What a direction DC went with this one. It continues the lighter tone that was struck by Aquaman, and for the most part it works. The dynamic between Shazam (Zachary Levi) and Freddy Freeman (Jack Grazer) was the best part of the movie, and brought both the comedy, and heart. Martin Strong’s villain was another highlight of the movie, bringing a needed weight, and fantastic acting chops.

It also did seem to take some pages out of the Marvel script, down to the tone, comedy, and even two post credits scenes (one to set up a future film, and one as a joke, as Marvel engineered). Maybe that was all part of DC’s plan? To start so far off the Marvel formula, and produce such atrocious results, that people would practically beg them to copy Marvel? If that was their plan, it worked out beautifully.

Rating: 3.75/5

Really enjoyed this movie! The cast was absolutely amazing! I wish western’s were more in vogue, and everyone could see Ethan Hawke’s incredible performance. 

Everything from the cast, the locations, costume’s, etc. put you into the world of 1880’s America. It does a great job of not just providing good drama, but feeling historical. 

Well done everyone involved.

Rating: 4/5

There was deceptively more that this movie had to accomplish than one might at first think; especially after the scrawling, massive, ensemble beast that was Infinity War. This didn’t have as many moving pieces, but still had to bring to the forefront a female character that most people had never heard of (in the wake of the massively successful Wonder Woman no less). All signs from Feige and Co is that she will be the future of the franchise. A lot of weight to put on such a new, unknown character. It also had to bring something new to the table in a franchise that is 20 films deep, and a genre that some say has become oversaturated. It had to accomplish all that, and still be a prequel that hopefully didn’t ruin the timeline. 

The results are mixed. I do believe in Captain Marvel. I have read a lot of her stories in the comics, and there is a lot to her character. Power-wise, she was definitely there. She’s more than a match for every Avenger (except for perhaps Thor, who took a star to the chest and still walked away.) However, I don’t think we’ve had enough time with her to feel like she belongs next to Captain American, Black Widow, Iron Man, or perhaps even the Scarlet Witch. The MCU has always been so careful crafting their characters and letting fans get to know them. It’s strange that Captain Marvel is going to be the next big thing after just one movie. (Even Strange got a cameo in Thor before Infinity War)

The most puzzling thing though, was her characterization. She was supposed to be a warrior that has difficulty keeping her emotions in check. This absolutely worked in the first few minutes of the movie. She really seemed like a likable, emotion filled human that couldn’t quit bottle up everything inside her. She was easy to relate to. However as the movie progressed, she seemed to become less emotional, and more bland. I think Marvel was trying to go for stoic, but it didn’t quite work. It could just be a starting point for her character, and she could still evolve into the more interesting character I know she can be, but that will be a tall order considering Endgame is just a month and a half away. 

Don’t get me wrong, there was a lot to like. I don’t understand why trolls decided to go after this film. The visuals and alien worlds were incredible, as we have come to expect from Marvel. I still can’t get over how much Brie Larson looks like Captain Marvel, and a de-aged Sam Jackson was great to see. Also, Goose the cat was the best thing I didn’t know I wanted to see. 

In summary, I think Captain Marvel was very serviceable, but not quit gripping. Perhaps it was just one scene away. Avengers had that iconic 360 shot of all the heroes, Civil War had the airport battle, and Wonder Woman had that amazing trench scene that just gave it that extra emotion, that extra layer of something special that got the audience to buy in. 

I’m hoping for that kind of moment for Captain Marvel in Avengers: Endgame

Rating: 3.75/5

There is a lot to Fighting with my Family. It’s a comedy, drama, and biopic and rolled into one. One wouldn’t quite call it a masterpiece, but it still manages to hit home with it’s many parts. 

Fighting with my Family does a fantastic job showcasing, as the title implies, the whole family. Most biopics, understandably, keep the focus directly on the main subject, with supporting characters playing a mostly passing role. This movie really takes the time to draw attention to the supporting characters, and their importance in the story. Everyone wants to be the superstar, but behind every superstar are the unsung heroes; those without whom the superstar would never have been known. 

It’s rare when a Hollywood film draws attention to those people, and shows their importance. It is exactly that element that makes this movie more than just another comedy or biopic. It casts a light on the whole process of stardom, and the many people that work to make it happen.

Rating: 3.5/5

I wasn’t sure if there was an interesting place to go after the first one, but Happy Death Day 2U manages to get there. It takes unexpected twists and turns, and you never know what direction the story is going to take. 

Relatively unknown before these films, the cast does incredibly well. They build on their chemistry and really take this film to the next level.

Suspenseful, funny, and with surprising heart, this film is truly a good time: even for someone that typically stays away from horror flicks.

Rating: 4/5

Alita: Battle Angel. Where to begin? There are things to like. Mrs Salazar’s performance is commendable (even though 97% of her body is CGI). The visuals are superb; on par with what you would except with a big budget movie produced by James Cameron. (I’m still not sure how Mr Cameron can produce this type of film and then slight Aquaman because it “doesn’t look real,” but I digress).

The problem with Alita is that it tries to do too much, and ends up doing nothing at all. Story plots seem to be picked up, dropped, picked up again, dropped… I’m not sure if this was supposed to be an action movie, a dystopia, romantic drama… or all three rolled into one. The movie’s end goal was unclear, and after expecting the conclusion a half dozen times, when it finally came, nothing felt resolved.

This movie is probably going to make money, but it’s not exactly a high to leave us with before the behemoth Avatar sequels start coming out.

Rating: 2.5/5

Any political drama is bound to be divisive in this day and age. Liberals will call it informative and factual. Conservatives will say it is an oversimplification at best, and mischaracterization at worst. 
At the end of the day though, this is a movie. As a movie it does very well; the cast being the high point. Bale’s performance is downright incredible. Hyper committed as always, he nails the role on a level few actors could ever hope to achieve. 
The supporting cast does their part as well. Steve Carell’s Donald Rumsfeld, and Amy Adams’ Lynne Cheney are played to perfection. However, perhaps the best supporting actor is Sam Rockwell’s George W. Bush.
While it does seem to oversimplify events at times, overall it feels more historical and authentic than many others in its genre.

Rating: 3.5/5

Was pleasantly surprised with this movie. This is the first movie in the DC universe to finally shed the “gritty” overtones, and embrace a lighter palette: both visually and tonally. The visuals in particular are finally brighter, and the world of Atlantis, though under water, is a beauty to behold. In the hands of a lesser director and lesser actors, this movie could have really gone wrong. However, everyone embraces the lighter drama, and runs with it for better or worse. Thankfully for DC, it was finally for the better.

Rating: 4.5/5