Asteroid City is a witty story Wes Anderson style, but the storytelling can be confusing for me!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Asteroids

What I Like:

-The whole story in regards to what is happening in the city is interesting and witty with their quirky characters and the way the city was created and run, it actually kept me engaged

The So So:

-With a Wes Anderson film, you can take it or leave it, if you’re a fan, you will love it, if you’re not a fan, you would probably be confused by it, for me, I’m not a fan of Anderson, but this one is one of the ones I kind of like

What I Didn’t Like:

-They went with a meta type of storytelling with the story, and the making of the play of the story, personally, it was too meta for me, meaning, it was too confusing, and I kind of wish they left it with just the story which is good enough

Overall:

For me, this is one of the better Wes Anderson films, but not his best. The story of the city was great and funny, but the meta part of it was confusing and unnecessary. As I said before, fans of Wes Anderson will love it, and non fans will not understand it. So when you watch this film, you can take it or leave it!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Asteroids

The Flash may have its issues with the story, but I can appreciate the lightheartedness and funness it brings!!!

Real Rating:

4 Speedsters

What I Like:

-Unlike most of the past DC films, I really enjoyed this one because of the hilarity and lightheartedness it brings, it does make the film more fun
-The new Flash suit does bring up the color palette better instead of being dark like the past movies
-The slow motion action actually makes sense in this film, and it is fun to watch
-Bringing back Michael Keaton as Batman was great, and how they set up scenes just like in the first Batman movie was awesome, I also enjoyed a lot of the fun cameos it brings too, some were great, and some just made me laugh

The So So:

-As much as I can’t support his behavior off the camera, Ezra Miller’s portrayal of The Flash was great, seeing him play two different Barry Allens was fun, but I still can’t shake off his behavior, it is something I can’t support, and I hope therapy helps him
-The story has some emotional impact at the beginning which made it intriguing, plus a quick origin story as well, but the whole multiverse time travel thing was kind of derivative, and a little anticlimactic, especially at the end

What I Didn’t Like:

-One action scene still kind of traumatized me, did they really have to use babies in need of saving, I have so many thoughts with that scene

Overall:

This is one of the better DCEU films than most. Though it is not great, it is a lot of fun with the comedy and action. It is something new as The Flash never had a solo film, and it was kind of a breathe of fresh air. I said my peace on Ezra Miller, but at least he was fine as Barry Allen. Overall, it may be an already old multiverse story, but the cameos just made it just right for DC fans to enjoy!!!

Real Rating:

4 Speedsters

Elemental is a cute and thought provoking film, even though the story seems a bit convoluted!!!

Real Rating:

4 Elements

What I Like:

-The animation is amazing, the graphics of making a city where elements lived and seeing how they live and commute is awesome to see, you don’t expect anything less from Pixar
-The development of Ember and her family, the fire element, traveling from their country to Element City is very gratifying to see, and you can tell that director, Peter Sohn, took a personal approach to this film

The So So:

-The story is all over the place, at first I thought it was a film about racism which it does have some small themes of, but never fully developed which is disappointing, then it took a turn on a investigative adventure about why there are leaks in the city, but that eventually became a small plot moving tool that leads to the main point that is a love story, once you grow to accept that type of story, it is a cute story with themes about interracial dating, and taking the big step outside of your culture, it is a good one for the family to see and grasp that angle of the story
-The character of Wade, the water element, may seem like some emotional shmuck which can get annoying, but then you see his determination to try and explore in the chances of a relationship, and in the end, he is actually a very intellectual and kind hearted person

What I Didn’t Like:

-I wish they developed more of the character of the other elements, wind and earth, they were there, but kind of like side characters, and wanted to see more of their world as well
-It did give me a lot of vibes of the other Disney movie Zootopia, different story, but same story angle
-The basketball game, The Wind Breakers vs The Cropdusters, really now?

Overall:

This Pixar movies may have its flaws with their convoluted story. However, the animation and character development makes up for it greatly. Once you understand what the story is about, you can just watch and enjoy the film with your family. I feel like a sequel should be merited, but dealing with the other elements that got left to the side. That way you can really see the true character of Element City!!!

Real Rating:

4 Elements

Extraction 2 is a formidable sequel where the action was great, and the story is slightly better!!!

Real Rating:

4 Machine Guns

What I Like:

-The action was once again top notch, everytime they get to the actual extraction, you get a long unedited action sequence, this one was awesome, especially the prison riot and train scene, it was a great piece of action cinematography
-The character development, especially for Tyler Rake, is a lot better, and really showed some emotional depth to his character, something we didn’t really see in the first movie

The So So:

-The story is almost the same as the last film, only the stakes were a lot personal which added a more thrilling plot, but the main story is practically the same as the first film

What I Didn’t Like:

-The final showdown was a little weak for my liking
-These type of films should be shown in theaters
-There are some things in the film that didn’t quite make sense for me

Overall:

The first Extraction movie was an awesome action movie, and Extraction 2 makes it a formidable sequel. The action was awesome, especially the non edited scene. I like the fact that Chris Hemsworth can do other roles, especially in action, other than Thor. These films are very entertaining, and if they are going to make more, maybe show it in theaters to get a great experience!!!

Real Rating:

4 Machine Guns

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts may have some issues, but it is the best Transformers movie I’ve seen since the first one!!!

Real Rating:

4 Breathing Exercises

What I Like:

-Many things worked for this film, the action was great, but you know we would get that, but I like it that the film was short and to the point, it wasn’t as exhausting as the other films
-There was actual good character developments with their human cast, I actually cared for Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback’s character, and the Maximals as well, the voice cast was great, even Pete Davidson as Mirage
-Even the villains were terrifying with Scourge and the rest, made the battles more intense

The So So:

-I’m basing this off a feeling, this took place before the original Transformers film, and after the Bumblebee movie, it does explain why Optimus Prime and the gang were there to begin with, but before the original Transformers movie I see a lot of continuity issues with it, especially with the way it ended (you need to see it to know what I mean), maybe I’m overthinking it, or maybe there will be one more movie before the original to explain things, but there are some things that don’t add up

What I Didn’t Like:

-The story with everything is very cliched, and seen before, nothing really new to the table

Overall:

I really enjoyed this Transformers film. You get what you pay for with robots beating the living crap out of each other. Now with the Maximals, it does add a cool angle to this franchise (plus the crazy ending). Yes it does have its issues with their story and my theories on continuity issues, but in the end, it was fun to watch and not as exhausting as their past films. It does look like they are going to the right direction with this franchise, but I hope it doesn’t wear out its welcome either!!!

Real Rating:

4 Breathing Exercises

(Sidenote: Missing – This stand alone sequel to Searching follows a great mystery story using the gimmick of showing it through the internet and technology that we use today. Though the Internet and technology stuff seem cool and even creepy at times, the gimmick does get old. With that said, I really enjoyed the mystery story with all the twist and turns it made. It kept me engaged from beginning to end!!!
Real Rating: 4 Google Searches)

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has everything you want with this version of Spider-Man, but this whole trilogy thing does give its tropes!!!

Real Rating: 4.5 Spider-Verses

What I Like:

-Where can I begin, I know, the animation is top notch, every scene has some great detail that is amazing, and if I watch it again in theaters, I would watch it in 3D
-The voice cast was also amazing, we already have people coming back which is great, and adding in Oscar Isaac, Issa Rae, Jason Schwartzman, and Daniel Kaluuya just makes it that much more epic
-What also makes this great is the character development, we get more for Miles Morales, and more for Spider-Gwen, and it is even more fascinating which is rare for a sequel to do well
-The Easter Eggs are fun to find

The So So:

-It has already announced that it would be a trilogy, and I should’ve known some tropes would happen when it comes to these trilogies, or even two parters, but without giving too much away, the ending trope always gets me mad, that’s all that I will say about that

What I Didn’t Like:

-There is really nothing negative for me to say, it’s that good

Overall:

If you love Spider-Man stories of any kind, this is a must see. The animation makes it possible for this type of movie to succeed in every single angle needed. You will thoroughly enjoy it, and if it wasn’t for the tropes of a trilogy, this would’ve been perfect. I will give it to Sony for all the animation stuff. Can’t say much about everything else Sony has done recently. Just leave the live action movies with the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and leave the animation with Sony. To me that is a fair deal!!!

Real Rating:

4.5 Spider-Verses

As usual with Disney remakes it is the same old thing, but there is something special with this one that I enjoyed!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Sea Creatures

What I Like:

-I really enjoyed the underwater graphics and special effects, it really created a world that is amazing
-The whole controversy with Halle Bailey casted as Ariel, stupid to begin with, is a mute point now, she was great, and her singing “Part of Your World” was a delight to see, I also enjoyed Melissa McCarthy as Ursula, I thought she encapsulated her character greatly, and was fun to watch
-I also enjoyed watching the culture when Ariel was on land, it was beautiful with the colors and cinematography, a place that made me jealous of wanting to be there

The So So:

-One of my favorite songs from the original animated film was “Under the Sea” I thought the graphics were great with this number, but the music didn’t quite captured me as the original, maybe it was Daveed Diggs attempt at an island accent, but it didn’t quite do it for me
-Javier Bardem definitely looked the part of King Triton, but I didn’t think he demanded a big enough presence, he wasn’t stern enough or showing why he was king

What I Didn’t Like:

-As usual with Disney live action remakes, it is the same old story only with some minor changes, it was almost word for word at times with their dialogue, and the way they made Ursula look when she grew big was too dark and not as thrilling
-Awkwafina as Scuttle, enough said

Overall:

Yes it does go through the same loops as any live action remakes from Disney. It is their biggest weakness. With that said, I really enjoyed watching this one. The underwater graphics and special effects I enjoyed a lot. Halle Bailey as Ariel was great, and so was Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. Yes there were some changes and things I didn’t like, but in the end I had fun watching this Disney classic. It is a love/hate relationship with these kind of films!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Sea Creatures

About My Father is everything you like about comedian Sebastian Maniscalco and his Italian background, it was just way too safe to be a good comedy film!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Peacocks

What I Like:

-Sebastian Maniscalco is a funny comedian and he does present himself well in a comedy film, and his chemistry with Robert De Niro as his father does show some comedic banter that will make you laugh

The So So:

-It is a nice Meet the Parents type of ordeal, but it didn’t bring any real issues, instead they played it safe with their story, and it is a charming film, but no real problems to make it entertaining enough

What I Didn’t Like:

-As I said before, it is too safe, it just wasn’t entertaining enough to be a great film, if you have De Niro in this, you need to have some serious conflict, not just family banter

Overall:

I enjoyed this film for what it is. Sebastian Maniscalco does paint a good picture of his family background, and the chemistry with Robert De Niro was fun to watch. However, it’s charm only lasts for only so long. No real issues or consequences, just some safe comedy. Not that it is a bad thing, but you just get a mediocre to decent film!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Peacocks

Fast X is another fun romp, but the same fun romp!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Golden Lamborghinis

What I Like:

-Unlike its predecessor, this one had a more grounded action that actually had me engaged, it was fun and crazy, and didn’t make me hate on the unrealistic action
-What also made it fun to watch was seeing Jason Momoa playing the villain, Dante Reyes, he was very flamboyant and menacing, dangerous yet entertaining, like a Joker of some sorts, and he really made this film enjoyable, best Fast and Furious villain since Jason Statham as Owen Shaw
-Practically all the cast from its previous movies are back, and it was enjoyable, especially seeing John Cena protecting, Dom Toretto son

The So So:

-You go out to see this movie for the mindless action, and that is what you get, it is no different, but that is what makes these Fast and Furious movies so entertaining, just when I thought I had enough, it brings me back in

What I Didn’t Like:

-This is the start of the end of these films, and with that comes with endings that leaves on cliffhangers which I hate, a lot of unanswered questions, and a mid credits scene that did make me happy, but mad at the stunts they pulled off the camera, I really hate when films do that, and have to wait two years to see what happens

Overall:

Just when I thought I was done with these films, this one brings me back in. Even though it is the same mindless action, it did seem more grounded and fun. It is the beginning of the end of this franchise, and they are putting out all the stops. Starting with a very formidable villain with Jason Momoa, and bringing back practically everybody that seems to set up one major event. It is fun entertainment, and I am curious where this will end up!!!

Real Rating:

3.5 Golden Lamborghinis

(Sidenote: Champions – I wasn’t sure about this film. I thought that it would’ve been completely offensive, and cliched. I was right about the latter. It is a cliched sports movie, but this film is very charming with Woody Harrelson as a basketball coach coaching a Special Olympics Basketball Team. I enjoyed it from beginning to end, but I am a sucker for sports movies!!!
Real Rating: 3.5 Pick and Rolls)

Hypnotic is not your typical Robert Rodriguez movie, but for this one, it took a turn to the what just happened?

Real Rating:

3 Hypnotized People

What I Like:

-The story is intriguing, a mystery with a hypnosis component, it really kept my attention, it was even scary at times
-The acting was pretty spot on, especially Ben Affleck who showed some good emotion

The So So:

-If you’re expecting a Robert Rodriguez type of film, you will be disappointed, with that said, it is different, but a good kind of different where it showed an engaging story

What I Didn’t Like:

-With an engaging storyline, it was negatively affected by their twists, it really got me confused, and many things did not make sense for me, you have to see for yourself

Overall:

A different sort of Robert Rodriguez movie, but for me, my complaint is not with that. The premise is intriguing, but once it got to the twist, it just fell off with a big question mark. Ben Affleck’s good acting cannot save itself from confusing disaster. It is a shame really!!!

Real Rating:

3 Hypnotized People