Black Panther (2018)

Since the debut of recent superhero origin films like "Wonder Woman", that type of film approach has dominated the world and fans of all kinds of superheroes. Not only do these films generate an enormous fan base, (like Marvel), will keep making more and more of these provocative, dazzling and emotional films. The films of extraordinary magnitude also have important messages to be learned and that is something I usually don't see in these kinds of films.

Ryan Coogler is king.. of the directors chair. He now ranks among: Chris Nolan, Patty Jenkins, Taika Waititi and The Russo Brothers as a magnificent superhero storyteller. Coogler tells the "Black Panther" story in a colorful and creative way that is extremely detailed. From the sets, costumes, action, humor and technology, this film is no doubt one of Marvel's best films as of yet.

Even though this is only Chadwick Boseman's second go-around at the "King of Wakanda", it's very entertaining. More entertaining I'll say, than his appearance in "Captain America: Civil War". He plays the King T'Challa, in a determined, take charged manner. It's very enlightening to see.

Not only does Boseman do an awesome playing the title character, the rest of its cast: Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Angela Bassett all do an extraordinary job in this film. It's one of Marvels best ensembles.

Ludwig Goransson scores the film. He does it in a way that viewers like myself can experience african culture, in a true form. It captures that native culture in a very interesting way and the score complements those features.

This film, as I said before, has messages to take away from. Stand up for what you think is right, and fight for those who cannot. Viewers will truly appreciate this film more when realizing it's personal approach and its values.

Wakanda Forever! This film is absolutely astonishing, from start to finish. Even if you had no idea who this superhero is, this film will tell you. For the cultural educational and the overall satisfaction of a film of this kind, you will not be disappointed.

Photo: Marvel and Disney

Rate: A

Director: Ryan Coogler

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman, Andy Serkis

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes 

Synopsis: "Black Panther" follows T'Challa who, after the events of "Captain America: Civil War," returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, when an old enemy reappears on the radar, T'Challa's mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk.


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.

The 15:17 to Paris (2018)

When three friends go on a European vacation, they wouldn't expect to be in the face of danger while on it. The three friends: Spencer Stone, Alek Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler, decide to make Paris one of their stops on the trip and terror strikes when they're on their way via a departing train from Amsterdam. This film shows real heroes and makes viewers feel a huge sense of pride and love of country after seeing this film.

It's more authentic than other biographical film, in the sense of the actors. This film uses the real American heroes to reennact that courageous yet terrifying day. Mega talented director and actor Clint Eastwood makes the most of his long lived life while approaching 90. He depicts this films true story as accurate as possible and I think it pays off in the long run.

These amazing heroes may not be cut out for acting, but they do a good job at retelling the story in a true light. The suspense of the film is absolutely astonishing. You know that it's coming.

The film leads up to the events of that day. It starts off in the early days of the trios friendships. And that really gives more context and perspective on what's to come and what the boys were like and how they got to this point.

Christian Jacobs and Thomas Newman make the score of the film. It may have slow and dry qualities but makes the film better.

As I said before, the three playing themselves is a bad choice on Eastwoods part because of the mediocrity of the screenplay. Eastwood would have been better off casting real actors as the heros. If anything that's the only drawback of this patriotic film.

I am proud to be an American. Unapologically. When you see this film compared to other on a biographical scale, this film out does others. Not all, but some. It may be just as good as any other film patriotically themed.

Rate: B-

Director: Clint Eastwood 

Starring: Anthony Sadler, Spencer Stone and Alek Skarlatos 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 35 Minutes 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for bloody images, violence, some suggestive material, drug references and language)

Synopsis: In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris, an attempt prevented by three courageous young Americans traveling through Europe. The film follows the course of the friends' lives, from the struggles of childhood through finding their footing in life, to the series of unlikely events leading up to the attack. 

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.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

I was extremely hesitant about seeing this movie, for a few reasons. One, the franchise has been slow with its entries. And if you have only seen the films you will understand where I am coming from. Then, you have its promising actors yet they make these films worse. At the root of this problem, is each installments screenplay. It's muddled, but it just too mediocre. Overall, this film is a satisfying end to a miserable franchise.

Wes Ball, makes this film perhaps the best of franchise. It has more action than it's prior entries. It does have a weird screenplay, which consists of cliches and repetitive dialogue. The cast isn't much better, but they give their all. The screenplay did also leave me with a few questions after it ended. Surprise Surprise!

Leading members: Dylan O'Brien, Kaya Scodelario and Thomas Sangster do a number on the franchise with action packed sequences. Also, they give some of the better performances unlike in the other two films.

John Paesano enters the maze, booming with sound. He creates a sci-fi esq score fitting the film and the tone of it. His score hits on par with the film, even if the screenplay is a mess.

The action and the heart of this film is certainly noticeable. I for one, had major doubts about seeing this film. But, I knew once the film picked up, I'd enjoy it. It is indeed the franchises best film.

Though, it's not in anyway achieved the notoriety and praise as "Harry Potter" or "The Hunger Games", this series, both film and the books has created a phenomenon among teens, and sure will entertain anyone who is a fan of Science Fiction films.

Rate: C+ 

Director: Wes Ball

Starring: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas-Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, language, and some thematic elements)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 20 Minutes \

Synopsis: In the epic finale to the Maze Runner saga, Thomas leads his group of escaped Gladers on their final and most dangerous mission yet. To save their friends, they must break into the legendary Last City, a WCKD-controlled labyrinth that may turn out to be the deadliest maze of all. Anyone who makes it out alive will get answers to the questions the Gladers have been asking since they first arrived in the maze. 

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.

And The Oscar Goes to... Malawski's Movie Mania's Oscar Predictions (2018)

Best Picture:
Phantom Thread
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Dunkirk
Darkest Hour
Lady Bird
Get Out
Call Me By Your Name
The Shape of Water
The Post

My prediction:

Lady Bird: A film that embodies the human spirit and portrays the struggle of adolescence with the directorial debut of Greta Gerwig, this film is a shoe in for the Best Picture. I will also root for Get Out, Dunkirk and Darkest Hour.



Best Director:
Greta Gerwig – Lady Bird
Christopher Nolan – Dunkirk
Paul Thomas Anderson- Phantom Thread
Jordan Peele – Get Out
Guillermo Del Toro- The Shape Of Water

My Prediction:

Christopher Nolan – Dunkirk: This film is a heartstopper. It captures the essence of what the violence of the war and the psychological impact is. Nolan does an outstanding job at handling those important details. If not Nolan then, definetly Peele or Gerwig.


Best Actress:

Meryl Streep- The Post

Margot Robbie – I, Tonya

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird

Michelle Williams – All The Money in The World

Sally Hawkins- The Shape of Water

Frances McDormand- Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

My Prediction:

Saoirse Ronan – Lady Bird: She plays a character who teens can relate to, ultimately because we go through some of the same experiences.

Best Supporting Actress
Mary J. Blige – Mudbound as Florence Jackson
Allison Janney – I, Tonya as LaVona Golden
Lesley Manville – Phantom Thread as Cyril Woodcock
Laurie Metcalf – Lady Bird as Marion McPherson
Octavia Spencer – The Shape of Water as Zelda Fuller

My Prediction: Allison Janney- I, Tonya

Best Supporting Actor
Willem Dafoe – The Florida Project as Bobby Hicks
Woody Harrelson – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as Chief Bill Willoughby
Richard Jenkins – The Shape of Water as Giles
Christopher Plummer – All the Money in the World as J. Paul Getty
Sam Rockwell – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri as Officer Jason Dixon

My Prediction: Christopher Plummer- All The Money In The World

Best Actor:

Timothée Chalamet – Call Me by Your Name as Elio Perlman
Daniel Day-Lewis – Phantom Thread as Reynolds Woodcock
Daniel Kaluuya – Get Out as Chris Washington
Gary Oldman – Darkest Hour as Winston Churchill
Denzel Washington – Roman J. Israel, Esq. as Roman J. Israel

My prediction: Oldman or Kaluuya

Best Animated Film:

The Boss Baby – Tom McGrath and Ramsey Ann Naito
The Breadwinner – Nora Twomey and Anthony Leo
Coco – Lee Unkrich and Darla K. Anderson
Ferdinand – Carlos Saldanha
Loving Vincent – Dorota Kobiela, Hugh Welchman and Ivan Mactaggart

My Prediction: Coco

Best Original Song:

"Mighty River" from Mudbound – Music and Lyrics by Mary J. Blige, Raphael Saadiq & Taura Stinson
"Mystery of Love" from Call Me by Your Name – Music and Lyrics by Sufjan Stevens
"Remember Me" from Coco – Music and Lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez
"Stand Up for Something" from Marshall – Music by Diane Warren; Lyrics by Lonnie Lynn & Diane Warren
"This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman – Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul

My Prediction: Remember Me- Coco

Best Original Score
Dunkirk – Hans Zimmer
Phantom Thread – Jonny Greenwood
The Shape of Water – Alexandre Desplat
Star Wars: The Last Jedi – John Williams
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Carter Burwell

My Prediction: Hans Zimmer- Dunkirk



Best Adapted Screenplay:
Call Me by Your Name – James Ivory based on the novel by André Aciman
The Disaster Artist – Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber based on the book by Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell
Logan – Screenplay by Scott Frank, James Mangold and Michael Green; Story by James Mangold based on characters from the X-Men comic books and theatrical motion pictures
Molly's Game – Aaron Sorkin based on the memoir by Molly Bloom
Mudbound – Virgil Williams and Dee Rees based on the novel by Hillary Jordan

My Prediction: Logan 

Best Original Screenplay

The Big Sick – Written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani

Get Out – Written by Jordan Peele

Lady Bird – Written by Greta Gerwig

The Shape of Water – Written by Guillermo del Toro and Vanessa Taylor; Story by Guillermo del Toro

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Written by Martin McDonagh

My Prediction: Get Out 

Best Production Design:

Beauty and the Beast – Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

Blade Runner 2049 –  Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Alessandra Querzola

Darkest Hour – Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

Dunkirk – Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Gary Fettis

The Shape of Water – Paul Denham Austerberry; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau and Jeff Melvin

My Prediction: Beauty and The Beast- Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer 

Best Visual Effects 

Blade Runner 2049 – John Nelson, Gerd Nefzer, Paul Lambert and Richard R. Hoover

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick

Kong: Skull Island – Stephen Rosenbaum, Jeff White, Scott Benza and Mike Meinardus

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Ben Morris, Mike Mulholland, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

War for the Planet of the Apes – Joe Letteri, Daniel Barrett, Dan Lemmon and Joel Whist

My Prediction: Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2- Christopher Townsend, Guy Williams, Jonathan Fawkner and Dan Sudick

Best Costume Design:

Beauty and the Beast – Jacqueline Durran

Darkest Hour – Jacqueline Durran

Phantom Thread – Mark Bridges

The Shape of Water – Luis Sequeira

Victoria & Abdul – Consolata Boyle

My Prediction: Beauty and The Beast- Jacqueline Durran 

Best Hairstyle/Makeup 

Darkest Hour – Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick

Victoria & Abdul – Daniel Phillips and Lou Sheppard

Wonder – Arjen Tuiten

My Prediction: Darkest Hour- Kazuhiro Tsuji, David Malinowski and Lucy Sibbick

Best Sound Editing: 

Baby Driver – Julian Slater

Blade Runner 2049 – Mark Mangini and Theo Green

Dunkirk – Richard King and Alex Gibson

The Shape of Water – Nathan Robitaille and Nelson Ferreira

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Matthew Wood and Ren Klyce

My Prediction: Dunkirk- Alex Gibson and Richard King 

Best Sound Mixing: 

Baby Driver – Julian Slater, Tim Cavagin and Mary H. Ellis

Blade Runner 2049 – Ron Bartlett, Doug Hemphill and Mac Ruth

Dunkirk – Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker and Gary A. Rizzo

The Shape of Water – Christian Cooke, Brad Zoern and Glen Gauthier

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Stuart Wilson

My Prediction: Dunkirk-Mark Weingarten, Gregg Landaker and Gary A. Rizzo

Best Film Editing: 

Baby Driver – Paul Machliss and Jonathan Amos

Dunkirk – Lee Smith

I, Tonya – Tatiana S. Riegel

The Shape of Water – Sidney Wolinsky

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Jon Gregory

My Prediction: I, Tonya- Tatiana S. Riegel 

Best Cinematography 

Blade Runner 2049 – Roger Deakins

Darkest Hour – Bruno Delbonnel

Dunkirk – Hoyte van Hoytema

Mudbound – Rachel Morrison

The Shape of Water – Dan Laustsen

My Prediction: Dunkirk- Hoyte Van Hoytema

Best Animated Short Film: 

Dear Basketball – Glen Keane and Kobe Bryant

Garden Party – Victor Caire and Gabriel Grapperon

Lou – Dave Mullins and Dana Murray

Negative Space – Max Porter and Ru Kuwahata

Revolting Rhymes – Jakob Schuh and Jan Lachauer

My Prediction: Lou- Dave Mullins and Dana Murray 

Best Live Action Short Film 

DeKalb Elementary – Reed Van Dyk

The Eleven O'Clock – Derin Seale and Josh Lawson

My Nephew Emmett – Kevin Wilson, Jr.

The Silent Child – Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton

Watu Wote/All of Us – Katja Benrath and Tobias Rosen

My Prediction: The Silent Child- Chris Overton and Rachel Shenton 

Best Documentary Feature

Abacus: Small Enough to Jail – Steve James, Mark Mitten and Julie Goldman

Faces Places – Agnès Varda, JR and Rosalie Varda

Icarus – Bryan Fogel and Dan Cogan

Last Men in Aleppo – Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed and Søren Steen Jespersen

Strong Island – Yance Ford and Joslyn Barnes

My Prediction: Last Men in Aleppo- Feras Fayyad, Kareem Abeed and Soren Steen Jesperson 

Best Documentary Short Subject 

Edith+Eddie – Laura Chekoway and Thomas Lee Wright

Heaven Is a Traffic Jam on the 405 – Frank Stiefel

Heroin(e) – Elaine McMillion Sheldon and Kerrin Sheldon

Knife Skills – Thomas Lennon

Traffic Stop – Kate Davis and David Heilbroner

My Prediction: Heaven is A Traffic Jam on the 405- Frank Stiefel 

Best Foreign Language Film 

A Fantastic Woman (Chile) in Spanish – Directed by Sebastián Lelio

The Insult (Lebanon) in Arabic – Directed by Ziad Doueiri

Loveless (Russia) in Russian – Directed by Andrey Zvyagintsev

On Body and Soul (Hungary) in Hungarian – Directed by Ildikó Enyedi

The Square (Sweden) in Swedish – Directed by Ruben Östlund

My Prediction- Chile- A Fantastic Woman- Sebastian Lelio 

Review Series: The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012)

Batman Begins (2005) 

He has been a staple in the confines of comic books. And now, the legendary "Dark Knight" gets a screen adaptation worth viewing. Unlike the 1989 "Batman" film starring Michael Keaton, where it relied heavily on comedy, this new take on the caped-crusader is heartfelt, emotional, and amazing.

Christian Bale does an amazing job in his performance as both Bruce Wayne and the Batman. Bale dawns the billionaire turned Gotham saving, Joker crushing and Bane destroying superhero in a performance that improves throughout the trilogy.

Christopher Nolan directs the first entry of the trilogy. Nolan does an excellent job making this look at the batman in a way that is fulfilling and satisfying. He uses any and all means necessary to make audiences feel the tension alongside Bales character(s). Nolan proves that this installment is a solid start to the legendary superhero saga.

Not only does Bale do an amazing job at portraying the hero/billionaire, but other cast members: Liam Neeson, Katie Holmes and Gary Oldman do a fantastic job at their respective roles.

The action and the films score are the films most pivotal elements. The action is practically everywhere in this film and it makes the film more exciting. The score on the other hand, is absolutely chilling. Collaborative duo Hans Zimmer (The Lion King) and James Newton-Howard (6th Sense) craft an eerie score to fit the tone of the film, which is primarily fear and darkness.

The film has an emotional intensity unlike anything I have seen before. This films emotional impact will stay with you throughout it's runtime of almost 2 and a half hours.

Cue the batman theme from the 1960's show. No. Don't. But anyway since that theme was just too cheesy, suitable for its presentation, it wouldn't fit with the overwhelming darkness of this film. The legendary character from the DC Comics gets an adaptation so rightfully deserved.

Rate: A- 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Starring: Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine, Katie Holmes, Morgan Freeman, with Cillian Murphy and Liam Neeson 

MPAA Rating: PG-13(for intense action violence, disturbing images and some thematic elements)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 20 Minutes

Synopsis: The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation of the perennially popular comic-book series. The young Bruce Wayne (Gus Lewis) leads a privileged life as the son of wealthy, philanthropist parents, both of whom stress their commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of crime-ridden Gotham City. After his mother and father are murdered by a mugger, however, Wayne grows into an impudent young man (Christian Bale), full of rage and bent on retribution until encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), to search for answers beyond his own personal vendettas. Wayne eventually finds discipline in the Far East under the tutelage of Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows who guides him in the study of martial arts -- and the ways in which an ordinary man can hone his senses to an almost superhuman acuity. After seven years away from Gotham, Wayne returns, determined to bring peace and safety back to the city. With the help of his faithful manservant, Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a scientist at his late father's corporation, Wayne develops a secret identity as Batman, a masked fighter for justice. But when a shady psychiatrist (Cillian Murphy) joins forces with the criminal underworld, Wayne realizes that putting an end to their nefarious plans will be very difficult indeed. Batman Begins also features Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon and Tom Wilkinson as the crime boss Carmine Falcone.

Photo: Warner Bros

The Dark Knight (2008) 

http://malawskismoviemania.com/2016/08/the-dark-knight-2008.html?m=



The Dark Knight Rises (2012) 

A fire will rise. The monumental conclusion to the stunning and box-office smash series "The Dark Knight", ends here. The franchise has been an utter sensation since it first debuted in 2005. And now, it goes all out on trying to be the best of the series, topping the prior installment "The Dark Knight". It's fantastic, maybe not as much as the first film however, it does an excellent job at wrapping up the story of the Batman in a marvelous and action packed way.

He's dealt with Jokers, the mafia, Ra's Al Ghoul and now the sinister masked Bane. What makes Bales performance in this film unique beyond all measures, is his relentless efforts to portray the batman as a flawed yet determined character.

Nolan out does himself for the third and final who-rah. It's amazing because themes of severe pain and brokenness makes this film even more interesting. He also adds even more action than the first two films.

Once again, Hans Zimmer makes another gripping score to grab at audiences. It's fast paced, just like the film, and it has the consistency of getting more and more chaotic as the film progresses.

Newbies for this final chapter: Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy-plays a psychotic Bane, and  Marion Cotillard define the franchise as it stands once the films credits roll. Their performances are phenomenal and special.

Perhaps it's the most successful franchise of its kind, "The Dark Knight", has been an iconic and revolutionary piece of cinema that fans of all kinds of film, even superhero films, will love. But be forewarned, this trilogy isn't your average superhero tale. This film presents an amazing and chilling end to an iconic saga of an iconic superhero.

Rate: A 

Director: Christopher Nolan 

Starring: Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Marion Cotillard, Tom Hardy, Anne Hathaway, Gary Oldman, with Joseph Gordon-Levett and Morgan Freeman

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality and language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes 

Synopsis: It has been eight years since Batman vanished into the night, turning, in that instant, from hero to fugitive. Assuming the blame for the death of D.A. Harvey Dent, the Dark Knight sacrificed everything for what he and Commissioner Gordon both hoped was the greater good. For a time the lie worked, as criminal activity in Gotham City was crushed under the weight of the anti-crime Dent Act. But everything will change with the arrival of a cunning cat burglar with a mysterious agenda. Far more dangerous, however, is the emergence of Bane, a masked terrorist whose ruthless plans for Gotham drive Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. But even if he dons the cape and cowl again, Batman may be no match for Bane. 

The Commuter (2018)

This new Liam Neeson thriller is similar to his other work "Non-Stop". In that film, his character has to save an airplane full of passengers, while in this film, he has to save passengers on a train inbound to the New York town of Cold Spring. I felt like this film was just like the airplane thriller, just in a different setting. This film was good, however, it was slow at the start picked up as it went on, and was too much like the 2014 film "Non-Stop".

Every film Neeson is in, he somehow manages to be the butt kicker of the film. And for this film, he is more so the watchful eye of suspicion. He does a good job at giving audiences an intriguing performance but his action sequences are dry and miss an opportunity to go all out crazy.

Jaume Collet-Serra, director of "The Shallows", conducts the madness on the train. He uses dramatic elements of suspense but has the tendency to drift off into a bit of boringness. And with a dry screenplay, this film is mediocre for its nature. 

The film's score, made by Roque Banos, is suspenseful but doesn't necessarily fit into the climate. It seems too dramatic for a film like this. I would say that this film would be better if the score wasn't so dramatic.

This film has the ultimate elements of suspense and thrilling qualities. That is what makes the film enjoyable to watch. It also offers mystery and thought-provoking storytelling.

Would you do anything to a stranger if it benefited you and you didn't know what it was you had to do? Whatever your decision is, it could have consequences like in the film. This film is one of the years first thrillers and action films. It's a good one, but it is a little familiar to other works of Neeson's.

Rate: B-

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra 

Starring: Liam Neeson, Verma Farmiga, Patrick Wilson, Elizabeth McGovern

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some intense action/violence, and language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes

Synopsis: 
Insurance salesman Michael is on his daily commute home, which quickly becomes anything but routine. After being contacted by a mysterious stranger, Michael is forced to uncover the identity of a hidden passenger on the train before the last stop. As he works against the clock to solve the puzzle, he realizes a deadly plan is unfolding, and he is unwittingly caught up in a criminal conspiracy that carries life and death stakes for everyone on the train.

Photo: Studiocanal Studios

   





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 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.

Darkest Hour (2017)

     The second film of the year to depict the events of World War II, the operation dynamo. The first film of the year to tell war tale was "Dunkirk". That film told more of the war in a combative style, whereas this film details the political turmoil in the United Kingdom and throughout the rest of Europe during this time. I have always been fascinated with history and films telling history. This film is unique in every way. You see the utter wit of quirky, yet feared leader, Winston Churchill. Gary Oldman is magnetic. He gives one of the best performances of the year in a fearless and determined fashion. This film is more in-depth historically and politically speaking, than any other film of its kind. 

Director Joe Wright, makes an astonishing historical epic. It's filled to its utmost capacity with knowledge, truth and politics. It's a very engaging film that does well on keeping the story alive. This film also has the element of sophistication. It's the actors and actresses. The action, the drama and the score flowing so gracefully together that make this film even more necessary for viewing pleasure. 

Not only does Oldman pull off a remarkable performance, but Lily James, who plays his secretary, does an outstanding job with all the madness day-and-out. The two make for an even amazing duo that's meant to be because they have instantaneous chemistry on screen. James' Ms. Layton, holds together Oldman's Trump-esq Churchill. Churchill is essentially the Donald Trump of his days, or maybe Trump is Churchill of now? Whatever the case may be, Churchill wasn't liked by different thinkers, same goes for Number 45. Churchill did amazing things for the UK and Trump is essentially trying to emulate that leader quality. How's that for a comparison? Eh? 

The most striking thing to me about this film, was how Churchill described Hitler. He often referred to him as a Tiger. This was one of the films top chilling moments, after a group of soldiers getting sealed their fates by the fascist Germany. 

On top of these amazing performances, the drama and war sequences are even more gripping. They grab you in so much that you can feel the intensity of what's happening. The score is also a major component to this films success factors. Dario Marianelli, assembles a riveting dynamic of sound.  The score might not be as heart pulsating as Hans Zimmer's works for Dunkirk but, it is it's own creation. They're both part of the same story, just different avenues of the War were covered in them. 

There were a lot of powerful moments in this film, but a few stand out for me. One, a scene where Churchill is late for work and has to take the "Underground". This is the equivalent of the "Subway". Winston gets in the train, and several British citizens surround him in shocking stares, silence and bewilderment. Two, the end scene, when PM Churchill gives a tumultuous and passionate speech. In his speech, he calls for the country to be warming and welcoming, united, yet vigilant. This speech showed that not all are created to be gifted orators-( Paging 45).  It also showed the power of God is with them shoulder to shoulder to eradicate the Devil on Earth. 

War of words? Or a War of choices? Whatever the case may be, World War II, was an economic and a  human catastrophe. The leadership of Winston Churchill, was one of strength, struggle and determination. He had a battle plan but it was difficult to execute it. This film's subjects are rare, so rare that it's fitting for the current climate in their friend across the pond, good ol' America. Be that as it may, this film is a stunner. It should be witnessed by history lovers and those who like true-story based films. 


 Rate: A 

Director: Joe Wright 

Starring: Gary Oldman, Lily James, Kristen Scott-Thomas, Ronald Pickup

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some thematic material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: A thrilling and inspiring true story begins at the precipice of World War II as, within days of becoming Prime Minister of Great Britain, Winston Churchill (Academy Award nominee Gary Oldman) must face one of his most turbulent and defining trials: exploring a negotiated peace treaty with Nazi Germany, or standing firm to fight for the ideals, liberty and freedom of a nation. As the unstoppable Nazi forces roll across Western Europe and the threat of invasion is imminent, and with an unprepared public, a skeptical King, and his own party plotting against him, Churchill must withstand his darkest hour, rally a nation, and attempt to change the course of world history.

Photo: Focus Features

      






































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.