has a powerful opening that sets this film off to a great start and the greatness continued throughout the film. There a number of subplots in the film that all come together well for the main plot. Unlike the last film, this movie was less focused on the beasts, and more focused on the wizardry and people. There were some beautiful beasts to be seen though, but this film had a better balance of both. This movie has a fairly long running time, but nothing that isn't to be expected from a film like this and nothing that you will notice. As a matter of fact, by the time it ended I was wanting more...smh. The cinematography in this film is remarkable as well as all cast performances, especially Depp. I am very interested in what the next film will bring.

If you are a fan of Fantastic Beasts, be prepared to get more than your monies worth from this one. It has great stories, characters, and is visually exciting. Expect to be entertained from start to finish...A+

Movies in Review: "Widows"

I think we have all been anticipating this newest film directed by award winning director Steve McQueen and written by him and the acclaimed writer Gillian Flynn. Not to mention the stellar cast the film is packed with. The trailer drew me in from my first view of it. I was very intrigued by this female led heist film. I love a female led movie #GirlPower. As much as I was looking forward to this film, Liam Neeson in the cast did cause me to have a little worry. Neeson hasn't had a great performance since Taken...ijs. However, I still remained excited on the strength of the other powerful cast members, which would include everyone but Neeson...lol. I admit I was looking forward to seeing this movie the most and was confident I would walk out of the theater pleased.

I can't say that my expectations were really met. I would have expected more with Flynn and McQueen having theirs hands on the screenplay and directing chair, but this film didn't even come close to a piece of work you would expect from them. Not to say the film was bad for and average writer or director, but the film wasn't great for them ~shrugs. The cast was cool, but the story was a little weak, especially the silly plot twist. It wasn't that the twist was bad, it just wasn't written well. The heist also wasn't written well either. There were far too many other plot stories that kept interfering with what should have been the meat and potatoes of the story, the women and the heist. As much as I loved Daniel Kaluuya performance, I felt his storyline took away from the women, who the film should have had move focus on, but instead the film was still focused on the men. Viola had a great performance, but it felt wasted in this movie. I also enjoyed Farrell's performance, but again, wasted.

I wanted to love this movie, but the story had way too many plot holes, and was far weaker than what I expected. The heist part of the film seemed short and rushed, and nearly impossible for them even to pull off. I was expecting this movie to be powerful, but it fell flat, especially at the end...B- (This film is teetering on a C, but there were some decent performances)

Movies in Review: "Green Book"

I love me some Mahershala Ali, so when I first watched the trailer for this film I knew I was going to see it. I know you had to have found that trailer entertaining enough to even put on your radar. It had a limited release this weekend and I had to take advantage of my theater being a part of the early showing. I had never heard of the jazz pianist and composer Don Shirley before seeing the trailer, but I was very interested in seeing his story of his tour experience in the deep south being played out on the big screen. My expectations were high for this film, as I smiled and laughed each time I watched the trailer, and I had to have seen the trailer more that 20 times...lol.

I knew Mahershala Ali would deliver, and he did exceptionally. However, I was quite surprised at the performance of Viggo Mortensen and the chemistry he and Ali had on-screen. The story was ok, but the performances of these two actors alone is enough to drive you to the theaters. These actors complimented each other so well. I enjoyed seeing Don Shirley's touring being played out, although there was definitely one part of his story that didn't really seem to be necessary. This movie is a little over 2hrs long, and this part of the story could have been edited out, as it really didn't seem to be real significant outside of everything else...ijs.

This movie had me smiling and laughing so hard. I experienced less anger than I expected to feel from a film like this, but instead more moments that warmed my heart. I loved this movie. For me it ranks up there with films like The Color Purple, and Love Jones, films I can watch over and over again...A

Movies in Review: "A Private War"

This movie was an unexpected surprise for me. I had really no intentions of seeing it, as I had never seen the trailer, only posters for the film pasted on the side of the bus. I think I also saw a commercial for it, where it was said critics were raving about it. Although it did star Rosamund Pike, whose work I appreciate, there were far too many other films that were released this weekend that I wanted to see more. However, with some confusion on my own part about the end time of one film and the start time to roll into my next film, there was about a 30min lapse, and I wasn't about to go into a movie missing the first 30min. However, as I was making my way to the door I walked past the theater where this film was just starting, and I decided to slide right in. Although I had little interest in seeing this film, I had far less interest in just seeing one movie for these ticket prices. A 2 for 1 deal or more is always better...ijs. Besides, I had the time...

I didn't think the start of the movie was that great and wondered why critics were giving it such high regard. It started out a bit slow, and choppy. However, things did pick up and the film felt like the mental turmoil the subject of the film (played by Rosamund Pike) was going through. As this is based on a true story, I definitely had a new respect for these reporters who want to get the stories of these civilians of war out there to the world. Putting their struggles over your own life. After seeing this film, it caused me to self-reflect. You will see Pike's character go from seeing people die in war-stricken countries and return home to her "beautiful" life receiving awards for these people's stories. Getting the story, felt more important, at times, then actually helping them...maybe that's just me.

I enjoyed how the mental turmoil the reporter was going through could be felt in the way the movie is filmed. I will give it up for Pike's performance, she was really raw in this role. I don't have any rave reviews for this film, but I did appreciate the story being told...B+

Movies in Review: "Overlord"

So, you guys know I try to stay as far away from horror as I can, mainly because I'm a big punk, but also because horror flicks have a way of just being corny. Nothing about the trailer for Overlord looked corny, nor did it look like just a scream movie. At first glance at the trailer it just looked like a regular war flick, a genre I love, it wasn't until near the end of the trailer did things go left. I was this close to not seeing this film, but something about it interested me, so I decided to take my chances. My expectations were about average wondering how much horror there would be.

Wow...oh wow...this movie right here!? It's EVERYTHING. If you are a fan of horror, then you need to see this. I was on-board with this film from the opening scene when we are introduced to the characters, then all hell breaks loose. That shot of the actor falling out of the plane was bananas. I was in total awe and freaked the hell out of anticipation of what was to come. I really enjoyed the cast, and thought they put together a nice blend of different personalities that really worked well together. There is humor, a great story, and horror that will have you shook in your seat and screaming out loud...ijs. You will definitely find yourself caught off guard.

There was nothing corny about this film. It has everything going for it. This is a horror flick you want to see that is well worth the money. I am still freaked out by what I watched on-screen. The Grinch was the highest grossing film this past weekend, and many of you missed out on this gem. Do yourself a favor and see it...A+

Movies in Review: "The Girl in the Spider's Web"

I wasn't completely sold on this film when I watched the trailer. I loved The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo starring Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig in the leads for the 2011 film. I loved it so much so, I was waiting for the sequel, hoping it would follow soon after. However, in 2018, the trailer for the "sequel" was released starring a whole new cast. What!? Why!? I was the least bit happy about the film being recast but decided to give it a go only because my fave Lakeith Stanfield is cast in it. I love his performances and would never purposely miss a chance to see him shine on screen. I begrudgingly went to see this movie expecting to have missed Mara and Craig.

I may have stepped into the theater grumbling, but I walked out of it surprised at how pleased I was. I kind of loved this movie. It had almost the same feel I got from the 2011 film, although Mara's performance in this role was still far better than Claire Foy's, but Ms. Foy still did her thing. The story had great action sequences and kept me on the edge of my seat. There were times I found myself unknowingly holding my breath in anticipation. This movie is thrilling and all that I could have expected from this film. Although I expected to miss Craig and Mara, I didn't. This cast really did his thing, and Stanfield (although a small role) was amazing.

I'm sure the book is far better than the film, but that says a lot because I think this film is really decent. If you enjoy a good crime thriller, then this needs to be on your list to see. It's not short on action, thrills, or elements of surprise...A-

Movies in Review: "The Grinch"

I was very much looking forward to The Grinch as I found the trailer dazzling and funny, which filled me with nothing but anticipation of its release. I adore the Dr. Seuss Grinch character, and loved that he was being voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch for this film. From what I heard in the trailer, Cumberbatch sounded like a good match. The trailer had enough to make me smile and fill me with excitement. I adored the 2000 live-action Grinch film, and only expected more from the 2018 animated version.

I didn't love this movie, but I did like it. The animation was absolutely loved the animation. It was bright, colorful, and a visual sight. I also loved the soundtrack and voice characters which were both fitting for the film. However, I didn't really feel like this movie had anything new or exciting to offer to the film. The comedy was cute, but nothing really exciting. This film was subtler than I had expected it to be, and also very short. Honestly, it felt like. made for TV film than something that deserved a box office release...ijs. Kind of like those Charlie Brown stories we get every holiday season. I think I was expecting a little more. ~shrugs

The kids will definitely love this film, and so will adults. It has a very cute story and is visually fun to watch. It was a little too textbook and short for me. I was expected a little bit of newness in the story, and maybe even a little more excitement. Not a bad movie, but it didn't wow me like I expected it to...B-

Movies in Review: "The Nutcracker and the Four Realms"

I have never seen the ballet production for The Nutcracker, although it's on my list of things to do. When I watched the trailer for the film, I was thinking great! This has to be a win-win right? I enjoy a ballet, but films are my heart, and from what I saw in the trailer I figured it had to be just as good as the ballet, or at least comparable. The trailer looked visually exciting, having me think it would leave me as visually satisfied as the first Alice in Wonderland film. The story seemed appealing, and the film very well cast. My expectations were on a level I was sure this film could meet.

I knew something was wrong when I noticed that this movie only had a running time of 90min. Which to me seems like a fairly short amount of time for such a tale...and it was. The movie really felt rushed and wasn't as visually exciting as I hoped it would be. The story was so short, there was very little time spent in any of the realms, leaving no opportunities to meet any of the beautiful characters from each realm. The realms should have been given the opportunities to shine. They were the most visually appetizing parts of the film, but there was only a time of less than 10min spent in each realm. The make-up was cheesy. I was annoyed with what they did to Helen Mirren's character's make-up. It looked like something someone doing costume make-up would do for a project. As well as those 2 soldiers who were on post at the gates. Were they really serious? The make-up was underwhelming to say the least for most of the cast, except for the Nutcracker soldier who had enough make-up on his s face to spare. His face was overdone. I kept wanting to blot it off. I thought the story was a little cheesy, with Keira Knightley giving one of her worse performances as Sugar Plum...smh.

I was hoping to love this movie, but it was weak to say the least. It had the potential to be a much better film. It felt like the movie just ran out of money and time. I didn't hate it, but I can't say I really loved it either...C+

Movies in Review: "Nobody's Fool"

Ok, so I'm always on the fence when it comes too Tyler Perry films. Although I must admit, I seriously I usually don't have a problem with his non-Madea movies and find most of them fairly entertaining. However, the difference with the other films is that this one stars Tiffany Haddish, who as I've expressed, I can take or leave. She seemed a little, but mostly over the top and obnoxious in the trailer. Good thing this movie had other actors that I adore to get me in the door. I am a true fan of Whoopi and her work on-screen. I seriously wish she was doing more these days. There is nothing she stars in I wouldn't see. I am also a huge fan of Omari Hardwick, whose talent I have been rooting for since before anyone really started to notice him on his hit TV show Power. Hardwick has skills that need to be recognized. I never expect too much from Perry's films. If anything, I knew I would be entertained.

As expected, this movie wasn't exceptional, but it was still decent. I must admit I did like Haddish, she had a number of decent funny moments, but she seemed too much for everyone else around her. Whoopi and her matched really well, but Whoopi had very little screen-time. I was expecting this movie to be more of a comedy, but it was more of a romantic comedy that had a little too much romance in the story. Not that I minded, because the romance involved Hardwick who had a much bigger role in the film than I expected. His part in the film I loved, However I wish Sumpter and Amber Riley's roles were a little funnier to at least compete with Haddish. Haddish stole every scene she was in, although she wasn't really the lead, but her character did take most, if not all of the focus. I loved the hair and make-up, especially the looks of Hardwick, Riley and Sumpter. They were stunning.

This movie is cute. I do think the women will enjoy it more than the men. *Side note for the women, the movie is worth going to see for Hardwick alone. Don't go with your husbands because Hardwick is going to give you feelings in this movie...ijs...fair warning. I fell in love with him and when the movie ended it felt like that was the end of our very hot and heated short-term relationship...ijs. Again, this movie isn't exceptional, but there are a number of moments I did enjoy...B-

Movies in Review: "Bohemian Rhapsody"

I love a biographical pic, enjoying the stories of real-life people I may not know but admire, play out on the big screen. I was totally enthralled with the film when I watched the trailer for the first time. I had totally forgot about Queen and how much I loved their music. Although I don't recall ever really knowing who they were, I do remember rocking to their songs whenever I heard them on the radio, or their videos came across my television. The trailer was nostalgic, as I seriously forgot how many tunes I used to love from them (as I sit hear listening to Queen while writing). Needless to say, I was looking forward to seeing this film. From what was captured in the trailer, I had no doubt I would love it and be entertained.

I was definitely entertained. I loved being taken down memory lane with the soundtrack of Queen. I enjoyed being given a little view into the dynamic of this group with focus on their lead singer Freddie Mercury. Wow...the actor Rami Malek really did his thing as Mercury, as well as the other actors. I know I felt like I was watching Queen. I loved the way the story was filmed, especially that Live Aid scene, which was phenomenal. I remember watching that broadcast on TV, and to see it in a film had me amazed at how beautiful that concert was. I loved the costumes and hair, which were all on point. The film had a lot of emotion.

A running time of over 2 hrs can be a little scary, but this one has such great entertainment value you won't even notice. I enjoyed this movie as much as I expected too, if not more. Praises to the act Malek who I have never really seen on-screen before. This movie will take you back, and you will enjoy the ride...A-