SONIC THE HEDGEHOG REVIEW

“All it took was a redesign and the film turned out to be a blast for family and all”

When the film was first announced to be going into production (before anything was filmed) I was at first like “okay hopefully they don’t fuck it up”. Then that first trailer came out with the now infamous design and like many I said oh god no. After the redesign was done I can say like most people have already this movie is right there with Detective Pikachu and one of the best video game to movie films to date.

Sonic the Hedgehog is a film based on the Sega character of the same name as he tries to navigate the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound best friend — a human named Tom Wachowski. They must soon join forces to prevent the evil Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his powers for world domination.

Right off the bat I’m just say it. I’m looking forward to what they’ll do next in a sequel and I hope that a sequel is green-lit. Sonic was great all around with fun and comedy. Jim Carrey was great as Dr. Robotnik and the film didn’t try so hard to be something besides just enjoying giving us a fun film with Sonic. This film I will say is geared a lot towards kids as it should for we grew fond of Sonic when majority of us were kids. The redesign surely did help in flipping the film around as far as how the fanbase felt and I find it funny that most now are curious what the film would like with that original design (probably not too good). I don’t say this lightly that Sonic is on par with Detective Pikachu because both are faithful to their respective franchises in design and certain elements that make them unique. The purpose of the rings acting as teleporters and Green Hills being a callback to the first zone in the games.

If I was director the only thing I would change really is possibly find a way to make is speed feel unique. There has been a common go around with critics that there wasn’t anything new shown off and I can see why. The bar scene is basically Quicksilver’s scenes from XMen Days of Future Past and Apocalypse, but it was slightly different because that actually had a cool song choice and there was humor all around. That’s probably the only slight thing cause everything else I felt was great and didn’t try to expand on the lore too much it felt like a standalone film despite the tease of Tails appearing at the end.

Sonic the Hedgehog was a deemed to fail that came back and destroyed all expectations. It was a fun family joyride with a great cast and a simple story that will for sure expand in the sequel. I do hope it does get green-lit.

8/10

Birds of Prey Review

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“Action-packed, Entertaining as if John Wick and Deadpool collided into one mash-up”

When I was aware of three Joker and Harley Quinn movies in development, I said to myself okay that’s too much, but when they said that one of them was actually Birds of Prey, my mind went into a “okay finally something different from DC even if they included Harley.” I gotta say this film did not disappoint and I’m happy Warner Bros. decided to follow their own formula and let things just flow with each film such as this being R-rated.

Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of one Harley Quinn (long title I know) is a Birds of Prey origin told through the eyes of Harley Quinn as she crosses paths with them at the same time. The four our joined together under a common threat of Black Mask (Ewan McGregor) who desires a diamond that was swallowed by a girl named Cassandra Cain and all of this is happening after Harley and Joker had split.

Overall this film is one of DC’s best since the Justice League fiasco. I have to admit, I feel DC has gotten a lot better since then cause I can really see it’s creativity and focus on smaller stories than trying to have a whole big event film like how Marvel rolls on things. The action was intense and felt real while the mayhem never stopped and that’s how a film like this should be. Many reviewers online are trying to say that this is what Suicide Squad was meant to be like this, but I disagree (maybe James Gunn’s yeah, but not Ayers). David Ayer’s Suicide Squad had a lot of meddling so that vision was back and forth from that but Birds of Prey had a vision in mind from the start and kept with it. The story’s structure was similar to Deadpool with a character telling the story and causing the flashbacks mixed with the intense hardcore action of John Wick (speaking of which the director of Mr. Wick, Chad S., he was hired for second unit to pump up the action) and that was a highlight. I enjoyed every minute of it and each character had a moment to shine despite being shown through Harley’s eyes. What I find interesting and clever is how they tell the origin story of a group of characters through the eyes of an already established character of the universe. I find that cool and fresh than just having a usual origin. At first, I was like why have Harley in it and they actually justified that by using that tactic while also giving her own story that crosspath with the whole mess they get into. Despite being a comic book movie, it felt grounded due to the action and the stakes instead of always having some overpowering villain with powers. Instead, we had Black Mask who was ruthless while also insane. I’d go see this movie if I was you if you’re into mayhem and a good time.

If I was director, I really don’t have much I would change because I enjoyed it really well. I don’t have much memory of Birds of Prey besides the original tv show from early 2000s so I came in with a fresh mind. The violence and story was balanced for my liking and each character felt equal despite the promotional stuff all shows Harley. I guess one aspect would’ve been Huntress. She was amazing but her story was slightly shown throughout until she was prominent in the end. Maybe if there was a way to show her origin early in the film instead but I actually haven’t found where it would’ve been best. If anyone reading this has an idea, please do share in the comments.

Birds of Prey was different and I like how DC is finally showing off characters unrelated to Justice League. I feel if DC shows more characters in their pool much like they do with their cartoon movies, then they have a far different edge compared to Marvel who introduces characters and a story that ties to something bigger seven movies down the line (I liked that approach as a kid, but the formula I’m seeing it as the general formula to building a cinematic universe which is fine I like Marvel, but studios please do branch out and find new ways without rushing). I’m curious if this does get a sequel how would they go about it and we already gonna get Harley in James Gunn’s film next year. Also, I forgot to mention how nice it’s a change of pace to see women as the main protagonist it’s different and it didn’t feel sexualized like many are usually (that’s nice at times if it’s justified but here not needed). Soundtrack was really good too.

9/10

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Review

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“A film so divisive, I’ll accept it.”

Okay so let’s get this out of the way and if you defer me for this, that’s an honorable opinion, but here’s my statement: I liked The Last Jedi. Many people are so torn by it to this day that it even affects how people will view Episode IX. I liked Episode VIII due to it’s boldness and bringing in concepts and ideas that went completely away from audience expectations (come on Rian Johnson did Knives Out, Looper and my more…). Now that The Rise of Skywalker is out and concludes the Skywalker Saga as a whole…I’ll accept what’s been done.

The Rise of Skywalker follows one year after The Last Jedi where Emperor Palpatine emerges from the Unknown Regions to enact his revenge and the Resistance puts up one final battle to end the conflict once and for all.

Prior to the films release there were leaks on reddit that spoiled the entire plot and I hate to say it after seeing leaked images match up and now watching it myself, fare warning, the leaks are true…all of it. I came into the film knowing what would happen, but like I tell anyone, reading is far different than seeing it. The way a screenplay works is to help the director construct a visualization of their story in order to create it for real for the big screen. I felt despite knowing the leaks it was nice to see it for my own eyes and it’s not as bad as people on the internet troll about it. This fill will make you upset at points but it has it’s good moments as well. Hearing others reviews who hate the film so much, I feel there’s an over exaggeration due to the back lash of Episode VIII still lingering since 2017! I did feel there were parts I’m like okay forreal now while other times I’m like oh that was dope. I’m trying to be as general for now and leave the spoilers for below. It was nice seeing Rey, Poe, and Finn together for this one adventure and the chemistry brings a sort of banter I enjoyed that didn’t feel forced. Palpatine was a good addition but for a villain looming as a threat, we rarely see him. His screen time felt almost half of what he had in Return of The Jedi. Despite that though, everytime Palpatine was onscreen he was menacing and it was perfect. I would love to go on but I’m leave that for SPOILERS DOWN BELOW!

If I was director, there would be a few minor tweaks to J.J’s story. The film felt fast which is nothing wrong it keeps the plot moving, however I didn’t feel there was enough time to digest each location we found our heroes within. Another aspect is Palpatine, sure I can try to believe J.J’s master plan was to bring him in all along and I agree since he’s the over arching antagonist of the whole saga, but here his role didn’t feel justified or paid off as much as I really wanted it to. I felt the build up was missing and even if you wait till the final movie to reveal him, I would’ve given the screen time Palpatine deserved. The opening minutes was that very moment and sure a few throwaway answers to lingering questions regarding Snoke, but it was monumental. Another thing I would do is roll with The Last Jedi despite the many bold decisions instead of trying to retcon/soft reboot a concept such as Rey’s heritage. I felt the actual truth could be added without trying to play it off. I feel if instead of trying to move from point A to D to Z in under 2.5hrs and fill it in with nostalgia and fan service to pleasure an audience who hates you, I’d add more oil to that fire and bring this saga into a close that wouldn’t feel so conflicted in what it wants to be for the toxic fandom. My idea I’ll leave down in the SPOILER SECTION BELOW.

The Rise of Skywalker sends off the saga into the sunset since the original franchise back in 1977. Sure there are it’s pros and cons to the film that’ll go on for many years but at the same time I accept it for the film it’s become. I still look forward to seeing what Rian Johnson comes up with for his trilogy of Star Wars.

6/10

NOW SPOILERS!!!!

All leaks are true. Rey being a Palpatine. Her heritage. Han Solo returning. Leia training Rey. Hux is the mole for the Resistance. Leia dies. Kylo Ren turns good again and helps Rey defeat Palpatine. Rey and Kylo kiss. Snoke is a puppet clone for Palpatine. All are true elements to the film.

Each of these spoiler moments I did not mind at all. I thought it was cool to have Leia train her and I was surprised by how they incorporated Leia with so short of available deleted scenes to bring Carrie Fisher back. There was also a scene where Luke and Leia were training together before Leia stepped away after having a vision of her son turning. Palpatines scenes were soooooo amazing I was upset he was barely in it. The never really say how he survived but only just say yeah the Sith has abilities that kept me alive but at least he looked like a ghost holding onto a string to life. Some of his fingers were missing it was like he was a living corpse waiting for the next heir. I wish we had more moments to explain his return than just a few throwaway lines. Same with Lando, that was so random and I was upset cause they finally brought him back and then make him talk before leaving him behind till scenes later. Snoke being a cloned puppet for Palpatine was cool but left a lot to ask. Hayden Christensen IS IN THE FILM as a voice for Anakin on top of Yoda, Mace Windu, Ahsoka and many more Jedi. The search for sith relics was interesting but at the same time some of that stuff could’ve been reworked. I understand people felt it was video gamey for them to look for an artifact to find Palpatine and it did at times only due to the fast pacing of it. I felt the pacing was moving but at the same time I didn’t get the chance to digest the scene fully such as when Lando or Zorri appeared the first time. I’m like c’mon give me a moment first to catch up before rushing to the rest. Rey being a Palpatine granddaughter was a smart move but at the same time I’m disappointed that J.J [Abrams] softly retconned a lot of stuff The Last Jedi did for fan service than just servicing a good story.

There’s so much that this movie did I appreciated and other times disappointed by but please do not let ones opinion defer you from watching. This is a Star Wars movie after all and its a cultivation of everything that came before with easter eggs that callback to previous Episodes and more. So before the idea I would think of in closing out Rise of Skywalker I will say what I would keep: Leia’s role due to Carrie Fishers untimely death (her role in 9 is still prominent to say the least with what resources they had which was merely only less than 8 minutes of unused Force Awakens footage), Palpatine Lineage, Kylo’s redemption arc, Luke’s role, Zorri Bliss, Death Star II return, Passana sequence. But here’s my idea:

Same start out Kylo on Mustafar and takes the wayfinder to find his way Exogol where he meets Palpatine (best opening ever in Star Wars that scene was demented and creepy EPIC). Palpatine does reveal he was behind Snoke and was the one all along communicating to Kylo all these years through Vader’s helmet and etc. Kylo questions Palpatine on how he’s alive and Palpatine, explains like in the movie but more clearer for fandoms to not try and overthink it too much, that the Sith is full of mysteries that even death is not a problem from returning from. Palpatine does offer Kylo a place in the Final Order if he brings Rey to him.

Meanwhile Rey is like in the movie training with Leia and the whole Finn and Poe sequence getting information from the mole in the First Order. As Rey is studying from the ancient Jedi texts, the resistance are aware that Luke was searching for the planet long ago and remember there’s a possible contact on Passana which was where the trail went cold. The gang head to Passana including R2 and they see the festival and so forth. Meanwhile, Kylo like in the movie is aware of the mole in his ranks. He wants them to find Rey and has everyone search for her. Passana sequence plays out like in the movie except when they are found by First Order troops and find out Lando saved them, he was the contact. They take a moment to talk to him in hiding where he explains when he and Luke arrived they were searching for a Sith artifact before they lost any leads only that there was a Sith Assassin. Pretty much the sequence in the movie except we also get to know why he stayed there: he met someone and had a family and the First Order took them away. He also helps guide them to the Sith ship where things went cold and helps distract the incoming troops to buy time for them. We get more of Lando here basically to establish where he’s been and why. Rey thanks him insisting he comeback but Lando does say his fighting days are over. Kylo is informed they’re on Passana and he arrives with the Knights of Ren. Here the Knights actually are more lethal in hunting down the gang than the troopers and manage to capture Chewie while Rey is distracted with Ren. The sequence plays out when the carrier is blown up as in the movie and Rey and the others escape in tears.

Brief flight sequence before they jump to light speed. On the sith assassin ship, they remember the Falcon is left behind and it’s too late to go back. Meanwhile on Passana, just as troopers are ready to take hold of the Falcon, Lando sneaks on board surprised to be on it after so long and decides to fly it out himself.

Back on the sith ship, Rey and the others realize what they found when their leads went cold and the Force Healing sequence (Force Healing is in the Expanded Universe so it’s a cool thing to make canon) the artifact is a sith holocron. They meet the old D-O droid and Rey notices she must use the force to force to try and see what they must find after 3Po realizes not even he can translate it. Rey taps into it and flashes bits and pieces of her past like in the flashback with the dagger and it’s too much for her to hold while also sensing Chewie might be alive having seen it in a vision of a possible future. They realize they’re out of fuel and stop at Kijimi which Poe isn’t too much in aggreeance with.

They do so anyway and on Kijimi they encounter Zorri like in the movie however after some convincing Zorri decides to help them. Zorri and Poe turn out to go way back during Poe’s early days in the resistance running spice runs undercover to retrieve information on the First Order. The place is under occupation so it’s hard to find a spot to lay low so Zorri brings them to their old crew where Rey and the others meet Babu Frik. As they try to figure out what to do since the holocron doesn’t have many leads to anything, Babu overhears that 3Po cannot speak the translation because it’s a language forbidden by all droids to ever speak to anyone but can read. Babu insists it’s possible to have 3Po say it if he hacks into his memory core but in doing so will wipe his memory. They’re unsure but 3Po insists it be done and plays out like in the movie except when 3Po speaks he doesn’t give the location of the other wayfinder, he speaks of an ancient riddle of some sort that explains slightly how Palpatine survived in Episode 6 and in order to seek their answers they must go where it all ended. Rey remembers in her vision she saw the wreckage of the Death Star II on one of the forest moons and they plan to make their way there.

Meanwhile, Kylo speaks with Palpatine who sees how much of a failure Kylo is compared to Vader. He senses conflict in Ren still lingers inside and entrusts the Knights of Ren, an order long thought lost since the Old Republic but now consists of Sith Loyalist created from Luke’s former students, to handle getting Rey than Kylo. The Knights already know where they are as two of them had been tailing Rey since they left Passana.

As Rey and the others prepare to leave, she senses Chewie on the star destroyer much like in the movie and she is enacted in a Force Bond with Ren who speaks with her realizing there’s more to her story. Then yeah I hate to admit the slight change they did but I’ll accept it if Ren reveals that Rey’s parents where nobody’s but unbeknownst to Rey, it appears her mother is the daughter of Palpatine. Rey obviously believes he’s lying and Ren confirms he’s not. The two fight but at the same time the others sneak onboard the starship to save Chewie but encounter the Knights of Ren who capture them.

As they’re about to be executed, Hux does reveal himself as the mole which was not a problem especially since Hux only did it cause he hated Ren’s beliefs as Supreme Leader. He informs General Pryde of their escape and Pryde informs him they found the spy and one of the Knights kills Hux. As they escape, the others are cornered when the Falcon appears and Lando saves them and flies off, leaving Rey behind. Rey manages to escape Kijimi with the help of Zorri and she heads to the Death Star wreckage which is also where Finn insists they go, believing Rey will be there.

At the Death Star wreckage, Lando, Finn, Poe and them arrive on the outskirts of the shore like in the movie except they didnt crash cause Lando flew it. And they meet Jannah who and other First Order defectors stayed hidden away ever since they fled. They spend the night, Finn and Jannah bond and it’s revealed Lando had a daughter who was taken from him by the First Order and he wishes to have saved her but after his wife passed he lost all hope. Meanwhile, Rey arrives but doesn’t link with the others wanted to find out the truth on her own and explores the Death Star wreckage and finds herself in the throne room where it all originally ended. She explores the area and encounters a force vision of her past when Palpatine had fallen by the hands of Luke and Vader, he used all the sith energy he had left in him to vanish causing that blue smoke we saw in Return of the Jedi and he arrived on Exogol all deteriorating as we see him now. It’s revealed he had a secret plan in place unknown to the Empire and only to him which is why he explored the Unknown Regions so much and had the support of Sith followers he made during his time as Emperor to keep him alive. He calls out to his granddaughter in the vision stating it’s her destiny to keep the lineage in place one that the Skywalker line could not. Rey refuses the call but encounters Dark Rey and duels before escaping the vision.

Rey then finds Kylo is there with her and it’s not a Force Bond having realized why she’s at here. She doesn’t want to accept it and Kylo reminds her she should’ve let the past die as he said and joined him. Rey admits she wanted to but not with Kylo but Ben Solo. Similar to the scene in the movie the two result in a fight and Leia passes on in the midst of this and Finn realizes Rey is here hinting his slight force sensitivity. He heads to the wreckage with Jannah where he encounters the Rey and Ren right like in the movie and Rey escapes after healing Ben.

Pretty much the scenes after when Rey tries to isolate herself on Ach-to much like Luke cause that was a nice scene and reminisces to Dagobah with Obi-Wan and Luke. Luke reminds Rey despite her lineage she helped him come to terms with his failure. Similar to what Luke said to Ren in The Last Jedi he tells Rey that the rebellion has been reborn and thousands of generations live within her now. He gives Rey, Leia’s saber like in the movie and raises his old X-wing from the water and uses salvageable parts from the TIE fighter to repair a few parts with the help of Rey (wanting her to be in-tuned with the force) She heads for Exogol thanks to the wayfinder Ren had in his ship and she sees the Force Ghosts of Jedi’s pasts (fan service here but at least it’s a place it would work) and she heads off to Exogol while giving coordinates to the resistance.

Ren has his scene with the memory of Han Solo. He redeems himself and confronts Finn and the others. It’s a comedic but tense scene seeing him especially after the news of Leia’s death and Lando is the one to trust Ben’s judgement obviously knowing it’s not the first time something like Ren has happened before. Ren is given a ship to head to Exogol while the others gather the rest of the Resistance.

Battle of Exogol pretty much commences as Palpatine’s Final Order fleet is being prepared having had it set as a contingency ever since the Empire began. Rey arrives and confronts him revealing it’s all true and Palpatine is proven to be the overarching baddie of the Saga and desires to have Rey be the new Empress. He reveals he never wanted her to be killed but serve as his Marionette one controlled by the Sith for all eternity. The Knights of Ren appear and Rey refuses to join causing a small fight.

Poe, Finn Lando and the others head back to base and it’s true Leia is gone and Poe is now general. He speaks her body like in the film and Lando appears much like in the scene and they enact their plan after finally knowing where Exogol is.

Rey isn’t as tough against the Knights and is beaten. Palpatine awaits for her to give in and strike him down much like in the film. Ren arrives and rushes in fighting sith loyalist with his barehands before a force bond is initiated between Ren and Rey. In the midst of the bond much like how items can be swapped and such (however that worked) Rey brings Kylo into the stadium with her using the Force Bond and the two fight side by side against the Knights of Ren similar to how The Last Jedi was but far advanced like the fight in Rise of Skywalker that we see. The two manage to kill the Knights together and stand before Palpatine who senses a peculiar connection between them, stating the he underestimated the Skywalker that he created (connecting to Darth Vader #25 comic) and it shall be the end of their story. He realizes their bond is rare and one that can prove useful to him and much like the scene in the movie, he uses Sith magic to absorb the life energy to restore himself and well it’s then Rey and Kylo vs Palpatine as he does that cool force lighting thing in the movie. Rey is down overwhelmed by Palpatine’s power and Kylo takes a hit to save her, rendering him near death. Rey stands to face her grandfather once more and she calls to the other Jedi of generation’s pasts to give her strength (similar to the movie but more like Avatar State style) and they give her enough strength, and with a little assistance from Kylo, Palpatine is killed and the galaxy is finally at peace.

Rey falls almost about to die and Kylo heals her when Luke appears stating he has that power too. Kylo wants to apologize to Luke but Luke knows already and tells him it’s time he goes. Luke disappears and Rey awakens to find Kylo nearing death. THEY DONT KISS but they acknowledge the bond they shared. Ren dies.

Moments after, the galaxy celebrates once and for all in all places much like in the movie. The Resistance celebrate and Lando finds out Jannah is his long lost daughter (I liked that leak idea even tho it wasn’t true in the film. Adds a connection and why Jannah has a role in the film). Pretty much everything else that happens in the movie takes place. Rey buries Kylo and heads to Tattoine to bury the lightsabers (that was a touching full circle moment) she has her own lightsaber made from her staff like the film and as the twin suns set, teh Ghosts of Luke, Leia and the Skywalker lineage (fan service territory) on look behind her as the Saga is closed out.

That’s my version. It’s not at all that different based on the plot points but as you can see there’s some slight details that were changed that could affect the film to where you’d get a slightly different response.

I suggest you all go see it and not listen to so many people who are still hurt over The Last Jedi or just hate the Sequel Trilogy in general. If the film’s motives and reasons throughout the story are justified it’s a good reason to have it.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Knives Out Review

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“A murder mystery worth seeing again and again”

When I heard about Rian Johnson’s movie post-The Last Jedi controversy (he wrote and directed Star Wars 8) I was excited and looking forward to seeing it. Not only a star studded cast of great actors but it’s also a non franchise/adaptation/sequel to anything and it’s all original.

Knive’s Out is a whodunit mystery film written, directed and produced by Rian Johnson and it’s about a detective and a trooper travel to a lush estate to interview the quirky relatives of a patriarch who died during his 85th birthday celebration.

The film is like Clue and right when I got into it I was already thinking who it could be and who was lying and at some points you really couldn’t tell who actually did the murder. During one sequence, the suspects are telling their perspective of the story and you honestly couldn’t tell who was lying or not cause there was bits of truth in all mixed in with a bunch of lies. The film does a huge twist just before the middle of the film (I won’t spoil it’s too good too maybe later I’ll update this with my spoiler opinions) that made me question what more to the story could there be if the one thing we were wondering was revealed then and Rian doesn’t disappoint pulling his Billy Mays move. There were points in the film I’m so engaged and questioning my own conclusions of how the story would end and that’s exactly what I wanted out of this film. Chris Evans, as many of ya’ll know as the good ol’ Cap himself whose now retired, you can’t help but see him as Cap (especially since Endgame was just out months ago) however his role is not like his former marvel character and it’s different. There are some meta-humor/dark-humor moments that I couldn’t help but laugh and it fits so well. For anyone who is interested in such films similar to Sherlock Holmes and classic murder mysteries this is a film that pays homage while doing something original full of twist and turns you wouldn’t expect.

I won’t bother with a if I was director segment because I honestly want to find out how to do my own murder mystery myself. This was just a good movie overall.

Knives Out is a film that leads you down a hole full of twists and turns that could lead to conclusions that maybe true and maybe not all I’m just say is experience the film yourself while it’s still in theaters.

10/10

Doctor Sleep Review

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“A sequel/adaptation that shines”

Stanley Kubrik’s The Shining when released back in the 80s became a critical pan into a cult classic film. Skip to 2019 and we now have a sequel to that film, The Shining Book, and adapts Stephen King’s sequel novel. That’s a lot and it manages to honor and balance it all very well.

Doctor Sleep is the sequel to The Shining that follows Danny Torrance struggling with alcoholism and remains traumatized by the sinister events that occurred at the Overlook Hotel when he was a child. His hope for a peaceful existence soon becomes shattered when he meets Abra, a teen who shares his extrasensory gift of the “shine.” Together, they form an unlikely alliance to battle the True Knot, a cult whose members try to feed off the shine of innocents to become immortal.

I’ve never seen Kubrick’s film but I’m well aware of the many famous scenes and moments from the film and the story in general. My grandfather, who I saw it with when it released, enjoyed the film more than The Shining mainly due to, despite the length, the pacing kept things going and it wasn’t confusing. I enjoyed it and Ewan McGregor shines (no pun intended) in the film. Fun fact: The Director, who is behind The Haunting of Hillhouse, had to tackle the film by adapting Doctor Sleep novel, acknowledging elements within the Shining novel that wasn’t in the film, and making the film connected to Kubrick’s who deviated a lot from the source material. The film is more than just a horror and I thought that was really cool staying away from jump-scares and making the terror come from the suspense that builds. There are definitely parts of this film that was very disturbing and I loved it.

If I was the director (who was also the writer and the editor) the only thing I would really change is the length. The film itself is almost 2hours and 40mins long which is longer than The Shining and I felt a few scenes could’ve been shortened slightly.

Doctor Sleep is a horror film that I would consider being a worthy sequel to a cult classic and just a great horror movie in general. Despite the length, it doesn’t hinder the plot and keeps things moving along. There are themes that are hard at play such as alcoholism and facing your past and it holds throughout.

9/10

Joker Review

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“A character analysis that speaks truth of the descent into madness”

When they announced the Joker solo film years ago I was unsure what to think at first of it. Maybe it was due to the amount of Joker related projects in development I wasn’t interested until things started rolling with the first trailer.

Joker is an origin story of the infamous Batman villain as he seeks connection in the streets of Gotham City. Arthur is his name who wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind we all know.

From off the bat (no pun intended) I can easily see why this is a defining Oscar contender. Joaquin Phoenix personifies the character in such a way that is tragic and broken which is different from the iterations we seen before. The most similar if I was to compare is close to Heath Ledger as far as charisma and fanaticism mixed with Mark Hamill’s heart he brings in the animated series. Todd Philips (fun fact Directed the Hangover series) really emphasizes the themes of mental illness and violence and all for good reasons. One line that struck with me was one Arthur wrote in his book about society treating those with mental illness to obey as if they weren’t before. The tone of violence I felt was not over the top as people have been saying it was and it’s justified with its use and each time it did, I was shocked (in a good way I loved it). This doesn’t condone violence, but in the world we live in now is much like the very setting we find our protagonist reside within as he transforms into what he will infamously be. It was to a point I even sympathized with the character deeply and the reason for his motives. For those who know the film Taxi Driver, you’ll see where Joker has taken some inspiration to craft its story.

If I was Director, I wouldn’t really change anything at all. I would’ve delve a bit deeper into the characters madness only because the themes and emotions told in the film I know that feeling very well (I’m luckily I haven’t gone mad like that). Another aspect would’ve been Zazie Beetz character and Arthur’s relation even tho (SPOILER!!!) there’s little to none it was all a fixation in his head. As much as I fell for the trick, if she was given more of a history for the audience to feel for when the Twist happens it be a super huge payoff. I loved every second of it either way.

Joker is a character analysis film that dives deep into the sanity of the titular character. Compared to other superhero movies coming out, this is one of art and I for one am all for it despite the controversies that sprouted due to its violence. This I would vouch for Best Picture nominee for sure. Joker is a comedy based on a man’s tragic faults and all he wants the world to do is smile.

10/10 HAHAHAHAHA

IT Chapter Two Review

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“A faithful adaptation that brings more suspense than horror but still lives up the first movie”

When the first movie ended by saying “IT: Chapter One” I remember the audience going crazy and we all were like oh sh*t what the next one going to be like. I never read a Stephen King novel in my life (too long for me in all honesty) but I was aware of it all from the original miniseries. Overall, this film does live up in my opinion but brings more suspense than horror compared to Chapter One.

IT: Chapter Two is pretty much the second half of Stephen King’s novel where Pennywise returns 27 years after being defeated the first time in Chapter One to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the Loser’s Club have long gone their separate ways, but when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting entity who is now more powerful than ever.

I was excited to see this film when it was first announced and I gotta say even when the cast announcement happened I was glad who they casted as the Adult Losers. Andy (the director) admitted he got all his first choices and he did a phenomenal job because each actor was the right choice. They even looked like the younger versions and that worked out great. Many people who went to see this movie was looking for the scares and peeing their pants but this time around I didn’t feel that as much. The horror element was there and I felt a small chill down my spine with certain moments such as Beverly and Mrs.Kersh/Old Witch or the Fortune Cookie. However, most of the scary elements was more suspenseful and to my friends who have seen thought it was funny. It’s a very aware criticism but I felt shouldn’t diminish the opinion of the movie overall. IT: Chapter Two is about searching for what’s forgotten and the Adult Losers finding the missing part of themselves. It’s when Pennywise shows up are when we are treated to the horror. One of my favorite scenes from the film is the funhouse and Bill trying to save the kid in the maze. That scene I enjoyed because of how taunting and the atmosphere of the funhouse really plays to the feeling of being trapped while Pennywise is inside with you. I can go on praising Bill Skarsgard for his performance as Pennywise but we all know how great he is.

If I was Director, I guess one thing I would change, for the sake of those who criticized it, would be the scares. I feel the aspect, again, is there but could be amplified. What made Chapter One so scary was the fact Pennywise was there a lot and preyed on not what the Loser feared but what the audience would fear watching. Chapter Two there were scary parts that were either audience expected, were funny, or were let down. For me, I believe Chapter Two had the scares more subtle and focused on the story at hand. I’m not sure if Pennywise was around a lot in the Adult time but I did feel a bit of lack seeing Pennywise prey on victims compared to the first movie which also made Chapter One feel more scarier than two.

Chapter Two is a great movie overall with an amazing cast, faithful to the source material, and finishes the story of Pennywise and The Losers Club 27 years (in story) started in Chapter One. It wasn’t as scary as the first but it makes sense since the Losers are now adults not much can scare them compared to being a kid. I get why people would feel the movie is too long but when you think about how long the book is it makes sense. Leave something out and it’s like a film removing a pivotal scene just keep a certain runtime: it makes the whole plot confusing. It’s a story of catching up with the Losers 27 years later…I wonder if 27 years from now we’ll get another iteration (hope not).

8/10

Hustlers Review

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“We are all Hustlers at the End of the Day”

When I first heard about this movie I didn’t pay much attention to it until my girlfriend had said she wanted to see it. Based on the trailer alone I thought it was about strippers and a heist, which I’m technically not wrong about, but at the same time I was impressed on how the film presented itself.

Hustlers is a film about a stripper named Destiny (names changed for security purposes) trying to make ends meet until she befriends the club’s top money earner named Ramona (Jennifer Lopez). Ramona shows her the ins and outs of the stripper life and how to finagle with the wealthy Wall Street who come for a good show. It’s when the 2008 recession happens the two and several other dancers devise a scheme that turns itself upside down.

The film is based on a true story and that’s what shocked me. After the first opening minutes being introduced to Destiny (her stage name) and her life as a stripper I thought this was a film about a stripper getting out of the stripper life (I didn’t know the plot prior to seeing) but once the scene came she was speaking to the interviewer, I said oh okay this is not what I was expecting. The story recalls the events explained in an article and the interview with the real Destiny. It even included a scene where the audio was from the actual investigation where one of them acted as a mole to catch them for the police. It had some very heart to heart moments that I was actually touched by especially one part I felt sad to see (no spoils! let’s just say my girlfriend cried). Hustlers is a film that creatively tackles a true story in a way that makes you feel for the characters especially the one we follow the most, Destiny, played by Constance Wu. A definite sell for the movie was JLo and Cardi B for sure and they play their parts really well for general viewers drawn to see it by their stardom. Fare warning Cardi B has a small part but it does have significance especially due to her background prior to her known music fame and I thought that was pretty cool. Speaking of music, I noticed a lot of throw backs thrown into the mix especially one I haven’t heard since my early high school years by Lorde (Royals) and it really tied well with the early 2000s/2010s era that my life was molded within.

If I was Director, story-wise and the actors casted were on the money and each beat of the story keeps you engaged so nothing there I felt I would do differently. My girlfriend on the other hand had one piece of the character she felt was like an “okay that’s enough” and that was Lili Reinheart’s character who suffers from a weak stomach that causes her to involuntarily vomit when stressed. She felt it was too much for even her stomach. The overall portrayal of real events was phenomenal mixing humor, heart, and the elements of the real world with smooth transitions, there’s not much you could do differently. That’s my opinion.

Hustlers is a film that doesn’t just show the stripper life but what life is like for them beyond the pole. It presents a clear message that strippers are hustlers as much as a Wall Street journalist or a screenwriter would hustle for a good buck by any means necessary. One line that stuck with me that is true to everyone is said by Ramona, “in this world there are two types of people: the ones who toss the money and ones who dance for it.” That applies to not just the Stripper Life but to the way the world works in general, except I’m writing and throwing things out there in hopes money is tossed my way to keep on going. Hustle the way the world works for you.

9/10

True Story: https://www.vulture.com/2019/09/hustlers-the-real-story-behind-the-movie.html

Angry Birds 2 Review

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“An unexpected pleasure with lots of laughs along way just in time for Angry Bird’s 10th Anniversary”

I’m keep it real and just say I actually never watched the first film when it came out back in 2016 (I did see clips) so I didn’t know what to expect jumping right in on the second movie. Like many video-game to film adaptations there’s always a skeptic on whether it’ll actually be good or faithful to the source material, especially if the game is just a swipe and destroy on a mobile phone.

Angry Birds 2 is a sequel centered around Red, Chuck, Bomb and the rest of their feathered friends when the pigs suggests that they put aside their differences and unite to fight a common threat. The birds and pigs come up with a scheme to infiltrate the new island attacking, deactivate the device and return to their respective paradises intact.

By far I can say I enjoyed this movie. It’s full of laughs and subtle jokes that made me laugh a lot while watching. The scenarios the characters find themselves in and the jokes hit in a way that’s relatable and hilarious. The cast is great with most returning and few new comers and they all blend really well together I felt the film kept the momentum going I wasn’t disengaged from the story. Each character has its moment to shine and they all have their own comedic moments with my favorites being Danny McBrides’s Bomb, Josh Gad’s Chuck, and the banter between Red and Leonard the Pig. The story’s premise makes the antagonist of the first film into a protagonist here and the banter between them while encountering a new foe is what makes the story feel fresh and be able to explore possibilities compared to the first film (which I only seen clips of). The trend of Angry Birds has died down but I got to admit this is work a watch, even if you have to take your kid as an excuse to see it.

If I was director, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s crazy that some of the movies lately I’ve seen I don’t really feel like there’s anything I would do differently, mainly because I enjoyed them as they were. Angry Birds Movie 2 has enough gags and banter while keeping the plot along. A cute segment I liked was the side story of the three baby birds trying to retrieve their siblings who haven’t hatched yet after making a mistake. It was balanced to me and again that’s my opinion.

The Angry Birds Movie 2 is a sequel that has been released 3 years after the last one. I feel this to be another summer movie to just enjoy before we near the end of the season and it’s cool they decided to release it on the franchise’s 10th anniversary.

10/10

Dora and the Lost City of Gold Review

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“A fun twist of adventure for all the family to enjoy”

When I first heard about this film when it was announced, I honestly just let out a sigh because why in the world is this movie being made. Then, I heard Isabela Moner was starring (she was in Transformers The Last Knight) and I was like okay, but again why and how would they do it. After that, the first trailer released. I was like okay this is stupid, but looks like they enjoyed filming it. However, once the latest trailer came out and the segment of the child version of Dora was on screen talking to the audience if they could say “delicioso” and her parents were so confused who she was talking to, I literally laughed in my bed early in the morning that day. It was right then I was interested in checking it out and all I have to say is…never judge a film by first impression.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is obviously a live action adaptation of Dora, but with her in her teenage years. Having spent most of her life exploring the jungle, she gets taken to California to experience high school. However, her parents get kidnapped by mercenaries so she, her cousin Diego, and two friends, embark on a quest to save her parents while trying to find a lost Incan civilization.

This film is a family film all the way, for anyone who read this, and one that was different for me after literally seeing Hobbs & Shaw with my girl. I actually grew up watching Dora as a kid when I wasn’t always on Cartoon Network, watching Ed, Edd and Eddy or Code Lyoko, so seeing this obviously you hope the film at least is faithful or pays homage to it. The opening segment does not disappoint in that at all it was like watching the intro to the show and I was like “whoa, oh word? that was a good job.” The comedy of it was light hearted and funny that I will admit at times I was like I’m not cringing, but I feel embarrassed watching this character, even though I’m not legitimately there in the scene. For me, the jokes landed and they didn’t take everything so seriously either. An easier way to picture this film is this: Dora is real, but the adventures she went on in the show were all in her childish imagination (Boots talking, backpack talking or map and other animals) and that this film is about her trying to live a real life. The only talking animal was Benicio Del Toro (The Collector for MCU fans) as Swiper who was funny himself. Danny Trejo does voice Boots but in a very heartwarming segment and that’s it. For those who watched, I’ll share two of my favorite parts at the bottom cause you know…SPOILERS for those who care.

If I was director making this, in all honesty the way this was done, I can’t see anyway else and it could’ve been worse if anything. I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed watching it and the amount of laughing I did cause usually it’s rare for most family films I’d laugh at more than a few parts. The way they payed homage to the show was brilliant and she literally does have everything in that backpack even a knife I said “whoa that’s funny” (I like dark humor fyi). It’s a kid friendly film that has things also for adults to enjoy too. I guess only one thing I was skeptical about at first was the casting of older Diego, I felt like someone else could’ve played him but he grew onto me as the version who grew away from imagination and felt more ‘highschool grown-up’ and it was funny. There’s a scene where Dora says ‘you don’t look like you at all’ and I laughed cause that’s how I felt. Also Swiper, I felt was added in randomly with the mercenaries but the dialogue plays on itself mentioning that which is why this film, I felt didn’t take itself seriously which is great.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a fun film for the whole family to enjoy towards the end of the summer fun. It was a nice wind down from all the real high-octane action I be seeing a lot and this film pulled off a feat of adapting Dora that I didn’t believe was possible. It was like Indiana Jones in premise and I personally liked the representation of hispanics (being half hispanic myself) shown. Usually hispanics in media are always associated with the cartel, drugs, killing, violence, deportation and so on, but here it’s fun, family, adventure, laughter, enjoyment. All I can say is if there’s a sequel, I’d be skeptical cause it’s a sequel, but I’d be for it because again….never judge a film by first impression, until you see it all the way through. It’s crazy how it released the same day the show concluded its 20 year run.

9/10

SPOILERS!!

Okay so the first scene that had me laugh was the exact scene from the trailer. I loved how they riffed off the fourth wall break as a joke of who is Dora talking to. Like imagine in real life you just decide to break fourth wall in front of a group of people, they all gonna be like “who you talking to?”

The second scene was when Dora, Diego and the guy who helps break them out of the crate saying he’s a friend of her parents, traversing through a huge flower patch that releases a spore. The spore turns out to be a hallucinogen that makes them see themselves as their cartoon versions. I literally shouted “Yooooooo!!!!” and was wowed because that was a very clever that even Dora says “the gang’s all here” and all the characters from the show appear like the Benny the Bull, Big Red Chicken, the Troll and more. To me right there I said that is a way to pay homage to something besides hidden ‘easter eggs’.

Bonus: The guy who helps Dora escape capture in the beginning turns out to be the bad guy and it was funny because after surviving the quicksand he started crying at the fact he was alive and was shouting “I’m a bad guy. I’m a bad guy” and Dora says “you’re not a bad guy…” That was clever, took me a minute to pick that up.

Just check it out even if it’s online.