Blazing Saddles (1974)

From comedic "Hollywood" icon, director Mel Brooks makes one of cinemas most provocatively raunchy, extremely racist films. "Blazing Saddles", as the name implies, it is very blazing with colorful language, wit, and buffoonery.

"Blazing Saddles" stars Gene Wilder (Young Frankenstein, Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory) and Cleavon Little (Temperature's Rising). Both actors are amazing in this comedy as a small-town sheriff and magician. They shine best at the movies most questionable moments. And the films not so vital cast and characters also do a great job at providing laughs.

Mel Brooks had a vision of  utmost and profound originality,  a very quirky and demented sense of humor when he planned this film. As a result, it pays out.

This film is NOT to be viewed by children under 13. In fact, those with a very dull sense of humor, or get easily offended shouldn't bare witness to one of the greatest comedies ever made.

Paramount Pictures presents a film directed by Mel Brooks. "Blazing Saddles" stars Cleavon Little, Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks. Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes. Rated R (for adult situations/language) 

Rate: A+ 

Indiana Jones: Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981)

From the adventurous and talented minds of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, comes an adventure of epic proportions. Harrison Ford who is no stranger to starring in action films, stars as the films protagonist.

Director Steven Spielberg creates a movie that is exciting, humor and action-packed. Viewers will without a doubt be fully engaging in the adventures of Indiana Jones. 

The cast in the film, (other than Harrison Ford) does a spectacular execution at their parts. The cast possesses qualities of being exciting, authentic, and fun.

Kudos to the special effects and action sequences departments because they are fantastic and stunning. Harrison Ford brings energy and roughness to his role.

Widely acclaimed composer John Williams scores the film, and it is bombastic and upbeat. With his main title theme for the film it is sure to be one of his most popular scores.

For over 35 years, Indiana  Jones has been a constant fan favorite mainly because of its terrific cast, amazing action, and beautiful music compositions. Indiana Jones will continue on for many years to be an exciting and action-packed movie.

Paramount Pictures presents a Steven Spielberg film. Starring: Harrison Ford and Karen Allen. Rated PG Runtime: 1 Hour and 55 minutes 

Rate: B+

Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)

Skadoosh! Everyone's favorite butt kicking panda, Po (Jack Black) is back, in the third feature of the Kung Fu Panda franchise. The sequel to 2011's Kung Fu Panda 2 is nothing short of mesmerizing and wonderful.

 It offers stunning artistry, special effects, and  clever, witty humor. As well as a fantastic supporting cast including: Angelina Jolie, Bryan Cranston, J.K Simmons, and Kate Hudson, while they voice the  roles of a master tigress, Po's father, the films antagonist and a girl panda, respectively.  The way the cast voices their characters and portrays them is very energetic and lively.

The director of the film does an absolutely wonderful job at  animating China, and interpreting Kung Fu in animal form. The art and overall color of the movie is very bold and stunning. 

   

To stick to the Chinese theme & culture a score was created by visionary composer  Hans Zimmer (Interstellar, Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice) to make the film more enjoyable on a higher note. He does a marvelous job at making a score that is  lively, yet dramatic, bold, yet beautiful. 

  

Kung Fu Panda 3 is definitely a work of art and a witty comedy, while also having a dramatic plot line. It does a fantastic job at catering to both children and adults. The Kung Fu Panda Franchise is one to remember. 

Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

If I were a diehard D.C Comics fan, I'd be extremely hyped for the showdown between the great Batman and Superman. Then when it comes time to witness that epic brawl, you have high expectations, when I left the theater at the end of the movie I was utterly disappointed with this movie. Not because of the negative reaction from other movie critics, but because the film had several scenes in it that were unnecessary, boring, or just didn't fit in with the plot of the movie. I was thinking during these tedious moments, just when is the fight going to happen? The epic brawl does not even happen until first ninety minutes of the movie. The film's first half was setting up the war between the two heroes for that first ninety minutes.  Returning to helm the Kryptonian hero, Henry Cavill. Playing the Dark Knight this time around is Ben Affleck. Personally, I thought Cavill’s performance in his first portrayal as superman in “Man of Steel” was more exciting than this one. As for Affleck’s take on Batman, I prefer the legendary  Christian Bale over Affleck. While director Zack Snyder how to appease to fans of both crime fighters, I'd say that his approach is extremely uneventful and ungodly dreary without a doubt, bleak. The performances in this film had emotional intensity to some extent, but they lack in more of the conflict and solution surrounding the entire movie. Dawn of Justice does offer great supporting characters the chance to succeed. Diane Lane (The Outsiders) plays a wonderful Martha Kent. One of the films damsel-in distress’ and Superman's mortal mother. Also, Jesse Eisenberg and Amy Adams play the psychotic Lex Luthor and Superman's love interest Lois Lane. These roles were executed as often being a little too cheesy and weird. Dawn of Justice gives us a first look at the Gladiator-Warrior that is Wonder Woman. Played by Gal Gadot, she does an excellent job at assisting the other two at defeating evil and saving Metropolis and Gotham from its woe. I was aiming for high expectations when I saw this movie, because the trailers myself really excited to see this movie. I genuinely enjoy both Marvel and D.C Comics Movies alike, but I felt as if Dawn of Justice lacks in being a great action packed film like its fellow superhero movie predecessors.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane, Amy Adams, Holly Hunter,  with Lawrence Fishburne, and Jesse Eisenberg

Director: Zack Snyder

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 2 Hours & 33 Minutes

Synopsis:
It's been nearly two years since Superman's (Henry Cavill) colossal battle with Zod (Michael Shannon) devastated the city of Metropolis. The loss of life and collateral damage left many feeling angry and helpless, including crime-fighting billionaire Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck). Convinced that Superman is now a threat to humanity, Batman embarks on a personal vendetta to end his reign on Earth, while the conniving Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) launches his own crusade against the Man of Steel.


Rate: D

Jaws (1975)

Based on the popular 1974 novel "Jaws", is a terrifying and edge-of-your seat film. The film chronicles the gaudy and horrific events of a small and secluded tourist town of "Amity Island", located in the Eastern region of the United States. 

The film is brought to life by young director Steven Spielberg, who is previously noted best for films such as: "The Sugarland Express" and "Duel", In which both films came out in the same decade as "Jaws", only a few years apart from one another. 

The performances seen in the film are absolutely marvelous, with zealous perfection. As this is a horror film, the leading cast: Roy Schneider, Robert Shaw, and Richard Dreyfuss are without a doubt dramatic, in which this is another reason this cast is phenomenal. 

Steven Spielberg's version of Peter Benchleys classic novel is triumphant, dramatic, and ghastly obscene. Viewers will find the film frightening, especially with composer John Williams' title theme for the film with is instrumented brilliantly, with dark and haunting qualities. But also viewers will find "Jaws" humorous and sarcastic.

Costume design and facial features with a pre dominantly male cast is somber and prehistoric. And if the other principal actors had followed what Roy Schnieder did for the film, not shaving their face was a personal preference, probably because they wanted to look as-tough-as hell destroying the S.O.B "Great White Shark". 

One of cinemas most highest grossing films of the 20th century, "Jaws" has gone on to prove to be an icon for the cinema for many years to come. 

Rate: A

Steven Spielberg presents a Universal Studios film starring: Roy Schneider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss and Lorraine Gary. Based upon the original novel "Jaws" by Peter Benchley. Runtime: 2 hours and 10 minutes

The BFG (2016)

From beloved children’s author Roald Dahl and ultra successful filmmaker Steven Spielberg, comes an adaptation of one of Dahl’s most  famous children’s novels, “The BFG”, or if you want to be more technical, “Big Friendly Giant.” Spielberg, who is no stranger in the director’s chair, he has directed films like this before, he also helmed another film involving an unlikely friendship in 1982’s “E.T”. What makes this film different from that popular film is the BGF has more magic at its core.

Reuniting with Spielberg once again for the film’s title role is Mark Rylance previously seen in the Oscar nominated film, also directed by Spielberg, (Bridge of Spies). Rylance makes a whimsical and emotional performance while opposite child star Ruby Barnhill, who is a natural, serious, yet funny and an effective talent in this film. 

Scoring the film is a man who needs no introduction, John Williams, who by the way has teamed up to compose several of Spielberg’s films prior to this one. Williams composition is quite fun and goes great with the film overall. 

If you haven’t read the classic book, whether you’re a kid or adult, you will have a problem understanding what is happening in the film. Especially with the BFG‘s silly rhetoric, which can get a little hard to digest. 

The “BFG” has many comedic successes, while he is drinking a soda, and the bubbles go the opposite direction, he makes a remark about burping and farting which is quite comical. There’s also another funny scene in which it involves the “Queen of England” and several of her “Guards“.  Audiences without a doubt will be laughing during this movie, for sure. 
In contrast, Barnhill and Rylance’s characters portray a similar friendship to that of Drew Barrymore and E.T. The two characters are from very different worlds, and it’s exciting to see each other’s perspective on their worlds. 

If you see this movie knowingly, and observe that there’s a book of the same name, you’re better off reading it before you see the cinematic portrayal.

Based on one of the most successful children’s books of all time, the “Big Friendly Giant” is a magical, funny and heartwarming experience that is better off being witnessed by those who actually have a clue as to what the film is about. 

Starring: Mark Rylance and Ruby Barnhill
Rated: PG
Rate: B
Director: Steven Spielberg

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The Revenant (2015)

Based on the real-life events of a man, Hugh Glass.  He is trapped and left for dead in a winter forest after being brutally abused by a bear. Leonardo DiCaprio portrays the lost soul and does it so very powerfully. He is challenged by the wonders of nature physically and mentally. Besides being left crippled for days, Hugh then becomes extremely angry at the fact that the people who abandoned him left his son to die out in the cold forest as well!

  

DiCaprio portrays this role so exceptionally. It's gripping. There's a huge sense of a dramatic on screen personality to his character. His role is highly well-worth praising. Also, Tom Hardy deserves some praise for his supporting role as the antagonist of the film. He portrays a sly, cunning, sneaky man who doesn't like DiCaprio's character. 

Director Alejandro G Inarritu who helmed the Oscar-winning Birdman is a visual magician. He knows more about the story the audience might not even know. 

Based on the real-life events of a man, Hugh Glass. The Revenant tells the ultimate testament of survival, mental stability, and physical pain. 

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Will Poulter

Director: Alejandro G. Inarritu

MPAA Rating: R

Synopsis:

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT captures one man's epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption.

Runtime: 2 Hours and 36 Minutes

Rate: B+