Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

8/10

In this sequel to Godzilla vs. Kong, King Kong, now living in Hollow Earth, comes across a new threat to the surface world. Meanwhile, something seems to have Godzilla on the move, but what?

This transitions really nicely from the last film by focusing on the Hollow Earth that King Kong has found himself home in. The last couple KK films have focused on the loneliness of finding a place for himself and searching for any remaining members of his kind. His journey is interesting affair as he finally gets to encounter other giant gorillas. He's actually strangely the most appealing character, saying so much without dialogue. He never starts anything in this and just wants to live his life, and you kind of feel for him as has to put up with everyone else just looking for trouble.  

Understand that this is the Kong movie featuring Godzilla. The big G really doesn't do much till the grand finale. Though, it's understandable. I've read that Toho has several rules on what cannot be done with Godzilla (which, given how off-brand the 90's American attempt was, it's understandable). They want him to remain a force of nature, which means ixnay on the human-like facial expressions.

I won't speak much about the main villain here (the first original creation since the Mutos in the first Godzilla film) since their appearance is an Oogie Boogie-style slow burn, but they may be one of the best antagonists in the series, having a fun design and having more personality and being cleverer than other giant monsters.

I've heard complaints about the human subplot (a small group traveling to Hollow Earth in order to find out what's bothering Godzilla), but I'm not seeing it. I felt it was interesting enough. This movie builds a lot more upon the relationship of scientist Ilene Andrews (played by Rebecca Hall) and her adopted daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle), the last of her tribe, and the now older Jia dealing with her identity. Whereas the last film had the novel decision to have two completely separated groups of heroes for each monster's subplot, this one consolidates the group, dropping several characters. Out of team G, they retained one of the more standout members, podcaster and conspiracy theorist Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry), whose comical elements seem to have increased a little in this. (I will miss the his other members and am surprised that the guy who leads the monster observing organization Monarch doesn't even have a cameo, but I understand that director Adam Wingard (who also the last film, the most recent Blair Witch, and Your're Next) probably didn't want to oversaturate the story now that it was simpler and more time was needed for Kong's story. On the Kong team's side, they're mostly back, but the scientist guy is replaced with another guy, Trapper (Downton Abbey/the live-action Beauty and the Beast's Dan Stevens). I don't see the reason for the change (the last guy wasn't irreplaceable per se, but he did well and had a good rapport with Ilene and Jia). Trapper serves as the "speaks for the natural order" guy, and he does well enough. Thing is the script has both him and Bernie be the odd, funny guys, and it feels like the movie only needed one. Though, there a few moments where the "weird guys but in different ways"interaction energy pays off.

Course, most people are here for the action, and like the last film, this one delivers. Wingard exercises a little more creativity with the fight choreography and the effects look great. Although, I think that the last film was slightly superior when it came to intensity. However, it also feels like Wingard and the writers really didn't care about putting the monsters out of harms way (even less than last time). If you have issue with rooting for the big G and KK when they are also trampling a lot of people, this might not be for you.

The special effects are even better than last time. The entire look of Hollow Earth might be one of the most impressive science fiction/fantasy landscapes of this decade (real 70's/80's fantasies vibes).

Last thing to say is that like the last movie the epilogue wraps up too quickly. Would've liked a little more explanation.

Highly recommended. Very entertaining and the overall story feels tighter and more interesting than last time.

Road House (2024)

7/10

In this Amazon Prime remake of the classic late 80's Patrick Swayze action flick, former UFC fighter haunted by his past Dalton (played by Jake Gylenhall) is hired to be head bouncer for a Florida road house called the Road House. He soon finds himself at odds with a gang that's trying to get the place to sell.

This is a movie who's creators understood what made the first one popular: being kinda nuts and campy. There is a lot of entertaining well-choreographed brawling with some pretty unexpected moments. 

Another thing they learned from the original was to keep the villains colorful and over-the-top. A highlight is seeing the villains' sheer frustration and occasional fear as Dalton shrugs off their attacks.

Credit should also be given to the movie for not trying too hard to copy and paste from the original (but, alas, no throat ripping).

However, the movie is bogged down a bit by the plot (this didn't need to be a full two hours). We're all here for the action, and I think many will want the Dalton's personal journey scenes to wrap up quicker. Both this and the original film had a dark backstory for the hero and scenes of him getting to know the townsfolk. However, the original knew to keep things more economic with snappier writing. The townsfolk are just okay and the love interest could've been cut (plus the original meetup between her and Dalton is if the writers said "Let's replicate the meetup from the first film but shoddier"). They should've done more with bar owner Frankie (Shrinking's Jessica Williams), who was a solid character but kinda fades out near the end.

Originally the film's strong suit is the various ways the baddies come up with taking out Dalton, but admittedly one of them, which involves a plot element that is added too late in the film, is one too many.

Gylenhall is well cast as the guy who tries to handle things the nice way but woe to anyone who declines. Broad City's Arturo Castro is funny as a surprisingly naive, good-natured member of the gang.

I liked the change of location from Missouri to the photogenic Florida coast. I also like the look of the Road Shack, it's one of those easy-access-to-the-outside affairs you find in perpetually warm climates. 

Recommended. The original is still the superior product (due to that 80's magic that can't be replicated, tighter script, and, of course, the throat ripping), but this is still a pretty entertaining affair. 

Dune Part Two

8.5/10

In part two of this adaptation of Frank Herbert's novel, exiled space nobleman Paul Atreides (played by Timothee Chalamet) allies himself with the Fremen rebels, who want to wrest control of the planet Arakis back from the Harkonen family.

I liked the first one, but this one is stronger as we get to the payoff and more stuff seems to be happening. As Paul is considered to be a prophet by many Fremen, we get a well-designed look at how religion can be used to control, not to mention the long-term affects of colonialism and how radicalism amongst the natives can develop in response to it.

Overall, this is a mostly well told movie. It's long, but for the first two acts it does a really good job of moving a plot and balancing all the political machinations. Only weak point might be that by the final act, you do have a few characters repeat voicing their goals/concerns a little too much, especially Paul (we get it, you're conflicted by your role as a false prophet.) 

We continue to have a wide cast of interesting characters, old and new. Although, the Harkonen's evilness for the sake of evilness is ramped up to a 100, and they were already really evil. They kill so many of their own people that it gets cartoonish, and it's hard to believe how they don't have any rebellion within their ranks.

Chalamet really sells a character that is trying to do good but must struggle with the weight of his responsibility. Zendaya as Fremen Chani has chemistry with Chalamet and her character serves as a solid voice of reason amongst people consumed by their goals. Ferguson continues to shine as Atreides' mother who masterfully manipulates the populace in order to survive, and Javier Bardem continues to be a great performer as a very religious Fremen who wants to believe in Paul. Elvis' Austin Butler debuts as Feyd-Rautha Harkonen. He overshadows his already larger-than-life family members as a psychopath with a strange honesty about his violence and a charisma to him.

Director Denis Villeneuve's direction continues to be amazing. This will definitely be remembered as one of the best looking films of 2024, continuing the original film's memorable 60'/70's sci-fi aesthetic (particurlarly that type of sci-fi design that specifically seems to come from European directors). Though one could argue that the Harkonen's all black aesthetic feels a little too simplistic.

Highly recommended. The message gets slightly worn near the end but this is still top-notch cinema.

The Beekeeper

7.5/10

In this new David Ayer movie, kindly older woman Eloise Parker (played by The Cosby Show's Phylicia Rashad) is digitally scammed for all her life savings which results in a tragic event. Beekeeper Adam Clay, who was renting a barn from her, vows revenge. Turns out he's a retired agent from a super, super secret government agency known as the Beekeepers and he's got a skill set that's going to make him very hard to take down by the villains or law enforcement.

The Beekeeper is enjoyable in how over-the-top and action-packed it gets. I haven't seen Jason Statham go this hardcore in a while (in fairness, I haven't seen the Crank films). Action is hardcore, well choreographed, and violent with moments of creativity. Several villains are dressed more colorful than in your usual action flick, which makes for a nice change.

It also helps that the movie never dawdles. Plot points are introduced quickly and usually organically. Clay gets to visit different set pieces to fight in, and the many, many villains are really varied. One could worry that too many characters could be overkill, but it all works. The plot itself, while not too ambitious, is more thought out and interesting than you'd expect from a basic popcorn action film.

'Course this is is a David Ayer movie. He's the guy who wrote the script for Training Day but also created Suicide Squad's gangster Joker. As is often the case with the guy, he's got good ideas and bad ones. The setup with Parker felt a little too rushed. Clay makes way, way, WAY too many bee analogies. It's weird, and to be clear, he wasn't trained as a beekeeper as cover for his job, he decided to become an actual one after he retired. He's TOOOO focused on bees.

Parker's daughter and FBI agent Verona (The Umbrella Academy's Emmy Raver-Lampman) gets the worst dialogue here. She's got a few good lines, but a lot of stinkers. Also, she is dogged in her pursuit of Clay even though she knows he's avenging her mother and punishing the ones who wronged Eloise. She gives a reason about believing in the law, but it doesn't ring true. (On the other hand, I liked her partner played by Bobby Naderi. He's a quick-tongued fella). 

Statham delivers classic Statham, no more, no less. However, it's the actors playing the villains that have the most fun. The standout is Jeremy Irons as the consultant to the main baddie. He's like the mob boss in the first John Wick movie, he didn't have anything to do with what ticked off the protagonist and didn't want to be dragged into this. He's very watchable as the guy who knows he is trying to dig through solid rock with a spoon but doesn't see any option but to keep digging.

Recommended. The whole thing's kinda crazy and over-the-top but oh-so watchable.

Reacher- Season 2

8/10

In this second season, based on Bad Luck and Trouble, the eleventh book in the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child, Reacher (played by Ritchson, a guy who looks like a full brick wall magically came to life), former MP and current vagabond, teams up with his old Special Investigations Unit when one of their members is murdered.

This season feels like it moves quicker. Instead of Reacher mostly being stuck in one town, he gets to travel around and keeps things more varied. There is a lot more focus on action this time (and the show was already pretty action heavy). Violence is more creative. Though I do miss Reacher's rapport with his team mates last time (the whole point of Reacher is he is a lone traveler who doesn't have a constant team), the new guys are a pretty likable bunch.

Understand that this is blatant escapism. If you prefer a more grounded affair, don't expect any real world legal restrictions on Reacher's path of revenge. If you just want a tale of good guys with guns defeating the wicked then this is for you. (As with all Reacher stories, the villains are all super evil and killey). Reacher does feel a little too cocky, and it can get annoying. Also, this season the guy is a straight up executioner who doesn't only act in defense or to save people. He doesn't just want to beat the bad guys, he wants them DEAD. It gets a little weird. (Say what you will about the material, but one can't question Ritchon's soft-spoken self-assured portrayal).

Recommended. A fun, action-packed time, and Ritchson is very watchable.

Lift

6.5/10

In Lift, master thief Cyrus (played by Kevin Hart) and his crew are recruited by Interpol agent Abby (Belle/Loki's Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who was previously after them, in order to steal a large shipment of gold being transported via plane to terrorists.

This is a fairly basic heist film in terms of characters, dialogue, and set up, but it is still a light, breezy experience that managed to keep my attention. I particularly liked that this was trying to be an escapist film without civilian casualties, but the filmmakers also managed to make the villains fairly nasty/reprehensible enough within the PG-13 boundaries.

The most unique aspect of this is the flight-based heist. I won't spoil anything, but I hadn't a heist done this way before (haven't seen money plane, but I'm pretty sure they're going a different route than Money Plane). This is a popcorn film, and they make the exterior and interiors of planes in this (one of which is first class) pretty appealing with sleek and colorful modern design.

It's kinda apparent that Hart is doing this to prove that he can also be a dramatic/action star. Known for his particular comedic style, he plays it completely straight here without jokes, and he does a decent job. Wouldn't say he's become the most charismatic action star, but he sells the character. Vincent D'Onofrio plays the flamboyant member of the gang and as the actor has proven in The Magnificent Seven and Dumb Money he relishes whenever he can go over-the-top. Attention should also be given to Torchwood/Pacific Rim's Burn Gorman (who is unappreciated in my opinion) as the villain's right hand who brings a little bit of personality to the role.

Kinda recommended. Not the greatest heist movie ever but makes for a passable time waster.

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

7/10

In this Netflix sequel to the popular 2000 claymation film, the chickens are living a happy existence away from man but now must deal with an ominous new modern chicken farm being built nearby.

At the very beginning I was a little hesitant. The plot's bones felt a little predictable with the story being the chickens breaking into a chicken farm instead of out of it (they even state the obvious fact in the movie) and there being a subplot of a child and parent at odds and having to understand each other. Luckily, the predictability didn't become an issue once we get to the farm. DotN feels like it's from a 70's dystopian sci-fi film if it was made for kids. What happens in the fortress is dark but hidden under an extravagant/colorful facade, and how they contain the chickens is a little freaky. If you miss the "dark" children's films from yesteryear than this might be for you.

The movie is fairly entertaining. The humor is mild but there are a few good moments, including one joke that is pure genius.

Since this is an Aardman film, the claymation looks great. Everything is colorful and all the characters have distinct body shapes to them. Visually the cinematography is active and feels like how'd you shoot a live-action film. (The intro to the main villain is so well paced with its build up.)

Recommended. Not saying this is the best kids movie ever, but it is something your children may have fun with and the captured chicken scenes really stand out.

The Marvels

8/10

In this sequel to Captain Marvel (and follow-up to the shows Wandavision and Ms. Marvel), Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers (played by Brie Larsen), Monica Rambeau/Photon (Teyonah Parris), and Ms. Marvel/Kamala Khan (Iman Vellani) find their powers connected as they start switching locations as they use their powers. To further complicate things, they must deal with Supremor Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton), a member of the Kree Empire who has a vendetta against Captain Marvel.

This is like Ant-Man and the Wasp. It's not the hardest hitting of MCU stories, but it makes for pretty fun viewing and is very watchable. "Breezy." That is what this movie is in a nutshell. Marvel took it to heart that the first Captain Marvel film, while I thought was a good movie, didn't have quite the personality as other Marvel movies, and that Captain Marvel did feel a little wooden. Here, you've got a good sense of humor and world building. I really digged the alien planets the Marvels went to. The visual designs are typical Marvel quality.

Some may accuse this of following the Marvel formula, but it's the Marvel formula done well, and I felt this was the best of the "light" entries in the post-Endgame MCU. Whereas Ant-Man & the Wasp: Quantumania felt like its alien world (although it didn't happen in space, it was basically an alien world) was too derivative of previous Marvel films and its various weird characters felt tacked on just to add new weird characters, here things feel more natural and thought out.

Now there are a few moments where Larsen's delivery is still a little flat, but she's a lot more lively here. The writers, like they did with Chris Hemsworth in the Thor movies, realize Larsen is better when she's given a chance to be funny. She's at her best when she's reacting to the insanity and people around her.

I know everyone else is already saying it, but Ms. Marvel really is the best part of this. Her ernestness, sheer optimism, and constant fangirling over Captain Marvel steals every scene she's in. Vellani outshines her two older, more experienced co-stars. The movie also retains Khan's family from her mini-series, and it's fun to watch regular people deal with space-based insanity.

Editing does feel a little choppy, especially in the first third. The switching places felt a little sloppy in the beginning, like they had trouble wrangling all the multiple scenes. Also, it felt like stuff was definitely cut.

The beginning does rush a little. We're immediately thrown into the big threat, and I would've liked a little breathing time to introduce the characters with. It's easier to get into this if you've seen the three previous projects for the characters. All their powers and backstories are explained, but they're done very quickly.

Though Kamala's brother Aamir (Saagar Shaikh), has some solid one-liners, he is one character too many in this. He didn't need to become involved. (He doesn't live at home with his family. He just happened to be there when things went nuts.)

A lot of people complain about Dar-Benn being a weak adversary. I don't know about that. Sure, she's not Loki or Thanos, but you understand her backstory and reasoning. (She's still better than the Dark World and Dr. Strange villains). I felt Ashton was doing her best in the role, and I'm loving the look they gave Dar-Benn. Admittedly, the character, especially near the end, could've been better utilized.

Recommended. It may be the Marvel formula, but this is a genuinely fun film and worth seeing for Ms. Marvel at least.

The Continental: From the world of John Wick

8.5/10

In three movie-length episodes, this Peacock television spin-off/prequel of the John Wick movies (couldn't tell if it is supposed to be a season 1 or just a mini-series) is about how Winston Scott (played here by Colin Woodell) became the manager of The Continental, the hotel for assassins and other criminals, as a young man back in the 1970's. The movie starts with businessman Winston being forced by crime boss and current Continental manager McCormac O'Connor (Mel Gibson) to find his brother Frankie (Animal Kingdom's Ben Robson) who has stolen a valuable item.

What works about this is that the show doesn't feel like a cookie cutter plot of the traditional JW formula. Don't get it wrong, there is plenty of action (more about that later), but there's a lot more focus on characters and plot. This is doing a strong job of being a 70's crime story and the battles/cooperation between various characters make things interesting.

The action isn't the pure gun-fu from JW, but the show is action-packed. Some may be disappointed that the second episode doesn't have that much fighting, but they're saving it all for the finale. Rarely have I seen the final episode of a season so rewarding. Almost the entirety of it is a pure violence and choreography lover's dream.

The protagonists are decent. I wouldn't say they're all stand-outs, but they all work well. A particularly strong performance is Ayomede Adugin as the young version of Winston's right hand Charon (Ayomide Adegun), who's currently Cormac's right hand at this point. The actor perfectly captures Lance Reddick's charm and professionalism. At first, Cormac doesn't seem that interesting as he feels like a basic mobster. However as  his situation becomes more and more desperate (he's got superiors who don't want failure) the character becomes more and more intriguingly disturbed. 

The villains who really stand out here are the silent assassin twins Hansel (actor and stuntman Mark Musachi) and Gretel (Marina Mazepi, who's specialized in playing monsters in the past). Yeah, the whole silent twins thing has been done before but what make this different is that these two psychos aren't identical in their mannerisms or fighting styles. They make for ideal real threats and are fascinatingly weird. They might actually be my favorite antagonists in the whole JohWicki-iverse.

If you're a fan of the films, you might be disappointed with how the rules of the world are handled. The characters in the movies take the rules of the criminal underground very seriously with major repercussions if you cross them. However, there is a lot of rule breaking or bending in this show and not as much enforcement. In fairness, since this takes place in the past the answer could simply be that the organization played more fast and loose back then. Maybe the rules became more strictly enforced as time went on. If that is true, they didn't make it clear, though.

If you liked that the JW films had plenty of stylish deaths but no civilian deaths, so you don't feel guilty or bummed out, The Continental doesn't follow this format. In the 70's it's dangerous to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Recommended, this was a surprisingly entertaining crime show.

Spy Kids: Armageddon

6.5/10

In this fifth Spy Kids movie on Netflix, Tony and Patty Tango-Torrez (played by Connor Esterson and Everley Carganilla) do not know their parents are spies, but that all changes when evil forces target a dangerous item the family is harboring.

This is a... Spy Kids. Definitely. Story's not high art, but it is something your kids will probably enjoy. Since this movie is introducing yet ANOTHER duo of spy kids, the whole part about the kids finding out their parents are spies has become old hat. You know where things are going and you're waiting for the action to kick up. However, once that exhibition is done you get what makes the films work: silly action with colorful and campy vehicles, gadgets, and villain appearances. I really do like director/co-writer Robert Rodriguez's designs in these film. Surprised they haven't made more toys and action figures off of his ideas. They have this simplicity to them but are never too basic.

This is strangely enough a retread in that this movie is focused around video games like SK3-D was. However, the plots are different just enough that I don't mind. (To be honest, I think they do a better job with the concept here.) I also appreciate that Rodriguez uses this movie as a warning against media over-reliance and the importance of honesty in an easy to digest lesson for the kiddos.

I'd rank the film beneath 1 and 4-D and above 2 and 3-D. The latter two just didn't have much in the plot department. Weirdly, Rodriguez puts more emphasis on the stories for the films where the characters are introduced.

If I'm not mistaken, the kids are the youngest they've ever been. Which is a bit of a downside considering how very young Carganilla is. There is nothing natural about her acting. Esterson's a little better but not by much. Shazam!/Chuck's Zachary Levi and Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez are the parents. They're both charismatic actors, but they cannot make the dialogue work. Faring better are D.J. Cotrona as the head of the spy agency and Game Night's Billy Magnusson as the villain. Cotrona gets the inherent silliness of a serious guy in a ridiculous world. Wouldn't say that Magnusson is the best villain in the franchise, but he is one of the better ones. For a simple movie, you get where he's coming from. Magnusson was clearly hired because he can do camp and has this child-friendly feel to his energy and delivery.

Kinda recommended. Younger kids will probably love this. Parents may dislike this or be neutral. Rodriguez has always focused on making kids films for kids and has never worried about adult references or maturer storytelling. I salute him for sticking just to the core audience.

One Piece (2023)- Season 1

9.5/10 

In this live-action Netflix adaptation of the manga by Eiichiro Oda, which already has a popular anime adaptation, Monkey D. Luffy (played by The Imperfects' Inaki Godoy) decides to become King of the Pirates by finding the One Piece, the fabled treasure of former Pirate King Gold Roger (Michael Dorman).

Giving how hard it is to adapt manga/anime, I was pleased to see how well this show turned out. It might have helped that Oda himself supervised this and even dictated a few rules the show had to follow. The creators also really understood the source project and they made the concentrated effort not to make the show lean too light or too dark. Naturally, this adaptation changes things. Considering that the anime and manga have hit over a 1000 episodes, things had to be truncated or cut, but the show manages to be its own thing (and a smidge more appealing to American audiences) while staying loyal to all the broad strokes and all the really crucial elements.

One Piece feels like this decade's Star Wars or MCU, something both younger and older viewers will enjoy. The show is a combination of over-the-top fantasy action, silliness, and true emotional moments. If the show feels too goofy at the beginning, I recommend you stick through to the second half which is more background heavy. One Piece can get dark. One moment you have someone in the silliest costume you've ever seen and next thing you're hit with a truly tragic recollection that IS A LOT. For a world filled with weird characters,  the show is shock-full of pure emotional drama that makes you feel for the characters. Episode seven had me tearing up a little.

One Piece is a pirate show meets a superhero show meets a fantasy show. If you'r unfamiliar with the original, this is something that will feel really unique for you. What makes this show so memorable is its distinct world building. This is based on one of the longest running manga out there and it makes good use of the lore to provide various added details in order to make the world feel lived-in. 

Props should be given to the set, costume, music, and VFX departments. Going back to the uniqueness of the world of One Piece, they did a surprising job of making an over-the-top manga not based in reality with cartoonish-looking characters somehow work. (If you're a person who eschews anything childish, then this show may not be for you because most of the characters' appearances may be too silly for your tastes. Remember, One Piece was originally created for an adolescent audience even if it attracted older readers/viewers.)  There's a lot of detail in some of the sets, like mansions or ships. I liked the sunsety/orangish-yellowish colored lighting to the whole affair. The costumes and makeup manage to somehow make the majority of the most outlandish concepts work. Bear in mind I said "the majority." There are a handful of costumes that no matter what you do it looks too ridiculous in live-action. Music really accentuates the scenes.

One of the best decisions in this show is the cast. Great across the board. Given the large budget, a wise decision was to avoid any big names (with the exception of Ian McShane in a brief narrator bit at the beginning.) We get a great introduction to a bunch of talented actors, many of whom only have a few credits to their name. Godoy is quite a find. Luffy is the type of anime character that is childishly naive but optimistic; a type of personality that is hard to do in live-action for Western audiences. However, Godoy manages to sell the character and sells his blind optimism as well as the moments he is mad. I also particularly liked Taz Skylar who plays Luffy's allly Sanji. The guy sells coolness and quick wit.

Casting really knocked it out of the park with the villains. They really picked the perfect people to look like how they died in the manga but also all had delightfully over-the-top performances.

As much as I love this show, it does have a little abridgment/conversion nitpicks. Multiple chapter story arcs are condensed into a hand full of episodes, resulting in the wraps to each of Luffy and his crew's exploits feeling a bit rushed, and you don't get quite the closure you had in the manga. I commented that Godoy did a good job, but the parts where he's weakest feel like they're the parts where the writers or Oda felt the need to replicate the scene from the manga.

Fans of the manga won't get every single detail they want. Though you see all the main villains, several of their lackeys are cut for time. The ones that are more expensive/complicated to make are most likely to meet the chopping block.

Highly recommended. Everyone's saying this is the first anime adaptation to get it right, and they're not wrong.

The Equalizer 3

8/10

In what appears to be the final film in the trilogy (at least for Denzel Washington; I can see them bringing in a new Equalizer), Robert McCall (Washington) is injured after a mission and has to convalesce at a small coastal Italian town. He ends up liking the place and soon can't keep a blind eye to the merciless hold organized crime has on it.

This felt like a good note for McCall to go out on. Okay, so all the story beats are very predictable especially when it comes to the villains (sadly, like the last film, the movie can't come up with a rightful to successor to the first film's Teddy Rensen, who was in my opinion one of the best action movie villains in recent years.) Given that E2 wasn't as good as the first but definitely made the effort to make the threat something different, it's a little disappointing to just go back to fighting a foreign crime family like in E1.

But, when you get down to it, this is a well-made predictable movie where the lines and characters work well enough. Washington's excellent performance remains the best part. He is able to portray so much about the character and with just a look. Washington continues to portray a man who wants to do good but does violent things to achieve that. A man who always gives the baddies a chance to go the peaceful route but is merciless when they decline. It's also fun to watch McCall, because the guy's got training and seeing his dark strategy is as fascinating as the action as he clearly has the mental edge over his opponents.

Speaking of the action, this may be the most violent of all the movies. (Course, it's been a while since I saw the first two.) It feels like the movie was taking a page from John Wick, but McCall is far more brutal and exacting. There are a couple of the big confrontation scenes that will really stick in your memory.

Moving the location outside the U.S. was a nice change of pace. The setting they chose for the town is breathtaking. Director Antoine Fuqua really had an eye for showcasing Italian architecture and decorations.

Recommended. I'd rank this below 1 and above 2. Story ain't original and man is the hardcore action worth the watch.

The Venture Brothers: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart

9/10

The Venture Brothers had a good run, going seven seasons from 2003 to 2018. However, they were originally slated for an eighth one, but then the powers that be (I don't think it was the head of Adult Swim's call) decided it made business sense to cancel. VB had a solid base, but the numbers were never huge. So, the show ended on a cliffhanger. Luckily, now the show's two creators get to tell their story, even if it is truncated.

In this movie now on DVD/Blu-ray and streaming, Dean Venture (voiced by Michael Sinterniklass) searches for his brother Hank (show co-creator Christopher McCulloch) who's gone AWOL after the events of series finale. Meanwhile, the O.S.I., this world's version of G.I. Joe, and the supervillain organization The Guild of Calamitous Intent find themselves with a common foe in the form of the new supervillain organization ARCH.

McCulloch and other showrunner Doc Hammer have not always been able to do their best properly getting across what they're trying to say to the audience. I was worried that what with this being only 83 minutes that they'd have issues squeezing in all the story they intended. I'm pleased to say this movie moves really smoothly especially for one that juggles a lot of story and characters. I'm actually proud of the filmmakers being able to squeeze in as many fan favorite characters as they could. The reveal of the main antagonist's motivations do feel a little rushed, but as a whole this film moves quite smoothly.

All these years later and VB hasn't lost any of its magic. The movie still has that unique retro-modern humor to it. The script is definitely not your typical adventure story as is the case for VB. The show differed from a lot of other animated adult comedies in that it doesn't stay stagnant in the same place; characters grow up a little and things change in an ongoing story. This movie keeps with that in a mythos-bound tale that finally reveals the answers for a few of the show's big mysteries. (The movie even brings back up a one sentence remark from several seasons ago. That's how big McCulloch and Hammer are on world building.) Make sure you stay after the credits.

This is definitely not for newcomers. There is just way too much reliance on existing plot and lore. 

Dr. Venture (James Urbaniak) as with the show can be funny (and Urbaniak always nails his delivery), but also as with the show, his selfishness can be draining. Also, it's hasn't been uncommon for Christopher McCulloch and Doc Hammer as funny as they are to do something messed up/in bad taste. (I love the show, but I'm not proud of it when these things happen.) This movie has one brief scene that may make you say "I don't think I'm cool with that." 

The character animation may not be for everyone (my mother once called it the show with the ugly animation), but VB definitely has a unique style, and it's not one of those shows that are common these days where the designs are very simplistic. Background animation remains slick with the unique retroesque look the VB has.

Recommended. Not for newcomers, but definitely prime VB for those who are already fans (credit should be given to the franchise for still feeling fresh after all these years.)  

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

8/10

In 1969, Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) is retiring, but he's dragged into artifact hunting one last time by his goddaughter Helena (Fleabag's Phoebe Waller-Bridge). What ensues is an Indy-style chase for part of a compass created by Archimedes.

Dial definitely feels more like classic Indy than Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. (And I'm not trying to knock KotCS. Had a decent time. Don't understand the hardcore hate for it. Yeah, yeah, there was the refrigerator scene. Temple of Doom had Indy rafting down a mountain slope from a plane and a minecart track built over lava without melting. Suspension of disbelief, people.) Spielberg had gotten a bit tamer by the time of KotCS and this movie brings back the harder action edge found in the original trilogy. The opening fight scene in particular is just peak Indy and so enjoyable. (Admittedly, some chase scenes could've been shorter.) The final act is also definitely something and different.

This is also one of the darkest Indy films. This goes harder with civilian casualties than usual and this might not be ideal for you if you prefer more lighthearted action fare. This movie also carries on this nasty recent trend of having the protagonist or protagonists of a film series that has had long gaps between entries wind up in a worse place in life than where we last saw them. It's nihilistic, and I'm getting tired of it. In fairness, this plot point does have its reasons and does emotionally resonate more than with other films of this type.

There is one unresolved plothole that's impossible to ignore. I don't know what they were thinking with letting that string hang.

Harrison Ford is 81 years old, and he still KILLS it as Indy. Yeah, he isn't able to get into physical fights with people now (I congratulate the film on being completely realistic that Indy's gotten old), but he still has that energy and sheer passion he holds for archaeology. This movie does something that no other film really does: it shows Indy being truly emotional and honest and again Ford KILLS the performance here. You may argue that the IJ saga should've stayed a trilogy, but I thinks it's Indy's dramatic scenes here that justify the film.

Phoebe-Waller works well as a sharp-tongued comedic foil/sidekick for Indy. She's merely interested in profit which easily conflicts with the more noble Indy. (Yes, yes, Indiana should probably return artifacts to their countries of origin. Let's not get into that.) 

Antagonists are also stronger than in KotCS. Mads Mikllelson is the villain, former Nazi scientist Dr. Voller. Yeah, American films tend to typecast Mikkelson as the baddie, and he's got greater range than that, but he does do it well. Here he manages to make Voller different than some of his previous roles by adding a little dimension to the character than just being calmly evil. (Admittedly I haven't seen his Gindewald, so I can't comment on that.) Voller is clearly fueled by a desperate urgency in his search for the compass. He's also got a couple henchmen, the typical one who's HUGE and the typical one who's got a mouth on him, and they work pretty well.

Movie looks pretty nice. Yeah, I miss the more practical effects and natural lighting of the original trilogy, but the computer animation and artificial look isn't as in your face as KotCS. There are a lot of exotic locales here (perhaps too much) and director James Mangold (Girl Interrupted, Logan, Ford vs. Ferrari) puts a lot of detail into the crowds and historic setting. The digital face for younger Indy for the flashback at the beginning is quite realistic and you have to focus on it for a sec before you realize it's fake.

Recommended. Again, latter Indy isn't as good as the original trilogy, but this is still an entertaining film and is definitely the most moving of all of them. If anything, watch it for Ford's performance.

Nimona

 

7.5/10

The new Netflix movie Nimona, based on the graphic novel by ND Stevenson (who also helmed the recent She-Ra reboot) takes place in a city-state that is partly medieval and partly futuristic. In it, Ballister Boldheart (voiced by Rix Ahmed) is on the run after being framed. He's surprised to find himself aided by the mysterious shapeshifter Nimona (Chloe Grace Moretz) who wants to be Ballister's sidekick because he's the city's number one villain. 

This almost never got released. Nimona's previous studio was owned by 20th Century Fox and was acquired by Disney due to the purchase. Disney didn't see the need for another animation studio and shut it down (sorry kids, no more Ice Age movies.) The movie was 70-something% complete at the time. Luckily, Annapurna picked it up and completed it.  

Ballister and Nimona are both well-defined and likeable characters who work well together. It's especially fun seeing average guy Ballister reacting to the general chaos he keeps being thrown into.

The movie does a good job of teaching not to judge those who are different and being proud of who you are without feeling it's talking down to the audience. Props should be given to the movie for probably being the first feature-length major animated children's film to feature a gay character (Ballister) as the lead. Sure, we've seen gay characters in other films, but this is the first one where it's front and center.

Humor's pretty good here, and the writers do well in making it fit naturally.

Movie looks sleek, uses a 2D-image-made-3d effect like with the Spider-verse movies. The futuristic/medieval look is unique and it looked like thought was given to the design of the whole place.

You can predict a good portion of where the plot movie is going. The villain feels especially by-the-book. Also there is too much of recycling back-and-forth between the same two scenarios: Ballister and Nimona fighting the city's knights and them regrouping back at their hideout.

If you were a fan of the original graphic novel, which was more YA, you might be disappointed by the fact that the story was altered to make itself simpler and more family friendly.

Recommended. The general story is a little obvious but the world and characters are charming. It's not a perfect film, but it's pretty good. Your kids will probably like it. 

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One

7.5/10

In this the seventh entry of the long-running film series based on the 60s/70s TV show, Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) and his IMF (Impossible Missions Force) team are on the search for two parts of a key to a new and very dangerous weapon.

It's surprising how consistently entertaining the MI movies have been over the years (yeah, 2 might be the weakest, but it still had its value), especially the more recent ones. Director Christopher McQuarrie, who did the last two entries as well, retains his emphasis on practical effects over digital. This gives more weight to the action scenes and the suspense. There is one tense moment in particular that though short kept me captivated more than I've felt in a long time. Doesn't help that the action is really well thought out and shot here. This movie really dominates the new Transformers, Indiana Jones, and Fast and Furious movies in action scenes.

I won't go into much detail about what the threat in this one is, but it definitely is unique in the MI-verse. Dead Reckoning also has some of the better villains in this franchise. Some comedy was added this time which I felt worked well.

The two hour and forty-three minute run-time focusing on long action scenes and double-crossing may not be for everyone. Considering that this is part one, the drawing out of the plot could be frustrating to some. There are a couple MI tropes that have been used once too often in this (I'll get to one in a minute). There are also a couple scenes where a group of people deliver exposition in the exact same tone and delivery which feels a little unnatural.

Cast remains good. Hayley Atwell joins the cast as thief Grace. She's Hayley Atwell, so she's naturally enjoyable. Admittedly after the last two movies, the whole Ethan-works-with-a-woman-whose-goals-don't-always-align schtick has gotten old. Cruise works well with Atwell, but it is surprising to see Ethan become protective of Grace so early when she hasn't proved she can be trusted. Shea Wigham (who's always great with whatever he's in) and Greg Tarzan Davis are a couple of US agents who also become involved in the goings-ons and those two are so watchable in this. They're new but they're delivery and actions feel so natural. Guardians of the Galaxy's Pom Klementieff is the henchwoman Paris in this and she's the kind of villain who loves action for the sake of action. She's clearly having fun whenever she's let off the leash.

Recommended. This has the best action scenes of the summer. The only reason I'm not rating this higher is that all the intrigue is a bit much and there is a smidge of formula fatigue. However, this is still a well-done film. I'd rank this below the fourth and fifth entries and above the rest.

Blood & Gold

8.5/10

This German film now out on Netflix is about a Waffe-SS troop searching for hidden gold in a German village near the end of War World II. Caught in the middle of it all is a deserter from the unit Heinrich (played by Robert Maaser) and local woman Elsa (Marie Hacke).   

Between this and Sisu, it's has been quite the year for foreign-made WWII movies. This is a Tarantino-esque pic but unlike most of its kind it stands out. This is one of those movies where I can't say the entire story is unpredictable, but there are moments you can't see coming. The history of the gold is rather well thought out. I especially appreciate how natural a lot of the exposition about the gold and the village and characters in this is laid out without too much being shoved in at once or becoming boring and taking up screentime. 

The movie doesn't skimp on violence. Maybe not quite on the level of Sisu, but doesn't miss by that much either with a big Nazi body count. Going back to my previous comment about moments of unpredictability, there are a couple of inventive or surprise kills that'll get your attention. This includes probably one of the most unique assassinations I've seen in an admittedly macabre but clever scene that you definitely won't forget.

The movie's packed with well-defined characters in this movie of survival. Heinrich makes for a relatable protagonist and Maaser definitely has the build for an action hero. The two main Nazis in this, the determined and unsettling commander von Starnfeld (Alexander Scheer, the psychotic hijacker in vampires on a plane movie Blood Red Sky) and his nasty but capable second-in-command (whose name and actor I had trouble pinpointing afterwards, sorry) make for effective, albeit not original, Nazi bad guys.

Be forewarned that there is an attempted sex crime in this. If you don't want to see this sort of thing, then you'd best avoid. Also to the movie's credit, it seemed to be trying to be at least fairly accurate to history. However, we international viewers could be confused about more specific references without much context given in regards to the history of the Nazi reign in Germany. They don't happen often, though.

Highly recommended. Not for you naturally if you're not big on violent movies, but if you like this sort of thing it's a very entertaining film.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

6.5/10 

In this new Transformers movie that takes place after the events of Bumblebee (in what is either a prequel or reboot of the original films; the whole thing's rather murky), the Transformers and their new human allies (familiar, right?) must stop the forces of the planet devourer Unicron (voiced by Colman Domingo) from bringing him to Earth.

On the plus side, this ditches all the weaknesses and questionable choices of the Bay films. However, what we get is a very average big blockbuster that doesn't differentiate itself from previous Transformers stories or other blockbusters. There is nothing particularly wrong about this film, but there is nothing that particularly stands out, either. There are definitely funny and solid character moments in this, but they don't happen consistently. If the movie wasn't two hours long, it probably would've been more robust. The first fifteen or so minutes really feel like they drag because the two human leads' setups and backstories are so by-the-numbers. (There's a bad boss in this that is so frustratingly simplistic.)  The entire story is too by-the-numbers. It's yet another Transformers movie where it's a race against time against a new robotic menace in a search quest. 

The best part of this is the Transformer Mirage (voiced by SNL's Peter Davidson). Admittedly, he's basically Bumblebee 2.0 in that he's a new car Transformer that befriends a human and gets more screentime, but he's a refreshingly different cup of tea than the other Transformers. He seems like a fun dude, is the most personable of the group, and gets the best lines. Human lead, down-on-his-luck, unemployed vet, Noah Diaz (played by In the Heights' Anthony Ramos), may not have the most original personal storyline, but the guy is likable, and Diaz makes him work better than you'd think with the basics of what he's given. This takes place in the early years of the Transformers, and we get a very different Optimus Prime (voiced by original voice actor Peter Cullen). He doesn't trust humans and is more bossy. Some might be annoyed with the change in character, but I thought it worked. You always understand where Optimus, who has the weight of leadership on his shoulders, is coming from, and it's about Optimus' growth into what he would become.

Computer animation and design is alright. The Transformers look decent and are less unnecessarily complicated as the Bay films, and the battles aren't too shabby andeasier to make out than the Bay films. However, the Bay films did have a weight to them, and you don't find that here in what is your regular CGI fest.  

I particularly liked the design of Unicron's right hand Scourge (voiced by Peter Dinklage). He's an average villain, but I liked his rusted appearance. By the way, if you're a big Transformers fan and were hoping to see Unicrons' humongous humanoid form, prepare to be disappointed. He's strictly in planet form here.

I can't recommend paying a lot to see this, but it makes for a decent time-waster if you catch it on streaming or such. It's predictable, but competent enough. I'd rate this below Bumblebee and the first live-action Transformers, on the same level as the animated film, and above films two and three (haven't seen four and five, yet).

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

9.5/10

In this sequel to Into the Spider-Verse, Miles Morales/Spider-Man (voiced by Shameik Moore) reunites with Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) and becomes involved with a trans-dimensional task force populated to the gills with various Spider-Men and -Women from across the multiverse.

This really carries the ball passed on from the first film: being a combination of heart, humor, and story. The interpersonal relations are so excellently done here. Whereas the last movie focused on Miles' father Jefferson Davis (Brian Tyree Henry), this film gives more screen time to Miles' mother Rio (Luna Lauren Velez) and her relationship with her son. We also get a lot more screentime with Gwen Stacy than I expected. She's really as much the lead of this film as Miles, and we really get to see more about her life and what makes her tick.

The movie manages to balance the heavier aspects with a lot of fun jokes, more per capita than the last film. This movie lets the writers play as fast and loose with the Spider world as they want due to endless dimensions. They truly have an immense sandbox to play in. There are fair amount of Spider meta jokes to be found; this was clearly made by fans.

The story is pretty ambitious and you probably won't be able to guess where it goes; really, a very creative and well written script. This is darker than the last movie and manages to mine the Spider-Man history of personal drama and tragedy really well. This is one of those two-parter movies, so don't expect everything to be wrapped up here. But, man oh man, does this end on an enticing note.

It may have surprised a lot of people that the main villain in this is The Spot (Jason Schwartzman), a mid/lower ranking Spidey villain. He was considered as a bit of a joke by fans when he first appeared in the 80's due to his silly name and appearance, but he's made more appearances in recent years with writers realizing how powerful his skill set is (he can create multiple small portals) and have been making him more of a threat. This movie runs with the characters' history in the fandom and comics and portrays the character as both humorous and threatening.

Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099 is one of the primary characters in this and the only Spider-Man who's super serious and never throws around quips. His goals don't align with Miles' and serves as as a pretty solid anti-hero in this.

If you liked the other Spider-People in the last film, don't expect to see a lot of them here. The story just didn't seem to have room.

'Course what everyone remembers the most about the first one was the distinct and quality animation. This movie really manages to surpass that. The animation again is so vibrant and visually creative. Besides, having the world look like it was in the comic book pages, some of the characters from various worlds may have very different animation styles based on said worlds. If you had headaches and eye strain from the fact that the last film was a little like looking at a blue/red 3D image without the glasses, they cut down on that. It's still there somewhat, but it's not as distracting.

I'm impressed with the sheer amount of detail in this. All the worlds feel so lived in. This is the sort of animation a college instructor will use as an example in class.

If there are any weak spots to this, it's its length, running at 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are so many reveals and plot points that the whole thing might get a little exhausting by the end. Also, this movie carries the Spider-Man tradition of struggling with life's setbacks and hardships and the weight of being a hero as often demonstrated by broad quasi-philosophical monologues. It's part of the Spidey routine by now, but there's so much of it that it may weigh the film down for some.

Highly recommended. This is one of the most engaging and creative movies of the year and one of the best looking animated films ever. I think the first film was a little better mostly due to it being a more compact story. But the difference isn't by too much. 

Equalizer- Season 3

7/10

Former CIA agent Robyn McCall (played by Queen Latifah) continues to use her skill set to help the little guy with problems the system can't/won't help.

Not much has changed since the last two seasons. The episodes continue to be a bunch of fairly entertaining albeit not complex adventures, and the storylines remain varied. (Nice thing about the show is that McCall's mission is broad enough that the writers aren't limited to certain situations.)  There is more of a focus on McCall's relationship and past with the CIA which worked pretty well. 

And the same as previous seasons, you've got a sprinkling of "special message" episodes that feel too simplistic like they're talking down to the audience.

Though Queen Latifah is likable, she isn't always able to make the dialogue work. (She tends to talk in the same tone.)

I've been a fan of McCall's daughter Delilah (Laya DeLeon Hayes) and aunt Vi (Lorraine Touissaint) and though their stories often aren't connected to the main storyline, they've usually been good. However, half-way through this season, the stories started to bug me. It might be that there are a lot more isolated single-episode storylines, which start to show the same issues as the A-plots: social message stories that simplistically talk down to you and wrapped up way too quickly. The fact that the two of them keep running into these issues comes off as unrealistic. (However, when it comes to the racial-focused episodes, I apologize if I'm being white privileged about the situation. I'm not a black person in America and can't attest to how often you would run into these situations if you were.) Also, it feels that Vi has become completely right too many times and is starting to come off as sanctimonious. Don't get me wrong, Touissaint does a great job at both being at being caring but also bring on the righteous indignation when needed, and it's nice to see her fight against racists who'd wrong her or her niece, but in less high stakes situations it feels like she always needs to be in control of the situation and narrative. (The restaurant subplot is the best example of this.)

Kinda recommended. I know I've gone into the cons more than the flaws, but the show's still enjoyable, there's just no need for specifics for the positives. It's just you're average turn-off-your-brain and have fun CBS show.