Star Trek: Beyond (2016)

The revival of the “Star Trek” films continues with its third chapter. The follow-up to 2013’s “Into Darkness” is unquestionably weak, and relies way too heavily on special effects. 

Justin Lin who's best known for working on the “Fast and The Furious” franchise, erects a “Star Wars” esque  film. Characters, settings, and costumes all encompass the similarities between these film franchises. 

 “Star Trek: Beyond” features a wonderfully talented cast, but they lack in depth and perception. Especially with Simon Pegg’s Montgomery Scott character, which is highly irritating when he uses repetition of the word “lassie”  throughout the film. 

The film has been at the height of praise and controversy, due to its storyline involving 

the character Sulu, played by John Cho. Reason for the praise and controversy is because Cho's character was written in the film as a homosexual man. This story also caught the attention of original Sulu actor George Takei,who disapproved of the films decision to make his classic character a homosexual, even though Takei is gay in real life.

Composer Michael Giacchino saves this film despite its profoundly negative qualities. He creates a classical, brassy, and whirl-wind of a score that is highly enjoyable. 

“Live long and prosper” is the mantra of the entire “Star Trek” universe, as this is a new generation of “Star Trek” films, it does not prosper or live long enough to receive the positive attention of the fans, because it utterly disappoints. 

Rate: D-

Paramount Pictures presents a Justin Lin film in association with Bad Robot Productions and Skydance Media. Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Anton Yelchin, Zoe Saldana, Karl Urban. Runtime: 2 Hours and 2 Minutes Rated: PG-13 (for sequences of sci-fi action, and violence. In theaters now. 

The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

Children, pet owners and adults have come to bare witness to a new film from the studio that brought audiences the “Despicable Me” films.  “The Secret Life of Pets” is similar to that of the “Toy Story” films but only this time in animal form. 

Helmers of this exciting film, Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney make this film positively appealing to all pet owners and animal fanatics. Audiences will highly appreciate the animation approach which is precious, cute and magical.   

Taking place in “New York City”, the film shows a vast portion of the “Big Apple” in great detail. Being an animated motion-picture, the movie is filled with wonder, spectacle, and magic.  

The film offers up a wonderful ensemble consisting of: (Modern Family's) Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart (Ride Along), comedian Louis C.K, and Jenny Slate (The Lorax). Each and every character portrayed by the actors in the movie are humorous and whimsical. Younger viewers will definitely get a kick out of this film. 

Alexandre Desplat (Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows) composes the music for this kid-friendly motion picture. The music is happy, jolting, and riveting, therefore it keeps the movie 

interesting. 

“The Secret Life of Pets” unleashes the wild, goofiness, and utter shenanigans that animals do. It is without a doubt a very accurate portrayal of animals behavior. 

Rate: B

Universal Pictures presents an Illumination Entertainment and Chris Meledandri production, directed by Chris Renaud and Yarrow Cheney. “The Secret Life of Pets” stars Louis C.K, Jenny Slate, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Lake Bell, Albert Brooks, Bobby Moynihan with a runtime of 1 Hour and 30 Minutes. Rated PG (for action and some rude humor) in theaters now. 

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+