A Quiet Place (2018)

What would you do if you had to live your life in complete silence? There's a catch to it though, you're being hunted by demonic aliens that hunt you when you make any noise. For the Abbott family, they live like it's the norm. Taking place in the not-so-distant 2020's, the world is a wasteland of sound makers and all that's left are those who are willing to do anything it takes to survive, even if that means silent living. This film is a standout of epic proportions. The acting. Adrenaline. Suspense. This film is one of the most original in decades.

Making his outstanding directorial debut, John Kransinski, makes a film so edgy, sharp and poignant from start to finish. Krasinski makes the film a unique horror-thriller. He uses sign-language in the film completely, as this is the only way for the family in the film to communicate. He also has chosen to cast a real deaf actor in the role of his characters daughter. A typical teen, a little feisty and rebellious-that's adolescence for ya. This new star, Millicent Simmonds, is brilliant in her first major role. She uses her disability to an advantage and is a key role to her and her family's survival and communicating. 

On the other hand, Krasinski's off screen wife, actress Emily Blunt, stars as the wife of her husbands character. She is also a standout part of the film. Blunt's onscreen persona is heart pounding and authentic. Blunt, with the rest of the film, makes an impressive performance. 

The action and dramatic efforts in this film are no near inadequate. It's crafted in a detailed fashion and it is astounding. The creatures that hunt the family are created in a spider look and a dinosaur way. They're simply, one of the best demonic creatures of the horror film genre. 

Composer Marco Beltrami captures the fear of sound for this film. It's the kind of score you expect in a film like this. Edgy and rapid, yet slow and stringy. 

One of the very few films to incorporate disability in a major film, this one gets that job done. It's spectacular and bravo to John Krasinski for taking that step to add disability into mainstream motion pictures.  This film is perhaps one of the best horror films i've ever seen and should standout to others as an impressive and edgy film. 

Rate:🍿🍿🍿🍿 4 popcorn buckets out of 5 (A- equivalent)

Director: John Krasinski 

Starring: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Cade Woodward and Noah Jupe 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for terror and some bloody images.) 

Synopsis: In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 30 Minutes 

Photo courtsey of Paramount Pictures

Ant-Man and The Wasp (2018)

This film is no feat too big or too small. This film is just, to put it plain and simple: Exciting. In 2015, "Marvel" gave audiences a new film on a pint sized superhero "Ant-Man". Three years later, an even more entertaining film more than the sequel. One of the most uninteresting hero's, became interesting.Superheros are not just one size fits all, they come in all shapes and sizes. 2018 has been the year of some of the best superhero films ever. This film joins the ranks of this years best superhero films, quite frankly, one of "Marvel's" best sequels to a film.

Director of the first film, Peyton Reed, is back at another round for this sequel. Reed, who created an amusing and action-packed first film does it again, this time funnier in the sequel. It's one of the few "Marvel" films that takes humor to new levels and incorporates that into the film as part of it's story and characters.

Once a superhero. Always a superhero. Back at it again, is our Ant-Man, aka Scott Lang, aka Paul Rudd. Rudd, who has made an even bigger name for himself as the self titled "Ant-Man", does a great job once more. While also suiting up again, is Evangeline Lilly. Lilly plays Hope Pym and the "Wasp". She portrays her characters in excellent style. Lily makes her character exciting and is one of the highlights of the film. One of the more memorable female characters in any "Marvel" film.

Rounding out the cast are: Michael Pena, Michael Douglas and Michelle Pfeiffer. Pena is the comedic relief of the film, just like he was in the first film. Douglas plays the tech genius and father of Hope in a funny yet serious role. Whereas Pfeiffer plays long lost mother to Hope and wife of Douglas' character, who is also the original Wasp and Douglas was the original Ant-Man. They all play an important part in the film and they add to the pizazz of the film.

Let me tell you, Lilly and Rudd have amazing chemistry in the film. The instantaneous connection they have on screen is clearly palpable. They make the film even better and more entertaining than ever before. One of the "MCU's" best superhero pairs.

Scoring the joy-ride of a film is returning composer Christophe Beck. Beck creates melodic and punchy sounds that keep the film going strong. With a very fitting theme for Ant-Man, Beck makes a score perfect for this film.

Despite some prejudgements three years ago when the first film came out, I was blown away with it and ended up liking the movie. On top of that, is the utter brilliance when it comes to the shrinkage concepts and how it played out in both films. Marvel typically adds humor in most of their films, but this is just one if not the funniest film and best sequel to any film in the "MCU".

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios

Rate: A

Director: Peyton Reed

Starring: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lily, Michelle Pfeiffer with Michael Pena and Judy Greer 

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

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: From the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes a new chapter featuring heroes with the astonishing ability to shrink: "Ant-Man and The Wasp." In the aftermath of "Captain America: Civil War," Scott Lang (Rudd) grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to rebalance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he's confronted by Hope van Dyne (Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Douglas) with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018)

Too big of a leap? I say yes. The follow-up to the 2015 film: "Jurassic World", continues as a very action packed film with dynamite dinos, but it ultimately ends up falling flat, disappointing fans of this beloved franchise. While it has already made impressive box office totals, it isn't much for fans of the series or fans of science fiction films. One Dino step for man. One dino leap for dino kind. This film may have all to fill your dino fix, but this film is lazy in it's craft.

J.A Bayona directs this film in an exciting way, but drags on with lazy writing, unenthusiastic acting and way too dramatic for a film like this. Although, Bayona does get a few things right in the film. Exciting action sequences and special effects. Despite these two positives they don't outweigh the numerous negatives.

You think being in lots of "Marvel" movies, the actors in other films would be able to continue their successful stints as superheros, they would deliver in films not superhero related. In this case, Chris Pratt, one highly respectable and talented actor, has made two movies in the franchise, and although he a good actor in various "Marvel" films, his work in this film is some of the worst acting in a film this year. Opposite Pratt, daughter of director Ron Howard, is Bryce-Dallas Howard. She, like Pratt, offer some of the worst acting in a film this year.

Don't even get me started on how predictable this film is. It is ridiculous. Even if the filmmakers try to make it seem like this film isn't predictable, they are wrong. The level of predictability in this film is one of the other reasons why this film in not good.

Even though this film plagues audiences of weak acting and predictability, Michael Giacchino, who score the predecessor, is back at another round of jurassic sounds and brass. Giacchino tries to make this film better with its score, while only being one of few positives of this film.

Wreaking havoc one dinosaur at a time. In this case, the wreckers are the story writers and screenplay crafters. Other science fiction films would be utterly disappointed in this one, it's that bad. This films predecessor should've been a one and done film on its own.

Rate: 🍿🍿 2 popcorn buckets out of 5 

Director: J.A Bayona 

Starring: Chris Pratt and Bryce-Dallas Howard

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (For intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril)

Synopsis: It's been three years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who's still missing in the wild, and Claire has grown a respect for these creatures she now makes her mission. Arriving on the unstable island as lava begins raining down, their expedition uncovers a conspiracy that could return our entire planet to a perilous order not seen since prehistoric times.

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes

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.