RiffTrax: Rollergator

 

                          Now when I said last review about taking a short break on movies, well I didn't realize what I was getting myself into when watching this funny and yet a monstrosity. I'll also give a better description I figured well I'm getting tired of some of the movies I've been watching, so I figured well I might take the time in the world to watch some of my favorite episodes from the greatest American television show, Mystery Science Theater 3000, but I'll also take a look at some of the RiffTrax films Mike Nelson, Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy spoofed that landed on YouTube for some reason. Well I don't know how to describe what I'm reviewing but other than stating that this was funny all the way through but I couldn't believe I was watching something that was nearly bad and horrible as Freddy Got Fingered, though granted I've never seen Freddy Got Fingered but I've heard a lot of stories of how bad the movie was and I'm just going to take their word for it. And before I go any further, I just want to state though how much I worship both Mike Bill and Kevin for showing me the world of Mystery Science theater 3000 I feel bad for those guys experiencing this movie. 

                          All I can honestly tell you is that it’s about a puppet alligator, Joe Estevez, a sort of Ninja on a skateboard, and one crazy LSD adventure.

                          As great of fans I am of both Mystery Science Theater 3000 and lately Rifftrax, I must say while watching this movie with the commentary, I was in a sense humored but felt really bad for Mike, Bill and Kevin for many reasons I really felt their own pain and suffering while sitting through this film. Even I was just bewildered moreover was starting to get a massive headache while watching the whole f**king film. Hell, even Mike and Bill quoted and said, "I'm calling it: this is THE worst movie we've ever done at RiffTrax. Ladies and gentlemen, ROLLERGATOR.", "ROLLERGATOR! There are no words -- no human words -- to describe it. So, I simply restate, ROLLERGATOR. I am sorry." I'm now putting foot down and stating this in my own words I do not believe that Joe Estevez and Martin Sheen are related, I just can't believe that for many reasons they're can be no possible way that these two can look at each other when it comes to Thanksgiving or Christmas and look in degust of how their film career is going moreover can take themselves serious as well. So, in closing because the more I talk about this movie I will probably get lost in my own rambling, I now see this as a competition with Freddy Got Fingered as the most abomination film ever, though without the Rifftrax commentary, so yeah so far I think that covers everything other than just stay away from this movie unless it contains the Rifftrax commentary for which it has on YouTube, but I would not recommend it, in all honesty.

                            

July Recommendation: The Dig

 

                                  There are times when you need a few weeks off in some ways need a refreshers, and that's really what I've been kind of doing moreover I was having some troubles finding some good monthly recommendations as well, And luckily with a little help from my friends I actually found a movie that was really good furthermore worth the recommendation. The Dig, staring Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes as two individuals on the eve of World War II, uncovering a something beyond history in the making. Now there was another film on the runner up seat but in deep down sense I don't think up there with this film for many reasons it up holds in the acting range moreover I think gives a great message about living life through history and the people around you. So, enough talk for many reasons I don't want to over talk about a great movie I've just seen and give too much details.

                                 In the late 1930's, wealthy landowner Edith Pretty (Carey Mulligan) hires amateur archaeologist Basil Brown (Ralph Fiennes) to investigate the mounds on her property in England. He and his team discover a ship from the Dark Ages while digging up a burial ground. 

                                 Now I've been a lifelong Indiana Jones fan since my entire childhood, so this doesn't bother me when I say that this was the most realistic film about Archaeology though let’s be honest we all know the Indiana Jones film series is all fantasy. You can really take away both Mulligan and Fiennes performances and it would simply be just a simple English film. For which, is honestly true because I don't think I would of got into this film more if it wasn't for Carey Mulligan and Ralph Fiennes because each of them deliver a tremendous performance of two people who for some purpose believe in each other that they would help one in another furthermore giving the people around them life lessons about the struggles and the difficulty life can give you when you’re not ready for them and really both of Fiennes and Mulligan should deserve some great Oscar recognition in next year’s Academy Awards although that's probably going to be left out because let’s face it the Awards are really a popularity contest. I will say Lily James does some great work in this film as well, and I personally think it would be unfair to leave her out for many reasons she's a great actress (probably one of my few favorites I like) moreover she does a great job playing the certain love story mix to the film and in all actuality is a nice touch especially when your involving certain elements like World War II for a great example. Hands down, this is one of the best films I've seen in the year 2021, and hopefully I hope you put this on your watchlist for Netflix.

     

June Recommendation: Hot Tub Time Machine

 

                                  I've had a bunch of movies to recommend in all honesty, though all of a suddenly I kind of realized those movies need to be used for a special purpose. So I apologize in terms of a last minute resort, speaking of resort let's talk about my June recommendation Hot Tub Time Machine, been quite a while since I've seen this great comedy in all honesty and I nearly forgotten how great this film was once I sat down and watched it from start to finish. Now after experiencing this laugh out loud comedy I have to say that everyone needs to re-watch this great flick for many reasons this film does remind me of my lifestyle and choices but also you can watch this movie over and over again and still laugh at the amazing dialogue that goes with it.  Hell, even late, famous movie critic Rodger Ebert gave this film a three out of four stars, so he at least knows what a great comedy is at least, well he at least did before his time ran out. So anyway, let’s talk about Hot Tub Time Machine.

                                 Four friends stuck in a rut of their adulthood are given a surprisingly second chance at life when their own Hot Tub, mysteriously transport them back to 1986, when they were young in their own prime and now the four decide whether to stick with the timeline or make a few adjustments in their own personal lifestyle.

                                 In all honesty what I love about this movie is that this reminds me a lot of my friends when we hang out and we give each other crap about their lifestyle or that person who’s the lesser friend. More meaning to that, is a lot of the chemistry and dialogue reminds me of my friends and I think was makes this film amazing is that any guy can watch this movie and chuckle at it and say this is like my friends. I honestly don't know if I would of loved this film if John Cusack wasn't involved I mean sure everyone else is passable in the film but I'm not sure if you can have the impact that Cusack provides in the film, especially when the film itself is over the top in terms of ridiculousness. Even Cusack's fellow collaborator from High Fidelity (one of my favorite films) Steve Pink directs this film, so at least we can have a few good bonus points along the way. What I found amazing about the film and yes it's been quite a long time since I've watched this film, was that Sebastian Stan aka the Winter Soldier was in this playing the over the top antagonist Blaine, and I'm not going to lie when I say this that I for a moment didn't recognized him at first, furthermore you really can't fault a guy whose most famous for something now but yet does a role like this in the past, you sometimes got to let that slide for many reasons you need the money and the work, also this film was made a year before the first Caption America movie came out so on the bright side this had to of been Stan's calling card for fame. So, in all honesty with this whole insanity that is the post pandemic I would highly recommend watching this film mainly it will most certainly put you in a better mode and this is defiantly one of the many comedies I love that you can watch over and over again. 

     

Father's Day Recommendation: Major League

 

                              Well we're nearing close to Father's Day everybody, and luck would have it this pick is defiantly one of the many movies me and my father would watch 24/7, and I'm sure a lot of other Dads could point at this movie and say "nothing on but Major League is? Hell, yeah I'm watching this", I think in all honesty any Baseball fan would watch Major League from start to finish. Surprising history my first introduction to Major League wasn't really the original film itself it was actually the sequel that came with it and at the time I in a bizarre sense thought was a good baseball movie moreover my parents let us because what I didn't realize that this was more of a kids movie than the original film. So, luckily in a small trip me and my brother looked around a Best Buy and I finally found the original Major League film, bought it and finally watched it and all I can tell you is that I would prefer the 1989 Major League over its two sequels anytime anywhere. And I'm confident this would be one of the many films me and my Dad would enjoy.

                              The new owner of the Cleveland Indians, former showgirl Rachel Phelps (Margaret Whitton), has a sweetheart deal to move the team to Miami. But to break the lease with the city of Cleveland, ticket sales must plummet. So, Phelps hires the most incompetent players available, including a near-blind pitcher Rick Vaughn (Charlie Sheen) and injury-prone catcher Jake Taylor (Tom Berenger). But her villainous tactics accidently foster a can-do team spirit, turning the Indians into potential winners. 

                               I'm not going to say a whole lot about what really makes this film amazing because I believe we can all agree on that everyone knows how great this film is moreover there's really not much to say the film David S. Ward speaks for itself. In fact, David S. Ward is a lifelong Indian’s fan himself who never seen his favorite team win anything during his time so what any other baseball would do the man created one of the greatest baseball story ideas ever developed. To give more Baseball fact that would survey inspiration behind Major League was that the Indians ballclub hadn't won a pennant since 1954, furthermore through the course of the clubs existence they never had a winning season since that time and to give a great example Sports Illustrated even predicted that the Indians would win the World Series in 1987, unfortunately they lost 100 games during that season so, thanks to Sports Illustrated in jinxing that whole season. But what really makes this film more of a center piece for pop culture and the future of Cleveland sports was that former general manager John Hart to the job just right when the film came out into theaters moreover saw the film and just had a "oh no" thought to himself about how that would be what he would have to endure. So, if this film ever had anything that helped mankind in producing it would most certainly be producing one of the best 90's Indians that we baseball fans all come to know and love. To be honest what makes this film great is that if you ever have cable or live streaming and see Major League in that specific channel I would think anyone would just automatically watch it no matter what part of the film they missed, moreover this film still to this day holds the test of time mainly because you can compare this movie to any of your favorite teams and just think of how this reminds you of the way your sports team is playing, hell I'm typing this review right how watching how bad my Cardinals are playing against the Atlanta Braves and yes I can put my foot down and say that Carlos Martinez is the real life Wild Thing. Lastly this film alone will always be one of the greatest baseball or sports films in general for its great one liners plus the outstanding performance of well everyone in general but really if I had to name one actor who I don't know if the film would of worked without him/her it would most certainly be real life MLB broadcaster Bob Uecker who does a tremendous job playing Harry Doyle whose bit of an alcoholic whose burnt out on the Indians Ball club that he just makes these great lines that I couldn't see anyone doing a better job than Bob Uecker did, though I would think Harry Caray would be a good one but I don't think he would of pull off the performance Uecker delivered, and what's great is that Ward actually gave Uecker all of the freedom in the world to bring Doyle to life so that's a great example of trusting both your actor as well as your director. So, if you have a Dad who loves that game of baseball ask him if he wants to sit down and watch Major League and see what reaction you can get out of him because if I had the free time in the world I would most certainly ask my father if he'd like to watch one of the greatest Baseball films ever made.            

Crazy Rich Asians

 

                              Before Crazy Rich Asians became the success it was and still is, I wasn't all big in wanting to see this movie, for many reasons I felt that the storyline was in a sense overrated and the fact that the sub-plot of the movie has the mother looking down on our protagonist of the film I was like gee like we've never in a million years seen that before. Especially when the mother is played by Michelle Yeoh in which if it where me I would of just said to her face "yeah your only good movies in life were Tomorrow Never Dies so what are you going to do about it?". Fast forward to now this film appeared on television and a bunch of friends of mine told me I need to watch this film furthermore just simply stated to watch like at least ten minutes of the movie. Well sure enough I watched the whole movie and I was hooked right away, then I decided to re-watch this movie for movie review purposes and I'm not going to like it was like John Legend, Ed Sheeran and Lady Gaga came out of nowhere and purposely made me feel that love really did exist and I'm a guy, for which explaining that's really hard to do sometimes when it comes to romantic comedies. So, let’s talk about why Crazy Rich Asians has now become my new favorite chick flick.

                             Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) is happy to accompany her longtime boyfriend Nick (Henry Golding), to his best friend’s wedding in Singapore. She's also surprised to learn Nick's family is extremely wealthy and he's considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors. Trust into the spotlight, Rachel must now contend with jealous socialites, quirky relatives, and something far, far worse-Nick's disapproving mother (Michelle Yeoh). 

                             Now I know you'll probably look at me and think that I'm not a huge fan romantic comedy or not big in love stories. Well it’s a blend of both yes and no, in all honesty I have no problem watching a romantic comedy or chick flick as long as it’s done properly or a better explanation I'm very picky when it comes to looking for a chick flick that I would most certainly love to watch over and over again, moreover romantic films really should be a piece of cake when you think about it, though problem is, that writers and directors like well sorry if but I'm can't help but throw Nicholas Sparks under the bus (though I just can't help it because the man brings it on himself, he's almost like the Michael Bay of love stories) but when it comes to his writing that man just creates way to much drama moreover making bland very convenient endings that are a shamefully dumb and cliché. Moreover when you’re writing a romantic comedy, you really need to think of a few steps, for starters you need to focus on the couple from start to finish, secondly when it comes to the drama and comedy side you really need to be careful with that for many reasons you provide so much drama with the everything that's happening then you just lose touch with the characters in general, another reason if you have some of these overrated drama scenes then again you are really trying to hard to the point where it becomes funny to some people and then your movie is going to be sent to the Hallmark channel or as I like to call it the purgatory of romantic movies. The comedic side to the story is in a sense similar to the aspects of what the drama should be only you need to be extremely careful with that as well because as we all know when it comes to comedy that's the hardest part and you defiantly need the right people for the job moreover have the perfect chemistry with the actors as well. See, these are very simple tips you can use for you romantic comedy that can turn from Twilight to Crazy Rich Asians. And I have to give huge props director Jon M. Chu who did in outstanding job in really, stay true to the books source material and also making a believable love story that even grabbed me into watching this, until the final frame. Though in all honesty I can't think of anyone who could of directed this film better than Chu, because he of all people in the world really cared about the story moreover what it mean to people of Asian descent and I'll say this again in case I'm repeating myself, bringing to life a love story that I believe even guys like me can defiantly watch over and over again. I also need to give Chu huge praise because I just looked at his filmography and I felt sad for the guy and these were movie's even I didn't want to say out loud, so in short I'm glad the man has a movie under his belt that he can now go off and do more work. Constance Wu does in amazing job playing the lead role moreover does great work pulling her weight in making the audience believe that she's a strong woman who has her doubts during her journey but in the end stands up to the very people who looked down on her and the same goes to Henry Golding, Wu's love interest in the movie and really these two deserve great praise mainly because of how believable they are as a couple even in the grand moments where they look into each other’s eyes and you know as in audience member that they were meant for each other. If I had to give in award for great comic relief in the movie it would most certainly be actress Awkwafina, for many reasons she does a fantastic job with the comedic scenes moreover picking the right time when it comes to cracking jokes and even getting me to smile a little bit moreover even I thought she was the best part when it came to the comedic side to the movie. So, I'm looking forward to seeing her in the upcoming Marvel film. And so in closing I'd like to apologize to my favorite romantic films Casablanca, The Princess Bride, High Fidelity and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind because now you all have to put up with Crazy Rich Asians as one of my favorite romantic comedies. And guys don't be afraid to watch this great film this will honestly make you feel things in ways you can't even imagine moreover if life hasn't taught me anything I would imagine women love a man who loves a romantic comedy. 

         

A Quiet Place: Part 2

 

                           So, remember when I said Tuesday was my only opportunity to see a movie in the Multiplex. Well that was the best moment to go and watch the second installment to the great horror film by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place. This film has without a doubt been under my radar for quite a while now ever since the Governments screwed everything up last year so with having the afternoon off this was my only moment to go and see this great sequel of 2021. John's wife Emily Blunt takes over the starring role, but she's not alone also staring scene chewer Cillian Murphy and Djimon Hounsou. Now everyone who has been vaccinated I would strongly suggest making use of going to the movie theaters and watch movies now for many reasons we all don't want to live in a future where movie theaters become erased from existence and I wouldn't want to live in that world. 

                           Set after the events of the first film, Evelyn (Emily Blunt) set's out along with her children and moreover do whatever it takes to secure a better life for her children. Although Silence is not going to be enough to survive as they begin to stumble upon horrors other than the aliens.

                           Now I'm not going to throw in the cliché question of was this film worth it, because the obvious answer was that it was defiantly worth the wait after the year that shouldn't be mentioned. It still had a lot more of what made the first film amazing but still acquired new elements that we haven't seen yet and a lot of that goes to the great direction of Krasinski in telling a story about surviving but along the way having to be forced to grow up in a harsh environment furthermore shows how much the bond between family is when surviving a hostel world. I've never given a whole lot of attention to any of the movie studios for many reasons, but I have to give a lot of credit to studio companies like Paramount, Warner Brothers and MGM because really these are one of the rare few movie studio's that at least give a shit when it comes to telling stories through film and giving chances like John Krasinski to tell their stories on the big screen so we can all enjoy them, unlike companies like Disney and Sony who just produce so much garbage it’s really sad to see how low they can absolutely go when it comes to making a buck but caring less about storytelling. Emily Blunt does a fantastic in really pulling her own wait especially when her character must be truly strong after the loss of her husband moreover needing to take care of her kids. I always liked Cillian Murphy as in actor and throughout his career and watching him in this movie, I got to say he does a tremendous job in playing a father that his given up on life and is sole purpose is to survive without any emotions until this mature woman played by Millicent Simmonds who gives him tough love and helps him fight for something more. Furthermore what I liked about this movie was that it really centers and the growth of both Simmonds and young actor Noah Jupe who plays the son, they both go on a journey where each one of the them has their own ability of growth and understanding of needing to survive especially without one another, moreover they both have their great moment in finally having to be pushed in that particular moment in growing up. Okay, so I really don't want to repeat myself furthermore I believed I covered as much of the film as I possibly could and so if your wanting to get out of the house and do something exciting I would strongly suggest going to see A Quiet Place Part II, it’s fun, exciting moreover puts you on the edge of your seat until the final frame and side note the only time this film made me jump was when Birds sprang out of know where, so Thanks Alfred Hitchcock and John Krasinski.       

Wrath of Man

 

                       

                               Yesterday was my only opportunity to go see a movie in the movie theater so luckily Guy Ritchie's latest film Wrath of Man was at the very movie theater so like I said I had to make my opportunities count. I have to admit when I saw this film I was really on the intrigued side of it moreover it had a simple of storylines mainly it’s about a father losing his son to a robbery and wants revenge, so now that I've seen this movie does it pay off? Well, on the grand scheme of things I would rather watch this film than Cruella, so that's at least on the plus side of things but in the moral side of it, it was a simple movie but the really didn't execute it well enough for me to give this a positive review and I'll explain my reasons to you all but for now let’s talk about the plot of Wrath of Man.

                              Mysterious and wide-eyed, a new security guard (Jason Statham) for a cash truck surprises his co-workers when he unleashes precision skills during a heist. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, the marksman's motives become clear as he takes dramatic and irrevocable steps to settle a score.

                               On the grand scheme of things, the movie itself is okay? The main problem I had with the movie itself was that it was too predictable or another way of putting up is that it needs to simplify there was just too much things that were happening it was hard to take serious especially the supporting cast meaning there was nothing wrong with Statham throughout the whole movie it’s just the supporting cast was just god awful especially Clint Eastwood's son Scott Eastwood because throughout the film he was just awful moreover his character was just obviously un-trustworthy I don't know why crew brought him back but I guess Ritchie wanted him to be back in it because this film falls flat on clichés. Also, I hope that Clint takes his son and the back and gives him in old fashion beating for his lack of performance, because that was just one of the worst things he's ever done, or maybe just disowned him since we're living in a world where we don't believe in physically abusing your own kids. It’s not just Eastwood's kid in all honesty Josh Hartnett was terrible in this movie too for reason's I can't explain, furthermore I miss the days when I though he was amazing in Lucky Number Slevin. What this film also fails on is its attempts to tell too much of the story, meaning they explain so much of what Statham's characters motives are it would of been better that they didn't explain the whole background of what he really is, Like it would of been way better if they made his character a lot like Charles Bronson's character in Once Upon a Time in the West where we absolutely don't know who he is and we just get random five second flashbacks until the final frame of the movie where we get the biggest reveal, and stuff like this shows that I can make this movie better moreover work with the actors that can give me a worthy performance. Probably the last thing I can say about this film was that the amount of clichés I found in the movie was just a downer for me especially when the movie decides to reveal the who the traitor is moreover kills all his co-workers is just "really?" Like if I'm in a shootout and the guy is telling me to lower your gun I'm not trusting that person, also movie just kills everyone off and yet I wasn't really all stratified with the conclusion of it or in all honesty I didn't feel for every one of these actors to begin with so I guess it doesn't matter really. So, Cruella was playing at the same movie theater that Wrath of Man was at so I can tell you this in all truthiness I would rather waste my money on this movie rather than Cruella because I'll at least get some of my money's worth than a movie that really doesn't even need to be made. But, deep down I can't really say I liked this movie to give it a good recommendation moreover it’s nice to see Guy Ritchie try something new and different although he just failed badly in the end which is sad because he is a good writer/director. So, I would suggest waiting when this movie comes out on Blu-Ray or DVD and watch it then don't pay twenty bucks right now and rent this because that's just way too much to pay when this movie isn't all that great.

           

Movies I haven't seen in a while: Sicario

 

                                Since I've been going through a huge Taylor Sheridan binge with his latest film Those who wish me dead and Yellowstone, I figured I'm going to go back and re-watch in film that I kind of in a sense didn't review it fairly enough mainly because I can't stand Emily Blunt acting and that was it though granted this was six years ago when I talked about this film on my blog furthermore all I remember was not liking Emily Blunt's performance but in all honesty I that was my first introduction into Taylor Sheridan, the writer behind Sicario. And ever since I watched both Hell or High Water and Wind River, I begin to fall in love more of the way he was able to tell the story and also bringing back western genre but within upgrade. So, going back and re-watching Sicario I must admit I didn't give this film fair credit in terms of how amazing this film was moreover Benicio Del Toro's performance throughout the film. So, let's say hi to in old friend talk about a movie I haven't seen in a while.

                                After rising through the ranks of her male-dominated profession, idealistic FBI agent Kate Mercer (Emily Blunt) receives a top assignment. Recruited by a mysterious government official Matt Graver (Josh Brolin), Kate joins a task force for the escalating war against drugs. Led by the intense and shadowy Alejandro (Benicio Del Toro), the team travels back-and-forth across the U.S.-Mexican border, using one cartel boss to flush out a bigger one, though how far can Kate go, when pushing the limits to what is write and what is wrong.

                                 So, now having watched this movie for the first time since seeing it in theaters six years ago, I do have found respect for the film mostly for its grittiness and the limitations between right and wrong and sure this film is directed by Denis Vileneuve who directed arrival and Blade Runner 2049, but in all honesty this was clearly Taylor Sheridan's movie from start to finish for many reasons if Vileneuve made certain changes I would imagine Sheridan and producers would chew his ass, just saying, moreover there's now weirdness to follow this movie like Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 so it explains more that this would most certainly be Taylor Sheridan's baby. Now having experience Sheridan's work I clearly understand the views between right and wrong when it comes to living in harsh lands where the law doesn't want to cross, though yes at first I never understood why we needed Emily Blunt's character in this movie that was another element to his story work I finally understood also because Blunt's character represents upholding the book of law where ever you go no matter what while both Brolin and Del Toro's character's represent if we are to fight our enemy that doesn't follow the rules we need to adopt the same way, especially when you hear Alejandro's motives and drives then your obviously thinking to yourself "yeah sorry Blunt but you don't get in opinion anymore sorry not sorry". And just like Hell or High Water were the roles are similar but different, like Jeff Bridges character represents catching the bad guys no matter what despite the fact that he doesn't have a clear understanding of how dead Texas is when it comes to the way of life. While Pine and Foster's characters represent attempting to build a better life for Pine's two boys, so in all actuality Sicario was really the first movie that gets you to think on what is more right than wrong when it comes to living of the land or fighting an enemy that doesn't play by the rules of the law. Though sure I have to admit Emily Blunt does a great job in her role when it comes to questioning everything she stands for moreover she brings a lot of humanity and brokenness to her character, because throughout the film she starts as a head strong individual until the end of the film she's just become this broken person with no strong will left in her. Josh Brolin is good in almost everything he does except movies where he's cashing in a check but this one he does a great job playing a man who knows what it means to find the enemy with all means necessary, also the man is Thanos for crying out loud he killed majority of the important Avengers. But the one person that really shines most in the movie alone is without a doubt is Benicio Del Toro and I always liked his character the most in the movie because he at first is a mysterious character who you don't know a whole lot about but is a scary SOB who I wouldn't want to cross even though I would be glad to have on my side but I wouldn't want to betray him furthermore when you get to the near end of the movie you begin to understand why he does what he does moreover can't really argue with his the reasons of why he is scary man. Cinematographer legend, Roger Deakin's does in outstanding job in capturing the landscape of the U.S.-Mexican border moreover capturing moments of the film where the image feels like a painting especially Del Toro's close ups when he's confronting either Blunt or a certain enemy. Now I will go to great lengths in stating that this is a full Taylor Sheridan film and a great film as well and I would highly recommend this to anyone who are into the intense action genre's moreover any of Sheridan's films I would most certainly recommend as well to anyone who’s a fan of the western genre also.

Those Who Wish Me Dead

 

                        I never thought in a million years that I would find a Angelina Jolie film that I would declare amazing moreover I was kind of fine with that because really looking at her filmography I was not finding anything that would intrigue me, though sure watching her as Lara Croft I was but that was when I was a teenager so that technically doesn't really count plus I haven't seen that movie in a while so it's probably not as good as I remember. Unfortunately, the end is nigh because I have found an Angelina Jolie film I actually considered amazing and right now I feel like the guy from Leprechaun 2 where see screams OMG, which I still feel weird because I never was a big fan of her films, though I praise her for her humanitarian work, but think less of her film choices. Yes this film is staring Angelina Jolie, but this film is directed by modern day John Ford, Taylor Sheridan who does amazing work from Hell or High Water and Wind River to also Yellowstone for which I just bought all three seasons on my phone so I'm planning on binge watching that show. So deep down when you see his name on the credits you know that this was going to be in intriguing film to watch. So, if you haven't seen any of Taylor Sheridan's work than I would suggest watching some of it, because if there was any writer/director out there that I would give the modern day John Ford award, it would most certainly be Taylor Sheridan.

                        Still reeling on the loss of three lives, Hannah (Angelina Jolie) is a smokejumper who's perched in a watchtower high above the Montana wilderness. She soon encounters Connor (Finn Little), a skittish boy who's traumatized and on the run in the remote forest. As Hannah tries to bring him to safety, she's unaware of the real dangers that follow: two relentless killers (Nicholas Hoult and Aiden Gillien) hunting Connor, and a fiery blaze consuming everything in its path.

                        Now in all honesty I don't have in all out favorite actress although there a few I admire and respect, but when it comes to actresses in lead roles it has to be decided in terms of whose behind the writing and directing and so once I saw Taylor Sheridan's name the writer/director credits, than I was like "okay I'm defiantly intrigued, moreover you had me at Taylor Sheridan", and for many reasons is there are rare few filmmakers and writers out there that do in exceptional job in portraying actresses in these strong like leads, for many examples I can give our Kathryn Bigelow with Zero Dark Thirty, Steven Soderbergh with Haywire and a really good example Patty Jenkins with the first Wonder Woman movie, oh and I almost forgot Ridley Scott with Alien and James Cameron with Aliens. So, with great writers and directors like that who can take those matters on a serious note then that will be something I will most certainly be intrigued by not like other Hollywood filmmakers out there who will make these idiotic overrated nonsense like Elizabeth Banks Charlie's Angles or the Resident Evil films. Moreover, Sheridan has always done well show more of a realistic tone of what a modern western should be especially exploring the concept in today’s world where it's nothing different than what our forefathers had to go through during the 19th century west furthermore Sheridan does an exceptional job with creating these exciting modern day westerns but also give you the chance to think as well as make you feel for the character and their personal motivations throughout the story.  Also what Sheridan does a great job at is what I'm thinking is, pushing his actors to toughen up furthermore to really push them to the limit of their emotions as well and I think Angelina Jolie does a great job at is making you believe in her troubled past event moreover doing whatever it takes to protect the boy, and both Jolie and the young actor Finn Little does a tremendous job with the chemistry of both of each other protecting one another for one night of terror from a blazing fire and two assassin's. For which leads us to the two assassins actors Nicholas Hoult and Aiden Gillien, both men do great work in playing the hitmen after this kid but yet pose another threat in building the fire, also I think it’s kind of nice to see both Beast and Littlefinger getting some good and modest work when it comes to movie roles. So I in closing, if you’re not a Angelina Jolie fan just listen, it's not all weird in finding a movie she's good in believe me I found it strange after watching this great film, but this is written and directed by a man who written and directed great films like Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River and now this great film so, if you loved those movies then I'm confident you'll love this movie as well. Plus, this is a western, name me a person that doesn't love westerns, I mean if you don't love the western genre then you are not American nor love freedom.  

May Recommendation: Be Kind Rewind

 

                              There are rare few moments where I can point to a Jack Black movie and go this was awesome. Though sure I love the movie High Fidelity but in all honesty that's technically John Cusack's movie so that really doesn't count in a natural sense. Although I was recommended to watch this movie if I got the chance and sure enough, I don't know whether laugh or vomit. Though surprisingly this was actually pretty good for which receives my May recommendation, and that movie is Be Kind Rewind, a buddy comedy that is in a sort of ways weird at first but very intriguing when it comes to reenacting the movies they do when something bad unexcitingly happens to the VHS movies, but also while watching this amazingly entertaining movie it really felt like going through a nostalgia trip of how amazing your childhood was and what cool ways you can do when it comes to film your personal movie with a VHS camera. So, let's talk about Be Kind Rewind.

                               Acting manager Mike (Mos Def) of the Be Kind Rewind rental store makes in attempt please his boss (Danny Glover) in making sure his friend Jerry (Jack Black) doesn't enter the store. Although, after attempting to sabotage the local power plant Jerry is somewhat become magnetized and erases majority of the VHS movies at Be Kind Rewind. Horrified by what just happened furthermore running out of options Mike decides to use in old VHS camcorder and remake all the movies, for which is some surprises becomes a big success to the store as well.

                               Now before I go any further I would like to tell everyone to never, ever in a million years tries this at home for starters it’s a criminal offense to do what the movie did moreover if your own rental style store has its own movies erased there's no hope for you or your business. Uh, another good term I can throw out would be that your business just died a horrible death. Okay, so all that being said, I have to say that this was one of the most bizarre but yet well fascinating film that I would highly recommend watching even though some of those weird stuff about the power plant I still would recommend watching for many reasons some of the most unique ways they can do with a simple VHS camcorder and I was just at awe especially when they were remaking some of these classic movies, though yes it does look like crap and an intelligent person like me would know that they were making a scam out of this, but deep down I was kind of laughing inside when it comes to some of the customers wanting more to watch. And props to writer/director Michel Gondry who surprisingly I recommend his past film in February Eternal Sunshine of Spotless Mind for which I admit I completely forgot at this point but hey I can at least say these were two of his best films, though I what I like most about this movie is the he was able to contract some of these unique ways you can do with a old VHS camera I was just shocked and awed at the same time moreover thinking to myself why didn't I think of it especially in way we're the neighborhood along with Mos Def is finally making their own film about  the famous Jazz player they talk about in the film, all of those MacGyver esch-like gadgets they use to make this, old school like silent film I myself thought that was ingenious. So if you're a no-budget filmmaker with no money moreover have a very old camera this would be a movie I would highly recommend watching because look watching movies yes is an important tip in terms of deciding what kind of movies you want to make furthermore this a perfect movie to gain some inspiration in terms of elements or gimmicks of resources you can develop with your own mind and what value of ideas you can make work. I'm not a big fan of Jack Black, but this is one of those films I have to say he does a great job in especially his supporting actors like Mos Def and Danny Glover who both help him out in not just being the solo star of the film, and each of the actors have their grand moment throughout the film and yes I know it does sound weird in say that I have a favorite Jack Black movie, but really it all boils down to whoever is supporting him when he's in a staring range, if it’s one of his friends or any actor/actress that's okay then I'll have some issues. So if your wanting to get a film made but have no money I would highly recommend this film to anyone whose wanting to get his movie fix going because you'll be inspire and hopefully will help you find your way in life. And for those who aren't wanting to get into the film business I still recommend this in the month of May mainly because it's something new and different moreover unique, also it's never a crime to try new and somewhat weird things, though I'm not trying to tell you to watch something that's beyond weird like Mulholland Dr. or Deliverance though I'm just saying I would never want to do that ever. In closing, never be afraid to try new things.

            

Femme Fatale

 

                      

                                 There are times when I have a random movie night and I think okay what's the worst that can happen, and usually there's a film I found that really not bad and kind of dig this film, but then there's films I find and I just think to myself "what in God’s name did I watch?" Well this is one of those movies I found on HBO Max and was good at first but then you saw the ending that pretty much killed it for you. The film's called Femme Fatale and the best way I can describe this film is mostly a very sexy film noir type thriller. Directed by Brian De Palma the same man who told George Lucas that he didn't understand Star Wars but yet went on to make in overrated movie called Scarface, a decent Mission Impossible in which spawned so many sequels and a terrible movie I remember watching in the theaters called the Black Dahlia. Also starring Antonio Banderas and a very sexy Rebecca Romjin, and to this films credit at least gave her stardom for a certain movie called X-Men. So, without further ado let’s start talking about Femme Fatale.

                              Laurie (Rebecca Romjin), a member of a crime ring, lifts an extravagant set of jewels from a model at a red-carpet event. But instead of splitting the loot with her partners, Laurie flees. While running from the crooks she betrayed, she comes across Lily (also played by Rebecca Romjin), a woman nearly identical to herself. When Lily ends her life, Laurie assumes her identity and starts life anew. But paparazzo Nicolas (Antonio Banderas) has been tracking her and may reveal all her dark secrets.

                              I'll firstly start off in giving some of the more reasonable pros to this film so not to make it look like I hate this film. In all honesty this film as all of the elements of a great sexy thriller esc film noir type film, it has a sexy female trying to outsmart her partner but also doing whatever it takes to keep her identity secret even if it means manipulating people that are getting to close to her life. Moreover I love these kind of thriller type films where female anti-hero's or protagonist use there sexuality's stay ahead of the game or outsmart there enemies I mean come on Bond did that so why can't the ladies do that, and Romjin does a great job in making me believe that also both her and Banderas do great chemistry work both don't like one another but they couldn't resist each other. Moreover, Banderas as well does a good job playing the pawn in this story desperately trying to clear his name when he realizes how bad of a situation, he's in. And see, these are all the great elements into what makes a tremendous story for a film noir type film. But then, along comes to the ending of the film. The ending of the movie was almost like Mulholland Dr. where it was all a dream and it wasn't even real, and it was like everything I thought about this movie was just a lie and all of my expectations just felt really low moreover started to have doubts. And sure I would prefer this movie over Mulholland Dr. but that's kind of an overrated statement because they both have same bizarre twist ending that clearly doesn't make any sense at all, and deep down if you’re going to do a twist ending, just don't because then your clearly turning into M. Night Shyamalan. I mean, for God's sake just leave the twist ending to more experience filmmakers who know how to perfect those crafts like Christopher Nolan or Alfred Hitchcock, at least those men know how to give a story a twist. And so, this film is bad but not all bad, meaning I probably won't watch this film ever again unless there's anything else on although that's of course I ever plan to ever use cable TV and that's a hundred percent doubt. So, I would say, ah screw it I can't take this anymore the more I talk about this movie the more I begin to hate it even more so look whatever do if you ever in a million years find this movie for free just leave it alone because then your face will melt and you'll never experience life ever again. 

         

Mother's Day Recommendation: The Secret Life of Bees

 

                           Mother's Day is coming up so I figured what better way to review a movie my own Mom has recommended me to watch, now to be honest I was a little weary about wanting to watch this for many reasons I am not much of a big fan when it comes to Queen Latifah's movies. Although this movie surprisingly proved me wrong and sure I had a conversation with my mom about what a mother's day movie should be and what she said really does make sense in some ways especially with this movie. Though with this film, it shows a lot of what we look for in life and overcoming the pain we have to go through in life. Dakota Fanning also does a great job in this movie to, moreover lets you feel for her character as well. Although I have some minor gripes with the movie but will get to those in a little bit because right now we're going to about this great film to watch on Mother's Day.

                           Haunted by memories of her late mother and abused by her father (Paul Bettney), 14 year old Lilly Owens (Dakota Fanning) runs away with her friend and caregiver Rosaleen (Jennifer Hudson) to the South Carolina town that holds the key to her mother’s past. There, Lilly meets the Boatwright sisters (Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo and Alicia Keys), who takes her in and teach her about Beekeeping. Lilly also discovers the truth about her mother is closer than she thinks.

                            My own Mom is actually taking a hobby in her day life, beekeeping herself so there no coincidence she may of found this movie and told me to watch this, now I'm just assuming so it could be a random movie night she and my Dad had so, it could be one of those things. I will admit watching this film I had that mood of I don't want to watch this for many reasons mainly consist of Queen Latifah not as a person in all honest truth, but it has a lot to do with her choice in movie roles and trust me when every time I think of Miss Latifah I think of those movies with Jimmy Fallon and Steve Martin and I can already look at those films by watching the trailers and I'd think to myself "THAT SUCKS". But with this film I believe she does a great job playing a more wise character in the movie moreover providing a guardianship and guide to Dakota Fanning's character furthermore, Latifah does amazing work along with her fellow co-stars. Though this is the kind of thing that bugs me a little bit, maybe a whole lot but not all of it, is that she does such a tremendous job in a all serious drama but yet she continues to do movies that aren't all that great Valentine's Day, 22 Jump street and Joyful Noise? Now let's not forget this was made in 2008 and those were the movies she made after the Secret Life of Bees, before this great movie she made Taxi and Mad Money. And sure I know it's expensive to live in LA but it’s a real loss of talent when you do such a great job in a movie like this movie, but yet you continue to do movies that after the first look of your future and past movie were on the stupid side. A side from Latifah's great performance, Dakota Fanning really does a great job playing the main protagonist whose haunted by traumatic events that occurred in her past life moreover makes me as in audience member care about her and her struggles when it comes to overcome the bad things that are happening in the South parks of the U.S. but yet still living for some of the goods stuff that happens along the way. Moreover I think that's another thing about what makes this movie truly amazing, is that when it comes to making a movie that's based on the civil rights movement in the sixties, you really have to develop characters that will make you care for them until the final frame furthermore you really have to have that relate too aspect of it and the shock of what happens to these characters at the very end moreover have actors and actresses that will most certainly pull their own wait in making each of their characters believable, and everyone in this movie does exactly that and the same goes to the writer/director of the film Gina Prince-Bythewood. This film was really great to watch furthermore surprised me in a big way of how well directed and well-acted in what a drama should be, and a lot of this credit goes to my mom who loved every second of this movie and took the time to tell me about her experience in watching this film was for her so, in writing this review my mom deserves a hundred percent of the credit. So, in closing if you have a mom and general speaking majority of us do in some ways, take the time and ask her if she has a movie, she wants to watch or recommend watching on this Mother’s Day. Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers out there.

 

Nobody

 

                         There will be times when I will find a movie that hides from me in plain sight furthermore won't find, then there will be that moment when I do get the chance to watch that hidden gem moreover express my gratitude. And I must say that this is one of those films that I have to express in say how amazing of a film it was from start to finish. Ilya Naishuller a Russian born filmmaker whose most notably known for his past work in directing music videos in which has a first person experience for which lead to him directing a unique and stylized action film, Hardcore Henry for which I though he was out of the film business after his first film didn't do so well in a wide audience, for which I still to this day don't understand, but that's just my opinion. Anyway, I was glad to see that his work on Hardcore Henry got him more work for his action style of play with his latest film Nobody, staring Bob Odenkirk as a family man you'd never expect to pick a fight with but has a mysterious background. Also, Christopher Lloyd is finally back in something great for once. So, let’s talk about Nobody.

                        Hutch Mansell (Bob Odenkirk) is an everyday family man with a wife (Connie Nielson) wo has never been intimate with Hutch for quite a while and a son who has little respect for him, though the only exception of his daughter showing affection for him. But everything soon begins to change when a scared burglar tried to break into his house for which he lets go but has a new grasp of anger he wants to unleash. Unfortunately, he picks a fight with a wrong group of people, though once it gets out, Hutch must defend himself and his own family from a Russian gangster who takes personally.

                         Hands down, this is without a doubt one of the best realistic action movies I've seen in quite a while, I love the fact that we have a combination of Naishuller's directing style and written by Derek Kolstad who has created the John Wick franchise and together created a different type of hero that's more realistic and more terrifying than you can ever imagine. And I personally love the idea of a action movie tone to more realistic purposes and the hero Hutch is more of a flawed type of character than John Wick or Jason Borne but also delivers in the humor and action along with blood and gore we've come to know and love. I've never really followed much when it came to Bob Odenkirk's career aside from his most notable work in the Breaking Bad series furthermore his spinoff Better call Saul, but I have to give this man so much props for many reasons he does such a great job playing a man whose not a perfect fighting machine but is a skilled fighter but uses his brain more when it comes to strategy. But also, he plays a man that we all can relate to in some way because we all have that side of ourselves that we want to unleash but we're afraid to do that mainly because of the risks that come along with that, though Bob's character isn't scared to break a few bones but is excellent of knowing when the time comes for his family's safety, so like I said earlier his characters Hutch is an excellent strategist, when it comes to one on one combat and figuring out a way to outsmart his opponents. I love the fact that they we're able to cast Christopher Lloyd in this movie, I mean the man has been long gone since Angles in the Outfield moreover finally comes back in an action movie like this, for which to me I don't know whose idea was it to cast him but I would most certainly love to shake that man's hand when I get the chance in the foreseeable future. Okay so, I don't want to give a lot away from this movie because this was a great action movie to start 2021, but I am glad to see Ilya Naishuller getting more work in terms of directing wise furthermore huge props to writer Derek Kilstad along with Bob Odenkirk's performance and Christopher Lloyd as well. So, if you loved the John Wick movies and the Bourne movies without Bourne Legacy and Jason Bourne than Nobody is a film for you. Most importantly don't be afraid to try something new especially a movie like this, although don't do anything I would do like watching a horrible human being like Scarlet O'Hara who wines and complains about four God forsaking hours.

          

Godzilla vs. Kong

 

                          A side from Mortal Kombat, I saw in the theaters this week. The first movie I actually saw in the theaters this whole year was shamefully Godzilla vs. Kong, in which makes more sense if the movie was titled Kong vs. Godzilla but ah well, can't win them all, I guess. Originally Mortal Kombat was going to be first movie I was going to see in the theaters unfortunately it got pushed back another week so Godzilla vs Kong was the no choice option, plus I had my brother and some of his kids so again, no option. To be truthfully honest, I did open my mind in hopes that this would be intriguing but in all honesty it was really hard to watch a movie like this when all of the human characters are hard to take serious and the only thing that's great about the movie was the fights and only the fights, just kind of like the Transformers films when you think about it, also I did see one of the male human characters dress up like McGruber for no particular reason. And, sure you’re going to obviously go and see this film no matter what because there's nothing better to do but I'll at least give you my two sense on the matter.

                        Look the main synopsis of the film is that Godzilla is sensing a great disturbance in the force and believes that multi-billion-dollar corporation is trying to turn against him. While, Kong wants to be freed and left alone unfortunately these two Titans have comes to blows in each other’s path, but they soon realize the enemy of my enemy is my friend, though the question remains when will they just hug it out?

                         Now, I'll admit that I've never seen some of the old school Godzilla movies and original King Kong because god forbid, I lived a sheltered life. But with all due respect I sure as hell not comparing this film with those, so let’s just keep it that way. Okay, back to main topic after seeing the film and trying to think it over part of me wants to like this film but the other part of me can't take the human characters in the story serious for mainly reasons we need to at least relate to these characters in some way, furthermore if you want a good example I'll be gladly to throw in Alien vs. Predator for many reasons that film has a better story line than this one, though sure it has flaws just like Godzilla vs. Kong but that film alone has a much better storyline than Godzilla vs. Kong, moreover I could also relate to the characters more can take serious the storyline Alien vs. Predator supply's. Godzilla vs. Kong all the human characters are just nothing, but cardboard cut outs and the storyline seems just way to predicable in every turn. The fact that Coach Taylor was in this movie aka Kyle Chandler doesn't do anything throughout this film, but to be truthful I wasn't really expecting a whole lot from him. I know that they were simply making this as a direct sequel to the past films like Kong: Skull Island but in all truthfulness I really didn't need the past Godzilla movie in order to enjoy this because a side from the cardboard characters the only thing that was good about the movie was just the action sequences and that was it moreover I'm one step closer to comparing this film to the transformers films so your welcome. So, look deep down I'm sure you'll probably love this film no matter what, but if you want my honest opinion I think you can do better and watch something much better like of course Alien vs. Predator, in which now after talking about this movie I now want to go pop that movie in my Blu-Ray player and enjoy that movie, hell I'll even throw in Pacific Rim as well so you maybe I'll have myself a double feature movie night now with those famous smackdown movies tonight. 

    

Baseball Recommendation: Chasing 3000

 

                  

                You know what makes summer the best time of the year, it’s very simple Baseball season that's right that my friends is the only reason to celebrate the summer time a side that we're still in the midst of spring, but you get the idea. And since the American Government did a horrible thing by not doing their jobs moreover not taking care of Covid-19 last year. We finally have a 162-game season to look forward too. Now, in terms of trying to find a good Baseball film to watch well, really there's a whole lot of them to choose from. But when it comes to finding a baseball film that no one has ever seen well that's a whole different ball game to cross. Well, luckily, I just happened to stumble across a movie that has all the right elements to a baseball film, two brothers going on a cross-country journey to see their childhood idol Roberto Clemente reach 3000. The film I'm referring to is Chasing 3000, staring Trevor Morgan, Rory Culkin and Ray Liotta. And trust me when I say this, that this worth seeing, though some of you may or may not of seen my blog and probably seen that I've mentioned this movie before but I'm only in a sense recommending this just because I doubt no one has ever seen this moreover MLB Network hardly ever airs good baseball films so deep down I feel that its my job to show this film to the world. Furthermore after watching this film the second time this movie also hit home with me specially since me and my brother have a favorite ballplayer we share for which he also hit number 3,000 but will get to that later in the meantime let’s talk about Chasing 3000.

              During the midst of the 1972 season Pirates superstar Roberto Clemente is reaching the goal of 3000 hits. Mickey (Trevor Morgan) and his brother Roger (Rory Culkin) both Pirates fans and loved Clemente as a player, even though there living in LA for reasons concerning Roger's health. Not feeling at home in the city of Angles, both brothers decide to go on a three-day road trip back to Pittsburgh to watch Clemente get his 3000 hits. On this journey both kids meet interesting characters moreover find the true nature of brotherly love on the way back to their childhood hero.

              I must say while re-watching this great movie I did pick up things I didn't recognized at first, but those are minor gimmicks moreover this is actually a independent film so I honestly feel that's okay for me, especially when some of Mickey's baseball scenes I feel like they’re using plastic helmets they use to make nachos at baseball game but really this was an independent film so really, budgetary setbacks I guess. Anyway, fun fact Ray Liotta was actually the first actor to be presented with the script with the assumption that this film was going to get a straight to DVD release but with Ray Liotta loving the script a lot of actors came forth then the filmmakers had a change of heart furthermore pushed it for a theatrical release, then the rest became history, until it was discovered by me of all people. Now I do remember writing a review about this great film but I kind of in a sense wanted to include more of my two sense with this film moreover want to push this to all movie lovers who also love the game of baseball and show that there's more of a choice besides Major League and Field of Dreams. I have to admit, watching this film for the second time it really hit home with me when it came to brotherly love and how far each of the brothers will do for one another especially when it comes to having an adventure of a life time. Also, me and my brother actually shared a favorite player of our childhood, the ever great Albert Pujols and we both shared the moment together while watching Pujols hit his 3,000 hit and yes the man played with the Angles but I have to admit while watching that moment my resentment of him pretty much fade away, moreover I also got to see him come back to St. Louis and everyone rose from their seats and applauded him whenever he came up to bat, especially when he hit a home run at Busch Stadium and that was for me the greatest thing I've ever seen in all of the years of watching him play on TV, though sure I witnessed him hit 3000 on TV but really that's really all that matter when it came to watching it with my own brother and sure it would be nice to have that kind of adventure but all that matters is sharing that moment with a member of your own family and to be truthful while watching this movie it really hit home when it comes to caring for the characters like Mickey and Roger. The story itself is still amazing moreover the idea of we relate to each of the brothers are feeling especially when starting over in a new world and it’s not fun especially when having to go through treatments and meeting new friends, but in the end these two brothers find the will to make their own adventure epic but filled with a lot of heart. Also I loved the fact that whenever they encounter someone the whole aspect of Baseball comes up in the conversation to each of the strangers they encounter, which shows that no matter how much pain there is in the world the game of baseball always brings a smile and joy into everyone's faces. Both Trevor Morgan and Rory Culkin do great job with the brotherly chemistry they provide through the entire story and yes, I've seen this film twice but I still was on the edge of my seat through until the very end of the movie. So look, I really don't want to say so much of how I love the film because I don't want to give so much of the story away but if you have a brother or anyone in your family loves baseball like you do then I would give them a hug and take the time to watch Chasing 3000 and trust me when I say it you love every minute of it.

  

Mortal Kombat

 

                           Finally, my favorite fighting game of all time has finally got the respect it deserves or did it? I'm confident in saying that yes I said it a bunch of times but of all games I've played in my life time besides any of the Star Wars game that I can point at and say I love this hell more than the Super Mario Bros more than Sonic and boo me all you want because once I tried playing the original Mario on the classic NES I was about the destroy the controller and sonic well I can't say the same because well let’s just say I need to care more about my health moreover my blood pressure. But Mortal Kombat was one of those games I remember seeing at a young age and though wow this looks cool especially with my two favorite characters Scorpion and Sub-Zero, than in my teenage years I finally picked up the latest PS2 MK games and that's when my love of the mythology grew much more especially when I started to practice more and challenged my brother and sister even though my brother and I are even par but my sister is well kind a lackey. And through the course of the years I was always excited to see each game they develop and always watched the 90's original film because I'm a nineties kid, though times I need a good laugh when it comes to watching the sequel. So with this latest film I had my suspicions but the more I watched the trailer the more I was intrigued. Especially when I can look at an actor like Hiroyuki Sanada and say that man is no longer the "that guy" actor to me that man is officially Scorpion in my book even though sure he did fight Hugh Jackman in the Wolverine but that's nothing compared to playing in iconic character like Scorpion. But hey, enough talk it's time to talk Mortal Kombat. 

                           Cole Young (Lewis Tan) is a former MMA champion and a famously man, whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious ninja named Sub-Zero (Joe Taslim) comes to kill him. Until Jax (Mehcad Brooks) and Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee) save him and tell him that he has been chosen for a special tournament called Mortal Kombat in order to fight the forces of evil led by Shang Tsung (Chin Han). Lord Raiden (Tadanobu Asano) and his champions Liu Kang and Kung Lao (Ludi Lin and Max Huang) along with Cole, Jax and Sonya they must win this one Kombat before all hope is lost. Though Cole realize that he's a direct decedent Hanzo Hasashi (Hiroyuki Sanada), now Cole must reach into his inner soul to prevent the end of the world from happening before it's too late.

                            Now this film alone I can finally admit and say that the original Moral Kombat film has now officially been dethroned as the best video game adaption film of all time, unfortunately that's a bit of in overstatement but hey, just thought I at least state the fact I guess. Although that being said there were some things I did love about the film and there were some things that I wasn't a big fan of. Mainly yes it has a lot to do with the story of the film and I'll give a few examples, the idea they portray in the film where all of the fighters have a special arcana that they can unlock I just found a bit on the eh side of it for many reasons I grew up with the game and I know that all of these characters were born with their special abilities like Sonya basically constructed her special ring arm blasters and Jax's hands were destroyed and that's how he's got his famous robotic arms and the same with Kano who is really a thug/cyborg dealer I mean sure both Sub-Zero and Scorpion where born with their abilities and they at least got those characters right but I just feel like using so much of the story time to have a training session of how to unlock each characters special movie is to me bit of a unrealistic for me to accept when it comes to the source material. In terms of characterization everyone was fine except for Raiden and Liu Kang mainly because I didn't like the idea of Liu Kang being the side character in this story when he's clearly the champion of the first victory of Mortal Kombat and yet he gets pushed aside for this Cole character, to be the hero I concept I wasn't a whole fan of and the same with Lord Raiden's character, I also didn't like how he's too critical with his selected fighters when he at least should know the Armageddon is at stake, but then at the end he at least excepts them, which is fine I guess but he's supposed to play the leader and that I couldn't take serious at all. Now everything else about the movie was amazing especially when it comes to the fight scenes and I got to say they did an exceptional job with some of the action sequences and the most recognizable special movies and fatalities the performed in the film. Though to be honest I believe the true scene steelier deserves the best credit with the film’s success and that was Hiroyuki Sanada's performance as Scorpion and for a man whose sixty years old and knows how to fight I have to give him huge props, furthermore he did an exceptional job playing Scorpion aka Hanzo Hasashi really well and really embodied the character especially when it comes to his kunai spear sequence he does in the opening of the film, and I swear when the music intensified and we finally see Scorpion on screen I was just overjoyed and that I was doing a small round of applause. The same goes to Joe Taslim who also does in exceptional job as the original Sub-Zero aka Bi-Han just in case anyone gets confused there's two Sub-Zero's, the original is the main villain to Scorpion while there's another whose a good guy. Okay so, back to topic Taslim does a great work as playing the evil ninja to Scorpion and I loved the fact that in this story it was really Bi-Han that killed his family and not just some illusion to make it look as assumed moreover I like the idea that Bi-Han is evil throughout the story furthermore loved how both Taslim and Sanada do tremendous work in choreographing the fights to make it more real and intense in every sequence especially when I've heard that these two were really fast and the camera crew couldn't keep up with them, for which you know right there that this was going to be great, all that a side I did find them not understanding one another in terms of Japanese and Chinese languages a bit weird, with both men in the story didn't understand what they were saying for which fine I guess but deep down, oh well. All and all the film was enjoyable from start to finish, really had a blast of a time seeing this movie in the theaters, with a few grimes of the story a side this was a great time to watch furthermore am looking forward to watching this on HBO Max. So, vaccine or not please, make the time and go see this film, at the movie theaters. Now I'm going to start playing more Mortal Kombat right this second.

  

Wet Hot American Summer

 

                             Random movie night never seen this odd but terrible movie so I figured well why not it can't be that worst right? Well, it actually was and full disclosure I actually didn't watch all of the cult classic Wet Hot American Summer, furthermore this wasn't the only movie that I stopped half way, give a great example I stepped out of the left twenty minutes in to A Million ways to die in the West and this was at a movie theater. Then, there were a couple of movies that were on Netflix although I can't remember them because I don't want to and its super hard. So morale of the story is that when it comes to movies like this I think if your trying to watch something new or different but is not entertained by the next twenty minutes or forty five minutes tops, then its best to shut it off and move on to something else. So anyway, let's talk about a terrible movie.

                            Basically set on the last day of Summer camp everyone is trying to make the kids happy for the last day while all of the counselors try and pull off the best summer camp of their lives without getting backfired my major events.

                            I actually have seen this on basic cable when they aired their on demand previews and that was it but in my honest opinion when I finally watched the film I was thinking hmm, this maybe not bad but I'm not quite sure what this was going furthermore I felt like they were making some kind of spoof or not but I wasn't quite sure. But thanks to the internet I found some information that made a lot of sense according to the writer and director of the film David Wain, the film was based on his time at a Jewish camp in Maine, but then he also explained in his own words that he also parodied/paid homage to movies about summer camps like Meatballs, Sleepaway Camp and Indian Summer. In which, fine I get the idea but why not just base the film on your experience in camp rather than using references from past comedy greats. Moreover, if your trying to make your second big movie it's probably best that you make it simple and not add so much complications and mixed up nonsense. Moreover this film has two SNL Alum out of Molly Shannon and Amy Poehler in this film and yet I'd think they would at least show some of their comedic talents but when reality comes in you begin to realize how much SNL Alum's from late 80's to pre 2000's don't really do well when it comes to movies, for which explains they should stick to staying on Saturday Night Live just like Kenan Thompson. I'm officially giving Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper in out of jail free card mainly because this was both their debut into acting mainly Cooper's first role Rudd had only a few under his belt but really deep down it's not because there part of the MCU universe but the main reason is that it's there first acting role and you have to get whatever you can to start off your career and that's the one thing you have to follow if you want to survive in Hollywood. So, look in closing I'm sure that there a few people out there that love this film that's why its consider a cult classic, but this film was horrible and I couldn't take it so yes I'm saying to stay away from this crappy movie but also to say if your turned off a film moreover didn't finish the film with the notion of not returning to that movie, it's perfectly normal because let’s be honest we all have our personal breaking points, except for me because I'm taking a break from the big movies coming out and my patience has snapped so look before I talk to much just keep in mind that you have to feel guilty in shutting off a movie that you don't find entertaining.