Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Ten years in the making and here we are. One of the biggest cinematic superhero films to date is now at the eyes of audiences everywhere. It was really spectacular and is in all its glory, a masterpiece of cinematic treasure. There's nothing like "Infinity War". Whether you like the comic books from the past century or are obsessed with the films, you'll undoubtedly be entertained from start to finish.

This film makes the ever-growing superhero/science fiction film genre extremely proud. This film is remarkable in all facets. The sets, action, special effects, cast and most importantly its immense presentation. Suffice to say- "Infinity War" is cinema's best superhero film, quite possibly one of the best films of the century.

Sibling directors Joe and Anthony Russo are back at it again with crafting another fantastic "Marvel" film. The two make this film stand out as the 19th entry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe- "MCU". It has so much to offer, that includes: action, drama, humor and a riveting score. The Russo Bros., have done it again, and I literally cannot wait for the fourth and final "Avengers" curtain call-due out next year. 

We wouldn't have these movies if it weren't possible for the men and women behind our favorite superheroes.  The cast who stole our hearts in the first "Avengers" film back in 2012, does it again. The ginormous cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Pratt, Hemsworth and Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Peter Dinklage, baddie Josh Brolin, and Tom Hiddleston amd everyone else all part take in bringing everything to the table (the film). 

Especially, standing out are Brolin, Vision and  the Guardians. They stand out in that they are the shining stars of this film. Rightfully so on Brolin's titan sized Thanos. He is cynical, gargantuan, laced with humor and fashion accessories -(look at his fist). He also has times where he's emotionally hurt and that you somewhat have sympathy for. The Guardians on the other hand, stand out because they are seen in my eyes primarily as the ones who truly make it everything to try and crush the purple Titan. Paul Bettany's Vision is an unexpected star. Seeing that his character is one at the center of it all. Vision is truly a remarkable character in this film. 

Not gonna lie, I was overcome with the waterworks throughout the film. From start to finish this film was induced with shocking twists and turns. You'll definitely be as reactionary as I was and animated with reaction during those moments. Leaving the theater, I was shook to my core, that film had seriously messed with my emotions, more than any other film I've seen. 

Scoring the massive mash-up is Alan Silvestri. Silvestri, who has previously scored the first "Avengers" film, makes this score anew. With this film and all that it inhabits, Silvestri holds it up to even higher levels. 

Destiny has arrived.  For over ten years we have seen our favorite superheros in a whole new light. And that light hasn't lost its spark, especially with this film. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll gasp and cheer for your favorites as they conquer evil once more. With as gargantuan as this film is, you expect a whole lost coming. And suffice to say, it delievers. You'll be begging for more once that screen blacks out. "Infinity War" is truly a knock-out-of-the-park home run in terms of movies, that a film so stellar and magnificent can't go unwatched. 

Rate: A+

Director(s): Joe & Anthony Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Chadwick Boseman, Karen Gillan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Idris Elba, Danai Gurira, Peter Dinklage, Benedict Wong, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt, Sean Gunn

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Synopsis: An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

                                       

Marvel Cinematic Universe Review Series

Guardians of The Galaxy (2014)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/03/guardians-of-galaxy-2014.html




Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/05/guardians-of-galaxy-vol-2-2017.html




Doctor Strange (2016)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/05/doctor-strange-2016.html
 

Spider-Man Homecoming (2017)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/07/spider-man-homecoming-2017.html



Captain America: Civil War (2016)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-2016.html



Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
https://kanelandkrier.com/16561/pulse/thor-is-mighty-powerful-in-his-latest-film/

Black Panther (2018)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2018/02/black-panther-2018.html



*Note: Marvel Films from 2008-2014 were not reviewed- As Malawski's Movie Mania wasn't established.*

Chappaquiddick (2018)

July 18th, 1969, Massachusetts democratic senator Ted Kennedy drives drunk into a Massachusetts lake. His car, was occupying former aid of his brother Bobby, Mary Jo Kopechne. Who was killed in the accident while Kennedy survived. Bringing intense scrutiny, the end result brought forth Kennedy to not run for president in 1972 and 1976. Although he was later found guilty, his sentences were not carried out. A film of the dramatic incident, recounts all that happened in a stunning and jaw-dropping way.

Playing the scrutinized senator, is Jason Clarke. It's uncanny how similar the two men look alike. Clarke portrays Ted in spectacular fashion, the facial resemblance, the raw emotion and utter dramatic factor he puts into playing Kennedy is remarkable. While, on-the-other hand, you have Ed Helms, Kate Mara and Bruce Dern rounding out the cast. Usually, with Helms, he is a comedic actor, but he sure does bring his "A-Game" in this film. Mara gives an emotionally gripping, yet brief performance as Kopechne and Dern as Kennedy patriarch, Joe Sr., are both on par with the rest of the drama.

John Curran directs the political drama, in a way that audience members such as myself, (who weren't alive in 1969), can understand the historical significance of the events the film surrounds. An almost exact copy of the Massachusetts area in which the events happened and where the Kennedy Estate is, is amazing to see this interpretation on screen. The screenplay, is another stunning factor at play here. It is the ultimate dramatic factor that surpasses all others aforementioned.

Garth Stevenson makes due with an amazing score that keeps this drama on its feet. Stevenson's score is authentic, classical and intense. More scores like this should be in other films of this nature.

This film isn't just a drama filled political thriller, it has the occasional light hearted humor, in which, audiences get a laugh at what Kennedy does whatever to save his behind. For instance, Ted wears a Neckbrace to claim he was injured in the crash. NOT! He lied about being injured. And he also lied on multiple accounts of changing his story of the night of the accident.

#Thisreallyhappened. I get so excited when some film of a historical event comes out because it is one of my favorite film genres. This film chronicles the before, the during and after it all went down. Seeing that films based on true stories are one of my favorite film genres, this film makes me love these kinds of films even more.

Photo: Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures

Chappaquiddick Trailer

Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 5 out of 5 Popcorn Buckets

Director: John Curran 

Starring: Jason Clarke, Bruce Dern, Kate Mara and Ed Helms 

MPAA Rating: PG-13-(for thematic material, disturbing images, some strong language, and historical smoking) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America's most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.

Blockers (2018)

Back in 1999, Cinema gave us the you’ll-laugh-so hard-you’ll-cry, comedy “American Pie”. Now 19 years later, a film debuts with basically the same plot: lose virginity before graduating high school. The only difference here is that instead of a group of guys on a mission to do this, it’s a trio of girlfriends. “Blockers” gives audiences a film that is undeniably raunchy, sexual and most importantly: laugh out loud craziness.

Writer Kay Cannon directs the laugh fest. Cannon, who has previously written for “Pitch Perfect”, ups the comedic efforts and it goes without saying. The film is bright. It has many colorful scenes, (by colorful, I mean clever) jokes, innuendos and gags. Even though this film is about girls wanting to lose their virginity, their parents, who are also friends with one another, try and sabotage that. Playing the parents are: Leslie Mann, John Cena and Ike Barinholtz. The three go all out on humor. They offer one of 2018’s best in a comedic film.

Not only does this film offer humor, but the intertwined action is also a big success. Scenes of cars exploding and limousine parties all offer hilarity within. I do, however, have a minor issue with this film. A secondary character, a lesbian teen, has a crush on one of the three girls. Everytime the girl would show up on screen, I felt like this was just awkward and unnecessary. Drags the film on to be a like tedious. But, I rest my case.  

“Juno” composer Mateo Messina bring ease to the film in regards to the severe laughter. Messina makes a genuinely soft and melodic composition of music that balances the film in between all the shenanigans.

This year has only yet to see more comedic films and this film shows the bigger picture in which they are funny, but also offer parental and child perspectives. A side of being sheltered. The other being, leaving the nest and gaining freedom and independence. This gives the film heart and this is something comedies don’t usually have.

Yes, it might be a little bit of a knock off of “American Pie”, but suffice to say this film may have a little more edgy humor than that of “American Pie”.

Photo: Good Universe Films

Blockers Trailer

Rate:🍿🍿🍿🍿  4 Popcorn buckets out of 5

Malawski says: SEE IT!

Director: Kay Cannon

Starring: Leslie Mann, Ike Barinholtz and John Cena

MPAA Rating R-(for crude and sexual content, and language throughout, drug content, teen partying, and some graphic nudity)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 42 Minutes

Synopsis: When three parents stumble upon their daughters' pact to lose their virginity at prom, they launch a covert one-night operation to stop the teens from sealing the deal. Leslie Mann (The Other Woman, This Is 40), Ike Barinholtz (Neighbors, Suicide Squad) and John Cena (Trainwreck, Sisters) star in Blockers, the directorial debut of Kay Cannon (writer of the Pitch Perfect series). The comedy is produced by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver, under their Point Grey Pictures banner (Neighbors, This Is the End), alongside Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg (Harold & Kumar series) and DMG Entertainment's Chris Fenton (47 Ronin). Good Universe's Nathan Kahane and Joseph Drake (Don't Breathe, Juno) executive produce with Chris Cowles (Collide) of DMG and Josh Fagen, Dave Stassen and Jonathan McCoy. The film is written by brothers Brian & Jim Kehoe, Hurwitz & Schlossberg and Eben Russell.

Ready Player One (2018)

When I first saw the trailers for "RPO", I knew I had to see it, mainly because it was directed by the amazing Steven Spielberg. To make myself even more inclined to see this film I read the book for which the film is based on. This film and the book were everything I had hoped it would be. It is simply a tribute to the entertainment universe and pays homage to pop culture. This is one of my favorite Spielberg films and is one of the most colorful films I have seen to date.

Being based on a prior work, you expect a lot out of a film whose source material is a novel. This film lives up to the book in the most impressive ways. The color. The animation. And the action sequences. Not only does this film have intriguing animation, it also has real world scenes that fit right along with the animation and the computer utopia "OASIS".

As I said before, this is one of Spielberg's most colorful films, he approaches this with so much creativity and passion for the film and that should truly be admired. He also makes this film intricate and unique in the ways that it differs from other science fiction films. Spielberg really puts the joy in joy ride.

The films cast is nothing short of fun. Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Lena Waithe, Ben Mendelsohn, and TJ Miller are fantastic in both their respective avatars and real world identities. Cooke and Sheridan excel in their roles as Wade Watts/Parcival and Samantha Cook/Art3mis. The two have an unstoppable chemistry that all fans of the novel will geek over. I know I did. Playing the brillant and geeky founder of the computer utopia James Halliday is Mark Rylance. Rylance's take on this guy was awesome and nostalgic and  his character was mentioned in the book to have Austism.

Scoring the film for this magical adventure is Alan Silvestri. Silvestri makes the film all the more exciting with his bubbly score with bombastic sounds.

If it's one thing, this film has so much "Easter Eggs"-Hidden massages or tributes to another work of entertainment. One of the other most striking things this film has its humor. The fact that these tributes seen in the film and how [Spielberg] approaches this with the cast.

"Come with and you be in a world of pure imagination." That infamous song lyric from the 1971 song "Pure Imagination" as seen in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. "Ready Player One" accomplishes something that few science fiction films within the past decade have not accomplished: Entertain. Granted that this an undeniably charming film and also a book, viewers who watch this film blindly (Not reading the book) only seeing the movie, you may be completely lost. As far as I'm concerned, this is my favorite film of 2018 thus far.

       

Rate: 🍿 🍿🍿🍿🍿 5 out of 5 Popcorn buckets (Malawski's Movie Mania says: SEE IT!) 

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, TJ Miller, Lena Waithe. Mark Rylance

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi action violence, bloody images, some suggestive material, partial nudity and language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 20 Minutes

Synopsis: In the year 2045, people can escape their harsh reality in the OASIS, an immersive virtual world where you can go anywhere, do anything, be anyone-the only limits are your own imagination. OASIS creator James Halliday left his immense fortune and control of the Oasis to the winner of a contest designed to find a worthy heir. When unlikely hero Wade Watts conquers the first challenge of the reality-bending treasure hunt, he and his friends-known as the High Five-are hurled into a fantastical universe of discovery and danger to save the OASIS and their world.


                                                            Ready Player One Trailer