MOVIE REVIEW: LOGAN

In a hideout near the U.S./Mexico border, an aging Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for the ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart). However, their sheltered existence comes to a sudden end when a young mutant girl (Dafne Keen) arrives and needs their help to stay safe. James Mangold directed this film, the third Wolverine-based spin-off of the X-Men franchise. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: James Mangold

Cast: Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Stephen Merchant, Richard E. Grant, Eriq La Salle

Release Date: Mar 03, 2017

Rated R for Language Throughout, Brief Nudity and Strong Brutal Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 15 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Logan is one of the rare comic book movies that works on multiple levels.  James Mangold and Huge Jackman had a big task ahead of them trying to give fans the kind of send off that the character deserves.  Both seemed to have a great affinity for the character and it shows onscreen.  Mangold delivers a somber dour film that’s as exciting as it’s moving.  There’s an added depth to the character that gives Jackman more to work with than he’s had in previous solo films.  As such, it’s a meatier more well rounded performance even though the basic story of child and guardian is well worn.  Patrick Stewart also delivers an excellent performance as aged Professor X.  Stewart is clearly having a grand time in the role since the script gives him something different to do than just sit in the wheelchair and look stately.  Dafne Keen is a revelation as X-23.  Keen is able to deliver an impressive performance even though it’s mostly done with limited dialogue.  It’s a pivotal character and if the child actor wasn’t as strong, the film wouldn’t have been as good as it ended up being.  Logan is a strong film but it does drag in a few spots.  Certain sections feel like they could have been cut all together making the film a sleeker and better film.  Even with those issues, Logan finally nails the heart of the character which is a perfect way to end Jackman’s tenure in the role.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Logan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Hugh Jackman's final turn with the super sideburns, Logan.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, mostly nothing you wouldn't get from trailers and clips.

 

A jaded, aging Logan is drawn from hiding to help a young mutant being pursued by some nasty characters.

 

Logan is a somber affair whose tone reflects its tired hero. This Logan isn't interested in saving the world, he's just trying to get by and get out. Action is plentiful, well-choreographed, and brutal, with decapitations and dismemberments aplenty. Do take that "R" rating seriously and leave the kids at home; graphic violence and bad language are pervasive. Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, and newcomer Dafne Keen turn in lovely performances that would not seem out of place on 2017's awards circuit, though timing and genre will probably leave them forgotten. The film suffers from its bloated runtime and tends to drag here and there. A trim would have worked in its favor, but otherwise, Logan is a superhero movie that's more than good enough to get away with taking itself so seriously. 

 

Logan clocks in at 137 minutes and is rated R for "strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity."

 

It's not quite The Dark Knight or Captain America: The Winter Soldier, but Logan is definitely one for the ages. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Logan gets eight.

 

Fangirl points: Stephen Merchant! Richard E. Grant!

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of X-Men: Days of Future Past

Dearest Blog, today it was off to the cinema in the hope that X-Men: Days of Future Past would live up the hype. I am pleased to report I was not disappointed.

Spoiler level here will be mild, limited to one very specific, non plot-related...um..."asset" that I must mention.

Logan travels to the past to try to change history and avoid a terrible fate for mutants and humans.

Well, dear Blog, whenever the 70s are in play, one thing's for sure: the fashion is going to be good for laughs, whether intentional or not. While Days of Future Past doesn't go full American Hustle, it's fair to say the ascot is not Michael Fassbender's best look.

I love the cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past like I've loved few others. Were I to make a bullet list of the acting awesomeness, we'd be here all night. Suffice to say everyone is just great, and it's worth mentioning that Evan Peters--who is routinely terrific in American Horror Story--is every bit as good as his better-known castmates in his sadly limited screen time.

With its wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey plot, Days of Future Past could have ended up a convoluted mess, but instead it's handled expertly, a clever story that never bogs down. If the movie feels a little too long, I can't say there was so much as a minute I wasn't engaged. The effects are solid and--yes!!--we do get one (1) "pants optional" scene with the ever-fit Mr. Jackman. (The movie gods have heard my prayers!) If I had one complaint, it's that I kinda feel like what's the point of anything happening if you can just go back and make it un-happen, or what we'll call "The Heroes Effect."

That sounds like a pretty huge problem, but it diminishes my enthusiasm for neither the film nor the franchise.

I did not see this in 3D, and I can't say I felt like I was missing anything.

X-Men: Days of Future Past clocks in at 131 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity, and language."

X-Men: Days of Future Past gets full marks for writing, acting, directing, and effects, and a few small quibbles won't stop me from calling it a truly great movie.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, X-Men: Days of Future Past gets eight.

Until next time...

Your argument is invalid.

MOVIE REVIEW: X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

Convinced that mutants pose a threat to humanity, Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) develops the Sentinels, enormous robotic weapons that can detect a mutant gene and zero in on that person. In the 21st century, the Sentinels have evolved into highly efficient killing machines. With mutants now facing extinction, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) volunteers to go back in time and rally the X-Men of the past to help change a pivotal moment in history and thereby save their future.

Director: Bryan Singer 

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen.

Release Date: May 23, 2014

Runtime: 2 hr. 11 min. 

Genres: Sci-Fi Action, Superhero Film, Action, Fantasy

Review:

All in all I don’t think I’d be too far off base by saying that X-Men: Days of Future Past was probably more challenging endeavor than assembling The Avengers.  Thankfully Bryan Singer is back in the drivers seat along with an incredibly strong script which works surprisingly well even with the all the characters and timelines at play.  Singer’s ability to weave complex storylines while keeping the story’s heart is his gift to the series.  Watching him build this epic story will leave most fans even more bitter that he choose Superman Returns over the third X-men film.  Everything about the story is huge and the action set pieces are simply dazzling with the film rarely faltering during its 2 hour runtime.  James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence are all in fine form.  They’re all much more comfortable in the characters skin bringing even more depth and meaning to each of them.  Hugh Jackman also gives us his best turn as Wolverine since X-2.  The original cast gets their moments to shine even if some of the new characters mostly serve as superhero fodder with the exception of Evans Peters Quicksilver who’s gone from the film far too quickly.  X-Men: Days of Future Past was probably one of the most anticipated film on this years calendar and is a rare example of a film delivering in spades.

A-

[Full Trailer] X-Men: Days of Future Past

The full trailer of the upcoming X-men: Days of Future Past really gives a peek at the scale of the spectacle that’s going to be on full display.  The trailer is quite impressive since it gives us a better look at the story and sentinels both past and future models along with plenty of hero shots. 

My expectations are pretty high, hopefully it delivers….

[Trailer] X-Men: Days of Future Past

That nerd screech you heard earlier today was just a normal reaction to the next big comic book movie on the horizon. After being revitalized by prequel/reboot X-Men: First Class, the franchise suddenly had some interesting avenues it could explore but most were surprised when it was announced they’d tackle the legendary Days of Future Past storyline helmed by Bryan Singer and mixing the old cast with the new one.

Personally, I think this might be a more daunting task than The Avengers because of how established the characters are in the old and new iterations. This first trailer gives us a glimpse into the ominous storyline with plenty of glimpse at the returning cast members, more so than the more recent incarnations. It’s not heavy on effects, most aren’t ready, which actually benefits the trailer getting me even more intrigued, check it out below…

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CAPTAINS

ON DVD / NETFLIX STREAMING

THE CAPTAINS



The Captains is a feature length documentary film written and directed by William Shatner. The film follows Shatner as he interviews the other actors whom have portrayed Starship captains within the illustrious science-fiction franchise.

Directed by William Shatner.

Starring: William Shatner, Patrick Stewart, Avery Brooks, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula, Chris Pine

Runtime: 97 min

Genres: Documentary

The Captains is the kind of documentary that’s required viewing for Trek fans like me. Your enjoyment of it may depend on how much you enjoyed William Shatner. Shatner directs and produces this insightful and occasionally emotional peek at the actors that have occupied the captain’s chair in Star Trek’s various iterations. While the documentary is supposed to be about the actors, Shatner never allows the spotlight to shine to far from him. Shatner as an interviewer is always interesting to see as he can be funny and terribly self aware while being incredibly self-centered. Personally, I found him enjoyable as he listens to various anecdotes from Patrick Stewart, Avery Brook, Kate Mulgrew, Scott Bakula and Chris Pine. Shatner covers a wide range of topics mostly from the actors point of view, so those expecting deep musings into Trek story lines will be disappointed. Those who have interest in what it like as an actor to deal with a franchise will find lots to enjoy. Thing get very personal when the subject of divorce and family comes up, giving the film an unexpected emotional kick. The Captains is a Shatner production through and through, albeit a very personal one, but excellent viewing for any fan who’s interested in the people behind the characters.

B