Predator: Killer of Killers

Grade: A-

This new predator film on Hulu/Disney+ is an animated anthology film in which we see different Predators hunting different human warriors throughout history.

This is helmed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane), who directed the previous Predator installment Prey, and the guy's still got it. What with Prey taking place in the past, this movie whets our appetite for more of this by seeing Predator action in other parts of history. This results in innovative new set pieces. Plus, all the Predators have very different looks and techniques. 

As for tone, it probably comes the closest to going with the more serious one that Predators had, however I honestly thought this did a better job with story and drama. 

The animation is like that of Arcane, having a painterly look to it. Animation isn't as detailed as Arcane, but more fluid. The whole thing is really gorgeous to look at with some impressively choreographed action moments (you even have a tracking shot; rare in animation). KoK is able to pull stuff off that you just couldn't in live-action.

Sections-

The Shield- A

A viking warrior and her group go searching for their enemy and encounter a Predator.

Probably my favorite one. Has the best story, script and characterization and efficiently manages to set everything up in a short amount of time.

The Sword- B+

In feudal Japan, a Predator becomes involved in a fight between two men.

Has the best fight scenes out of the entire film. The Japanese setting makes for a distinct look and fighting techniques. However, you get the basic gist of the story, but there are a lot of follow-up questions that aren't answered.

The Bullett- B+

A WII aerial squadron fights... you guessed it... a Predator and its space ship.

This is really ingenious: the idea of a Predator aerial fight. This segment, though still full of death, also feels a little less earnest than the previous ones. However, the fight scenes are too rapid fire; and there are too many close-ups.

Final section- A-

Not spoiling this point. This is like The Sword in that the story has a lot of follow-up questions,  but it has the second best action and finishes off everything with a bang.

Recommended. There are a few plot nitpicks, but this is a real action-packed tour-de-force for the eyes and definitely something to see for Predator fans. I'd say this is my fourth favorite film behind P1+2 and Prey.

Fountain of Youth

Grade: C+

In this new movie on Apple+ directed by Guy Ritichie, morally flexible treasure hunter Luke Purdue (The Office/Jack Ryan's John Krasinski) cajoles his straight-laced sister art curator sister Charlotte (Natalie Portman) into helping him search for the Fountain of Youth.

This is definitely a thing that is a treasure hunting movie. It is basic and feels like mostly everything in this has been done before. It's not like the movie is running on fumes, but a quarter tank. This is a competently made flick, and there's a few good lines. Luke's back-and-forth with Esme (Eiza Gonzalez), who's part of a group sworn to protect the fountain, is kinda fun, and I do like that there are several interest parties also after our leads, but there is just nothing about this does enough to set it apart from the likes of National Treasure and such. Also, Charlotte's soon-to-be ex-husband Harold (Daniel de Bourg), is completely unnecessary and ruins any scene he's in. 

Guy Ritchie's work can really fluctuate between great and so-so, and yeah, this one is so-so. He replaced the originally scheduled director, and this really feels like a pay-the-bills entry for him. The movie doesn't feel like this has the special Ritchie touch that he has had with projects he felt invested in.

It's a fine cast between Portman, Krasinski, and Domhnall Gleeson as Owen Carver, Luke's financial backer (I do hope that guy's star is rising; he's always good in whatever he's in.) However, they are only able to do so much with the script (Krasinski in particular is definitely trying his best, poor guy).

I feel that for an adventurous, globe-traversing movie, the whole thing looks drab as Ritchie goes for a greyish, overcast tone. The set design for the various locations they visit ain't too shabby, I'll give you that.

This is not must-see. However, it is not unwatchable (I'd be fine seeing this again). It could serve well as a time-waster that you don't have to put a lot of emotional/intellectual investment into it.

Thunderbolts*

Grade: A+

In this new movie based on the Marvel comic series, five operatives doing dirty work for the government are sent into a trap. Now, this group of damaged soldiers must ban together in order to survive.

It really feels like the creators of this took into consideration the complaints that the MCU has fallen into a rut, and gotten a little predictable. Thunderbolts* is refreshing. Everything feels a lot more character and story driven. This is a superhero movie, so you get special effects moments in this, but it doesn't have the big spectacle fight scenes, involving a sky beam or something like that, for the sake of it. (Not to say the action and effects disappoint. There is one great fight scene and a visual that will stick with you.) The number of locations is also surprisingly conservative, not a lot of jumping from place to place. The antagonist is refreshingly a little different from your usual MCU baddie.

This is arguably the darkest MCU movie. However, it still works with the general audience as Thunderbolts manages to balance the dark with lighter, more humorous moments. (If you've seen Moon Knight, the tone is like that.)

Really solid characterization. Though the MCU's policy of setting things up years in advance has not been as steady or effective as it used to, this movie shows that it still works. All the anti-heroes here have already been set up, so the writers walked into this with a firm grasp of the characters. These are mostly people who have done horrible or at least questionable things in the name of their government or their army, but none of them are complete monsters. The whole movie is a surprisingly well-thought look at trauma and guilt. Also, the characters all work really well off of each other. (They're messed up in a different ways, but they're also kinda on the same wave length.)

Though this is a team movie, White Widow/Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) is definitely the lead. She already stole the show in both Black Widow and Hawkeye and does not disappoint. She remains extremely personable and relatable, but it is her dramatic moments that really make the movie. She's had a sad life and this story milks all the drama and tragedy from the character it can.  You really feel Yelena's struggle with her past and sense of aimlessness. It's too bad movies like this don't often get Oscar nominations, because Pugh is doing the work, and this might be remembered as her best role.  

Stranger Things' David Harbor seems to be having the time of his life as Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov. Admittedly, they might have given him too many jokes. But, as the one of the few members of the team really wanting to be a hero, he serves as a nice counter to the others.

Honestly, all the team members are good. Former Captain America U.S. Agent/John Walker (Wyatt Russell), is arrogant, but also entertaining in his boastfulness and honest takes. Ghost/Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) is also solid, but it feels like she's the straight man of the group and got the lowest amount of characterization. Her personality feels downgraded after Ant-Man and the Wasp. The mysterious and gentle-natured Bob (Lewis Pullman), is a fun new addition, and him and White Widow have excellent chemistry. 

The one weak character for me is amoral CIA head Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She's basically DC's Amanda Waller if she was snarkier and less wise. Wasn't found of her. All her lines felt like they were trying too hard, and she didn't feel competent enough for someone to conflict with the heroes. 

Highly recommended. One of the best post-Endgame MCU movies.

A Minecraft Movie

Grade: A

In A Minecraft Movie, a small group of townsfolk become trapped in the fantastical world of Minecraft. Now they have to find a way out.

Fans of the popular video game will be pleased to know that they managed to adapt the game pretty well. They managed to take a world made out of block shapes and made it presentable in movie form. Lots of items and rules from the game are in this, while making things clear enough for newcomers to get. (Although, I think some of the enemy types with less screen time could’ve gotten a little more explanation.)

Given that this is based on a game where people build things, the movie provides a decent message about creativity. (Message isn’t as strongly delivered as say The Lego Movie or Barbie, but it ain’t half bad.)

The movie decided to go for the humorous route, and is pretty funny and silly. There are a fair amount of jokes adults may like that are a little cynical without being too cynical for a kids’ film.

What really makes this work is the comedy duo of Jack Black as Steve, a human who’s been living in Minecraft for a while and serves as the others’ guide, and Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a former arcade champ fallen on bad times. Both being funny guys, they work great together and are on the same wave length. Black is surprisingly the straight man, but for him that means doing competent stuff in an enthusiastic manner. Momoa might be doing an expected “has-been fallen on hard times who has to learn a lesson” journey, but his performance and dialogue make this not an issue. (Honestly, Momoa  has great chemistry with everyone.)

Sebastian Hansen also does a good job as Henry, who is an additional team member alongside Black and Momoa. He’s kinda the main lead with backstory that works well enough for the film. It is unfortunate that the attention is given a lot more to the guys than the gals. Wednesday’s Emma Myers as Henry’s older sister Natalie and Orange is the New Back/Peacemaker’s Danielle Brooks as real estate agent Dawn do a decent job, but just aren’t given enough screen time to let them shine.

The intro is one of those like the beginning of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in that they rush through a lot of exposition, and it’s a bit much. 

Jennifer Coolidge has a subplot as Henry’s vice-principal. Fans of the actress will be pleased to know that she gives peak Coolidge, but her story is a one-note joke that is really drawn out. 

Natalie is 23, but it’s hard to see her as an adult with a job in this, because she is just so young looking. 

Highly recommended. Not saying A Minecraft Movie is the most original film, but it’s having a good time.

A Working Man

Grade: B+

In this new movie based on the novel Levon's Trade by Chuck Dixon (who is also a co-writer on this), Levon Cade (played by Jason Statham) is a former soldier and a construction foreman. His boss' daughter Jenny Garcia (Ariana Rivas), is kidnapped, and he uses his skills to try to track her.

This reunites Jason Statham and director David Ayer from the Beekeeper. One's surprised they just didn't do a sequel given its success and considering how similar Statham's character and the basic plot of a man avenging a wrong against a good person is, but apparently Sylvester Stallone (who also co-wrote) brought the script to Statham, and he brought the script to Ayer. Though I'd say Beekeeper was the superior film as it was more willing to go over-the-top, this film is a pretty solid follow-up.

The action gets violent and crazy; the final fight is delightfully insane and memorable. Like Beekeeper, you've got a ton of distinctive baddies (played by a pretty solid bunch of actors, including League of Extraordinary Gentlemen/Pennyworth's Jason Flemying, who I'm surprised isn't better known. He's good in whatever he's done.) 

There are also some unique outfits and hideout designs in here. It can be a little weird seeing Cade walk amongst regular people and architecture only to walk into someone wearing brightly colored outfit in an eccentric looking-chari, but I wouldn't call that a deal breaker. 

The setup is a little wooden (though not slow, the movie speeds right through). The exposition about Cade's life doesn't feel natural. Plus, he's got a custody battle subplot that is supposed to help endear the character, but it feels forced and the daughter (The Outlaw's Isla Gie) and the former father-in-law (sorry, couldn't figure which actor was him) he's having the custody fight with don't sound like real people. However, once the movie gets to the action, that's when everything comes into place and things get going.

Statham is again great as the tough guy who is determined and mows down everyone in his way, though he can't sell some of the poorly written dialogue moments. Michael Pena is good in his limited screen time as the emotionally distressed father of Jenny.

Recommended. If you loved the Beekeeper, like I said, it won't be exactly it, but it'll probably wet your whistle. (Just walk into this knowing that A Working Man takes itself slightly more serious than the Beekeeper.)

In the Lost Lands

Grade: C

This adaptation of the short story by George R.R. Martin takes place in a futuristic dystopia after the collapse of society, which also has magic in it apparently. The witch Gray Alys (played by the Resident Evil movies’ Milla Jovovich) is given a task by The Queen (Amara Okereke). In order to do so, Gray must travel to the lost lands and hires the aid of guide Boyce (Dave Bautista).

This is directed by Paul W. S. Anderson (The Resident Evil movies, the first Mortal Kombat movie, Alien vs. Predator, and Event Horizon), and like with his last couple of films, he seems to be losing his touch. The movie at first keeps you a little interested with some of the mysteries and the intrigue of various parties with different goals working against each other, but the payoff at the end is disappointing, ridiculous, and overwrought. Also, they don't explain the rules of this world or how magic in this world that is also an apocalyptic wasteland works at all.

This is one of those adaptations where you say to yourself “Oh, I can see how this may have played out better in written form.” The problem is that Anderson’s basic-level “let’s have fun with the action and over-the-top moments” approach doesn’t jive with R.R. Martin’s more serious political intrigue style. Anderson tries to make stuff sound important, but he treats it all too lightly to ever sound sincere.

That all having been said, this is a Paul W.S. Anderson movie. Some of his movies can be disappointing, but I don't think he's ever delivered one that is completely awful. He's always been able to deliver at least some fun popcorn movie ideas or action, and this has its mindless fun moments as well. (I will glady watch this movie any day over Zack Snyder's sorta similar in spirit Rebel Moon movies. Anderson at least feels like he's having fun.)

Yeah, the director has once against cast his wife in the lead, and Jovovich again plays the same sort of character who is good at fighting, but she as always manages to give a decent performance. Jovovich and Bautista do pretty well with what little they have material they have and they do work well off of each other. Though her performance might not technically be good, Okereke plays her role more over-the-top than anyone else and it is something to watch.

The majority of this film is obvious and mid-level CGI. A lot of ItLL doesn't visually set itself apart from other apocalyptic movie worlds, but there are a couple good set pieces; the castle of the Overlord is a fun design.

Not recommended. Not something one can't get through, but nothing that makes this required viewing. 

Captain America: Brave New World

Grade: B

Sam Wilson (played by AnthonyMackie), the new Captain America, investigates an assassination attempt on new president Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford taking over for the late William Hurt).

The general backbones of this are rather good, but the execution isn't perfect. The general story, villainous plot, and characters work well. This is a solid political thriller and feels more like the spy thriller we wanted than with Black Widow.

No complaints about Sam's ascension to the lead. He shares Steve Rogers' optimism, though he is more realistic about the obstacles the world throws at you. The movie also rolls with the fact that this Captain America doesn't have super strength, and he has to make the effort to deal with stronger threats. (Of course, he has years of military training and a cool flying suit; so that helps.)

Ross has been a semi-consistent face in the franchise since the second film, but always a supporting character. Him being the focus feels well earned and culminates his story. He's been a morally grey character, and this movie addresses this as he deals with actions from his past.

Also, Captain America works really well alongside his new sidekick (introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier limited series) Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon (Danny Ramirez). Whereas Steve and Sam work together, because they were two similar guys, Sam and Danny work, because they are opposites (Sam is more grounded, while Danny is more jokey), and they work well off each other.

However, the plotting  and dialogue aren't 100%. The movie doesn't feel as "realized" or as natural as the last 3 Captain America movies, not to mention a lot of other MCU films. Brave New World is directed by Julius Onah, who directed The Cloverfield Paradox, which a lot of people had a problem with structurally. (Honestly, I didn't hate it.) There were reportedly a lot of reshoots, and there are moments where characters were clearly green screened into scenes.

There is one moment in particular which partially states what we already know and feels odd. The main villain, who is played by a good actor, feels not used to their full potential. Also, Ross is trying to improve and Captain America is trying to see that in him, but it feels a little unbelievable when CA still tries to believe in Ross when he makes objectionable decisions.

No arguments with the casting. Mackie has all his scenes locked down. Though it’s hard to buy Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito, who is in his 60’s, playing evil mercenary Sidewinder, as a legitimate physical threat, Esposito does come across as a clever and effective baddie, even though he’s doing the sort of character he often does. (Given how popular he's been after BB, I'm surprised it took so long for him to make the jump from television and get a prominent movie role.)

A little of this movie is set up by the F&tWS, so you might want to see that first.

It is really too bad that Hurt passed before he got his big chance to shine. I think he would've done a great job with the role. Not only does Ford look really different from Hurt (and how Ross has looked in the comics and the first Hulk movie), but he also has a different energy: more grumpy and emotional. However, Ford does an excellent job and is not coasting. He makes one both hate and sympathize with Ross.

Yes the general look and action scenes don't match the first 3 films, but the movie still has its moments. There are two really standout, traditional over-the-top MCU fight scenes. I also like how this manages to be a political thriller, but also manages to use a brighter color scheme without sabotaging the mood.

Lightly recommended. It is the weakest CA movie, and maybe not one of the strongest MCU movies in general, but I still found this to ultimately be a fun time, and something that looks good on the big screen. I'd have no issue rewatching this any time.

The Cleaner

Grade: B

In this British take on the Die Hard formula, window cleaner and former soldier Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley from the most recent Star Wars trilogy) is stuck on the outside of a skyscraper when ecoterrorists take over the building.

Though there can be significant gaps behind fights, the action in this is good. (The director is Martin Campbell, the man behind The Mask of Zorro, Goldeneye, and Casino Royale. Yeah, he might no be longer at the height of his skill, but he still knows how to provide some decent action.) The Cleaner sets itself apart from other movies in the genre with the whole stuck on the side of the building gimmick. Joey's there for an unexpectedly long time, and her surviving out there as things get worse makes for some good and new spectacle.

I gotta say that ecoterrorism made for a watchable motivation for the villains. More stuff happens with them than you'd expect.

However, the build-up to the hostage situation is a slow burn. The beginning also shows Joey's relationship with her brother. I know it's to show her character and build her journey, but it's a LOT of them just being upset with each other. Tonally, the movie does feel a little confused and doesn't know how light or dark it wants to go.  

The Clean has a pretty good cast and characters. Ridley makes for a solid lead, though honestly, it's the group of villains that are the best performances and the most entertaining parts. (The villains are hidden a bit, so I won't spoil for them for you if you haven't seen the trailer yet.)

This isn't a movie you need to see in the theater, but it makes for a decent watch.

Love Hurts

Grade: C

Hitman-turned-successful real estate agent Marvin Gable (played by Ke Huy Quan) has his past come back to haunt him when former love interest Rose Carlisle (The West Side Story remake's Ariana DeBose) returns from hiding.

LH has a story that looked like it could work in a Wikipedia synopsis, but doesn't work in execution. There are fun moments (including a couple-laugh-out-loud parts), but a lot of stuff doesn't pan out, and the filmmakers' can't understand how light or dark they want to make this. A lot of people say narration in a movie can be a crutch, but I don't usually have a problem. Here, it really does feel forced.

The action is good, I'll give you that. The movie has some impressive choreography. There's a blade-throwing villain in this, and he has some of the most entertaining blade-throwing combat I've seen.

Quan is the best part. Like in Everything, Everywhere, all at Once, the actor is really good at switching between generally nice guy and a person of violence. Unfortunately, only him and Sean Astin as Marvin's boss are able to make the poor dialogue work. Rose's character isn't really that likable and her actions come across as selfish rather than courageous, and you're not really rooting for Marvin and her to get together. DeBose tries to use the enthusiastic energy she used in WWS, but it feels disingenuous here. Football-player-turned-actor Marshawn Lynch has been demonstrating that he is a real comic talent. (Ever seen the Netflix show Murderville where celebrities are put in improv situations? Lynch blew everyone else away.) Here he just isn't shining as brightly as he has, because he doesn't have much to go with.

Not recommended. I mean LH can work as background noise or Quan fans may want to see his performance, but overall this isn't something you NEED to see.

Back in Action

Grade: B- 

In this Netflix movie, former spies Matt (Jamie Foxx) and Emily (Cameron Diaz), having gone underground to raise a family, are found out, and end up on the run.

The lighthearted person-used-to-be-a-spy/criminal/etc.-but-is-now-a-family-person story has been done often, and Back to Action is by-the-numbers and does nothing to reinvigorate the genre. 

To make things worse, the daughter Alice (The Young and the Restless’ McKenna Roberts), who is in a painfully obvious mother/daughter-not-connecting subplot, is way too much of an obnoxious brat. Also, this tries to be a family film (they go out of their way to prevent the leads from murdering anyone), but there are a couple moments certain parents may not want their kids to see.

That having all been said, this is a competently made and watchable film. There are some decent lines, Matt, the parent who has adjusted better to civilian life, provides has the best bits as the voice-of-reason dealing with insanity around him.

Diaz, who returns to film after an 11-year absence, is having fun with her part. Foxx just steals the show with his "dad" delivery and reacting to the chaos around him. Glenn Close, who plays Emily's mother, is also a highlight. I think when she does comedy, she has no restraints about being over-the-top, and her blunt, no-nonsense British mom persona is a good time.

Not particularly recommended or not recommended. There is nothing must-see about this, but it serves its function as a time waster.

Flight Risk

Grade: B+

In Flight Risk, U.S. Marshall Madelyn Harris (played by Downton Abbey's Michelle Dockery) and prisoner and witness Winston (That 70's Show's Topher Grace), who is scheduled to testify against his former boss, border a small plane to take them to their destination. Unfortunately, their pilot Daryl Booth (Mark Wahlberg) turns out during the flight to be a sadistic hitman.

More entertaining than I thought this would be. To be clear, Flight Risk is a popcorn thriller that doesn't take itself too seriously, and the sillier aspects may not appeal to everyone. Parts of the dialogue in particular can feel hokey. However, the twists and turns and the moments of actual danger do work. Whereas the trailers often show too much, I felt they did a disservice by not showing that this has a sense of humor. There's some amusing lines in this.  

Best performance is Grace. Nice to see him get a break, because he's always tried to be a movie actor, but his big roles are few and far between. His character is a bit of a wisecracker, and Grace can both be comedic, but also does a good job depicting fear and anxiety when the s**** hits the fan. I think this might be Wahlberg's first villain job, and he's really giving it his all. Booth is a truly rotten and twisted but clever piece of work. I do think there's a little much of his dialogue focused on his love of torture that's too over the top, but Wahlberg completely rolls with what he's given.

There is one of the worst digital effects I've seen in recent years near the beginning, but as a whole the movie doesn't look too bad. A lot of this takes place inside the plane, but the outside shots get the job done. Wouldn't say this has the best footage of all time of the Alaskan landscape, but its still the Alaskan landscape, and it looks nice.

Recommended. I wouldn't say this needs to be seen in the theaters, but its a fun ride with a villain that works. (This is directed by Mel Gibson. If you don't want to watch this because of that, I get it.)

Creature Commandos- Season 1

Grade: A-

In Max’s animated series Creature Commandos, the first entry in Warners reboot of the DC universe, government agent Amanda Waller (voiced by Viola Davies), assembles a team of monsters to stop the sorceress Circe (The Witcher’s Anya Chalotra) from assassinating Princess Ilana Rostovic (Borat Subsequently Moviefilm’s Maria Bakalova) of Pokolistan.

This was created by Guardians of the Galaxy/Suicide Squad/Peacemaker's James Gunn, who has been given the unenviable task of overseeing the DCU after a lot of mixed reception to its previous films. CC seems to be an indicator that the ship's course may have been corrected. Gunn brings his strengths here, making use of lesser known comics characters and crafting a likable group with strong backstories. Most episodes feature a backstory for each monster, and I'm impressed how COMPELLING he makes every single character and their backgrounds. (GI Robot's episode is one of the best of 2024). These may also be some of the darkest backstories in mainstream superhero shows/movies (this is kinda right up there with The Penguin, though CC is more loose in overall tone). 

Show's got solid, bloody action that can be as crazy as it wants because its animated. CC also has a more humorous side. (Whereas the original DCU wanted to be SERIOUS and more grounded, I appreciate how Gunn is interested in the more fantastical aspects of the DC and having fun, while not being Marvel and having more mature elements with good storytelling.)

This all having been said, one can't blame another for getting a little tired of Gunn's formula: A ragtag group of misfits with pasts who rise to the occasion in a crazy, colorful manner. This is his most R-rated (DC lets him off the leash even more than they did with Suicide Squad and Peacemaker), so, at least there is that difference. 

Gunn also continues his tendency of going with very different takes with the lesser known characters. (The creator of Mantis is none too fond of Gunn’s movie version.) Fans of the original comics will  probably not love that Frankenstein (Stranger Things' David Harbor), who was portrayed as more of a good guy (to the best of my knowledge, I'm not a CC expert), is portrayed here as an amoral man-child. Also, Gunn seems to love Frankenstein's delusional rambling schtick. It's like the comedy team of Drax and Mantis in the GotG movies; too much of it, and it gets old real fast.

Fans of the comics may also be disappointed that they changed the look of the Bride (Indira Varma). She originally had four arms, but because Gunn is now having  all the DC shows be in the same universe as the movies (the Matt Reeves Batman/Penguin-verse and the Harley Quinn/Kiteman-verse are grandfathered in), he gave her only two arms since she might pop up in live action, and an extra pair of arms will be a pain to pull off. (I wouldn't mind, but the most recent CC comic ditched the extra arms in order to follow the show, and I hate it when comics change to match the shows/movies).

The show tries to include a lot of characters and plot points in only 8 episodes, and some parts felt rushed. Ilana and Circe could've been fleshed out more. (Though in case of the latter, I'm glad a Wonder Woman villain was picked and got some exposure; they always get the short end of the stick). The Arrowverse on the CW mined a TON of DC villains, but only used one WW baddie the entire time. Circe's a good fighter but is a little basic in the personality department. 

There is one character background element Gunn uses twice for two different characters. It works the first time, but the second time feels a little cheap. Also, the show is very vague about whatever rights the monsters do or do not have in the world.

Standout voices in this are Gilmore Girls' Sean Gunn as GI Robot and Resident Alien's Alan Tudyk as Dr. Phosphorous. You may scream nepotism for James Gun casting his brother, but Sean delivers a unique vocal tone that is mostly stuck on gung-ho, but is able to do so much with limited inflection. This isn't the first time Tudyk has been in the DC (he was Mr. Nobody in Doom Patrol and voiced Clayface/Joker in Harley Quinn), but I think this might be his best job yet. Surprisingly, Tudyk doesn't play up his voice like he usually does. Rather, he goes with a more grounded route that manages to work with the character's combination of sarcasm and sociopathy. (Also, nice to see Dr. Phosphorous chosen for this. He's that  one mid-level Batman villain who's been around for a while that you're surprised that their stock hasn't risen yet). Harbor on the other hand; I just don't think he's working out. His delivery is missing something.

This also being a Gunn project, you've got a lot of songs in this. Though, it's become a little old hat by now, I liked the music he went with. Instead of going with 70's or 80's hits, Gunn goes with an Eastern European punk feel that fits the fictional country of Pokolistan.

Wasn’t originally sold on the line work and character design in this based on the commercials, but I grew to like it. Made for solid action scenes.

Highly recommend. I mean, if you’re not big on MA heavy violence and darker tones, this won’t be for you, but for everyone else this is some really compelling storytelling, valid criticisms withstanding. 

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew- Season 1

Grade: A

In this new Star Wars show on Disney+, one day Wim (played by Encanto/BlackAF's Ravi Cabot-Conyer) finds a long dormant spaceship in the woods. Him and three of his classmates investigate. The ship is accidentally activated and they are shot far into space, unable to determine how to get back to their planet.

Of the Disney+ SW shows, SC is the most aimed at a family/younger crowd, which I'm pleased with. Don't get me wrong, the dark and mature Andor was superb, but I feel it a bit somber if the entire SW universe was done that way to capitalize on Andor's success. (SW trying too hard to create drama can backfire. The Acolyte misfired, and they blew up so many planets during the new film trilogy. Hey J.J. Abrams! Stop blowing up planets! There ain't going to be any galaxy left!) What made many of us love the original films was the sense of adventure, and I don't think I've seen any of the Disney live action Star Wars programs truly recapture that sense of childhood wonder before this. The show has adventure, exotic places, interesting characters, and an intriguing mystery about the ship and Wim's planet. SC manages to be fun, but it doesn't pull its punches. There is violence and stakes. Sure, the kids have some plot armor because they're the stars and kids, but the danger they face or are surrounded by feels legit.

Visually, this is also the best looking of all the shows. I mean, all the Disney SW shows have quite the budget, but this feels the most film-like. So much effort goes into this, and I kind of wish we could visit these planets.

The characters in this are pretty engaging. The best of the kids is the one alien, the elephant-like Neel (Dear Santa's Robert Timothy Smith). He's a generally nice kid. Jude Law gives a tremendous performance as pirate Jod Na Nawood who ends up teaming up with the children. After his so-so performance in Captain Marvel, the actor got redemption in the world of large franchise performances. Nawood is a truly morally grey and nuanced fellow as well as very charismatic.

The only weak point of this is the main lead. Wim does have his affable moments (his comic bits in particular work), however he is kinda bratty and selfish. And yeah, you could make the argument that that's how kids can be, but if you are raising kids, do you really want to sit through even more of them being snotty?

Highly recommended. Old school SW fans should really enjoy themselves with this.

Ranma 1/2 (2024)- Season 1

Grade: A

In this reboot of the 90's anime based on the manga by Rumiko Takahashi, Ranma Saotome and his father Genma are martial artists who fell into separate cursed springs when training in China. Now whenever they are hit by cold water, Ranma turns female and Genma turns into a panda. They return to Japan and end up staying at the house of Genma's old friend Soun Tendo, whose Ranma's hand in marriage Genma had promised to one of his three daughters. They end up matching Ranma with youngest daughter Akane, who is also a martial artist. She and Ranma initially butt heads, but there's a whole will-they, won't-they with them.

I only saw the first two movies and a few of the OVAs of the original show. I can't give definite comparisons of these two versions, but what I'm understanding here is that the new one is trying to be closer to the original manga. The coloring and line work is a lot closer to Rumiko Takahashi's style (it's really impressive these days how close animation can get to copying the original penciling/inking from a comic). The pacing is a lot quicker as well (the old show had to deal with the fact that the manga hadn't been finished and avoiding catching up with it too quickly). Also from what I'm hearing, the reboot is cutting down a little on the Chinese stereotypes from the original.

This show is really fun. I understand why the original anime and manga were huge hits. Ranma and Akane live in a crazy world where they encounter a large cast of people who also know martial arts. Plus, everyone is so weirdly accommodating of the random fights. Some of the fights are very inventive, including an ice skating fight, and over-the-top. 

The characters are another one of the reasons of the manga/anime's lasting charm. As all of them so far are unique and often weird. (My favorite is Ranma's frenemy Ryoga Hibiki who has a rivalry with Ranma but gets dragged into his various problems as well). Though the anime is silly, the two main leads are three-dimensional, and you do get to feel about them.

American viewers may be uncomfortable with the first episode, which I think Netflix had the show originally rated as TV-MA because if it before the rating went down. (Unfortunately, the streaming service rates the series as a whole and not by individual episodes). This episode has no qualms showing frontal, nipple-less boobs of 16-year old female Ranma. Not ideal. 

Highly recommended. Besides the issue with the first episode (and I completely understand if that is a deal breaker), this is a really well-written show where everything and everyone just clicks.

Invincible Fight Girl-Season 1

Grade: A

This is a new show on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim’s Tonami block, but despite its placement like the new Superman cartoon this is child-friendly. CN is having trouble keeping younger viewership what with streaming and social media. However, Adult Swim still has a long time adult audience propping it up with better numbers, which is why this was placed here.

Invincible Fight Girl is about Andy (voiced by General Hospital’s Sydney Mikayla) who lives in a world where wrestling is everything, except on Andy’s homeland of Accountant Isle where accountants are born and raised. Though expected to be an accountant, Andy dreams of being a wrestler and has secretly practiced all her life. This is her journey to becoming a real one.

This is an homage to anime, specifically the shonen type where the protagonists encounter one antagonist after another. This is an impressive ode to anime while also managing to have its own style and voice with a thought out universe populated with diverse and distinct characters. 

The show also has some some unexpectedly emotional moments. Some characters have legitimately sad or sympathetic backstories, and Andy has to jump a lot of hurdles and learn some lessons about life on her path.

Some may find the beginning episodes where Andy has to deal with her parents who have different designs for her future to be pretty formulaic. But, that ends pretty quickly and things get interesting.

Also, Andy’s main focus is getting a trainer this season. Usually this type of plot point takes an episode or two, but here it’s the full season storyline, so I want to make sure you’re not asking “Why’s this taking so long”? Pacing isn’t slow, though. We end up getting a bunch of story ideas that work well.

Got a game voice cast in this. Mikayla does a great job of performing Andy’s doubts, dreams, and empathy.

Highly recommended. Haven’t heard much talk about this online, which is too bad, as this is a well-written and entertaining show, and I hope it gets a second season.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Grade: A

(Note: This review will briefly discuss an element in the movie that has already been shown through a lot of promotional material. However, said element is kept a mystery for a little bit of the film and if you're coming in completely cold turkey to this, you may want to avoid this review if you want to be completely surprised).

In the third Sonic the Hedgehog movie, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) and friends must confront the mysterious and dangerous Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) who is angry at the world.

3 differentiates itself from the last two movies by being the franchise's Empire Strikes Back. This is noticeably darker and contains more mature, tragic elements. (Since the movie features Shadow, they drew a lot of the story from his premiere game which had his origin story Sonic Adventure 2, one of the most serious games in the franchise. Yes, there are more serious Sonic games).  This culminates in a touching and well told story about loss and about how we deal with our past. 

Using the Sonic games anti-hero Shadow was always going to be a bit of a risk as they had just already used an equally fast rival to Sonic in the form of Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Of course there was the risk of Shadow being just more of the same, but he manages to feel fresh. Whereas Knuckles was goodhearted but misguided and had a silly side to him, Shadow is bitter and angry and is played completely straight. He works as a great opposite to Sonic. He's also a boss when he fights, being faster than Sonic and friends and has a wider skill set than them, featuring some style of fights that haven't been done before.

As much as I've talked about the darker elements, that's not to say this movie doesn't have jokes. Honestly the more serious parts and the humor manage to coexist really well. That all having been said, I did think they could've cut down on a few of Sonic's snarky lines.

The whole story culminates in the most impressive final battle in the series. It knocks the other two out of the park as it goes full EPIC.

Admittedly due to the movie being plot heavy and having a lot of characters, some scenes and elements felt like they were sped through too quickly. Also, some of the human characters from the previous films don't have much screen time. (I know some people complain about them, but I like 'em).

Shapiro remains a great casting choice as Sonic. He's an expert of displaying bravado in a fun manner, but when it comes the time for Sonic's more emotional side, he's able to pivot so easily. 

Yes, Jim Carrey as Sonic's enemy Dr. Ivo Robotnik, and this time also playing his grandfather Prof. Gerald Robotnik, continues to be one of the highlights with his comic performance. I was worried that Gerald would be played too similarly to his grandson, and while there are similarities between the two, the guy really feels like a separate person. While in the previous, Robotnik has basically been played as a cartoon villain, this movie dives into his past and what makes him tick, and for the first time Carry gets some more dramatic material, and he really manages to knock it out of the park. (Given that in the past Carry hadn't been a fan of making sequels and that he'd said recently that he was planning to retire, the script here makes it completely obvious why he decided to come back as it gave him more to do).

Highly recommended. Director Jeff Fowler and his writers have reached that extremely rare achievement where all three films in a trilogy are good and there is no quality degradation. 3 manages to be as good as its predecessors but in a different way. 

Red One

Grade: B+

In this new Christmas movie, Santa Claus (played by J.K. Simmons) is kidnapped. His bodyguard Callum Drift (Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson) is forced to team up with underworld tracker Jack O'Malley (Captain America's Chris Evans), who was used to locate Santa’s location, to find him.

This is sort of like the movie Constantine. It sounds like a concept that will be done in a very basic manner, but you are surprised to find out that the directors/writers put more effort into it than expected.

Director Jake Kasdan, who directed the recent Jumanji movies, brings the kind of energy he brought in those. The action scenes are well choreographed, and the movie is well placed. Also, the build up to final bad guy is built up to surprisingly well.

More importantly, it feels like Kasdan and the writers had fun with the idea of juxtaposing an action/spy movie with a Christmas movie, with ideas that could've been too obvious in theory that work in practice. What I liked best about this is that instead of going with a more colorful children's type of film, that could've had candy cane fighting staffs, a Santa's village with bright colors and traditional-looking elves in security outfits, this feels a lot more inspired by classical/mythological Christmas that's been getting more popular with the spread of Krampus. I appreciate that this includes a Christmas-related folkloric being that hasn't really been given emphasis in film before, and not just go with only Krampus again (there are actually a lot of other anti-Clauses and other Christmas-related figures throughout world history than you think; Alsac Lorraine has Hans Trapp, a scarecrow that eats children, for instance. No, he isn't in this. Yes, I'd like to see that one day, too).

The "guy-on-the-naughty-list-finds-his-Christmas-spirit-and-his-humanity-again" has been done plenty of times, and I cannot lie that Jack's character progression isn't the most obvious and least entertaining part of this, but I do give the writers credit for realizing that. Red One is kind of the movie Chef in that the redemption story is lean and mean and doesn't bog itself down with obvious "the-character-has-briefly-turned-away-from-what-he-has-learned" tropes. Also, Callum as Jack's conscious honestly gets through to him using some discussions that haven't been done in these films before.

Evans is a highlight of this, as he’s always good at playing the cocky guy. It is also appreciated that while he’s a criminal, they do make him three-dimensional enough and his apathy understandable instead of an over-the-top Ebenezer Scrooge-type.

Johnson on the other hand doesn’t fair as well. He’s being “serious Rock” here and not “charismatic Rock”. He feels wasted, and also it feels a little odd that his character, for a morally good person, is so unpractically aggressive and threatening to Jack, before he even has the chance to refuse to spill information.

The best part of this is the look. The movie’s takes on Santa’s sled and the reindeer are solid reinventions. (Not loving the elves, but it is a choice, and I give the filmmakers props for trying something new). Going back to this being more mythological Christmas-inspired. This has one of the most traditionally cozy-looking Santa villages (remember when they used to make Christmas-themed buildings for model trains? It is like that), and honestly I feel it is one of the best renditions.

The editing can be a little choppy at times, but it isn’t a deal breaker.

Recommended. Admittedly, having to go through the “message-of-the-film” moments again may kill the rewatch value, but this is a fun time. If you liked the recent Jumanji movies, you will probably like this.

Arcane- Season 2 (Final)

Grade: A

The events of last season have their fallout as tensions between Piltover and Zaun heighten and Jinx (voiced by Fallout/Sweetpea's Emma Purcell) goes on the run pursued by her sister Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and a determined Cait (Kaitie Leun, Cho Chang in the Harry Potter movies).

It was a long wait between seasons, but we finally got it, and I found it to be worth the wait. Events get crazier, and we get a lot more storylines that are high concept. Since the characters have already been introduced, the writers get the luxury to make this a more fast-paced entry.

There are a lot of complaints that this season is too fast paced, and I confess that this could’ve been split into two. Admittedly, too much may be going on and too quickly. The creators cannot give every element and character as much focus as they should. Plus, a lot of cast do not get to interact as much since some of the storylines are so separated. (The relationship between inventor Jayce (Fire Country/Lucifer's Kevin Alejandro) and politician Mel (the Frasier reboot/The Neighbor's Toks Olagundoye) is barely touched on).

Of course, it's the multifaceted characterization that still makes this work. The large cast continues to be diverse and interesting. There are few shows that get you to like and feel for characters as you do for this, and even if they are antagonists or just make bad decisions, you get where they are coming from. One of the episodes that made me say "they're doing this storyline again!" worked because of the characters.

The briefly introduced general Ambessa (EastEnders' Ellen Thomas) becomes a major player. She's one of those confident warrior types that are very verbose about the art of war and is one of the most cunning people in the room. Singed (Mistresses' Brett Tucker), the underworld doctor and a minor character last season, also gets more to do. There is more than what meets the eye to the guy. Plus, figuring out his goals and actions makes him super captivating. (There may be a lot of complaints online, but no one seems to have issue with Singed).

The destructive Jinx continues to be one of the main draws. What's nice is that she just isn't doing the same "sister-issues" stuff she did last season. She does not really know what to do after what happened in season 2, and it is nice to see her being genuinely pathless, not knowing what she wants anymore, which allows her quieter and more personal moments (though its Jinx, and she still blows things up a lot). Ella Purnell is still killing it as her, fluctuating between devil-may-care and self-hating. To think she got the role right before her career started taking off, back when Hailee Steinfeld was the only big, big name on this (not to disrespect the various experienced actors involved).

Cool street urchin Ekko (Blaze and the Monster Machines' Reed Shannon), continues to get the short end of the stick as he is once again underutilized, but at least he gets his very own focus episode.

Some character actions do feel a little forced for the plot. Cait’s decisions change really quickly here.

I appreciated that the last season of the show didn’t go crazy with random shock deaths. Unfortunately, this did not carry over here. Several deaths feel unearned and too random in the manner that has been popular with shows since Game of Thrones.

The animation is still some of the best ever done for television. (Apparently, this is the MOST expensive animated show ever). Again, colorful and beautiful . The animators even get a little experimental for certain scenes. There isn’t as much time spent on the settings and their details and nuances due to the faster-paced plot, but there are more creative-looking places and devices.

Recommended. Season 1 was stronger, I do not deny, and I’m not saying there are no legitimate criticisms, but this is still highly engaging television and knocks a lot of other shows out of the park.

Gladiator II

Grade: B-

In this sequel to the 2000 hit, Lucius (played by Paul Mescal), now grown up, is captured and sold into slavery as a gladiator after his wife is killed and his city conquered by the Roman Empire. Like Maximus before him, Lucius vows revenge.

The movie starts slow for the first two-thirds. It also feels like it's copying plot points too much from the first, such as the enslaving, the political intrigue against the current ruler, and especially the wife death, which just feels a little like a cheap trope the second time around and a little misogynistic that you need to kill a woman to spur a man's storyline. (When Casino Royale came out we were like "Oh, a Bond girl death. It's been a while". When Quantum of Solace came out we were like "Oh, the Bond girl death again, well it's still kinda effective". When Skyfall came out we were like, "Seriously? This one went real nihilistic, man".)

This felt rather like Gladiator-light, as the events don't feel quite as grounded as the original. Characterization is not as strong. Lucius' fellow gladiators do not get a lot of screen time and there is not a natural time line of them warning up to him, they just start working with him. (Also, the movie makes a mistake of having Lucius interacting with few people he likes and too many people he has got a beef with. I like Lucius, but he could have been given more time to really shine as a leader and a person people will follow.)  

Some of the deaths feel like overkill as well. Plus, this goes for the "ending of the last film meant nothing and things went bad" trend that a lot of sequels made decades after their predecessors have been doing. You know that you can have characters doing alright and then set up a new threat/conflict, right?

But there are also some good ideas, lines, and moments in this sprinkled througout. This is a Ridley Scott movie, and though I would not say this is the best of his in terms of visuals, they have been his strong point and he he will catch your eye at times, including some creative kills. A great idea is to have this Rome be more of a fancy-looking, corrupt decadent type of Rome.

It is when the third act comes and everything comes to a head, and we do not have to wait anymore, that things get interesting. Some of the best parts are here including some legitimate surprise moments (including one truly earned scene of melodrama) and the type of epic final battle that the audience wants to see. Though the movie starts out like the original, it definitely tries something different here.

The best part hands down is Denzel Washington's character of Macrinus, the gladiator owner who purchased Lucius and a master schemer who climbed up the ladder from the bottom. He gets the best lines and Washington gives one of the liveliest performances he's ever given in a style I dub "restrained flamboyance". His body language is killing it here.

Mescal is no Crowe (though, the script is not giving him any favors), but he ain't half bad. The character of Lucius is a little dull at first, but Mescal gets a chance to show his ability as the angrier and fed up he gets. You're rooting for Lucius as he wants to burn all the awfulness he encounters to the ground.

Though I felt the emperor in the last film was a little overwrought, he had better characterization than the twin emperors here. They given could have been given more backstory, personality, and stuff to do, but, as spoiled/foppish sort of rulers, they definitely have some fun scenes. All credit should be given to Fred Hechinger as Emperor Caracalla, the more juvenile of the duo. He IS the character, providing some great facial work.

Pedro Pascal is the head general of Rome, and I am sad to say that this is one of his less impressive performances. He feels so low-energy throughout most of this film.

A light recommendation. It is not as strong as the original, but when it works it works, and I truly enjoyed the finale. Honestly, some will find this too long and a little dull, while others will enjoy the action and grandeur of this all, and I feel a lot of Gladiator fans may be more forgiving of this than me (I honestly did not love the original as much as some).

Wolfs

7.5/10

In this new movie on Apple TV+, two separate fixers/cleaners (played by George Clooney and Brad Pitt) are forced to work together when separate parties hire each of them to take care of a body in a hotel room. Soon, the situation becomes a lot more complicated and the duo are going to have a long night.

What makes this work is the dynamic between Clooney and Pit. The two actors, who I hear are friends, have the same chemistry they did in the Ocean's Eleven movies. Clooney is the proud, grumpy one and Pitt is the cocky one. Most of the movie is watching the two characters argue and begrudgingly work together. The fixer occupation and seeing the two professionals react to whatever is thrown their way is engaging.

One down side is that when it's all said and done the crime plot doesn't exactly tract and is kinda confusing. Also, the film is kinda inconsistent. At points, it feels like the crime world is being treated seriously but other parts feel more like the writers are playing fast and loose.

Recommended. I have my criticisms, but the two leads make this work.