Zootopia (2016)

Walt Disney’s latest animation creation is nothing short of a masterpiece, shedding light on the importance of acceptance and tolerance. Zootopia uniquely illustrates these themes by using animals instead of humans in the film.

The film also delivers vivid settings while exaggerating the actual job of animals in the world. The use of exaggeration and irony adds a humorous tone to the plot. Judy Hopps, the protagonist of the film played by Ginnifer Goodwin, does an outstanding job as she encompasses an enthusiastic vibe to the role.

Her character faces various challenges throughout the film as she tries to accomplish her goal of being the first Bunny Cop.  At the start of Zootopia, Judy faces backlash from a minor antagonist, who disapproves of Judy’s dream to become a police officer. Judy’s parents also didn’t approve at first as they became aware of her ambition; instead, they would prefer Judy chose a more realistic job, such as a carrot farmer. After tough training and hard work at the Animal Police Academy, Judy achieves her dream. Soon thereafter, Judy’s parents accept her wishes, and she makes her departure from her small hometown of Bunnyburrow.

Then on the job, Judy meets Nick Wilde, an eccentric and snobbish fox, played by Jason Bateman. Throughout the film, the two have quite an up and down friendship, due to their conflicting personalities. 

Though this movie is just shy of two hours, it does have plenty to keep audiences of all ages engaged with its humor and colorful sceneries.

Directors of the film Rich Moore, Byron Howard, and Jared Bush did a stellar job at sneaking in a few references from other films, and being clever as to changing the names of popular stores to fit the animal-oriented perspective. 

With colorful settings, exaggerated approach of animal life and a quality script, Zootopia proves wildly entertaining.

Rate: B

Arrival (2016)

What happens when you get an uninvited party guest walking through your door? Well, you do everything in your best interest to rid that party-crasher from your house. But what do you do if there's an alien invasion? Do you riot and loot? Or do you run like hell? That decision is yours when and if the time comes for such drastic measures.

Science-Fiction, alien plagued films, aren't always the best. But, "Arrival" has an excellent amount of depth and consistency, exciting and entertaining charisma. (Yes, Roland Emmerich I hated the rip off sequel to Independence Day) 

Architect behind thrillers "Sicario" and "Prisoners", Denis Villeneuve, constructs a film that is uniquely complex, mature in nature. 

The use of flashback is greatly effective as it is shown on screen. This element of the story adds to the dramatic angles of the film as a whole. 

One word, stunning. That's how I can to the best of my ability describe the acting in this film. The lead played by Amy Adams, and the main male lead played by Jeremy Renner. The two are very connected on screen and it is amazing to that great level of chemistry between actors. You don't usually have this good of a connection in the realm of science fiction films. 

It's special effects are riveting. Even though, you cannot really digest this form of E.T in its full capacity.

Icelandic film composer Johann Johannsson, creates an eerie plethora of dynamic music perfectly fitting to this eerie film.   

What "Arrival" accomplishes is the fact that not every Sci-Fi movie sucks. This film is a prime example of what a good quality film of this genre looks like. 

Rate: A

Directed By:  Denis Villeneuve

Starring: Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forrest Whitaker 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for brief strong language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 58 Minutes 

Manchester by the Sea (2016)

Taking place in the films namesake town located in Massachusetts. "Manchester by the Sea" is a breathtaking powerful film detailing what a midlife crisis is and the effects they have on people close to one another. Deeply moving and powerful film, "Manchester by the Sea" is a film for the ages, it's quite possibly one of the decade's finest works.

Some of the greatest performances i've seen by a predominantly male cast. Casey Affleck does an excellent job with the lead. Affleck boasts onscreen with a rare powerful execution of extreme proportions.

Still trying to make his mark, Lucas Hedges, (Afflecks' onscreen nephew) is terrific. His character, a teenager, who has some coping difficulties due to a family tragedy. As the film progresses, he goes out of his shell becoming in a way, extroverted than before.

Co-Starring in the film, Michelle Williams, playing (Afflecks ex-wife), perfectly measures up to the dramatic aspects of the film.

The emotional intensity is huge. You can feel that between the conflicts with the characters in the film.

Screenwriter of the Scorsese hit film "Gangs of New York", Kenneth Lonergan, makes a "Hallmark" esque film (setting wise) but it's way better than if it were on that T.V channel.

Romantic comedy lovers and fans of the acclaimed (Boyhood) will fall prey to this dramatic, heartwarming (at times) emotional film. Moviegoers with the taste of dark comedy and romance with an edge will love this film and all that it signifies.

Rate: A 

Directed By: Kenneth Lonergan 

Starring: Casey Affleck, Lucas Hedges, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler, with Matthew Broderick, Tate Donovan, and C.J Wilson,  

MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout and some sexual content) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 17 Minutes 

Fist Fight (2017)

Remember when your parents would tell you to "turn the other cheek" when a bully picks on you? Well, in this case, adulthood, for instance, has its bullies too. Two teachers duke it out in a high school parking lot on the last day of school, and things do not go well for either one.

Ice Cube (aka) not-so-Mr. Nice Guy is exactly like that one man driving in front of you at the speed of a turtle. His patience is very thin throughout the movie due to Charlie Day (aka) the world's biggest pain-in-the-ass coworker. The comedic duo here is funny, but it's not laugh till your stomach hurts, milk outta your nose type. 

What Fist Fight lacks is persistency and better laughs. The film is enjoyable, however, some jokes weren't funny. They were there for a reaction. 

Some of the films brightest moments involved (you said it) children. Giving that this is an R rated movie, it's got some potty-mouthed children in here to. 

Not in anyway shape or form was the acting superb, but the essence of comedic pursuits is satisfying. In all fairness, if and when you watch this, don't expect lots of belly laughs. You can expect however to be entertained by this film and its diabolical humor. 

Rate: C+ 

Directed By: Richie Keen 

Rating: R(for language throughout, sexual content/nudity and drug material)

Starring: Ice Cube, Charlie Day, Jillian Bell, Dean Norris, Tracy Morgan, JoAnna Garcia-Swisher 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 31 Minutes 

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

It's one of  the best war films . Based on the real American war hero Desmond Doss, "Hacksaw Ridge" is an emotional recount of the horrors of World War II. [It] satisfies in every possible aspect. Even though its graphic depictions of war at the core, it's still a monumentos achievement.   Moviegoers undoubtedly feel a renewed sense of patriotism.

It shows just how one act of kindness can lead to change. When you're being judged by your morals, stand tall and strong. That's exactly what the ballsy army medic did. Even when you faced with avalanches of insults and hardships with others.

From Spider-Man to war hero, Andrew Garfield soars, triumphs in an emotionally heart wrenching performance.Alongside Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn blend into the film with unique efforts of beauty.

One of the most gifted talents in Hollywood, Mel Gibson, establishes a movie that accomplishes everything a true-story film has a duty to do: be accurate.

The most painful thing any military personnel can bare witness to, is the agony of fellow infantry members suffer.  If it's one thing that Hollywood  manages to accomplish here, is being an emotionally effective film.

Rate: A

Directed By: Mel Gibson 

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving                       
Rating: R (for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence including grisly bloody images)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 19 Minutes 

Signed Fist Fight Poster

Split (2017)

If you know me at all, horror films are not my cup of tea. When I saw the first advertisements for this film, I was sold. Something very intriguing and thrilling as this film is a (MUST WATCH) for those reasons. Professor X (younger) goes mentally unstable and you can't miss one of James McAvoy's best performances.

Indian film director M. Night Shyamalan's (The Sixth Sense) latest work is with no uncertainty, gripping. Shyamalan approaches the film with an essence of fascination and mind-boggling qualities. From start to finish, the work he displays is one that has depth and consistency.

It's James McAvoy like you've never seen him before. The main role he plays is one of many. Some of his character's mental identities are: serious, comical, and no doubt-creepy. McAvoy portrays a character with an instant on and off switch. One day he's someone else and the next he's completely different.

What also makes this film stunning is its score eerily composed. The teens at the epicenter of the film. Its young leads are not like the ones from 20th century horror films producing fake emotion for effect. The youth in the film, give pulsating and suspenseful performances alongside the rest of the cast.

A film similar to that of Christopher Nolan's (Inception), (Split) is another film that requires thinking. It also has that way of getting reactions like: "WHAT?" "NO WAY!" from viewers. What this film manages to do is try and (does) succeed in is wrapping around the brains of audiences for critical thinking. While (Split) is an entertaining film. It's also an interesting way of depicting severe mental disorders and the impacts on the person diagnosed with such condition.

Rate: A-


Director: M. Night Shyamalan 

Starring: James McAvoy

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence and some language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 57 Minutes 

*NOW PLAYING IN THEATERS*