Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)

It's one of the most absurdly entertaining films of the year so far. If you have been a Quentin Tarantino fan from the beginning or recently like me, you will be undoubtedly entertained watching this film. It is as wild and weird (in a good way) as you'd expect from a Tarantino flick. One of the most unique characteristics of some of his work is that it's unique, witty, action-packed and funny. This film shows all of those qualities in extraordinary fashion. If there is one film this year that is as wild as it is glorious, it's this film.

Films that are based on real life have big shoes to fill because they have a responsibility to try and accurately depict true stories, in which their film is based on. It's one of my favorite genres of films and I love that this film, which embellishes the actuality of the events that this film is based on, it's one of the best true story films ever made.

Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino makes another absurdly wild and funny film. Though Tarantino starts the film off in a weird and slow way, the film picks up from that point on and redeems itself. His talent for writing and creating a story that is as riveting the film itself. On top of the films crazy but true story are the action sequences, setting in 1969 Los Angeles, and the actors, is the utter beauty that this film is.

2019 is the year of scene stealing animals. First we saw "Goose" in "Captain Marvel", now we see the scene stealing "Brandy". One of the most memorable parts of this film is this unexpectedly dangerous yet cute Dog. He is the antithesis of scene-stealer and it's pretty clear.

This film has an unforgettable cast. Legendary actors Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio team up in this "buddy-comedy" and their chemistry is magnificent and one of the best in any movie this year. Their chemistry is one that is charming, feisty and original and that is evidently shown in this film. Alongside Pitt & DiCaprio is Margot Robbie. Robbie plays actress and Manson Family murder victim Sharon Tate. Robbie is a sensational part of this film and she is as important in this film as the leading men.

One of the funniest parts of the film are its bloody and disturbing action sequences and a Bruce Lee fight scene with Brad Pitt's character. I enjoyed these parts very much because they were unique and funny to the highest degree of insanity.

The film does not have a traditional score but the plethora of music from the 1960's suffices as a fun and exciting replacement. Not only does the film have music from that decade to set the mood for the film, but also commercials and drive ins that make the film even more nostalgic.

Though this film isn't your typical film, it's conventionally brilliant and is one unique film. With it's amazing setting, undeniable chemistry between its actors, and the films story this film is one unique film for the ages. What also makes this film standout from others is the twist of events that changes the events actuality in which they occured is unusual but very cool. So, if you enjoy action-comedies or just Tarantino's movies, you're in for a wild and trippy ride.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Rate: A-

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, Al Pacino and Kurt Russell

MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references) 

Runtime: 2 Hours & 39 Minutes 

Synopsis: Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don't recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor...Sharon Tate.

Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

*If you haven't seen "Endgame", don't read this review till you see it. This film takes place right after it and it's a huge spoiler if you just watch this instead of watching "Endgame". Don't say I didn't warn ya. Minor Spoilers. Read at your own risk. 

When I first saw Tom Holland as "Spider-Man" in the brief minutes in the third installment of "Captain America", I couldn't believe how authentic and fresh his performance was. I was wanting more after seeing him for the first time. Now, fast-forward to the first film of his very own, 2017's "Spider-Man: Homecoming". This film gave audiences a much more in depth take on the web-
slinging hero we all know and love.

The sequel to "Homecoming", is much more action-packed, a dazzling spectacle than the first one. This film tops all other "Spider-Man" films before this because it has more to offer fans and more than "Homecoming". It's a fun and thrilling conclusion to the collectively known trove of Marvel films as the "Infinity Saga".

I can't think of anyone more suited to direct a "Spider-Man" none other than returning from the film's first installment, Jon Watts. I had never heard of Watts before "Homecoming", but now, he's a director that is truly a gifted talent at crafting films like these two films. With this sequel, he does so much more than the first film. He crafts another delightfully entertaining film, but it has more than what "Homecoming" did.

On top of finding a director that has proven to be very skilled and well suited for the job, "Marvel" found a great actor that plays the web-slinger in a way that is unlike any other actor before him, Tom Holland, to play the web-slinging hero. Holland is no exception. He is truly a unique and fun "Spider-Man".

Alongside Holland, are returning cast members: Zendaya, who plays "Michelle aka MJ" and Jacob Batalon, who plays Peter's best friend Ned. Zendaya and Batalon are as joyous and likeable as ever. They are just as enjoyable and fun as Holland and that goes without saying. Newcomer to the "MCU" is Jake Gyllenhaal as "Quentin Beck aka Mysterio." Gyllenhaal, like Michael Keaton in the first film, is another fantastic villain and another great addition to the "MCU". He adds originality, a great chemistry between the characters and perspective that is all the more entertaining.

We also get to see the return of Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and Maria Hill (Cobie Smolders). Though they aren't really an integral part of this movie they still appear in the film just as viberant and mission oriented as ever.

Making another appearance in the "Spider-Man" films is Jon Faverau as Happy Hogan, Tony Starks' best friend and security guard- or former. Favreau is as charming as ever with his character, especially with standout moments with Holland and Peter Parker's aunt May (Played once again by Marisa Tomei.)

Once again returning to score the new film, is Michael Giacchino. Giacchino first came to the "Marvel" scene with "Homecoming". He adds another great score that is a viberant and jazzy as it keeps the film very much alive.

Being set in a "post-snap" world, this film answers all questions we've had since "Endgame". This sequel is not only one of the best "Marvel" sequels, it's one of the best "Spider-Man" movies, period. This is definitely a must see if you're a fan of the "Superhero" film genre and whether you don't prefer "Marvel" or you prefer the rival "DC Comics' Extended Universe". 

Photo Courtesy of Sony Pictures & Marvel Studios

Rate: A 

Director: Jon Watts

Starring: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smolders, Marisa Tomei, Jacob Batalon

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for sci-fi action violence, some language and brief suggestive comments)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: Peter Parker returns in Spider-Man: Far From Home, the next chapter of the Spider-Man: Homecoming series! Our friendly neighborhood Super Hero decides to join his best friends Ned, MJ, and the rest of the gang on a European vacation. However, Peter's plan to leave super heroics behind for a few weeks are quickly scrapped when he begrudgingly agrees to help Nick Fury uncover the mystery of several elemental creature attacks, creating havoc across the continent!

Toy Story 4 (2019)

It's been 9 years since the 3rd and presumably final chapter in the "Toy Story" series nearly broke all of us emotionally. Now after much disagreement to make another film, the film is here and it is truly an end of an era. The 3rd film ended things on a high note- or so we all thought. This 4th and for sure final chapter is also a heart breaker and a crowd pleaser. This film may not be as emotional as the 3rd one but it's a delight for fans who've been with Woody & Buzz and the rest of the gang of toys all these years. 

Director Josh Cooley makes a name for himself as this film is a joyful and entertaining sight to behold. The cleverness and genuine fresh and overall sense of closure is satisfying to see. The films story may not be as emotionally gripping as the third installment but it's still a good and pleasing one. 

Returning one last time to voice our favorite characters are: Tom Hanks & Tim Allen plus newcomers to the film series Keanu Reeves, Tony Hale Key and Peele. This films cast couldn't be any less than amazing & delightful even if it so desired. They all do another outstanding job at once again proving to us that these characters have had a childhood impact on everyone of us young enough to remember our first time seeing them on the big screen or even perhaps owning a Buzz and Woody as a kid. 

Not only do we get some fresh new characters, but we also get the return of Bo Peep and her sheep. Bo Peep, voiced again by Annie Potts, is a standout in this film and also quite a leader. Seeing her back is surprising and joyful because we haven't seen her since "Toy Story 2" in 1999. 

Though I did gripe at the fact that a fourth installment was made due to the success of the third film, I thought that the 3rd film was an excellent conclusion to the franchise. After seeing this film, I unfortunately can say that the third one is still my favorite. Yeah, this film is indeed truly the end (or so lets hope), it may not be as emotional as the third film. 

Returning to compose the score is veteran "Pixar" composer Randy Newman. Newman who is not shy to this franchise, crafts yet another beautifully sounding composition that resonates well with the film so eloquently. 

Not only does this film have amazing visuals and story, it also has some life lesson and commentary about life. It uses the characters and script to tell audiences that life is essentially meant for exploration of the world. It's something nice and not too preachy. 

With audiences still reeling 9 years after the emotionally gripping third installment, this installment may not top that one, but is as cheery and delight as the films previous installments. The film sure does do a great job at entertaining its audiences with one spectacular and delightful finale. 

Photo Courtesy of Disney & Pixar

Rate: B+

Director: Josh Cooley

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Tony Hale, Keegan-Michael Key, Jordan Peele, Annie Potts 

MPAA Rating: G (for all audiences) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 40 Minutes

Synopsis: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the rest of the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventurous journey turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody's slight detour leads him to his long-lost friend Bo Peep. As Woody and Bo discuss the old days, they soon start to realize that they're worlds apart when it comes to what they want from life as a toy.