Bombshell (2019)

It was one of the media's most shocking scandals. This scandal saw the downfall of one of the biggest names in the world of broadcast-journalism., Roger Ailes. The founder of Fox News who quickly became a star in the business turned serial sexual abuser. This film is an eye-opening account of the scandal and sheds light on it so detailed in fashion. It also is very emotionally compelling in that it shows the impact of the victims in raw emotion which makes the film even more serious than it already is. This film has it all: humor, heart and a deeply compelling story on one of the journalist's biggest heroes turned foe. What this film manages to do so effortlessly, unlike other true-story based films is be a reviewing story throughout the entire film. It is truly one of the best films of the year.

This film is a star-studded saga. Playing former Fox News journalists: Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson is none other than Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. The two leading ladies not only look exactly like the real players but they give phenomenal performances as the two famed journalists. They give performances that are undeniably memorable, emotional and charming throughout the film. I have no doubt that these performances have and will grab the attention of the real Carlson and Kelly, respectively. Meanwhile, playing the disgraced former Fox founder, who has since deceased in 2017, John Lithgow plays a conniving yet charismatic Roger Ailes. Lithgow's take on the troubled media mogul is thrilling yet haunting because of his spiraling downfall at the network.  And Margot Robbie, on the other hand, plays a fictitious character who is new to the network and wants to be at the top. Robbie's role is just as sensational as the rest of the cast. 

Director Jay Roach and writer Charles Randolph, craft an equally compelling story retelling the events of the infamous scandal. Roach delivers with an authentic mind of originality. Randolph's script as just as original with his craft. The writing is not delicate in the slightest when detailing the haunting events that unfold throughout the film. What they do here is stunning and equally as such is obvious. The two have done something that only certain true story based films can do and that is delivering and staying true to the actuality of the events being retold. 

Scoring this drama is Theodore Shapiro. His score, which includes a chorus of women, makes the film even more dramatic because of this. Shapiro makes the score the only delicate thing about this film because of the nature of the film and the seriousness of the film overall. The score adds to the drama and is perfectly balanced with it. The film also has an end-credits song, which amplifies the overall message of the film is that no one will be silenced if they talk about workplace harassment sexual to not. 

As I said earlier, the film's make-up could not be more accurate and perfect than it is. It really does show the journalists in a way that is uncanny. Just like any other film based on a true story, but this film is extra detailed as it can be when it comes to the make-up and overall beauty of the film itself. 

It shook not only the media by storm but the world. It is one of the most infamous media scandals of our time and its big-screen portrayal is nothing short of dazzling. I have no doubt this film will be a beacon of opportunity for anyone, man or woman, to not be afraid of speaking out against a hostile work environment. This film is an absolute sensation, even if the film gets too sensationalized in talking about the events of the scandal and the impact it had on the employees at one of the countries' television largest networks.  

                                                        Poster Courtesy of Lionsgate Films

Rate: B 

Director: Jay Roach 

Starring: Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, and Kate McKinnon 

MPAA Rating: R (for sexual material and language throughout)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes 

Synopsis: Based on the real scandal, BOMBSHELL is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; Fox News, and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it.

Knives Out (2019)

If there is any film within the past year that is intriguing as ever, it is this film. It is a cross between the game of clue and anything by author Agatha Christie. With its mystery and intrigue, this film is undoubtedly exciting. This film is all kinds of crazy. It will have audiences engaged at every moment. It is uniquely savvy in that the execution of the story is undoubtedly original and thrilling at the highest levels. I have no doubt this film will rank among the best films of not only the year but of mystery-intrigue value.

Writer-director Rian Johnson has made one of the best films of not only the past year but also within the last decade. He is smart with his craft and creates the ultimate case of film intrigue and wonder. The film is not only mysterious and delightfully entertaining but the film is also very funny. It is able to pull quality laughs from the audience and that is a fantastic thing for this film.

This film leads an all-star ensemble of A-listers including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee-Curtis, Chris Evans and the legendary Christopher Plummer. They are all stunning in this film, but especially Craigs donning of a southern accent as a mysterious yet well-known sleuth. His performance is utterly charming and charismatic because of the energy he puts into the role.

Scoring the whodunnit is Nathan Johnson. With the film taking place in a mansion of Victorian architecture, it is only fitting for this film to have a classical sound to play throughout the film. Johnson does this so effectively and its as suspenseful as the film itself.

It is one of the most interesting films to date. This film is unique in every sense of the word. It pulls off the impossible by being an entertaining film but also one of the most fascinating films of the century. With twists at every turn, this whodunnit is one you cannot miss.

Poster courtesy of Lionsgate

Rate: A

Director: Rian Johnson 

Starring: Jamie Lee-Curtis, Daniel Craig, Katherine Langford, Christopher Plummer, and Chris Evans

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death. 

Frozen 2 (2019)

It has been 7 years since the global phenomenon Frozen first debuted to audiences and smashed box-offices everywhere. Now we return to the magical land of Arendelle for even more fun and entertainment. The box-office smash hit gets a beautifully animated sequel. This is the first Disney princess film to get a direct sequel. What makes Disney films so unique is their utter beauty and charm. This film is no exception. What it manages to do is be even more beautiful than the original and even more enjoyable. I have no doubt that this film will rank among one of the best Disney films of all time.

Returning directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee are back with a bang. They are able to once again craft a magical film that fans of Disney will absolutely love. It does improve upon the original film in that it is more in-depth to explore the world of our favorite characters even more. Lee & Buck return in spectacular fashion and make the film even more enjoyable than the original.

Also returning to make the show-stopping tunes is the husband-wife duo, Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. They return with even more catchy tunes than in the first film. They are what makes this film so special. The songs add to the story in a number of ways that make it succeed. They will no doubt go down in history as one of the most successful songwriting duos of all time.

Voicing our favorites once more, Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Jonathan Groff, and Josh Gad return as our favorite characters. Just like in the first film, they all deliver comedic and heartfelt performances once again as our favorite and highly likable characters. 

Scoring the film once again is Christophe Beck. Beck scores the film in a way that is as charming as the rest of the film. It is as upbeat and classy as before. The score makes the film even more enchanting as ever.

Venture into the unknown once again. This film is one of the studio's best sequels in recent years even if the ending of the film is abrupt and not detailed. The folks at Disney have made yet another smash-hit that fans of the first film will like maybe even more than the 2013 original film.

Poster Courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios

Rate: A- 

Directors: Jennifer Lee and Chris Buck 

Starring: Idina Menzel, Kristen Bell, Evan Rachel Wood, Sterling K. Brown, Josh Gad and Jonathan Groff 

MPAA Rating: PG (for action/peril and some thematic elements)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes 

Synopsis: Why was Elsa born with magical powers? The answer is calling her and threatening her kingdom. Together with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven, she'll set out on a dangerous but remarkable journey. In "Frozen," Elsa feared her powers were too much for the world. In "Frozen 2," she must hope they are enough.