Movies in Review: "The Disaster Artist"

This film was based on the story of how the cult hit "The Room" came to the big screen. I've never watched The Room, nor did I have any interest, however I did find the trailer for The Disaster Artist to be more than interesting. I'm a fan James Franco and Seth Rogen on screen together. They make hilarious and strangely entertaining films. I laughed each time I watched the trailer, so I knew I wanted to see what this film was about. I became even more interested in the film when I saw how critics were raving over it. I thought their praises would probably prove to be more than the film deserved, but I had to see for myself.

I seriously enjoyed the movie, but I can't say I was singing the same praises as critics...at first. Before seeing the film I researched The Room and read up on Tommy Wiseau, who is a very interesting man. Someone who James Franco did a phenomenal job at portraying. The story of Tommy's and Greg's friendship, and how The Room came about just seemed unreal. I wasn't laughing as hard as other audience members, but I did laugh here and there. You would seriously sit there and think the film was an exaggeration of the actual events, but it wasn't. My favorite part about the film is when they did the side by side comparison of the original film, and the one being depicted in this film. Everyone was spot on, and to see the comparison made the experience of this film so much better.

I can't say I'd ever watch The Room, as it looked pretty horrible from what I could tell in this movie, however The Disaster Artist did spark a little interest to see it. This film is seriously all around crazy, and real. A job well done by the cast with spot-on performances. I enjoyed this movie, but I don't think it's everyone's cup of tea. If you found the trailer entertaining, then I think this is a movie you will enjoy...A-

Movies in Review: "Paddington 2"

My favorite bear Paddington has made its way back to the big screen with a sequel after the success of the first film...Yay! Although not due to be released until January in the US, I was lucky to have been able to grab some pre-screening tickets for me and my little side kick. He wasn't as excited to see the movie as I was, he was more interested in Ferdinand, but I dragged him along with me anyway. I know my kid, and Paddington would definitely appeal to him ~fingers crossed...lol. The first film was amazing, and I had very little doubt the second film would be the same.

Paddington can do no wrong, and all kids should experience the joy this little bear brings. This film was just as cute, charming and entertaining as the first. The story is great and can be enjoyed by all. I love Paddington's films because there is always a great message of what kindness can bring, as well as other inspiring messages to take home with you. This is a movie that can be enjoyed by all. My little sidekick couldn't take his eyes off the screen, shed a tear, laughed, and gave it a standing ovation when the credits rolled. I left the theater feeling much of the same way, less the crying...lol.

We all need movies like these in our lives, feel good entertainment that you'd want to see over and over again. If you loved the first film, there is no doubt in my mind you will enjoy this one. If you haven't seen the first one, then I highly recommend it, especially if you have little ones...A+

Movies in Review: "Justice League"

I'm not the biggest fan of DC Comics, Batman vs Superman almost ruined any interest, but Wonder Woman definitely helped to regain any confidence I lost for their movies. I can't say I was too excited to see Justice League, especially after seeing Thor, Justice League just looked corny...right!? Also I'm haven't been on board with Ben Affleck taking over as Batman. I'm not a Batman fan anyway, but I did love Christian Bale. Wonder Woman was probably the only reason I went to check this flick out, so needless to say my expectations weren't that high, but I was willing to give it a chance.

A very valiant effort for DC Comics. I’m surprised to say that I enjoyed this movie way more than I thought I would. As I don't like giving spoilers, I unfortunately have to tip-toe around this review because my favorite parts about this movie I'm unable to mention without giving too much away :(. However I will say Ben Affleck didn't bother me as much in this film, which definitely upped my experience. I enjoyed the cast, Wonder Woman (of course) was amazing, and The Flash was cute and added a lot of humor. From what I watched in the trailer I didn't expect to like Aquaman, but Jason Momoa did his thing! Cyborg was my least favorite...eh. He just felt like the odd man out. There were some nice action scenes, as you would expect, and I was fairly entertained throughout.

I kind feel like this movie came out too close to the release of Thor, a reducing its ability to stand alone instead of being compared (which of course I did). After seeing Thor this movie doesn't compare, but when looking at it from a DC Comics movie performance, it was pretty good, and keep in mind I was unable to speak about the better parts of the film (well at least better in my opinion). I enjoyed Justice League, and I think you will too...B

Movies In Review: "Murder on the Orient Express"

What captured my attention from this trailer was the look of the film. The talented cast helped too, but I definitely found the film to be very visually appealing, especially the costumes. Not to mention I also have a thing for murder mysteries, and this film reminded me of a murder mystery board game I used to play when I was young. This was definitely a film I was looking forward to seeing. My expectations surprisingly weren't high for this one, however I was still expecting to be entertained.

I kind of loved this film, far more than critics will give it credit for. It appeased all of my senses, especially visual. It kept my attention especially since I was trying to solve the murder mystery myself. I loved the characters, especially Kenneth Branagh as detective Hercule. He was quite a fascinating character, as were the performances from the whole cast. You will be biting your nails as the mystery evolves and is solved. I enjoyed the buildup and the way it ended. I laughed throughout the film, was on the edge of my seat, and by the end on the brink of tears and shock. 

This film was far better than I expected. I never read the book (which film is based), so I had nothing to go off of but what was presented on the screen, which I enjoyed. I love a mystery with surprises, twists and unexpected outcomes. Films like these I become the most involved and entertained. A beautiful film that was visually appealing and very well performed. I think you will enjoy...B+

Movies in Review: "Daddy's Home 2"

Let me first start off by letting you know that I never watched the first movie. Not that I didn't want to, because I actually did, however life got in the way and I never got a chance to see it. I wasn't expecting there to be a sequel, and figured the first must have been pretty good if a 2nd film was now hitting the big screen. I must admit I was a little apprehensive, especially after the seeing Bad Mom's 2, which had twice the mom's and half the laughs. Daddy's Home 2 seemed to have the same going for it, with twice the dad's. I enjoyed the trailer, I was just hoping the additional characters wouldn't sacrifice the comedy.

Well I have nothing much to compare this film to since I missed the first. So I'm just rating this film on what I watched. I thought this movie was ok. Luckily for them, unlike Bad Mom's, the additional characters added to the humor, so I definitely found myself laughing. However some of the comedy was so contrived, and corny at times. I think Ferrell and Wahlberg make for an interesting comedic pair, I just wish the comedy felt more natural...eh :/.

Not the worst comedy I've seen this year, but definitely nothing to go running out to see. If you catch it on cable, you will enjoy the laughs and the comfort of not wasting of that hard earned cash...C+

Movies in Review: "Thor: Ragnarok"

THOR!!! My favorite God of Thunder! I seriously have a thing for Thor. Thor has me jonesin something awful. There is nothing Thor related I wouldn't see. I have been anticipating this film since I watched the trailer teasers a few months ago. No matter how many times I've seen the trailer, I still got chills. The trailer for this film was nothing less than amazing...am I right!? It's clear everyone felt the same way because this newest film killed at the box office this weekend, and I'm not surprised. I knew I would enjoy this film, that's a given, but I seriously got way more than I had expected.

First off, the laughs were on a thousand trillion. Marvel films are known for their wit and humor, but this movie kept the laughs rolling, and I really enjoyed it. I loved the new characters that were introduced, especially Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie. She murdered this role. I knew she would be great, but her performance was better than that. I liked that the made her a straight badass that held her own. Thor usually owns every scene, but the light was definitely shared in this film as everyone was on point. I loved Jeff Goldblum as the Grandmaster and the actress who played his bodyguard, the kept the laughs rolling. My favorite character by far was definitely Korg, the rock gladiator. Everything out his mouth had me in stitches, especially the end. I want to see this film again because it gave me the entertainment value, and laugh that I needed. Having Thor, Loki, and the Hulk go back in forth is always its own entertainment then add the rest of the cast and you've got a masterpiece worth an applause.

As much as I love ALMOST everything about this movie, I wasn't the biggest fan of Cate Blanchett. No offense...but she just looked old. I kept wanting to see a different actress like Charlize Theron, or Kate Beckinsale. I don't know, but Blanchett was definitely not doing it for me, however she wasn't enough to ruin any of the feelings I had for this film. I enjoyed the previous Thor movies very much, but this is the first one I've wanted to actually pay to see again...A+

Movies in Review: "A Bad Moms Christmas"

The original Bad Moms film was such a hilarious surprise, my anticipation of the sequel was on another level. With twice the moms in the sequel, I was definitely expecting twice the laughs and more, especially with this mom/daughter cast. The trailer was funny and I seriously felt that the movie would definitely deliver much more. Do you think I may have been a little too excited for this movie? Yeah...it's possible...lol. All I know is that I needed a laugh and counted on this movie to deliver...

Soooooo...I did laugh...well, actually chuckled. Although with twice the moms, this movie didn't pack half the laughs of the first film. The humor definitely missed the mark, and the addition of the additional moms only got in the way of the main characters. What I think made the first movie so funny was because the ladies were always getting into something together. However in the sequel the original moms hardly shared the screen together, instead mostly sharing individual screen time with their own respective mothers. A dynamic that didn't work as well...meh. The original cast didn't get to shine like they did in the first film, and brought the laugh value down for me. The additional moms didn't pack the humor I expected them to. There were way too many characters and stories happening that it was kind of a mess :/.

I know my review sounds like this movie was horrible, it wasn't, but it had nothing near the laugh value of the first film. If I were you I'd save my dough and watch this one in the comfort of your home. You will have a much better appreciation for this film if very little cash was spent to see it...C+