Soul (2020)

The irresistibility of "Pixar" films is their charm and uniqueness. Audiences fawn over their films because of their ability to connect to audiences and leave an impact on them. The studios' recent hits like "Onward" and "Inside Out" are some of the studios' other features that have had an emotional intensity to them which made them a mature in nature film as well. This new film is another emotional film with stunning animation. 

It keeps getting more and more adult every time a new film from "Pixar" comes out and I don't see that changing any time soon because the studio has found a way to make films more grown-up than in years past. 

Starring in the film is Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Foxx stars as the lead protagonist, a band teacher who dreams of being a famous jazz musician. His performance in the film is entertaining, joyous, and exuberant in nature. It also comes across as comedic at times which is a plus. Tina Fey's character and performance are just as likable as her costar and it is just as comedic. 

Like with every film "Pixar" has made, the animation is dazzling and spectacular. This film remains within the range of dazzling animation and is as big of a spectacle as you would imagine a film from the studio to be. Director Pete Docter once again showing off his talent in this next "Pixar" film. The film shines everywhere. From the magical animation, the deep thought-provoking premise, and the music, this film is one of the other films in the mature-grown-up category of films from the studio. 

Scoring the magnificent film is  Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross. The trio of music makers creates a score that is jazzy and rhythm and blues. It also at times is electric and upbeat. The score is a perfect element to blend with the ambiance of the film altogether. 

Despite the unique and magic qualities of the film, I had noticed a few things I thought were offputting. These things include the character designs that I thought were wacky and unlike other films from the studio in the past. I also thought that the story, no matter the uniqueness of it is, I think it was a bit all over the place. It went everywhere without any idea to make sense of the film overall, which may throw viewers off a bit. 

One of the best things about animated films is their ability to enchant audiences with dazzling imagery and an interesting story. "Pixar" is no exception to this standard. With each and every film they make the animation and stories are all stellar beyond expectations. This film may fall a bit short of films before it, but it still is another solid animated feature from "Pixar". 

Poster courtesy of Disney-Pixar

Rate: B 

Director: Pete Docter 

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs, June Squibb, and Questlove

MPAA Rating: PG (for some language and thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.

Wonder Woman: 1984 (2020)

Three years following the blockbuster smash hit "Wonder Woman", a follow-up to the smash hit proves to be more than a fantastic sequel. It is worth the long wait. This film ups its game on every level. The action is even more packed than the previous installment. The sheer awe and wonder of this film are overwhelmed with joy and entertainment that this film cannot be missed out for fans of superhero films and fans of "Wonder Woman". The film will be a hit for decades to come. 

Fans of the first film fell in love with leading woman Gal Gadot in her role as "Wonder Woman". Her outing once again as the lasso swinging heroine is irresistible and undoubtedly fun. Her portrayal of the mighty warrior is outstanding and I fell in love all over again with the character. Not only does she shine in the film but new faces to the franchise: Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal are some of the best villains in the DC Comics "Extended Universe" so far. 

What took me by surprise was Kristen Wiig's casting as the villain because she is more of a comedic actress and not dramatic as her character in the film. Her role as villain number one, "Cheetah", is unexpectedly a good one and very entertaining. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascals role as villain number two, "Maxwell Lord" is just as conniving and deceitful as "Cheetah". His portrayal is also very surprising to say the least. 

Returning to helm this sequel is Patty Jenkins. She was practically a not-so well known filmmaker three years ago prior to the first film and is now an amazing director once again with this installment to the DC "Extended Universe". Her work with this film is energetic and action-packed once again. It may be more exciting than the 2017 original. Jenkins does it again at proving to make her mark as a director of superhero films. 

The film is brought to a modern age in the 1980's so colorfully which I think is a major achievement. Seeing the film take place in a pivtol and exciting decade in history gives audiences the ability to see "Wonder Woman" experience the modern world for the first time. With the classic 80's imagery of malls and other shopping outlets, it's cause for reminiscing and nostalgia. 

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer,"The Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" returns at making his craft in a superhero film. Zimmer isn't a stranger to these films and he knows exactly how to make a film be as lively as it can be with his music for the film. His theme for Wonder Woman used in "Batman Vs. Superman" returns in an updated version and incorporated throughout the whole film. He once again makes an incredible score for a superhero film. 

She has been an iconic character for decades. The eponymously titled "Wonder Woman" gets an adaptation worth waiting for and definitely worth watching. When the first film came out, it was the first of its kind in the DC "Extended Universe", a standalone heroine film. Now that a sequel follows, it remains one of the best franchises in the DC "Extended Universe", but this film is an absolutely marvelous spectacle that will delight audiences everywhere. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: A 

Director: Patty Jenkins

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal

MPAA Rating: PG-13  (for violence and sequences of action) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Mulan (2020)

A new thing now is to reboot films. But if you're "Disney", you are going to remake your animated classics.  Almost all of the films Disney has made within the last 30 years and even some years before that have gotten the reboot treatment. The 1998 original Mulan, is the latest film to get the reboot treatment. It's completely different from the original film. So much more action, stunning visuals, and a new take on the classic animated film are some of the few remakes from "Disney" that actually does better than expected. This is one of the best remakes to one of the studios' classic animated films. 

Actress ‎Liu Yifei stars as the main character and absolutely kills it in the film. Her portrayal of the iconic Disney character is more developed in that the audiences a new look at the character in a different and unique way. She is fierce and fits really well in the character altogether. Her take on the character is fresh and draws audiences into the new world in Mulan. 

Director Niki Caro helms this remake and makes it as exciting as the original film, despite important differences No songs and Mushu the dragon. But the film is still entertaining. However, it is one of the darker and more mature remakes from "Disney". The reason being is the action sequences and the stunts in the film. Due to these factors, the film is the first reboot from the studio to receive a PG-13 rating. It seems to top the original film in that aspect. Caro's vision stays true in honoring the legacy of the 1998 animated original. This will delight audiences even if it misses some key moments. 

The same old story just an updated telling of it. The film's writing isn't that good but it's not all the way terrible. I just think it could've been better in the aspects of the emotional connection and story lacking a fresh authentic feel like it's new and completely separate from the original film. Other than that, this film is a solid remake and another good film from "Disney". 

Scoring this remake is Harry Gregson-Williams. The score is enchanted with sounds that dominate Chinese culture which makes this film even more entertaining and it fits right into it. It is as exciting as the film itself. 

One of the biggest trends in the film industry now is rebooting films in a live-action format in which the originals were animated. This reboot of one of "Disney's" animated hits is a great one but also a bit more on the darker side. Though the writing could've been a lot better, and some key moments from the original film were left out, this film still proves to be another exceptional and albeit very surprising to audiences, a great film.  

Rate: B

Director: Niki Caro 

Starring: Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan with Gong Li and Jet Li

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: To save her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man to battle northern invaders in China.

Poster courtesy of Disney