Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

When it was first announced over a year ago that a sequel-of sorts to the iconic Robin Williams film was in the works, I was floored. I thought that Hollywood cannot dishonor one of its greats by trashing a film like 1995's "Jumanji", a film that is also based on the popular children's book. It would get completely trashed for Williams' absence. Oh boy was I wrong. This film does justice to the original. It may be even better. For that alone, I think Williams would be proud of this film and all its amazement.

The promotional material for the film: still photos, trailers, etcetera, made it look horrible and I had already made up my mind. Thinking that this film was going to be trash wasn't the right thing to do. This film is hilarious. It's entertaining and action-packed, and it's also, touching. Director Jake Kasdan crafts a special, action film that has lots of comedy, including (several male genitalia jokes), which, by the way, is something that makes the film more entertaining.

What's completely genius about this film, is having the game as a video game, instead of the original board game. On top of all that, the characters in the film, four teenage deliquents, who are stuck in dentention, get sucked into the game as their chosen game characters.

Two boys. Two girls. One of the girls gets stuck in the body of Shelley Oberon-(a man. not a woman, as the girl thought) Aka "an overweight, middle-aged man". This makes the girl, Bethany, and her avatar, played by Jack Black, the bud of the jokes in the entire film. Lead character, Spencer, whose avatar is the fearless Smolder Bravestone, played by Dwayne Johnson. Following, are Spencer's friend "Fridge" avatar-Franklin "Moose" Finbar, played by none other than Kevin Hart, Last you have a shy, anti-P.E girl Martha, avatar- Ruby Roundhouse, played by Karen Gillan. Let me just say that Gillan is queen of buttkicking. Black and Hart are hilarious, Johnson is the leader.

The action sequences go hand-in-hand with film and well, "Jumanji". The action is all-in part by the efforts of the comedy and with the desire to save jumanji and get out of the game. It's exciting. It's crazy and thrilling overall.

Composer Henry Jackman, makes a wild score while also recreating the infamous drums sounds from the original film. When you hear that sound, you know something crazy is coming. Jackmans score gives the film an extra boost of energy, rightly so, that it would still be enjoyable if no score, just the drums were used for a dramatic effect.

Ladies and Gentlemen. May I introduce to you Guns N' Roses, singing their hit song "Welcome to The Jungle". Okay, all jokes aside. This film has it all. Action. Hilarity and heart. Williams charcter, Allan Parrish, was paid homage in this film which made it all the more touching. This film is surprisingly one of the years best action and comedic films.

Rate: A 

Director: Jake Kasdan 

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black 

MPAA Rating: PG-13-(for adventure action, suggestive content and some language)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: When four high-school kids discover an old video game console with a game they've never heard of--Jumanji--they are immediately drawn into the game's jungle setting, literally becoming the avatars they chose: gamer Spencer becomes a brawny adventurer (Dwayne Johnson); football jock Fridge loses (in his words) "the top two feet of his body" and becomes an Einstein (Kevin Hart); popular girl Bethany becomes a middle-aged male professor (Jack Black); and wallflower Martha becomes a badass warrior (Karen Gillan). What they discover is that you don't just play Jumanji--you must survive it. To beat the game and return to the real world, they'll have to go on the most dangerous adventure of their lives, discover what Alan Parrish left 20 years ago, and change the way they think about themselves--or they'll be stuck in the game forever...

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

C-= Meh

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: Columbia Pictures

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

The eighth installment of the sci-fi saga picks up directly where episode 7 ends.  The shot of Rey-(Daisy Ridley) on an island located on some planet wasteland- handing a powerful lightsaber to a lonesome Luke Skywalker-(Mark Hamill). And the rest is history. It's definitely one of the more action action-packed films in the series. It entertains from start to finish, despite it having a less than exciting ending getting people confused after that. All the while, this addition to the "Star Wars" franchise, is exciting and emotional, and funny.

I could care less about a tribute to Han Solo, -(but it would be nice to have had.) It's the fact that seeing other characters reel in what happened to him is quite the tear-jerker. In this movie, the millennial with daddy issues, aka Kylo Ren, aka Ben Solo, is still an evil apprentice to the supreme leader of the notorious "First Order". And just as things started to get right with him, he still manages to be seduced by the dark side. Not only does this film have one villain but it also has another one. Well, I guess you could say they're one in the same. The military leader of the "First Order", General Hux, alongside the supreme leader, are as psychotic as Ren.

The film introduces us to new and vital characters- Rose and Admiral Holdo. They play an important part in the defeat of the "First Order." Even though I kinda think they're just pawns- not needed. But they still make good contributions to this film.

Director Rian Johnson takes us to new and soaring heights with the film. He adds something different to the saga, that I was unfamiliar with before. It is the elements of color and detail. Yes, all the films in the saga are detailed and action-packed, but this one has lots of color and detail to the film as a whole.

The returning cast members: Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isacc, Adam Driver and John Boyega stun alongside franchise veterans: Mark Hamill and the late, Carrie Fisher. They all give remarkable performances as the characters that have defined their careers. Especially, Ridley and Driver. They're the two standouts of this film and it's amazing to see their interaction.

Lo and beyond, John Williams. In my opinion, there would be no "Star Wars" and dramatic open crawl if he wasn't in the picture. For this film, he ups the ante on all musical efforts. It's the same ole John Williams, doing what he does best. And it's insane that at 84 years old, he still makes iconic music. I have no doubt his musical presence will remain long after he is one with the force-(this is my own version of a euphemism for death).

One of the most influential cinematic sagas of all time, "Star Wars", has graced audiences for an impressive eighth film-40 years since the start of it all. This film is the culmination of the franchise and the highest of highs for the sci-fi film genre. Though this film suffers from small stuff like the inclusion of those previously mentioned characters and minor setbacks, and a horrendous ending, this installment to one of cinema's most beloved sagas, is one to remember.

Rate: B+

Director: Rian Johnson 

Starring: Daisy Ridley, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, John Boyega, Oscar Isacc, with Adam Driver and Domnhall Gleeson and Andy Serkis

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi action, violence and some language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Syonopsis: Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Photo Courtsey of LucasFilms

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
C-= Meh
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.

Ferdinand (2017)

He's a social outcast, a softy, and a flower bull-(meaning that he likes to sniff any flower he sees.) But most of all, he is a bull with a big heart. Based on the children's book, this animated adaptation is filled with splendor. It's got an emotional side of animated films not seen since "UP". Adventure is definitely out there for the "big little guy".

What's great about this film is that it has something for everyone. The adult humor in this will go right over youngsters heads, like a scene in which Ferdinand is literally a "Bull in a China shop". He was made to be terrifying and born to fight. He decides that he doesn't want to live that traditional life. From the makers of "Ice Age" , comes a children's film for the ages.

What makes this film wonderful, is the craft and overall presentation of what the film is. Veteran "Blue Sky" director Carlos Saldanha uses the source material to depict the film as accurate as possible. I didn't read the book when I was little, but, this film serves as a substitute for that. The animation in this film is spectacular. The detail Saldanha has here is very intriguing. I was in awe of the animated the whole time.

The cast of the film is very unique in the ways of energy brought to the film. John Cena plays the title character in charming fashion. He has energy and charisma with the experience of being in a kids atmosphere, (He has hosted Nickelodeon's Kids Choice Awards). He just comes across as a cheery and all around fun guy when you hear him in this film.

Also starring is the ever so funny Kate McKinnon who we saw in last years (Angry Birds Movie). She is at the hip of our main man, or bull I should say, during his ups and downs. You also have newcomer Lily Day. Day, who plays "Nina", Ferdinand's owner, does an excellent job at adding constant emotional effects to the film and to the other characters.

Not only does this film have adult humor and emotional plots, it has action. The action in this movie is stellar (for a children's film). But, adults can enjoy it as much as the little ones.

To go right along with the action, emotional aspects and humor, John Powell creates a score that keeps audiences on their toes. Also with the addition of an original tune by Nick Jonas, that is very upbeat and makes the film more on its toes.

Hidden in the film, are some lessons for youngsters but also for teens and adults. Such take away themes would be: Be different. Don't listen to those who try and bring you down. Make your path. We see this evidently in the eyes of Ferdinand, which makes this film ultimately special. is the themes hidden within it.

Mess with the bull, you're gonna get the horns. This metaphor is taken quite literally, because of the nature of the film. 2017 hasn't seen the likes of many animated films. But, it's refreshing to see that this film marks as one of the years best animated films.

Photo courtesy of Blue Sky Studios

Rate: A-

Director: Carlos Saldanha 

Starring: John Cena, Kate McKinnon, Anthony Anderson, with Lily Day and Bobby Cannavale

MPAA Rating:  PG (for rude humor, action and some thematic elements)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes 

Synopsis: A giant but gentle bull must find a way to break free from his captors and return home to his family.

 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
C-= Meh
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.

Get Out (2017)

The one movie this year that is psychologically twisted, and thought-provoking. It is a movie that toys with your inner mind and thought, with so much originality and depth making it all the more memorable. What this film triumphs at, is the constant sense of depth and a riveting narrative to play out on screen. Unlike Christopher Nolan's "Inception", this film has heart, humor and twists at every corner, like "you didn't see that coming!" It was unknown to me that a film of this kind could be as entertaining, while tackling some touchy issues like racism and slavery.

I was impressed beyond belief. For his directorial debut, half of the comedic duo Key and Peele, Jordan Peele. Peele crafts an immense film, in regards to the subject, story line and characters. He certainly has made a name for himself as a director.  He does whatever he can to get audiences talking. It works to the highest level. I know that I will remember this film for a long time.

Practically new to the screen, Daniel Kaluuya  shines as the protagonist of this film. He shines in the seriousness that surrounds this film and all around plays his character in an emotional way. While also bringing humor and a lighter side to the film. Opposite Kaluuya, is Allison Williams-(Yes, she's the daughter of disgraced journalist Brian Williams.) Williams plays a charming woman who is in a relationship with Kaluuya's character. Come to find out that she is more than meets the eye. Her character is the least you'd suspect of being someone else. Just you wait.

Also starring in the film is Catherine Keener. She plays Williams on screen mom and she is just as psychotic as her daughter. Keener's character is a therapist who specializes in hypnosis. What's even more terrifying, is that her character manipulates the senses of our leading man. It's so intriguing to see the effects of something as satanic as hypnosis can really be.

The film starts off in the night, an incident, for whatever reason, occurs and it has an edge-of-your-seat, gnawing on your nails feeling. You just saw something unbelievable, and you want answers to that stunning turn of events.

A haunting and suspenseful composition crafted Michael Abels, is at the epicenter of all the films madness. It works so beautifully, that it makes the film even more shocking than ever. With the elements of whispering and the traditional horror film score vibe-(The Exorcist and Jaws), this score gets the job done with getting audiences on the edge-out-their seats.

This film jumps right into the deep end, in regards to the touchy issues I mentioned earlier. This film has done an outstanding job at keeping its audience engaged and curious about what will happen next. It successes are at the center of its subject matter and the way it was presented.As a result of what I think is a politically unbiased, and conversation starter film, "Get Out" is my number one favorite film, praise or down right horrible, this film has rightfully earned all the praise, and its spot in the cinema archives as being one of the 21st century's best cinematic experiences.

Rate: A+ 
                 

Photo Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Director: Jordan Peele

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford, with Caleb Landry Jones and Stephen Root 

MPAA Rating R-(for violence, bloody images, and language including sexual references)                                                                                                                                                                
Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Synopsis: 
Now that Chris (Daniel Kaluuya) and his girlfriend, Rose (Allison Williams), have reached the meet-the-parents milestone of dating, she invites him for a weekend getaway upstate with Missy and Dean. At first, Chris reads the family's overly accommodating behavior as nervous attempts to deal with their daughter's interracial relationship, but as the weekend progresses, a series of increasingly disturbing discoveries lead him to a truth that he never could have imagined.                                                                                                                                                                                                  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
C-= Meh
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.
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Justice League (2017)

Justice League (2017)

Photo courtesy of DC Films

SCORE: A Film Music Documentary (2017)

It is one of the most essential pieces of a film. The film score. It's like the buns on a burger. You need something to hold it together for stability. That's what film scores do. The hold the movie in perfect balance-(Or at least try to). No film that I have seen would ever be as successful without the music. It just wouldn't be the same. The effect of the film would be minimal. I personally think that a film cannot work with out a score. This film documents the blood, sweat and tears that composers have to endure with making the perfect score.

Some of cinemas most well known music makers such as: Hans Zimmer, Tom Holkenborg(Junkie XL), John Williams and Danny Elfman reveal their experiences as renowned film composers and what challenges they face on their films. Director Matt Schrader, erects a film unlike any other. For those who are curious enough to know about the process of composing film music, this film has all the informative aspects you will need.

Every time you watch a movie, you can't help but feel some emotional connection to the score. That is what they intended to do with audiences right? I know I do. Especially when I watch films with Zimmer and Williams scores. They draw you in like you wouldn't believe. They make the films more exciting as if the film is alive.

You can't go inside a cinema thinking you don't feel some kind of reaction from the scores. Because if you say no, you're lying to yourself. This is a unique genre of music that stretches beyond the cinema scope and to the lands off screen.

Film scores are what make up the background of the film. They are essential in ways that make their films all the more meaningful. That's what makes this genre of music, element of film, and the curators so special, is that they all have the power to make a film spectacular. We have to owe it to these incredible maestros. Otherwise, our cinematic experiences would be completely different.

Rate: A+

Photo courtesy of Gravitas Ventures 

Spielberg (2017)

When you think  of a Steven Spielberg movie, what first comes to mind? "Jurassic Park. ET? Jaws?" Whatever it is, he has made an impact on your cinema experience.  He is considered the greatest director who's ever lived. Rightfully so. Famed director Steven Spielberg, has spanned some 40 years in the film industry. with some critically acclaimed and controversial films. He is no doubt mine and millions of others favorite directors.

In this tell all, Spielberg unloads the secrets and drawbacks to his illustrious career as one of the most celebrated film directors of our time. It is unreal to see with all its fascination. This film is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen and possibly the best movie of 2017 for me. (Sorry Baby Driver).

What makes this film so unique, is the beauty and joy that he brings to his stories and how he came to be. Director Susan Lacy, crafts a special film that those who've followed him from his earlier days, will find sentimental value. From close friends, family and fellow Directors, their insight to this cinematic artistic genius is truly inspiring. Especially with the commentary of Spielberg himself.

All the while, this film acts as a motivation for future directors and anyone who wants to be in the film industry-(like myself). It does so well in the emotional impact it has on viewers. This film is truly remarkable and touching in ways that I wanted to learn more about him and crave his advice so deeply.

Photo courtesy of HBO

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.