Black Panther (2018)

Since the debut of recent superhero origin films like "Wonder Woman", that type of film approach has dominated the world and fans of all kinds of superheroes. Not only do these films generate an enormous fan base, (like Marvel), will keep making more and more of these provocative, dazzling and emotional films. The films of extraordinary magnitude also have important messages to be learned and that is something I usually don't see in these kinds of films.

Ryan Coogler is king.. of the directors chair. He now ranks among: Chris Nolan, Patty Jenkins, Taika Waititi and The Russo Brothers as a magnificent superhero storyteller. Coogler tells the "Black Panther" story in a colorful and creative way that is extremely detailed. From the sets, costumes, action, humor and technology, this film is no doubt one of Marvel's best films as of yet.

Even though this is only Chadwick Boseman's second go-around at the "King of Wakanda", it's very entertaining. More entertaining I'll say, than his appearance in "Captain America: Civil War". He plays the King T'Challa, in a determined, take charged manner. It's very enlightening to see.

Not only does Boseman do an awesome playing the title character, the rest of its cast: Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett all do an extraordinary job in this film. It's one of Marvels best ensembles.

Ludwig Goransson scores the film. He does it in a way that viewers like myself can experience african culture, in a true form. It captures that native culture in a very interesting way and the score complements those features.

This film, as I said before, has messages to take away from. Stand up for what you think is right, and fight for those who cannot. Viewers will truly appreciate this film more when realizing it's personal approach and its values.

Wakanda Forever! This film is absolutely astonishing, from start to finish. Even if you had no idea who this superhero is, this film will tell you. For the cultural educational and the overall satisfaction of a film of this kind, you will not be disappointed.

Photo: Marvel and Disney

Rate: A

Director: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes 

Synopsis: "Black Panther" follows T'Challa who, after the events of "Captain America: Civil War," returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T'Challa's mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk.


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
C-= Meh
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 15:17 to Paris (2018)

When three friends go on a European vacation, they wouldn't expect to be in the face of danger while on it. The three friends: Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, decide to make Paris one of their stops on the trip and terror strikes when they're on their way via a departing train from Amsterdam. This film shows real heroes and makes viewers feel a huge sense of pride and love of country after seeing this film.

It's more authentic than other biographical film, in the sense of the actors. This film uses the real American heroes to reennact that courageous yet terrifying day. Mega talented director and actor Clint Eastwood makes the most of his long lived life while approaching 90. He depicts this films true story as accurate as possible and I think it pays off in the long run.

These amazing heroes may not be cut out for acting, but they do a good job at retelling the story in a true light. The suspense of the film is absolutely astonishing. You know that it's coming.

The film leads up to the events of that day. It starts off in the early days of the trios friendships. And that really gives more context and perspective on what's to come and what the boys were like and how they got to this point.

Christian Jacobs and Thomas Newman make the score of the film. It may have slow and dry qualities but makes the film better.

As I said before, the three playing themselves is a bad choice on Eastwoods part because of the mediocrity of the screenplay. Eastwood would have been better off casting real actors as the heros. If anything that's the only drawback of this patriotic film.

I am proud to be an American. Unapologically. When you see this film compared to other on a biographical scale, this film out does others. Not all, but some. It may be just as good as any other film patriotically themed.

Rate: B-

Director: Clint Eastwood 

Starring: Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 35 Minutes 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for bloody images, violence, some suggestive material, drug references and language)

Synopsis: In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris, an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends' lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. 

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
C-= Meh
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.