The Cinematic Review-verse

Photo courtesy of William Edward Beavers, V 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...

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 pu...

Photo courtesy of imdb.com 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 to...

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com 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 momen...

Photo Courtesy of imdb.com 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.

Photo courtesy of fandango.com "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 thin...

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.