'Justice League' 2021 - "There's No Us Without Him." [MAJOR SPOILERS]

Directed by ZACK SYNDER
Starring BEN AFFLECK, GAL GADOT, JASON MOMOA, RAY FISHER, EZRA MILLER, 

JOE MORTON, and AMY ADAMS

I WAS WRONG. 

I had very low expectations for the highly anticipated Synder cut of the 2017 'Justice League.' I'm not one who thinks "director's cuts" will magically make a better movie. If it wasn't a good movie to begin with, I don't know how much a director's cut can do? I was especially doubtful of a new Zack Synder cut. I kinda enjoyed his previous superhero films 'Man of Steel' and 'Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice,' but I wasn't impressed. Synder is hit or miss for me. His bloviated style of spectacle over substance isn't something I usually enjoy, but this time he combined both style and substance. 

When it was announced that Synder was stepping down from the film I hoped Joss Whedon would bring a fresh look and style to the DC Extended Universe (DCEU). Please note I don't want to diminish Synder's reasons for stepping away from the film in 2017. He suffered a terrible loss. As a fellow human being and a parent, I empathized. 

But despite Synder's flaws, his films were rich with world-building. When his original film was recut, all of his flaws were still present, but none of his charm. Whedon replaced all of Synder's appeal with his own signature cutesy style and cheeky banter. Sadly, Whedon left most of the character development on the cutting room floor. The combination of Synder's flaws and Whedon's humor WAS A DISASTER. The 2021 version of the film corrects this mistake. 

Synder's cut still has flaws, but when placed in context IT FINALLY MAKES SENSE. Whedon tried to create 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' lite, which in itself was a bad movie. From what I read this was done at the behest of the studio. It's fair to say that Warner Bros. Studios is the absolute worst. They've repeatedly tried to destroy their 'Wonder Woman' franchise, they reboot Batman every few years, and they cut Synder's films to pieces. 

Instead of the formidable villain Darkseid, Whedon reorganized the film to make Steppenwolf the main bad. THIS MADE NO SENSE. Removing this extra layer of villainry was a huge mistake. Without Darkseid, Steppenwolf was just another villain with no character development beyond "hey let's conquer earth."  

In the Synder Cut, Steppenwolf is a means to an end to what Darkseid has in store for earth and its inhabitants. Whedon also made the mistake of showing too much of the film's villain, giving him flirtatious banter with the Amazons, and quips with the Justice League. It was a typical Whedon plot point (most of his films and tv shows include tongue-in-cheek villains), but it didn't work in a Zack Synder film. 

BIRDS OF PREY MOVIE REVIEW: "NO ONE IS LIKE ME" [SPOILERS]

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Birds of Prey

and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

Directed by Cathy Yan
Starring MARGOT ROBBIE, ROSIE PEREZ, JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL, MARY ELIZABETH WINSTEAD, ELLA JAY BASCO, and EWAN MCGREGOR

'Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn' is gutsy, raw, twisted, and oh so much fun. It's 'Kill Bill' meets 'Deadpool' and it's a blast. Unlike 'Deadpool' (which was also an R-rated comic book film), 'Birds of Prey' was not marketed properly. It's already facing criticism because it didn't give fanboys nudity and sex appeal. It focused on women AS HUMAN BEINGS, not objects of sexual pleasure.

Birds of Prey is NOT a Flop

I'm writing part of this post on Saturday. Yet disgruntled fanboys are claiming victory for the sex appeal theory because 'Birds of Prey' is not meeting box office expectations. The echo chamber of the film news world is adding fuel to the fire.

PICARD EPISODE 1 REVIEW - "I HAVEN'T BEEN LIVING. I'VE BEEN WAITING TO DIE." [SPOILERS]

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Star Trek: Picard Episode 1 Review

REMEMBRANCE

Directed by HANELLE M. CULPEPPER

Starring PATRICK STEWART, ISA BRIONES, ORLA BRADY, JAMIE MCSHANE, MERRIN DUNGEY, and BRENT SPINER

'Star Trek: Picard' starts out with the familiar-- Commander Data (Brent Spiner) and Jean Luc are playing poker. Data accuses Jean Luc of stalling and he's right. Jean Luc doesn't want the game to end and neither do we. Scenes like this are hard to come by. They're both masterful actors who need no introduction. They step back into their respective roles like one would walk into a room, which is easier said than done. There have been more than a few reboots with rusty actors and questionable writing. Thankfully 'Star Trek: Picard' doesn't have this problem.

"Jean Luc doesn't want the game to end and neither do we."

Sadly we know this scene will end because Data died 18 years ago at the end of  'Star Trek: Nemesis.' That's not the only wrench in this cog. The Star Trek universe as we know it was changed with the reboot of the film franchise in 2009. In this reality, the Romulan sun would go supernova in the late 24th century during 'Star Trek: The Next Generation's' (TNG) timeline.

Brent Spiner in 'Picard' | CBS Corporation | 2020

WHY ARE YOU STALLING CAPTAIN?

Data [to Picard]

I DON'T WANT THE GAME TO END. 

Picard [to Data]

THE WITCHER EP. 2 REVIEW: "YOU SMELL OF DEATH AND DESTINY" [SPOILERS]

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Directed by ALIK SAKHAROV

Starring HENRY CAVILL, ANYA CHALOTRA, FREYA ALLAN, MYANNA BURING,

and ROYCE PIERRESON

The second episode 'Four Marks' is immediately more interesting than the first episode. Yennefer (Anya Chalotra) is a deformed bullied servant. She's also the first person of color we see with an extensive speaking role. Chalotra is of Indian descent. 

SOMETIMES THE BEST THING 
A FLOWER CAN DO FOR US IS DIE.

Tessaia [to Yennefer]

'The Witcher' is based on the beloved fantasy series from Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski, which was turned into a video game. The world created by Sapkowski is based on medieval Eastern European folklore, so it makes sense that the actors are of European descent are cast, but I'm glad the showrunners added people of color to the cast.

'WONDER WOMAN' REVIEW - "ONLY LOVE WILL TRULY SAVE THE WORLD"

Directed by PATTY JENKINS

Starring GAL GADOT, CHRIS PINE, DANNY HUSTON, 

CONNIE NIELSON, and ROBIN WRIGHT

I am on hiatus or semi-retirement (haven't decided which). I'm still active on social media and I visit blogs, but I no longer review films as I once did. It's partially because I don't have much free time. I work, have a family, and I'm in grad school. Once grad school finishes (in 2018) I planned to review films again, but I don't know if I will.

I don't want to waste 2 hours of my life on a bad (or semi-bad) film. I also don't want to feed the monster. Hollywood has serious problems with representation, which I've discussed in previous blog posts. I still watch movies via streaming, but I rarely go to the theater. So before watching 'Wonder Woman' I only saw two films in theaters this year-- 'Logan' (which was one of the best comic book movies since the 1978 'Superman') and 'John Wick 2.' That's it.

"Given that this is a WB/DC Comics film, I prepared myself for the worst." 

DON'T BREATHE REVIEW [SPOILERS] - STILL ON HIATUS!

I took a mini-break from my hiatus to review 'Don't Breathe.' Similar to this Spring's '10 Cloverfield Lane,' 'Don't Breathe' took me by surprise. I didn't know anything about it before I went to the theater, but 'Don't Breathe' is a slick little horror film, with a great cast, and a thrilling (yet unbelievable) plot. Admittedly, the film has enough plot holes to drive a truck through it, but it kept me on the edge of my seat--which is hard to do. What I liked about the film is that none of the characters are particularly likable. This is one of the few horror films in which there are no heroes.

OH AUGUST! HIATUS=MINI-REVIEWS + SPOILERS

This past month has been a bear. Having a full time job, a family, and being in grad school is no joke! I will be on hiatus for a few months. I will still be popping in to see my favorite blogs and make an occasional post, but I won't be able to post regularly for a while. If only I could be a blogger full time right? I really don't know how people are able to do that unless thy are independently wealthy. I finally finished up my last paper for the semester, but will be starting a new semester in a few weeks. Ugh. I am so behind on my film reviews. So much so I will have to create a combo post.

In the months of July and August I've seen the 'Ghostbusters' remake, 'Lights Out,' and now 'Bad Moms.' I've also seen 'Stranger Things' on Netflix. In my effort to limit my exposure to bad movies, I have purposely left several films off the list. I believe I have succeeded...so far. 'Batman v. Superman' was the "worst" film I've seen this year and it wasn't that bad. Don't get me wrong, BvS was not a good movie, but it wasn't terrible. It was just "ok." Notably absent from my list is 'Suicide Squad,' 'Jason Bourne,' and the 'Legend of Tarzan.'

'FREE STATE OF JONES' REVIEW - "THIS FIGHT IS FOR OUR CHILDREN"... [SPOILERS]

IT AIN'T JUST FOR US. 

BLACK, WHITE, RICH, POOR, 

IT'S FOR EVERYBODY.

-Newton Knight [to Moses]

Wow, it's been a while since my last review. Unfortunately, I had to remove 'X-Men: Apocalypse' from my film review list. I just can't bear to see and review terrible films. I've also had to remove 'The Huntsman: Winters War,' 'The Boss,' and 'Batman v. Superman.' As you may recall last year, I made a resolution not see so many crappy movies this year. After all, we only have so much time and I can't get two hours of my life back. I also put a lot of time and effort into writing a review. So I will occasionally cull films off my list. 'Free State of Jones' was almost removed from my list because of mixed reviews, but overall I'm glad I saw it.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR REVIEW - "WE USED TO BE FAMILY." [SPOILERS]

*Sigh. If only DC Comics could make movies like this. I recently read that 'Captain America: Civil War' was a direct response to 'Batman v. Superman.' Well, let this DC fan be the first to tell you that Marvel does 'Batman v. Superman' better than DC Comics/Warner Brothers does. It's such a shame. Someone at DC Comics/Warner Brothers Studios needs a different job because they really suck at making superhero films. This problem goes beyond Zack Synder and Henry Cavill--both of whom I firmly believe need to be replaced as well.

In the past I have had issues with Marvel Studio Head Kevin Feige--namely because of his refusal to feature female superheroes in starring roles. But Marvel has changed this stance once DC announced the 'Wonder Woman' film. Feige has publicly committed to making films featuring Captain Marvel and Black Widow. So whatever DC does, it seems Marvel just does it better (with regard to film). DC Comics has the corner market on television. Bless DC Comics' hearts, but Marvel Studios sure knows how to make a good superhero movie and they know how to use their character catalog. Unlike DC, they're not stuck making Batman or Superman films for 40 years. Side note: I would exclude 'Avengers: Age of Ultron' from the "good movie" category.

10 CLOVERFIELD LANE REVIEW - "I AM KEEPING YOU ALIVE" [SPOILERS]

This movie is one of the few movies I knew very little about before seeing. I typically visit Rotten Tomatoes before I throw down $30 for a movie, popcorn, and a drink, but I didn't have time this past weekend. Thankfully '10 Cloverfield Lane' didn't disappoint. As a sequel/prequel to the original 2008 'Cloverfield' film, one would expect '10 Cloverfield Lane' to "go big," but instead "it goes home." LITERALLY.

BEST & WORST FILMS OF 2015 - PART 3, WORST FILMS OF THE YEAR

This entry is part 3 of 4 of my best and worst list of 2015. My first post was the best of the best. My second post was the most disappointing. My third post is typically reserved for the worst movies of the year. Unlike the most disappointing list, the films below have very few, if any, redeeming qualities-- be it visuals, direction, writing, or acting. Some of the films are so bad I can't believe someone sober actually wrote it, directed it, or greenlit it. I can't believe I was sober watching them.

It takes a great deal of effort and time to work on these posts. So forgive me, but I don't have the heart or the inclination to write full reviews for the festering pile below. So behold, below is but a simple list with a few giffys for good measure. They are not in any particular order.

BEST & WORST MOVIES OF 2015 - PART 2, BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS

If you can imagine the previous post was even longer. I was originally going to make one large best and worst list, but it was just too long. So I decided to split them up into 4 parts. The first part was the best films of 2015. The movies on this list are typically films that have some redeeming qualities, but just didn't make the cut. These films are in the fair to middling range. Before I changed it to the biggest disappointments, these probably would have been titled, "Most Ok Movies." They weren't good and they weren't necessarily bad. So next week you will see my choices for the absolute worst/trashiest/should-have-never-been-made-films of 2015.

MOCKINGJAY II REVIEW - "OUR LIVES WERE NEVER OURS" [SPOILERS]

Before I get too far into the review I wanted to say that after seeing the final film in the "quadrilogy," I can now say with confidence that four films were truly unnecessary. The third film was completely pointless and there were even a few fatty scenes in 'Mockingjay II' that could have been cut or trimmed. That said, the best part about this film (and about the book it's based on) is that is action-oriented. It gets down to business very quickly.

'SPECTRE' REVIEW - "THEY SAY YOU'RE FINISHED" [SPOILERS]

Wow, I still can't believe how bad this movie was. No wonder Daniel Craig is lashing out at the press. If I was in this film I'd be lashing out too. I can totally feel Daniel's pain after watching this film. 'Spectre' is a shadow of the modern Bond franchise. Everything the previous Bond films did right, 'Spectre' gets wrong. When Bond was rebooted so to speak with Craig, the filmmakers broke all of the "Bond rules" and got back to the basics. The villain in 'Casino Royale,' Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen) tortured Bond with a bar of soap, a piece of rope, and a chair. There were no sharks, laser beams, crocodile farms,venomous spiders, or elaborate setups. Bond's fighting style also changed. Bond's new fighting style was vicious, hard, and inelegant-- similar to Jason Bourne. Bond didn't even care which way he received a martini as long as he got it. The new Bond was updated for the new generation, as is always the case. Unfortunately, 'Spectre' is a failed attempt to go back in time to the Bond films of old. For reasons listed above...it just doesn't work,

I preface my review by saying that the opening scene of 'Spectre' in Mexico City during the Day of the Dead celebration is absolutely spectacular. It's also done in a single take and it's breathtaking. It made me want to dress up in costume and go to a Day of the Dead parade. The only thing this film has going for it are the exotic locations. Similar to other Bond films, the locations are absolutely gorgeous. However, beautiful locations without a developed storyline do not make a good movie. The reason 'Skyfall' was well received was because it had a decent storyline, along with incredible visuals, a great song, and stunning scenery. I wish I could say the same for 'Spectre.'

'BRIDGE OF SPIES' REVIEW - WOULD IT HELP?

I really enjoyed 'Bridge of Spies,' but it wasn't nearly as exciting as I expected it to be. From the first shot one could definitely tell this is a Steven Spielberg film, which is a good thing. Say what you want about Spielberg-- too much melodrama and over sentimentality-- but he's an exceptional director. You don't remain an A-list director in the pit of hell that is Hollywood for 45 years without being good. And make no mistake Spielberg is the best of the best. Is 'Bridge of Spies' well executed? Absolutely? Is it well acted? Yes! Is it intriguing? Of course. But...there's nothing refreshing or thrilling about this tale. Perhaps that's to be expected, as this is based on a true story and must be bound by realism. If you've seen the trailer then you've seen the film. The thing I most remember about 'Bridge of Spies' is how dashing Tom Hanks looks in a nice suit. I don't think that was supposed to be the major "takeaway" but...

'SICARIO' REVIEW - THIS IS THE LAND OF WOLVES

YOU ARE NOT A WOLF. 

This is the land of wolves.

[Alejandro to Kate]

After watching 'Mad Max: Fury Road' I was convinced that I wouldn't see another five star film this year. I was wrong. Flawlessly directed by Denis Villeneuve ('Enemy' and 'Prisoners'), 'Sicario' draws you in with the very first scene of Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) and her partner Reggie Wayne (Daniel Kaluuya) leading a FBI kidnap recovery team into a den of death right on American soil. Their team uncovers a cartel house in suburban Arizona that has 42 bodies buried in the walls. It's a sickening sight that only gets worse as the film wears on. From the moment the swat team bursts into the hell house until the final scene, there is a palatable tension laced throughout the film. The terror is so tangible that I sat on the edge of my seat as if I were watching a horror movie, because that's what 'Sicario' feels like...a horror movie with real-life monsters.

'CRIMSON PEAK' REVIEW - WHAT HAPPENED?

Oh how I wanted to love this movie! I've been looking forward to this movie for over a year...then it came out. The movie was so disappointing that I wasn't sure I had the heart to review it . To get myself into a romantic mood while writing this review I decided to watch for 'You've Got Mail' with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks for the 20th time. Hopefully, my review will be nicer because of it.

THE MARTIAN REVIEW - "I'M STILL ALIVE" [MINOR SPOILERS]

Science fiction and Ridley Scott have always gone together like peanut butter and jelly or Mulder and Scully. Admittedly Scott has had some craptastic failures and has made some very questionable decisions-- the most recent ones being 'Exodus: Gods and Kings' and 'The Counselor,' but when Scott gets back to his roots, magical things happen. Say what you want about Scott (and I have), but he knows how to do science fiction. The proof is in the pudding because 'The Martian' is a fantastic film from start to finish. It manages to remain fresh and innovative throughout thanks to Scott's pacing. But perhaps the biggest kudos should go to Andy Weir, the author or the book, because the material the movie is based on is so exceptional that it would be difficult (albeit not impossible) to mess it up.

'FEAR OF THE WALKING DEAD' REVIEW - TO LIVE AND DIE IN LA

Ok, I've been seriously behind on this blog this month. I just started grad classes again. Grad classes means I'm using my writing talents to write papers. *Sigh. I finally was able to watch 'The Walking Dead' spinoff 'Fear the Walking Dead.' Color me not so impressed. The original pilot for TWD was magic--brilliant and terrifying. It's what happens when you get an acclaimed film director like Frank Darabont to direct a television pilot.

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION - REVIEW [MINOR SPOILERS]

Well, thanks to a bug in Blogger's crappy engine I lost my entire 'Mission Impossible Rogue Nation' review. It was saved throughout, but somehow replaced itself with another draft post I've been working on. This has never happened to me before. Moving to Wordpress looks better each day. Thankfully my images were saved on my computer, but as for the rest of it. Oy. Hopefully this review will not be colored by the frustration of having to retype (and remember) what I just wrote.