Shazam! Fury of the Gods does have some fun moments, but it did lose it’s charm from its predecessor and just becomes another superhero movie cliche!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Skittles

What I Like:

-You do get the bare minimum of what you came for, and that is some of that goofiness that can make you laugh, that’s what a Shazam story will do for you
-The cast was great, and even the villains were well acted, especially Lucy Liu as Kalypso

The So So:

-The action was good, but nothing breathtaking, and it still has the Zack Snyder residue with their slow mo action
-There were some cameos that were fun, but felt really forced into the story

What I Didn’t Like:

-With their comedy there were also some very cringy moments and dialogue that really had me shaking my head saying, “Really now?”
-The story just felt like another villain with a cliched plan against the heroes, it didn’t really added anything new to the table, and the charm from the first movie kind of faded a little
-Without spoiling it, the after credit scenes just felt like false hope, cuz we know it will most likely not happen

Overall:

I do believe you get the bare minimum of what you expect in a Shazam movie. It does have some superhero cliches, and nothing really new to the superhero genre. With that said, the cast kept it afloat that it wasn’t boring. Cringy at times? Yes, but it does have some moments that can make you laugh. It may have lost its charm from the first movie, but it wasn’t terrible as well. Decent I can say at least!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Skittles

(Sidenote: Marmaduke – Last of 2022. An animated film about a famous dog from the comic strips. It is voiced by Pete Davidson, and surprisingly J. K. Simmons. I felt that this film was uninspired, cliched, and completely subpar with its story, animation, and charisma from the voice actors. It felt like this film should’ve never been made. Even for Netflix standards!!!
Real Rating: 2 Dog Competitions)

Scream VI does what it suppose to do for a sequel of this franchise, the story maybe redundant, but the slashing kept me engaged!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Core Fours

What I Like:

-You come to see a slasher movie, and that is what you get, they did turn up on the violence, and what more do you need with the sequel of the requel
-For once the acting was good all around, not even one actor was cringy and that is rare for a horror slasher film
-I thought this Ghostface was more brutal, and I like it, he did bring out a lot of tension, especially the subway car scene

The So So:

-Yes, the story is getting way too redundant, but what more can you say, you come for the slashing and gore, not for an Oscar worthy story, with that said, I always enjoy trying to figure out the killer

What I Didn’t Like:

-The ending, as usual, is very disillusioned, and sometimes common sense is not there

Overall:

A more brutal Ghostface, a lot more blood and gore, a change of scenery, and Jenna Ortega makes it for an expected fun slasher film. What more can you ask for? Is this franchise wearing out its welcome, and becoming derivative? Probably, but it definitely doesn’t disappoint. So as long it doesn’t make money, we are going to see more of Ghostface and brutal killings!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Core Fours

(Sidenote: Empire of Light – Another Oscar review. This has a good story about dealing with bipolar disorder, and a love story in between. There is also some subplots that were interesting, but some didn’t really pertain to the main story. Regardless, you do get some great acting, especially from Olivia Colman. Also, the cinematography was tremendous. It just lagged with some unnecessary things!!!
Real Rating: 3.5 Old Theaters

65 may follow the sci-fi tropes, but it was thrilling enough for me to care!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Asteroids

What I Like:

-I thought Adam Driver was great in this especially when he is trying to communicate with Koa, played by Ariana Greenblatt, the girl that survived the spaceship crash

The So So:

-It was thrilling enough for me to be engaged and see what is going to happen, it does rely too much on jump scares, but it is enough for me to care on what is going to happen
-Even though the dino action reminded me a lot of Jurassic Park, it was entertaining to watch

What I Didn’t Like:

-It has all the sci-fi tropes you can think off, just name another sci-fi film, and this one has something to do with all the sci-fi films that you have seen and liked

Overall:

Despite all the sci-fi tropes and cliches, it was still engaging enough for me to care. The thrill value was good enough to keep me watching through it all. Adam Driver was great with what he got, and the action was entertaining enough. It’s not the greatest movie, but it is something you may watch when you have nothing else to do. This is what a Netflix movie should be!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Asteroids

(Sidenote: Living – This is another Oscar Review. This one stars Bill Nighy as a bureaucratic worker realizing he doesn’t have much to live, and starts living his life. It is a nice film to see, but it does drag a lot as well. Bill Nighy does put on a solemn performance that can bring out a tear. If only the rest of the film does the same!!!
Real Rating: 3 Trilby Hats)

Creed III has practically everything you want with this franchise, despite the cliches, it is very real in its main story!!!

Real Rating:

4 Training Montages

What I Like:

-It is “practically” everything you want with the Rocky/Creed franchise, a story that is real and gritty, characters you really care for, and a great and unique final bout, what more can you ask for
-Jonathan Majors as the villain was tremendous, he is one of the realist protagonist that you haven’t seen in a while, let’s just say, there was great character development with him, and even throw in the extra development for Adonis Creed as well
-I loved the interactions between Creed and his daughter who is deaf, seeing them communicate and bond in sign language was something very special to see

The So So:

-Did it come with their usual cliches from this franchise, yes it does, but are they the cliches we all know and love because of this franchise, yes it is, at the very least, the final fight had a unique twist to it

What I Didn’t Like:

-This may be dumb, but seeing a Rocky/Creed film without the great Rocky Balboa did seem a little empty for me, I was at least hoping for a cameo, or even a funeral for him, it would’ve gave it a great touch for me

Overall:

This is everything we love from the Rocky/Creed franchise. It is the cliches we love. The character development, the story, and the unique final fight was great, and I appreciate the realness it brought out. Yes there was no Rocky Balboa which still leaves a tinge of a bad taste in my mouth, but now you see a film about Adonis Creed really coming to its own story and move on. I’m not sure there will be more films of this franchise, but if this is the last one, it is a nice ending to it. Regardless, if there is more, I will be there to enjoy!!!

Real Rating:

4 Training Montages

(Sidenote: Woman Talking – An Oscar review. This was an interesting watch, especially when you learn the setting of this film dealing with Mennonite woman making their big decision of their lives after a horrific event. It is interesting to hear the dialogue, and hearing the pros and cons and opinions of each woman voting on what to do. With all that being said, that is all that it brings to the table. The title doesn’t deceive, but I expected more. Maybe this would’ve been better as a play!!!
Real Rating: 3.5 Meetings)

Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre may follow all the spy film tropes, but it was entertaining and what you expect from a Jason Statham film directed by Guy Ritchie!!!

Real Rating:

4 G6 Planes

What I Like:

-It’s what you expect in a spy film starring Jason Statham and directed by Guy Ritchie, it was fun and entertaining with its action, and witty with its comedy as well
-The rest of the cast was great as well, most notably Aubrey Plaza being a key member of the spy team, and Hugh Grant playing one of the villains, it all just worked

The So So:

-Yes if you seen one spy movie, you have seen them all, but for this one, I was still entertained with everything, I wasn’t bored, not even for a minute, and when films do that, that is good enough for me

What I Didn’t Like:

-Josh Hartnett’s character was annoying for me

Overall:

Yes it has all the tropes for a spy movie that looks like it is honoring the James Bond franchise, but in the end, it was fun for me to sit back and enjoy. What worked was a well rounded cast that did their parts very well, and add that comedic touch to make it witty enough. It may be hard to find a spy movie with the tropes, but if they use the tropes right, it still can be a spectacle to watch!!!

Real Rating:

4 G6 Planes

(Sidenote: Bones and All – This has to be the weirdest romance movie I have seen. This one is involving cannibals falling for each other. Yes, you read that right. It was very hard for me to get into, let alone care for these cannibals. My only question is, why the heck Timothee Chalamet and Mark Rylance agree to do this? Maybe it was too weird for them to pass up!!!
Real Rating: 2 Road Trips)

Cocaine Bear is absurd as it sounds, it wasn’t a great movie, but entertaining enough!!!

Real Rating:

3 Kilos of Coke

What I Like:

-If you go in watching this film, you know what you’re getting yourself into, and it was entertaining enough for me to care to see what will happen next
-One of the reason why it was entertaining enough is because of the cast, Kerri Russell was good, O’Shea Jackson Jr. and Jesse Tyler Ferguson was funny enough, and you get Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Ray Liotta playing like how we always see them from before, they really took this film serious

The So So:

-The plot is stupid, but at least they portray it as an absurd comedy, and that is what worked, for me it wasn’t funny enough, but you do have the curiosity to see what happens next

What I Didn’t Like:

-The bear looked like a CGI’d mess, and for a movie about a bear high on coke, I expected more bear action, it wasn’t enough for me

Overall:

If you go in there expecting a great cultured movie, you will be greatly disappointed. If you go in to be entertained by absurd comedy, come right this way. It is what you pay for, and it was entertaining enough for me to see how it will end. Honestly, this film should’ve been on Netflix or something, but more power for the people who actually paid to see this!!!

Real Rating:

3 Kilos of Coke

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania has its moments, but it took me a while to really get into the story!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Holes

What I Like:

The one thing that really stood out for me was Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, I liked his backstory and showing how menacing he could be, he is a formidable villain for sure

The So So:

-The world building of the Quantum Realm is big and weird, sort of like Strange World, with that said, the world building did make this film drag a lot, with that said it is an interesting world to learn more about
-The special effects was cool, but some of the scenes you can tell it was clearly green screen or CGI’d
-The comedy is hit or miss, I mean a lot of laughs is really because of the charm of Paul Rudd, but his charm can only last so long

What I Didn’t Like:

-M.O.D.O.K., without spoiling it, I didn’t like his character development, he does look weird, but that’s the least of my worries, I just didn’t like how they used him

Overall:

With the superheroes of Ant-Man and the Wasp you get what you expect, and I like the family dynamic it brings out with these heroes. In regards to the world building of the Quantum Realm, it is something you have to get used to, and it can drag a bit. Yes I love Kang the Conqueror, but didn’t like M.O.D.O.K. With all that said, it is still a fun Marvel Cinematic Universe film. Just not the upper tier of great MCU films!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Holes

(Sidenote: Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths – After all his Oscar glory, director Alejandro G. Inarritu makes another film. I was just surprised it was on Netflix. With that being said, I can see why it got nominated for an Oscar for Best Cinematography. Other than that, I really didn’t get into the story. I didn’t get it, it dragged for 2 and a half hours, and I’m not sure if this is a snippet in the mind of Inarritu himself. Needless to say, this is one of the boring films by Inarritu, and you would think after 6 years he would come up with something great!!!
Real Rating: 2.5 Awards)

Shotgun Wedding may have a unique sense, but once you get into it, it is the same old action comedy mess!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 Pirates

What I Like:

-Any movie with Jennifer Lopez I’m in, and her acting in this one didn’t disappoint

The So So:

-The action was fine, but it was the usual gunfire and explosions that we normally see which is still entertaining but nothing new to the table
-The story is also unique about a wedding being sabotaged by pirates, but it just follows the same old action comedy tropes which made it very predictable

What I Didn’t Like:

-Lenny Kravitz’s acting looked like it belongs to a minor character in a B level film, yes, it was that bad
-The comedy wasn’t that funny either, not even the Latin great Cheech Marin was funny

Overall:

Even for Amazon Prime, I don’t think it’s worth the fuss. The only reason I watched it was because of the beautiful Jennifer Lopez. The action was derivative, the comedy was mostly a miss, and the story was just way too familiar once the film starting to get going. What more can I say, Amazon Prime can do a lot better than this!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 Pirates

(Sidenote: Causeway – Here is another Oscar Nominated Review. This one for Brian Tyree Henry getting the nod for Best Supporting Actor. Mainly about Jennifer Lawrence character as a person recovering from a traumatic experience while serving in the military trying to recoup in a regular life. J Law and BTH were fine, but it did drag a little. In the end, I have to ask myself, “What is the point of this film?” Still can’t find a definitive answer to that question!!!
Real Rating: 3 Swimming Pools)

To Leslie is a feel good story that can inspire or at the very least, never give up!!!

Real Rating:

4 Motel Rooms

What I Like:

-Andrea Riseborough did really well in her role acting as a woman in West Texas who was down in the dumps with her alcoholism that affected everyone especially after winning the lottery
-The supporting cast really helped her role, I mean who knew Marc Maron can change his New York accent to a West Texan accent
-The story is real, but I enjoyed that it turned to a feel good story, in the end, you do end up rooting for the protagonist

The So So:

-The West Texas accent can be annoying, but it is appropriate for the setting of this story

What I Didn’t Like:

-Some scenes can drag a little bit, I mean how many times do you need to see a character moping around

Overall:

Despite the minor flaws, I did enjoy this film. It is a good character study, and a feel good movie that can inspire. That keep moving forward attitude no matter the mistakes you make can be as real as it gets. I believe Andrea Riseborough has earned her Oscar nomination nod, and honestly, I’m surprised there isn’t more nominations!!!

Real Rating:

4 Motel Rooms

(Sidenote: Aftersun – At first I thought it was a film directed by Terrence Malick with the way of the camera angles with its cinematography, but it is not from him. It is a story of a young girl’s point of view of her father dealing with depression, but enjoying their vacation in Turkey. I loved how they showed the country of Turkey and their culture which looked beautiful. However, I thought the role of Paul Mescal might be overhyped, and don’t think he deserved his nomination of Best Actor. With all that said, in the end, it can be another good character study, but it dragged all the way to the end!!!
Real Rating: 3 Turkish Rugs)

Knock at the Cabin is a thrilling story that isn’t destroyed by the M. Night Shyalaman tropes!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Grasshoppers

What I Like:

-The story was engaging and thrilling, the fact that you’re not sure what is really going to happen can put you on the edge of your seat
-The acting was pretty good as well, from Dave Bautista to Ben Aldridge, they made this film believable

The So So:

-The main point of this story was up and down for me, I think I get the point, but then again, I couldn’t grasp the true purpose of this film, is it a tragedy, or something more positive, I don’t really know

What I Didn’t Like:

-It didn’t really have the M. Night Shyalaman tropes, and a part of me think this film is not complete without it, it’s weird, but a true feeling

Overall:

It is one of those rare movies with the tropes of M. Night Shyalaman. I did end up missing it, but regardless, it was a decent film to watch. It had fine acting, that made it thrilling and engaging. I’m not quite sure what the main theme of this film is, but this is why I like to hear other people’s take on this. It is what writing this blog makes it worth it!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Grasshoppers

(Sidenote: All Quiet on the Western Front – This is one of my Oscar Film Review. This foreign film excels in one thing, good war action. It really shows the true terrors of war, especially from a country that has suffered a lot during a battle that’s been lost. I do believe that this film should be shown in theaters to get the true feeling that this film is suppose to show. The only bad thing is that when it drags, it drags very very slowly. Other than that, it is a good watch on Netflix!!!
Real Rating: 4 Bayonets)