The Cinematic Review-verse

Courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V 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.

Photo courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V 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 Mat...

Photo Courtesy of ca.movieposter.com 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 Nola...

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!

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com 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.

While many may not agree with Michael Bay's work, I found T ransformers: 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.

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com 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.