Malawski's Movie Mania

Why I Love Movies By: Alex Wray It all stems from my parents. They've taken me to countless films throughout my youth, (the good and bad). The memorable. The funny. The scary. For as long as I can remember i've always loved the cinema. And one of the first movies I ever saw(even though I don't remember) was "Jonah: a Veggietales Movie."   I do, however, remember sitting in the theater for " The Spongebob Squarepants Movie" and "Wizard of Oz". We went to a dinner-movie theater for that classic. I even got to get a picture with the "munchkins". I fell asleep during the 1939 classic. (Must have been those Chicken Fingers). I gotta say seeing movies as a little boy, I was amazed. Even moreso by 2009's box-office king, " Avatar" . I remember my dad and I saw it together (in 3D). It was cool, because I could reach my hands towards the screen for those floating miniature jellyfish-like organisms. Despite being a lit...

You'll be "lovin' it" even more once you've seen how one of the biggest food companies in the world got to where it is today. And to be quite honest, the proprietor of ( McDonald's) Ray Kroc is more egotistical than President Donald J. Trump. Don't believe me? You be the judge and see for yourself. Through a mountain of uphill battles, Kroc a salesman, desperately tries to sell milkshake machines. His attempts are unsuccessful, but a new opportunity appears when the salesman meets the company's namesake-Mac and Dick McDonald unequivocally named the food giant after their last name. Kroc- played by (Michael Keaton) exceeds expectations as the salesman tycoon. Determination, courage and persistency is the man of many actions and not all words. Keaton plays out this historical figure in a way that one can say might be considered awe inspiring. Serving up this part of history, (John Lee Hancock), who is no stranger to crafting brilliant biographical ...

On April 15, 2013, one city and one nation was struck with tragedy, at the annual Boston Marathon . Over hundreds of participants were severely injured and there were some fatalities. Two evil demonic beings took to the streets of the beloved city and planned and succeeded in one of America's worst terrorist attacks since 9/11. When you watch a movie as heart wrenching and realistic as this one, it's done it's job. But, throughout the film, you get this sense of pride and a blessed feeling that this country is the best and we are stronger than anything else in this world. Peter Berg triumphs at recreating the horrors of that doleful day. Every ounce of the film was precisely detailed- even for those who may not specifically recall the events of April 15th, 2013. The film also manages to single-handedly insert real images and footage from the attack. Which if it wasn't already eerie and haunting enough it still is. (Patriots Day) soars in excellence with a riveting...

A trio of highly gifted woman put themselves out to put their skills to the test at ( NASA) . An even bigger shock to the male characters in the film is that the trio is {black}. It's as if a man had never seen another human being before. Despite the gawking, it's the 1950's leading through the 60's. During the most pivotal and heart wrenching periods of [American] history. The film offers a sense of courage, determination, with that "if you work hard to get something" mantra. I for one am not a gifted genius in Math or Science, but this fact based story compelled me. You don't even have to be a whiz in those subjects to enjoy this movie. You may even be a moviegoer that likes a true-story movie too. {Noting here,} the dynamic and chemistry of the films leading ladies- Octavia Spencer, Empire's  Taraji P. Henson and Janelle Monae, is beautiful. Comical, witty, and all-the-while lighthearted. Holding the weight on its feet. Kirsten Dunst and Kevi...

This pre-S tar Wars  flick wasn't needed. The space saga would be better off without essentially with no prequel. Get to the point already. Did not happen. It goes to join the others in "honorable mentions" for one of 2016's worst films. Nothing to see here, move along. Don't get me wrong, the action sequences- especially a D-day styled battle scene are entertaining. But throughout the entire marketing parade, it felt as if I was reliving the past four years with the " Hunger Games"  . And that's exactly what viewers got: a ripoff of that. Ugh. The director Gareth Edwards, doesn't really add any originality like the actual Star Wars  films. (COPY and PASTE!) I wonder what "Lionsgate" thinks of those uncanny similarities? Rogue Ones' acting however, was monotone and mumbo-jumbo, to say the least. With a major of its cast boating hard-to-understand European dialects, it was nevertheless very tiresome. Huh? What? Here we go again...

I for one am not a fan of romantic films-(don't even get me started on "Hallmark" ), however, I do like some musical films (just depends). Critics speculate the L.A set love story musical- starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone will be a big contender for the upcoming award season, I 100 percent concur with the notion.  Not only is the film a likely nominee but the leads- Gosling and Stone are guaranteed spots in the award season race. What won me over with  "La La Land"  was its zest, vibrant colors and original tunes and pretty damn well choreographed dance numbers. And its persistent comedic efforts. Major success in those areas. Apparently you can get success fresh out of college. He's just starting to make his mark on the silver screen. But, oh man does director Damien Chazelle  craft a one of a kind piece of art. Some of the best film performances I've seen in a really long time. First, Gosling. Every time he shows up in audiences faces, its as...

2016 has been the year of the damned. So many beautifully gifted public figures departed Earth to the stairway to heaven. As the new year nears, the sudden death of star wars legend Carrie Fisher dies at the age of 60 due to a massive heart attack. While just one day after the shocking passing of Fisher, her mother also an acclaimed actor. Debbie Reynolds. Best known for (Singing in the rain) and Disney's (Halloweentown). Reynolds was 84. Debbie Reynolds: 1932-2016 (84) Carrie Fisher: 1956-2016 (60)