Kong: Skull Island (2017)

Directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts 

Written by Dan Gilroy, Max Borenstein, Derek Connolly and John Gatins 

Starring Samuel L. Jackson, Tom Hiddleston, Brie Larson and John C. Reilly 

     Once again, King Kong has risen from his figurative cage and roared and banged on his chest at the big screens. This time however, it wasn't for another re-make of the original movie. Kong: Skull Island, is a completely different story and time period (the 70's to be exact), where that film-crew from the original movie, never entered the island. This time instead of a film crew, its a scientific investigation of the never before inhabited, mysterious: Skull Island. With the same amount of monster fights (if not more), shooting guns, running through the jungle, and a big hairy ape with a thing for blonde women as the original- this is a fresh new story with all our favorite aspects of the first Kong story. All the more reason to love it. 

     This time around, the story begins with a government backed group of scientists, fronted by Bill Randa (John Goodman). He has his eyes and heart set on getting to the mysterious, Skull Island, so he and his team can explore. Bill and his team believe that this island could hold manners of wonder, perhaps beyond human imagining. Once they get the go-ahead to fly into this dangerous island, they embark on the mission with military assistance led by Lt. Col. Packard (Samuel L. Jackson) and his unit. Also along for the ride on the dangerous mission is the feminist, anti-war photographer, Mason Weaver (Brie Larson), and the world's most handsome mercenary, James Conrad (Tom Hiddleston).  Once the team penetrates the thick storm clouds which surround Skull Island, they come face to face with the gigantic, famous Kong- who, to the shock of some, isn't the real monster to fear. Skull Island is crawling with much creepier, more menacing, and just as big beasts that don't show as much mercy as Kong. After being swatted down in their helicopters by the mighty Kong, the team is scattered on the island- forced to face the many creatures this island has to offer-while they all venture to the opposite side of the island in attempt to be rescued. Of course they have some help from a local islander played by John C. Reilly- however I won't get into much detail on his character to spare everyone from potential spoilers. 

     It wouldn't be a Kong movie without incredible set and monster design- which this movie exceeds in. With the time period of the film being post Vietman war, they actually did most of the filming in Vietnam, thus providing for a realistic looking set. So sure, this movie may have most of the cliche monster movie attributes like the intense battle to the death between two building high monsters- but this kind of action is what the audience eats up with their popcorn, so to not include it wouldn't be fair. It's hard to criticize the cliche's however when they're so beautifully done. The special effects are so incredible, the monsters are so big, the noises are so loud- you can't not enjoy it. 

     Step aside Jessica Lange and Naomi Watts, Kong has a new doll, and she's certainly feistier than her predecessors. Larson's character may be a photographer, but its more than her camera that she is pointing and shooting. Her and Kong may not have as close of a relationship as he and his other gal pal's had- however they do share a lot of sympathetic glances throughout the movie. Samuel L. Jackson plays the character that the writers make you hate. Haven't we seen this before? Though he may not be the handsomest cast member (that goes to you Tom), Reilly has the most significant role bringing lots of humor to this action packed flick. 

     Aside from nailing an all-star cast including two oscar nominees, an oscar winner, and a former Taylor Swift boyfriend- the film succeeds on many levels. 

I give Kong: Skull Island a...

8/10 

     

Logan (2017)

Directed by James Mangold 

Written by James Mangold, Scott Frank and Michael Green

Starring Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Boyd Holbrook and Dafne Keen

     We've come a long way since Bryan Singer's 2000 X-Men movie- where we saw Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart first take on the roles of Wolverine (Logan) and Professor X (Charles Xavier). Now, 17 years later we see the two reprise their almost two decade long roles, for one last time. I couldn't help but feel sad that whole time I was watching Logan, despite how action-packed it was. It is a movie about morality, and a lesson on how we all get old. Superheroes movies get re-made all the time, and the superheroes remain the same age and have different actors playing them. Contrary to popular belief, superheroes/mutants do age, and Logan is the perfect example of that. 

     The movie is set in the distant future, 2029- and all mutants have been hunted to extinction, with the exception of a few including Logan, Professor X and the albino mutant tracker, Caliban (Stephan Merchant). This movie shows us a caregiver side of Logan, as he is taking care of a now 90-something year old Charles- with the help of Caliban. Since we've last seen the Wolverine, he has tamed down and started to lay low unlike his days in the x-men. This all begins to change as a young mutant, Laura (Dafne Keen) comes into his life. Laura is the rarest of rare, considering no new known mutants have been born in 25 years. She has been genetically engineered using the DNA from Wolverine, making him her father. It's not just the fact that Logan's daughter comes into the picture that sets his life astir- its that she is being hunted, thus dragging Logan and Charles on a man-hunt across many states to get her to safety. This sets the scene for an intense road trip which ends with an unforgettable final showdown. 

     Logan is like The Dark Knight in that it has a very dark demeanor to it. Aside from its darn nature however is a slue of intense action scenes, earning it's R rating. Seeing Wolverine fight alongside his daughter viciously in multiple scenes is very cool to watch for a Marvel fan. Seeing Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart reprise these roles for one last journey was very bitter sweet. We've seen Wolverine grow a lot in the nearly two decades he's been on the big screen. Jackman gives Logan a much more depressing, self-loathing attitude in this film. Logan holds a lot of remorse from his past, and his now bleak future of caring for the ailing Charles. This was his best portrayal of Wolverine yet. I really enjoyed seeing Patrick Stewart have a bigger independent role that wasn't a shared spotlight with Ian McKellan. Newcomer, Keen brings a lot of young energy and vivaciousness to this role. I wasn't sure about her being so young going into this, but seeing the new energy she brings to this important role changed my mind. I would love to see a spin-off involving her. 

     So, apparently an early year release for a superhero film is the way to go- as we saw with 2016's Deadpool release, and with this years Logan. This movie sets a very strong pace for the remainder of action themed movies this year, let alone superhero movies. Good luck DC. Logan is easily the best Wolverine film, and one of the best Marvel movies thus far. Marvel ended him with a huge bang. 

I give Logan an...

8/10

The Hunger Games (2012)

Directed by Gary Ross

Written by Gary Ross (screenplay), Billy Ray (screenplay) and Suzanne Collins (screenplay and novel)

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth

     The Hunger Games film had a lot of hype to live up to after the major success of the book written by Suzanne Collins. It also came into the lime light after the end of two very popular movie franchises came to an end that same year- Harry Potter and Twilight. This dystopian themed thriller definitely filled whatever 'movies based on teen-fiction books' void, I had. Granted, I was a big fan of the series when they first came out and I read all three books in three weekends- my bias does not take away from the entertainment this film provides for any audience. 

     The movie is set in what we're to assume is the future, and catastrophe has destroyed North America. From the ashes rises a new colony named, Panem. Panem is ruled by the powerful Capitol which is rich and elegant- while the surrounding 12 districts that make up the rest of Panem are powerless and poor. Each district is forced to surrender a young man and woman for the annual Hunger Games- where 24 "tributes" fight to the death in an arena until one is left standing. This is supposed to maintain peace amongst the districts and essentially remind them who is in charge. Oh, and the best part of all this- its televised for everyone to watch! 

     The story centers around the brave Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who represents the female from the poor, coal mining district of 12. Her and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) are chosen at the annual "reaping" and are immediately snatched from their families and on a train headed to train at the capitol. Katniss and Peeta are joined by the representative for their district from the Capitol, the peacocky Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks) and their mentor- a former winner of the Hunger Games from their district, Haymitch (Woody Harrelson). Prior to the broadcast of the games is a lot of build-up to the showdown. The tributes all get interviewed on a talk-show hosted by the eccentric Caesar Flickerman (Stanley Tucci) and also get to train in front of the game-makers where they are given a score based on how well they did. Once the games begin, its a vicious fight to the death (but not too vicious because of the PG-13 rating). Katniss and Peeta are left to fight for their lives against all odds in the arena, and the results are action packed and intense. 

       This movie brings some very interesting characters, but Jennifer Lawrence leads the pack with her heroic female lead. Katniss is a very independent young woman who is forced to provide for her family via hunting. Lawrence sheds her natural blonde hair for this film and packs on the intensity for this role. Hutcherson and Hemsworth kind of fall into Lawrence's shadow and mostly serve as pretty faces. Peeta has a rather puppy dog tendency to him which only further heightens Katniss's bravery and strength. Aside from those three, the supporting cast is a slue of recognizable names who play interesting Capitol inhabitants. Wes Bentley plays the head game-maker and supports the most intricately designed beard I've ever seen. Donald Sutherland plays the menacing, President Snow who looks like he could kill you with one glance. 

  For those who weren't already fans from the novel, I can see how the movie might be a bit slow going at first. The actual "games" themselves don't begin until about an hour into the film. There is a lot of crucial information and character development in the first half of the film, however. The build-up the games is definitely worth the watch to get to the suspense of the arena. 

I give The Hunger Games an... 

8/10

     

Hell or High Water (2016)

Directed by David Mackenzie

Written by Taylor Sheridan

Starring Chris Pine, Ben Foster and Jeff Bridges

     A thrilling western-crime film that will have you rooting for both sides of a gun fight at one point. The only reason I choose to call this a "western" film is for the barren, desolate landscape it takes place in- although I guess Jeff Bridges having a role in it does give it that label as well. Hell or High Water is an entertaining movie that with enough car chases and bank robberies to excite crime movie enthusiasts; and enough cowboy hats and Texas accents to excite those nostalgic of Tombstone.

     The movie begins with a bank robbery right off the bat, committed by brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster). Although the two seem amateur at this, we learn that Tanner is somewhat of a bank-robber novice having just gotten out of jail, while Toby is devoted to a non-violence method. After a couple of robberies, we learn the motives behind them which involve reverse mortgages, oil drilling and Toby's recent divorce and estranged child. While the carefully crafted robberies are happening with the brothers, we also get to see the law enforcement side of this story. Two Texas rangers are in charge of following this case; retiring officer Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his sidekick Alberto (Gil Birmingham). These two have a very cat and mouse relationship which was humorous to watch- with Hamilton often making jabs at his partners Native American heritage. As the plot unravels, we see the real intelligence behind these devised robberies is Toby. While at first Tanner may seem more experienced and in charge, Toby is the real mastermind. 

     The acting in this movie is one of its greatest strengths. Chris Pine to me, is Captain Kirk. For him to step out of the Star Trek ship (metaphorically) and step into this intense Texan bank robber- was very impressive. This sort of role suits him very well. Ben Foster plays a verbally and physically aggressive ex-con. He is very unpredictable yet his love for his brother is often what keeps him somewhat tame. Veteran, Jeff Bridges earns a best supporting actor oscar nomination for his role as the old, smart-mouthed, laid back Texas ranger. 

     This film is more of a drama than anything aside from the thrilling car chases and bank robberies. Mackenzie and Sheridan give the audience a lot of character development to help us further understand the motives for Tanner and Toby's crimes. Hell or High Water may not be the thrilling gun-fight, car chase movie you're looking for- but it is definitely a movie worth watching. 

I give Hell or High Water a...

7/10

Passengers (2016)

Directed by Morten Tyldum 

Written by Jon Spaihts 

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Chris Pratt, Laurence Fishburne and Michael Sheen

*contains spoilers*

     I went into this film feeling extremely bias considering the leads are Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt, who are two of my favorite actors. To say my heightened expectations of the film were met would be an exaggeration but I also wouldn't say I was underwhelmed whatsoever. This science fiction/romance film, brought to life by director Morten Tyldum director of oscar nominated Imitation Game (2014), has an intriguing storyline and unconventional love story that keeps you engaged. 

     The film is set during what I assume is the near future based on the extremely advanced technology however no the year is never said. What we do know is the Homestead II spaceship is in the midst of its 120 year long journey to the distant space colony. On board the ship is nearly 5000 passengers and 200 crew members whom are all in a cryogenic hibernation for the century long expedition. The ship encounters unforeseen errors as an asteroid strikes it, causing one of the sleep chambers to malfunction thus waking up inhabitant Jim Preston (Chris Pratt), nearly 90 years early. Mechanic Jim, spends a year on the ship alone, trying to find any way out of his troubling situation. His tireless efforts of finding a way to get back to sleep become cloaked with debilitating loneliness. He will die of old age before the ship reaches its destination or someone else awakens. Jim's only solace to his loneliness is waking someone up. 

     Initially repulsed by the thought of forcing someone else to wake up, Jim gives into temptation as he discovers fellow passenger, writer Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence). After waking up, Aurora goes through the same initial shock as Jim did a year prior. Once this shock is over and she begins to accept her fate, thus commences the love story between Jim and Aurora. 

     Jon Spaihts writes a script that doesn't force us to agree with Jim's actions but to understand why he did it and causing us to sympathize with him. Jim is simply acting out of desperation and fear of living out his 50-60 remaining years alone aside from a somewhat human robot, Arthur (Martin Sheen). His actions make us ask ourselves if we would do the same or not. 

     As Jim and Aurora's love story is at its peak only about halfway through the movie, its pretty easy to predict that she will find out that her "accidental" awakening was no accident at all. Once she does, the results are devastating as you would expect. I really enjoyed the storyline of the is film up to the downfall of the climax of Aurora finding out Jim's secret. The remainder of the movie plays out sort of predictably as the ship is failing even more and the estranged lovers must team up with ship captain (Laurence Fishburne) to save themselves and the still sleeping 2000 plus passengers. 

     The chemistry between Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt was very enjoyable to watch. Considering they are two of my favorite actors, this pairing was anticipated and magical for me. Lawrence does a superb job at portraying this character that goes from optimistic over her new adventure to devastated over waking up early to falling in love with a total stranger than being betrayed by what he did. Bravo Jen. It has been fun to watch Pratt's transition from chubby Andy Dwyer on sitcom, Parks and Recreation  to action movie star. 

     Passengers has a great storyline aside from the sometimes predictability. Problems aside, the film has a great pair of actors in the lead roles with great charisma. Another movie involving space that is definitely worth watching. 

I give Passengers a... 

7/10

     

Deadpool (2016)

Directed by Tim Miller

Written by Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick

Starring Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin and T.J. Miller

     In the expanding cinematic universe of Marvel, comes the tale of your not so average "superhero." For those who have felt that recent superhero films have been predictable and anti-climatic, Deadpool is a breath of fresh air with its R rated satirical take on the not so average hero. A laugh-out-loud movie with over a hundred hidden references to other films (like the X-Men franchise), a snarky vengeful main character, and even a love story that may be hard to find at times. 

     The movie opens with the title character (played by Ryan Reynolds) taking a taxi to a fight. 'What superhero takes a taxi as means of transportation, can't they just run fast or fly' you may be asking. This is not your typical superhero movie as Deadpool narrates in the beginning as a disclosure. We soon find out that this anti-hero is driven by one force and one force only: find and kill Ajax (Ed Skrein), the "villain" responsible for giving Deadpool his immortality and making his face look like Freddy Kruger's uglier brother. This vengeance towards Ajax buds from the inhumane torture that he was subjected to at the hands of Ajax and his female henchman, Angel Dust (Gina Carano). He also blames Ajax for the partition he created between him and his estranged soulmate, Vanessa (Morena Baccarin). With the opposition of the X-Men, Deadpool faces some resistance from Colossus (Stefan Kapicic) and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand). However, nothing will stop him from seeking out his homicidal revenge plot. 

     Deadpool is your classic anti-hero who isn't constrained by these unspoken rules of morality that we see most superheroes succumb to. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty (or cut off in his case). Un-like most comic book heroes, Deadpool has no remorse for killing or torture although he does so with good reasons. Deadpool's wide success derives off the films off-beat style thanks to director Tim Miller and the screenwriters. Aside from the anti-hero tendencies and qualities of the main character, the film beats excellence with its constant "fourth-wall breaking." Deadpool is constantly aware that he is in a superhero movie, and is caught talking to the camera quite often, wether making direct references about the genre or warning us that "we might wanna look away" during a gory mutilation. 

     Deadpool owes most of its success to lead actor, Ryan Reynolds, who before this movie didn't have the greatest track record with movies adapted from comic books after the dismally received 2011 Green Lantern. However, Reynolds hit the nail on the head with this performance. He gives us this character stricken with revenge over his immortality and loss of love, however his sufficient humanity he brings to Deadpool makes us all hope everything goes well for him. Gotham's Morena Baccarin is aesthetically pleasing as the love interest of the main character while also giving a good performance. 

     This hugely entertaining Marvel flick will appeal even those who say they do not like superhero movies. Deadpool will undoubtedly be labeled as a superhero classic. 

I give Deadpool a...

7/10