Patriot's Day (2017)

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 cast of portrayers. Mark Wahlberg shines with pure emotion and heart as a courageous police officer in the midst of the surrounding chaos. Co-stars: Michelle Monaghan, J.K Simmons, Kevin Bacon and John Goodman stun the screen with equilibrium for the film.

For it only being a reenactment of the tragedy, its realism essence is simply precocious. One will exit the cinema being an even prouder American than before. Even though this dark and triumphant movie tackles an event so tragic, it does ever so pleasingly even if viewers watch one time for historical enjoyment.

Rate: A

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, with Kevin Bacon, and J.K Simmons

Director: Peter Berg

Runtime: 2 Hours 13 Minutes

MPAA Rating: R  (for violence, realistically graphic injury images, language throughout and some drug use)

*NOW PLAYING IN CINEMAS NATIONWIDE*

Hidden Figures (2017)

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 Kevin Costner perform with charming enthusiasm. Even though every time Costner is on the scene, he is always chewing gum. Even though that got annoying and tedious through the entirety of the film, it's the least of viewers concern.

Pharrell Williams gets audiences groovin' with his motown tunes. Most fitting for this film and its time period.

Ted Melfi director, entertains audiences through and through. All-the-while, color and persistence of the films detail puts one awestruck

(Hidden Figures)  isn't only a pioneer for women of color, it is a pioneer for all women. With an imbuing message(s) of leadership, courage, and the famous Nike phrase "Just do it!". Anyone regardless of gender, skin color, or anything of that matter, will be inspired by this film.


Rate: B

Starring: Taraji P. Henson, Janelle Monae, Kevin Costner, Octavia Spencer, Kirsten Dunst, Jim Parsons

Director: Ted Melfi

Rutime: 2 hours and 7 minutes

MPAA Rating: PG-(Thematic elements and some language)

*Now Playing in theaters nationwide*

Rogue One (2016)

This pre-Star 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.

Why on gods green earth would someone waste their time developing something before an actual film saga manages to kickass? This film didn't really kickass, because it's "been there done that" kind of feeling. And most of the time the film was more mopey and serious than entertaining.

Though the highly successful Episode 7 got the money it bargained for, Rogue One manages to highhandedly screw up the whole dynamic of this space saga and morph it into shit. It's so bad, you're better off watching Mel Brooks Spaceballs. 

Rate: D-

Director: Gareth Edwards

Starring: Felicity Jones

Runtime: 2 hours and 13 minutes

Rated PG-13

La La Land (2016)

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 if he wasn't Ryan Gosling. He does the role of the talented musician in a very subtle way. Particularly, Emma Stone isn't an actress I keep up with, but she shines so good opposite Gosling as an actress. The pair is so electric. The audience can feel that right from their head to toes.

As you sit in that dark auditorium, you feel as if you are dancing along with Stone and Gosling. Time warped yourself to its 1950's stylized but present day Hollywood. That's how in awe I was and I could definitely watch this over again.


*BEST FILM OF THE YEAR*


Rate: A+

Director: Damien Chazelle

Starring: Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

Studio: Summit Entertainment

Rated: PG-13

Runtime: 2 hours and 7 minutes

Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds Memoriam

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)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

If this doesn't thoroughly entertain you from start to finish, you might just want to wipe or "obliviate" yourself from this magical expedition. Visionary J.K Rowling author of one of literature's most acclaimed series, (Harry Potter), erects a prequel to the phenomenon, set post-World War I in the backdrop of New York City. (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them)  is just as magical as its "Potter" saga counterparts. Wonder, awe and creativity boast heavily in the film. (Fantastic Beasts) is an absolute sensation.

Before the trio of friends: Harry, Ron and Hermione enrolled at (Hogwarts) a different story of magical proportions was told. Author of a curriculum textbook used at (Hogwarts), from which the film is based, Newt Scamander (Actually Rowling-underneath this pseudonym). Traveling the globe studying magical beings, good and evil, Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in our setting of 1920's New York.

He comes to (America) knowing very little of the Witches and Wizard folk in the country. Meanwhile at a magical bank-much like (Gringotts) but on the other side of the pond, Newt meets Jacob. A curious and optimistic middle-aged man or as the magical inhabitants call "No-Maj" or non magic american.  The film writes in Jacob (Dan Fogler) as an optimist, and the comic relief- which leaves no drought.

It has that same magical-wow factor just like the franchise before. (Fantastic Beasts) may be even more dreamy than some of its predecessors,  comical even; will surprise audiences by a mile.

The "boy-who-lived" saga also had enchanting film compositions. Just like this one, soothing to one's ears again. A magical score from (James Newton Howard) (Hunger Games), is just as amazing as veteran composer (John Williams) who is well known for creating the theme to (Harry Potter). 

Helming the title character, (Eddie Redmayne) goes above and beyond as the British wizard. Exceeds with charm and warmth, he is one to remember. (Fantastic Beasts) also offers up the talents of: Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp.) (Waterston) the love interest of Newt, "Tina" works at the governing body for American magic beings. Ron to Hermione and Ginny to Harry. This comparison of love pairs in the franchise was the set up for the Newt-Tina fling.
Her portrayal of the female lead makes the film serious,  more emotional.

If you've ever bared witness to one of cinemas most successful film series to-date, then you know what to expect following this. Veteran director of the "Potter" saga, David Yates knows how to effectively depict Rowling's magical universe.

Whether you've been a fan of Harry Potter since the first book or the release of the first film adaptation, either way, you're going to be entertained from start to end.

"Warner Bros. Pictures presents a David Yates film. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them stars: Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell. Fantastic Beasts is rated PG-13 and is in theaters now. Runtime: 2 hours and 13 minutes

Rate: A+

Moana (2016)

Fans of [Disney's] Pocahontas will rest-assured, fall in love with [Moana]. With its reliance on nature, serenity, and beauty- [Moana] is a Pocahontas of sorts in this tale. Minus the same-old common ground for [Disney] films- damsel in distress is rescued  by a handsome heir to a kingdom and they go off into the sunset living happily ever after- but this film completely ignores that old tradition.

It's as if Christopher Columbus had Hawaiian ancestry and an ambitious relative desperately trying to accomplish the same as that relative with the accolades and numerous talents.

[Moana] reaches groundbreaking milestones while giving audiences something fresh. It's art and craft compared to fairy tale predecessors, beats them all by setting new heights in these kinds of films.

Helmers of the Hans Christian Andersen story, 1989's [The Little Mermaid] John Musker and Ron Clements top it in their newest directorial efforts.

The voices behind the sound booth portraying the films characters are enthusiastic, filled with emotion and pure-excitement.

[Moana's] lead role is played by Auli'i Cravalho. She bursts on the screen in her acting debut, playing the courageous, hopeful, optimist. While she also has an incredible and beautiful singing capabilities, this is a major breakthrough for the young star.

Costar Dwayne "the rock" Johnson is unlike anything you've seen in him before. Bubbly, charismatic,  funny, and charming. Johnson is a delight in the film.

The ice has thawed. Ever since the ice princess "let it go", a new generation of catchy tunes from Disney, has become a sensation.

First to conquer the forces of nature with that it girl factor [Pocahontas] - who saw the "colors of the wind", had her fair share of obstacles and companions just like the island girl. Ever since the Brothers Grimm wrote our favorite fairy tale characters ever so long ago, that's been the most common film for children. Rescuing maidens from disaster is not something done with this film.

Now in this film, a less- prince saves lost soul from doom, you see the female protagonist choose her destiny. Which is something not seen very often in kid orientated films.

Making decisions that are important is essential to life itself. That's why Frozen and this film  are  the leaders in breaking that old tradition while setting new heights and raising the bar for movies that are kid oriented. While they are entertaining, these films also teach valuable morals for life that children must learn.

Rate: B

Photo by: Disney