Star Wars Episode IV: a new hope (1977)

One of the world biggest phenomenons, "Star Wars: a new hope"  is brought to life by science fiction author George Lucas. "A New Hope" is filled with amazing action, old-school, retro special effects, and a wonderful cast. For over forty years, the kickstart of the space epic "Star Wars" has been widely acclaimed.

Bringing in a new breed of science fiction, similar to that of the popular Star Trek television show. Teamed with: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill, as the leads: Han Solo, Leia, and Luke Skywalker, respectively, they are absolutely fierce and fun.


On top of the film's spectacular action, lay the films composition. Executed by John Williams, it is unequivocally one of cinema's best scores and most famous for an action, sci-fi film.

It's been a cinema powerhouse for over four decades. The stunning action sequences offers a thrill, the classical music composition and the action alongside it's superb ensemble  are why the "Star Wars" franchise has reigned supreme as a major cinema and fan favorite.




Rate: B+

Lucasfilm Ltd and 20th Century Fox present a George Lucas film. "A New Hope" stars: Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Peter Mayhew, and Harrison Ford. Rated: PG (for sci-fi violence and brief mild language) Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes

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.

Forrest Gump (1994)

From author Winston Groom, and based on his acclaimed novel of a mentally challenged man named "Forrest Gump". The film adaptation chronicles his daily struggles with walking normally, fitting in, and bullies, as the film progresses, you see him change and mature in some ways. His biggest supporter is his mother, played by Sally Field in the film. She gives advice to him in ways he'll remembers for the rest of his life. Widely acclaimed actor Tom Hanks plays the intellectually challenged man. The film is played out in memories and flashbacks as told by the character, he lives in Alabama and sits on a park bench giving oral presentations to the passerbyers that he comes across.

Director Robert Zemeckis has created something so touching that this film is a gift for movie lovers. He made this film with the utmost sense of wonder and passion that this film is a gem for the cinema, as it is special.

The film also stars Robin Wright and Gary Sinise as: Forrest's love interest and curmudgeon friend. They stand out so well in the film because these characters, all of them in fact, are distinctively written in so very well with the film.

"Forrest Gump" was scored by Alan Silvestri (Back to the Future Trilogy) and this is precisely one of the best scores for a book to film adaptation. He adds very classical tones and a peaceful melody to it.

The movie offers not a lot of special effects but uses diversions as well throughout the entirety of the film, and they are well crafted.

If you ever feel like you seem to not feel lucky enough, think of the challenges the title character in this story faces. While he faces adversity, loss, and agony throughout the film. But with the love and friendships he makes he can triumph over these barriers. If you do, or if you do not have a disability, just think of Forrest Gump and know that you can accomplish anything. That's is what makes this film amazing to watch, is comprehending its themes and morals are super relevant and important.

Paramount Pictures presents a Robert Zemeckis film."Forrest Gump"  stars: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Gary Sinise, and Robin Wright. Runtime: 2 Hours and 10 Minutes. Rated: PG-13 (for some sensuality, drug content, and war violence) 

Rate: A

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