Malawski's Movie Mania

When it was first announced over a year ago that a sequel-of sorts to the iconic Robin Williams film was in the works, I was floored. I thought that Hollywood cannot dishonor one of its greats by trashing a film like 1995's "Jumanji" , a film that is also based on the popular children's book. It would get completely trashed for Williams' absence. Oh boy was I wrong. This film does justice to the original. It may be even better. For that alone, I think Williams would be proud of this film and all its amazement. The promotional material for the film: still photos, trailers, etcetera, made it look horrible and I had already made up my mind. Thinking that this film was going to be trash wasn't the right thing to do. This film is hilarious. It's entertaining and action-packed, and it's also, touching. Director Jake Kasdan crafts a special, action film that has lots of comedy, including (several male genitalia jokes), which, by the way, is something that m...

The eighth installment of the sci-fi saga picks up directly where episode 7 ends.  The shot of Rey-(Daisy Ridley) on an island located on some planet wasteland- handing a powerful lightsaber to a lonesome Luke Skywalker-(Mark Hamill). And the rest is history. It's definitely one of the more action action-packed films in the series. It entertains from start to finish, despite it having a less than exciting ending getting people confused after that. All the while, this addition to the "Star Wars"  franchise, is exciting and emotional, and funny. I could care less about a tribute to Han Solo, -(but it would be nice to have had.) It's the fact that seeing other characters reel in what happened to him is quite the tear-jerker. In this movie, the millennial with daddy issues, aka Kylo Ren, aka Ben Solo, is still an evil apprentice to the supreme leader of the notorious "First Order". And just as things started to get right with him, he still manages to be seduce...

He's a social outcast, a softy, and a flower bull-(meaning that he likes to sniff any flower he sees.) But most of all, he is a bull with a big heart. Based on the children's book, this animated adaptation is filled with splendor. It's got an emotional side of animated films not seen since " UP" . Adventure is definitely out there for the "big little guy". What's great about this film is that it has something for everyone. The adult humor in this will go right over youngsters heads, like a scene in which Ferdinand is literally a "Bull in a China shop". He was made to be terrifying and born to fight. He decides that he doesn't want to live that traditional life. From the makers of " Ice Age" , comes a children's film for the ages. What makes this film wonderful, is the craft and overall presentation of what the film is. Veteran " Blue Sky" director Carlos Saldanha uses the source material to depict the film as...

The one movie this year that is psychologically twisted, and thought-provoking. It is a movie that toys with your inner mind and thought, with so much originality and depth making it all the more memorable. What this film triumphs at, is the constant sense of depth and a riveting narrative to play out on screen. Unlike Christopher Nolan's " Inception", this film has heart, humor and twists at every corner, like "you didn't see that coming!" It was unknown to me that a film of this kind could be as entertaining, while tackling some touchy issues like racism and slavery. I was impressed beyond belief. For his directorial debut, half of the comedic duo Key and Peele, Jordan Peele. Peele crafts an immense film, in regards to the subject, story line and characters. He certainly has made a name for himself as a director.    He does whatever he can to get audiences talking. It works to the highest level. I know that I will remember this film for a long time. Pr...

Justice League (2017) Photo courtesy of DC Films

It is one of the most essential pieces of a film. The film score. It's like the buns on a burger. You need something to hold it together for stability. That's what film scores do. The hold the movie in perfect balance-(Or at least try to). No film that I have seen would ever be as successful without the music. It just wouldn't be the same. The effect of the film would be minimal. I personally think that a film cannot work with out a score. This film documents the blood, sweat and tears that composers have to endure with making the perfect score. Some of cinemas most well known music makers such as: Hans Zimmer, Tom Holkenborg(Junkie XL), John Williams and Danny Elfman reveal their experiences as renowned film composers and what challenges they face on their films. Director Matt Schrader, erects a film unlike any other. For those who are curious enough to know about the process of composing film music, this film has all the informative aspects you will need. Every time y...

When you think  of a Steven Spielberg movie, what first comes to mind? " Jurassic Park. ET? Jaws?" Whatever it is, he has made an impact on your cinema experience.    He is considered the greatest director who's ever lived. Rightfully so. Famed director Steven Spielberg, has spanned some 40 years in the film industry. with some critically acclaimed and controversial films. He is no doubt mine and millions of others favorite directors. In this tell all, Spielberg unloads the secrets and drawbacks to his illustrious career as one of the most celebrated film directors of our time. It is unreal to see with all its fascination. This film is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen and possibly the best movie of 2017 for me. (Sorry Baby Driver). What makes this film so unique, is the beauty and joy that he brings to his stories and how he came to be. Director Susan Lacy, crafts a special film that those who've followed him from his earlier days, will find sentimen...