Malawski's Movie Mania

This pre-S tar Wars  flick wasn't needed. The space saga would be better off without essentially with no prequel. Get to the point already. Did not happen. It goes to join the others in "honorable mentions" for one of 2016's worst films. Nothing to see here, move along. Don't get me wrong, the action sequences- especially a D-day styled battle scene are entertaining. But throughout the entire marketing parade, it felt as if I was reliving the past four years with the " Hunger Games"  . And that's exactly what viewers got: a ripoff of that. Ugh. The director Gareth Edwards, doesn't really add any originality like the actual Star Wars  films. (COPY and PASTE!) I wonder what "Lionsgate" thinks of those uncanny similarities? Rogue Ones' acting however, was monotone and mumbo-jumbo, to say the least. With a major of its cast boating hard-to-understand European dialects, it was nevertheless very tiresome. Huh? What? Here we go again...

I for one am not a fan of romantic films-(don't even get me started on "Hallmark" ), however, I do like some musical films (just depends). Critics speculate the L.A set love story musical- starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone will be a big contender for the upcoming award season, I 100 percent concur with the notion.  Not only is the film a likely nominee but the leads- Gosling and Stone are guaranteed spots in the award season race. What won me over with  "La La Land"  was its zest, vibrant colors and original tunes and pretty damn well choreographed dance numbers. And its persistent comedic efforts. Major success in those areas. Apparently you can get success fresh out of college. He's just starting to make his mark on the silver screen. But, oh man does director Damien Chazelle  craft a one of a kind piece of art. Some of the best film performances I've seen in a really long time. First, Gosling. Every time he shows up in audiences faces, its as...

2016 has been the year of the damned. So many beautifully gifted public figures departed Earth to the stairway to heaven. As the new year nears, the sudden death of star wars legend Carrie Fisher dies at the age of 60 due to a massive heart attack. While just one day after the shocking passing of Fisher, her mother also an acclaimed actor. Debbie Reynolds. Best known for (Singing in the rain) and Disney's (Halloweentown). Reynolds was 84. Debbie Reynolds: 1932-2016 (84) Carrie Fisher: 1956-2016 (60)

If this doesn't thoroughly entertain you from start to finish, you might just want to wipe or "obliviate" yourself from this magical expedition. Visionary J.K Rowling author of one of literature's most acclaimed series, ( Harry Potter ), erects a prequel to the phenomenon, set post-World War I in the backdrop of New York City. ( Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)   is just as magical as its "Potter" saga counterparts. Wonder, awe and creativity boast heavily in the film. ( Fantastic Beasts ) is an absolute sensation. Before the trio of friends: Harry, Ron and Hermione enrolled at (Hogwarts)  a different story of magical proportions was told. Author of a curriculum textbook used at ( Hogwarts) , from which the film is based, Newt Scamander (Actually Rowling-underneath this pseudonym). Traveling the globe studying magical beings, good and evil, Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in our setting of 1920's New York. He comes to ( America)  knowing v...

Fans of [Disney's] Pocahontas will rest-assured, fall in love with [Moana]. With its reliance on nature, serenity, and beauty- [ Moana]  is a Pocahontas of sorts in this tale. Minus the same-old common ground for [Disney]  films- damsel in distress is rescued  by a handsome heir to a kingdom and they go off into the sunset living happily ever after- but this film completely ignores that old tradition. It's   as if Christopher Columbus had Hawaiian ancestry and an ambitious relative desperately trying to accomplish the same as that relative with the accolades and numerous talents. [Moana]  reaches groundbreaking milestones while giving audiences something fresh. It's art and craft compared to fairy tale predecessors, beats them all by setting new heights in these kinds of films. Helmers of the Hans Christian Andersen story, 1989's [The Little Mermaid] John Musker and Ron Clements top it in their newest directorial efforts. The voices behind the sound boo...

The newly released film by quirky film animation studio " Laika" , makes  "Kubo and the Two-Strings".    It's a beautifully visual masterpiece, but may be frightening to some children. If you are a devoted religious person, then this film may not appease you. Despite these pessimistic qualities, " Kubo and the Two-Strings" is action-packed, weird- (in a good way), and a spectacle.     It's stunning animation that gets movies noticed by (The Academy) , and in " Laika's case, for instance, it just well-might get that distinguished honor. As critics and audiences nationwide agree, this film is a unique wonder. A plethora of a talented voice cast showcased in the film, are dramatic, emotional, and humorous. It's ensemble is led by: ( Game of Thrones' Art Parkinson, Matthew McConaughey, and Charlize Theron.) Being-that-as-it-may, a dark film no doubt, but, it offers comedy. The absolute artistry in the film along with its special...

       One of the world's most iconic and beloved cinematic masterpieces,  has touched the eyes of children for over 40 years, " Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory" has kept its awe and beauty. Based on the bestselling children's novel, It is just as enchanting on the pages as it is on screen. The film makes a relentless effort at the visionary art in the movie. That is why is so beautiful to witness. Starrer of the film, " Gene Wilder" makes a whimsical and witty performance as the candyman. While, its fellow cast members also do terrific when displaying their characters on the screen. It's no doubt, that this film is one of the most artsy-fartsy films out there, and that the craft in the film is simply stunning. Even from the film's opening sequence, it proves that classic 20th century cinema reigns supreme in modern cinema. Starring: Gene Wilder Director: Mel Stuart Production Company/Distributor: Paramount Pictures MPAA Rating: G ...

1933-2016

What if I told you there is a school where you learn how to become a Wizard?  Well, it all happens at a very prestigious and secretive school- only known to the families who have magical ancestors or relatives, rests the vast castle called " Hogwarts: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry ."   And how'd you react if you had a destiny all planned out since you were born?  This is in the circumstances for a young boy named " Harry Potter".  The first film adaptation of the international bestselling book series, " Harry Potter" is filled with tons of wonder, magic, and fun. It is no doubt to be a hit with younger audiences and to those who've read the novel will  alike be engrossed in the film from start to finish. " Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone" director ( Chris Columbus) swiftly and gracefully executed something that will be treasured for generations. Bursting in the film, is a delightful composition by ( John Williams) . His work is absol...

It is no doubt that racism has plagued our society, and that there are actually people out there who believe on race is superior to the other plus minorities. But, what if there was an actual legitimate way to cease racism? Well, "Imperium"  details how one guy (with the FBI's assistance) took down a major racist cult in order to prevent a catastrophe. Probably shocking to some, this film is based on real-life events that most likely occurred within the past decade, maybe in the late years of the last century. It is also terrifying and unfathomable that someone could be so hateful, (But then again, you've got: Adolf Hitler, Bin Laden, and Saddam). Today's racism is just as evil as these followers mentioned earlier, but it does match up to the supremacists that everso plague The U.S.A and the entire world.  In the film, it depicts at extreme lengths, how racism is a major global problem, therefore racism is an epidemic and it must be vanquished. " Imperi...

It is perhaps one of America's greatest manhunts of any kind. It is also one of the most prominent moments in U.S history, because it is so relevant. The man who ended slavery and united a nation after a treacherous war,  " Abraham Lincoln"   who is one of history's most principled leaders, gets his unfortunate end, when a confederate supporter ' John Wilkes Booth" shoots the commander-in-chief, while he and the first lady celebrate the bitter end of the war. "Robert Redford" erects a true chilling and haunting depiction of the turmoil and chaos that occurred in our nation's capitol so many years ago. " The Conspirator" is a rare film that captures emotional essence,  that is what makes this a truly captivating historical drama film. To make it as 1800's looking as possible, the costumes in the film are dark, dreary and true to the set time period. Depicted with lots of emotion and depth, from the cast that  consists of: Jame...

It's " Toy Story" gone rogue to the highest degree. But only this time, delectable edibles are the main culprits of insanity. The film takes place on the Fourth of July weekend, and you know what that means: Barbecues Fireworks, and endless amounts of consumption of food. The latest comedic attempt from mediocre funny man Seth Rogen, is one of the worst things to ever come out of  the bowels in Hollywood. Food, Drinks, and other forms of consumption live in harmony at a grocery store called " Shopwell's". Each and every morning when the store opens for business, all delicacies burst out in a song about the " Gods"  also-known-as Humans. The plethora of delicacies are so determined, confident, and rambunctious as they anticipate to be taken off their respective shelves and come home with us to " The Great Beyond". Little did the very enthused decadents know that they are in for an extremely rude awakening. This was certainly a massive ...

It is amongst fans and popular culture as one of the most anticipated films to witness this year. A group of talented yet menacing and psychotic villains tries to attempt to rid the world of the evil "Enchantress" played by "Cara Delevingne"  and all that her character possesses. Like other superhero ensemble films, this one is absolutely breathtaking, when it comes to the characters. The characters add lots of humor, seriousness, and depth throughout the film. Therefore, the action sequences are very splendid. " Suicide Squad"  has all the pizazz and brightly depicted colors that a film should have, and it's another reason this film is fully entertaining. " Fury" director "David Ayer"  is no " Joss Whedon". but his work with the film is respectively enjoyable, memorable, and fun overall. " Ayer" in  his own right, made something wonderful, and very exciting. It is depicted with a very talented and quite hu...

For its prime, it is one of cinemas most sinister action films of its generation. "The Dark Knight"  crafted by " Christopher Nolan"  is unique for a superhero film, and is absolutely menacing. A marvelous cast, riveting and dramatic screenplay, with stellar action sequences and a gripping score are the very vital reasons this film excels. Christopher Nolan  returns to erect a " Batman" film, previously the start of the Christian Bale "Batman Begins ". It is very much so evil, sinister and diabolical is this film. As the " Joker"   portrayed so demented like by (Heath Ledger). His performance of the iconic superhero villain is utter genius. While " Christian Bale"  delivers a menacing performance as the billionaire/superhero It sticks with the flow of the film. A dramatic and haunting music score by famed composers "Hans Zimmer" and "James Newton Howard " is jolting and edgy. There is so much action s...

The revival of the “Star Trek” films continues with its third chapter. The follow-up to 2013’s “Into Darkness” is unquestionably weak, and relies way too heavily on special effects.  Justin Lin who's best known for working on the “Fast and The Furious” franchise, erects a “Star Wars” esque  film. Characters, settings, and costumes all encompass the similarities between these film franchises.   “Star Trek: Beyond” features a wonderfully talented cast, but they lack in depth and perception. Especially with Simon Pegg’s Montgomery Scott character, which is highly irritating when he uses repetition of the word “lassie”  throughout the film.  The film has been at the height of praise and controversy, due to its storyline involving  the character Sulu, played by John Cho. Reason for the praise and controversy is because Cho's character was written in the film as a homosexual man. This story also caught the attention of original Sulu actor Geo...

Children, pet owners and adults have come to bare witness to a new film from the studio that brought audiences the “ Despicable Me ” films.  “ The Secret Life of Pets ” is similar to that of the “ Toy Story ” films but only this time in animal form.  Helmers of this exciting film, Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney make this film positively appealing to all pet owners and animal fanatics. Audiences will highly appreciate the animation approach which is precious, cute and magical.    Taking place in “ New York City ”, the film shows a vast portion of the “ Big Apple ” in great detail. Being an animated motion-picture, the movie is filled with wonder, spectacle, and magic.   The film offers up a wonderful ensemble consisting of: ( Modern Family's ) Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart ( Ride Along ), comedian Louis C.K, and Jenny Slate ( The Lorax ). Each and every character portrayed by the actors in the movie are humorous and whimsical. Younger viewers will definitely get a...

One of the world biggest phenomenons, "Star Wars: a new hope"  is brought to life by science fiction author George Lucas. "A New Hope" is filled with amazing action, old-school, retro special effects, and a wonderful cast. For over forty years, the kickstart of the space epic " Star Wars" has been widely acclaimed. Bringing in a new breed of science fiction, similar to that of the popular Star Trek television show. Teamed with: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, as the leads: Han Solo, Leia,  and Luke Skywalker, respectively, they are absolutely fierce and fun. On top of the film's spectacular action, lay the films composition. Executed by John Williams, it is unequivocally one of cinema's best scores and most famous for an action, sci-fi film. It's been a cinema powerhouse for over four decades. The stunning action sequences offers a thrill, the classical music composition and the action alongside it's superb ensemble  a...

Matt Damon returns as the lethal former CIA operative, nearly a decade after the events that took place in " Bourne Ultimatum ". Jason Bourne is one of this years best. It is jam packed with explosive and thrilling action. Matt Damon is serious, emotional, and awesome in this role once more.  Reuniting again with director Paul Greengrass, his vision of executing another " Bourne " film is splendid, dramatic, and terrific.  The score of this film was made by John Powell and David Buckley. If you think that the action was great, wait until you witness the score that is fast-paced, beautiful and vibrant. Matt Damon is to Tom Cruise is to Daniel Craig. Damon's role as Jason Bourne is without a doubt extremely similar to that of Ethan Hunt ( Mission Impossible ) and Daniel Craig ( James Bond ). As all three characters are extremely gifted in bringing down the bad guy.  From best-selling author Robert Ludlum, comes a film portrayal of his beloved ...

From author Winston Groom, and based on his acclaimed novel of a mentally challenged man named "Forrest Gump". The film adaptation chronicles his daily struggles with walking normally, fitting in, and bullies, as the film progresses, you see him change and mature in some ways. His biggest supporter is his mother, played by Sally Field in the film. She gives advice to him in ways he'll remembers for the rest of his life. Widely acclaimed actor Tom Hanks plays the intellectually challenged man. The film is played out in memories and flashbacks as told by the character, he lives in Alabama and sits on a park bench giving oral presentations to the passerbyers that he comes across. Director Robert Zemeckis has created something so touching that this film is a gift for movie lovers. He made this film with the utmost sense of wonder and passion that this film is a gem for the cinema, as it is special. The film also stars Robin Wright and Gary Sinise as: Forrest's love in...

From comedic " Hollywood " icon, director Mel Brooks makes one of cinemas most provocatively raunchy, extremely racist films. "Blazing Saddles",  as the name implies, it is very blazing with colorful language, wit, and buffoonery. "Blazing Saddles" stars Gene Wilder ( Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory) and Cleavon Little ( Temperature's Rising). Both actors are amazing in this comedy as a small-town sheriff and magician. They shine best at the movies most questionable moments. And the films not so vital cast and characters also do a great job at providing laughs. Mel Brooks had a vision of  utmost and profound originality,  a very quirky and demented sense of humor when he planned this film. As a result, it pays out. This film is NOT to be viewed by children under 13. In fact, those with a very dull sense of humor, or get easily offended shouldn't bare witness to one of the greatest comedies ever made. Paramount Pic...

From the adventurous and talented minds of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, comes an adventure of epic proportions. Harrison Ford who is no stranger to starring in action films, stars as the films protagonist. Director Steven Spielberg creates a movie that is exciting, humor and action-packed. Viewers will without a doubt be fully engaging in the adventures of Indiana Jones.  The cast in the film, (other than Harrison Ford) does a spectacular execution at their parts. The cast possesses qualities of being exciting, authentic, and fun. Kudos to the special effects and action sequences departments because they are fantastic and stunning. Harrison Ford brings energy and roughness to his role. Widely acclaimed composer John Williams scores the film, and it is bombastic and upbeat. With his main title theme for the film it is sure to be one of his most popular scores. For over 35 years, Indiana  Jones  has been a constant fan favorite mainly because of its terrific...

Skadoosh! Everyone's favorite butt kicking panda, Po (Jack Black) is back, in the third feature of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. The sequel to 2011's Kung Fu Panda 2 is nothing short of mesmerizing and wonderful.  It offers stunning artistry, special effects, and  clever, witty humor. As well as a fantastic supporting cast including: Angelina Jolie, Bryan Cranston, J.K Simmons, and Kate Hudson, while they voice the  roles of a master tigress, Po's father, the films antagonist and a girl panda, respectively.  The way the cast voices their characters and portrays them is very energetic and lively. The director of the film does an absolutely wonderful job at  animating China, and interpreting Kung Fu in animal form. The art and overall color of the movie is very bold and stunning.      To stick to the Chinese theme & culture a score was created by visionary composer  Hans Zimmer ( Interstellar , Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justi...

If I were a diehard D.C Comics fan, I'd be extremely hyped for the showdown between the great Batman and Superman. Then when it comes time to witness that epic brawl, you have high expectations, when I left the theater at the end of the movie I was utterly disappointed with this movie. Not because of the negative reaction from other movie critics, but because the film had several scenes in it that were unnecessary, boring, or just didn't fit in with the plot of the movie. I was thinking during these tedious moments, just when is the fight going to happen? The epic brawl does not even happen until first ninety minutes of the movie. The film's first half was setting up the war between the two heroes for that first ninety minutes.  Returning to helm the Kryptonian hero, Henry Cavill. Playing the Dark Knight this time around is Ben Affleck. Personally, I thought Cavill’s performance in his first portrayal as superman in “Man of Steel” was more exciting than this one. As for Aff...

Based on the popular 1974 novel " Jaws", is a terrifying and edge-of-your seat film. The film chronicles the gaudy and horrific events of a small and secluded tourist town of " Amity Island", located in the Eastern region of the United States.  The film is brought to life by young director Steven Spielberg, who is previously noted best for films such as: "The Sugarland Express" and " Duel", In which both films came out in the same decade as " Jaws", only a few years apart from one another.  The performances seen in the film are absolutely marvelous, with zealous perfection. As this is a horror film, the leading cast: Roy Schneider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss are without a doubt dramatic, in which this is another reason this cast is phenomenal.  Steven Spielberg's version of Peter Benchleys classic novel is triumphant, dramatic, and ghastly obscene. Viewers will find the film frightening, especially with composer ...

From beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and ultra successful filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes an adaptation of one of Dahl’s most  famous children’s novels, “The BFG”, or if you want to be more technical, “ Big Friendly Giant .” Spielberg, who is no stranger in the director’s chair, he has directed films like this before, he also helmed another film involving an unlikely friendship in 1982’s “E.T”. What makes this film different from that popular film is the BGF has more magic at its core. Reuniting with  Spielberg  once again for the film’s title role is  Mark Rylance  previously seen in the  Oscar  nominated film, also directed by  Spielberg, (Bridge of Spies). Rylance  makes a whimsical and emotional performance while opposite child star  Ruby Barnhill , who is a natural, serious, yet funny and an effective talent in this film.  Scoring the film is a man who needs no introduction,  John Williams , who by the way has ...

Based on the real-life events of a man, Hugh Glass.  He is trapped and left for dead in a winter forest after being brutally abused by a bear. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the lost soul and does it so very powerfully. He is challenged by the wonders of nature physically and mentally. Besides being left crippled for days, Hugh then becomes extremely angry at the fact that the people who abandoned him left his son to die out in the cold forest as well!    DiCaprio portrays this role so exceptionally. It's gripping. There's a huge sense of a dramatic on screen personality to his character. His role is highly well-worth praising. Also, Tom Hardy deserves some praise for his supporting role as the antagonist of the film. He portrays a sly, cunning, sneaky man who doesn't like DiCaprio's character.  Director Alejandro G Inarritu who helmed the Oscar-winning Birdman is a visual magician. He knows more about the story the audience might not even know.  Based on the rea...

After 13 years, and the success of  Disney/Pixar’s “Finding Nemo” , comes the return of all your favorite characters from the 2003 hit film. The difference between this sequel and the first film is that there’s a bigger emotional tone than in the previous film. Andrew Stanton, who directed the predecessor to “ Finding Dory”  makes this new film funny on many levels, but relies more on the emotional aspect. As the previous movie had more of a comedic effort, but had a less emotional tone.  Ellen DeGeneres returns as the loveable amnesiac blue-tang, with Albert Brooks reprising the cautious, worrisome clownfish father, Marlin. Due to voice changes and several years, the adorably cute “Nemo” Marlin’s son, was recast for this film and is now voiced by newcomer Hayden Rolence.  Also starring in “ Finding Dory”  are: Eugene Levy, Diane Keaton, Ty Burrell, Idris Elba and Ed O’Neill. All do a terrific job voicing their roles with passion and hea...

For two decades, E.T and planet Earth have had the chance to prepare for the next armageddon, and that time has arrived once more. The sequel to the 1996 film “ Independence Day ”, “ Independence Day: Resurgence ” is nothing more than special effects with a wishy-washy cast, as this sequel lacks with depth, emotional tone, and corny styled dialogue. Roland Emmerich returns to helm the sequel, and while he has several credits underneath his belt for films being “every man for himself” types of movies, therefore as a result Resurgence counts as this kind of film. While it's enjoyable to watch with an overwhelming amount of CGI and other special effects, Emmerich relies on those aspects more so than the cliche and corny styled screenplay. For those who are fans of veteran actors from the original film, like Jeff Goldblum & Bill Pullman, their presence on screen is just not enough, or just plain dull and rustic. Same goes for “ The Hunger Games ” star Liam Hemsworth who is a u...

As if  Pixar  couldn’t top it again after their successful Academy Award winning “ Toy Story ”, with another community of beings living in peace and harmony, this time around it’s world of talking bugs. The film is similar to  Dreamworks Animations  " Antz"  because it just so happens that these two motion pictures are both about insects.  With a bold and zealous attitude at erecting a fictitious world in which bugs are in contrast to humans. Directors John Lasseter and Andrew Stanton made something with heart and profound curiosity when approaching this movie, which is certainly fascinating. All throughout  “a bug’s life”  the animation is utterly spectacular when analyzed carefully. The film’s  sense of wonder and curiosity is what makes the film stand out. A bug’s life, a tale of wonder, curiosity, and  discover, also has morals to be understood like: Big things come in small packages. This message can relate to all age groups....