Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

It's one of  the best war films . Based on the real American war hero Desmond Doss, "Hacksaw Ridge" is an emotional recount of the horrors of World War II. [It] satisfies in every possible aspect. Even though its graphic depictions of war at the core, it's still a monumentos achievement.   Moviegoers undoubtedly feel a renewed sense of patriotism.

It shows just how one act of kindness can lead to change. When you're being judged by your morals, stand tall and strong. That's exactly what the ballsy army medic did. Even when you faced with avalanches of insults and hardships with others.

From Spider-Man to war hero, Andrew Garfield soars, triumphs in an emotionally heart wrenching performance.Alongside Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington and Vince Vaughn blend into the film with unique efforts of beauty.

One of the most gifted talents in Hollywood, Mel Gibson, establishes a movie that accomplishes everything a true-story film has a duty to do: be accurate.

The most painful thing any military personnel can bare witness to, is the agony of fellow infantry members suffer.  If it's one thing that Hollywood  manages to accomplish here, is being an emotionally effective film.

Rate: A

Directed By: Mel Gibson 

Starring: Andrew Garfield, Vince Vaughn, Sam Worthington, Teresa Palmer, Hugo Weaving                       
Rating: R (for intense prolonged realistically graphic sequences of war violence including grisly bloody images)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 19 Minutes 

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Split (2017)

If you know me at all, horror films are not my cup of tea. When I saw the first advertisements for this film, I was sold. Something very intriguing and thrilling as this film is a (MUST WATCH) for those reasons. Professor X (younger) goes mentally unstable and you can't miss one of James McAvoy's best performances.

Indian film director M. Night Shyamalan's (The Sixth Sense) latest work is with no uncertainty, gripping. Shyamalan approaches the film with an essence of fascination and mind-boggling qualities. From start to finish, the work he displays is one that has depth and consistency.

It's James McAvoy like you've never seen him before. The main role he plays is one of many. Some of his character's mental identities are: serious, comical, and no doubt-creepy. McAvoy portrays a character with an instant on and off switch. One day he's someone else and the next he's completely different.

What also makes this film stunning is its score eerily composed. The teens at the epicenter of the film. Its young leads are not like the ones from 20th century horror films producing fake emotion for effect. The youth in the film, give pulsating and suspenseful performances alongside the rest of the cast.

A film similar to that of Christopher Nolan's (Inception), (Split) is another film that requires thinking. It also has that way of getting reactions like: "WHAT?" "NO WAY!" from viewers. What this film manages to do is try and (does) succeed in is wrapping around the brains of audiences for critical thinking. While (Split) is an entertaining film. It's also an interesting way of depicting severe mental disorders and the impacts on the person diagnosed with such condition.

Rate: A-


Director: M. Night Shyamalan 

Starring: James McAvoy

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for disturbing thematic content and behavior, violence and some language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 57 Minutes 

*NOW PLAYING IN THEATERS*

Why I love Movies

Why I Love Movies

By: Alex Wray

It all stems from my parents. They've taken me to countless films throughout my youth, (the good and bad). The memorable. The funny. The scary. For as long as I can remember i've always loved the cinema. And one of the first movies I ever saw(even though I don't remember) was "Jonah: a Veggietales Movie."  I do, however, remember sitting in the theater for "The Spongebob Squarepants Movie" and "Wizard of Oz". We went to a dinner-movie theater for that classic. I even got to get a picture with the "munchkins". I fell asleep during the 1939 classic. (Must have been those Chicken Fingers).

I gotta say seeing movies as a little boy, I was amazed. Even moreso by 2009's box-office king, "Avatar". I remember my dad and I saw it together (in 3D). It was cool, because I could reach my hands towards the screen for those floating miniature jellyfish-like organisms. Despite being a little kid (at the time), I saw some of my first PG-13 movies. A lot of them were at the somewhat local Drive-In. I once lost a tooth there. Will Ferrell and his comedic efforts were on display for me at a young age. I remember seeing "Blades of Glory" and "Benchwarmers" at that drive-in.

I was like a kid-in-a-candy-store every time a new "Harry Potter" film came out. My family and I went to the midnight release of the final book "Deathly Hallows". Just a few more years till Cinemas most celebrated series' closes the final curtain.

My love of movies is wholeheartedly a family affair. We all go together. Sometimes less than others.

My film inspirations are with no doubts: Steven Spielberg and John Williams. And to some extent the cartoon genius Walt Disney. Their determination, wit, and imagination is unequivocally the heart of my love of movies.

My parents have always told me that I'd either be a politician in my future or something with movies. That is certainly something I've been pondering for a really long time. I have to give my love of movies to my parents and the first movies I saw, along with my film inspirations. Without them, I'd never be  a (Cinephile) i'd just be an average moviegoer.

The Founder (2017)

You'll be "lovin' it" even more once you've seen how one of the biggest food companies in the world got to where it is today. And to be quite honest, the proprietor of (McDonald's) Ray Kroc is more egotistical than President Donald J. Trump. Don't believe me? You be the judge and see for yourself.

Through a mountain of uphill battles, Kroc a salesman, desperately tries to sell milkshake machines. His attempts are unsuccessful, but a new opportunity appears when the salesman meets the company's namesake-Mac and Dick McDonald unequivocally named the food giant after their last name.

Kroc- played by (Michael Keaton) exceeds expectations as the salesman tycoon. Determination, courage and persistency is the man of many actions and not all words. Keaton plays out this historical figure in a way that one can say might be considered awe inspiring.

Serving up this part of history, (John Lee Hancock), who is no stranger to crafting brilliant biographical films. Hancock is most notable for the Oscar winning "The Blind Side". He serves a meal that's well-done to perfection. It's a sweet film to watch and doesn't need anymore sweetener because it's all the while delicious to witness.

He wasn't the empire's sole proprietor, but even for a man of Kroc's temperament, and Trump alike, you'd think because of the way he had done things he was the creator of Mickey D's. You're sadly mistaken. Kroc was in reality, a con-man and superb salesman, who like Trump doesn't let anything stop him.

"The Founder" is a biographical motion picture which precedes in being a milestone for telling stories of this vibrant nature. Lines for the drive-thru are rampant, and if you are yearning to get your hands (eyes) on a wondrous and fascinating birth hood recount of what makes Mickey D's so yummy order's up! You're in for a delicious treat.


Director: John Lee Hancock

Starring: Michael Keaton, John Carroll-Lynch, Nick Offerman, with Laura Dern and Patrick Wilson

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for brief strong language)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 55 Minutes

Rate: A


Malawski’s Movie Rating System

A+ = Exceptional, One of a Kind, Masterpiece. Definite award season contender
A= Pure enjoyment, happy feeling. Satisfaction
A- = One to remember. Unforgettable
B+ = Can get a little over the top. But, it makes out as a good film.
B= This film has the potential to be better. Lacks in consistency
B- = Watches occasionally
C+ = Guilty pleasure territory
C= Causes viewer frustration due to lack of depth in the story
D+ = I hated this movie. Some parts were good. Overall, the film was garbage
D= Very few to no good parts about this movie
D- = Minimal qualities of excellence
F= Don’t even bother watching it. It’s that bad.

Photo: Lionsgate

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*