BlacKkKlansman (2018)

The untold story of a Colorado Police Officer infiltrating the notoriously disgusting "KKK" in the 1970's, is now a deeply powerful and disturbing motion picture. Colorado Springs Police rookie, Ray Stallworth, sets out on an investigation of the local "KKK" chapter. Doesn't that sound crazy? It's an unbelievably gripping take on a very important event in history. This film is rich in craft and has a sometimes excessive political bias. BlacKkKlansman is an authentic and rich true story narrative that aims to show a piece of history that has, not only had an impact on America but a global one as this film is a monumental achievement in both film and society.

Infiltrating the director's chair, is director Spike Lee. Lee offers a film to audiences that is not only a movie of a historical event, but a film on social issues and political ideologies in America. Lee writes the film with edge and sensationalism that is unlike anything ever seen in a film of a historical significance. 

This film offers a cast that is jawdroppingly good. Playing Stallworth is the son of legendary actor Denzel Washington. John David Washington portrays him in a powerful, gripping and memorable performance. It's quite possibly one of the best lead male roles of the year.  Along for the ride, Adam Driver, who isn't only a Star Wars baddie, but a former US Marine. He makes playing Stallworths right hand man like it was easy, given his former occupation.

Co-starring in the film are: Topher Grace (That 70's Show) and Laura Herrier (Spider Man: Homecoming). Herrier and Grace give soulful performances. Grace playing David Duke and Herrier plays a local college student who is the president of the Black Student Union on campus. They give performances that embody the very definition of authentic and true. 

Bringing more edge to the film is the music. Terence Blanchard makes a string filled composition blend in the film and is a big part in the films intensity. 

This film is the kind of film that is spectacular but also hard to stomach, given its strong content- a film with mature and meaningful messages. I applaud Stallworth for his courageous and bold endeavors taking down hate. I also applaud Lee for telling a story that should be witnessed by audiences on a global scale. This film is definitely going to have negative and positive reactions from audiences. It's also a film that makes it the point of conversation amongst those who are old enough to remember this and those that weren't alive or old enough to grasp that this actually happened. This film was meant to be made, especially at a point in time where the film resonates perfectly into present day America and racial issues.  

Photo courtsey of Legendary Pictures

Rate: A- 

Director: Spike Lee 

Starring: John David Washington, Adam Driver, Laura Herrier, Michael Busemi with Ryan Eggold and Topher Grace 

MPAA Rating: R-(for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references) 

Synopsis: From visionary filmmaker Spike Lee comes the incredible true story of an American hero. It's the early 1970s, and Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) is the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a name for himself, Stallworth bravely sets out on a dangerous mission: infiltrate and expose the Ku Klux Klan. The young detective soon recruits a more seasoned colleague, Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), into the undercover investigation of a lifetime. Together, they team up to take down the extremist hate group as the organization aims to sanitize its violent rhetoric to appeal to the mainstream. Produced by the team behind the Academy-Award (R) winning Get Out.

Runtime: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes 

Mission Impossible- Fallout (2018)

Tom Cruise is like the "Energizer Bunny", the more films he does, the better the film is. In almost every film Cruise does, he is running like hell for some reason. He's been doing the Mission Impossible films since 1996, and it looks like this franchise shows no sign of ending just yet. It much like the "James Bond" and "Jason Bourne" films, brings a whole new level of complexity, suspense and action- which this franchise ups every time. Being pretty synonymous to "007", The "Mission Impossible" films are a unique and vivid set of suspense thrillers.

Very rarely do you see films directed by the same one director and they end up being good films. Director of both this installment and the 2015 predecessor "Rogue Nation", Christopher McQuarrie, helms yet another absolute stunner. Having written the screenplay in both of these films, McQuarrie adds more sophistication and cleverness to each film. This film has that quality of being better upon its prior films in that it has unrelenting depth throughout the film. 

This franchise stands out from others in being that it has unbelievable action sequences in every film. This film has some of the best action scenes in any movie this year, apart from "Avengers: Infinity War", of course. I have no doubt audiences will be as thrilled and excited for the action in this film, as I was. 

This film has an incredible cast beside its star, Tom Cruise. What's an incredible cast without its films insane action? The cast rounding out are: Simon Pegg (Benji), Rebecca Ferguson (Ilsa) Ving Rhames (Luther), Sean Harris (Solomon Lane) and Henry Cavill (Walker). This cast offers an exciting plot execution and dare devilish stunts -(Cruise stands out here, obviously). They make it one of the best films of the suspense-thriller genre of the year, possible the best of any since 2011's "Ghost Protocol"-the franchises fourth entry. 

The film did something clever with its villains unsuspectingly. But going into this film I knew Cavill was up to no good. He played a sneaky and conniving CIA agent in a thrilling fashion. Overall, the films cast is exciting and memorable in which their performances enhance the films thrilling and exciting qualities. 

I was surprised to hear the score comprised of drums in the film. It makes the film unique even more. Lorne Balfe scores this not so impossible mission in an upbeat and suspenseful way. Being based on a TV show from the 1960's, the film franchise uses each film to incorporate the shows now iconic theme. Like previous composers for the series, Balfe takes the theme and puts his own unique twist on it, making the film even more engaging. 

Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood's greatest action films actor. Given he has made his marks through this franchise, I have no doubt he'll be an inspiration for other franchises like this. For over twenty years, audiences have been enthralled by the uniqueness and spy-like franchise that is "Mission Impossible". This franchise has been a phenomenon at the box office and from the likes of things, this franchise will continue to succeed not only financially, but as it's craft- a brilliantly developed film series. 

Photo courtsey of Skydance and Bad Robot Films

Rate: A 

Director: Christopher McQuarrie 

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Alec Baldwin, Rebecca Ferguson, Henry Cavill, with Angela Bassett and Michelle Monaghan 

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

Synopsis: The best intentions often come back to haunt you. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong. Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm.

Runtime: 2 Hours & 27 Minutes

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