Jojo Rabbit (2019)

This anti-hate satire film is the next film by indie film director Taika Waititi. Based on the novel “Caging Skies “, comes a film adaptation that is ironically humorous and surprisingly emotionally heartfelt. Back in 2017, the world first saw the genius work of director Taika Waititi with Thor: Ragnarök. This new film is bonkers in all the right ways.

Films with these types of touchy subjects tend to be mediocre in nature and not successful. This film manages to tackle sensitive subjects and turn it into comedy without being dull or offensive. It is one of the year's most memorable films as far as story and performances are concerned.

With an all-star cast lead by director Taika Waititi himself as an alternative version of Hitler who is the title character’s “imaginary friend”. Newcomer Roman Griffin-Davis plays the title character in a heartwarming and genuinely charming. He stars alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell and Thomasin McKenzie. Their performances are as memorable and genuinely heartfelt as the lead role.

This film has the essence of a Quentin Tarantino film. For anyone who has seen one of Tarantino’s films knows that somewhere in the film it will have Nazis and Swastikas for a comedic purpose. Well, this film does that same thing. It works to the best of its ability to not be like a Tarantino film exactly, but it has similar elements that like his films.

Highly renowned film composer Michael Giacchino scores this funny and emotional film. He crafts a score that is hearty and fun which keeps the film alive. It is as entertaining as the film itself, which keeps the film more balanced altogether.

It’s weird, unexpectedly charming and fun. One of this year’s most absurdly hilarious films. This film is unique and original in every sense of the word. The beauty of the film doesn’t go unnoticed and that is true says something special about the film and Waititi’s vision of the film. It may go a little over the top but that doesn’t mean that this film is worth skipping. This film is worth the watch given its satirical take on some of the histories most sensitive times.

Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

Rate: A-

Director: Taika Waititi 

Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Sam Rockwell, and Rebel Wilson

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for mature thematic content, some disturbing images, violence, and language) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 48 Minutes 

Synopsis: Writer-director Taika Waititi (THOR: RAGNAROK, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE), brings his signature style of humor and pathos to his latest film, JOJO RABBIT, a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy (Roman Griffin Davis as JoJo) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

If there’s one thing that most sci-fi films have in common, are robots. Some films are dedicated to just robots and others are dedicated to space. With the classic Terminator films, they are dedicated to robots and the extinction of humanity. Now, with this latest installment, things get more exciting. Prior installments to the franchise, such as “GENESYS and Salvation” were mediocre in the storytelling and lacked originality.

This direct sequel to the 1991 sequel “Judgement Day”, is as thrilling, even if more than the predecessor. This film has what fans of this franchise expect, and that is exciting action sequences and a riveting story. This is yet another exciting and thrilling entry into the saga.

Original director James Cameron returns, this time as a producer. Director of Deadpool, Tim Miller, makes a triumphant action-packed entry into the series. What Cameron & Miller manage to do with this film, is to deliver a great film that supersedes all the rubbish of the prior sequels I mentioned earlier. This film is much more exciting and compelling than the two sequels that came before it. It has much more action and thrill factors because it stays on course with the 1991 sequel.

Despite all the positives, there is one thing that annoyed me. The film starts off slow and begins the first 10 minutes with subtitles. This slows down the film a little bit, but this doesn’t make the film terrible at all.

They’re back! Original stars Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger reunite for the first time since 1991’s Judgement Day. They’re as action-packed and dynamic as ever! The two shine once more by delivering the best performances in the franchise to date. Starring alongside the legendary duo is Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes. Offering some fresh new faces, they are as exciting as the legendary duo. The two are a good addition to the franchise.

This film not only has top-notch action sequences, but it also has an amazing score. Scoring the film is Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL. His score is energetic and fast-paced. Holkenborg also puts his own unique spin on the iconic theme which makes the film even more entertaining.

It has been one of the most iconic film series for over 35 years. Now, with a direct sequel to the second film, the franchise has once again regained the momentum that it so desperately needs. The Terminator films are one of the best sci-fi series to date. This new film shows that off in extraordinary fashion. Fans of the original films will love this film in all its splendor and gargantuan qualities.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Rate: B+

Director: Tim Miller 

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natailia Reyes 

MPAA Rating: R (for violence throughout, language and brief nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 15 Minutes

Synopsis: More than two decades have passed since Sarah Connor prevented Judgment Day, changed the future, and re-wrote the fate of the human race. Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes) is living a simple life in Mexico City with her brother (Diego Boneta) and father when a highly advanced and deadly new Terminator -- a Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) -- travels back through time to hunt and kill her. Dani's survival depends on her joining forces with two warriors: Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced super-soldier from the future, and a battle-hardened Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). As the Rev-9 ruthlessly destroys everything and everyone in its path on the hunt for Dani, the three are led to a T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from Sarah's past that may be their last best hope.