And the Oscar goes to... Malawski's 2019 Oscar Predictions

It's that time of year again. "Hollywood's" biggest night is upon us. 2018 brought audiences a lot of great films. The annual Oscars showcases some of the best last year had to offer in Cinema. Here are my predictions for this year!

91st Oscar Nominees

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
NOMINEES
                                                     
CHRISTIAN BALE (Should win) 
Vice
BRADLEY COOPER
A Star Is Born
WILLEM DAFOE
At Eternity's Gate
RAMI MALEK
Bohemian Rhapsody
VIGGO MORTENSEN
Green Book
                                                           
ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
NOMINEES
MAHERSHALA ALI
Green Book
ADAM DRIVER  (Should Win) 
BlacKkKlansman
SAM ELLIOTT
A Star Is Born
RICHARD E. GRANT
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
SAM ROCKWELL
Vice
                                                        
ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
NOMINEES
YALITZA APARICIO
Roma
GLENN CLOSE
The Wife
OLIVIA COLMAN
The Favourite
LADY GAGA (Should win) 
A Star Is Born
MELISSA MCCARTHY
Can You Ever Forgive Me?
                                                               
ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
NOMINEES
AMY ADAMS (Should win) 
Vice
MARINA DE TAVIRA
Roma
REGINA KING
If Beale Street Could Talk
EMMA STONE
The Favourite
RACHEL WEISZ
The Favourite
                                                  
ANIMATED FEATURE FILM
NOMINEES
INCREDIBLES 2 (Should win)
Brad Bird, John Walker and Nicole Paradis Grindle
ISLE OF DOGS
Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson
MIRAI
Mamoru Hosoda and Yuichiro Saito
RALPH BREAKS THE INTERNET
Rich Moore, Phil Johnston and Clark Spencer
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE (Will win)
Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord and Christopher Miller
                                     
CINEMATOGRAPHY
NOMINEES
COLD WAR
Łukasz Żal
THE FAVOURITE
Robbie Ryan
NEVER LOOK AWAY
Caleb Deschanel
ROMA (Should win)
Alfonso Cuarón
A STAR IS BORN
Matthew Libatique
                                              
COSTUME DESIGN
NOMINEES
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
Mary Zophres
BLACK PANTHER (Should win)
Ruth Carter
THE FAVOURITE
Sandy Powell
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Sandy Powell
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Alexandra Byrne
                      
DIRECTING
NOMINEES
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Spike Lee (Should win)
COLD WAR
Paweł Pawlikowski
THE FAVOURITE
Yorgos Lanthimos
ROMA
Alfonso Cuarón (Should win)
VICE
Adam McKay
                                                   
DOCUMENTARY (FEATURE)
NOMINEES
FREE SOLO (Should win)
Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Evan Hayes and Shannon Dill
HALE COUNTY THIS MORNING, THIS EVENING
RaMell Ross, Joslyn Barnes and Su Kim
MINDING THE GAP
Bing Liu and Diane Quon
OF FATHERS AND SONS
Talal Derki, Ansgar Frerich, Eva Kemme and Tobias N. Siebert
RBG
Betsy West and Julie Cohen
                                                                
DOCUMENTARY (SHORT SUBJECT)
NOMINEES
BLACK SHEEP (Should win)
Ed Perkins and Jonathan Chinn
END GAME
Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman
LIFEBOAT
Skye Fitzgerald and Bryn Mooser
A NIGHT AT THE GARDEN
Marshall Curry
PERIOD. END OF SENTENCE.
Rayka Zehtabchi and Melissa Berton
                          
FILM EDITING
NOMINEES

BLACKKKLANSMAN (Should win) 
Barry Alexander Brown
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
John Ottman
THE FAVOURITE
Yorgos Mavropsaridis
GREEN BOOK
Patrick J. Don Vito
VICE
Hank Corwin
                                                   
FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM
NOMINEES
CAPERNAUM
Lebanon
COLD WAR
Poland
NEVER LOOK AWAY
Germany
ROMA  (Should win)
Mexico
SHOPLIFTERS
Japan
                                                      
MAKEUP AND HAIRSTYLING
NOMINEES
BORDER
Göran Lundström and Pamela Goldammer
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS
Jenny Shircore, Marc Pilcher and Jessica Brooks
VICE (Should win) 
Greg Cannom, Kate Biscoe and Patricia Dehaney
                                                 
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SCORE)
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER (Should win)
Ludwig Goransson
BLACKKKLANSMAN
Terence Blanchard
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
Nicholas Britell
ISLE OF DOGS
Alexandre Desplat
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Marc Shaiman
                                               
MUSIC (ORIGINAL SONG)
NOMINEES
ALL THE STARS (Should win)
from Black Panther; Music by Kendrick Lamar, Mark “Sounwave” Spears and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith; Lyric by Kendrick Lamar, SZA and Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith
I'LL FIGHT
from RBG; Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
THE PLACE WHERE LOST THINGS GO
from Mary Poppins Returns; Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyric by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman
SHALLOW (Will win)
from A Star Is Born; Music and Lyric by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt
WHEN A COWBOY TRADES HIS SPURS FOR WINGS
from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs; Music and Lyric by David Rawlings and Gillian Welch
                           
BEST PICTURE
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER
Kevin Feige, Producer
BLACKKKLANSMAN (Should win)
Sean McKittrick, Jason Blum, Raymond Mansfield, Jordan Peele and Spike Lee, Producers
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
Graham King, Producer
THE FAVOURITE
Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday and Yorgos Lanthimos, Producers
GREEN BOOK
Jim Burke, Charles B. Wessler, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly and Nick Vallelonga, Producers
ROMA (Will win)
Gabriela Rodríguez and Alfonso Cuarón, Producers
A STAR IS BORN
Bill Gerber, Bradley Cooper and Lynette Howell Taylor, Producers
VICE
Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Adam McKay and Kevin Messick, Producers
                                         
PRODUCTION DESIGN
NOMINEES
BLACK PANTHER (Should win) 
Production Design: Hannah Beachler; Set Decoration: Jay Hart
THE FAVOURITE
Production Design: Fiona Crombie; Set Decoration: Alice Felton
FIRST MAN
Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Kathy Lucas
MARY POPPINS RETURNS
Production Design: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim
ROMA
Production Design: Eugenio Caballero; Set Decoration: Bárbara Enríquez
                                               
SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
NOMINEES
ANIMAL BEHAVIOUR
Alison Snowden and David Fine
BAO (Should win)
Domee Shi and Becky Neiman-Cobb
LATE AFTERNOON
Louise Bagnall and Nuria González Blanco
ONE SMALL STEP
Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas
WEEKENDS
Trevor Jimenez
                                                   
SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
NOMINEES

DETAINMENT (Should win)
Vincent Lambe and Darren Mahon
FAUVE
Jeremy Comte and Maria Gracia Turgeon
MARGUERITE
Marianne Farley and Marie-Hélène Panisset
MOTHER
Rodrigo Sorogoyen and María del Puy Alvarado
SKIN
Guy Nattiv and Jaime Ray Newman

                              
SOUND EDITING
NOMINEES

BLACK PANTHER
Benjamin A. Burtt and Steve Boeddeker
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY
John Warhurst and Nina Hartstone
FIRST MAN
Ai-Ling Lee and Mildred Iatrou Morgan
A QUIET PLACE (Should win)
Ethan Van der Ryn and Erik Aadahl
ROMA
Sergio Díaz and Skip Lievsay
                             
SOUND MIXING
NOMINEES

BLACK PANTHER
Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin
BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY (Should win)
Paul Massey, Tim Cavagin and John Casali
FIRST MAN
Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Ai-Ling Lee and Mary H. Ellis
ROMA
Skip Lievsay, Craig Henighan and José Antonio García
A STAR IS BORN
Tom Ozanich, Dean Zupancic, Jason Ruder and Steve Morrow
                                
VISUAL EFFECTS
NOMINEES

AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR (Should win) 
Dan DeLeeuw, Kelly Port, Russell Earl and Dan Sudick
CHRISTOPHER ROBIN
Christopher Lawrence, Michael Eames, Theo Jones and Chris Corbould
FIRST MAN
Paul Lambert, Ian Hunter, Tristan Myles and J.D. Schwalm
READY PLAYER ONE
Roger Guyett, Grady Cofer, Matthew E. Butler and David Shirk
SOLO: A STAR WARS STORY
Rob Bredow, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Dominic Tuohy

WRITING (ADAPTED SCREENPLAY)
NOMINEES
                                                                 
THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS
Written by Joel Coen & Ethan Coen
BLACKKKLANSMAN (Should win)
Written by Charlie Wachtel & David Rabinowitz and Kevin Willmott & Spike Lee
CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?
Screenplay by Nicole Holofcener and Jeff Whitty
IF BEALE STREET COULD TALK
Written for the screen by Barry Jenkins
A STAR IS BORN
Screenplay by Eric Roth and Bradley Cooper & Will Fetters

WRITING (ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY)
NOMINEES
                                                                   
THE FAVOURITE
Written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara
FIRST REFORMED
Written by Paul Schrader
GREEN BOOK (Should win)
Written by Nick Vallelonga, Brian Currie, Peter Farrelly
ROMA
Written by Alfonso Cuarón
VICE
Written by Adam McKay

Vice (2018)

One of the most extraordinary politicians of our time gets a well done film based on his early days in "Washington D.C". Former Vice President Dick Cheney, is portrayed in a stunning way by Christian Bale. Bale undergoes one of the most stunning transformations in cinema. One of the very few films of a biographical nature that defies expectations. It's sharp, edgy and a story of grit. Bale gives his best performance of the year. 

It's a unique and gripping drama that defies expectations on all aspects. Writer-director Adam McKay reunites with Bale in this historical feature. McKay writes the film in sophisticated and eloquently crafted manner, that not only is Bale's transformation shockingly on par with the real Dick Cheney, it's a film that yearns to be the best of the best in regards to biographical films.

Not only does Bale give a towering performance embedded with charisma, but co-stars Amy Adams, Steve Carrel, Sam Rockwell and Tyler Perry are just as stunning with both their performances and physical attributes in this film. This film gives audiences one of the best ensembles of any film this year. 

Even though this film centers on an influential politician who is a Republican, it does contain a mild liberal taint. Despite this being my only negative takeaway, it's still a remarkable achievement in films of a biographical nature. 

Composer Nicholas Britell, crafts an easy going score for the film. Britell uses this as a light weight on a heavy and dramatic setting. The score is essentially and rightfully blended in the film to add more of a dramatic mood. 

This film showcases one of the most fiercest American politicians in the last 30 years. A story that is as crazy and wild as is, this film is a unique blend of splendor and charisma not seen in any film of its caliber. So if you see this film, see it not only for its story, but for one of the best transformations of a lead actor and its ensemble because you're in for a wild ride. 

Photo courtesy of Annapurna Pictures

Rate: B+ 

Director: Adam McKay 

Starring: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Tyler Perry and Sam Rockwell

MPAA Rating: R 

Runtime: 2 Hours & 12 Minutes 

Mary Poppins Returns (2018)

It's been nearly over 50 years since the world met the magical nanny Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews was sensational. Now that time has past, a new actress portrays the iconic and cheery nanny. Emily Blunt, who first gave audiences a look at her singing abilities in Disney's take on "Into The Woods", plays the iconic nanny over 50 years after Julie Andrews. Blunt shines in this film and makes Andrews proud. This film is an utter delight all the way through.

This film is as good as the original, maybe even more fun and enjoyable. Director Rob Marshall, directs the film in splendid fashion. Marshall makes the film just so enjoyable and visually stunning and so wonderful that this is one of Disney's best films. Not only is this film visually breathtaking, it's emotional and it has heart.

Not only does Emily Blunt shine as the magical Mary Poppins, she soars. She plays the character so enthusiastically. She makes the film even more enjoyable because of how likable her spin on the character is. Costars: Lin Manuel Miranda, Ben Whisaw and Emily Mortimer shine right along side Blunt and the films beauty. While on the otherhand, you have a trio of young actors who play the children of Michael Banks. The little actors are so charming and they make this film worth it.

Not only is the films setting beautiful, but as viewers may know from the original film, that it has animation and colorful characters that interact with Mary. This film brings back that element of joyous fun and that is something to behold. This film has some of the best visuals in a Disney film that I have seen in a really long time.

You can't have a musical film without stunning choreography, fun dance numbers and catchy songs. This film continues that and goes above the original. Not only are the songs and dance numbers entertaining, but the films score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman is as charming and joyful upbeat as the film.

Not only does this film have a lot of fun to behold, it also has a bit of commentary into growing up and having fun in life while you still can. It also has a compelling story that results in a happy ending.

It's practically perfect in every way. Over 50 years have past since audiences saw the magical nanny on screen. Since then, audiences have come to fall in love with good ole Mary Poppins once more.

Viewers old and young will find this film as delightfully charming and fun as the 1964 original film. One of the longest gaps for a long-awaited sequel spanning well over 50 years has made its triumphant and beautiful debut on the big screen. Audiences will no doubt fall in love with the characters all over again even with a little bit of nostalgia.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Rate: A+ 

Director: Rob Marshall 

Starring: Emily Blunt, Lin Manuel-Miranda, Ben Whisaw, Emily Mortimer, Colin Firth 

MPAA Rating: PG (for some mild thematic elements and brief action)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: Directed and produced by Rob Marshall, "Mary Poppins Returns" also stars Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, Emily Mortimer and Julie Walters with Colin Firth and Meryl Streep. The film, which introduces three new Banks children, played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson, also features Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury. The film is set in 1930s depression-era London (the time period of the original novels) and is drawn from the wealth of material in PL Travers' additional seven books. In the story, Michael (Whishaw) and Jane (Mortimer) are now grown up, with Michael, his three children and their housekeeper, Ellen (Walters), living on Cherry Tree Lane. After Michael suffers a personal loss, the enigmatic nanny Mary Poppins (Blunt) re-enters the lives of the Banks family, and, along with the optimistic street lamplighter Jack (Miranda), uses her unique magical skills to help the family rediscover the joy and wonder missing in their lives. Mary Poppins also introduces the children to a new assortment of colorful and whimsical characters, including her eccentric cousin, Topsy (Streep).

Christopher Robin (2018)

If there is any film this year that is as adorable as the films characters, it's this one. Based on the beloved books "Winnie The Pooh" by A.A Milne, comes an all new film based on the iconic and only human character to venture into the "One Hundred Acre Wood", Christopher Robin. This film is nostalgic for all who grew up with these iconic and lovable stories and characters. It is one of the best family films of the year.

Playing the iconic character, Christopher Robin, is Ewan McGregor. McGregor does an outstanding job as the self-titled character in a way that is lovable and happy. He brings out the best this film has to offer with his character. He's another piece of that nostalgic pie.

This film is not only enjoyable and entertaining, but it offers commentary on some of life's most enjoyable times in our lives: Childhood and growing up. This film shows both young and old audiences that you're never too old to have fun and an imagination. This film will no doubt be delighting audiences for years to come.

Director Marc Forster makes an undeniably charming and unforgettable film. It has charm, humor and a boat load of fun that both kids and adults will be entertained from start to finish. This is one of the best films of the year in regards to family fun and the films that "Disney" released this year.

At the heart of this film, is the life-like recreation of iconic characters: Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Kanga and Roo, are all as cute and adorable as they were back then. You see the friendship of both Christopher Robin and Pooh but also the rest of the friends. It's delightful and fun.

Geoff Zanelli crafts the score of the film. He makes a light and happy score that is as charming as the film itself. The film also has some of the songs from the original films, like Tigger's song. The inclusion of that makes the case for more nostalgia.

Get ready to go on a nostalgic journey! This film will delight the likes of young and older viewers. It has some of the best moments of any film family oriented of the year. This film is emotional, it's charming and funny, and it is no doubt a film that succeeds at entertaining audiences familiar with these characters and those who are not.

Photo courtesy of Disney

Rate: A- 

Director: Marc Forster 

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, Brad Garrett and Jim Cummings 

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 43 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the heartwarming live action adventure "Disney's Christopher Robin," the young boy who loved embarking on adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood with a band of spirited and loveable stuffed animals, has grown up and lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin remember the loving and playful boy who is still inside.

Bird Box (2018)

If there's any inclination that "Netflix" has produced several original films over the years, which turned out to be terrible, then call me a Debbie-downer. But this film blows all other original films by the mega-popular streaming service. It is unique and undoubtedly entertaining. This film is not only an entertaining film, it's one of the best horror films of the year. It's quite possibly one of my favorite horror films. Usually the horror film genre isn't my cup of tea, but this film peaked my interest of horror films. It's thrilling, compelling and genuinely entertaining, this film is one of the years best films.

What's so unique about this film, is the story line and utter suspense. It has a sci-fi feel to it and exposes itself as another film that shows the future gone awry. Hell in a hand basket. This film is one of the few films of its kind to offer more polarizing thrills then wishy-washy dialogue. Director Susanne Bier crafts an intelligently designed film that is as thrilling as the premise.

The film stars Sandra Bullock. Bullock brings her all to this film. She is utterly sensational in this film and gives one of her best performances. She puts raw emotion into every single moment of this film.

Keeping audiences on the edge of their seats, are composers Atticus Ross and Trent Reznor. The duo of composers craft a score that keeps the film more thrilling and gripping than ever before. With an electric and combative sound, they make this film as entertaining and thrilling as possible.

With 2018 drawing to a close for another year at the movies, this film, despite not being released in theaters, makes up with "Netflix", as a great way to let this years cinematic experience be an enjoyable conclusion,  even if this film is viewed by audiences in the comfort of their home.

This film has everything a fan of the horror film genre could want. It's gripping and thrilling, it's scary and emotionally charged. If there's any one original film that "Netflix" has to offer audiences and is worth watching, it is this one.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A 

Director: Susanne Bier 

Starring: Sandra Bullock, John Malkovich and Sarah Paulson

MPAA Rating: R (for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: When a mysterious force decimates the world's population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they'll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award (R) winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in BIRD BOX, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award (R) winner Susanne Bier.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (2018)

Swinging his way into theaters, an all new film on your favorite "Friendly Neighbor Spider-Man". This film marks the 7th depiction of the web-slinging hero and in it's own right serves as a phenomenal tribute to the character in thrilling proportions. It's got it all, action, beautiful animation, an exciting story, humor and heart. This film is perhaps one of the best films to showcase the legendary hero.

This film has an urban feel and it might just be one of the best parts about this film. It is a lot to show in the film's roughly 2 hour run time. It brings excitement to the film and the overall eye candy animation that is sure to wow audiences. The scope of the film is immense and absolutely astonishing.

There's a first for everything. This film offers audiences a fresh portrayal of not only spider-man, but shows audiences one of a less familiar character. What's unique and exciting, is that this is a character that breaks ground by being one of the superhero genres first African American superheroes and lead focus on the film. It's new and a win for different and fresh story ideas. 

The characters in this film are very loveable. You just can't help but like them. They are vital to the film. The films voice cast is tremendous in providing audiences with these wonderful characters. Leading the cast are: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Nicholas Cage, John Mulaney and Liev Schreiber. They are one of this years' best in an animated film. Each actor makes their characters as enthusiastic as possible and that shows. 

With a trio of directors, they put a lot into this film. Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman craft a huge film. They showcase everything in a unique way. Their style is unique in that this film is presented as a comic-book. It's a first for superhero films. 

Not only does this film have it all but its soundtrack is as lively and energetic as the film itself. It is used throughout the film and is extremely effective. Daniel Pemberton crafts a score that's electric and upbeat and is an exciting part of the film because it keeps the film swinging. 

This film is undoubtedly entertaining. It is also very funny. It's approach in humor is natural and fits right into the film. It is able to add to the film. 

This film manages to pull off a great portrayal of its villains. The villains are some of the iconic characters seen in previous spider-man films. Some of them audiences are getting introduced to. The blend of the villains into the films storyline is unique and thrilling. 

This film also pays homage to the Tobey MaGuire Spider-Man trilogy and that's an exciting inclusion of those moments from that film portrayal. It also sentimentally honors the late Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. For "Marvel"  fans, this is truly a very special moment, adding this is a perfect tribute to the late icons. 

Swinging to theaters, is a spider-man film that acts as its own world. It's a vividly striking film and has a sense of a big city feeling but also going beyond that landscape. This film is a landmark achievement in not only animated films but superhero flicks. This film will no doubt lose its spark and will be an enjoyable film for decades to come. 

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Animation

Rate: A- 

Directors: Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman

Starring: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, John Mulaney, Nicholas Cage, Liev Schreiber

MPAA Rating: PG (for frenetic sequences of animated action violence, thematic elements, and mild language) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 55 Minutes 

Synopsis: Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that's the first of its kind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.

Aquaman (2018)

He's a fish out of water. After last years "Justice League", member Arthur Curry also known as the "Aquaman" gets his highly anticipated origin story of the ruler of Atlantis. "DC Comics" films have been a hit or miss in the past. With mediocre entries in the "DCEU"-(DC Extended Universe) such as: "Man of Steel" and "Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn Of Justice". On the other hand, you have successful DC films such as the "Dark Knight" trilogy and "Wonder Woman". This film joins the ranks among these films as one of the best films from "DC Comics".

With last years "Justice League" audiences got a glimpse of this films self titled "Aquaman". Now with his own film, we see him and all his glory. Star Jason Momoa is exciting and very and naturally funny as the iconic superhero. He is meant for this role. He brings his all into the character and is physically made just like the hero.

Co-starring alongside Momoa, is Amber Heard. Heard plays the love interest of Aquaman's and is also an atlantean. The two couldn't be a more perfect duo. Heard and Momoa excel in their roles and its shown. They have an undeniable chemistry and are one of the best team-ups in superhero films this year.

Director James Wan crafts a visual masterpiece of epic proportions. This film is probably the most visually stunning film of this year. Maybe the reason it's so stunning because I saw it on the biggest screen possible: "IMAX". This film will be all the more beautiful if you see it on the biggest screen available.

Not only is this film visually provocative, but it is surprisingly very funny. All the elements that were missing in the aforementioned films are all present in this film. Humor, heart, stunning set pieces and a phenomenal cast, what more could you want?

Orchestrating the films score, is Rupert Gregson-Williams. Gregson-Williams does a great job with this score. It is electric and fast paced. Keeps the energy alive from start to finish. It is one of the best scores of this year.

Two worlds, one hero. Despite a few films lacking quality, this film makes up for those everso promising films. This film has more than expected which was surprising and fun to not know what to expect, given I had mixed feelings prior to seeing this film, but when I left the theater I was in awe because I ended up being blown away.  "Aquaman" makes a huge splash with audiences and is perhaps the best film in the "DC Films" filmography thus far.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

Rate: A 

Director: James Wan 

Starring: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Patrick Wilson

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

Runtime: 2 Hours & 22 Minutes 

Synopsis: From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, "Aquaman," starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime--one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king.