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Reviews
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)
Star-Studded Turtles Earning Their Stripes
I never was a huge fan of teenage mutant Ninja turtles but this movie hopefully has a sequel because it was so colorful and fun! The cast is so star-studded and this is the time movie I would watch again most definitely! Definitely fun for everybody, but it has certain language and scenes that some kids may find a little disturbing, but come on, these kids nowadays aren't scared of anything! There's definitely about to be some sequels and I cannot wait for them! The animation is so Poppy and trippy like the spider-verse movies and I'm all for it! Such an artsy take on the Ninja turtles! This movie has some surprises for you, that's all I'll say! Didn't know some of my favorite stars were the voices behind the characters! Can't wait for the sequel(s). This movie stands alone on its own fantastically, but I need more!
They Cloned Tyrone (2023)
A pimp, a hoe, and a drug dealer walk into a bar:
The perfect joke to set up this sci-fi social commentary of a movie. I think there may be some truth to this film. There's definitely something in the water; someone has been poisoning the well for a long time. Who is behind all of these distractions and unhealthy foods, drinks, and pharmaceuticals? Black people in poverty stricken communities and hoods everywhere do tend to fall into the same habits and there are some common threads. We have been falling for the okey-doke for way too long and just filing in line. You are what you eat right? What you put into your body and mind definitely matters! The state of the musical landscape especially is concerning. Don't get stuck in the trap! Great movie with some philosophical undertones and obvious allusions. I like how it has the old technicolor/panavision look with the film dots/bubbles too. Great acting, good story, and cool soundtrack. They definitely need to make a series out of this. The ending sets that up perfectly. Only united do we stand a chance! The revolution will be beautiful!
P. S. Just a conspiracy; but I bet this movies is why Jamie Foxx had his mysterious illness suddenly strike recently. This movie is too real.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
Spider-Man overload! Love Letter to all fans!
Across the Spider-Verse
I'm going to have to make this review short because I am suffering from Spider-Man overload, as this is my favorite character, and there were just so many things in this movie worth noting. So many Easter eggs and this is such a love letter to Spider-Man fans and lore! Spider-Punk (Hobie Brown) the anarchist is such a cool character! The parallels between Miles and Gwen are stunning and the art style is so abstract! The way emotions are conveyed through the use of colors and environments shifting is eye-popping! Every universe is represented here, even the cinematic movies such as Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield's universes. Venom's world is shouted out, and even Spectacular Spider-Man makes an appearance. A certain someone makes his long awaited reprisal of a role we have been waiting to see since 2016 (in the Tom Holland MCU movies)! So many surprises, and they turn a seedless villain into an A+ lister on the level of Thanos! The movie sadly leaves off on the craziest cliff-hanger. There will be a third movie, and I can't wait to see Beyond the Spider-Verse! This movie was a fan service of the highest order! 10/10!
Sankuchuari -seiiki- (2023)
Motivations are what keep us going!
This was such an incredible show! Everybody in the show acted their roles to perfection and it has so many moments that elicit various emotions. It has dramatic elements, sad scenes, happy joyous scenes, comedy, action, horror, thrills, etc! Enno has this boyish charm about him, and he is just such an oaf! You can learn pretty much anything you want to know about sumo by watching this show, and it will keep you coming back for more. It's one of the First shows that has really intrigued me on Netflix in a long time. The other 'Beef' show I recently watched that did the same was beef. Asians really know how to make art that will stand the test of time! Shizuchi was a terrifying character at first! If I ever saw that dude walking down the street I would run the other direction. Please watch this show, I promise you you will enjoy it very much.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
So hard to say goodbye! Family is home, family is love.
I really can't think of a better title, but I will just say that this movie took me through quite the emotional journey. This movie is everything that the superhero genre has been trying to do for so long. Nobody can copy James Gunn's style of directing. I was on the verge of tears from sadness, and the movie actually brought me the tears with its laugh out loud funny comedy at times. I will really miss this group of ragtag heroes, especially Batista as Drax the Destroyer. I really don't want to say too much more about the movie other than that you will laugh, you will most likely cry, and you will have such a blast. The villain is possibly the most evil villain I have ever seen in a marvel movie, he has no remorse, no morals it seems, and has a god complex. Everybody acts their hearts out and plays their characters to perfection. I hope there will be some Guardians of the Galaxy spin-offs.
The introduction of Adam warlock feels a bit strange considering vision was kind of like who he was supposed to be. That's really the only thing that felt off, but the casting was great and the character was pretty cool and has some standout moments. There are some cute moments with some of the side characters and creatures, and I really had fun with this movie, so did my family. Take this review for what you will, I just can't expend the energy explaining how much I enjoyed the movie, but take my word for it, it's great! It's the best movie in this phase 4 of the MCU thus far.
Legion of Super-Heroes (2023)
Frankenstainiac...or Frenkebnbrain...or brainkenstein
A colorful little DC and made it film that takes you into an alternate reality of the future... I think? The story is one that had predictable outcomes and many cliches. I could predict each so-called twist and turn. The main villain of this movie is the original Brainiac who has a body made of other clones of him. Brainiac 5, who is technically his grandson, is tasked with defeating his "granddad". Supergirl is along for the ride and learning how to use her powers. Nothing new of note is done in this movie but it is pretty fun I guess. I usually love DC animated films but this has to be one of the weakest yet, but it is still okay. Cool to see Brainiac 5 on the side of Justice.
The Batman (2022)
This is *THE* Batman movie!
I would say that titling this movie *The* Batman is an apt choice by the creators and they have done a huge service to all Batman fans around the world. This is The Dark Knight Detective we have all wanted to see since the beginning of the Batman films and they have succeeded in astounding fashion in bringing it to us on the big screen. This movie easily could have been a movie that wasn't even centered around Batman and it was still be a great film because it has everything in spades going for it. It is a psychological thriller that also acts as a crime noir film that has Batman in the lead, as well as a great cast of side characters who played their parts well.
The Bat and the Cat have mad chemistry and Zoe Kravitz is such a believable Catwoman who is straight off of the comic book pages (sleek, sexy, sly, and purrrrrdy). The Riddler is a psychological nightmare and is quite the adversary for the bat. Paul Dano really had to pull some scary stuff out of the bag and where to play This creepy roll wear he is a sort of Zodiac Killer-esque foil to our knight in dark armor. Officer Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) the good cop we have all come to know and love and he and Bats make a great buddy cop duo. Alfred pennyworth (Andy Serkis) is the paternal wise figure and moral compass we have come to know and we can see where Bruce gets his skills and heart from. The Penguin (Colin Farrell in unrecognizable makeup and fat suit) is a future don in the making with a hot streak and a waddle to boot. He reminds me of a mix of Godfather and Joe Pesci; quite a humorous combination down to the very New York Italian style accent ("whadda ya showin' me heeeeeeeah")I was quite shocked at the casting of John Turturro as Carmine Falcone, as I'm used to seeing him in funny Adam Sandler movies. He did a great job as the crime lord and actually surprised me!
The score was amazing with it being kind of like a mix between the 90's animated Batman series and the Darth Vader 'Imperial March' themes. This Batman is more realistic down to the suit he wears which is bulletproof, and the fact that he's not invincible and sometimes takes blows from his enemies. He is still learning on the job and you can tell because he makes a lot of rookie mistakes that he may or may not make in the future. I really appreciate all of the little things they included in this movie and there are too many to even mention in this review because the movie clocks in at an astounding three hours! It really didn't feel like 3 hours to me though because I was enjoying it every step of the way. The acting is superb and it will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout even when there is a long break in between action sequences; and trust me, the action is high octane.
This Batman reminds me of a mix between Clint Eastwood, The Undertaker, and Robocop. The way he moves is quite imposing and he is always moving at a slow pace unless. This is a young Bruce Wayne who is still finding his way as the Batman and is filled with vengeance. He is in a smiling Playboy but rather a somber kind of emo type of guy who is also a recluse. I like this take as it is a nice change of pace from all previous renditions.
I knew I would love this movie from the very beginning when the narration starts and you get to feel that it will be a crime noir film, the atmosphere is vibrant and full of life, yet dark and moody all in one. This was the perfect take on Gotham City and it reminded me of Batman Arkham Knight. Batman is like a mix between the Arkham games, Adam West and 90s cartoon, as well as a mix of every other live-action Batman that came before him. Robert Pattinson actually surprised me with this one and I am rooting for him as the Batman going forward. They better leave the series in Matt Reeves' hands because I am sure we will not get another Batman movie this good from anyone else!
*Spoiler* I like how they shout out to the source material which seems to be Batman: Hush!
Gridlock'd (1997)
2pac and Tim Roth in a Buddy Film for the Ages
Tupac Shakur and Tim Roth may seem like the oddest pairing ever, but it works to perfection! This movie is basically about how when people need medical attention in this country, they have to go through long arduous processes and are quite frequently given the run around. The story is deep while also being a rather funny film about two drug addict Jazz musicians trying to overcome and kick their addictions. I enjoyed the whole thing as the pair have obvious on-screen chemistry. The scene where Tim Roth hollers at the guy behind the glass had me in tears. He then promptly loses his cool and professional demeanor and yells back striking comedy gold, because we have all been there. They all were stressed and you can see from all of their perspectives why that is. This movie is an underrated gem and I am glad to have watched it as it is quite relatable as far as how hard it is to receive medical attention in the U. S. and how difficult it is to find help. Insurance is no joke and we have yet to find an answer to this problem. Go watch this movie! I guarantee you will laugh and be entertained. 2pac was going places, that's for sure! The soundtrack is cool considering not only do we get 2pac doing some rapping over a jazz song, almost like skat mixed with spoken word, but we get a Pac and Snoop song thay seems to be a sequel to 2 of America's Most Wanted (Gangsta Party) called 'Wanted Dead or Alive'. Very hard to believe the man was only 25 years old at the time of his passing. Gridlock'd is one of the most fun joyrides of a film I have watched in a long time. Sheer raucous fun!
The Power of the Dog (2021)
Really pay attention closely.
This is a movie that you really have to pay attention to and really watch. In the end if you piece everything together like a detective you will understand what was happening in the whole movie. It is a movie that you can watch what times in order to grasp everything better once you have pieced everything together. Every member of the cast did their job spectacularly and the cinematography is stunning! I like the time period (1925) and the environment.
Down with the King (2021)
Gangsta Gibbs is the best in the game currently!
I look forward to seeing all of his future moves because he has not missed yet! Music, movies, comedy, etc.
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)
Typical Martial Arts Superhero film
Marvel played it safe with this one and made a standard film about a Chinese-American dude that knows kung-fu. Shang-Chi in this movie is nothing like in the original comics. Very americanized and people-pleasing take on the character. The movie has it's strong points like Tony Leung as the Mandarin. He feels like the only genuinely real character in the movie whom I can relate to. You can feel his every emotion and he is overall the best thing about this movie as so many have said. I actually enjoyed the original Shang-Chi comics because of their deep philosophies and introspective queries, plus the groundbreaking way they mixed action with interesting stories. This movie is lacking in that department. Generic martial arts action we have seen before, boring story for the most part, too many forced jokes and try hard laugh-inducing scenes, and westernization of Chinese culture. All-star Michelle Yeoh makes an appearance in the third act and does her famous tai-chi and Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon schtick. Wong also appears and is fun as always. Abomination was in the film for just as long as he was in the trailer. Oh yeah, and Ben Kingsley reappears as Trevor Slattery, the fake Mandarin actor from Iron Man 3 and his story since then is addressed. That little creature he had was annoying rather than the typical cute character they intend to put onto all of these movies. Overall, I expected better, so now I may just wait until the new Spider-Man comes out to go back to the theaters. This was a filler movie that felt rushed. Go see it with the kids or something.
Wish Dragon (2021)
Magical: Visually Stunning and All-Around Enthralling!
Sony has done it again and it has created another CGI animated Masterpiece in the same mold as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse! I really liked the colors in this movie and the visual effects were stunning! This movie was a feast for my eyes! This was a very feel good family-oriented movie that also had a lot of Asian folklore and mythology in it which I love! Do yourselves a favor and watch this movie if you want to have fun! Very entertaining and this is what a movie is supposed to be like! Shear Magic and very Charming and whimsical! Apparently Jackie Chan produced this movie so expect great action scenes, of which there are many and this is a fun adventure! What a rush!
Pinocchio (2019)
Long, Epic and Keeps the Attention
This movie surprised me in its Grand scope and I really was enthralled by the set-pieces and visual odyssey! This was a long adventure and it is quite a film and its scale. I really like the dubbing in the movie as well and that is a good thing considering how dubbing in most foreign/international movies is garbage. I believe they got actual Italian actors or the same actors to do the voiceovers in English so that was a nice touch and I like the way they spoke. Good movie for the family to watch if you want to be entertained. Pinocchio was a stubborn as ever and I really liked the cat and the fox. When I say this movie was long, it is Lord of the Rings levels of long so definitely set some time aside to watch it!
Army of the Dead (2021)
Reminds me of Left 4 Dead games. Fun Zombie heist action thriller!
This movie is supposedly Dave Bautista's first leading role. I really like his character in the film and I appreciate the story and the action as there are many things that separated from other zombie stories but he still has the usual cliches and tropes here and there. *SPOILERS AHEAD!* Dave Batista and another lady hire other people to pull off a bank heist for millions of dollars before Las Vegas is nuked. Zombie infection has only spread across Las Vegas, Nevada so far in the.
So there was one part of the movie where they explained that some of the zombies are alphas and not a zombie like, then we see that there is a king zombie and a queen zombie and the queen zombie was pregnant. Our team of zombie killer mercenaries for hire kill the queen zombie (which reminds me of the screaming witch from the Left for Dead games) and the king zombie finds her beheaded corpse and breaks down crying over her then he checks her stomach to see if what turned out to be a zombie fetus was still alive. There's an interesting dichotomy here because it is like what side is actually good or right? Are we supposed to feel bad for the zombie baby or are we supposed to root for these people that are pulling off a heist for money. Are we to be sympathetic for flesh-eating monsters that hold some semblance of what it is to be human, or a wild animal at the least? *MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD!*
One part of the film that I am seriously questioning is that; how in the world did Dave Batista's character die so fast after being bitten but the guy that was left in the bank vault that survived the nuclear explosion at the end survived for a very long time after being bitten and scratched!? I mean the guy had enough time in between being locked in the vault after being bitten getting out of the Vault with all of the money finding a house that happen to have a car that he probably had to fix and then he drove all the way to Utah rented out a private jet and only then did he find the bite on his arm and still hadn't turned yet! That's probably the dumbest part of the movie that I saw. Overall I enjoyed the film though. I liked the cast choices and Dave Bautista did his thang! He definitely needs to have more lead roles in the future as I have always seen his potential.
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
Wanton(wonton) Destruction: King Kong Comes to Hong Kong!
Wanton destruction (Wonton destruction heh) Kong Kong and Godzilla in Hong Kong. That's the most clever thing the whole film, King Kong in Hong Kong. A time passer but I could barely keep interest with all the filler scenes and sly attempts at humor.