Christopher Robin (2018)

If there is any film this year that is as adorable as the films characters, it's this one. Based on the beloved books "Winnie The Pooh" by A.A Milne, comes an all new film based on the iconic and only human character to venture into the "One Hundred Acre Wood", Christopher Robin. This film is nostalgic for all who grew up with these iconic and lovable stories and characters. It is one of the best family films of the year.

Playing the iconic character, Christopher Robin, is Ewan McGregor. McGregor does an outstanding job as the self-titled character in a way that is lovable and happy. He brings out the best this film has to offer with his character. He's another piece of that nostalgic pie.

This film is not only enjoyable and entertaining, but it offers commentary on some of life's most enjoyable times in our lives: Childhood and growing up. This film shows both young and old audiences that you're never too old to have fun and an imagination. This film will no doubt be delighting audiences for years to come.

Director Marc Forster makes an undeniably charming and unforgettable film. It has charm, humor and a boat load of fun that both kids and adults will be entertained from start to finish. This is one of the best films of the year in regards to family fun and the films that "Disney" released this year.

At the heart of this film, is the life-like recreation of iconic characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga and Roo, are all as cute and adorable as they were back then. You see the friendship of both Christopher Robin and Pooh but also the rest of the friends. It's delightful and fun.

Geoff Zanelli crafts the score of the film. He makes a light and happy score that is as charming as the film itself. The film also has some of the songs from the original films, like Tigger's song. The inclusion of that makes the case for more nostalgia.

Get ready to go on a nostalgic journey! This film will delight the likes of young and older viewers. It has some of the best moments of any film family oriented of the year. This film is emotional, it's charming and funny, and it is no doubt a film that succeeds at entertaining audiences familiar with these characters and those who are not.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Rate: A- 

Director: Marc Forster 

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Brad Garrett and Jim Cummings 

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 43 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the heartwarming live action adventure "Disney's Christopher Robin," the young boy who loved embarking on adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a band of spirited and loveable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Bird Box (2018)

If there's any inclination that "Netflix" has produced several original films over the years, which turned out to be terrible, then call me a Debbie-downer. But this film blows all other original films by the mega-popular streaming service. It is unique and undoubtedly entertaining. This film is not only an entertaining film, it's one of the best horror films of the year. It's quite possibly one of my favorite horror films. Usually the horror film genre isn't my cup of tea, but this film peaked my interest of horror films. It's thrilling, compelling and genuinely entertaining, this film is one of the years best films.

What's so unique about this film, is the story line and utter suspense. It has a sci-fi feel to it and exposes itself as another film that shows the future gone awry. Hell in a hand basket. This film is one of the few films of its kind to offer more polarizing thrills then wishy-washy dialogue. Director Susanne Bier crafts an intelligently designed film that is as thrilling as the premise.

The film stars Sandra Bullock. Bullock brings her all to this film. She is utterly sensational in this film and gives one of her best performances. She puts raw emotion into every single moment of this film.

Keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, are composers Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor. The duo of composers craft a score that keeps the film more thrilling and gripping than ever before. With an electric and combative sound, they make this film as entertaining and thrilling as possible.

With 2018 drawing to a close for another year at the movies, this film, despite not being released in theaters, makes up with "Netflix", as a great way to let this years cinematic experience be an enjoyable conclusion,  even if this film is viewed by audiences in the comfort of their home.

This film has everything a fan of the horror film genre could want. It's gripping and thrilling, it's scary and emotionally charged. If there's any one original film that "Netflix" has to offer audiences and is worth watching, it is this one.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A 

Director: Susanne Bier 

Starring: Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich and Sarah Paulson

MPAA Rating: R (for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: When a mysterious force decimates the world's population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they'll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award (R) winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in BIRD BOX, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award (R) winner Susanne Bier.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Swinging his way into theaters, an all new film on your favorite "Friendly Neighbor Spider-Man". This film marks the 7th depiction of the web-slinging hero and in it's own right serves as a phenomenal tribute to the character in thrilling proportions. It's got it all, action, beautiful animation, an exciting story, humor and heart. This film is perhaps one of the best films to showcase the legendary hero.

This film has an urban feel and it might just be one of the best parts about this film. It is a lot to show in the film's roughly 2 hour run time. It brings excitement to the film and the overall eye candy animation that is sure to wow audiences. The scope of the film is immense and absolutely astonishing.

There's a first for everything. This film offers audiences a fresh portrayal of not only spider-man, but shows audiences one of a less familiar character. What's unique and exciting, is that this is a character that breaks ground by being one of the superhero genres first African American superheroes and lead focus on the film. It's new and a win for different and fresh story ideas. 

The characters in this film are very loveable. You just can't help but like them. They are vital to the film. The films voice cast is tremendous in providing audiences with these wonderful characters. Leading the cast are: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Nicholas Cage, John Mulaney and Liev Schreiber. They are one of this years' best in an animated film. Each actor makes their characters as enthusiastic as possible and that shows. 

With a trio of directors, they put a lot into this film. Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman craft a huge film. They showcase everything in a unique way. Their style is unique in that this film is presented as a comic-book. It's a first for superhero films. 

Not only does this film have it all but its soundtrack is as lively and energetic as the film itself. It is used throughout the film and is extremely effective. Daniel Pemberton crafts a score that's electric and upbeat and is an exciting part of the film because it keeps the film swinging. 

This film is undoubtedly entertaining. It is also very funny. It's approach in humor is natural and fits right into the film. It is able to add to the film. 

This film manages to pull off a great portrayal of its villains. The villains are some of the iconic characters seen in previous spider-man films. Some of them audiences are getting introduced to. The blend of the villains into the films storyline is unique and thrilling. 

This film also pays homage to the Tobey MaGuire Spider-Man trilogy and that's an exciting inclusion of those moments from that film portrayal. It also sentimentally honors the late Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. For "Marvel"  fans, this is truly a very special moment, adding this is a perfect tribute to the late icons. 

Swinging to theaters, is a spider-man film that acts as its own world. It's a vividly striking film and has a sense of a big city feeling but also going beyond that landscape. This film is a landmark achievement in not only animated films but superhero flicks. This film will no doubt lose its spark and will be an enjoyable film for decades to come. 

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Rate: A- 

Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, John Mulaney, Nicholas Cage, Liev Schreiber

MPAA Rating: PG (for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 55 Minutes 

Synopsis: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that's the first of its kind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.

Aquaman (2018)

He's a fish out of water. After last years "Justice League", member Arthur Curry also known as the "Aquaman" gets his highly anticipated origin story of the ruler of Atlantis. "DC Comics" films have been a hit or miss in the past. With mediocre entries in the "DCEU"-(DC Extended Universe) such as: "Man of Steel" and "Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice". On the other hand, you have successful DC films such as the "Dark Knight" trilogy and "Wonder Woman". This film joins the ranks among these films as one of the best films from "DC Comics".

With last years "Justice League" audiences got a glimpse of this films self titled "Aquaman". Now with his own film, we see him and all his glory. Star Jason Momoa is exciting and very and naturally funny as the iconic superhero. He is meant for this role. He brings his all into the character and is physically made just like the hero.

Co-starring alongside Momoa, is Amber Heard. Heard plays the love interest of Aquaman's and is also an atlantean. The two couldn't be a more perfect duo. Heard and Momoa excel in their roles and its shown. They have an undeniable chemistry and are one of the best team-ups in superhero films this year.

Director James Wan crafts a visual masterpiece of epic proportions. This film is probably the most visually stunning film of this year. Maybe the reason it's so stunning because I saw it on the biggest screen possible: "IMAX". This film will be all the more beautiful if you see it on the biggest screen available.

Not only is this film visually provocative, but it is surprisingly very funny. All the elements that were missing in the aforementioned films are all present in this film. Humor, heart, stunning set pieces and a phenomenal cast, what more could you want?

Orchestrating the films score, is Rupert Gregson-Williams. Gregson-Williams does a great job with this score. It is electric and fast paced. Keeps the energy alive from start to finish. It is one of the best scores of this year.

Two worlds, one hero. Despite a few films lacking quality, this film makes up for those everso promising films. This film has more than expected which was surprising and fun to not know what to expect, given I had mixed feelings prior to seeing this film, but when I left the theater I was in awe because I ended up being blown away.  "Aquaman" makes a huge splash with audiences and is perhaps the best film in the "DC Films" filmography thus far.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

Rate: A 

Director: James Wan 

Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson

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

Runtime: 2 Hours & 22 Minutes 

Synopsis: From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, "Aquaman," starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime--one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king.

Mowgli: Legend of The Jungle (2018)

One of the most over adapted into films ever, gets  yet another film on the same "Jungle Book" story. It is very promising but is just another adaption of the works of Rudyard Kipling. That being said, this film is over dramatic and muddled with no development and offers no exciting original story. This film was originally going to be in theaters but went on Netflix instead. In my opinion, that was a very smart move. Otherwise, this film would've been a box office disaster.

The voice acting couldn't be more over the top. Leads: Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett and director of the film, Andy Serkis waste valuable time for audiences, when they could be doing better films. If this year brings some of the worst films cast, this film would be on that list.

Jack of all trades and director Andy Serkis makes one of the worst films of the year. It has however, a nice blend of color and action sequences but it's not enough to combat that weak and empty screenplay that possesses no positive qualities.

Not only does the films cast do a mediocre job at the voice acting, but granted that the story surrounds a boy raised in the wild, the young actor doesn't quite keep the pace between his animal characters and fellow cast members.

Running amok in the jungle needs to have some score right? Well, it does. It's scored by Nitin Sawhney. Sawhney makes an impressive score filled with up beat and fast paced qualities that might be too fast for the film itself.

One of the most overdone stories to get adapted to the big screen, the story of the "Jungle Book" and its new adaption is annoying at best with dazzling set pieces but it doesn't meet up to previous works of the tale such as the original 1960's adaptation by "Disney" and the live action remake in 2016.

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Rate: D+

Director: Andy Serkis

Starring: Andy Serkis, Christian Bale, Rohan Chand. Cate Blanchett 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of action violence including bloody images, and some thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Synopsis: Acclaimed actor and director Andy Serkis reinvents Rudyard Kipling's beloved masterpiece, in which a boy torn between two worlds accepts his destiny and becomes a legend. Mowgli (Rohan Chand) has never truly belonged in either the wilds of the jungle or the civilized world of man. Now he must navigate the inherent dangers of each on a journey to discover where he truly belongs. Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andy Serkis, Freida Pinto, Rohan Chand, Matthew Rhys and Naomie Harris lead an all-star cast in this visually spectacular and emotionally moving adventure.

Ralph Breaks The Internet (2018)

One of the most original Disney films, "Wreck it Ralph", gets a unique and whimsy sequel. Disney has always brought audiences films of beauty and awe. This film is no exception. This film is wonderful in every sense of the word. Hidden beneath the glitz and glamour lies a stubble of an opening sequence that is good but could've been better. With both this film and its predecessor, Disney doesn't disappoint with a satisfying sequel that may not be quite as fun as its original.

This film offers audiences a whole new setting while making a vast universe of an animated version of the internet. It's just so fascinating to see what these filmmakers are able to come up with. This film has more to meets the eye, more than its predecessor in regards to attention to detail and craft. Audiences will no doubt fall in love with this sequel.

Directors Rich Moore and Phil Johnston craft a funny and beautiful film. They make this film even more eye popping than the first installment. The humor and heart in this film is undeniably charming. Viewers of all ages will appreciate those elements of entertainment.

This film has a voice cast that is as energetic as the characters they play. Returning stars John C. Reilly and Sarah Silverman are back better than ever. They are a comedic duo unlike any film from Disney. They bring joy and warmth to this film that is everso needed to be a true family film. With newcomers Gal Gadot, Bill Hader and Taraji P. Henson, they are joyful companions to this film along with franchise favorites.

One of this films best parts are the appearance of every Disney princess with every original voice dating back to Jodi Benson aka Ariel. The fact that they are in this film, makes this film all the more fun and exciting, even if they are not an integral part of the film itself. Second, are the vast amounts of popular culture featured in this film. This film serves as a societal work of cinema that yearns to be noticed. Last, is the touching, yet brief cameo from the late Marvel big man, Stan Lee. Having this be one of Lee's final appearances in film, makes this film all the more sentimental.

Like the original, this film offers commentary on important social issues like: Friendship and heartbreak. This is one of the best things a film can do, is provide audiences, especially audiences tailored to children are sentimental and offer audiences the chance to grow as humans.

Returning to score the film, is Henry Jackman. Jackman approves upon his work from the original film. He adds an upbeat and electronic sound composition, that is as electrifying and enjoyable as the film.

Audiences across the world have waited six long years for the next chapter in adventures of Ralph and company. This film is undeniably charming, heartwarming and full of belly laughing humor. Though this film has some spots of fatigue, it's another crowd pleaser from the folks at Disney.


Rate: B+ 

Directors: Rich Moore and Phil Johnston

Starring: John C. Reilly, Sarah Silverman, Bill Hader, Gal Gadot, Jack McBrayer and Jane Lynch

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action and rude humor) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 52 Minutes 

Synopsis: In "Ralph Breaks the Internet," video-game bad guy Ralph (voice of John C. Reilly) and best friend Vanellope von Schweetz (voice of Sarah Silverman) leave the comforts of Litwak's arcade in an attempt to save her game, Sugar Rush. Their quest takes them to the vast, uncharted world of the internet where they rely on the citizens of the internet--the Netizens--to help navigate their way. Lending a virtual hand are Yesss (voice of Taraji P. Henson), the head algorithm and the heart and soul of the trend-making site "BuzzzTube," and Shank (voice of Gal Gadot), a tough-as-nails driver from a gritty online auto-racing game called Slaughter Race, a place Vanellope wholeheartedly embraces--so much so that Ralph worries he may lose the only friend he's ever had.

Photo courtesy of Disney