Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017)

British charm meets the American psycho. It is no doubt that the predecessor of the “Golden Circle” was wacky and chaotic beyond belief. But, the sequel to 2014’s “ Kingsman: The Secret Service” may be more wild than before. What this sequel has the opportunity to do is provide even more demented action and crass language and humor than in the first film. And man does it succeed.

In this film, we see the reprise of the characters you liked in the original film: Colin Firth’s (Harry), Taron Egerton (Eggsy) and Mark Strong’s (Merlin). Audiences will be marveled at not only the butt-kicking team work and skills of the Kingsman, but will enjoy the unlikely team-up with the Statesman, an american counterpart.

From Egerton to Statesman’s (Whiskey), actor Pedro Pascal, the insanity and the magnitude of everything you’d expect from a spy movie, it is incredible.

Helming the second installment  is Matthew Vaughn. Vaughn directed the 2014 hit film. As they say: First is worst- (Not this case) and second is best. It depends on how good a film like this or any film, actually, is so that studios can make continuations to one film.

Vaughn amps up the creativity and mind blowing special effects, fast-paced, edgy action sequences and CGI. in my opinion, 2017’s best spy film. Merely, because of those reasons.

Well, not just those reasons. The humor throughout the film may not be as racist and questionable as the first film, but offers genuine hilarity. The fictitious spy agency which the film is greatly named, has their agents named after royalty figures. While in the American agency, every agent is named after an alcoholic beverage.

Thank god that we as an audience didn’t have to suffer by hearing a villain with a lisp - paging Richmond Valentine, aka Samuel L. Jackson. Instead, this time, the villain is a ridiculously charming yet psychotic woman. Julianne Moore plays the devilishly demented woman in a quest to dominate the world.

One of the many other aspects of hilarity in the movie, is the inclusion of Fox News. Which is used for the coverage of the events surrounding our villain and her mischievous plans.

2017 hasn’t be great in terms of films like this, but it’s absolutely refreshing to have seen this as an improvement from the first film. Audiences worldwide will be begging for more of these films because of their uniqueness.

Rate: A-

Photo: 20th Century Fox and Marv Films

Starring: Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Mark Strong

Director: Matthew Vaughn

Runtime: 2 Hours & 21 Minutes

MPAA Rating: R-(for Language throughout, Drug content, sequences of strong violence and some sexual material

Synopsis:  With their headquarters destroyed and the world held hostage, members of Kingsman find new allies when they discover a spy organization in the United States known as Statesman. In an adventure that tests their strength and wits, the elite secret agents from both sides of the pond band together to battle a ruthless enemy and save the day, something that's becoming a bit of a habit for Eggsy.

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.  

IT (2017)

Pennywise the Dancing clown preys on youth every 27 years. It's no coincidence that the miniseries based on this horrifying being get a motion picture 27 years following that miniseries. As Dash’s teacher from The Incredibles said: “Coincidence, I THINK NOT!” IT is a horror induced film and it is perhaps one of the decade's best.

Now, step right up to witness the amazing and psychotic portrayal of the title character. Played by Bill Skarsgard, son, and brother of actors Stellan and Alexander Skarsgard. Bill does an absolutely terrifying performance and it's without a doubt one of the more memorable villain roles.

Not only does Skarsgard shine, but the stars of the “Losers Club” are also among the highlights of the film. Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard luminates as the comedic relief, while the other members are the emotional efforts of the film.

Andy Muschietti director of the film, gets genuine and flat out scary moments in this stomach churning horror masterpiece.

On top of his stellar efforts making this film as scary as possible, the score, make-up, costumes and special effects are stunning to the core. Hair raising, and spin tingling.

“You’ll float too!” This film is an absolute rush from start to finish. Even if you have to hold on to something for two hours. I have no doubt this adaptation of the “master of horrors” novel will become an example for future horror movies to come.

Rate: A

Photo: Warner Bros.

Director: Andy Muschietti

Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Finn Wolfhard, Jaeden Lieberher

MPAA Rating: R -( for violence/horror, bloody images, and for language)

Synopsis: "IT," directed by Andy Muschietti ("Mama"), is based on the hugely popular Stephen King novel of the same name, which has been terrifying readers for decades. When children begin to disappear in the town of Derry, Maine, a group of young kids are faced with their biggest fears when they square off against an evil clown named Pennywise, whose history of murder and violence dates back for centuries.