Bumblebee Gave Transformers A Fresh Restart

Official Poster of "Bumblebee" starring Haille Steinfeld and John Cena. Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

While I have liked seeing the Autobots overcome the Decepticons, it recently hit me that the story had lost some of its spark. But, the "Transformers" franchise made a fresh restart in the form of "Bumblebee". With its numerous 1980s-era pop culture references, an emotional and invigorating performance by Hailee Steinfeld, and packs of action, "Bumblebee" may be the inventiveness to bring the Transformers films back to light.

Taking place in 1987, Autobot B-127 (voiced by Dylan O'Brien) crash lands on planet Earth after a war with the Decepticons consumes his home planet, Cybertron. Once he loses his memory and vocal processor, he befriends rebellious teenager Charlie Watson played by Hailee Steinfeld. But the friendship between human and machine is threatened by a paranoid government agent, Jack Burns, played by John Cena, and two Decepticons, Shatter and Dropkick, voiced by Angela Bassett and Justin Theroux, all bent on apprehending him. By allying with Charlie and her neighbor Memo (played by Jorge Lendeborg Jr.), B-127, renamed "Bumblebee" can prove he's not a hostile invader, save his new home, and ensure the survival of the Autobot race.

Bumbleee (right) is making first contact with Charlie Watson (left), played by Hailee Steinfeld. Photo courtesy of imdb.com

One way "Bumblebee" stood out was by having a more emotional story instead of one all about science fiction. Before he transformed into her life, Charlie was still traumatized by her father's death, withdrawn from her mother, brother, and stepfather, and ridiculed by shallow bullies from school. Bumblebee was struggling to figure out how to blend into society without causing destruction, recover his memory, and see if he has what it takes to be heroic to the misunderstood humans. But, they felt more alive through their daily interactions, knowing they were better than what bullies or mistrusting authority figures said. I loved seeing that; it reminded me of "The Iron Giant". This was probably the ultimate connection between human and robot established in the franchise.

Not only "The Iron Giant', but certain moments of the film remind me of "Star Wars" and "Man of Steel". Just as Darth Vader called Princess Leia a traitor to the Galactic Empire, Bumblebee is seen as a traitor by the Decepticons for not wanting to build a stronger Cybertron, probably where evil reigned supreme over inferior would-be heroes. When Superman chose to side with and protect the humans over making a newer Krypton, Zod vowed to annihilate him. That similarity goes with Bumblebee as he refused to be a part of his opponents' malevolent attitude, didn't see every innocent life as a criminal ready to attack him, and would fight Shatter and Dropkick to the end of the line.      In addition to Steinfeld and Bumblee, I appreciated the performances by Cena and Bassett, Cena's role as Agent Burns was similar to Kent Mansley from "The Iron Giant". But it was great that he overcome his distrustful focus on Bumblebee and saw him for the valiant protagonist he really is. It was hilarious when he was caught off-guard by Bumblebee's weapons.
From what I heard, Bassett's role of Shatter was made in a sarcastic tone and her character was shown in a charismatic manner. What was charismatic about Shatter was when she tried to present herself as an ally to the humans to arrest Bumblebee, when she was using them to get more Decepticons to wreak havoc on Earth. Regardless, Bassett's acting was interesting to hear.
I loved seeing the film's numerous 80s pop culture references. A very funny time came when Bumblebee raised his fist in victory like Judd Nelson at the end of "The Breakfast Club"(1985). A combination of her rebellious behavior, different hairstyle, and frequent T-shirts of bands like The Smiths made Steinfeld's character look like a punk rock kind-of teenager. 
After his first directing with Laika's "Kubo and the Two Strings", I think Travis Knight made a very lasting impression directing this film. By including touching chemistry between Steinfeld and O'Brien's characters, a great emotional story behind them, and a thrilling inclusion of action to tell it, "Bumblebee" may give Paramount and Transformers the jump start to move back up in the fast lane of filming. If you want a good fight and nonstop jokes, "Bumblebee" may be the film for you.    

You'll Laugh Out Loud with "Ralph Breaks the Internet"

“Ralph Breaks the Internet” movie poster. Photo courtesy of movies.disney.com

I was filled with laughter and admiration when I saw “Ralph Breaks the Internet”. The film was abundant in laughter, great reprisals from the original film mixed with new ones, and a vivacious score by Henry Jackman. While the main character may have broken the Internet, he has built up my enthusiasm.

Throughout the film, I really appreciated the chemistry between John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman’s characters of Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope von Schweetz, respectively. To me, their friendship challenges make them stronger than any fancy Internet excitement viewers can find.
Following their victory against the Cy-Bug invasion, Ralph (voiced by Reilly) and Vanellope (voiced by Silverman) are troubled with how to live in and out of the game world, their days becoming plain and less exciting. That all changes when Mr. Litwak (voiced by Ed O’Neill) plugs in a Wi-Fi router at their arcade, and from eBay to Google, the two travel across cyberspace looking for adventure. Even if it may tear them apart, the introduction of racer Shank (voiced by Gal Gadot) and algorithm Yesss (voiced by Taraji P. Henson) may give them just the refreshing boost they need. 

Photo of the video game character Shank (voiced by Gal Gadot) in “Slaughter Race”. Courtesy of collider.com

 

Photo of Wreck-It Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) (left), Yesss (voiced by Taraji P. Henson) (center), and Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman) (right). Courtesy of comicbook.com. 

Now, let’s talk about the music. Henry Jackman’s second time scoring was excellent by combining traditional action and melancholy themes with electronic arcade music. Two great songs were “A Place Called Slaughter Race”, sung by Silverman and Gadot, and “Zero”, sung by Imagine Dragons during the end credits.
A third supplement to the humor were references to past and present Disney popular culture. By that, I mean inclusion of Disney Princesses, Marvel, and Star Wars to name a few.

Finally, with vibrant sorts of colors and animation techniques, directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston made an impressive rendering of the Internet in the film.

Positives aside, there are two things that the directors could have done better. Ralph could have been raised to hero status given the sacrifices he made six years prior. And they could have made bigger roles for Fix-It Felix, Jr. (voiced by Jack McBrayer) and Sergeant Calhoun (voiced by Jane Lynch), because maybe they could use more Internet fame and help Ralph mature better.

To be concluded, “Ralph Breaks the Internet” was a picturesque sequel to the original “Wreck-It Ralph”. With a top-notch ensemble voice cast, heartwarming messages about dreams and friendship, sensational animation, and piquant music, it will truly make you and other audiences laugh out loud. If you want to LOL at more of Disney’s works, go out and watch “Ralph Breaks the Internet”.

Creed II Brought Back the Eye of the Tiger

Photo of Sylvester Stallone and Michael B. Jordan as Rocky Balboa and Adonis Creed, respectively.
Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures

"Creed II" brings back familiar elements from the previous "Rocky" films. While it is more predictable than original, it allowed the main character, Adonis Creed, to mature and bring back the eye of the tiger that hasn't been seen in a long time. With a surprising story and the right cast to tell it, "Creed II" went the distance of entertainment and succeeded.

After battling and earning the respect of "Pretty" Ricky Conlan, Adonis Creed (played by Michael B. Jordan) has risen to the world heavyweight championship. But it's time for him to preserve his title, in and out of the ring, against Viktor Drago (played by Florian Munteanu), son of Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lungdren), the man who beat his father to death in 1985. Through his trainer, Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone), secondary trainer, Tony "Little Duke" Evers (played by Wood Harris), and his girlfriend Bianca Taylor (played by Tessa Thompson), Adonis will overcome the conflict with the Dragos and rewrite the history upon his family name.

Photo of Viktor Drago (played by Florian Munteanu) and Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lungdren). Photo Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures

One of the things I liked watching were the discussions about family. Adonis realizes that he must win to bring honor upon his late father and to show his newborn daughter something to be proud of. Rocky is there to remind his pupil not to let negative media attention provoke him to use the Creed name in vain against Viktor. It was very moving to see Bianca go through her hearing disorder to keep her relationship with Adonis, her daughter, and her career afloat.

Photo of Tessa Thompson as Bianca and Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed. Courtesy of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures and Warner Bros, Pictures.

Those two moments were great to watch because I like seeing someone willing to do anything to keep a family falling from grace to grass. And though it angers me how he showed no remorse against Apollo or Rocky, I'm a little saddened that Ivan shows more hunger for vengeance than affection towards his son. I'm glad that he knew when to throw in the towel and make amends. In both negative and positive ways, "Creed II" shows that nothing is stronger than the bond of a family.
Though he never knew his father, Adonis shared many of his old tendencies. Just as Apollo brought back Rocky in the third film, Adonis went through an extreme training regimen to get more heart than rage against Viktor. His running behind a car in the hot, dry desert and hitting the ground with a sledgehammer prepared him for more pain tolerance, and I loved it. And the way he entered Russia with "Midnight", sung by Thompson's character, showed his ostentatious side, same as Apollo had during his first and last fight.
Russell Hornsby's character of Buddy Marcell carries a Don King personality, as he's eager for a sensational fight between Creed and Drago, and he will goad them to battle to the death, if necessary.
And aside from helping Apollo, Rocky still has his own familial issues to reconcile, more specifically with his son, Robert.
All in all, it was a blast to see Adonis Creed come back with the eye of the tiger. Now that he has restored greatness to his name, I do not know what's left for him to battle. The same goes for Rocky Balboa. The different questions and sequences of fighting and stories about family legacy served the film will. If you wish to see how Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester Stallone combat their own demons again, feel free to watch "Creed II" at your local movie theater.

"Bohemian Rhapsody": Confusing and Entertaining

Twentieth Century Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody was both entertaining and confusing at the same time. It was entertaining when displaying the chemistry of the members of Queen and their smash hits, but confusing over what the main story was about.  All hail the talented Rami Malek for his performance as lead vocalist Freddie Mercury. What director Bryan Singer could have done better was give equal focus on the rest of the band, talk more about Mercury’s drug abuse, and, though I have no idea what it could be, a different title of the biography. However, the performances of the cast, costumes, and music made Bohemian Rhapsody sensational.

Bohemian Rhapsody chronicles Queen’s beginnings as Mercury (played by Malek) meets guitarist Brian May (played by Gwilym Lee), drummer Roger Taylor (played by Ben Hardy), and bass guitarist John Deacon (played by Joseph Mazzello). Mercury defies distrustful businessmen and personal life struggles to lead this band to rock stardom in England and the rest of the globe from the 1970s to the mid-1980s.

    Malek, Lee, Hardy, and Mazzello delivered their utmost when singing, sharing a laugh, and highlighting the drama that comes with rock band success. Costume designer Julian Day attempted and succeeded his hardest at keeping the group glamorous for audiences. And it was thrilling to hear so many of Queen’s classics for the duration of the film. I’m not just talking about the ones I know like “We Are The Champions” or “We Will Rock You”. I mean “Somebody to Love” or “Don’t Stop Me Know”.

Now, here’s where the film had its share of downsides. First off, it appeared to me that no matter how hard the rest of the cast worked, it was all about Malek’s role as Mercury. Malek’s movement across the stage, wayward showmanship, elegant dressing habits, and different vocal ranges made him look as flamboyant as the real-life legend himself. Either Singer should have made the film about Mercury without the band, or he should have given as much spotlight to the lives of May, Taylor, and Deacon.

Next, it didn’t seem important enough for discussions about Mercury’s diagnosis with HIV/AIDS until the climax. As much as it pushed him to work with the band for an unforgettable concert at the Live Aid benefit, this disease has such a negative impact that Singer should have talked more about how it took its toll on Mercury, and what audiences should do to stay protected.

Finally, while it may come from one of their most popular songs, the title seems inconsistent with the whole story. Bohemian Rhapsody covers more of the band’s history and conflicts than it does with the song from “A Night at the Opera” (1975). But when I think about it, Malek’s performance as Mercury showed that he lived a bohemian lifestyle with his wild ferocious antics in and out of the show business.

Overall, Bohemian Rhapsody is confusing and entertaining at the same time. While it needs a better direction towards all members of Queen, more attention on the impact of HIV/AIDS in the past and present, and a different title, the cast, costumes, and music were the most notable. The film also talks about living up to dreams and building non-biological family. For those who are lifelong fans or want to know about how one of the world's greatest rock bands were conceived, watch Fox’s Bohemian Rhapsody.

2018’s ‘A Star Is Born’ Won My Heart

Poster of ‘A Star is Born’, taken by William Beavers. Copyright 2018, Warner Bros. Pictures.

From The Hangover to Avengers: Infinity War, the majority of Bradley Cooper's performances I’ve seen have been humorous. But his directorial debut proved he knows how to sing and direct while demonstrating the hardships of a musician's personal life. A Star Is Born is a starstruck drama with an impassioned chemistry between Cooper and Grammy Award-winning Lady Gaga. The duo were as dynamic in romance and music as Johnny and June Carter Cash in Walk the Line.

Another remake of the 1937 classic, alcoholic and crowd-pleasing country singer Jackson Maine (Cooper) and gifted yet underappreciated Ally (Gaga) form a romantic bond as the two begin touring across the United States. The hindrances between them are Maine's addictions and Ally's singing drawing the attention of major record companies. Despite this, the two stay together and prove how special they truly are, not to the corrupt businesses or cheering audiences, but each other.

The make-up and costume designing for Gaga's character made her as glamorous in the film as she displays in her regular EDM career. Cooper used the right kind of dramatic elements in his direction. Some of those elements include learning not to let fear prevent your ambitions from happening or escaping the demons of your troubled childhood upbringings. The quintessential parts of A Star Is Born were the allurement between Cooper and Gaga's characters and the soundtrack.  Gaga's voice sounded like a soprano in contrast to her usual contralto. While I cannot decide what voice Cooper was using, he sang marvelously in his part. He also proved to be aggressive with the guitar on stage.  My favorite songs from A Star Is Born's soundtrack are "Black Eyes" and "Shallow". 

Ultimately, Bradley Cooper's direction and co-starring with Lady Gaga in A Star Is Born won my heart. While portraying a stereotypical troubled rocker, his presentation of a thriving attraction with Gaga made it all the better to watch. Also starring are hilarious Dave Chappelle and the legendary Western typecast Sam Elliott. This film has the prospect to win a Grammy, Golden Globe, or maybe another Academy Award nomination for Cooper. If you wish to see Bradley Cooper reach a new level in the romantic drama genre, and watch Lady Gaga act as phenomenal on the big screen as she does in "Poker Face", then A Star Is Born is the film to see. It may leave a song stuck in your mind or move you to tears, but it will be worth it. 

Christopher Robin: A, Colorful, Imaginative, Wondrous Tale

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

Disney's Christopher Robin is a heartwarming film that brings out the best of A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepherd's beloved children's book series. While blending live-action with CGI, both sides contributed to making a color, imaginative, wondrous tale for friends and family to view with pleasure.

After being forced to mature rapidly and leave his imagination behind, a grown-up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) is neglectful to his family (Hayley Atwell, Bronte Carmichael) and social life, in favor of his work. But, one day, a chance encounter with his old friends, chief among them being the honey-loving Winnie the Pooh (voiced by Jim Cummings) allows Christopher Robin to escape the troubles of reality and go back to his happier place. With the festivity of the creatures in the Hundred Acre Wood (voices of Cummings, Brad Garrett, Toby Jones, Peter Capaldi, Sophie Okonedo, Nick Mohammed, and Sara Sheen) there to guide him, Christopher Robin will have to realize what's more important in his life before he misses anything else.

I was enthused by the childish humor between McGregor and the animals, along with the film's messages about cherishing family above all. What was also very tasteful were songs in the soundtrack that were written by Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, including one of his new songs, "Christopher Robin".

McGregor went from being a somewhat strict teacher in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, to a student who needs to learn about how to live the best life possible. Atwell went from being a liberal Agent Carter to a supportive, optimistic mother. Those respective transitions were admirable. Disney deserves an Annie, Golden Globe, or a Saturn for selecting the right kind of cast, animators, and composers for this adaptation of Milne and Shepherd's esteemed work. For those of you who love silly old bears and need a refreshment on caring about family and having an imagination, come see Christopher Robin.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Small in Size, but Enormous in Stunts and Funniness

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

After two years of preparing a third role, Paul Rudd made a valorous comeback in Peyton Reed's new MCU film, Ant-Man the Wasp. What his character lacks in size, Rudd makes up for in heroism. As for the rest of the film, it has nonstop playful banter, touching moments of keeping families together, robust fighting sequences, and coruscating visual effects that make it another hit for Marvel. Rudd and Evangeline Lilly should be commended for their roles as Ant-Man and Wasp, respectively.

After the disaster from helping Captain America, Scott Lang (Rudd) is given a chance to help Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and his daughter, Hope van Dyne (Lilly) bring back her long-lost mother, Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) from a quantum realm. While trying to accomplish this task and reconcile his own familial issues, Lang is forced to ferret out a federal agent on his tail (Randall Park), a black market dealer (Walton Goggins), a ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and a rival from Pym's past (Laurence Fishburne). But with Wasp as his partner, there is no job too big for Ant-Man to handle.

Not only did the film have as much jokes and action as its precursor. It also showed a lot more happy endings for the main characters. Industrial Light & Magic and Method Studious, among other VFX companies enraptured my attention with fluorescent visuals for scenes of shrinking, combating evil, and traveling to distant worlds. Some of them reminded me of Guardians of the Galaxy or Doctor Strange. The cast, namely Rudd, Lilly, Douglas, and Pfeiffer, should be lauded for their commitments. And Christophe Beck's compositions highlighted the moments where a hero or villain may rise or fall. One of the funniest moments was hearing "Come On, Get Happy" from ABC's The Partridge Family.

To tie it all together, Paul Rudd was dedicated as Ant-Man. I always knew he was funny when he worked with Judd Apatow. But, seeing him and Evangeline Lilly righting the wrongs side by side makes his character display a more serious protagonist. If you want to see a film that centers on a hero small in size, but enormous on stunts and funniness, and maybe get excitement pumping for what's next in MCU, go and watch Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Hotel Transylvania 3: Wacky, Crazy, Fun

Sony and Genndy Tartakovsky made a very jocular third film when they created Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation. With nonstop moments for laughter and a great ensemble cast with new voices, it truly does make a great vacation movie.
After years of being busy with the hotel business, Mavis (voiced by Selena Gomez) thinks it's time her father, Count Dracula (voiced by Adam Sandler) join her, her husband, Johnny (voiced by Andy Samberg), and the rest of their friends on a monster cruise. Drac begins falling in love with the ship's captain, Ericka (voiced by Kathryn Hahn). Unfortunately for and unbeknownst to him, Ericka is continuing the legacy of killing monsters for her great-grandfather, old enemy Abraham Van Helsing (voiced by Jim Gaffigan). It's going to take all of the Drac Pack to save the famed vampire hotelier, before he ends up dying for love, literally.
Overall, I liked the film. What Sandler and his frequent collaborators lack in live-action, they make up for in computer-animation. Audiences will sense a lot more ambition in their voice acting for fun- loving, adventure-seeking monsters or humans. It was also great bringing Hahn, Gaffigan, the radiant Chrissy Teigen, and rocking Joe Jonas aboard the team. Some of the film's hilarity wouldn't have been more accentuated without musical scoring by Mark Mothersbaugh, and with songs by Jonas, Bruno Mars, and classics from the 60's-80's. Then, there's the animation that was very colorful and sparkling to highlight the marvels of the cruise and moments of action.
Tartakovsky should get an Annie Award for this. This film's is a great parody of Universal Monster characters. I think this is the director's best work since his work with Cartoon Network. Hotel Translyvania 3: Summer Vacation is wacky, crazy, and fun for the whole family. Maybe there, people can see a cool vacation from an animated point of view.

Incredibles 2: Just as Incredible as the First One

Courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V

After a long gap in contriving the right cast, concept, music, and elements, Brad Bird successfully directed Incredibles 2. By recruiting the former cast members and the right new ones, bringing back Michael Giacchino's poised, jazzy scoring, designing vivid animation, and creating an overall hilarious and heroic story, Bird and Disney/Pixar made a welcoming comeback for the 2004 Academy Award-winning film.
After trying to defeat the Underminer (voiced by John Ratzenberger), where the first film left off, Elastigirl (voiced by Holly Hunter) is tasked with campaigning for superheroes to be legalized again, while her husband, Mr. Incredible (voiced by Craig T. Nelson) is left to care for their children Violet, Dash, and Jack-Jack (voiced by Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, and Eli Fucile, respectively). But when a new antagonist dubbed "Screenslaver" threatens to thwart Elastigirl's mission, it will take all of the Incredibles, Frozone (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson), and a new breed of supers (voiced Sophia Bush among others) to save the day for everyone.
One example of the film's amazement was more humor than the previous one. Then, a major takeaway is that Elastigirl was given a more distinguished role, one that gives female superheroes a bigger lead in the story, and may persuade studio executives to give women more credit in coming projects. The animation and special effects were exemplary, and respective supervisors Dave Mullins and Bill Watral should be commended. The old and new cast had a lot of eagerness in their voice roles. Composer Michael Giacchino was exceptional, creating sounds that highlighted the protagonists' victories and menacing during attacks by the antagonists. Lastly, similar to live-action superhero films, Incredibles 2 highlighted differences between teammates and ultimately united them together when needed most.
After waiting for over ten years for answers, Incredibles 2 bested me to my core. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios have done it again. May Rick Dicker's original voice actor, Bud Luckey, rest in peace. If anyone wants to see how well a superhero film does in the animated universe, Incredibles 2 is just the film to watch.

Solo: A Star Wars Story-An Overzealous Journey

Photo of Solo: A Star Wars Story poster taken at AMC Garden State Plaza. Courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V 

Ron Howard's direction of Solo: A Star Wars Story was filled with raw power and adventure at every turn. Combining top-notch acting performances with the media franchise's usual gleaming visual effects, a well-arranged score by John Powell and theme music from John Williams, and moving components to the story, Solo really is something exciting for Star Wars fans (or non-Star Wars fans) to see.

Set before he met Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, young Han Solo (played by Alden Ehrenreich) encounters criminal syndicate organizations who put his home world in competitions for necessities such as hyperfuel. By joining forces with his lover Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke, mentor Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson), original Millennium Falcon owner Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover/ "Childish Gambino:), and his long-term sidekick Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), Solo gets the chance to escape his captive disposition, and use his usual antics and flight skills to overthrow the dark forces of the galaxy. Along the way, he shows that he is not bragging when he says he's the best pilot there is.

Industrial, Light, and Magic continued their strongest effort in using visual effects for the robots, flying machine sequences, different alien protagonists/antagonists, and deadly creatures the characters pursue throughout the film. VFX supervisor Rob Bedrow did his best effort in the special effects. While hard to recognize whether John Powell or John Williams' music was the score, each composer pulled serious strings in making invigorating sounds in the duration of Solo. Ehrenreich's and Glover's respective performances as Solo and Calrissian were exceptional. Ehrenreich proved to be ambitious when acting as a shifty younger version of Harrison Ford's character. I could really feel his passion when trying to display a heroic outlaw. And Glover's portrayal of Calrissian was comical and full of personality.

Lucasfilm Ltd.'s production of Solo: A Star Wars Story is a sublime film to view this summer. If anyone wants to understand what made Han Solo special before the whole franchise began, here is the chance.

Avengers: Infinity War-Remarkable to Have the Team Back

Photo Courtesy of Forbes

In over two hours, it was astounding to see everyone back after two years. Marvel’s Avengers: Infinity War was a phenomenal combination of visual effects and animation, humor, music, and heroic journeys. Directed by the Russo Brothers (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War), the overall ensemble was well put together for this major box-office success.

Thanos (Josh Brolin) threatens to wreak havoc on Earth and the rest of the Galaxy as he acquires the Infinity Stones. After years of strained relationships and a hiatus, Earth’s Mightiest Heroes (Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans) will have to put aside their egos and come together to save the universe, before Thanos acquires the power to rule the “suffering” world we call home. And it’s not just the Avengers; it will take them, the Mystics, the Wakandans, and the Guardians of the Galaxy to either preserve the planet or avenge it, to fight battles that mortal man and woman never could.

Infinity War was, in every sense of the word, phenomenal. To see pretty much every hero from the last 10 years to unite for the same cause was like living an ultimate fantasy. Brolin delivered great vocal effects and motion capture in his more central role as Thanos. Whoever else that was a part of his role must have had tremendous strength for playing an antagonist. Like every other Marvel Cinematic Universe production, the cast fit their roles amazingly. And it was not without another hilarious cameo by The Man, Stan Lee, himself. Costume designer Judianna Makovsky put in her best designing for the costumes for Iron Man, Spider-Man, and all the others. And composer and conductor Alan Silvestri, an alumni of Teaneck High School like myself, once again did his best effort in orchestrating the score for the original motion picture soundtrack.

Avengers: Infinity War is truly a battle for the books, both in and out of the film world. It will leave audiences feeling in awe and waiting for more answers. Certainly, the Avengers will never stop trying to succeed in heroism, and in entertainment. They will continue working because, as Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) put it, “We’ll need them to”.

Go see Avengers: Infinity War right now.

Ready Player One: Master of Nostalgia, Visuals, and Wowing Audiences

Photo Courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V

Steven Spielberg's directed adaptation of Ernest Cline's Ready Player One was a compelling battle of old-school video games combined with futuristic technologies. Through the right cast members, remarkable use of virtual reality, and a rousing musical score by one of Spielberg's frequent collaborators, Alan Silvestri, Ready Player One was a robust film for adults and children to see for their viewing pleasure.

Set in 2045, young outsider Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan, Scott Summers from X-Men: Apocalypse), escapes from the dismal real-world situation by using the virtual-reality software known as OASIS, created by video game tycoons James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and Ogden Morrow (Simon Pegg). Known as Parzival, Wade races against time to find a mystical Easter egg left behind by Halliday in the OASIS, before a diabolical corporate businessman (Ben Mendelsohn) gets the egg to take control of the OASIS. Through help from the charismatic Art3mis (Olivia Cooke) and his numerous gaming companions, Wade can save the future and make a brighter reality.

What I loved in Ready Player One was its paying homages to previous other films of 1980s-2010s pop culture, e.g. The Iron Giant or Atari. I liken some of the film to Homer's Odyssey, a man who goes on a dangerous quest beyond imagination to get to the life he deserves. There was a great blending of CGI and live-action for the V.R. sequences for Parzival and other characters in the OASIS. And it had it's moments on deciding whose world is it to rule, such as whether or not it belongs to the antagonistic wealthy or the creative and possibly wunderkind youth.

Without a doubt, Ready Player One was an outstanding adaptation of Cline's novel. If you haven't read the book, maybe this will give you invite you to. The cast and crew did their hardest and best in this.
Go watch Ready Player One.   

A Wrinkle in Time: Perfect Timing by Ava DuVernay

Ava DuVernay directed the right cast and crew for the adaptation of the 20th century novel by Madeline L'Engle. With stylized visual effects, well-designed costumes, uplifting original songs and scoring, and bringing the light to the dark moments, A Wrinkle in Time was an overall fantastic production to view.

Meg Murray (Storm Reid) hasn't been the same since her astrophysicist father, Dr. Alex Murray (Chris Pine) disappeared years prior. But she gets an unexpected chance to reconcile with Murray when three astral travelers (Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling) inform her that he is a prisoner on a distant planet. Joining forces with her younger brother Charles Wallace (Deric McCabe) and classmate Calvin O'Keefe (Levi Miller), Meg must liberate from her isolated state and save her father before an evil entity known as the It (David Oyelowo) comes to destroy the universe.


By the time the film ends, audiences may notice that Meg has become acknowledged as a hero who overcame her fears and brought peace to a destructive time period. There was also other planets lush with colorful skies and grasses, floating flowers, and gorgeous scenery. The costumes worn by Winfrey, Witherspoon, and Kaling were sparkling and beautiful. There were moments of displaying different places and space-time travel not yet conceived by humanity. Finally, in addition to Ramin Djawadi's wonderfully composed score, there are also lovely original songs written and performed by Sia, DJ Khaled ft. Demi Lovato, et. al.

When DuVernay directed Selma, I had seen African-Americans faced with many odds to get to their civil rights, but ultimately did not give up and succeeded. I see those in A Wrinkle in Time, and the cast did a great job in the final cut. It was a satisfying Disney creation blended with well-executed special effects and occasional gratifying messages of family.

Black Panther Had Ferocity and Spirit

Wakanda Forever

Marvel Studios went with a predominantly African-American cast, invigorating visual effects, and moving musical score and soundtrack in their newest film, Black Panther. Ryan Coogler  (Creed) poured his heart out and delivered an exceptional direction in this superhero movie. The ensemble cast arranges from Chadwick Boseman who has a knack for playing historic and iconic figures of African American descent (42, Marshall) to Andy Serkis, who is gifted in roles with motion-capture (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Star Wars: The Last Jedi). Taking place after the events of Captain America: Civil War, T'Challa is given the mantle as king of the African nation, Wakanda. But threats to overthrow the throne and control the nation's supply of vibranium force T'Challa to fight for his people, and eventually, the world, as Black Panther.

The actors' performances should be commended, for in the story, many people had different boundaries to face and different ways to get to liberation. As the film continues, one may notice themes of betrayal, trust, destiny, and obtaining hegemony, the prize for an ideological struggle. While it is an antagonist role, Michael B. Jordan's character, for example, has some similarities to his previous role as Adonis Creed, a young man who's been fighting his whole life to get to the top.  It is a huge burden for T'Challa to succeed his father, but he is unbroken as he tries to protect his friends, love, family, and everyone around them.

Another good thing to note is the technology. Many of the munitions shown in Wakanda is technology that the military and regular engineers would only dream of, but haven't made a reality yet. Lexus went all out with product placement by allowing their new LC 500 for one of the actors to drive. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter (Do the Right Thing, Selma) designed the best costumes for Wakandans to wear, referencing ethnic groups such as the Zuri or Missai for royal and/or local garments. When it came to fights for the throne or defeating the opponent ever, Boseman and Jordan were well-trained to get in shape for their characters. And last but not least, composer Ludwig Goransson scored beautifully, using recordings from Senegal and South African musicians and combining stupendous drum beats as he goes along with other kinds of African-related sound. Kendrick Lamar was remarkable on his end when contributing some songs to Black Panther: The Album. I would say my favorite was "Pray for Me" sung by The Weeknd, ft. Lamar.


As a whole, I loved seeing how many people of African background were hungry to succeed and wouldn't stop the fight until they've earned their places. It has its brutal moments, but they showed relentless spirits and kept aiming for opportunities to win. If you want to see a fictional hero who can inspire peacemaking and warrior strength for people everywhere, go see Chadwick Boseman's ferocity and champion presentation of Black Panther. 

Pitch Perfect 3: A Fitting Ending To the Trilogy

Photo Courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V

Over 5 years ago, there were a group of actresses who teamed up to put on the best female acapella performance film has ever seen. Well, the cast and crew of Pitch Perfect 3 poured their hearts out for the trilogy to finish its run in a grand way. After most of the group graduated from college, Beca (Anna Kendrick), Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson), and the rest of the Barden Bellas decide to come together for one last performance, contending with other musical groups, at a USO (United States Organizations) tour.

I think this is one for the records for Universal Studios. It was a bit dejecting to see that the franchise had to go soon. But, it was more uplifting when I witnessed the ladies finish what they started the best way how: together. With great new cast additions, whimsical moments of jokes and/or insults towards competition, and well-rehearsed covering of classic songs, Britney Spears' "Toxic", for example, it was an overall joyous and fitting ending to the Pitch Perfect trilogy. However, what could have been done a little better was bringing some of the male characters back, such as Ben Platt, and I didn't view the story about John Lithgow's character to be really necessary. Aside from those two, it was good to see the girls assemble for one more time.

The Last Jedi Was Glorious and Energetic

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com

By employing an ensemble cast of reprisals and new additions, well-executed musical score by John Williams, sparkling visual effects, and breathtaking story elements, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was an admirable second course to the sequel trilogy of the Star Wars saga. The cast and crew have put in many long hours to make this one of the best films of the epic space franchise, and so they have. The primary plot of the film is Rey (Daisy Ridley) asking Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) to train her to become a Jedi. Luke is reluctant, as he believes it is time for the Jedi to end. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is concerned with how mighty Rey is becoming with the Force, and seeks to bring her to the First Order and join him in the Dark Side. It will take Rey, Luke, and the Resistance-led by now-General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher), and assisted by Poe (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), and various others- to try to restore balance to the galaxy and bring peace among everybody.

Putting aside the inopportune death of Carrie Fisher, The Last Jedi was an astounding movie to see. Director Rian Johnson applied spectacular explosion sequences and victorious moments. For example, I enjoyed Kelly Tran's performance as pilot Rose Tico. Tran's character exemplified relentless spirit in trying to save her friends from enemy harm. Also, every now and again, the film tells that "The Force" is not just telepathic and telekinetic ability, but it is meant to show the good and the bad in one's soul and how they impose it on others.

As a whole, everybody in this film exceeded my expectations and took my breath away. It us an astounding and valiant Star Wars piece that everyone must see once they get the chance. I cannot wait to see what Star Wars has next. And may the Force be with Carrie Fisher (1956-2016) and Kenny Baker (1934-2016), who portrayed R2-D2.