Incredibles 2 (2018)

The time has come. Back in 2004, audiences witnessed an extraordinary film. Now 14 years later, that film gets a sequel, long-awaited might I add. The sequel to my favorite animated movie, "The Incredibles" has arrived. Much to the anticipation, 14 years in the making, this sequel delivers. It's got the expected incredible action, humor and heart. Pixar has made yet another film, that delivers for fans of the highly popular franchise.

Within minutes of the first films ending has past. This sequel picks right up where the first film left off. This film smoothly picks up answering all questions viewers had after watching the first film. Cliffhanger much?

Director Brad Bird returns to helm the sequel. Bird, as no surprise, makes another phenomenal "Pixar" delight. Bird makes this film even more sophisticated than the original. I couldn't get enough of it. This film is an extremely remarkable film. The vision. The dedication. And the overall feel of this film is excitement and it will no doubt be one of "Pixar's" best films.

What's a legendary film without its super cast? Consider it not legendary. Well, luckily, you don't have to worry. Your favorite characters are once again voiced by their original voice actor. An Incredible cast, lead by: Craig T. Nelson (Mr. Incredible), Holly Hunter (Elastigirl), Sarah Vowell (Violet) and of course Samuel L. Jackson (Frozon). Oh and did I forget to mention, "E", everyones favorite fashion guru is back. This film is jampacked with everyone and it's spectacular.

The sequel also offers fresh new faces. Voiced by: Bob Odenkirk, Cathrine Keener and Isabella Rossellini along with new supers play a big role in the film and the supers quest to rid the world of evil once more. A very strange new evil, "the screenslaver" makes it their mission to rid the world of supers due to an incident from "Screenslavers" past. This villain is much darker than "Syndrome"- the first films villian.

Composer Michael Giacchino is back for round two for a score even more classical and mesmerizing as his score from the original film. Giacchino makes new and fresh sounds to every tense, action packed, humorous moments in this film. Giacchino's score is pleasing to the ears at best.

The film has also got a lot of humor, more than the first film. Standing out as one of the films comedic stars is little Jack-Jack. As viewers know from the first film, he shows off one of his powers in a brief scene that shows just one of his many gifted abilities. The latter of his powers are debuted in this film. The way they're shown and what are his abilities are is one of the biggest parts of the films laughter efforts.

14 years later, and here we are. One of the years most anticipated (My most anticipated) film of 2018, is here! I am a sucker for a good (great) animated film. The "Incredibles 2"  has delivered. It has become a staple in not only one of Cinema's best animated films, but also "Pixar's".

Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 5 out of 5 Popcorn Buckets

Director: Brad Bird

Starring: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Catherine Keener, Bob Odenkirk, with Huck Milner and Samuel L. Jackson

MPAA Rating: PG (for action sequences and some brief mild language)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 5 Minutes

Synopsis: Everyone's favorite family of superheroes is back in "Incredibles 2"--but this time Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is in the spotlight, leaving Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell) and Dash (voice of Huck Milner) to navigate the day-to-day heroics of "normal" life. It's a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby Jack-Jack's emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again--which is easier said than done, even when they're all Incredible.

Ocean's 8 (2018)

Hollywood has seen a rise in female driven films. This film adds to the list of films who have female driven casts. This film is exciting and glamorous in every way. The female version of the "Ocean's" films, which starred: George Clooney and Matt Damon, is now in a category of it's own. Heist films are in a sense a genre that hooks audiences in the try to not get caught notion. This film is one  of those films that standout from other films of this nature.

 Director Gary Ross (Free State of Jones, The Hunger Games) is the real artist here. Ross makes an enjoyable film and an action coveted feature. It's clever, it's humorous and bold. Some of Ross's highlights in this film are the style and grit of the leading ladies in the film. The costumes are also standouts for the film. Makes it pop. 

Leading the heist is a cast lead by: Sandra Bullock. Bullock, along with Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham-Carter and Mindy Kaling are a magnificent group of ladies who make the impossible, possible. What is that you may wonder? Well, you're going to have see the movie to find out. 

 Keeping the film more interesting is composer Michael Pemberton. Pemburton makes sounds of bright and classic scores fit just right in the grand scheme of the things this movie has to offer. 

Heist films are a unique band of films that have a complex and riveting story. This film showcases just that. Not only does "Ocean's 8" embody the fact that women can do the same things as a man (being a con artist), this film stands as one of many films that are yet to come for the heist film genre. 

Rate:  🍿🍿🍿🍿4 out of 5 popcorn buckets 

Director: Gary Ross

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Anne Hathaway, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for language, drug use, and some suggestive content)

Synopsis: Upon her release from prison, Debbie, the estranged sister of legendary conman Danny Ocean, puts together a team of unstoppable crooks to pull of the heist of the century. Their goal is New York City's annual Met Gala, and a necklace worth in excess of 150 million dollars.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes  

Deadpool 2 (2018)

He's back! Everyone's favorite "Merc with a mouth" is back for another round of profanity laced humor and gruesome butt kicking. There is no one superhero who is as humorous as cancer stricken turned facially deformed superhero Wade Wilson. Ryan Reynolds plays Deadpool once again in spectacular fashion and "I can't believe he just said (did) that" feeling. Since Reynolds first outing as the potty-mouthed Deadpool, the iconic character returns in an even more diabolically twisted sense of comedy in this sequel.

Director David Leitch makes the film in a way that is as expected, a toilet humor, slapstick comedy with graphic and hilarious action sequences. While it also tends to jab at other superheros, purposefully insulting it's no doubt Leitch has made one of his best films.

Yes, by now you already know that "God's perfect idiot" stars in this film as the title character. What I mean by "God's perfect idiot" is that I'm referring to Ryan Reynolds. He is not the only star here. We've also got a Charlie's Angel or in this case (Wades angel), Josh Brolin's Cable package, a dominoes pizza delivery girl, silver Goliath and a moody teenager are also in the film. They all  play a vital part in the hilarity at play here. It works. They all give audiences a run for their money. The cast is one of the best, in terms of comedic films.

The best parts of this film is the jabs at other superheros, the films production company (Fox) and the actors in the film itself. This alone is why audiences love the foul mouthed hero. The action on the otherhand, is a lot more nasty than in the first film. It's cringy, funny and painfully amusing to watch.

Master Maestro Tyler Bates crafts the score for the sequel. Bates makes the film more inappropriate. Unlike the first films score, this film has one of the most unique score I've ever listened to. It has profanity in the score. This makes it all the better. And while also capturing intense moments with electronic and string sounds.

You can't stop this MFer! He's right. He can't be stopped, because there is no stopping him. Audiences across the globe first bared witness to the foul-mouthed anti-hero in 2016. Since then, our favorite potty-mouthed anti-hero has returned. Audiences, heed my friendly warning, this film may likely cause side splitting laughter. Yes, the film is that funny.

Photo Courtesy of : Fox 21st Century Pictures

Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets 

Director: David Leitch

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, TJ Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Morena Baccarin and Zazie Beetz

MPAA Rating: R (for strong violence and language throughout, sexual references and brief drug material)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Long ago in a galaxy far away, were two pals kicking intergalactic butt and saving the galaxy. For over forty years cinema has given us the dynamic duo of Han Solo and his wookie partner-in-crime, Chewie aka Chewbacca. This film gives us an inside look of how the title character began and how the friendship of every ones favorite wookie and Han Solo came to be. Solo is surely to be one of many exciting spin off films in the world of "Star Wars".

Lurking from not so far away, is controversy. The early stages of the film experienced drama within the original helmers. "Jump Street" directors Christopher Miller and Phil Lord were originally tapped to direct the film but got fired for creative differences. Ron Howard was the replacement and oh man does Howard do this film justice.

Ron Howard is a director I couldn't imagine making a "Star Wars" film. But after seeing his first go at a Star Wars film, I was pleasantly surprised at Howard's vision and style. He makes the film with your typical iconic music and special effects along with the Millennium Falcon. Howard crafts by all means necessary, an exciting and exhilarating venture.

This cast is nothing short of fun. Playing young Solo, is Alden Ehrenreich. His portrayal of the iconic Harrison Ford character is awesome and memorable. Ehrenreich makes Solo a stand out character, rightfully so because it's the title character. He has a tough act to follow, and he makes out an impressive portrayal of the beloved character. Rounding out the cast:"Game of Thrones" Emilia Clarke, "Avengers" Paul Bettany and Hunger Games' Woody Harrelson. They are an exciting group in this backstory film of one of Cinema's most beloved characters.

Also featured in the film is a young Lando Calrissian, the iconic Billy Dee Williams character. Playing young Lando is Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino. In all honesty, young Lando is a selfish guy. But that doesn't stop Lando. Glover makes due as the iconic character in a love-hate kind of way.

Some of the best things in this movie are the small things. One of the most surprising things this film had to offer was humor. It offers humor in gabs at its characters. While also providing the audience with laughter not typically seen in the "Star Wars" films.  Standing out for me as the best parts of the film was Han and Chewies first encounter. That scene alone was the best part of the movie for me.

What's a "Star Wars"  movie without John Williams mesmerizing scores? Considered it not a Star Wars film at all. But I am so glad that this film has those iconic melodies. Scoring this new film is John Powell. Powell, with the assistantance of Williams, crafts a big and melodic sound for the film that keeps the film zooming in hyperspeed.

If there's any negatives about this movie, it's a useless droid. L3-37, a new droid not seen in other films in the space saga. L3 for short, makes this film annoying even without trying to. Her presence is not needed. We would have been better off if C-P30  was in this film instead of the annoying L3.

You can bet this film is a showstopper. This film in all honesty, is way better than the sorry-excuse of a spin off that is "Rogue One". The two films are unrelated but are complete opposites. One, being an enjoyable film (this one) and the other being complete trash. For over forty years, cinema has given audiences world wide one of the most iconic friendships of two amazing characters. This film doesn't disappoint in entertaining and giving audiences a first look at what is to come for the two friends. Even if that means including a useless character in the film that trys so effortlessly to make the film go from entertaining to boring.


Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿4 out of 5 popcorn buckets

Director: Ron Howard 

Starring: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover and Paul Bettany

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci fi action violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Synopsis: Board the Millennium Falcon and journey to a galaxy far, far away in Solo: A Star Wars Story, an all-new adventure with the most beloved scoundrel in the galaxy. Through a series of daring escapades deep within a dark and dangerous criminal underworld, Han Solo meets his mighty future copilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian, in a journey that will set the course of one of the Star Wars saga's most unlikely heroes.

Photo Courtsey of Lucasfilms Ltd.

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

Ten years in the making and here we are. One of the biggest cinematic superhero films to date is now at the eyes of audiences everywhere. It was really spectacular and is in all its glory, a masterpiece of cinematic treasure. There's nothing like "Infinity War". Whether you like the comic books from the past century or are obsessed with the films, you'll undoubtedly be entertained from start to finish.

This film makes the ever-growing superhero/science fiction film genre extremely proud. This film is remarkable in all facets. The sets, action, special effects, cast and most importantly its immense presentation. Suffice to say- "Infinity War" is cinema's best superhero film, quite possibly one of the best films of the century.

Sibling directors Joe and Anthony Russo are back at it again with crafting another fantastic "Marvel" film. The two make this film stand out as the 19th entry of the Marvel Cinematic Universe- "MCU". It has so much to offer, that includes: action, drama, humor and a riveting score. The Russo Bros., have done it again, and I literally cannot wait for the fourth and final "Avengers" curtain call-due out next year. 

We wouldn't have these movies if it weren't possible for the men and women behind our favorite superheroes.  The cast who stole our hearts in the first "Avengers" film back in 2012, does it again. The ginormous cast: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Pratt, Hemsworth and Evans, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Gwenyth Paltrow, Peter Dinklage, baddie Josh Brolin, and Tom Hiddleston amd everyone else all part take in bringing everything to the table (the film). 

Especially, standing out are Brolin, Vision and  the Guardians. They stand out in that they are the shining stars of this film. Rightfully so on Brolin's titan sized Thanos. He is cynical, gargantuan, laced with humor and fashion accessories -(look at his fist). He also has times where he's emotionally hurt and that you somewhat have sympathy for. The Guardians on the other hand, stand out because they are seen in my eyes primarily as the ones who truly make it everything to try and crush the purple Titan. Paul Bettany's Vision is an unexpected star. Seeing that his character is one at the center of it all. Vision is truly a remarkable character in this film. 

Not gonna lie, I was overcome with the waterworks throughout the film. From start to finish this film was induced with shocking twists and turns. You'll definitely be as reactionary as I was and animated with reaction during those moments. Leaving the theater, I was shook to my core, that film had seriously messed with my emotions, more than any other film I've seen. 

Scoring the massive mash-up is Alan Silvestri. Silvestri, who has previously scored the first "Avengers" film, makes this score anew. With this film and all that it inhabits, Silvestri holds it up to even higher levels. 

Destiny has arrived.  For over ten years we have seen our favorite superheros in a whole new light. And that light hasn't lost its spark, especially with this film. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll gasp and cheer for your favorites as they conquer evil once more. With as gargantuan as this film is, you expect a whole lost coming. And suffice to say, it delievers. You'll be begging for more once that screen blacks out. "Infinity War" is truly a knock-out-of-the-park home run in terms of movies, that a film so stellar and magnificent can't go unwatched. 

Rate: A+

Director(s): Joe & Anthony Russo

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Zoe Saldana, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Chadwick Boseman, Karen Gillan, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Idris Elba, Danai Gurira, Peter Dinklage, Benedict Wong, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Chris Pratt, Sean Gunn

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

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Synopsis: An unprecedented cinematic journey ten years in the making and spanning the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" brings to the screen the ultimate, deadliest showdown of all time. The Avengers and their Super Hero allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

                                       

Marvel Cinematic Universe Review Series

Guardians of The Galaxy (2014)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/03/guardians-of-galaxy-2014.html




Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/05/guardians-of-galaxy-vol-2-2017.html




Doctor Strange (2016)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/05/doctor-strange-2016.html
 

Spider-Man Homecoming (2017)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2017/07/spider-man-homecoming-2017.html



Captain America: Civil War (2016)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2016/05/captain-america-civil-war-2016.html



Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
https://kanelandkrier.com/16561/pulse/thor-is-mighty-powerful-in-his-latest-film/

Black Panther (2018)
https://www.malawskismoviemania.com/2018/02/black-panther-2018.html



*Note: Marvel Films from 2008-2014 were not reviewed- As Malawski's Movie Mania wasn't established.*

Chappaquiddick (2018)

July 18th, 1969, Massachusetts democratic senator Ted Kennedy drives drunk into a Massachusetts lake. His car, was occupying former aid of his brother Bobby, Mary Jo Kopechne. Who was killed in the accident while Kennedy survived. Bringing intense scrutiny, the end result brought forth Kennedy to not run for president in 1972 and 1976. Although he was later found guilty, his sentences were not carried out. A film of the dramatic incident, recounts all that happened in a stunning and jaw-dropping way.

Playing the scrutinized senator, is Jason Clarke. It's uncanny how similar the two men look alike. Clarke portrays Ted in spectacular fashion, the facial resemblance, the raw emotion and utter dramatic factor he puts into playing Kennedy is remarkable. While, on-the-other hand, you have Ed Helms, Kate Mara and Bruce Dern rounding out the cast. Usually, with Helms, he is a comedic actor, but he sure does bring his "A-Game" in this film. Mara gives an emotionally gripping, yet brief performance as Kopechne and Dern as Kennedy patriarch, Joe Sr., are both on par with the rest of the drama.

John Curran directs the political drama, in a way that audience members such as myself, (who weren't alive in 1969), can understand the historical significance of the events the film surrounds. An almost exact copy of the Massachusetts area in which the events happened and where the Kennedy Estate is, is amazing to see this interpretation on screen. The screenplay, is another stunning factor at play here. It is the ultimate dramatic factor that surpasses all others aforementioned.

Garth Stevenson makes due with an amazing score that keeps this drama on its feet. Stevenson's score is authentic, classical and intense. More scores like this should be in other films of this nature.

This film isn't just a drama filled political thriller, it has the occasional light hearted humor, in which, audiences get a laugh at what Kennedy does whatever to save his behind. For instance, Ted wears a Neckbrace to claim he was injured in the crash. NOT! He lied about being injured. And he also lied on multiple accounts of changing his story of the night of the accident.

#Thisreallyhappened. I get so excited when some film of a historical event comes out because it is one of my favorite film genres. This film chronicles the before, the during and after it all went down. Seeing that films based on true stories are one of my favorite film genres, this film makes me love these kinds of films even more.

Photo: Entertainment Studios Motion Pictures

Chappaquiddick Trailer

Rate: 🍿🍿🍿🍿🍿 5 out of 5 Popcorn Buckets

Director: John Curran 

Starring: Jason Clarke, Bruce Dern, Kate Mara and Ed Helms 

MPAA Rating: PG-13-(for thematic material, disturbing images, some strong language, and historical smoking) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 45 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the riveting suspense drama, CHAPPAQUIDDICK, the scandal and mysterious events surrounding the tragic drowning of a young woman, as Ted Kennedy drove his car off the infamous bridge, are revealed in the new movie starring Jason Clarke as Ted Kennedy and Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne. Not only did this event take the life of an aspiring political strategist and Kennedy insider, but it ultimately changed the course of presidential history forever. Through true accounts, documented in the inquest from the investigation in 1969, director John Curran and writers Andrew Logan and Taylor Allen, intimately expose the broad reach of political power, the influence of America's most celebrated family; and the vulnerability of Ted Kennedy, the youngest son, in the shadow of his family legacy.