Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

The final entry to the "Homecoming" trilogy is the best in the series. Not only is it the best in the series, but it is also the best Spider-Man film of all time without a doubt in my mind. It was the year's most anticipated film of the year and it not only lives up to the hype, but it also exceeds expectations. It has the most action I have ever seen in a Spider-Man film. The action is intense, exciting, and thrilling. The film also has the genuine heart and humor fans of the franchise, let alone the Marvel filmography as a whole, have come to expect. It will go down in cinema history as one of the most entertaining superhero films of all time. 

Director Jon Watts concludes his trilogy in a fantastic fashion. He has crafted the best of the trilogy and this film is a treasure to behold. His direction in this film tops the previous two films tenfold. It has the heart, action, and humor that fans expect from a Marvel movie. The scope of the action is unlike anything I have seen in any Spider-Man film up to this point. It is slick, intense, and exciting to say the least. I have zero doubt in my mind that this film will rank high among fan-favorite Spider-Man movies. The heart in the film is so much more emotional than anticipated. Be ready for the waterworks. 

The film returning ensemble cast is just as magnificent as ever. Tom Hollands alleged final outing as Spider-Man goes all out amazingly. His performance once again is as fun and exciting as ever. His portrayal of the iconic hero goes down as my favorite Spider-Man of all time. Starring alongside him once again are Benedict Cumberbatch, Zendaya, Jon Favreau, Marisa Tomei, and Jacob Batalon. They once again bring to the film a set of amazing performances. 

Much to the anticipation of fans, the return of Spider-Man foes from both the Tobey McGuire and Andrew Garfield Spider-Man films are fantastic. Returning as their characters, Willem Dafoe as Norman Osborn aka the Green Goblin, Alfred Molina as Doc Ock aka Otto Octavius, and Thomas Hayden Church returning as Marko aka the Sandman. Then, we have Garfield's Spider-Man villains returning respectively as Jamie Foxx's Electro and Rhys Ifhans as Dr. Curt Connors aka the Lizard. The whole concept of the multiverse is extremely exciting to see in this film and each of these characters returning to this film offers fans a massive sense of nostalgia. 

Returning to score the film like the last two films is Michael Giacchino. He adds to the excitement of this film in a marvelous way. It adds to the action and entertainment factors of the film through its entirety. Fans of his prior installments scores will enjoy this one just as much. 

This is the film we have been waiting for. It is the most exciting and thrilling Spider-Man film of all time. It is by far my all-time favorite Spider-Man film. The scope and wow factor that this film provides fans is extraordinary and will be appreciated by fans for ages to come.

Poster Courtesy of Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures 

Rate: A+

Director: Jon Watts

Starring: Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon, Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Alfred Molina, Jamie Foxx, Willem Dafoe, Rhys Ifhans

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for Sequences of Action/Violence|Brief Suggestive Comments|Some Language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 28 Minutes 

Synopsis: For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero's identity is revealed, bringing his Super Hero responsibilities into conflict with his normal life and putting those he cares about most at risk. When he enlists Doctor Strange's help to restore his secret, the spell tears a hole in their world, releasing the most powerful villains who've ever fought a Spider-Man in any universe. Now, Peter will have to overcome his greatest challenge yet, which will not only forever alter his own future but the future of the Multiverse.

The Marksman (2021)

One thing most films Liam Neeson has been in are the same kind of movie. But he does a great job in films of this nature in which he proves he is indeed one of the best action stars in cinema. Even if films he has done in the past don't match up to this one, it is still one of his better action films. This is one of the few films that surprises at every turn even if the film starts off a bit too slow. This film starts the year off on a good but a bit slow note, but it is a great film to watch if you are fans of Liam Neeson and action film altogether. 

Like I said before, Neeson is in a lot of the same action films. But, with that being said, this one is actually a lot better than prior action films he has been in. This film is one of his better action films but the pacing of the film is a bit off but that does not mean that this film is complete trash. 

The action sequences in this film with Neeson are just what you would expect from his filmography. Another bit is that he does play the same kind of character in most of his action films. But this one is better in the emotional connection and the authenticity of his character. The action is exciting and very thrilling which will get the attention of the audience and get them hooked very quickly. 

Director Robert Lorenz makes this film as entertaining as possible but falters on depth and imagination because of the film's somewhat muddled plot and progression. He does however make this film another exciting action film that will rank among one of Neeson's best, not the best, but among his best action films. Lorenz uses the setting of the West and it is fitting for the film and gives off "tough guy" vibes. His work is another exciting and albeit a bit of a slow and formulaic film. 

As I said earlier, this film is good and is another solid Liam Neeson thriller, but it does have some issues that hinder it from being even more exciting than it is. Not only that, but the film's script is a bit dull with no real connection to what is going on. It is a bit too cheesy for an action film but it still makes for an exciting narrative. 

Revving up the action with the score is television and film composer Sean Callery. His score is as exciting and fast-paced as the film itself. With sounds fitting with classic westerns, this score takes it with a unique twist on the sounds of old western films. 

As I have said, the action films starring Neeson in the past have sometimes all been the same, this one included. However there is something about the film that makes it enjoyable, it's the action and his charisma that make this film an exciting but slow and muddled film. It may not be his best action work but it is satisfying enough to thrill audiences. 

Poster courtesy of Open Road Films

Rate: B-

Director: Robert Lorenz 

Starring: Liam Neeson, Kathryn Winnick, Juan Pablo Raba, Jacob Perez, and Teresa Ruiz

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime:  1 Hour & 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Jim is a former Marine who lives a solitary life as a rancher along the Arizona-Mexican border. But his peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when he tries to protect a boy on the run from members of a vicious cartel.

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

TENET (2020)

One of the things all of the films made by director Christopher Nolan is that they all make you think. They make you wonder about certain elements of thought and science. His latest mind-blowing visceral thriller is nothing short of phenomenally crafted especially due to the stunning action sequences. This film is one of the only blockbusters released this summer during this pandemic and it is definitely worth returning to the theaters. The thing about this film is that it is unique in every sense of the word. Its plot may be a bit hard to follow at times, but the action and the score are able to make up for that. Overall, this film is yet another mindblowing spectacle from Christopher Nolan. 

Director and Writer Christopher Nolan's latest film is a mindboggling brain play thriller. Not only is his work here a brain teaser but the film title a palindrome. This shows once again that Christopher Nolan is a wordsmith with excitingly clever intentions. His work is once again as thrillingly entertaining as audiences expect from Nolan himself. It is his most ambitious rollercoaster of an action film yet. Even though this film is hard to decipher and it will continue to confuse you till after the film is over, the action in the film is a great and effective enough to handle its intricately convoluted all over the place plot. 

Lead John-David Washington's "The Protagonist" is remarkable and fierce. The character is very determined and complex throughout the whole film. His performance is action-packed and emotionally dedicated to the entire film. Starring opposite Washington is Elizabeth Debicki, Robert Pattinson, and Kenneth Branagh. They are all standout supporting roles that impact this film to make it even better than ever. Pattinson and Debecki give some of the best performances of the year alongside Washington. The chemistry of these three together onscreen is phenomenally apparent. 

Frequent music collaborator with Nolan, Hans Zimmer did not reunite in this film. Instead, Ludwig Goransson teams up with Nolan on this spy thriller. Goranssons score is an exhilarating composition of music. The energy and force of it are what adds to the film's thrill factor all in all.   

One of the most fascinating spectacles of this film is the camera work and the gravity-defying action sequences. Hoyte Van Hoytema's camera work is truly exciting and one of the best parts of this film overall. 

There's nothing more pulsating and intense than a film by Christopher Nolan. His latest creation, a slightly hard to follow complex film is perhaps successful due in part by the stunning action sequences and the score. This film is also very reminiscent of his 2010 film "Inception" in regards to the action and camera work. If you have seen that film, you will love this film. But either way, this film shows just once again how narratively talented Christopher Nolan really is. With the lack of blockbusters this year due to the pandemic, this film bursts on the screen as audiences return to the Cinema. Despite its bit of confusing plot, the action makes up for that confusion. This film is Nolan's most brain-busting film yet. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: A- 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Starring: John David Washington, Elizabeth Debicki, Robert Pattinson, Kenneth Branagh, and Michael Caine

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some suggestive references, and brief strong language) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes

Synopsis: Armed with only one word--Tenet--and fighting for the survival of the entire world, the Protagonist journeys through a twilight world of international espionage on a mission that will unfold in something beyond real-time.

 

Jason Bourne (2016)

Matt Damon returns as the lethal former CIA operative, nearly a decade after the events that took place in "Bourne Ultimatum". Jason Bourne is one of this years best. It is jam packed with explosive and thrilling action. Matt Damon is serious, emotional, and awesome in this role once more. 

Reuniting again with director Paul Greengrass, his vision of executing another "Bourne" film is splendid, dramatic, and terrific. 

The score of this film was made by John Powell and David Buckley. If you think that the action was great, wait until you witness the score that is fast-paced, beautiful and vibrant.

Matt Damon is to Tom Cruise is to Daniel Craig. Damon's role as Jason Bourne is without a doubt extremely similar to that of Ethan Hunt (Mission Impossible) and Daniel Craig (James Bond). As all three characters are extremely gifted in bringing down the bad guy. 

From best-selling author Robert Ludlum, comes a film portrayal of his beloved "Bourne Trilogy". With this being the fifth installment in the "Bourne" franchise, it is and will continue to be a thrilling film franchise for many years. 

Rate: A

Universal Studios presents a Paul Greengrass film. Starring: Matt Damon, Alicia Vikander, Tommy Lee Jones, Julia Stiles. Runtime: 2 hours and 3 minutes. Rated: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief strong language) Jason Bourne is now playing in theaters nationwide.