(Editor’s Note – This is my last movie review blog. Look below for my final message.)

The Book of Clarence may be controversial, but I liked how the story formulates at the end despite some plot holes!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Sheckels

What I Like:

-The acting was strong in this one, I thought the emotions expressed here are strong, the expression on their faces can be pure emotional gold
-The set and costume designs are top notch, really making look like Jerusalem in 33AD
-The soundtrack was awesome to listen to as well

The So So:

-The story at the beginning was interesting but felt there was an agenda, but I stuck with it to see how it all ends, and it stuck the landing with a few missteps, bottomline the whole turning from a non believer to a believer was shown in excellent taste, most people would check out after the first 30 minutes, but I stuck it out, and I didn’t regret it

What I Didn’t Like:

-This will be controversial for some people, not only in a biblical sense, but in a historical sense in the premise of the story
-As much as the story made sense, it had some plot holes, my main thing was the purpose of why things happened this way, I can sort of understand for Clarence, but for the beggar, gave me a lot of questions of why Jesus made that certain miracle, a lot of questions for me, especially in a theological standpoint

Overall:

At the beginning, I was skeptical, but the way it all developed until the end, it was satisfying. It is not perfect, but it was interesting to watch. The character development on the character of Clarence was fascinating. The acting, soundtrack, and set and costume production was excellent. Controversy aside, which I know will happen, if people approach this with an open mind, they can see something something worthwhile!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Sheckels

(Sidenote: Maestro – This biopic on composer Leonard Bernstein played, directed, and written by Bradley Cooper. There was talk about the acting of Bradley Cooper, and he was fine. Who really stole the show for me was Carey Mulligan playing his wife Felicia. The movie can drag a little bit, but I did enjoy the classical orchestra music. If you’re a fan of that, you will enjoy this film for sure!!!
Real Rating: 3.5 Batons)

(Editor’s Note – I have been blogging for 10 years, and I remember when I first started this thing because some people encourage me to do so and I finally did in 2014 with my first review, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit. Since then it had been a great journey. This blog gave me opportunities, like being invited to podcasts, and starting my YouTube video blog and my own podcast, and eventually the name The Real Movie Critic came into fruition. There are too many people to thank for helping me during this run, but one thing for sure I want to thank is all my readers and supporters. From the deepest of my heart, you all are appreciated. Unfortunately, things didn’t go the way I envisioned, but my passion was there. With that said, this hobby of mine needs to be retired, because life does get at you sometimes. I don’t want to say goodbye, but more of a see you later. I may come back to this, or I may not. Who knows? One thing’s for sure, I will never stop loving films, and if you all want my 2 cents on something, you all know where to find me. Thank you once again, and until the next, I will see you there!!!)

-Hans Martin Jr. aka The Real Movie Critic

(Editor’s Note – This will be my second to last review as I will be retiring from movie review blogging after 10 years!!!)

American Fiction is a great comedy satire that is very grounded, funny, and thought provoking!!!

Real Rating:

4.5 Books

What I Like:

-The story was interesting, engaging, and thought provoking about what black artists, in this case authors, have to go through to get their content up to par with the mainstream, it is still a struggle for them, and it is interesting to see what they go through, it was very real, yet the satire was there that was very funny
-The acting makes everything work with the realness and the comedy, Jeffrey Wright played his role as it properly fits with every scene, it was hilarious and thought provoking seeing his emotions play out throughout the film

The So So:

-The story can be all over the place, the subplots with members of his family can be a distraction, but the way it all plays out in the end, it was appropriate enough for the character, but not really for the main point of it all

What I Didn’t Like:

-I felt the ending was underwhelming, I wanted to see how things really went down, but didn’t quite stick the landing, i was hoping it would make up for its slight predictability, but it didn’t

Overall:

As I said before, it was a satire story that is funny, real, and though provoking. I was engaged from the beginning to end. Jeffrey Wright made a performance that is a must watch. It is a little predictable with a underwhelming ending. I will say it again, to see the satire of what black artists still have to go through today, is thought provoking in a funny way. That is why I highly recommend this film!!!

Real Rating:

4.5 Books

Poor Things is a weird film with great acting where eventually I understood what the story is about!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Surgically Mutated Animals

What I Like:

-What really stands out in this film is the acting by Emma Stone, to see a person developing from a child to a free living person is astonishing to see how it all develops
-The costume and production designs were top notch for sure

The So So:

-This film is very weird, right at the beginning you’re asking yourself, “What the heck is going on?” It had so many weird things going on, but eventually you get used to it, and understand what this film is all about, it took some time for me to understand, but it is interesting to see how it all plays out

What I Didn’t Like:

-A lot of the scenes were really dragged out, the film was two and a half hours, and I felt it could’ve been two hours and still be an effective film, just a lot of unnecessary things

Overall:

It is weird and it can drag a lot, but once I understood what this film is really about, it is an interesting spectacle. The costume and production designs were some of the best I’ve seen. Best of all, seeing a weird but stupendous performance by Emma Stone is something to watch. Just be prepared for the weirdness, and see it with an open mind to see what the story is really all about!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Surgically Mutated Animals

(Sidenote: May December – This is one of these films where the theme of so dark and inappropriate that I didn’t really care for what is going to happen in the end. I give it credit for the acting and cinematography, but what seems to me is making a film about statutory rape into a more positive limelight just leaves a bad taste for me. It is a shame because it is a wasted effort of top notch actresses Natalie Portman and Julianne Moore!!!
Real Rating: 2.5 Method Actresses)

The Color Purple is a beautifully created remake that still keeps the essence of the original story, but made it fresh in its on way!!!

Real Rating:

4 Country Houses

What I Like:

-This film is more of a musical which brings a freshness of in a more positive manner to a story that is very dark, the music helps put me in a better mood instead of being depressed like the original film did
-The acting was top notch, Fantasia Barrino was great as the titular character, Taraji P. Henson brought her singing voice which sounded great, and even Colman Domingo made Mister hateable as it should, if it wasn’t for the acting and the great singing voices it wouldn’t be as great
-The cinematography was awesome, director Blitz Bazawule, know how to create a picture

The So So:

-I wish they showed more of the relationship with Shug and her Reverend Father, I felt there is some good substance in that relationship, but neither movie showed more of that character dynamic

What I Didn’t Like:

-Like the original, it follows the same storyline almost to a T, the music is the only thing that made it fresh and different, but the bad part of remakes is that you know where the story goes from beginning to end

Overall:

The first film was a depressing but powerful film. This one is just as powerful, but spun into a musical which gave it a more fresh sense of optimism. Especially the ending, it gave it a more positive and uplifting approach. Yes, it is the same old story, but I just enjoyed the set pieces, cinematography, the acting, and the singing. It is a good watch, even though the story is dark, this one gives it a lot more meaning. To me that is the powerful message!!!

Real Rating:

4 Country Houses

Ferrari is interesting at the very least, but I felt like I needed more when it was all said and done!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Old School Racing Cars

What I Like:

-The big race scene was fun to watch, found it exhilarating and seeing how races were during the late 50’s was cool to see, add those cool red Ferrari race cars, it really stuck out how special the Ferrari cars are

The So So:

-The acting was mixed for me, I thought Adam Driver was great as Enzo Ferrari, he really encapsulates the character even though he was very unlikable, especially with the scenes of his wife and business partner, Laura Ferrari played by Penelope Cruz who was also great in her role, their arguments were intense and it is because both of them knew what needed to be portrayed, on the other hand, Shailene Woodley as Enzo’s mistress, Lina Lardi, was completely miscasted, she did great in her role, but I did not feel any Italian culture in her acting, Penelope Cruz did, but for her, I didn’t feel it, they could’ve got an Italian actress to play the character better

What I Didn’t Like:

-You see the build up of what Enzo Ferrari had to endure to build his car company up, but the way the movie ended, I felt it was too abrupt, it wasn’t satisfying at all, even with the issues with his family I felt there wasn’t any closure, in that regard, I was disappointed with how things ended

Overall:

It was interesting to see how a big car company like Ferrari go through their struggles with everything. It was a give or take to see the character development of Enzo Ferrari and his personal problems, and it all depends how you look at it. The racing scenes were a lot of fun at the very least. With all that said, the ending was unfulfilling. I wanted more, but all I got was two thirds of the main course. It wasn’t good as Ford v Ferrari, but it wasn’t as bad as Lamborghini. Regardless, everytime I see a race, I just love the action of it!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Old School Racing Cars

The Boys in the Boat is a run of the mill sports movie, but that is not a bad thing because it is enjoyable!!!

Real Rating:

4 Crew Boats

What I Like:

-It is an inspirational sports movie, but this time in the sport of rowing, I liked learning about how the sport works, and how it is trained, and with the stakes, it made it fun and entertaining to watch
-The acting was great, the development of Joe Rantz played by Callum Turner was great, I enjoyed seeing Joel Edgerton as the coach, but I really thought Peter Guinness as the boat builder George Pocock was great as an inspirational person

The So So:

-Yes it is a typical sports movie with all the tropes, but for me who cares, it is a true story and it wasn’t boring, also it is very inspirational with everything that happened

What I Didn’t Like:

-The whole situation with Joe and his father issues was way too underdeveloped, I wanted to see more of that part, but felt that the majority of it was unnecessary

Overall:

Yes sports movies can be way too typical and cliched, but how else can you tell this story. I’m a sucker for sports movies, but this one is at least a sport we haven’t seen on film, it wasn’t boring, and it can be truly inspirational. To me that is what is important in a sports movie, and this one completed the checklist. If you are expecting more than you will be disappointed. For me, I found it enjoyable, and that’s what counts!!!

Real Rating:

4 Crew Boats

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom is fun, but it just follows an all too familiar path that made it ok at best!!!

Real Rating:

3 Cephalopods

What I Like:

-The action and CGI was good, and made it fun to watch, it is good eye candy
-I always enjoyed Jason Momoa playing the superhero of Aquaman, it always looks like he is having fun playing this character, and showing that this hero may be pretty cool

The So So:

-Black Manta is a formidable villain, and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II showed why he can be a thorn on Aquaman’s side, but the story of him doing all this bad things for the sake of rage and revenge just didn’t do his character justice and why he may not be remembered like other villains in the cinematic world

What I Didn’t Like:

-The story is something we already seen before, and doesn’t add anything new to the table, even that whole vibe of the relationship between Aquaman and Ocean Master reminded me a lot of Thor and Loki in Thor: Ragnarok, just went with an all too familiar tone

Overall:

It was enjoyable for me to watch, but it was nowhere near as good as its predecessor. Jason Momoa made it fun for the character, but everything else was just one big trope. It didn’t feel fresh or new, and felt a run of the mill storyline that other movies did and maybe even better. With all that said, this is the last DC Extended Universe before James Gunn’s universe takes over. I hope Jason Momoa returns as Aquaman, but I’m not betting on it. Thanks for making this superhero cool, and now I will probably most likely be back on hating on Aquaman!!!

Real Rating:

3 Cephalopods

Migration is something we already seen before, but the animation and so so comedy keeps it afloat for the family to enjoy!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Peking Ducks

What I Like:

-The animation is beautiful, the landscapes are stunning, the cityscapes are amazing, and the visuals are somewhat realistic, it was definitely a visual experience
-The voice acting was great as well, even Keegan-Michael Key as a parrot with a Jamaican accent was pretty fun to hear, at least for me

The So So:

-The comedy is so so, there are some funny parts, but some were just crickets, at least Kumail Nanjiani know how to deliver a punchline

What I Didn’t Like:

-The story is something we already seen, especially for a kids movie, how many overprotective parents do we need to carry the plot of the story?

Overall:

Yes, the story is something we already seen before, but are we looking for an Oscar winner, or something to entertain the family? At least it is mildly entertaining with their comedy. However, the animation does make it worthwhile in theaters. Regardless, if you want to entertain your family, this is something you can put on!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Peking Ducks

The Iron Claw is depressing but the fascinating character development made this a good but grim watch!!!

Real Rating:

4 Championship Belts

What I Like:

-What made it work is the character development on the Von Erich family, it was fascinating to see how a family who pretty much make a living on professional wrestling, and how tough it is to be the best, the acting really made it work especially Zac Efron as Kevin Von Erich and Holt McCallany as the tough father Fritz Von Erich, all of that combined really made this film work

The So So:

-There were some wrestling scenes that looked good, but I felt a lot of them were too short, or just showed the ending of the fight, I just kind of wish they would end it on a big wrestling match that gives the character redemption, but I guess not every movie should be Rocky

What I Didn’t Like:

-This film is not for the faint of heart, and it is depressing to watch the rise and decline of the Von Erich family

Overall:

As I said before, this film is not for the faint of heart. It is also not your typical sports wrestling movie. With all that said, it is a fascinating character study of a family and how wrestling can take a toll on people’s mental health and what not. The acting was top notch, and what made it work. Regardless, it is a good film to watch some old school professional wrestling matches!!!

Real Rating:

4 Championship Belts

Wonka may have its flaws with keeping up with the original film, but it is still a fun filled musical for everyone to enjoy!!!

Real Rating:

4 Chocolates

What I Like:

-It does encapsulate the spirit of the Willy Wonka in a more positive manner, I thought Timothee Chalamet played the role really well, and showing his passion of making chocolate for everyone is sweet to see
-The production and costume design was also great and encapsulate the spirit as well, it really gave a pop for our eyes to see
-The rest of the acting was great to see as well

The So So:

-It can be campy at times, but I believe that is the point of it all, it is campy to make it enjoyable for the whole family, even though the corniness can come through to give you a brief eye roll

What I Didn’t Like:

-It is hard to live up to the expectations of the original film, let alone the famous children’s book, and it does live me questions as the prequel to the original film, especially about the Oompa Loompas and the Slugworth company, to me, it wasn’t completely fulfilling

Overall:

It may be too campy, and maybe not live up to the original movie, but that is a hard task to do to begin with. With all that aside, I still enjoyed the magic and spirit that this film brings. Timothee Chalamet was great in the role as a young Willy Wonka. I enjoyed seeing his positivity for success, and showing his passion of making chocolate for everybody to enjoy. In the end, it is a fun movie for everyone to enjoy. It also gave me a craving for chocolate as well!!!

Real Rating:

4 Chocolates