Fox's The Greatest Showman: Passionate and Top-Notch

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In a major step away from his usual action film roles, Hugh Jackman managed to move me to tears of joy in his role as entertaining legend P.T. Barnum. With a fascinating cast and musical numbers, Twentieth Century Fox's The Greatest Showman was a dynamic production to see as the year 2017 draws to a close. The film basically chronicles Barnum's plan to create the greatest show on Earth. Through support of his wife (Michelle Williams) and children and playwright Philip Carlyle (Zac Efron), he is able to defy protesters and negativity of critics to put on a circus that will push audiences out of their comfort zone and become satisfied throughout the country.  Their undying love for entertainment and breaking down societal issues is what makes them interesting for all to see. The rest of the cast includes famous singer Zendaya Coleman (we know as simply "Zendaya") and Swedish actress Rebecca Ferguson from Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation. The musical soundtrack was beautifully sung, the most moving for me were "A Million Dreams", "Rewrite the Stars" ,"From Now On", and "This Is Me" by Keala Settle.
I never saw the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus growing up, and after seeing the film,
part of me regrets it. Nevertheless, it was a fantastic artistic creation to see with my mother.

Jumanji Was Inviting and Humorous

Director Jake Kasdan put in his best effort in rebooting 1995's Jumanji film into Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. By using an intensifying jungle setting, excessive comedic moments, useful props,  an astounding score by Henry Jackman, and an overall great tribute to the original film, this was a awe-inspiring film to see during the holiday season.
Distributed by Columbia Pictures, this motion picture was very much similar to the Tristar movie from over twenty years ago, starring Robin Williams, may he rest in peace. The original Jumanji board game was recreated into a  video game cartridge. In 1996, young teenager Alex Vreeke is sucked into the video game accidentally. Twenty years later, five high school students serving detention play the game and get sworn in to the game world themselves, complete with feral wildlife, helicopters, and everything thrilling and destructive. After taking the forms of their avatars, it is up to these youths to put aside their egos and work together to fend off a big-game hunter, save the cursed jungle, and return to the real world before it is too late.
With a sensational cast consisting Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan, audiences will have something to laugh at and make them feel enlivened.

Coco Is Exhilarating and Fun For the Whole Family

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Coco was an excellent production by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Pixar. With an all-star cast, upbeat music, extravagantly colorful animation, and a very heartwarming concept of family, it is a very powerful film for families and individuals to see. The plot surrounds a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera who aspires to be a musician. What stands between him and his desires are a belief  by his family that music is a curse and should be banned. But through an accidental visit to the Land of the Dead on the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, Miguel understands that one should never forget his or her family no matter what. 

Through watching this cinematic piece, I have once again been told to be thankful for my family this Thursday. I have many ambitions, but none I'd be inspired to pursue without them and their blessings. By showing respect to Mexican culture and doing what they do best, Pixar has made Coco exciting and touching for audiences.

Justice League Really Brought the Justice!

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Zack Snyder really put in his best effort in the fifth edition to the DCEU. Justice League was an excellent film reprising some roles from previous DC Comics films with some new ones to perform a great combination of humor, visual effects, and action. Starring Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher and Jason Momoa, it had such raw power, touching moments, and a great representation of diversity and teamwork.
After the supposed death of Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman, Bruce Wayne/Batman and Diana Prince/Wonder Woman summon Barry Allen/The Flash, Victor Stone/Cyborg, and Arthur Curry/Aquaman to unite against the threat of world domination posed by Steppenwolf. Steppenwolf plans to dominate the Earth with the unification of three Mother Boxes. By resurrecting Superman and combining their extraordinary abilities, metahuman or not, the Justice League shall show themselves ready to save mankind.
I loved the  film's moments of  comedy, philosophies of what it means to be human or heroic, and occasional surprises. There  is hope that we  will see  them again in 2-3 years, but until then, go see Justice League. They are a team that overcomes their differences when we need them most. Overall, the film was  an awesome, thrilling piece.

Thor: Ragnarok- Thunderous and Hilarious!

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Chris Hemsworth really brought the thunder for the 3rd film in the Thor media franchise! With spectacular special effects, excessive humor, and ferocious fight sequences, Thor: Ragnarok was another excellent feat by Marvel Studios this year!

Thor: Ragnarok revolves around the fall of Asgard through the arrival of Odin's (Anthony Hopkins) first-born daughter Hela (Cate Blanchett). Once Odin finally passes, it is up to Thor and his nemesis and adoptive brother Loki (Tom Hiddleston) to save what is left of their people. With assistance from estranged Avenger Bruce Banner/Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), hard-drinking lone warrior Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), and a slew of other quick-witted, comedic, and alien-like beings, Thor has a chance to conserve his father's legacy and save the world! Definitely an excellent direction by Taika Waititi.

Moving, Marvelous, Magnificent- The 3 M's of Marshall

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"We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better", quote courtesy of thurgoodmarshall.com

Chadwick Boseman really brought honor to the famed first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall in this direction by Reginald Hudlin! Marshall really was an excellent film to see! Boseman played the role well because in this depiction, I saw a man who crossed bias and other racial differences to proclaim the innocence of a falsely accused man in front of a disrespectful courtroom in Connecticut. I think either Boseman or Hudlin has an NAACP Image and an Academy Award nomination ahead of them.
As for Josh Gad, I loved how his character Sam Friedman overcame two challenges. First, Friedman was an insurance lawyer before working with Marshall. The whole case was bigger than him. Second, some people beat him up because he was working with an African-American, who some people think were corrupting things for the whites. Judging by the fact that he helped win the case, he fought back. In the end, a victory came for the two! He was a formidable co-star. 

The case surrounding the film was an African-American man named Joseph Spell, played by Sterling K. Brown, was accused of rape and attempted murder towards a white woman named Eleanor Strubing, played by Kate Hudson. Spell, a dishonorably discharged soldier, worked as a chauffeur for the wealthy Strubings. He repeatedly says he didn't do rape her and toss her in a reservoir to try to bring her demise, and many of the racist whites say he was lying under oath.
 Marshall and Friedman eventually discover the shocking truth. He did NOT rape her, but tried to comfort her when she was being abused by her husband. They almost got caught and tried to escape. But, they were stopped by the police during the rush, and after the policeman went away, Strubing scratched Spell and jumped off to escape the trauma, and had him accused. He was found not guilty. Marshall and Friedman's long battle paid off!
What could be taken away from this film is that we must be civil to one another, not abuse our loved ones in any way, be faithful, and not judge someone for their skin color or who they are as a whole. These events haven't been brought to me in my life, and I pray it doesn't happen to any one of you. If it is, watch a movie like this, stand up, speak up, talk to whoever your God is, and do what Thurgood Marshall did and fight for your freedom!
To reiterate, Thurgood Marshall said, "We must dissent because America can do better, because America has no choice but to do better." That means we need to keep driving hard until we accomplish our goals. It was hard for them to help Spell because of the pressure of keeping an oath and not everyone believed in Civil rights in the 1940s, but they did not cease. They did better because they had to!
10/10! For those of you who want to see a man who rose to prominence in a law career before the Civil Rights era and contributed to making civil rights known, come and see Reginald Hudlin's Marshall!

The Lego Ninjago Movie Was Animated and Epic

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Lego and Warner Brothers have done it again. Their third collaboration, The Lego Ninjago Movie was an excellent combination of live-action, animation, and action. Starring an excellent ensemble voice cast ranging from Dave Franco to martial artist acting legend Jackie Chan, this is truly a great movie for family and friends to go and watch. In the film, Lloyd Garmadon (Franco) and his friends form a ninja team designated to protect the city of Ninjago from the threats of tyrant  and Lloyd's father, Lord Garmadon (voiced by Justin Theroux). Only through traveling through a dangerous jungle and navigating life one brick and ninja blade at a time can they find the ninja warriors within themselves and bring peace to their homeland.
Great music by Mark Mothersbaugh, comedic effect, and wonderful computer-generated imagery add to the awesomeness that lies in this great adventure based on the original toy line created by the famous Lego company.

The Kingsman are The Kings of Action!

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After seeing X-Men: First Class and the first Kingsman movie, Matthew Vaughn has directed another amazing action film. It was so great to see the spy forces of United Kingdom and United States work together in this movie. With a wonderful reprisal of Colin Firth, Taron Edgerton, and Mark Strong, along with a new addition of Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Halle Berry, Jeff Bridges and even the great Elton John, Kingsman: The Golden Circle was a combination of explosions, blasting 20th century music, and bashful fight sequences. Now a Kingsman agent, Eggsy (Edgerton) must reunite with his old mentor Harry Hart (Firth) and work with America to save the world from a diobolical plan by an elusive drug lord (Julianne Moore).
I think someone deserves an Oscar, MTV or Empire Award in here. If you like people who get the girls, beat the bad guys, save the world, or any one of the above, then you can find all that in this piece by Matthew Vaughn.

Dunkirk: A Moving Direction by Christopher Nolan

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While it was difficult to grasp its nonlinear narrative, Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk was an excellent war drama film. Using wonderful scoring by frequent collaborator Hans Zimmer, well-organized editing by Lee Smith, and a great ensemble cast, it truly was a fight to the finish. Discoursed through different perspectives, the film depicts the Dunkirk evacuation in France during World War II. Through all perspectives, it shows that many Allied soldiers will risk it all to survive against German enemies and return home heroes.
The film should be commended for the retelling of how brave young men went on a perilous journey to make it past one of the world's darkest weeks.When we look beyond the small amount of cast members and not too much dialogue, we can see a film that shows true emotion and devotion to achieving victory. What should also be noted is this is the film debut of One Direction's Harry Styles, along with some of Nolan's usual comrades such as Tom Hardy or Cillian Murphy. Smith and Zimmer should be commended for helping Nolan put this film's war story together through music and different combination of fighting and positive scenes, such as when some men survive the battle in the skies or seas. Dunkirk was, once again, a fight to the finish.

Atomic Blonde: A Stimulating Ride

Charlize Theron shows elusiveness and vigilance in this 1980's-themed thriller! Nonstop action, flashy supporting cast, and shocking beginning and endings show that she's definitely the whole package in this all-star summer film!

Spider-Man: Homecoming: Swung Into a Web of Terrific

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Spider-Man: Homecoming was literally a swing into summer excellence! Tom Holland reprised his role as the long-time Marvel superhero with comic relief and power and it was amazing and spectacular in every sense of the word! The film revolves around Peter Parker trying to balance his high school responsibilities, smile trying to save New York as friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. It doesn't take more than grappling with Adrian Toomes and many other weapons dealing criminals, while also trying to prove himself to Tony Stark, for him to shoot webs at every corruption that comes between Parker's friends and family and save the day. It was a very creative and influential summer movie and I can't wait to see what Tom Holland has to offer next year.

Transformers: The Last Knight: Mechanic, Smashing, and Worth It

While many may not agree with Michael Bay's work, I found Transformers: The Last Knight is actually an amazing summer action film. I think of this as a Mark Wahlberg movie for everyone to see this month! It has its twists and turns, but it'll knock you out of your seat and into excitement!
The Last Knight basically continues with more new additions to the cast, and resumes the story that came at the end of Age of Extinction. Optimus Prime heads into space to find whatever is left of the Autobots' history, while a new threat emerges on Earth yet again, and only a truce between the humans and robots can save the planet. If you want stylized action, an excellent battle over good vs. evil, and just a good reason to get out of the house, this might by the film for you.

Despicable Me 3: 3 Times the Laughter

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Despicable Me 3 was another well-intended feat by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment. Gru (Steve Carell) goes up against Balthazar Bratt (Trey Parker, Co creator of South Park), while taking the family to reconcile with his long-lost twin brother, Dru (also Carell). Let's also not forget the amusing power of the Minions.
Combining computer animation with a heartwarming image of family, action, and comedy, and popular music by the respected Pharrell Williams, this movie shows that the cast and crew of Despicable Me have not lost their touch and keep making things laughable. I would completely recommend this film.

Cars 3 Rocked the Road

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With numerous new characters, previously unused footage, excellent soundtrack, and a heartwarming message about not giving up, Disney/Pixar's Cars 3 truly brings a rush for the audience like racing should! In this film, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) is under the threat of being put out of racing entirely when a generation of high- tech race cars come onto the track, led by Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer). But like Rocky after losing to Clubber Lang, through retraining and getting back the ferocity and energy he always had in him, McQueen can show that he's no washed-up racer, but someone who will not quit on what he loves.
The crew of the Cars franchise did a major improvement on this one. This time, it's not all about being the fastest, it's about who's taking the lap. It was filled with adrenaline and passion and I was very happy to see most of the original cast again. 9/10

'Wonder Woman': Great Example of a Woman's Power

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10/10. Gal Gadot showed agility and excellence for womanhood in this DC Extended Universe film. Through adventure, bravery, and courage, the ABCs of a superhero, in my opinion, Wonder Woman was an excellent example of one of the first superheroines. Set long before the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Diana, Princess of Themyscira (Gadot), leaves home and joins forces with Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) to save the world from a threat that is worsening: World War I. All the while, she learns what it means to be human and takes on the courageous role of a superhero as Wonder Woman. With the song "To Be Human" performed by Sia, a thriving score by Rupert Gregson-Williams, and a great selection of cast members ranging from Danny Huston to David Thewlis, Wonder Woman will leave audiences feeling, in a word, wondrous. 

Baywatch Was Summertime Fun

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9/10 overall. While combining major action scenes with amazing beach babes and a happy ending for most of the main male and female characters, Baywatch was an overall sensation and great way to kick off the summer with Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron! In this adaptation of the NBC-turned-syndicated television series, Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) leads an elite team of lifeguards of a Florida beach (Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Jon Bass, Kelly Rohrbach, and Ilfenesh Hadera) to try and save their beach from being closed down and under the control of a corrupt businesswoman running a secret drug ring (Priyanka Chopra).
By filming intense rescue scenes, wild partying, and occasional explosions, the cast and crew of Baywatch proved that excitement comes from being on land and watching and protecting citizens from any dangers in the sea. It was summertime excellence in almost every kind of way they could put it, and I was grateful to see it.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Bigger, but As Great As the First

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was an excellent combination of action, humor, and entertainment for me today. The film revolves around Peter Quill/ Star-Lord continuing to discover his heritage, while a mutinous group of Ravagers and an ensemble of bounty hunters, royals, and other aliens come to wreak havoc across the Cosmos.
With amazing visual effects, an all cast of reprisals and new additions, classic rock and pop music, and a great piece of direction courtesy of one James Gunn, it was bigger and just enough to match the first Guardians film 3 years ago. A- for all the performance. Marvel, keep up the good work.

The Fate of The Furious: Hard Without Paul, but Still Fast and Superb

The Fate of The Furious was an excellent eighth edition to the fast-paced and furious-fueled franchise. Vin Diesel and Dwayne Johnson led an amazing ensemble cast, the explosions were lethal, the plot and technology blew my mind, the jokes were comical, this franchise truly HAS gone fast for 16 years, and this time, a cyberterrorist named Cipher (Charlize Theron) comes into Dom's (Diesel) civil life and coerces him into betraying his family on a threat that will plunge the world into darkness. But, his family will not stand for this and will bring back the Dominic Toretto they know and we love.
Sill, it wasn't that easy to watch a film without Paul Walker as Brian O'Conner, but I loved watching it anyway. I can't wait for who knows what comes next for the crew!

Logan Made A Grand Ending for Wolverine

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Logan was a spectacular yet tragic ending for Hugh Jackman's 17 years as Wolverine. Even with Professor X, he's still confronting his own demons and finding what it truly means to be an immortal hero. Combined with all the language, violence, and drama, Logan is an action-packed, shock-and-awe, kind of movie, and I love it.

Set long after X-Men: Days of Future Past, Logan is now older, weary, and his adamantium is poisoning his body, leading him to finally wither and pass away. But, he must bring back the fight for one final time when enemies from his past come to attack him, an older Professor Xavier, and what may be left of the mutants. While trying to savor his health, he must also deal with the needs of a clone of his (Dafne Keen).
With robust action, excellent new casting additions, effective makeup and visuals, and a superb score by Marco Beltrami, this film really brought a fitting ending for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. 

The Lego Batman Movie: Flying with Gold Stars

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The Lego Batman Movie deserves a 4/4 star rating. In this spinoff of The Lego Movie, Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) is still a major crime-fighter, but doesn't know how to be a part of a team or even a family. But, it takes a village, not just a Batman, to save Gotham City from the evil, creepy-smiling Joker (voiced by Zach Galifianakis). And maybe his butler, Alfred (Ralph Fiennes), adoptive son and sidekick Robin (Michael Cera), and Barbara Gordon (Rosario Dawson) can teach him a thing or two about not flying solo anymore. Combining elements of family, comedy, and taking down bad guys brick by brick, Batman truly HAS aged phenomenally! Can't wait for a sequel!

xXx: The Return of Xander Cage: X-Treme and Xtra Cool

I'd say that Vin Diesel sure had his share of thrills bringing Xander Cage back after 15 years in this movie. After years of hiding out, Cage (Diesel) was finally found and recruited by the government to help stop a device that controls satellites to crash-land in any part of the planet. He does this with the most extreme team ever. All that action, stunts, and lovely women by his side, it was great to spend my 19th birthday watching this one. This'll be one great movie to bring up to him on his 50th birthday this year!

Monster Trucks: Friendly and Free

Monster Trucks was like How to Train Your Dragon; a teenager sought to change his whole future by befriending an unseen creature who could be his one-way to ticket to fame! High-school student Tripp (Lucas Till, X-Men: First Class) befriends a squid-like creature he dubs, "Creech", and hides him under his truck to save him from the authorities. Through visual effects and a great set of co-stars, Lucas Till sure rides wild and free in this animated feature directed by Chris Wedge of Ice Age!

Hidden Figures Showed Unbroken Spirit

I saw Hidden Figures yesterday, and I was astounded! To watch these three women defy every aspect racial, scientific, and personal, was really worth it!

Moana: Bright and Beautiful

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Moana was a comedic and musical thrill produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios. In this film, Moana (Auli'i Cravalho) is the daughter of the chief of Motunui, a Polynesian village that is low on food supply and medical options. She sails off to bring the once-beautiful life back to her home, encountering dangerous marine life and the shape-shifting demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) in the process. Moana showed that a young teenager had no fear in bringing lost honor back to her land, confronting gods and everything bigger than her, and she was a very bold heroine. The film had a bright and lovely landscape, perfect animation and styling, and an encouraging musical number, with songs by famed playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda and Opetaia Foa'i. For my favorite songs of the soundtrack, I'm going to go with "How Far I'll Go" and "You're Welcome". I encourage audiences to see Moana, where the main characters can teach a thing or two about standing up for yourself, your family, and your entire community

Rogue One Was a Stand-Alone That Stood Strong

Rogue One was an excellent movie to add to the ever-growing Star Wars saga. Set before Episode IV: A New Hope, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) leads a group of rebels to prevent construction of the Death Star, and ends up going on a collision course with diabolical Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn).  While it is a little frustrating to keep up with the timelines and cast sometimes, it is a thrill to see all that science fiction, action, and definition of fate jammed into over two hours of cinematic excellence! Michael Giacchino also did another great scoring when he conducted the music for Rogue One. Keep up the acclaimed work, Disney. It was astonishing to see Jyn go through so much drama when she was a child, but it was relishing to see her overcome her past to attempt to preserve a better future for her and the galaxy. And Carrie Fisher shall rest in peace knowing she was loved as Princess Leia. And I don't consider her a "Princess" Princess; she has never received an army of suitors, not carried around like royalty, and really packs a punch!
May The Force Be With Everyone Who Completed This Film.