The Multiverse of Summer Blockbusters

 

DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS

ACTION/ADVENTURE/FANTASY

PLOT:   Dr. Strange cast a spell that many verses are blending together and he has to stop Wanda, Scarlet Witch from taking powers from America Chavez.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  The cast Benedict Cumberbatch is great as Dr. Strange.  Elizabeth Olsen who plays Scarlet Witch is fantastic determined and obsessed to see her children again no matter what the cost.  The cameos of superheroes in their different dimensions are wonderful.

WHAT IS WRONG:  For comic fans Scarlet Witch does go insane but not like in the movie.  It is so different so if interested what really happened read the comic!  Also the origin of America Chavez is half right.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you enjoy Dr. Strange, special effects and the superhero cameos you will have fun with this film.

FIRESTARTER

HORROR/SCI-FI 

PLOT:    Charlene “Charlie” has power from her parents to set anything ablaze.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Zac Elfron as Charlie’s father Andrew and Sydney Lemmon as Victoria caring parents trying hard to protect their child from the same horrible fate as they had.  Michael Greyeyes as Rainbird who is a bounty hunter to find Charlie.  Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Charlie, she wants to be a normal girl but she can never be and she soon realizes this.

WHAT IS WRONG:  How many times are they going to do this story?  It was done 1984 with Drew Barrymore, a miniseries in 2002 and now the latest film.  Hollywood should stop making this movie and remake or make a series of The Fury-not written by Stephen King.  It has the same elements: young woman with extraordinary powers.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  Yes!  To compare the 1984 version to the latest remake and which is better.

THE NORTHMAN

ACTION/ADVENTURE 

PLOT:    In 895 AD young Amleth sees his father killed by his uncle and vows for revenge.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Alexander Skarsgard as the grown man, Amleth.  He was Tarzan in 2016 and he didn’t lose his ripped body for this.  Nicole Kidman as his mother Queen Gundruin  who is not as loyal as she seems  and Anya Taylor Joy as Olga his love interest.  She has a unique look perfect for this film.  It is VERY violent. 

WHAT IS WRONG:  In between the brutal attacks they are telling a story plus folklore and action hounds may find it slow but you understand his motives.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you like Conan but he’s a Viking you will love this film!  Slashing and bashing galore!

THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT

ACTION/COMEDY

PLOT:     Hollywood and action actor Nicholas Cage uses his acting skills to save a young woman in danger.

WHAT IS RIGHT:    Nicholas Cage spoofing himself.  Many vain celebrities can’t pull a feat like this off but Cage can.  Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, Wonder Woman 1984) as Javi, a super fan who brings him to his island but he has secrets. The chemistry of Cage and Pascal are great.  The action sequences are great.

WHAT IS WRONG:  The movie is not for everyone.  It is quirky and weird.  It is like the IFC movies of old.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you enjoy Nicholas Cage movies then YES!  It is odd and strange like  the performer  and you will have fun with it.

FANTASTIC BEASTS # 3 THE SECRET OF DUMBLDORE

ACTION/FANTASY 

PLOT:   Dumbledore needs help from Newt and other wizards to stop Grindelwald  to become leader of all wizards.

WHAT IS GOOD:  Jude Law as Dumbledore and Mads Mikkelson as Grindelwald one good the other evil.  Mikkelson doesn’t disappoint!  He hates humans and does whatever it takes to become ruler.

Sometimes it is watching a fantasy movie and Mission Impossible!  Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowoski is great as always in the franchise being an average guy in the mist of magic.  Special effects excellent.

WHAT IS BAD:   It is not as good as the Fantastic Beasts series but is still  entertaining.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you like more detail about Dumbledore and Grindelward or you want to see how it is connected to Harry Potter by all means YES!

THE BAD GUYS

ANIMATION/ACTION/COMEDY 

PLOT:  The worst animals you don’t want around you, a wolf, a snake, a shark,  a tarantula and a piranha are cute thieves is dared to do  an experiment to be good,  abiding citizens.

WHAT IS GOOD:  It is funny, has action and great music.  The voice cast is excellent.

WHAT IS BAD:   The ending is far-fetched.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  OH YES!  It has much going for it than most live action films!  Has humor, heart and amazing  soundtrack!