That Guy's Reviews

A Long Time Ago, In A Galaxy Far, Far Away...

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The long awaited end to the iconic Star Wars franchise, the most anticipated ending to a trilogy ever, probably, is Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. The end of the “Skywalker Saga” concluding all previous 8 films from the Original Trilogy: A New Hope (1977) The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and The Return of the Jedi (1983). To the prequels: The Phantom Menace (1999) Attack of the Clones (2002) and Revenge of the Sith (2005) to the New Trilogy: The Force Awakens (2015) The Last Jedi (2017) and now, The Rise of Skywalker (2019).

Now in each trilogy, there are a set of 3 main characters. Original: (Luke, Leia, and Han Solo) Prequels (Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Padme) New: (Rey, Finn, and Poe). Each with their own supporting characters, but the ones that remained throughout have been: (Yoda, C3PO, Chewie, and R2D2).

In this film, we see Rey (Daisy Ridley) finally figuring out herself as we saw in the past 2, she was “trying” to find herself. “Her place in all this” as said in The Last Jedi (2017). DON’T WORRY, NO SPOILERS AHEAD. Not like anyone reads these anyway...

But Rey, (Ridley) finds out that she is very powerful, but still doesn’t know who her parents are or where she came from. She only can remember certain memories. But later, we find out, and oh boy! SHOCKER. To some, but many probably knew who she was related to, maybe not.

The evil Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) reprises his role in Rise of Skywalker, we assumed that he was dead due to how Return of the Jedi played out with Darth Vader tossing him overboard into the electrical thingy. If you haven’t seen it, then you are way behind my friends. That was from 1983!! NO EXCUSE! Anyway... Palpatine (McDiarmid) is back! And maybe stronger than ever. We heard the lines by Luke (Mark Hamil) in the first teaser for Rise of Skywalker saying “No one’s ever really gone” and then the evil sinister laugh of the Emperor struck.

This film was really good, given The Last Jedi (2017) wasn’t reviewed by many as a good Star Wars film, but JJ Abrams didn’t direct for some reason, it was directed by Rian Johnson, and boy, it was a flop. To me. JJ directed Force Awakens (2015) and it clearly was like a modern day New Hope (1977) literally. Side by side. Everything was so similar it’s almost like plagiarism, but it worked.

All I can say is that, after all these past films from 1977-2019, this one really hits you in the feelings. Everything about it. 

Here we go, is this going to be another disappointment by DC Comics, like Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016), and Justice League (2017)?? And let’s not forget about how bad Green Lantern (2011) was/ is. But that has nothing to do with the storylines right now. So....

NO, THIS DOES NOT DISAPPOINT! THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST DC FILMS BY FAR, Wonder Woman (2017) is second.

Jason Momoa brings this character, Arthur Curry/ Aquaman to life and is a great casting choice. We first saw his cameo of this character in Dawn of Justice (2016), and made his film debut in Justice League (2017), but now we have a standalone film just about him. 

This film just came out this weekend and I recommend seeing this film on the largest screen possible, like IMAX or any other theaters version of it, because it is meant to be seen like this. 

Aquaman is the story about Arthur Curry, the son of Atlanna, played by Nicole Kidman, and Tom Curry, a lighthouse keeper played by Temuera Morrison. Who’s half brother, King Orm, played by Patrick Wilson, is the King of Atlantis right now, a “pure blood.” 

But King Orm is no king. At least not the kind of king you would want. So long story short, Mera, played by Amber Heard, comes to the land to find Arthur (Momoa) to tell him what is going on back home and that he needs to come back and be the new King of Atlantis. And this starts a journey of trying to find King Atlan’s trident. The most powerful trident known to man and the only trident that can dethrone King Orm.

Also, this is a revenge film. Because SPOILER!!! In the beginning of the film, Aquaman comes to the rescue to save guards in a submarine from being attacked by pirates. Manta (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II) is in control of his group alongside his father (Michael Beach), but when Aquaman intervenes, this causes some conflict between him and the pirates leading to an epic fight scene. Which ends with Manta’s father, being trapped and ultimately sacrifices himself to save his son. So that happened, which causes Manta to plot revenge against the “Aquaman” given he hasn’t earned the name yet, yes people know of him, but only a little.

This film had aspects of other movies such as: Black Panther (2018). Meaning, in that film we saw that Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan) came to Wakanda to challenge T’Chalka (Chadwick Boseman) to be the Black Panther. Which is like the “king” as well. And he wins. But in this film, it’s for the most part reversed. Also, had elements of Thor (2011). Where in Thor, he was the right man for the job and was meant to be king of Asgard, but Loki wasn’t having it. He wanted to be king and did everything possible to stop his brother. Technically Loki’s adopted. And one more movie that came to mind was Avatar (2009), because of the heavy special effects and CGI and colors and vibrance, and creatures like in the film. And hey, both came out in December too!

So yeah, Aquaman was definitely one of the better films DC Comics has done. Thanks to the talented director, James Wan, who is known for horror films such as, Saw (2004), so this was great seeing how he could make this film given it’s not a horror film, and man oh man, was he the right man for the job!

“We can do whatever, we want.” - Venom/Tom Hardy

Even though this film came out back in October, I just saw it last night, given I just bought it, given it just came out on Blu-Ray, Digital this past Tuesday, Dec 18.

Let’s get to it. Eddie Brock, played by the amazing Tom Hardy. You know the guy who rose to popularity from that little movie called, Inception in 2010. And also, Bane in, The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Mad Max (2015), to name a few great movies he has appeared in. But this... out of all of the greats just didn’t fit. Hardy is known for his voice, and he actually voiced the Venom symbiote in this film. But again, this casting choice just didn’t seem right. Yes it is better than Topher Grace’s version from Spider-Man 3 (2007), and yes, this was an improvement of this comic book character, but still.

So, Eddie Brock (Hardy) works as a journalist/ interviewer/ reporter and has his own program where he interviews different people. And in this film, one of those persons is Carlton Drake, played by Riz Ahmed (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Nightcrawler). Mr. Drake (Ahmed) is the CEO of the Life Foundation, in which Eddie’s “fiance,” played by the talented Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine, My Week with Marilyn) is the lawyer for the Life Foundation. 

Eddie (Hardy) lands an interview with Drake (Ahmed) and it doesn’t go well. Eddie believes Drake is doing something bad and is going to endanger millions of people because of what he is working on. He also asked the question of why the ships have crashed killing people, who work for his company, but then is guided out by Drake’s security, which causes Eddie to get fired. 

But with Eddie still believing that there is more, he breaks into the Life Foundation’s building and investigates, but is soon in danger when he tries to help a patient who is being held against her will, like a rat in a lab experiment, escapes and attacks Eddie, causing the “symbiote” to latch onto him, and Venom is born. And Drake wants to gather the “symbiotes” onto a ship so it can spread around the world, which leads to a giant epic fight scene at the end with Venom and “Riot” Drakes “alter-ego.”

I did not know that this movie was going to be humorous, but it was! The voice inside Eddie’s head is Venom, which you can basically call his “alter-ego” was hilarious at some of the comments he made and told Eddie what to do. 

The Rocky movies have been around for some time now, making it over 40 years now since Rocky (1976) hit theaters and won Academy Awards making Sylvester Stallone a household name and cementing himself into American Film History with one of the most iconic and beloved characters Rocky Balboa. Here is my list of all 8 films including Creed and Creed 2.

8. Rocky V (1990). The fifth Rocky film starts off after the events of Rocky IV (1985) in which Rocky (Stallone) defeated the big bad Russian Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) in Russia on Christmas Day. This is where the Rocky films make good use of starting the films off right where the previous left off. First seen in Rocky II (1979) where the film starts at the end of Rocky (1976) and leads its way to a new movie. 

Rocky V brings back the old Rocky, and when I say “old” I mean the Rocky that we all fell in love with from the first and second films. After taking several of blows to the head over the years and especially after battling Drago (Lundgren) twice, Rocky (Stallone) is forced to retire because of trauma to the head and can no longer compete. Which if you know Rock, you know this was a tough decision for him because he is a fighter and that’s all he ever wants to do. So, after not being around in the ring, a new force rises in young rookie, Tommy Gunn (Tommy Morrison) and wants Rocky to train him because he is living back in his old house in Philly after Paulie (Burt Young) lost all of Rocky’s money. But when Rocky takes Tommy Gunn under his wing, he forgets about his son, Robert, who is played by Stallone’s real son (Sage Stallone) and is only worried about Tommy and trying to keep his own name relevant under a new and younger body.

7. Rocky II (1979). This film starts off right where Rocky (1976) left off, with Rocky (Stallone) and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) fighting after Apollo (Weathers) gave Rocky a once in a lifetime opportunity to challenge him. An underdog from the streets of Philly vs. Apollo Creed, the World Heavyweight Boxing Champion.

This film starts to develop the character of Rocky even more. Rocky (Stallone) wants more after proving that he can take a beating from one of the most talented and hard hitting boxers in Apollo (Weathers). And the relationship between Rocky and Adrian (Talia Shire) starts to come together as Rocky ends up marrying Adrian and at the end, they have a kid. Rocky II is a great follow up to Rocky because like I said, it leads right into it and it gives us a new perspective and meaning to the characters as we begin to see changes in Rocky. Ultimately, this film leads to one of the most anticipated rematches in film history Rocky vs Apollo 2 for the Championship. And guess what... Rocky wins, cementing himself into the history books as the new Heavyweight Champion of the World. 

6. Rocky Balboa (2006). After 16 years without a Rocky film, Rocky Balboa comes out and hits us right in the feels as we get to see the character most of us grew up with back on the big screen for one last fight against Mason “The Line” Dixon, the current Champion of our time. 

This is a great addition to the Rocky franchise because we haven’t seen Rocky in over 16 years so we all wondered what he has been up to, and he owns a restaurant, Adrians, which is an Italian restaurant named after Rocky’s wife Adrian (Talia Shire) who we find out has died of cancer. Also, Rocky is still living in the same house in Philly and still talks to Paulie (Burt Young) who still works at the meat factory. Rocky Balboa shows us that no matter how old you are and no matter what everyone says, if you believe in yourself and your dreams, you’re never too old to achieve them. As Rocky says in this film ,”It’s not about how hard you get hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and get back up.” As he says this to his son, Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) who doesn’t want his dad, Rocky whom may I remind you is now 60, to fight because of a computer generated fight between Rocky and Mason Dixon is shown on ESPN and Rocky winning the animated fight which leads to speculation and a “what if” moment which is what this 6th film is all about, only fitting ranking it 6 on my list.

5. Creed (2015). Creed is a film centered around Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) the son of the late and great Apollo Creed who died in the hands of Rocky in Rocky IV after fighting Drago (Lundgren). Adonis, is a boxer just like his father, but isn’t to that status yet as he does not want people to know that he is the son of one of the World’s most popular boxers, Apollo Creed. Adonis (Jordan) fights in small crowds against nobodies really, trying to just make boxing a hobby and to keep active. Though Adonis (Jordan) does want more, he isn’t sure if he is ready to live up to his name and reputation of his father, Apollo, so he heads to Philly from LA, where he lives, to find Rocky (Stallone) and to tell him that he is Apollo’s son. 

This ultimately leads Rocky to take on Adonis and to mentor him and train him for one of his biggest fights yet against “Pretty” Ricky Conlan. Although Adonis doesn’t win, he does put on a show and is awarded a sign of respect from Conlan at the end of the film. Creed is a great addition to the Rocky franchise because of Michael B. Jordan’s performance and he and Stallone have great chemistry on screen. 

4. Rocky III (1982). In Rocky III we start right away with the last scene from Rocky II (1979) in which Rocky and Apollo squared off in the rematch on the century for the championship. Rocky defeats Apollo making him the new Champion of the World. Then we get the “Eye of the Tiger” song by Survivor, which is an iconic song still to this day. This montage to the song shows us Rocky defending his title and becoming a better champion and in ring fighter and we get to see him grow too, body wise, as he is cut in this film, unlike Rocky and Rocky II. 

So after all of this and all of the fights over the years as Champion, it catches the eye of one of Rocky’s most challenging competitor’s yet, Clubber Lang, a big baddie and a dominant force in the ring. You can only guess what happens then. Rocky accepts the challenge to fight Clubber (Mr. T.) for the belt, and Rocky looses, making Clubber Lang (Mr. T.) the new Champion, and this forces Rocky to befriend Apollo (Carl Weathers) in training him so he can take back what’s his and that is the World Heavyweight Championship.

3. Creed II (2018) is the latest to hit theaters in November 2018. The much anticipated sequel to Creed (2015) continues the story of Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) and the relationship between him and Bianca (Tessa Thompson) and still the relationship between his mentor and “Uncle” Rocky (Stallone). 

Creed II starts off with Adonis (Jordan) fighting for the Championship in Vegas, because why not? If you ever want to win a title in a fight, it better be in Vegas. So Adonis wins, making him the new Heavyweight Champion and we get to see why it means so much to him, or does it? Only time will tell as we see that Adonis (Jordan) isn’t proud of being the champion probably because he misses his father, Apollo and wishes he were there. Creed II is also similar to Rocky II (1979) because Adonis and Bianca have a child and get marries, well we don’t see that part, but it’s out there. But most importantly, Creed II centers around Adonis vs Viktor Drago. Yes, the infamous name is back on the big screens. Years after the events of Rocky IV (1985) took place, we all wanted to see Drago (Lundgren) come back, and now we do, but it’s Ivan’s son, Viktor that is the challenger, much like his father was in the ring, Viktor is a dominant and brute force and wants to take the belt from Adonis. Creed II is an instant classic and that doesn’t happen a lot with sequels to a great franchise, but they pulled it off. 

2. Rocky IV (1985). This is one of the most recognizable films of the Rocky franchise and one of the most memorable as well with iconic scenes and names, and phrases and songs and training montages. Everyone knows this film and the line “Drago” as Rocky (Stallone) shouts it from the mountain top.

This film starts off with Rocky and his family living in a mansion, and Rocky does deserve it. An underdog from Philly, now a millionaire boxer and historic figure to the city of Philadelphia. Who would have ever thought? I know Rocky sure didn’t and it’s all thanks to Apollo giving Rocky the chance to fight him. When one of Russia’s most talented fighters in Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) wants to challenge Apollo in the United States, things don’t go as planned as Drago (Lundgren) kills Apollo (Weathers) in the ring. Rocky could have thrown in the towel, but Apollo told Rocky NOT TO DO IT. Many still hold grudges over that moment, but all Rocky was trying to do is to listen and to respect his best friend. This is where the events start to unfold as we see Rocky taking on Drago, but getting his butt kicked because Drago is a freak. Later on, Rocky wants a rematch and the only stipulation is that it would take place on Christmas Day in Russia. Rocky travels to Russia to train, but Adrian (Talia Shire) isn’t having it and doesn’t want Rocky to go, she ultimately gives in and is there for her husband. Rocky IV is a classic in so many ways and still to this day is. With Creed II hitting theaters, Rocky IV is relevant again because Creed II brings back the character of Ivan Drago (Lundgren).

1. Rocky (1976). Of course this has to be number one on the list right? This is the film that started it all. This is the film that we fell in love with. This is the film that made Stallone. Rocky was written by Sylvester Stallone, and as many don’t know, was written based of Stallone’s real life in a way, both wanting more for themselves. 

Rocky came out in 1976, which was America’s Bicentennial Year, not that this has to do with anything, but it is still important because you will never forget the year. This film won Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing in the Academy Awards also Stallone was nominated for Best Actor in Leading Role. 

Rocky Balboa is a small-time boxer trying to make a living and get by. With taking on small fights around the city of Philadelphia and doing whatever he can on the side, Rocky is struggling there is no doubt about that. Things start to change when Rocky meets Adrian (Talia Shire) who works at a pet store and lives with her crazy brother, Paulie (Burt Young). But when Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) comes up with an idea to give an underdog or a not so famous boxer a chance to fight him on the 4th of July, Rocky takes on the challenge and we see him start to train and to get back what he once was or wanted to be. And when the fight is over at the end, we saw that Rocky proved himself against Apollo and was still standing and never backed down and that this could be the start of a long famed career for Balboa. 

Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) vs Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu) is that main event of the much anticipated sequel, Creed II.

You can’t say Creed without Drago or the other way around, doesn’t matter. Also, you can’t say Creed without Rocky and or Drago. These 3 iconic names of the Rocky Franchise or RCU (Rocky Cinematic Universe) because there are 8 films... these names are forever embedded into our minds while we watch these films. Rocky IV (1985) being one of the most successful movies of the 1980s, and also the best Rocky in the series as some would say, plays a major part of Creed II as Ivan Drago’s (Dolph Lundgren) son, Viktor (Munteanu) comes to Los Angeles to challenge the new World Heavyweight Boxing Champion, Adonis “Hollywood” Creed. 

When the rumors spread that they were making another Creed film, many were wondering who Adonis was going to fight next. And boy did we get the perfect opponent in Viktor Drago played by Florian Munteanu. And we were all excited because the name Drago appeared in the first trailer and we were wondering if Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago would reprise his iconic role, and he did!

The Rocky movies all have a similar story arc and build up starting in Rocky III (1982) with Rocky vs Clubber Lang for the first time, Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) was beaten bad and lost his championship to Lang (Mr. T), but with proper motivation and befriending Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) he then trains Rocky (Stallone) to battle Clubber Lang (Mr. T) again for a rematch for the Championship, and guess what, Rocky (Stallone) wins!

So this becomes a thing. In Rocky IV, Apollo Creed (Weathers) challenges Drago (Lundgren) to a fight, but suddenly dies when he has taken too many blows to the head and this starts a conflict between Rocky and Drago, so they fight, and Rocky gets beaten and shaken up pretty bad. So he goes to Russia to train and to get ready for a rematch in Russia, this is all followed by a training montage and so forth. 

Creed II is a great follow up to Creed (2015) and is another great addition to the Rocky Saga being the 8th in the series. Michael B. Jordan couldn’t play this role any better, a role meant just for him. The chemistry between he and Sylvester Stallone and also between Tessa Thompson is wonderful and perfectly cast.

In this film, you can feel for Adonis (Michael B. Jordan) because he is going through some tough times when he finds out that Viktor Drago is the son of his father’s killer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). So this only makes things worse because now, all that Adonis (Jordan) is worried about is fighting Viktor and beating him to get revenge and closure for his father, Apollo.

Not only do Adonis (Jordan) and Viktor (Munteanu) fight once, but twice just like in Rocky IV. First Adonis (Jordan) looses, then trains, gets stronger, all that, and comes back for a rematch and beats Viktor (Munteanu), Creed II is very similar to Rocky IV, and how can it not be? If we are bringing back one of the most iconic Rocky roles in Drago, then this movie has to be good, and has to live up to it’s predecessors because everyone knows Rocky IV.

Now after seeing Creed II end, and Adonis is still the World Champion, the next question is, who is he going to challenge next? Or who will challenge him? 

Many and most want to have the sons be fighters much like how Ivan’s (Lundgren) son is. So does Clubber Lang have a son? Or Tommy Gun? I guess we will have to see. But I like the idea of having other challengers arise to the occasion because it’s Creed’s time, like Rocky said, the movies are called Creed now, not Rocky, even though Rocky (Stallone) still plays a major role and how can he not? But let’s come up with new opponents and new legacies for Adonis Creed.

Yet another Mark Wahlberg action movie. For those of us who are fans like me, I’m okay with that, but for those of who are getting sick of these types of movies, that’s okay too. They’re not for everyone.

So, Mile 22 stars Mark Wahlberg as James Silva, an operative of one of the most elite CIA units there is, Overwatch as he and his team are assigned to assist and aid an asset who holds information to Mile 22, an extraction point. 

Peter Berg, the director of this film has done quite a few movies with Mark Wahlberg as his main character including Lone Survivor (2013), Deepwater Horizon (2016), Patriots Day (2016), and now, Mile 22. Being known for bringing true stories to the big screen with one of the World’s most popular action stars, Mile 22 is just a typical “R” action film filled with choreographed fight scenes and explosions, and car chases, the usual. 

As I am a fan of these types of movies, I did like this one because Peter Berg and Mark Wahlberg make a great team and you should watch their movies I listed above, but also, Mile 22 is great for those die hard action fans who love violence and shoot em up films as there is a lot to offer in this film. 

Also stars Lauren Cohan, Maggie, from AMC’s The Walking Dead. Lauren Cohan exited The Walking Dead recently because I guess she is going into making more movies?? And her character, Alice, in Mile 22 proved the she is capable of doing action films.

John Malkovich also stars in Mile 22, who recently was in Deepwater Horizon directed by Berg and also starred Wahlberg. And the “Baddest Woman on the Planet” Ronda Rousey, for those who watch WWE or UFC, is also in this film!! 

The Meg stars Jason Statham as expert Sea Diver and Naval Captain Jonas Taylor as he confronts a 70 foot shark known as you guessed it, The Meg, believed to be extinct.

Have to say though, I thought this film was odd to have Jason Statham as the main character, being that he is one of the most popular action stars, and I just couldn’t picture him being a sea diver and a Naval Captain... as crazy as that sounds, but when you say or think of Statham you think about his character in The Transporter series, or Crank, or even The Expendables films, and now he is fighting a 70 foot shark, well more like he’s out for revenge and the shark is too.

The film starts out with a group of people exploring the bottom of the sea to see if there is another realm that lies below the surface, but when they get attacked by The Meg, that’s when they call in Jonas (Statham) because his ex-wife was one of the people in that group. And Jonas (Statham) has had some conflict with this creature in the past, which is why he is hesitant to go back, but does it only for his ex-wife.

The Meg has some pretty realistic special effects and CGI I must say. And it does offer a lot, with your typical revenge story, and has the comic relief played by none other that Rainn Wilson. You know, Dwight from The Office. As he is a billionaire who funded the ship and area where the scientists do their thing.

With a lot of movies being remade or being remade similar to others like I said with Skyscraper and Die Hard, I guess you can call The Meg a modern day Jaws.... In a way. Although Jaws was just a shark, and this is a Megalodon, but still. 

Marvel Studios is at it again with yet another much anticipated sequel of the summer, Ant-Man and the Wasp. Starring Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Pena, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Lawrence Fishburne.

Ant-Man and the Wasp hit theaters shortly after Avengers: Infinity War, which kind of was interesting because given the events in Infinity War, we never saw Ant-Man aka Scott Lang, so we didn’t know what he was up to and many were wondering if he was going to show up. Or did we just not see him during Infinity War????? LOL. 

But like I said, this was great that Ant-Man and the Wasp came out shortly after because we were all wondering what happened to everyone in the MCU after Thanos SPOILERS*** Snapped his fingers and superheroes and half of the World turned to dust. So when Ant-Man came out, it started basically in the same time and realm and Universe obviously as Infinity War, so we got to see what Scott aka Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) was doing and he was pretty much under house arrest.

But the fun thing about this film is that we now got a taste of seeing Evangeline Lilly’s (The Wasp) in action as her suit made by her father, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) has other features that Scott’s (Rudd) does not including lasers and that she can fly.... because wasps can fly. And yes, she can also shrink just like her partner Ant-Man.

As many know, this movie was dubbed by critics and fans as a remake of that one film that many debate today as, is it a Christmas movie or not? And of course I’m talking about, Die Hard (1988) with Bruce Willis as John McClane.

Sure we all love and still love, Die Hard, but I guess we wanted something more?? Or maybe just a remake, but with one of the most successful action stars of this century, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, or just Dwayne Johnson as he goes by now. And yes, The Rock’s film, Skyscraper did kind of have the same premise of Die Hard, but with a more modern take and set in modern times, also set in one of the most tallest Skyscrapers ever built, in the movie universe that is, not in real life.

This movie follows, Will Sawyer (Johnson) a former leader of the FBI Hostage and Rescue Team and also war veteran of the US Army as he stumbles upon a new life as a Building Security Expert in of the tallest skyscrapers ever located in Hong Kong. After events unfolded in the beginning of the film, we saw how Will (Johnson) got to where he is today. Also, he has a family and from the trailer a prosthetic leg.

With that being said, I know you’re probably thinking, really? You gave “The Rock” a prosthetic leg for this film which is suppose to be like Die Hard?? Because that was my very first reaction when I saw the trailer, but after seeing the film, it does add to the story and Dwayne Johnson pulled it off, using his leg as a weapon for some scenes, and also as many other things that came in handy.

So let’s just get to the chase. Will Sawyer (Johnson) and his family, a wife and 2 kids, are living in the building in Hong Kong where he works, but when terrorists take over the building, you can only imagine what happens next.

“You’re next mission, should you chose to accept it...”

By now, most of you know that this phrase is famous for belonging to one of the most successful movie franchises outside of MCU and Harry Potter of course, but the Mission Impossible films (6) to date, have stood their ground at the box office and the latest one, Fallout, is the first to have an amazing opening weekend, beating the previous 5; Mission Impossible (1996), Mission Impossible 2 (2000), MI: 3 (2006), Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (2011), and Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation (2015).

This movie is by far the best of the franchise. I can’t believe the first one dates back to 1996. The character Ethan Hunt is really iconic, and in todays world with remakes and what not, they better not replace Tom Cruise or have someone else play him some other way. 

Back to the movie. Fallout, continues the story line of the last one, Rogue Nation, in which certain characters reprise their roles such as Rebecca Ferguson’s, Ilsa, Sean Harris’, Solomon Lane, and Alec Baldwin’s, Hunley. Along with new arrivals, Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby. And of course also the core of the franchise, Ving Rhames and Simon Pegg. Oh and Michelle Monaghan reprises her role as, Julia, now the ex-wife of Ethan (Cruise). 

From great storytelling, to great action sequences including the bathroom fight scene in which we see bits of in the trailer. Along with a few twists and turns. You have to have those in these movies right? Tom Cruise is such an amazing actor, for the most part, and when he makes a Mission Impossible film, you can see that it’s just natural for him to play. Like it truly is his alter ego if you must.

“Welcome, to Jurassic World.”

Jurassic World (2015) came out 22 years after Jurassic Park (1993) and 14 years after Jurassic Park III (2001). So when Jurassic World came out in 2015, it was a huge deal for fans of the original franchise. It did really well at the box office and it was a really good movie, now that the special effects are amazing, the dinosaurs look even more realistic than the others. 

So since Jurassic World did extremely well at the box office in 2015, obviously they were going to make a second one, and here we are 3 years later with Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018). 

In this sequel we see that the Jurassic World (Park) is no more, given the events of the movie in 2015. And with that said, I wondered how this movie was going to go, and or what it would be about. So to make this simple and short, the title, “Fallen Kingdom” stands for in the movie, the park is no more, which means it’s not an attraction anymore, and the dinosaurs already there are in trouble because there is a volcano getting ready to erupt (which we see in the trailer.) so it does. And you can guess what happens to some of the creatures, but little did we know, another group would actually save them only to auction them off to rich humans to make money. A “Dinosaur Auction” ?? Really?

But this movie was good overall, not as good as Jurassic World (2015) but it did a good job in the sequel aspect of the movie, meaning, what next? We also see the return of Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) along with another character reprising his role from the original, Ian Malcom (Goldblum). 

The Merc With the Mouth is back on the Big Screen in Deadpool 2 or DP2.

Ryan Reynolds, the star of the Green Lantern (2011), The Proposal (2009), and Definitely Maybe (2008) stars as Wade Wilson aka Deadpool, a once stage 4 cancer patient turned mutant who can’t die, and can grow back limbs of his body, much like the Wolverine, but after the events of Logan (2017) we know how that turned out, everyone is going to die sooner or later, just give it time and leave it up to the writers which we all know, are the best!

We all know how Deadpool (2016) turned out and given it’s success at the box office, it was for sure going to have a sequel, it was only a matter of time, since the end credits scene mentioned who should play the time-traveling Cable and Deadpool (Reynolds) was naming names and Kiera Knightly was referenced, still don’t understand it, but it was funny. So when Deadpool 2 was announced, Josh Brolin, who has became very popular in recent years given his run as the Mad Titan Thanos in a bunch of MCU films leading up to Infinity War (2018), which came out the end of April and now is playing Cable in which Deadpool 2 was released last week, May 18. So he has had a very successful run this summer and is coming back to the big screen with Sicario 2.

Deadpool 2 is great, not only is it hilarious and way better than the original which sometimes the sequels are better, sometimes, and in this case, yes, this is way better because it’s more funnier, has more references, has more action, involves time-travel, has a huge CGI fight between Colossus and The Juggernaut (Which hasn’t be seen in movies since X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)), has better music, and let’s not forget, this movie has PETER!! For those of you who haven’t seen this film yet, doesn’t matter because I’m not spoiling anything, we have all seen and know who Peter is from the trailer. The one who shows up for the job interview when Deadpool is trying to build the X-Force, and the conversation goes as follows: Deadpool “Any powers you wanna tell us about?” Peter “No, I don’t have one, I just saw the ad and thought it looked fun.” Deadpool “You’re in.”

Overall, this movie is one hell of a film, and I don’t think the writers know any other word except for “F!@#.” Because I was counting and I’m pretty sure I heard it um let’s say over 100 times, but if you know who Deadpool is and have read the comics and everything, I haven’t but I researched the character to fit it, and he does talk like that, let’s just say that “F!@#” is just like saying the word “The” or “What” or those types of words. But stay through the credits as there is 2 extra scenes in the middle. 

Also starring, Morena Baccerin (Gotham), Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Zazie Beets (Geostorm), and T.J Miller (Silicon Valley) oh and also the cab driver Dopinder from the first Deadpool is back and Negasonic Teenage “What the shit! That’s like the coolest name ever!” -Deadpool (2016)

(Clears throat to sound like Thanos (Josh Brolin)) And I quote, “Fun isn’t something one considers when balancing the Universe, but this, Does put a smile on my face.” -Thanos from Avengers: Infinity War

Man oh Man does Marvel Studios keep putting out amazing films! My God! The build up to this movie was and is insane and it’s still not over, Infinity War is basically a 2 parter much like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was. Avengers 4 is set to be released next May 2019. The ending of this movie has to be the most devastating, heartbreaking, emotional ending ever in cinematic history. I am NOT going to spoil it, so just take my word.

All of your favorites are in 1 movie, yes everyone I mean just look at this list:

Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Black Widow, Black Panther, all of The Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki, Spider-Man, Vision, Scarlet Witch, War Machine, Falcon, Dr. Strange, Bucky Barnes, Heimdall, and of course Stan Lee, the man himself, who is always great as a cameo in all 19 of these films starting way back in 2008 when the story was being written with Jon Favreau’s, Iron Man.

If you like jaw-dropping action or any action at all, or edge of your seat popcorn eating suspense, you name it, this is WHY WE GO TO THE MOVIES!! A cinematic masterpiece from directors, The Russo Bros, who have directed both Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) and Civil War (2016) and even episodes of comedy hits like: Community (2009) and Arrested Development (2005).

By far the best Marvel movie ever!! Not just because it’s a culmination of every MCU movie before this, but it’s the best because of the storytelling, the writing, the editing, the special effects, the sound, the score, the action, the performances, and even the comedy. Yes, much like most MCU movies, there is comedic relief in this very dark film, probably the darkest of all the movies to date.

This film has been out since April 27th, so if you haven’t seen it yet, what’s the matter with you? I’m just now getting around to doing this review because I have been busy, and honestly, I have been thinking about what to say since I saw this film. It was that good that it left me speechless for almost a month now. Feels good to let it out.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, the 3 Chris’ (Evans, Hemsworth and Pratt), Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Dave Bautista, Tom Hiddleston, Karen Gillan, Chadwick Boseman, William Hurt, Tom Holland, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sebastian Stan, Idris Elba, Pom Klementieff, Peter Dinklage, Gwyneth Paltrow, Benecio Del Toro, and Sean Gunn. 

Dwayne Johnson a.k.a The Rock, is back on the Big Screen in this classic video game adaptation of, Rampage, featuring wild animals who have encountered a mysterious toxin that transforms then into mutant like creatures and it’s up to Davis Okoye (Johnson) to save the World and prevent global destruction caused by these creatures who tear apart Chicago. Starring George- a Silverback Gorilla, Ralph- a once wolf, now flying wolf, and Lizzie- originally a crocodile, but now an extremely huge crocodile. 

This was overall a goof film, not the best, but enjoyable for the average action movie fan and Rock fan. Me personally, anything The Rock does is good. 

I especially liked the movie even more given that they filmed in Chicago, because that is where I am from. Although I wasn’t living there to see the shooting of this film, my sister was, they actually filmed right outside of her apartment building, so when I talked to her she said they were filming a big movie with The Rock right down the street and at the time I had no idea what this movie was, so eventually it was revealed that they were filming Rampage!! Isn’t that cool!

The action and special effects in this film are really good and the friendship and relationship between a Gorilla and a Human is beautiful.

Also starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, and Joe Manganiello.