Franchises Go Boom or Pop

JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION

ACTION/SCI-FI

PLOT:    The cast of the origin and the current of the Jurassic franchise come together to stop an evil company Biosyn from controlling the food supply.

WHAT IS GOOD:  The dinosaurs of course!  The film added a few more besides the T-Rex.  The people from  classic Jurassic Park such as Jeff Goldblum as Ian Malcolm, Sam Neil as Dr. Alan Grant and Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Stattler.  The updated movie includes Chris Pratt as Owen and Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire.

WHAT IS BAD:  They say this is the final Jurassic movie.  I don’t believe that!  The story is all over the place but you didn’t come for the story did you?

SHOULD YOU WATCH:   YESSS!  If you are a fan of the franchise and you can compare which films are better and for the movie watcher who just loves see amazing special effects, action and thrills.

 

LIGHTYEAR

ACTION/SCI-FI

PLOT:    The origin of Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story series.

WHAT IS GOOD:  For a 3D animation film it is action-packed!  Also many good supporting characters especially Sox, a computerized cat to be Buzz’s pet and companion.

WHAT IS BAD:  For those who know Tim Allen did the voice of Buzz for all the Toy Story franchise and now it is Chris Evans, Captain America himself.  There are “woke” elements but it is just a few seconds.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  YES!  If you like action, suspense and comedy you will enjoy it.

MEMORY

ACTION/THRILLER

PLOT:  Alex Lewis (Liam Neeson) is growing old and growing a conscious for not killing an underage girl and killers come after him.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Liam Neeson good actor and great action hero! He has talented cast with him such as Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3) Ray Stevenson (Punisher: War Zone) and the beautiful Monica Bellucci (Matrix 2).

WHAT IS WRONG:   Formula plot of aging or tired of being an assassin and wants to leave or do the right thing.  It has some surprises but not much.

SHOULD YOU GO:  YES!  This movie is made for Liam Neeson fans and action fans so if you like those two things-see it!

 

TOP GUN MAVERICK

ACTION/DRAMA 

PLOT: Maverick (Tom Cruise) is not a trainee but an instructor of a new group of pilots and one of them is the son of his fallen best friend. 

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Tom Cruise as Maverick is older but still daring to do the impossible.  The old cast is mostly seen in pictures.  The air fight scenes are good.  Nostalgia and humor.

WHAT IS BAD:  It is formula plot but it still works.  Soundtrack okay but nothing like the first one.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you enjoyed Top Gun the first one you will like this one.  If you like Tom Cruise and the talented cast it is worth it.

 

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!

Wild Science, Wilder Heroes

 

MORBIUS

ACTION/SUPERHERO

PLOT:    The origin of Michael Morbius, a world renowned biochemist who is now a chemically induced vampire.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Jared Leto is a gifted actor who played the Joker in Suicide Squad.  He is a decent human being but when he turns into a primal night creature not so much.  He feels guilty after but not during.  The special effects are good too.  Matt Smith (the 11^th Doctor Who and Terminator: Genisys) is great as his nemesis.

WHAT IS WRONG:  It is not epic or as delightfully crazy as Venom.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you like the latest antihero yes.  They changed some details as usual.  It is B-movie good.

SONIC THE HEDEGHOG 2

ACTION ADVENTURE COMEDY

PLOT:    In the sequel Sonic has to deal with being responsible, the return of Dr. Robotnik a new friend and a new villain from his past.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Sonic is so funny.  He is a kid but he looks like a Hedgehog who wants to be a hero but also a child.  Jim Carrey is just fantastic as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, a goofy genius bad guy who wants to get rid of Sonic and rule the world.  He is so funny is this film as in the first one.  Miles “Tails” Prower, a yellow fox with 2 tails which is very smart and make good gadgets.  Knuckles, is a powerful echidna who wants revenge on Sonic.  The rest of the cast is delightful too.

WHAT IS WRONG:  It is very over the top ending.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  YES!!!  If you enjoyed the last movie you will definitely enjoy the sequel.

 

 

Big Franchise Chills and Thrills

 

SCREAM 5

THRILLER/SLASHER

PLOT:    The further kills of Ghostface.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  It is a requel – based on the original movie with modern changes.  One of the characters gave that a new phase which means the fans of the fictional Stab movies love the first film.  It has many funny moments and many things from the past franchise.

WHAT IS WRONG:  Should there be a next?  Maybe because of the first director Wes Craven who passed away.  Sidney (Neve Campell) not in much until the end along with Gale

(Courteney Cox).

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  Do you like Scream movies?  Then watch if not- don’t watch.  The best were the first 2 because it was original.

THE BATMAN

DRAMA/MYSTERY/THRILLER 

PLOT:  The Riddler is killing important people in Gotham and Bruce Wayne’s family is involved.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  It is a different Batman then many people are used to.  He is a crime fighter and a crime solver.  The Riddler leaves clues in cards and he has to figure out The Riddler’s horrible plan.  Robert Pattinson is great as the brooding, sober cape crusader.  Gone are the days of Twilight franchise.  Paul Dano as the Riddler is just AMAZING. There is a reason for his madness but it is still madness.  Colin Farrell is unrecognizable as The Penguin.  He is not in the movie much but when he is you know it. Zoe Kravitz is good as Selina Kyle/Catwoman.

WHAT IS WRONG:  It is VERY grim and gritty.  It is NOT a popcorn movie!  It is a slow burn.  There is not a lot of action until the end.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  YES!  It is the Dark Knight and he is a detective you will enjoy it.  Everything  is intense from acting to the music.

 

New Movies on Kings and Moons

KING’S MAN- 2021

ACTION/ADVENTURE

PLOT:  The third movie in the Kingsman’s franchise which tells the origin of the agency came to be.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  Ralph Fiennes as Orland Oxford, the founder of the agency.  An excellent actor and why he created the secret organization is based a lot on tragedy.  Rhys Ifans as Rasputin.  Wow!  What a performance he gave!  Over the top but very effective.  Ifans was in The Amazing Spiderman. The action sequences are far and in-between but when it happens it is fantastic.

WHAT IS WRONG:  The trailer is VERY misleading.  The movie is sober for the most part.   It is a slow burn.  It is not like the other two films.  They don’t show who the villain is but if you are paying attention you have an ideal.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you are a loyal fan of the films.  Be patient if it is the first time watching this movie.

 

MOONFALL-2022

ACTION/SCI-FI 

PLOT:   There is something in the moon and it is forcing it to come crashing to Earth.

WHAT IS RIGHT:  The special effects!  The leads: Patrick Wilson as Brian Harper and Halle Berry as Jocinda Fowler who are astronauts.  John Bradley as an annoying but brilliant conspiracy theorist.

WHAT IS WRONG:  The people who did Independence Day  and Godzilla  1998 made this so if you didn’t like that those movies you won’t like this one.  Prepare for the WTF ending.

SHOULD YOU WATCH:  If you like expensive disaster movies-all effects and no sense.