MOVIE REVIEW: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 3

Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Director: James Gunn

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, Sylvester Stallone

Release Date: May 5, 2023 

Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, strong language, suggestive/drug references and thematic elements

Runtime: 2h 30m

Review:

I'm not sure if James Gunn set out to make the world's most expense Roger Corman sci-fi epic but that's what his big, messy Marvel swan song, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, ends up being.  His trilogy capper is untethered on multiple levels as he splashes every bit of his sensibilities onscreen which boarders on self indulgent on multiple occasions.  It’s a strange, goofy and overlong conclusion to one of the few Marvel series that definitely carved out its own niche in the overall monolith of a franchise.  This entry is far more engaging and funnier than the second entry which leaned far too heavily into its daddy issues.  Here, it does feel like the director and cast are riffing on what worked in the original by delivering more team banter and emotional arches with the latter never feeling as fresh as it did in the original.  Bradley Cooper's Rocket Racoon serves as the emotional center of this entry as his character gets the spotlight as a series of flashbacks explore his backstory with surprising emotional depth even though it involves more talking animals.  Those sequences intersperse the main action, but they build to a heartbreaking moment which hits with the weight of a sledgehammer.  Unfortunately, the main action doesn't carry that sort of emotional heft as the team moves from one visually impressive action set piece to another.  The main cast of Pratt, Saldaña, Bautista and Klementieff are all solid, but the script seems content with only superficial moments of character growth.  Their familiarity with the characters makes it more enjoyable than it should be with Karen Gillan standing out as she mines more out of her performance than what’s written on the page.  Likewise, Chukwudi Iwuji's performance as The Evolutionary is bigger than what the script affords him.  It’s a Shakespearian level of maniacal evil that should have been expanded on as opposed to other moments or characters like Will Poulter's Adam Warlock and Elizabeth Debicki's Ayesha who could have been excised entirely.  At two and half hours it’s a film that's too choppy to earn that rather lengthy runtime which make its final act feel more like an exercise in attrition even though the battles are impressively staged.  Ultimately, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 doesn't quite stick the landing the way it should, but it still delivers the kind of quirky, emotional uniqueness that made it stand out amongst the other cookie cutter films that populate the Marvel Universe.   

B

MOVIE REVIEW: THE SUPER MARIO BROS. MOVIE

 

With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.

Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic

Cast: Chris Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day, Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Seth Rogen, Fred Armisen

Release Date: April 5, 2023

Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi

Rated PG for action and mild violence.

Runtime: 1h 32m

Review:

The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a more than capable family film that plays it safe with the brand as it delivers a light, colorful experience.  Directors Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic clearly have an affection for the property, something readily apparent as they deliver a game to film experience that checks all sorts of nostalgic boxes along the way.  The story is simplistic to a fault as it moves from one set piece to another as it recreates various bits of game play in what amounts to a cinematic retrospective.  Those familiar with Horvath and Jelenic previous movie, Teen Titans Go! To the Movies, which lovingly skewered a variety of DC's comic properties won't find that sort of edge here.  There's a definite sense that Nintendo didn't want anything but the glossiest version of their IP on display and for the most part the duo obliges even though slivers of their sensibilities shine through exemplified by an insane, fatalistic blue Luma.  Outside of that its safe and corporate approved which probably keeps the film from being a better overall film.  As is, The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a solid adaptation of the video game that sure to please younger kids and deliver enough nostalgia make to older fans happy.

C+

MOVIE REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION

 

The future of mankind hangs in the balance as humans and dinosaurs coexist following the destruction of Isla Nublar.

Director: Colin Trevorrow

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Sam Neill, BD Wong, Omar Sy, Isabella Sermon, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, DeWanda Wise, Mamoudou Athie, Campbell Scott, Scott Haze, Dichen Lachman

Release Date: June 9, 2022

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action, some violence and language

Runtime: 2h 26m

Review:

Jurassic World: Dominion, supposedly the final entry in the franchise, is a bloated, tired exercise in soulless blockbuster filmmaking.  Colin Trevorrow's film is shockingly inert even as it traverses multiple continents before its first action set piece begins.  Those sequences, even those that borrow familiar beats from previous films, are the high points as Trevorrow really digs into 50s era monster B movies.  Swarms of oversized locusts and a tunnel chase with well timed scares provide the few bits of fresh energy in terms of action.  Even the regurgitated bits are fun in a comfort food sort of way but the film's script is shockingly lazy.  The overall plot combines the new trilogy and legacy character together by sheer coincidence as opposed to something grander. Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum and Sam Neill are the main draw here, returning to their legendary roles with mixed results.  They do their best to channel the energy of the original but with a decidedly weaker script.  Goldblum natural energy leaves him faring the best with the least amount of screen time.  Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard aren't asked to do much other than look steely or terrified depending on the situation.  Newcomers to the series, Mamoudou Athie and DeWanda Wise are both intriguing performers that  make for welcome additions to the series but each character is so terribly underwritten that they serve as little more than plot devices. Campbell Scott serves as the primary tech villain in this entry but making him look like Apple CEO Tim Cook doesn't really make for the most menacing adversary.  Jurassic World: Dominion is a paint by the numbers entry that fails to wrap up the series in a satisfying way as it fails to recapture the magic that made the original so special. 

C-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Tomorrow War & No Sudden Move

My dear reader(s): Still having no access to the Sparks Brothers, the long holiday weekend just passed offered nothing to draw me to the cinema, so I checked out a couple new streaming options. On my agenda: the Tomorrow War and No Sudden Move.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on the docket: the Tomorrow War.

A high-school teacher is drafted into a future alien war.

The Tomorrow War is a hodge-podge of over-used tricks, our muscle-bound hero and his cliched family awkwardly facing a world of aliens and time travel. Chris Pratt is really good at playing a likable goof, and this role is neither likable nor goofy enough to suit him. The rest of the cast is unremarkable, the story offers no surprises, and  — for an effects driven movie — the effects are actually kind of sketchy. I had hoped this might be good, dumb fun, but sadly it's just dumb.

The Tomorrow War clocks in at 140 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, and some suggestive references."

The Tomorrow War is the movie equivalent of those recipes that use up whatever's left in your 'fridge. All the stuff is in there, but that doesn't necessarily make the finished product very good.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Tomorrow War gets one.

The Tomorrow War is now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Next up: No Sudden Move.

A pair of criminals becomes reluctant partners when a job goes wrong.

Written by Ed Solomon and directed by Steven Soderbergh, No Sudden Move is a sharp heist film with surprises around every corner. The cast — led by Don Cheadle and Benicio del Toro — is exceptional, with nary a weak link among them. At times it's tricky keeping up with all the twists and turns, but smart writing and well-crafted dialogue make the journey a treat and the finish worthwhile.

No Sudden Move runs 115 minutes and is rated R for "language throughout, some violence, and sexual references."

No Sudden Move is a smart movie with a great cast, a nice surprise for a summer holiday weekend.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, No Sudden Move gets seven and a half.

No Sudden Move is now streaming on HBO Max.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE TOMORROW WAR

 

A man is drafted to fight in a future war where the fate of humanity relies on his ability to confront his past.

Director: Chris McKay

Cast: Chris Pratt, Yvonne Strahovski, J. K. Simmons, Betty Gilpin, Sam Richardson, Mary Lynn Rajskub

Release Date: July 2, 2021

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language and some suggestive references.

Runtime: 2h 20min

Review:

The Tomorrow War, not to be confused with fantastic novel The Forever War by Joe Haldeman, is a hodgepodge of recycled parts that delivers a capable if forgettable sci-fi film.  Director Chris McKay seems to be channeling Starship Troopers sans the satire by way of early 2000s Michael Bay.  It’s a loud dumb movie that throws out some intriguing ideas but decides to go for the path of least resistance. The script is filled with clichés seasoned sci-fi fans haven’t seen before so don’t expect the story to surprise you at any turn, it predictable from start to finish.  Thankfully, the film isn’t an overly serious or grim affair so there is plenty of fun to be had in some of the film’s larger set pieces even if the CGI varies from top notch to video game cut scene quality.  Chris Pratt leads the film as best he can, but you get the feeling he needs somebody to work off in order to deliver his best work.  Early in the film, he has nice chemistry with Sam Richardson, but he disappears to the better part of the film.  He shares more dramatic moments with Yvonne Strahovsk and he can’t quite sell the emotional connection so your investment in the relationship isn’t nearly as important as it should be.  Strahovsk, for her part, delivers solid work with the character being right in her wheelhouse.  J.K. Simmons has a small but memorable supporting role, sadly Betty Gilpin is little more than window dressing in her few scenes.  The Tomorrow War ultimately ends up being a fun but disposable sci-fi film which is a shame since you get a strong sense that there is a better film somewhere in in the story. 

C+

MOVIE REVIEW: ONWARD

Two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, go on an journey to discover if there is still a little magic left out there in order to spend one last day with their father, who died when they were too young to remember him.

Director: Dan Scanlon

Cast: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Octavia Spencer

Release Date: February 29 2020

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Rated PG for action/peril and some mild thematic elements

Runtime: 1h 42min

Review:

Onward is a fine addition to the Pixar catalogue even if it’s not quite a classic.  Dan Scanlon does some solid work with a fun bit of world building using all types of D&D creatures.  It makes for a fun journey through this gentrified mystical world.  Most scenes are full of gags and jokes making it a rich and vibrant world.  At its center are Tom Holland and Chris Pratt who both are perfectly suited for their roles.  They work well together and really give the film its heart which drives the whole thing.  Julie Louis-Dreyfus and Octavia Spencer have a fun buddy comedy side story going which makes the film even more enjoyable.  The story itself is fairly basic even though there is a healthy bit of heart in it.  While there is plenty to appreciate all around, the film is kind of forgettable.  Pixar films are usually so memorable when one doesn’t quite leave a lasting impression you are left wondering why it didn’t work as well as it should have.  That’s not to say that Onward is a total misfire, because it’s not, but just that it didn’t quite reach the level of Pixar’s prestigious back catalogue. 

B

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Cold Pursuit & The Lego Movie 2

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow.

Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun.

Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references."

If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six.

Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! NexDearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Cold Pursuit and the Lego Movie 2. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First up: Cold Pursuit. Liam Neeson gets revenge in the snow. Action thrillers have become Liam Neeson's bread and butter. There's not much about Cold Pursuit that sets it apart from Taken or Run All Night or The Commuter, except it's quite funny, and I'm *almost* sure that's on purpose. Of course, in a film with this kind of body count, it's a grim humor, but...yeah, I'm reasonably certain it actually means to be funny. It's also super-cold, the kind of cold that makes you cold just looking at it, yet Liam Neeson is perpetually without his gloves. That was my big takeaway, so that probably tells you a good deal about the rest of it. Neeson is enjoyable but unremarkable in a role that, by now, he could play in his sleep. His supporting cast is as good as it needs to be, but a handful of Native American characters who turn up late and don't get enough screen time are the most interesting people in the movie. The action is solid and almost entirely unbelievable, and the picture is paced well enough that--despite playing out predictably--it's never slow or dull. If you aren't put off by literal mountains of snow, the scenery is a real feast for the eyes, too. Overall, if you can put aside the controversy currently surrounding its lead, Cold Pursuit is forgettable good fun. Cold Pursuit clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, drug material, and some language including sexual references." If you want to watch Liam Neeson kill something besides his career this weekend, Cold Pursuit is the film for you. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Cold Pursuit gets six. Fangirl points: Nathaniel Arcand! Next on yesterday's docket was the Lego Movie 2: The Second Part. Everything is no longer awesome in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here. The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor." The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family. Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8. Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer? in Legoland. Like its predecessor, the Lego Movie 2 is a genuine delight. Top-notch voice work fronts an upbeat, colorful movie with a sweet message. The film’s terrific sense of humor will appeal as much to adults as to kids, and a cheerful score peppered with bouncy original songs is sure to engage the young’uns, and, as one song threatens, end up stuck in your head. As before, the best bits revolve around Batman (offered without bias!), but, truly, there is not a weak link here.

The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part runs 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor."

The Lego Movie 2 is another fun outing foe the entire family.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Lego Movie 2 gets 8.

Until next time... PS: Where's my Cats trailer?

MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO MOVIE 2: THE SECOND PART

The citizens of Bricksburg face a dangerous new threat when LEGO DUPLO invaders from outer space start to wreck everything in their path. The battle to defeat the enemy and restore harmony to the LEGO universe takes Emmet, Lucy, Batman and the rest of their friends to faraway, unexplored worlds that test their courage and creativity.

Director: Mike Mitchell

Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Charlie Day, Alison Brie, Nick Offerman,Will Ferrell, Tiffany Haddish, Stephanie Beatriz Maya Rudolph

Release Date: February 8, 2019

Genres: Animation, Action, Adventure 

Rated PG for some rude humor

Runtime: 1h 46 min

Review:

The Lego Movie 2 The Second Part has a lot to live up to since the original was such a breath of fresh air.  The original film was a candy colored concoction that was enjoyable for children but was just as enjoyable for adults since it was an incredibly meta story that offered layers of depth.  Throw in the fact that we've had two other Lego related film's released with diminishing returns.  Thankful the sequel is just as enjoyable and thoughtful as the original even if it doesn't quiet reach the heights of the original.  The story is fun and thoughtful at the same time which speaks to the effort put into making this the best film possible.  The returning cast are all great, clearly more comfortable with their roles even if we do miss Liam Neeson's Bad Cop since there's not really a memorable villain.  The addition of Tiffany Haddish and Stephanie Beatriz help ease that loss with solid characters even if they're slightly underused.  The film does decide to embrace song and dance sequences which are mostly effective even if it take a moment to settle into them.  When it all said and done, the film's message is even more pointed and effective than the first film.

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM

Three years after the destruction of the Jurassic World theme park, Owen Grady and Claire Dearing return to the island of Isla Nublar to save the remaining dinosaurs from a volcano that's about to erupt. They soon encounter terrifying new breeds of gigantic dinosaurs, while uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.

Director: J. A. Bayona

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, B. D. Wong, Jeff Goldblum, Rafe Spall, Justice Smith, Daniella Pineda, James Cromwell, Toby Jones, Ted Levine, Isabella Sermon, Geraldine Chaplin

Release Date: June 22, 2018

 

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril

Runtime: 2h 8min

Review:

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a fun if forgettable sequel in a franchise that seems to be losing anything new to say.  J. A. Boyona does a fine job directing the film, infusing it with some of his horror sensibilities.  The film is a collection of big set pieces, at times it feels like the film’s plot is merely an excuse to move from one set piece to another.  The story itself is rather silly and the more you think about it the dumber it is.  The new characters and villains are all about as paper thin and clichéd as they come.  Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard continue to share strong chemistry which is a strong point of the film.  They both have plenty to do this go around so they’re fully engaged even though it’s a bit of a shame that the movie wasn’t slightly better.  The supporting cast is made of strong name actors but the film doesn’t seem interested is using them for anything substantial.  Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is one of those sequels that is easily forgettable because it lacks anything memorable about itself which is a shame because there’s clearly talent on hand. 

C+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

When a volcano threatens a (re)extinction-level event, dinosaurs remaining in the shuttered park must be rescued.

 

Dear reader(s), in the interest of full and fair disclosure, I'll admit I'm not exactly invested in the Jurassic series. I bet there's not a single movie--not even the one that's been popping up on cable for two and a half decades--that I've watched more than once. They're definitely the sort of action-packed pictures that appeal to me, but but for some reason they've never become favorites. That being said, a new Jurassic movie is what's out this weekend, so a new Jurassic movie is what I saw, and it was...okay.

 

First, the pluses: I love dinosaurs. These dinosaurs look amazing. When ol' T-Rex comes at ya from the screen, it's all you can do not to back away, and that's not even in 3D! There's not nearly enough Jeff Goldblum, but no movie was ever worse for having him, even in limited quantities. Bryce Dallas Howard quickly swaps stupid heels for a very sensible pair of boots. Well done, filmmakers, on correcting my biggest complaint from the last movie! Fallen Kingdom has some decent jump scares and one particularly well-choreographed action sequence. It's always a crap-shoot with kid actors, but we've got us a tolerable one here. The movie runs a hair over two hours, but doesn't really seem that long, and Michael Giacchino provides another of his epic scores.

 

Now, the minuses: Really, Fallen Kingdom just isn't all that interesting. It's a done-to-death story (not always with dinos, of course), and the one-trick pony that is Chris Pratt is wearing out its welcome, at least for me. The two main supporting characters are too cartoonish to add much, and Howard is bad, just bad. In fact, the camera wastes a great deal of time lingering on the expressions of people who just aren't that...expressive. It's silly to the point of hilarity. At one point a guy down the row from me stage-whispered, "This is stupid!" I giggled, wondering if he expected Star Lord vs. T-Rex to be an intellectual pursuit, but then I thought, you know what? This IS stupid. Its execution is stupid. It's still a decent bit of summer fun, but...it should have been so much better.

 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom clocks in at 128 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence and peril."

 

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will undoubtedly continue the franchise's streak of my not watching more than once. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom gets five.

 

Until next time!

MOVIE REVIEW: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY VOL. 2

While on the run following a botched heist, the Guardians of the Galaxy encounter a mysterious being known as Ego (Kurt Russell), who claims to be the long-lost father of team leader Peter Quill (Chris Pratt). As Quill learns more about his past, the Guardians battle foes old and new. James Gunn returns to write and direct this installment of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which also stars Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, and Karen Gillan, and features the voices of Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: James Gunn

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Zoe Saldana, David Bautista

Release Date: May 05, 2017

Rated PG-13 for language, Brief Suggestive Content, Sequences of Sci-Fi Action and Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was always going to be a tough task since the first film was so unexpected and incredibly fun.  The sequel faces a Herculean task of expanding and continuing everything that worked in the original.  James Gunn’s follow up is a fun if overly bloated and scattered film.  The film’s plot, which has all the subtly of a sledgehammer, is an overly serious rumination on fatherhood, alienation and family drama.  As a result, some of the pop and chemistry of the original is missing.  There is still plenty to enjoy like the expanded roles for Michael Rooker’s Youdu and Karen Gilligan’s Nebula but its decision to split up the core cast zaps the film of the first film’s fantastic chemistry.  Kurt Russell’s casting seems like a perfect match but the character is strangely undercooked.  Using a living plant as the primary villain means that Russell is left on the sidelines for the better part of the final act which is to the film’s detriment, Elizabeth Debicki golden skinned Ayesha might have made a better villain.  Thankfully the emotional storyline pays off through an unexpected source which works well because it feels organic and earned.  It’s a shame everything doesn‘t feel as fluid and organic.  The sequel could of used some trimming which would have made the clunkiness less noticeable and the film more enjoyable overall. 

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Dearest Blog: Today it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Guardians of the Galaxy 2.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

Star Lord and company are back for more intergalactic action.

 

Dear reader(s), there's not much bad news about GOTG2, so we'll get what little there is out of the way first, beginning with the obvious: At the first film's release, GOTG was a mostly-unknown quantity that became a very pleasant surprise for genre and non-genre fans alike. Many hundreds of millions of dollars later, that missing element of surprise is bound to make the sequel feel less special than its predecessor; somehow "everything you expect" becomes both a blessing and a curse. Also, echoing a familiar complaint, the movie is too long for what it is. Not the popular opinion, but Marvel to me are the Masters of Bloat, and a 20-minute trim would have done GOTG2 a big favor. That out of the way, there's a lot to love here.

 

GOTG2 retains the humor of the original, though it's less consistently sharp. You won't laugh any less on the first go-round, but it's not going to hold up as well over time. The likable cast is expectedly reliable with the action and comedy bits, and, as with the first GOTG, Bradley Cooper's voice work on Rocket is really something special. It's important not to miss that amidst all the choreographed chaos and huge effects, which are end-to-end and admittedly stunning. Awesome Mix Vol. 2 is just as great as Awesome Mix Vol. 1; you'll be downloading it before you're even in the car. Finally, though Baby Groot is the film's highlight, much like the Minions before him, a more judicious use of his cuteness wouldn't be a bad idea. Definitely preferable to leave people wanting more, rather than risking "cute" becoming "annoying."

 

Guardians of the Galaxy 2 runs 136 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content."

 

While some of the shine may have worn off Guardians of the Galaxy, you'd still be hard pressed to find more fun at the movies. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Guardians of the Galaxy 2 gets seven and a half.

 

Fangirl points: Tommy Freaking Flanagan! George Harrison is on Awesome Mix Vol. II!!

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

In this remake of the classic 1960 oater of the same name (itself a Western remake of Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, The Seven Samurai), seven gunslingers join forces in order to protect a small town from a mining tycoon (Peter Sarsgaard) and his goons, who plan to seize the residents' land by force. The seven-man army is led by a mysterious bounty hunter (Denzel Washington), and also includes a sharp-witted gambler (Chris Pratt), a troubled ex-Civil War soldier (Ethan Hawke), a mountain man (Vincent D'Onofrio), an expert knife thrower (Byung-hun Lee), an outlaw (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and a Comanche warrior (Martin Sensmeier). Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day). ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun

Release Date: Sep 23, 2016

Rated PG-13

Runtime: 2 hr. 12 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

I’ll start by saying that I’ve never seen the original The Magnificent Seven film so I don’t have anything to compare it to.  The plot itself has been recycled multiple times so the story itself doesn’t hold much in the way of surprises.  Antoine Fuqua seems to know this so he tries his best to honor the classic westerns of yesteryear.  As such, you get plenty of scenic cinematography and high intensity shoot outs throughout.  Ultimately, the only way this film would maintain anyone’s interest would be because of the cast.  Denzel Washington holds the entire film together as the steely eyed bounty hunter.  The film is at it’s best during the first half as the team is assembled and we get a taste of each of the characters being assembled.  Some of which get more time than others but in the end you can tell the actors are just having a blast.  That keeps the film fun and interesting even as we start heading into very well worn territory in terms of story.  As such, The Magnificent Seven is an enjoyable bit of entertainment that could have used a tad bit more depth to make it truly standout.

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Magnificent Seven

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for one of my more anticipated offerings of 2016, Antoine Fuqua's remake of The Magnificent Seven. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

When a brutal robber baron tries to steal a town right out from under its inhabitants, the townsfolk turn to an eclectic band of gunslingers to defeat him. So, dear reader(s), you're tired of remakes and reboots and rehashes, right? I hear ya. Hollywood apparently doesn't, but I do. Scarred though you may be by lady Ghostbusters and a decidedly Michael Bay-ish Ben-Hur, I'm asking you to give this one a chance. Please. 

Throwing the universe's most watchable actor, Denzel Washington, into an ensemble picture is a bit like putting a perfect diamond on a CZ-tennis bracelet--no matter how good the rest is, it won't compare--but he does a masterful job of leading this pack without actively scene-stealing. 

His diverse group of not-so-merry men is uniformly fantastic, with Byung-hun Lee and the brilliant Vincent D'Onofrio nearly walking off with the movie. Gunfights are tightly-choreographed chaos, a delight to watch. The picture also boasts some majestic scenery and a lovely score by Simon Franglen and the late James Horner. 

Throughout, it feels like a throwback to the glory days of Hollywood westerns. Among The Magnificent Seven's relatively few weaknesses: It relies just a little to heavily on Chris Pratt's appeal, while criminally wasting the lovely Matt Bomer. 

Haley Bennett overacts like a madwoman at times. There are some weirdly obvious inaccuracies, like blindingly-white teeth all 'round, and a few prominently-placed prostitutes who more closely resemble 1980s video extras than anything from the wild west. The entire cast is sweat-shiny for the duration...except Denzel, who is cool as a cucumber until the very end. 

Also, the movie is occasionally so very traditional as to appear almost comical on today's cinema landscape. This remake defies many current cinema norms. Though a battle is the picture's primary focus, there are no bloated, never-ending fight scenes. The pace is deliberate, but the movie is never dull. There's surprisingly little graphic gore, despite a Game of Thrones-esque body count. 

The single female lead provides opportunities aplenty, yet she's never shoehorned into a romance with any of our heroes. Finally, this film is utterly disinterested in kicking off a franchise. Come on, reader(s), when was the last time you walked out of the theatre without feeling like you'd just been set up for the next sequel? 

The Magnificent Seven is a beautifully-filmed, epic western that features top-notch performances from some of today's best and most-loved actors. Simply put, movies like this are why I go to the movies. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Magnificent Seven gets eight. 

Until next time... 

MOVIE REVIEW: JURASSIC WORLD

Steven Spielberg returns to executive produce the long-awaited next installment of his groundbreaking Jurassic Park series, Jurassic World. Colin Trevorrow directs the epic action-adventure from a screenplay he wrote with Derek Connolly. Frank Marshall and Patrick Crowley join the team as producers.Jurassic World will be released in 3D by Universal Pictures on June 12, 2015.

Director: Colin Trevorrow 

Cast: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Vincent D'Onofrio, Ty Simpkins, Omar Sy.

Release Date: Jun 12, 2015

Rated PG-13 Intense Sci-Fi Violence and Peril 

Runtime: 2 hr. 4 min. 

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy 

Review:

Oh, yeah. Oooh, ahhh, that's how it always starts. Then later there's running and um, screaming. - Dr. Ian Malcolm The Lost World: Jurassic Park

That quote from the first sequel to Jurassic Park kept running through my mind as I was watching the 4^th entry into the franchise.  Colin Trevorrow’s entry is an impressive and enjoyable revamp of the original with plenty of call backs to keep most fans content. There’s plenty of spectacle to keep audiences entertained and its fun enough that you can gloss over some of the more glaring script issues.  The script issues are fairly obvious with broadly written characters and gender stereotypes that seem like they were written from another decade.  Most films would suffer terribly from these flaws but somehow Trevorrow keeps it all light and fun enough to keep things enjoyable.  It helps to have Chris Pratt as your leading man.  Pratt’s general likeability carries a large portion of the film even making Bryce Dallas Howard’s terribly written character bearable.  Howard has become one of my favorites as of late but even she can’t do much with the hackneyed character she saddled with.  The most impressive part of the character is her unbreakable high heels.  Thankfully, the dinosaur action is excellent and thoroughly enjoyable. We get a steady stream of large set pieces that builds to a rousing third act finale that’s sure to make fans giddy.

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Jurassic World

Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to see Jurassic World with everyone else in the known universe.
Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

The money-grubbing folks who run a dinosaur-themed attraction decide a genetically-engineered new species would be good for business. What could possibly go wrong?

Dear reader(s), I gather many of you are just a smidge unhappy with this latest Jurassic installment. I'm fairly giving points to the "too many remakes/reboots/sequels/prequels" club, but, otherwise, I found a lot to like.

Obviously, first we have DINOSAURS. They are big, they are scary, and--even in 2D--some of them feel a little close for comfort. I'm hearing complaints about "too much CGI" (people do realize there weren't any actual dinosaurs available, right?) and poor CGI, but it looked pretty solid to me. Jurassic World boasts some lovely scenery, filmed in glorious, sweeping shots, a true pleasure to watch from the very first frame. There's plenty of action, from nail-biting chase scenes to epic dino-battles, and, if the humor is predictable, it's also pretty funny.

The characters are formulaic and one-dimensional, but most (*most*) of them are enjoyable anyway. Chris Pratt is especially fun in the lead, as likable and easy to root for as ever. Unfortunately, his female counterpart, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, is one of the worst characters in recent memory, and her teary-eyed routine grows old very quickly.

The movie runs just a tad long, and a few of the dinosaurs look weirdly like Jar Jar Binks, but overall I have only petty quibbles.

Jurassic World runs 124 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril."

It may not measure up to that Jurassic fave from your childhood, but Jurassic World is a lot of fun in its own right.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Jurassic World gets seven.

Until next time...

Mmm...humans...

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Get On Up & Guardians of the Galaxy

Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to the pictures for Guardians of the Galaxy and some afterthought that dared turn up the same weekend as Guardians of the Galaxy.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on the docket was the afterthought, Get On Up.

Get On Up tells the story of James Brown's self-made rise from dirt-poor childhood to the Godfather of Soul.

Okey-dokey, readers: confession time...and this is an embarrassing one. I don't particularly care for James Brown. There, I said it. I respect the influence of his music on all the music I love, but I've never been a fan of the man himself. As such, my expectations for a movie full of music I don't like were middling at best.

If there's one thing Get On Up does have going for it, it's Chadwick Boseman, who follows up his stunning turn in 42 with an even more amazing performance...and some pretty terrific dance moves.

True Blood's Nelsan Ellis is especially noteworthy as Brown's best friend and longtime professional collaborator, Bobby Byrd, but, truly, the entire cast is well above average. The story is kind of a mess, but never dull. It's not told in linear fashion--beginning to middle to end--but rather jumps among various periods of Brown's life. The order is seemingly random, but the segueways are so flawless that, while I wouldn't say I precisely liked it, I will say it was effective.

I don't imagine it ever felt like there was much order in Brown's life for himself or those around him.

The movie also does a fair job of not painting Brown a saint just because he's: a.) talented, and b.) no longer with us. Then of course there's the music, LOTS of it. My understanding is Boseman lip-synched to actual James Brown recordings, and there were a couple times I felt it was a little obvious, especially having recently seen Jersey Boys, where numbers were performed live on set. If you like the music, you'll be a World Champion Chair Dancer by the end, but for me some of the numbers seemed to drag.

Get On Up clocks in at 138 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sexual content, drug use, some strong language, and violent situations." It was far more enjoyable than I anticipated, but still not the spiritual experience I expect from movies about music legends.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Get On Up gets six.

Next up was the movie the about which I (and the rest of the Internet) have been frantically abuzz for months now, Guardians of the Galaxy.

A ragtag bunch of villains-turned-heroes faces a foe set on mass destruction.

Admit it, reader(s), even if you aren't usually into superhero movies, you took one look at this trailer and were completely sold. The self-deprecating hero. The gun-toting raccoon. The green hottie. The humor. The tunes...oh, the TUNES!! The buzz has been so overwhelmingly positive for so long that, by the time showtime finally rolled around, I was a little nervous about a letdown. I needn't have worried.

There's a joke going around the Internet, something along the lines of DC Comics being all worried the world isn't ready for a solo female super-hero movie, but Marvel says, "Here's a talking raccoon."

I'm a DC girl myself, but Guardians of the Galaxy, to me, is everything Marvel does right.

The overall tone of Guardians is humorous. The movie never bogs down with backstory, yet it tells enough about each character that he's more than just the sum of his actions in this particular film.

Everyone is sympathetic to some degree...yes, even the raccoon. There's plenty of big, explosive action, yet none of those seemingly-endless scenes of run-on destruction. (Lookin' at you, Avengers and Man of Steel.)

The art and effects are beautiful and realistic. I'll happily be the latest in a long line to mention the soundtrack that's about to become the most-played thing on your iPod, filled with great 70s nuggets like 10CC's I'm Not in Love and The Runaways' Cherry Bomb.

Finally, each and every Guardian deserves credit for a solid performance full of heart and wit...though I still wonder who thought it was a good idea to give Bradley Cooper a role where we don't see his magnificent face.

Guardians of the Galaxy runs 121 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for some language." It is that very rare item that actually lives up to the hype.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Guardians of the Galaxy gets eight and a half.

Until next time...

 Karen Gillan + Zoe Saldana? Yes, please.

MOVIE REVIEW: GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

A group of interstellar outlaws team up to save the galaxy from a villain who seeks ultimate power in this comic book space adventure from Marvel Studios and director James Gunn (Slither, Super). ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Release Date: Aug 01, 2014

Rated R for some Language and Intense Sci-Fi Action/Violence 

Runtime: 2 hr. 2 min. 

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family

Director: James Gunn 

Cast: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Lee Pace, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Vin Diesel

Review:

Marvel has given us some fantastic even great films over the past decade or so, setting the bar pretty high for every new release.  Guardians of the Galaxy keeps up that trend by delivering an incredibly enjoyable sci-fi ride free of any overlapping story arch.  There’s a kinetic freedom in it right from the start capturing a perfect mix of epic fun that’s sure to become a life long memory for young children everywhere.  James Gunn turns out to be a perfect choice for this particular film since it takes advantage of all his talents, giving us a less vulgar Tarantino light version of the super hero movie.  His cast is equally impressive across the board with Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana, always more comfortable in sci-fi, leading the charge.  Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon and Vin Diesel’s Groot work so much better than expected, each leaving an indelible mark on the film.  Throw in a heftier dose of Michael Rooker than expected, never a bad thing, and you have one of the most enjoyable movie going experiences of the summer and probably one of the better superhero films of all time.

A

MOVIE REVIEW: THE LEGO MOVIE

A lowly Lego figure (voiced by Chris Pratt) joins a group intent on battling an evil force after a case of mistaken identity in this computer-generated comedy from the filmmakers behind Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs and co-director Chris McKay (Robot Chicken). Will Arnett co-stars as the voice of Batman, who along with Superman, make appearances in the Warner Bros. picture. Elizabeth Banks, Morgan Freeman, Will Ferrell, Liam Neeson, and Alison Brie head up the rest of the voice cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller

Cast: Chris Pratt, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman

Release Date: Feb 07, 2014

Rated PG for Rude Humor and Mild Action

Runtime: 1 hr. 35 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Animated, Comedy

Review:

The Lego Movie is quite an accomplishment. It is an hour and half commercial for the product which shouldn’t come as a surprise but it’s also an absurdly clever, well written and exceedingly enjoyable throughout. The script and plot will keep parents and children entertained for the entire runtime. The animation itself is wonderful, giving us the look of claymation even though it’s all computer generated. It’s a dizzying visual feast which will keep your eyes glued to the screen. The voice cast all deliver wonderful work. Each of them sounds like they are just having a blast working on the film. Morgan Freeman in particular is just a riot as he delivers some of the film’s best lines along with Will Arnett. There are a handful of wonderful cameos of all kind in the film so giving anything away would spoil the fun. The Lego Movie is one of the best animated films I’ve seen and I hope future entries maintain the same level of quality.

A