Vice (2018)

One of the most extraordinary politicians of our time gets a well done film based on his early days in "Washington D.C". Former Vice President Dick Cheney, is portrayed in a stunning way by Christian Bale. Bale undergoes one of the most stunning transformations in cinema. One of the very few films of a biographical nature that defies expectations. It's sharp, edgy and a story of grit. Bale gives his best performance of the year. 

It's a unique and gripping drama that defies expectations on all aspects. Writer-director Adam McKay reunites with Bale in this historical feature. McKay writes the film in sophisticated and eloquently crafted manner, that not only is Bale's transformation shockingly on par with the real Dick Cheney, it's a film that yearns to be the best of the best in regards to biographical films.

Not only does Bale give a towering performance embedded with charisma, but co-stars Amy Adams, Steve Carrel, Sam Rockwell and Tyler Perry are just as stunning with both their performances and physical attributes in this film. This film gives audiences one of the best ensembles of any film this year. 

Even though this film centers on an influential politician who is a Republican, it does contain a mild liberal taint. Despite this being my only negative takeaway, it's still a remarkable achievement in films of a biographical nature. 

Composer Nicholas Britell, crafts an easy going score for the film. Britell uses this as a light weight on a heavy and dramatic setting. The score is essentially and rightfully blended in the film to add more of a dramatic mood. 

This film showcases one of the most fiercest American politicians in the last 30 years. A story that is as crazy and wild as is, this film is a unique blend of splendor and charisma not seen in any film of its caliber. So if you see this film, see it not only for its story, but for one of the best transformations of a lead actor and its ensemble because you're in for a wild ride. 

Photo courtesy of Annapurna Pictures

Rate: B+ 

Director: Adam McKay 

Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Tyler Perry and Sam Rockwell

MPAA Rating: R 

Runtime: 2 Hours & 12 Minutes 

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

It's been nearly over 50 years since the world met the magical nanny Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews was sensational. Now that time has past, a new actress portrays the iconic and cheery nanny. Emily Blunt, who first gave audiences a look at her singing abilities in Disney's take on "Into The Woods", plays the iconic nanny over 50 years after Julie Andrews. Blunt shines in this film and makes Andrews proud. This film is an utter delight all the way through.

This film is as good as the original, maybe even more fun and enjoyable. Director Rob Marshall, directs the film in splendid fashion. Marshall makes the film just so enjoyable and visually stunning and so wonderful that this is one of Disney's best films. Not only is this film visually breathtaking, it's emotional and it has heart.

Not only does Emily Blunt shine as the magical Mary Poppins, she soars. She plays the character so enthusiastically. She makes the film even more enjoyable because of how likable her spin on the character is. Costars: Lin Manuel Miranda, Ben Whisaw and Emily Mortimer shine right along side Blunt and the films beauty. While on the otherhand, you have a trio of young actors who play the children of Michael Banks. The little actors are so charming and they make this film worth it.

Not only is the films setting beautiful, but as viewers may know from the original film, that it has animation and colorful characters that interact with Mary. This film brings back that element of joyous fun and that is something to behold. This film has some of the best visuals in a Disney film that I have seen in a really long time.

You can't have a musical film without stunning choreography, fun dance numbers and catchy songs. This film continues that and goes above the original. Not only are the songs and dance numbers entertaining, but the films score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman is as charming and joyful upbeat as the film.

Not only does this film have a lot of fun to behold, it also has a bit of commentary into growing up and having fun in life while you still can. It also has a compelling story that results in a happy ending.

It's practically perfect in every way. Over 50 years have past since audiences saw the magical nanny on screen. Since then, audiences have come to fall in love with good ole Mary Poppins once more.

Viewers old and young will find this film as delightfully charming and fun as the 1964 original film. One of the longest gaps for a long-awaited sequel spanning well over 50 years has made its triumphant and beautiful debut on the big screen. Audiences will no doubt fall in love with the characters all over again even with a little bit of nostalgia.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Rate: A+ 

Director: Rob Marshall 

Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Ben Whisaw, Emily Mortimer, Colin Firth 

MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild thematic elements and brief action)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: Directed and produced by Rob Marshall, "Mary Poppins Returns" also stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep. The film, which introduces three new Banks children, played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson, also features Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury. The film is set in 1930s depression-era London (the time period of the original novels) and is drawn from the wealth of material in PL Travers' additional seven books. In the story, Michael (Whishaw) and Jane (Mortimer) are now grown up, with Michael, his three children and their housekeeper, Ellen (Walters), living on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins (Blunt) re-enters the lives of the Banks family, and, along with the optimistic street lamplighter Jack (Miranda), uses her unique magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. Mary Poppins also introduces the children to a new assortment of colorful and whimsical characters, including her eccentric cousin, Topsy (Streep).