Inglourious Basterds (2009)

I am not a fan of Quentin Tarantino, but this film is absolutely amazing. The award-winning World War II drama is a superb, unique and grotesque portrayal of sorts of some of the actual events that occurred.  What really won me over with this film was its incorporation of cinema in a movie about War and of course movies.

It's really interesting, because you have great action sequences in here too. Weird huh? But the glory at the center of this film is the story and its characters. Christoph Waltz's antagonist Hans Landa, is an unsuspecting man of evil desires. There's so much persistency and depth to "Inglourious Basterds" that makes it so memorable.

Tarantino uses quirky and interesting ways at presenting this film. Even though the tedious subtitled European countries languages is used to provide information to audiences, it gets old after awhile.

The acting in the film is just as wonderful as the feature itself. Starring: Brad Pitt, Christoph Waltz, Michael Fassbender and Diane Kruger. They all give outstanding and emotional acting efforts in this film.

Yes, both World Wars were bad. But I bet you've never seen it told like this. This film is an utter sensation and dropping achievement. Totally worth all the accolades it received the year following its release.

Rate: A

Photo: Universal Studios

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Speed Racer (2008)

Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? Based on the 1960's Japanese anime of the same name, "Speed Racer", now gets a live action motion picture of its very own. This movie helmed by The Wachowski Brothers, makers of the "Matrix", comes a similarly assembled feature. In regards to the visuals and approach that is. 2008's "Speed Racer", is a fun and entertaining film, but it suffers heavily on color schemes and overblown CGI.

Aside from that, the film is actually quite interesting. The directors use flashbacks and fast motion camera feels to the film. Adding a unique spin on creating a film like this. I do have to say, the flashbacks and fast forwards get very annoying after awhile.

On the other hand, the acting is not perfect, but the story however gets the acting more in line with things going on.

Some of the most memorable pieces of this film was indeed its visuals. But also the action and score. The action is up there in the better parts to this. The score heard here is dramatic, upbeat, and fast paced. Soots the mood for the film overall.

On your marks. Set. Go! In no way shape or form is this movie spectacular. But, it does advance and reward audiences with great visuals and color. But this isn't enough to save the film from going into a tail spin.

Rate: C

Photo: Village Roadshow Pictures

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Cars 3 (2017)

Pixar's "Cars" franchise has had it's ups-and-downs since its first outing back in 2006. Following the first film in the franchise, was a sequel that was the studio's worst reviewed and cost them an Oscar nomination the following year. And for good reason. The third installment of this lucrative series is much better than its 2011 predecessor. This third installment offers the same tone that of the first film and that is refreshing and satisfying for viewers.

 I'd say that this is a pretty big moment in the series. Originating back to the emotional roots of the first film, the third chapter is as emotional, quite possibly even more emotional than the first film that started it all. The story telling in this part of the saga is much more emotional and heartfelt than both of the films prior to this one.

Voicing favorites from the other films once again are, Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and company all return to star. Also, this third feature, sees the voice talents of newcomers: Armie Hammer, the films antagonist, much like Chick Hicks of the first film. Cristela Alonzo, Nathan Fillion, and "Scandal's" Kerry Washington are superb at the emotional efforts brought into this film.

Some of franchise's prominent characters are barely used. It's kind of like they're there as a placeholder. But, I think that is so the new incoming characters the opportunity to grace the screen. This works well despite the lack of seeing veteran characters.

The film puts its heart and soul into a relationship between McQueen and new character Cruz Ramirez and it works phenomenally.  Director Brian Fee really focuses on that and how that impacts the surrounding characters.

Bittersweet moment for the film when unused audio of Paul Newmans Doc Hudson is used in this film. These moments when his character shows up via flashbacks or is mentioned is truly a shining and memorable part of this film.

As always, "Pixar"  dazzles in the color schemes and depth and detail. It's one of the few other reasons why the film is beautiful.

Ever since the first outing that kickstarted the engines to this saga 11 years ago,  has had its potholes to get back to where it started. This third feature, is as satisfying as the first film even though its approach may not contain as many laughs as the first film. But takes a more emotional and heartfelt approach.

Photo: Pixar/Disney

Rate: B

Director: Brian Fee 

Starring: Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Bonnie Hunt, Kerry Washington, Nathan Fillion, Cristela Alonzo, Armie Hammer, Paul Newman-via flashbacks 

MPAA Rating: G 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 49 Minutes 

Synopsis:  Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn't through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing's biggest stage!

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender

A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction

A- = One to remember. Unforgettable

B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.

B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency

B- = Watches occasionally

C+ = Guilty pleasure territory

C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story

D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage

D= Very few to no good parts about this movie

D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Rough Night (2017)

This film is basically a repeat of sorts similar to that of 2011's "Bridesmaids".  But, it does produce audience laughter. Tons of mischief, estrogen, and alcohol sums up pretty much what this film is. What do you get when you have Scarlett Johansson looking like Hillary Clinton, daughter of rocker Lenny Kravitz, Zoe, and a crazily horny Jillian Bell? You get a bachelorette party of raunchy and chaotic proportions.

This film isn't as funny as the Paul Feig blockbuster comedy. But, it does get audiences laughing while overcoming some dull moments. Newcomer director Lucia Aniello makes an impressive comedic film with an unlikely cast of a female ensemble. Even though this film looks very colorful-(not only in language, but,  it's like a the unicorn from the end credits of last years comedy phenomenon "Deadpool"  threw up everywhere- while making it to bathroom successfully. 

I'm not really impressed or find ScarJo as funny as her co-star Kate McKinnon or Jillian Bell, but she was amusing in this. Not really offering any substantial comedic efforts, ScarJo is well put together alongside her female counterparts in this movie. Though she isn't a Melissa McCarthy, I think she'd be impressed by her performance here. 

All praise on the comedic efforts intended here put aside, the acting from some of the cast members is a little much. One star specifically, Kate McKinnon. She plays  Pippa, a college friend of ScartJo. There's a catch it this. Her character uses a fake australian accent to try and subdue any form of her real voice from showing. Please-put a-cork-in-pippa. 

One of the best comedic parts of this film is Jillian Bell and ScarJo's on screen fiance. Bell previously seen in "22 Jump Street", offers more comedic efforts than her leading lady ScarJo. It's also Bell's character that not till midway through the feature that she shows emotional qualities meant for an effective story. ScarJo's on screen fiance is also a major key part in the laughs here.  

Other funny ladies include: Zoe Kravitz and Ilana Glazer. These two are also a big part in the laughs here. A lot of the films funny parts include these two. 

As those drinking commercials say to their (over 21) audience: Please drink responsibly. This is not something taken into account for these ladies. They also should have a party safe slogan. Party hard. Party safely. 

Oh S**t, was that a "rough night" indeed. If you ever have a party as chaotic as this, don't. While this film suffers mildly from dull humor at times and unnecessary ways to have an actress speak. I'd say that "Rough Night" is a satisfying film despite it's bumps. 

Photo: Sony and Columbia Pictures 

Rate: B- 

Director: Lucia Aniello  

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Jillian Bell, Zoe Kravitz, Ilana Glazer, Kate McKinnon, with Demi Moore and Ty Burrell 

MPAA Rating: R (for crude sexual content, language throughout, drug use and brief bloody images)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the R-rated comedy Rough Night, five friends from college - played by Scarlett Johansson, Kate McKinnon, Jillian Bell, Ilana Glazer, and Zoë Kravitz - reunite when they rent a beach house in Miami for a wild bachelorette weekend that goes completely off the rails. Just when all hope is lost, they realize there's more to the story than they could've ever imagined.

Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender

A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction

A- = One to remember. Unforgettable

B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.

B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency

B- = Watches occasionally

C+ = Guilty pleasure territory

C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story

D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage

D= Very few to no good parts about this movie

D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

The Mummy (2017)

Ay Caramba! We've all seen the "Mummy" films starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. But this time around, none of them  return for this take on the mummified demon. It's kind of disappointing because the two were what made the "Mummy" movies good. This time around, you have a weak Tom Cruise- whose character is very pitiful and pride filled. Then you have a sexy british dame Annabelle Wallis- an archaeologist, who really wants to demolish (Sofia Boutella)  hellacious mummy "Ahmenet".  The desert and all other things holy weren't able to save this movie, as those things are what actually kills this film. "The Mummy" is essentially a dried-up, water-drought, evil dead, mediocre action, very cheesy film.

Tom Cruise' worst performance that I have ever seen him in. The only good parts about his presence and the movie in fact, is the infamous zero-gravity plane stint. (Plus a scene in a church-  get those walking corpses outta here!) Annabelle Wallis, Sofia Boutella-(The blade runner from "Kingsman") and Russell Crowe are all dead at the door.

"Transformers" screenwriter Alex Kurtzman helms the film. Kurtzman is not in anyway shape or form a stellar director. This film is just all over the place trying to be a successful film. It doesn't help in Kurtzman's favor. The film as a whole makes the action/science fiction genre look very bad.

The action sequences and script quality are mediocre and bland at best. the script makes the film look more humorous and amusing than action packed. Sweaty and panting Tom Cruise is something we've seen before- (Mission Impossible). But, is him running around London and it doesn't work. It's just in no comparison as awesome as the "Mission Impossible" franchise.

Sitting next to my dad in the auditorium during this movie sat an elder man. Little did I know, that man fell asleep and snored during the films entirety.

Good thing I had zero expectations of excellence for this film. Because, if I had known better, I would've nodded off during this dreadful movie, just like the old man did.











Rate: F 

Director: Alex Kurtzman 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis and Russell Crowe

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for violence, action and scary images, and for some suggestive content and partial nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: Tom Cruise headlines a spectacular, all-new cinematic version of the legend that has fascinated cultures all over the world since the dawn of civilization: The Mummy. Thought safely entombed in a tomb deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient princess (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension












Malawski's Movie Rating System:


A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Wonder Woman (2017)

She came. She saw. And she conquered. For 76 years in the making, the fabulous Diana Prince, aka "Wonder Woman" now gets her highly anticipated big screen debut. Though Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman was seen in last years "Batman Vs. Superman", this film shows her character in a much better light. Even though the films start is a little dull, it gets better from that point on.  This film offers many things that recent films in the "DC Comics" vault did not. "Wonder Woman", is an action-packed, sentimental, and a high octane thriller.

Yes, some of the films brightest and boldest moments were the action sequences. But, the film also has some great humor. Especially, the hilarious one line dialogue. Its cast is supreme in the upbringing of comedic efforts in this movie. The films cast is excellent all around. Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, David Thewlis, and several women in action. They all give performances that keep the film alive and thriving.

Where has director Patty Jenkins been hiding? Her talents for creating an enjoyable superhero film is highly noted. Well crafted as far as the settings and colors go. The action in the film is also great. Something that in recent "DC Comics" films had been lacking. So here, in this film that is a major improvement. A step in the right direction for the films to come for "DC Comics".

You can't expect to see this movie and not here the original "Wonder Woman" theme originally seen in "Batman Vs. Superman". Her theme, curated by none other than film composers Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL, is given a new sound. A twist. With this film being scored by Rupert Gregson-Williams (Hacksaw Ridge), you'd expect nothing less of an upbeat and lively score of music for an action film like this one.

Too bad original Amazonian princess Lynda Carter couldn't receive this treatment way back when- (1970's). But, i'm pretty sure if she did, it wouldn't be as marvelous as this portrayal. I've only seen some of Carters take on Diana, but, it seems to me as if that was a more comedic and sexy, flirtatious act. Gadot manages to maintain all of those qualities as well, but also makes an emotional effort too.

I'm not the kind of moviegoer that obsesses over women directing movies and how there needs to be. But, I am absolutely sold on Patty Jenkins. Her heart, awe, and well.. Wonder of course makes her one of the best directors in superhero films thus far. While you've got Jenkins, on the other hand lets not forget another big part of this film. Gal Gadot. She plays what looks flawless and effortless, Gadot and Jenkins are a dream team pairing.

Her time to shine has come. And oh man does she shine so bright.  That even the God's on Mount Olympus are begging to have Diana do more than they bargained for. Audiences, fans of  "Marvel" and fans of "DC" and the moviegoers who enjoy action-packed films, will be itching to grab tickets to see this wonderful film. Pun intended.


Rate: A 

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, with Danny Huston and David Thewlis 

Director: Patty Jenkins 

MPAA Rating: PG-13-(for sequences of violence and action, and some suggestive content)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 21 Minutes

Synopsis: Before she was Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, Diana meets an American pilot (Chris Pine) who tells her about the massive conflict that's raging in the outside world. Convinced that she can stop the threat, Diana leaves her home for the first time. Fighting alongside men in a war to end all wars, she finally discovers her full powers and true destiny.

Photo: Warner Bros

Malawski’s Movie Rating System


A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence

F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.