Venom (2018)

Who says a villain can't have their own film? The infamous foe of Peter Parker (aka) Spider-Man gets his long-awaited film. This isn't your average superhero film. Well, in this case, "hero-villain", an oxymoron for the title character.  It [Venom] may seem all bad but he's actually the opposite of a villain. The symbiotic-alien, takes on a host, Eddie Brock, who's a flawed yet cunning character. Brock, played by Tom Hardy, who is no stranger to playing baddies, morphs into the creature in terrifying fashion. This film isn't your average superhero film, it's more of a villainous tale into one of Marvel's most terrifying creatures.

Unleashing terror one director at a time, is "Zombieland"  director Ruben Fleischer. Fleischer crafts a film that does not disappoint. His vision for creating this origin story, is exciting and thrilling every second. He adds insight to one of comic books most iconic villains. Granted that this films namesake is bad and scary, the villain is actually good in a way. He helps Brock defeat the films villain in the most badass way possible. 

Playing Brock and the namesake Venom is Tom Hardy. Hardy is no stranger to playing a film baddie, Bane in "The Dark Knight Rises" and Praetor Shinzon in "Star Trek-Nemesis". Hardy brings his A-Game in this role. Co-starring is Michelle Williams as his love interest. Williams brings the film to a more emotionally sappy path alongside Hardy. 

One of the most unexpected things this film has are the complex relationship between Brock and his body inhabitant Venom. It's complex because it shows a lighter and surprising side of the title character. This makes the film more interesting and gripping. 

I do, however, have a few issues with this film. One, being the character of Dora Skirth. She's played by Jenny Slate, who has a high pitched, nasally voice. That and her character is unnecessary and makes the film drag on. Second, the film starts off slow but gradually gets better once we see Tom Hardy and Venom tag-team in action. 

Organizing the music for this film, is composer Ludwig Goransson. Goransson, who is notable for scoring "Black Panther", score yet another comic book based film. He makes a plethora of electronic and fast paced sounds to keep the film on its feet. 

"We are Venom". Based on one of comic books most terrifying baddies, is a film that finally brings audiences an inside scoop on how Venom/Eddie Brock came to be. This film is action-packed and detailed immensely, not only on the villain, but the whole film. It's terrifying yet comedic. This film ranks up to be one of many successful origin films of villains. 

Photo Courtesy: Sony and Columbia Pictures

Rate: B 

Director: Ruben Fleischer 

Starring: Tom Hardy 

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

Runtime: 2 Hours & 20 Minutes 

Synopsis: Investigative journalist Eddie Brock attempts a comeback following a scandal, but accidentally becomes the host of an alien symbiote that gives him a violent super alter-ego: Venom. Soon, he must rely on his newfound powers to protect the world from a shadowy organisation looking for a symbiote of their own. 

Operation Finale (2018)

In the latter years that followed the "Holocaust", a team of Israeli intelligence agents of the "Mossad" track down one of the living post-war architects of the "Final Solution". Adolf Eichmann, one of Hitler's confidante's, avoided being caught for his crimes and escaped to Buenos Aries, Argentina with his family in hiding. One of the most astounding feats and unfathomable was that he used a fake name to successfully enter the country. It's one of the most thrilling historical films to date. This film is stunning and is a testament of time and justice for the Jewish people.

Director Chris Weitz and writer Matthew Orton craft a vividly captivating film. Weitz who so eloquently creates a stunning biographical narrative with authenticity and finesse that audiences will  truly appreciate the art of this compelling film and its very important role in history. Meanwhile, Orton crafts a screenplay that is filled with tension and relentlessness.

Leading the charge is Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Isaac plays the leader of the mission, Peter Malkin. Isaac plays Malkin in an intense and emotional take on the hero of the Jewish people. Playing the mastermind behind the mask, is Ben Kingsley (Ghandi). Kingsley plays the war criminal in cunning fashion. He's conniving and an emotional manipulator. His take on Eichmann is one of the best performances in a film with historical purpose.

One of the most effective parts of this film is inclusion of real footage of the mission, trial of Eichmann and the killings during the "Holocaust". Including these important parts makes the film as accurate and real as possible. This can get a little graphic despite its PG-13 rating, but it's as effective if it wasn't included in the film or if it was more detailed to receive an R rating.

Keeping the film more dramatic is composer Alexandre Desplat. Desplat (The King's Speech), makes a score as thrilling and dramatic as the film itself. It's edgy and dramatic to the highest levels.

One of the most daring and courageous of historical events has come to audiences globally. The men and women of the US equivalent to the CIA, Israel's "Mossad", as heroes that stood the test of time and with a race against the clock to capture one of the most notorious men of the Nazi Germany- Hitlerian regime. This film services the Jewish people and the 6 million fallen, justice and peace, which was fought ferociously to obtain. Even for those who aren't personally impact by this tragedy will certainly feel empathy and renewed sense of hope after watching this breathtaking film.

Rate: A 

Director: Chris Weitz 

Starring: Oscar Issac, Ben Kingsley, Joe Alwyn, Nick Kroll, Lior Raz 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for disturbing thematic content and related violent images, and for some language) 

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: Fifteen years after the end of World War II, Israel's intelligence agency Mossad and security agency Shin Bet - led by the tireless and heroic agent Peter Malkin (Isaac) - launched a daring top-secret raid to capture the notorious Eichmann (Kingsley), who had been reported dead in the chaos following Nazi Germany's collapse but was, in fact, living and working in a suburb of Buenos Aires, Argentina under an assumed identity along with his wife and two sons. Monitoring his daily routine, Malkin and his operatives plot and execute the abduction under the cover of darkness just a few feet from Eichmann's home. Determined to sneak him out of Argentina to stand trial in Israel, Malkin and Eichmann engage in an intense and gripping game of cat-and-mouse.

The Happytime Murders (2018)

It's muppets gone bad. From the son of Jim Henson, comes a downright awful and obnoxious comedy. With  adult comedic films on the rise since 2016's "Sausage Party", it hasn't gotten any better, with the exception of both "Deadpool" films, adult tailored comedic films have been no entertaining experiences. This is perhaps the worst film of the year, in my opinion.

This entire movie is just utterly cringe worthy. Yeah things might seem promising from the surfaces, but this film is just too much for the people working on this film. For director Brian Henson, this film is just putting the legacy of his father right down the crapper. Henson tries too hard to emulate the talents of his father, who unlike his son, has made quality content meant for adults. I give Henson kudos for trying to entertain audiences, but it's just excruciating to watch with it's 90 minute runtime.

The writing on the otherhand, is some of the worst ever in a comedy and is completely lazy. A bit forced at getting reactions from audiences and it fails at being a quality film for a comedy, which puts the comedy film genre to shame and look completely dead.

She could've done better. Funny woman Melissa McCarthy leads this troubled film in a bad and unworthy way. She has more talent than this film recognizes. Alongside her, A blue puppet and Maya Rudolph. This blue puppet is one of the worst parts of this film and Rudolph is just annoying in this film. Suffice to say, this film is a career low for McCarthy and Rudolph, who gave us "Bridesmaids". Such a 360 difference in both films.

Trying to somewhat subdue the film of its disgustingly abhorrent qualities, is composer Christopher Lennertz. He makes a groovy score but it's not enough to make this film better.

Save your money at all costs. This film does have promising looks outside, inside it's just plain nasty. This film is a try-hard and it ultimately fails miserably at being a comedic film. The fact this film was made shows Jim Henson is rolling in his grave.

Photo courtsey of STX Films

Rate: F 

Director: Brian Henson

Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Joel McHale, Elizabeth Banks and Maya Rudolph

MPAA Rating: R (for strong crude and sexual content and language throughout, and some drug material)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 31 Minutes 

Synopsis: No Sesame. All Street. THE HAPPYTIME MURDERS is a filthy comedy set in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles where puppets and humans coexist. Two clashing detectives with a shared secret, one human (Melissa McCarthy) and one puppet, are forced to work together again to solve the brutal murders of the former cast of a beloved classic puppet television show.

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.