Dumb Money is interesting, but the business political jargon can get old very quick despite the good acting!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Short Squeezes

What I Like:

-The story is very interesting, it is based off a true story in regards to the Game Stop short squeeze “scandal,” the way they tell that story in different perspectives made it worthwhile to see what happens and the after effects of it
-The acting was great, Paul Dano as youtube personality, Keith Gill, really showed some intellectual heart, and the rest of the cast really showed how regular investors and the effects of playing the stock market, it is interesting to see how that goes down

The So So:

-I usually have a hate fest on Pete Davidson, especially when he tries to play a Boston guy, at first he was all the stereotypes for a Boston guy which makes me hate him more, but as the movie progresses, he actually showed a lot of heart, but in a weird way that works, this train of Pete Davidson will go whether we like it or not

What I Didn’t Like:

-Any movie about the stock market will always get me lost with their conversations of business with a vocabulary that I don’t understand, it just made me lost, and I have to rely on directoral execution to help me with understanding on what’s going on, it affects the movie viewing pleasure for me no matter how much they try to explain it

Overall:

As I said before, it is an interesting film. The scandal of it all really shows how corrupt the stock market business can be with their manipulative ways. I believe that is the biggest point of this film, but getting to that point really was strain to my brain when it comes to their business political jargon it brings. It didn’t help for a person who is very ignorant to this subject matter. Regardless, the acting kept it together, and the execution of the story made not boring. It is a good watch, but you may need to do some research about this stock market crap!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Short Squeezes

(Sidenote: Paint – Owen Wilson is playing a somewhat fictional version of the famous TV painter, Bob Ross. I’m not sure if this was a biopic, or a dramatization about a random painter. I thought Wilson was a miscast, and the story didn’t really portray the character of Bob Ross. It just didn’t make sense to me whatsoever in what this film was trying to achieve!!!
Real Rating: 3 Canvases)

Expend4bles really has exhausted in what it had and just became a cliched mess with messy action!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 You’re Welcomes

What I Like:

-I guess it is good to see Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham back together to make one more action film

The So So:

-The cast was solid, but the development for a lot of these characters were thinner than tissue paper, but these actors really worked with what they got
-The action was ok, a lot of the scenes were clearly green screen, but they made up for it with their fight scenes and gore, but I can’t help but being disappointed with what I got

What I Didn’t Like:

-The story was just terrible, everything seemed rushed, cliched, and very predictable, I just didn’t care what happens, and rather see semi good action

Overall:

This film is definitely the weakest from the other films. With a storyline so bad and predictable, I just didn’t care to see what happens. The messy action with extra helping of gore made it somewhat watchable, but in the end, I just wanted it to be over and done with. This cash cow (maybe) needs to be sold for parts!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 You’re Welcomes

(Sidenote: Love Again – People know I’m not a fan of rom-coms, and this one is no different. Not only is it eye rollingly cheesy, but it follows that rom-com formula to a T. Add to the fact that the problems it brings felt forced, the comedy aspect was non existent, and it was straight boring. It didn’t help this genre for me whatsoever!!!
Real Rating: 2 Celine Dion Songs)

A Haunting in Venice does go through some familiar territories with this franchise, but the mystery is at its best in storytelling!!!

Real Rating:

4 Spooky Children Singing

What I Like:

-When it comes to the mystery and the horror themed storytelling, it was top notch, it was thrilling and spooky, and kept you engaged throughout the whole ordeal
-The acting was top notch, you do get Kenneth Branagh as Hercule Poirot, but a more scaled back and suffering Poirot, but Michelle Yeoh and Tina Fey were phenomenal as well, the rest of the cast were solid
-I also liked the cinematography of Venice, but in a different lens during Halloween, and showing a more spookier side on this famous city

The So So:

-With the last two movies of this franchise, it does set a tone that was no different for this movie, but it is a theme that we are expecting, add to the fact of the horror theme it does give a good angle into a different type of mystery, a creepy spooky mystery that was well executed

What I Didn’t Like:

-The solving of the mystery seemed too basic and straightforward for my liking, it just felt way too abrupt and not as complicated like the other films
-I also didn’t like the over reliance on jump scares, it seemed to unnecessary

Overall:

It does go with the familiar tones with Kenneth Branagh’s films of Hercule Poirot. We know what to expect from this character and the way the story is told. With that being said, the horror spooky aspect of this thriller does give it a unique blend of telling a mystery story. It may have a few flaws, but the the top notch acting really sells it. Though not by much in comparison to the past movies, but I believe this is the best one in this trilogy. Not sure if they will make more, but it should follow more of a formula like this film than the others!!!

Real Rating:

4 Spooky Children Singing

(Sidenote: Kandahar – This is a political action film in the middle east with this time starring Gerard Butler. It did seem like the same old story and problems, but the action it did bring was thrilling enough. With that said, it was hard for me to get into the story because it was all over the place and hard to follow. It got to a point where if I should even care what happens!!!
Real Rating: 3 Deserts)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding may be the same old thing, but the charm is there which is why people love these films!!!

Real Rating:

3 Greek Marketplaces

What I Like:

-The cast is all there with this big Greek family, and the charm of this family is all still there, you get what you went to see this film for
-Add to the fact that they are actually in the country of Greece does add a new fresh take on things, the cinematography for this country is great

The So So:

-There were some parts that made me laugh, and some comedic parts that just didn’t do it for me, I guess it is a matter of comedic taste

What I Didn’t Like:

-It is practically the same old story with the same old themes, it added nothing new but age to these characters

Overall:

The reason people love these movies is because of the cultural charm this family brings. In this film, it was no different, and you get what you came for. With all that said, the comedy is inconsistent, you still get the same old story and themes and drama that this family brings. At least they’re in the country of Greece for once, so that gives it a different perspective at least. Regardless, it is good enough, especially for fans, but they are really running out of ideas and probably needs to stop before an Italian family takes over them!!!

Real Rating:

3 Greek Marketplaces

(Sidenote: Sisu – This bloody gory film set in World War II, about a prospector fighting against Nazis to keep the gold that he found. There is not too much dialogue, a simple story, and gory action. I mean, in the end, who doesn’t want to see Nazis getting brutally beaten up!!!
Real Rating: 4 Gold Nuggets)

The Equalizer 3 may be the weakest of the trilogy, but it does pack enough punch to make it entertaining!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Small Italian Cities

What I Like:

-What you really watch this movie for is the action, and you do get a lot of that action, so you get what you pay for
-The cinematography of a small old Italian town was awesome to see, makes me really want to go there and visit

The So So

-With Denzel Washington playing Robert McCall is one of those big action heroes, but in this film, his age is really starting to show, he does seem slower than usual in his action scenes, but with all that said, what makes his character works is that bottom line he is a good guy, someone who you respect, because in the end, all he is doing is helping good people live their lives innocently, and keep the evil people away

What I Didn’t Like:

-The story is very formulaic action film, and it is pretty straightforward, if you wanted something new to the table or more substance, you won’t get it here

Overall:

It really was the weakest of the three in terms of story. It just felt to formulaic with nothing new to add to this franchise. With that being said, it does pack enough of that action punch to keep its entertainment afloat. As for Denzel Washington, we may start seeing his days as an action star coming to an end, but as for his character of Robert McCall, you can commend him in everything he is trying to do. He is doing it from the goodness of his heart for good people around him. It is what makes him a very likable character. If this film is the final one, then I do believe it ends on a good note. A good closure for the character Robert McCall!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Small Italian Cities

Retribution might be a typical thriller, but I wasn’t bored watching it!!!

Real Rating:

3 Liam Neesons in a Car

What I Like:

-I normally like thrillers that deal in one area like Speed and Phone Booth, and this one is no different, you see a lot of Liam Neeson in a car with a bomb in the bottom, and I was thoroughly entertained

The So So:

-The acting was decent, Liam Neeson we get what is expected, and the villain was menacing enough, but his kids in the car were eye rollingly bad

What I Didn’t Like:

-The twist didn’t make much sense to me, and the ending was way too abrupt

Overall:

I like thrillers, and I do like thriller gimmicks where it all takes place in one place. It was entertaining for me, and you do get the Liam Neeson with all the tropes he brings like talking on the phone, but in a car. It does have it flaws, but it wasn’t boring at all. I wasn’t mad that I went out and watch, and this is one of the better late films from Liam Neeson!!!

Real Rating:

3 Liam Neesons in a Car

You Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah is a typical coming of age film, that brings some Jewish culture in it, but not much more!!!

3 Mitzvahs

What I Like:

-I liked seeing a little bit of the Jewish culture of today, and learning a little bit more of this whole bat or bar mitzvah thing and what it really entails, it was interesting to see
-Adam Sandler brought his whole family into this film with his real wife playing another mom, and his two daughters with Sunny Sandler playing the titular role, you can tell and feel the authenticity of their roles playing with each other, and they looked like they were having fun, and you still get Adam Sandler playing his typical self

The So So:

-Sunny Sandler role was playing a girl whose Bat Mitzvah is coming up, and she is going through many different phases a young teenagers life, and she was good at it, but it all just felt way too familiar teen drama, I just felt maybe she would have showed more of her comedy chops or maybe bring in something more

What I Didn’t Like:

-Like I said before, other than the whole Bat Mitzvah culture of today, it really didn’t bring nothing new to the table, it felt like a movie that I have already seen before

Overall:

Said it once, and I will say it again. The film was fine, especially coming from Netflix, and I can appreciate what Adam Sandler is trying to bring in this film with the Jewish culture and his own family. However, it didn’t feel new or genuine enough for me to really enjoy it. Especially with the film Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret. Coming out in the same year which has similarities, but the latter felt more effective for me. Regardless, there is some substance that you can enjoy, plus some Adam Sandler fun as a dad can entertain!!!

Real Rating:

3 Mitzvahs

Blue Beetle may have the stereotypes of a superhero movie, but it gives a lot of heart with its representation and themes!!!

Real Rating:

4 Scarabs

What I Like:

-I really enjoyed the representation of the Latin family culture of today it brings, I felt at home watching it, plus seeing the struggles they go through, add to the fact that it is the first Latin superhero film, it was extra special to watch
-The acting was good, it felt authentic, and I loved the theme of family it brings, it is a loving representation and I enjoyed every heartwarming angle they put into it, especially with Xolo Mariduena as the titular hero, he showed a lot of moxy with his persona of Jaime Reyes
-I also enjoyed the color palette of the Blue Beetle, and the cinematography of the city, and the nice blend of CGI and special effects, it did not look cheap, it was definitely a step away from the Zack Snyder crap, and a step into a new direction for these DC films

The So So:

-It does have some of the stereotypes of a superhero movie, especially for an origin story, but for me, that is no problem, it is the genre I love, and why I will keep watching them, only true fans know what I mean
-George Lopez playing uncle Rudy is pretty much the comic relief with George Lopez up to his old schtick, however, I enjoyed his character a lot because we all have that one crazy uncle or tio, and I can relate to it, plus I liked how intelligent he was in this film too

What I Didn’t Like:

-Some of the comedy just felt forced or eye rollingly bad, some of it didn’t quite stick
-As for the main villain, it is a stereotypical DC villain that lets greed take over, Susan Sarandon was good, but didn’t add anything new to the table

Overall:

This is the superhero movie I’ve been waiting for. The first titular Latin superhero, and it did not disappoint. I was a little scared because this is a DCEU film with the Zack Snyder residue on it, but it did not felt like a previous DCEU film. It felt fresh, light hearted, bright, and entertaining. I hope this is the future of the DC films once James Gunn officially takes over. Regardless, I loved the representation of a today’s Latin family it brings, and the big theme on family and sticking together. It gave the film a lot of heart, and some good emotion into it. I just love the color palette, cinematography, and the CGI special effects that really blends well to make a good superhero film. I hope it does well so we can see more of Jaime Reyes in the future!!!

Real Rating:

4 Scarabs

Strays may come into the raunchy side of things, but I found the comedy not that funny!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 Tennis Balls

What I Like:

-The special effects of making the dogs talk did look realistic enough

The So So:

-There were some parts that made me chuckle, but they really leaned on the raunchy side of comedy which for me just made it flat out gross, almost, and I say almost, to not wanting to rescue a dog
-The voice cast made it work, but hearing Will Ferrell is not the same as seeing Will Ferrell, sometimes, it didn’t quite work out

What I Didn’t Like:

-Everything was predictable, the story, the character development, and even the comedy I knew that there were going to be some moments that they thought would make me laugh, but failed horrifically

Overall:

I knew what I was getting myself into, and unfortunately I was right in a lot of things that they were going to show and tell. It was practically formulaic. Hearing Will Ferrell’s voice is just not the same as his acting physical comedy. I rather just watch the SNL Cowbell sketch 30 times over than this film again. At least the dogs looked cute every step of the way no matter what these strays ate!!!

Real Rating:

2.5 Tennis Balls

Gran Turismo may have a weak and predictable storyline, but the race scenes are exhilarating to have fun with!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Kenny G Songs

What I Like:

-Let’s face it, one of the biggest reasons to watch this movie is because you want to see some fun car races, and you get that, the blending of the sound, cinematography, and special effects does make it very thrilling

The So So:

-The acting was ok, I do give credit to David Harbour as the trainer, I thought he was great, Archie Madekwe as the protagonist was ok to decent, I didn’t really feel the full potential of his character, Djimon Hounsou playing the father was very underused, except for that one emotional scene where he shined for a little bit, and Orlando Bloom was just there

What I Didn’t Like:

-Even though this is a true story, it does seem ridiculous and predictable, it even hit all the cliches for a sports movie which I could’ve seen before it happened, let alone it reminded me a lot of the other racing movies where storywise was better at the very least

Overall:

I had low expectations for this sports film based on a video game extravaganza, but it ended up to be decent enough to be fun and entertaining. Put the story telling and predictable plot aside. The race scenes were very thrilling, and I believe it is worth a gander to watch it in IMAX. I mean that is what you want to see, right? Some thrilling race scenes with all the fixings, and that is what you get. Could’ve been better? Absolutely. However, the bare minimum is good enough. Even for a sports movie sucker like me!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Kenny G Songs

(Sidenote: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. – This coming of age film was enlightening to watch. It flowed very well, and it wasn’t boring to watch. I may not be the demographic for this film, and I haven’t read the book either. However, it is fascinating to see a protagonist preteen growing up, and how she deals with it. Fun for a mother and daughter movie night!!!
Real Rating: 4 Prayers)