Ugh!!! I'm starting to wonder if JK has read her own book series because at times, this felt more fanfiction (bad one) than cannon. With a story that is not even interesting, effects that are meh at best, and characters that have no purpose at all in being in the movie other than "we were in the first one" or "we appeared in the books" this movie at no point seems like something worthy of the Wizarding world, and easily takes the place as the worst so far, with its final "twist" only adding insult to injury. Apart from good music, some ok performances (Deep and Law) and some nice moments or creatures, this is a list of crimes that make the future bleak.
Well damn Cuaron, you did it again. Roma is not only a movie, it is an art exposition. Every shot, every moment is so well handled and filmed that a lot of the times I was thinking more about the how they did it than what was happening in the screen. Thankfully, I had a masterpiece of storytelling, with great performances and a humanity that is often missing in movies, to the point that I really felt I was a watching a real place in real time, with every person on screen (even the Extras) having a story, and at many times, stories that I wanted to see. I can't recommend enough, and it is my best movie of 2018 without a doubt.
WOW!!! I really didn't expect that one. Well, move over Homecoming, there is a new Spider King movie. Into the spider verse is not only fun, entertaining superheroe movie, with a great cast and a lot humanity, it is also the best looking movie of 2018 and a great class in how animation can create such art. The spider verse is full in now, and I really am looking forward to dive into the web again.
A classic in every sense of the way, that while measured on modern standards would be terrible, considering the time stamp can only be lauded for its production design, acting and delightful cheesiness. Although I may confess wanting the Wicked Witch to win, I had a blast.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this. On one hand, I love the original, on the other, Sequels (especially decade long afterwards) can be pretty bad, but I went with an open mind and knowing I am weak towards musicals. The end result is... OK. Practically a rehash of the original, and too much of a safe movie, I can say that at least the production is good and the music (at least for the most part) is nice and catchy with Lin Manuel Miranda doing a bang up job. But other than that, it is nothing that special. Unless taking your children or a big fan, I would not be able to recommend.
Was this movie really necessary? The reality and the box office agrees that not really. Is it terrible? Not at all. But is it something new or special? Absolutely not. Solo: A Star Wars Story is a good example of chart made, zero risk taken, executive style movie, that in the end is a good entry in the star wars universe, even if I really didn't need it.
I've heard so much about this film, about how could I possibly had not seen it yet, that it was so good and one if not the finest dreamworks work. I finally watched it and... it is good, funny, inventive at times, well animated and with a solid message. On the other hand, it is nothing revolutionary and nothing I have not seen before. All in all, an enjoyable time and a fun movie.
This movie is a good example of a lead actor taking the role and running away with it, making it for a very faithful adaptation of historical and very important events. Although it can get slow at some points, in general the movie makes it up with great cting, good directing and some very memorable moments. It can be easily recommended.
Deadpool 2 is very funny. It is funnier than the original. But in the grand scheme of things, it is not better than the original. Why? Because while it ver funny, the rest of the movie is just ok. The story is meh, and the moments that are supposed to be serious just left me blank, I felt very little connection to the characters other than I know who they are from the comics and how funny they were. That being said, by no means it's a bad movie, it is R-rated fun all the way, and I'm glad I saw it and laughed all the way through, If you liked the first or dark humor in general, then it is definitely worth the time.
Tower is a movie that presents a subject that is more relevant than maybe ever, and it does it in a very original and unique way for a documentary that flows expertly and gives you a glimpse of how one of this events feels. I can say that this is one film that we all should watch, but be warned, this is a difficult subject.
So Tarantino takes on WW2? Well, I guess violence is something he really knows how to do. So how does it hold up? All being said, good enough. With his characteristic violent style, he presents a revenge story that has all you would expect from a Tarantino movie, and has the additional bonus because you get to see it done against cartoonish ****. With that being said, if you are expecting a historical take, please avoid, this is not for you.
The big short presents a difficult subject and instead of making a documentary, it transforms it into a very unusual self awared comedy that makes you laugh at the absurdity and then choke because you know that this is real life. It has some great performances and some very intelligent scenes, and it conveys it's subject very efficiently. It's not for everyone, I'll say that, because it really doesn't follow the traditional style of films, but it is definitely worth a watch.
So a sequel to one of my favorite movies of all time? And it is.... good enough. While it doesn't capture the pure magic that is the first one, I can safely say that Fantasia 2000 is a very nice second part, and apart from the first segment (5th symphony) it is generally good, with Rhapsody in blue probably being the best and the last one (Fire Bird) being the best and closest to the original. By all means, this is one orchestra that the whole family can enjoy.
So a Disney animated action flick? And one that bombed? Lets see... Really? It's not bad at all. It has the traditional Disney tropes you would expect: Goood animation, good music, Hero, princess, etc. but it takes an interesting myth like Atlantis and makes a good adventure flick out of it. Is it great or something remarkable? Not really; but is it as bad as it bombed? Not at all. If you like adventure films, and you've seen Indiana Jones 100 times, this one works nicely.
2001: A Space odessey is one of the fundamentals of Sci-fi and I can definitely say that it is honor well deserved. Not only it has some incredible effects for it's time, but the way the story starts, and how it uses it's dialogues, silence and music to convey it's message is superb. My only gripe would be that the last scene is maybe a tad bit too long and can be hard on the eyes. But other than that, this is one journey that everyone, not matter where they come from, should embark in.
Fight club is a good movie that starts in one direction and ends ups in a very different one. It is an exploration of violence not only as a mean to express something, but as many different avenues to take. I can say that it gives me a glimpse of how we as people sometimes not only can create a reality that fits our desires or goals, but shift our enviroment and our experiences to serve it. The tone may scare some people, and rightfully so, but in general, this club is one I did enjoy observing if nothing else.
This movie had one of the biggest hypes that I've ever seen, and I curtailed my expectations knowing that it was impossible to fulfill everyone's wishes, but to a very nice surprise, at least where I stand from, Avengers: Infinity War not only met expectation, it surpassed them. With a great villain in the purple chin Thanos, some great moments with it's share of drama throughout, this is one movie that made me feel a lot: laughs, sorrow, and excitement. Great job Marvel, I can say that I'm very, very excited to see what comes next.
The muppets doing their muppet's schtick? Sign me on. In their first big screen performance, The muppets doe the exact things you expect them to do: sing some fun songs, make a lot of jokes, bring cameos, break the fourth wall, and just be fun all around. Considering who this characters are, and the impact the've have on culture, this is one rainbow connection I would make any time.
This is movie I like to call: "How many references can you shove in 180 minutes?" and the answer is A LOT. Does that makes it a good movie? Not at all. With some of the most cliched story, characters that I've forgotten their names as soon as I came out, and not even the most memorable soundtrack or effects. This is one videogame that should be better forgotten.
Let's get this out to start; Inception has of the cleverest special effects I have seen, period. That alone makes it worthwhile. The rest is serviceable, with a story that although not that unique, still has some interesting ideas, and cool characters. My biggest gripe probably would be the music, I like Hanz Zimmer, but I'm sick of his "THIS IS IMPORTANT" tone, and inception is a clear example of it going to far. In the end, I would recommend for the effects alone, but this is one dream that I probably won't have a second time.
The princess and frog chances the setting of the traditional Disney movie, but apart from that it doesn't do anything more out of the ordinary. That being said, Disney's ordinary is more than enough to be a good movie with some catchy songs, great animation, some heartfelt moments and some good characters. I could happily go to New Orleans like this.
Does it have cool robots fighting monsters? Yes it does. Are the designs cool? Yes, they are. Is there anything interesting besides that? No, not really. A total focus group product riding on the tails of the much better first movie. Pacific Rim Uprising really doesn't rise to the occasion, and ends up being mediocre at best.
So as a big fan of the new Tomb Raider games, I saw the trailer and I said: "Wow, that really looks good, and so much like the game" and immediately after said: "Can't wait to be disappointed". And lo and behold, just as expected. Now to be fair, the movie is not terrible, Alicia Vikander does a ok job and the sound is nice, and it really looks like the game. But the story is just soo many cliches, and the bad guy... uuuuhhh look he is so bad, and the execution is just so generic and boring, that I can't believe that the japanese published game makes more sense as a story. So as a dumb action flick... I guess is ok. As a movie and an adaptation? Plain bad. Can't wait to be disappointed in the sequel.
I can't even begin to put in words how much I loved Coco. Pixar, thank you for taking the time and effort to study and understand the culture, to really try and make a movie about a holiday that means so much to so many people. And in doing it, creating a movie that is just so darn good, filled to the brim with amazing music, animation and a story that really made me feel close to all of those that have moved on. A fantastic movie, worthy of ever possible recommendation. Must see.
Paranorman is a Halloween movie that you can enjoy all year round. With a great story, full of emotive and thoughtful messages, great animation and a truly excellent ending. This is one spooky adventure that all your family should experience.
So, DC does it again, huh? Back to the boring normality? Justice League takes some of the most well known and beloved fictional icons of modern history, and does a by the book, Chart consulting, focus group mess of a movie, that really can't be sure if it is the "gritty and dark" style that all the Snyder DC movies have, or the "Avengers Fun" that Joss Whedon adds in the end. It all ends up being just meh, with the movie trying to make you forget plot points from all the other movies, and trying to be all grand and such. With some ok performances and some horrid ones, it ends up being... mediocre. Can't truly recommend but there will be some that enjoy it.
Uh boy... Where do I begin with this one. Ok, first things first: As a big, life long fan of all that is Star Wars, this movie makes me very conflicted. It is gorgeous. It has some of the finest sound editing, effects, and looks. The acting is good, and some of the action pieces are exciting and fun. Some of the jokes work. With that said, I'm really conflicted about the story; In an objective view, it is well done and written, but as a fan of the original expanded universe I really hate some of the choices and decisions they made. So how to rate it? As a lifelong fan, I would give it a mediocre or bad score, but I recognize that if I didn't know anything about the other story, I would probably love it. So trying to be as objective as I can, as a movie only it is well made, and is a fun time. That being said, I can see why is so polarizing to the fandom. Final verdict: 7.6
This movie is really nothing unique per se, just a vast collection of some big name Hollywood actors and a adaptation of a known book. With that said, it's not bad at all. Most of the acting is good, and the book is adapted well enough, with some good music and moments in the mix. If you like the actors, or a good mystery, give it a check, you won't regret it; but if this type of movie is not your style, give it a pass.
So, the greatest showman, huh? Not a very accurate title, more like "The average and mediocre showman". With some catchy pop songs, and a few nice choreography here and there, this movie is just plain average at best, with nothing really coming out as different or special. It feels totally made in a lab for audience consuming. Not the worst, but not one that I feel is really "The Greatest".
I can say this for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle: It was way better than I expected, even getting more that a couple of genuine laughs out of me, and having a good, if nothing special, story, with some good action set pieces, and some memorable moments. Nothing special, but a fun ride nevertheless.
Is Black Panther really the masterpiece of Marvel's movie that it's been touted as? Mmm... not really, because to be honest, the movie functions just as most Marvel movies do, Great action, good acting, great special effects, and lots of action and excitement. That being said, Black Panther is a great movie, with two of the best villains of Marvel so far, a fun and exciting story, and good music and message. Now as a project and event in movie history, there's where Black Panther really shines, because it showcases finally that all that of "I can't say my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such. I’m just not going to get it financed." is just not true. Hopefully this shines a way forward for more great movies of all types, no matter where they come from or who they are.
This movie is weird... not in a bad way mind you, but still, sooo weird. I can say without doubt that it has been a while since a movie left me with this much confusion about it after watching it. Nevertheless, Guillermo Del Toro is a master at his craft, and he really brings his A game to this movie, which even if unusual in its idea and tone, is excellently crafted and directed. I can say that I really recommend it, but can't guarantee that you would enjoy it, because it may not be for everyone. Nevertheless, watching it is a very fascinating experience.
Oh my god, this movie is so awesome!! I could never expect that such a big shift of tone from the original could give such a great experience, filled to the brim with so many quotable and pump action moments. I can see why this movie is quoted to dead and considered a classic, it definitely deserves the title. A must watch.
This movie left me with a very conflicted array of feelings, which I can say means that it really fulfilled its purpose. With some amazing performances (two oscar winners), and some fantastic scenes that make you feel everything from confusion, compassion, empathy, disgust, sadness, anger, and even happiness, I can say that this is great movie worthy of very high praise. Fair warning though, if you don't like heavy movies, this may not be your cup of tea.
While this movie is not specially different from many, many other WW2 flicks, and it does glorify some of the characters and themes too much, Gary Oldman's performance and some excellent cinematography here and there, specially in awkward scenes makes this movie a worthy use of your time, specially if you like historical films.
To be perfectly honest, I don't like Casey Affleck, but after seeing this, I wholeheartedly agree to his Best Actor Oscar, his performance in this movie is amazing, worthy of every praise it gets because it not only holds the movie together, but makes everybody else shine with it. This movie is one of those "feelers" but unlike other cheap ones, this really will make you feel a lot of things. Recommended for any true movie fan.
While the movie starts a little slow, by the time the plot gets going, it really showcases just how awesome westerns can be, with some outstanding acting by some of the best in the industry, with a finale that really makes you scream for how awesome and pumped you feel. Totally recommended.
Congratulations! We have proved the ecuation: Thor + Guardians of the Galaxy= The best thor movie. Don't get me wrong, I liked Thor: Ragnarok, I thought it was fun, colorful, funny, awesome, and the best Thor movie by far (not that it was that high bar). But, this is barely a Thor movie, it is Guardians of the Galaxy with a Thor paint job, in some parts even too much. Even with that, this movie is a good marvel movie and worthy in the MCU, and about what I expect for Marvel by this point. Final verdict: 7.5
Coraline has three aspects that work greatly: the production design: the colors, character designs, the enviroment, etc. are just great and so imaginative. 2- The story: it is so simple in its message but the main character is so charming and presents the message in so simple but effective way. 3- The movement: while the movement is standard for the studio and with the style choosed, I have to say that some of the movements for the characters are just so natural and fun. I can definitely recomend to watch it for s heart, character, and a great lesson. Final verdict: 8.1
Alien is a sci-fi movie that really shows how to make a survival horror movie done right, and with its great atmosphere, designs, sound, characters, and production. It is a classic, in the way that every scene is excellent, has a great place in the narrative and the characters in general are so memorable. The only reason it doesn't go into "masterpiece" level, is that there are a few small aspects that I just don't think are at the level of the rest of the movie. Nevertheless, this is a movie that is one of the best in its genre, and one for the list of movies you have to watch before you die, no matter if you like the type or not. Final verdict: 9.4
Godfather part two is a very good movie, and continues a story from a masterpiece that is the first one, and in general, is a complete success in that it is a worthy sequel that has great value and stay true to what you expect, but I can't say that it surpases the original because that was going to be very, very difficult. Nevertheless, a great movie with great characters that is totoally recommended and necessary for any movie fan that is worth his salt. Final verdict: 8.5
Well, first and foremost I want to get something out of the way, the music in this movie is AMAZING!!!! really Hanz, I knew you had it in you. The music makes everything in this movie better. Now with that out of the way, Dunkirk is in no way a bad movie nor is it badly filmed or badly put together, but I don't think it is anything that ranges as a "masterpiece" or "must watch" either. The air scenes are impressive and the atmosphere is well played with Nolan's typical handle of time thrown in the mix. However really there is not a lot of investment in the characters. In a war movie one of the most important thing I factor is how much do I care of the fate of these people especially when it is based on real events and in this case I don't think Dunkirk pulls it very well. So aided with fantastic music, and some well put scenes here and there Dunkirk ends up as good movie that tells an interesting story, but I don't think this one is for the books either. Final verdict: 7.3
This documentary film presents a very difficult, harsh, and crude reality we live in, and in the general sense of the topic, it's worth the watch just to understand better what kind of world we live in and how our actions, even ones that seem simple or dumb can have deep consequences. As a movie though, it is just ok, not bad or anything like, but the style used to present the situations, the editing, the music and even the pacing works against it sometimes. Nevertheless some of the sequences are well put together and the true emotions of some of the accounts are truly worth the time. All in all, not a must watch as a movie, but a must watch as a topic. Final verdict: 6.5
Silence of the Lambs is one of the most iconic films ever, with Anthony Hopkins role as "Dr. Lecter" being part of the general culture for the past twenty something years, and watching for the first time I can definitely say that it deserves the acclaim, because just seeing the scenes between him and Jodie Foster is really a treat, even without the rest of the film, which also presents an interesting thriller case. The casting does a good job in general, but as remarked, it is Hopkins and Foster that really puts this one over the top and makes it an excellent movie, a truly grand spectacle that stands as must see to any movie fan that deserves the title. With some iconic and quotable lines, some of the greatest production design and remarkable shots, this one is one that you need to sit and have a go through, maybe with some fava beans and a nice chianti. Final verdict: 9.3
Gifted doesn't break any molds, and tells a story you've probably already seen a couple (or more) times before, but even with that said, the way it tells it more that makes up with its flaws. The acting is very good, and it presents itself with emotion and passion, and for an emotional story that is the most important part. And best of all is the relationship between our two main characters that is the build block that maintains the whole picture. As noted, it does have flaws, some scenes are clearly pointless and some of the relationships between characters apart from the main two are bland and not very well fleshed, and unfortunately they don't make the "villain" if you want to call it that, very relatable, which in the first place it's the issue. The fact that at no point in the film I found myself saying "Oh, yes I can relate to her, this is clearly a tough situation" is proof of a failure in the movie's part for presenting a compelling narrative in that aspect. Nevertheless, with good to great acting, good tracks, some laughs, and a great connection with the main characters, Gifted showcases a good emotional subject and a movie that can be clearly enjoyed. Final verdict: 7.5
How to train your dragon 2 presents you in essence everything that the first movie gave to you, only slightly better. It has great animation, some gorgeous sequences of flying, very creative designs, good music, and fun action. It also shares its flaws with its predecessor, characters are cool, but not great, the villain (which is technically a new addition for the series) is bleh and his motivation is never truly clear. The story is ok in general, it's nothing I haven't seen before, but some of the characters are good, and their development from the last movie is fine, and the new additions while nothing grand do their job in being there. So with all that being said, is this better than the first? Yes, but only by a very small margin. As I said, it gives you all the first one brought to the table, with the quality expected, it has mostly the same flaws, but its story is at least a little more interesting, and the characters are a little more developed. So it is the superior movie, and it is fun ride, but if you didn't like the first one or didn't find the idea interesting the first time, this will do nothing to convince you. If you are a fan, this is exactly what you need. Final verdict: 7.6
At this point in time, there are two things I can say for sure: Marvel movies at a minimum are ok, and Spiderman's presence on the big screen is not going to go away any time soon. With a lot of baggage when it comes to spiderman (two ok, one good, one bad, one terrible) I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. But Marvel proves one more time that they can make great movies in spades. Spiderman: Homecoming does something that 5 previous movies hadn't been able to do: capture both the base spirit of the character, and really capture the spirit of part of the teenage experience (which for Hollywood, it's a lot). Apart from the Guardians's movies, this is probably the most times that I laughed out loud in a superhero movie (maybe even more that the Guardians, although can't be sure), the humor is excellent and really works with how the characters are portrayed. And even if the fun and laughs are present in general, that doesn't stop the movie from telling a good, coherent story about both the pains of growing up, and nails one of the core aspects of Spiderman, that even if he is in the Avengers, of the FF, or any other team or event, Spiderman is supposed to be a character you not only can root for, or aspire to be like, but is a character that you can relate to, a character that is here with the "little people" not up there in Olympus. And the movie really nails that aspect down, with excellent performance from Tom Holland that so far seems to be the best Spiderman so far. Add that excellent appearances by Robert Downey Jr., Jon Fravreau, and a nice villain in Michael Keaton's Vulture, and you have a really have a great homecoming dance. Welcome home, Spiderman, hopefully this is the beginning of great things to come. Final verdict: 9.0
Ratatouille presents a story about what it means to be an artist, and about the motivations that can take and artist to truly great heights, but it is also about how we are all artists in a way, and such a deep theme can only be made justice when you have the type of animation and colors that Pixar offers you here. Just the colors and designs of the food are incredibly well done, and add that to charming characters that leave you both laughing out loud, but cheering and whooping for them, and that is a testament to Pixar's genius. Anybody can make movies and be an artist, but it is up to every individual critic to recognize them, and Pixar shows once again that they are of the highest class time and time again. Simply and excellent show, and a most see recommendation for anyone that appreciates good film. Final Verdict: 8.9 PS: Special mention to Peter O'Toole, whose character definitely steals the show. Great Job!
How to Train Your Dragon offers you a story that you've probably seen, read, heard or play quite a few times before, with not a lot of new aspects thrown in, so in that part, it's nothing to remark to much about, and it doesn't reinvent the genre or anything like that. But, when you watch this movie, you can definitely see the effort and care that it's made with. The colors, look, designs, movement have been clearly put time and effort being done, and very few 3D animated movies capture the movement of flying and aerial creatures like this one. Throw in the mix some very imaginative designs for the dragons, some lovable (if a little cliched) characters, more than few funny and memorable lines and scenes, a great score, and you have a good mix that produces a fun action-adventure movie that while it's not going to be of the taste of all, and can't say that you HAVE to see it, but it left me with a fun time admiring the cool designs and movements of the dragons, and an enjoyable entertaining two hours that I can really say were well used. Final verdict: 7.4
Moonlight presents a deeply emotional and deep human story-line, with well acted roles all around (with a couple of excellent ones in the mix) and in general tries to stay very grounded in its theme of being a person, just a living person living his life. But all in all, there are more a than few moments that feel out, on the one hand the three act story-line is a good concept and can be well played but on the other hand it can make the movie feel disconnected and in this case, some scenes do feel like that, and it never really lets you form a connection with the characters on the whole. Also on its downside is the fact that the final part feels oddly enough not grounded enough, which I find a big irony considering that's the point that seemed to be so emphasized in the first two parts. All in all, I think Moonlight is a solid movie of a theme that you rarely see in big productions, and it's all around good cast, some memorable scenes here and there and an excellent second part lets it stand on its own as a good movie showcasing a little bit of the big complicated thing that is living. I can't recommend it to everyone, but if you are a movie fan (and I mean that in the I like to watch all types of movies) it can be an interesting experience. Final verdict: 7.3
