The Secret Life of Pets 2 (2019)

Films that have stories surrounding animals aren't anything new. It seems like we get an animated film centering around animals every other year or so. From the studio that brought us "Despicable Me", comes the second "Secret Life of Pets". This film is just as delightful as the first film, but it does get a little over the top sometimes and it's too much handle. All that to say, this film is good, but lacks the potential to be better.

I feel like I've already seen movies like this. Movies like "All Dogs Go To Heaven" & "Zootopia" have set the standard for animal based films, but this film tries to top all others but barely succeeds in doing that. It's an okay film frankly. Being based on animals, you'd think the filmmakers would have more to showcase it's primarily young audience.

Director Chris Renaud tries to top the first film by adding a new story, when it's really not. It's the same as the first one but with more characters and lively sets. I give him props however at least for trying to improve upon the first film. But ultimately, the only thing that this film improved was the animal based action and that's about it.

Not even the voice cast could save this film. With big name talents like: Patton Oswalt, Kevin Hart & Eric Stonestreet, you think this film would be even funnier than the first film but I was wrong. They only bring the same energy from the first film. Even with the voice talent of Harrison Ford, this film still lacks depth.

One of the other few positives of this film is the score. With Alexandre Desplat returning from the original film to bring yet another film a upbeat and jazzy composition. Desplat crafts the score where it balances well into the film overall.

This film may be all cute and adorable, but it's kind of messy around the edges. This film is another entertaining film, mostly for its young audience. Parents and older audiences might want to skip this movie. Though it had potential, it doesn't offer any new and fresh ideas that are worth seeing.

Rate: C- 

Director: Chris Renaud 

Starring: Patton Oswalt, Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart, Jenny Slate & Harrison Ford

MPAA Rating: PG (for mild action and some rude humor) 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 26 Minutes 

Synopsis: Max the terrier must cope with some major life changes when his owner gets married and has a baby. When the family takes a trip to the countryside, nervous Max has numerous run-ins with canine-intolerant cows, hostile foxes and a scary turkey. Luckily for Max, he soon catches a break when he meets Rooster, a gruff farm dog who tries to cure the lovable pooch of his neuroses.

Photo courtesy of Illumination & Universal

Men In Black: International (2019)

One generation had the "Ghostbusters", the other has "Men In Black". Both franchises have been very successful but this new addition to the "MIB" films has received overwhelmingly negative attention. Granted that this film is a "reboot" of the Will Smith led films and doesn't have either him or Tommy-Lee Jones in it, this film is still an entertaining film. It has that same feel of pizazz that the films predecessor's had, which should instantly win over the skeptics.

Director F. Gary Gray "Straight Outta Compton" does a great job at continuing the saga in an undeniably charming and exciting way. Gray makes this film as sci-fi as possible. Some of the most dazzling parts of this film are the sets and action sequences. It may not be the best film in the series, but it is another successful film in the series.

The absence of Will Smith & Tommy Lee Jones is noted but reuniting are "Thor: Ragnarok" stars Chris Hemsworth & Tessa Thompson. Their chemistry in that film was strong and consistent. Those same characteristics can be said here in this film as well. Hemsworth is charming and Thompson is enthusiastic and smart. This duo is another win for audiences.

Some of the films problems however, stem from its mildly predictable plot and lack of an enticing story. It could have been better if the writers made it more interesting and worthwhile, but it's not 100 percent garbage when it comes to the writing and the films plot. Some of the things that improve these issues are the films eye popping visuals and action that is what fans of these films can expect from these films.

Scoring the film is returning composer Danny Elfman. Elfman, who scored the three original films, is back. He brings the sci-fi feel to sound and makes the score as upbeat and electrifying as possible. The film also has the now iconic theme from the original films and this film utilizes that theme in an exciting way.

The film may not be critically successful but it has won over fans, especially those who have an appetite for sci-fi films. This film is a buddy-buddy action flick and it is another successful entry into the "Men In Black" franchise. No neutralizer is necessary because this film is as entertaining as any films in the sci-fi genre can get.

Photo courtesy of Columbia & Sony Pictures

Rate: B 

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tessa Thompson, Emma Thompson, Kumail Nanjiani, Liam Neeson & Rebecca Ferguson 

Director: F. Gary Gray 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi action, some language and suggestive material)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 55 Minutes 

Synopsis: The Men in Black have expanded to cover the globe but so have the villains of the universe. To keep everyone safe, decorated Agent H and determined rookie M join forces -- an unlikely pairing that just might work. When aliens that can take the form of any human arrive on Earth, H and M embark on a globe-trotting adventure to save the agency -- and ultimately the world -- from their mischievous plans.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

For the past 8 years, audiences have gotten a quite mediocre "X-Men"  origins franchise. Now, after 3 films, comes the last film in the franchise. Though this film isn't perfect, it's still a better sequel than it's 2016 predecessor. This films got a much more interesting story too. It may not be as entertaining as other "X-Men" films, both of new and old blood.

I like how the film has a lot of action, which surpasses the previous film by a mile. Ever since the first film in the origin "X-Men" saga, these films have been hits and misses. Safe to say that I am glad and slightly disappointed that this is what calls as a franchise finale.

"Fox" should not have gotten rid of Bryan Singer. Singer, who directed the original "X-Men" films with the older versions of our favorite characters. He managed to pull of some of the best in the saga, but new director Simon Kinberg can only manage to do less than half than what Singer did, which is entertain. Kinberg does however manage to craft a very action-packed film. This is perhaps one of the more action packed films in the franchise.

On another note, this entry into the "X-Men" saga is perhaps the darkest installment in the series. This installment uses its somewhat sloppy narrative to entertain audiences but also show a dark side to it. The film's villain, played by Jessica Chastain, is one of their most sinister yet. Chastain is another element to what makes this a dark film.

By no means is the acting in this film praise worthy, but, this film does shine the spotlight on the "Dark Phoenix" Jean Grey, played by "Game of Thrones" star Sophie Turner. As it is in the name, this film is dark. Turner shines as the title character and is one of the best things about this film. She puts everything into this role and it shows.

This film can be a bit overdramatic at times though, despite its achievements. Jennifer Lawrence playing Mystique/Raven is one of the most overdramatic or melodramatic, actually, parts of this film. She did a really good job in the 2014 follow-up to "First Class", but it isn't a great one this time around. 

Alongside Lawrence & Turner, are its leading mutants Professor X & Magneto played by James McAvoy & Michael Fassbender, respectively. The two give sub par performances but it's enough to satisfy. The one thing I wish I saw more of in this film, would be Magneto. That was disappoiting if I do say so.

He annouced after scoring "Batman vs. Superman" that he would no longer score superhero films. That man is Hans Zimmer. Zimmer who makes his "Marvel" debut scores an electric score that keeps the film energized to the max.

For 18 years in all, movie fans have come to love their favorite "X-Men" characters. Now that we're 8 years come and gone with the new young origin saga, this film is satisfying up to its abrupt and unsolved resolution ending. I expected more from this. But all that to say, this is another thrilling installment to the "X-Men" films despite some of it's noticeable flaws.

Photo Courtesy of Fox

Rate: B- 

Director: Simon Kinberg

Starring: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Sophie Turner, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Jessica Chastain 

MPAA Rating: PG-13  (for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language)

Synopsis: In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 55 Minutes 

Rocketman (2019)

After last years Queen biopic, could this Elton John biopic follow in that same step as being a great film that tells the origin of an iconic singers beginnings? The short answer... Yes. I didn't think that this would top "Bohemian Rhapsody", but I am dead wrong. This film is extraordinary and is better than it by a long shot. Yeah, Rami Malek stunned audiences with his Freddie Murcury portrayal, but Taron Egerton's Elton John blows him out of the water. Two iconic singers, two amazing films. Once you see this Elton John biopic, you'll think that this does beat "Bohemian Rhapsody".

I said it with "Bohemian Rhapsody", I'll say it for this film, they couldn't find anyone else to play their main man. Taron Egerton (Kingsman) stuns audiences with his charisma, emotion and heart as the "Rocketman". His portrayal of one of the greatest singers of all time, is one you can't miss. I have no doubt that is his best performance of his career so far.

Director Dexter Fletcher who also directed the "Queen" biopic, takes on this film. Fletcher stuns audiences once more with yet another smash musical biopic. He holds no boundaries as this film is unpredictable and flaunts its flashiness in a comedic and colorful way.

Some of what Fletcher manages to pull off is perhaps the eloquently balance of flashbacks. On top of that, are the flamboyant costumes that perfectly capture the personality of Elton. Egerton pulls it off in a fun and intuitive manner. Audiences will enjoy this as it is as entertaining as its subject.

I'm okay with kissing in films, but sex isn't something I consider necessary in any film. Whether it be a straight couple or in this case a gay couple, I don't think it's really necessary for sex to be flaunted in this film. Granted that Elton John is gay and everyone knows it, I don't consider the film's sexual side entertaining whatsoever. Nevertheless, this is really the only thing I didn't like about the film.

Audiences first heard Egerton's singing voice in 2016's animated film "Sing", in which he coinsidentially sang "I'm Still Standing", one of Elton John's songs. He blew away audiences with that, now comes his talent on full display. He has an amazing singing voices and this film definitely showcases it in all it's glory.

I don't think that any film that has already told of a music legends background could ever top this. This film is beyond entertaining, it's imaginative and heartfelt. Beneath the glitz and glam of the iconic Sir Elton Hercules John aka Reginald Kenneth Dwight, is a tragic upbringing. I was shocked to say the least that this was how he grew up.

He's the Rocketman! This film is spectacular in that it's one of the most entertaining films this year. It's exciting and joyously irresistable. This film honors one of the greatest singers of all time in dazzeling fashion. What it manages to accomplish here is beyond exciting and without a doubt pleasing. It makes 2019 continue to be a year well spent at the movies. This film is certainly a one of a kind, that definitely doesn't go unnoticed.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures 

Rate: A-

Director: Dexter Fletcher

Starring: Taron Egerton, Richard Madden, Bryce-Dallas Howard, Jamie Bell

MPAA Rating: R (for language throughout, some drug use and sexual content)

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: ROCKETMAN is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John's breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. This inspirational story -- set to Elton John's most beloved songs and performed by star Taron Egerton -- tells the universally relatable story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture.

Aladdin (2019)

For the past few years, "Disney" has made a slew of remakes to classic hits. They just keep on coming. Some of the remakes have been sub-par to the original but others did succeed at entertaining audiences. This is one of them. A remake to the 1991 animated classic, "Aladdin", comes an all new live-action take. This film is entertaining to the max, even if it's too heavy on the "CGI" or lack thereof. It doesn't do it justice, but it is a satisfying remake. One of the more entertaining remakes, "Aladdin" doesn't quite live up to the splendor of the animated original.

Making his "Disney" directorial debut, Guy Ritchie "Sherlock Holmes", makes a magical adventure. Though it may not have the razzle-dazzle that the original film does, it's still entertaining. What Richie manages to do as far as making this film, he doesn't completely remake the film, new and improved or extended parts to the story are added to the mix, which is something nice to see. His first film for "Disney" will excite both old and new fans.

Once it was annouced that were remaking the classic film into a live-action film, I was very hesitant, for one because I hate remakes to movies. Remade movies crap on originals. I will say this however, some remakes can be better than original films, this just isn't quite the case. Yeah, it has its moments, it's just not as good as the animated film.

Not only was I hestitant about this film, I couldn't believe who was cast to play the Genie. I thought that casting Will Smith as Genie, would tarnish the good late Robin Williams. As we all know, Williams portrayal of Genie is one of and if not the best part of the original animated film. I refused to see the remake at the time. But, since it's a totally new take on the story of "Aladdin", I gave it a chance. It was very different to what I was expecting.

Newcomer Mena Massoud & former "Disney Channel" star Naomi Scott play Aladdin and Princess Jasmine. They play the two iconic chararcters in a way that is unique and likeable. Not only that, but their singing voices are really good and alongside Will Smith, all do a great job at giving their own spin on songs that made the original film iconic and unforgettable.

I was plesantly surprised by Will Smith as the Genie. Despite all my doubts and prejudgement, Will Smith does a great job at the character. I thought that he would think and try to replace Williams, but no, that wasn't the case. His take on the iconic character is fresh and exciting and fun. Though Smith's performance as the Genie is entertaining, doesn't top Williams take at all. Needless to say, if Robin Williams were alive today, he would love the job well done at Genie and the film overall.

Returning to compose the score for this version of the story, is Alan Menken. Menken, who is no stranger to the "Disney" scene, comes back louder with his scores and triumphantly sounds the alarm for a score that is as upbeat and edgy just as much as the film.

It's a whole new world... Well sort of anyway. This film is a solid remake to one of the most iconic "Disney" films. But all that to say, it does have a few issues. For one, the portrayal of Jafar is lame and the film has a bunch of CGI that makes the film a little too messy. But it still succeeds at dazzling audiences.

To this day, "Disney" still thinks its remakes thus far were successful. With their remakes, some are a hit or miss. I for one think that for a first, this film is a hit. It by all means isn't perfect and doesn't top the original film and far from it. It's just one of the better remakes from "Disney" that I think is their best one and audiences will no doubt enjoy.

Photo Courtesy of Disney

Rate: B

Director: Guy Richie 

Starring: Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, Will Smith

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action/peril)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 8 Minutes 

Synopsis: A street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince in order to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer becomes hell-bent on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil & Vile (2019)

Based on the trial of notorious serial killer, Ted Bundy, comes a thrilling-drama that's absolutely terrifying. This film sheds the light in the perspective of Bundy's girlfriend at the time, Elizabeth Kloepfer, played by Lily Collins. I didn't really know of Ted Bundy until the "Netflix" docuseries "Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes," came out. It's very eye-opening to where you can't believe that these crimes actually happened. This film is undoubtedly gripping and shocking, one of the best this year has to offer so far.

Director Joe Berlinger crafts a stunning film that is as gripping and devilishly engrossing as its subject. The attention to detail here is fantastic and it certainly doesn't go unseen. Berlinger makes one of this years most anticipated films, one you can't miss.

I can't think of anyone more fit to play Ted Bundy none other than Zac Efron. The resemblance Efron has with the serial killer is uncanny. Efron is a charming, devilish and disturbed Bundy. No doubt this film will be his best.

 The former "Disney Channel" star has certainly outdone himself, with his "Disney" days behind him, Efron has been kept busy and this is just perhaps Efron's best performance of his career. Opposite Efron, is Lily Collins, who tells the events of the film as the girlfriend of Bundy. Collins gives an outstanding performance and is just as entertaining as Efron.

Even for those who remember the trials of Ted Bundy, this film will serve as a reminder and as a history lesson to those not around to know of this evildoer. The films title is a direct quote from Judge Edward Cowart and needless to say, these crime are indeed as it shows. This film is one of the most thrilling films of the year.

Photo Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A

Director: Joe Berlinger

Starring: Zac Efron, Lily Collins, Haley-Joel Osment, John Malkovich and Kaya Scodelario. 

MPAA Rating: R-(for disturbing/violent content, some sexuality, nudity and language) 

Synopsis: Elizabeth Kloepfer refused for years to acknowledge that her boyfriend was a serial killer. Her partner, Ted Bundy, became famous in the 1980s for committing several heinous crimes against women, despite her disbelief, who watched passively as the murders were unleashed from a very unique perspective.

Runtime: 1 Hour & 50 Minutes 

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

After last years devastating events that took place in "Infinity War", fans now get to witness the "Endgame". 11 years and 22 films, it all comes down to this final epic conclusion to an unforgettable trophy case of films. As if the events of "Infinity War" weren't emotional enough, this direct follow-up is just as emotional, maybe if not more than the "Infinity War". This film is everything if not more than what I expected. It's the perfect conclusion to a magnificent saga of films. You'll laugh, cry and scream, this film will take you on a roller coaster of emotions. After 10 years of amazing films, this is the end. This is an amazing conclusion and serves as the best "MCU" film of all time.
   
There is no one more capable to play our heroes. They have brought these iconic characters to life in such a remarkable way. This is what makes these films so enjoyable, is the cast. If it weren't for the cast in this film, we wouldn't have come to love these characters. The emotional investment fans have had all these years is palpable once you see this film.

Directing sibling-duo Joe & Anthony Russo have been making thrilling entries in the "MCU" for over 5 years, starting with the Captain America sequel "The Winter Soldier". Ever since, they have made undeniably entertaining films, this film is no exception. This is perhaps one of their best films. It's got heart, humor and heart-pounding action that fills this film to the brim.

"Endgame" has some of (if not the best action in any "Marvel" film since 2016's "Captain America: Civil War". It's exciting and jam-packed with action that's unlike any of the preceeding films in the "Marvel" filmography.

To keep the film on its toes, returning composer Alan Silvestri, booms back in the screen. Silvestri crafts another stunning, thrilling and epic score that is perhaps just as exciting as the film it so fittingly serves. Silvestri's now iconic "Avengers" theme is a staple in its own right because of how well it fits into the film. His score and themes will no doubt reign supreme in "Marvel" cinematic history.

Could there be anyone else more deserving of playing baddie Thanos no other than Josh Brolin. Brolin is the perfect choice to play him because he plays the evil doer in such a menacing and hell bent way that is no doubt exciting. Brolin's Thanos is quite possibly the best villain in any "Marvel" film thus far.

I've said it once, I'll say it again, this is the perfect ending to a magnificent filmography. It is bittersweet, it's fun and absolutely emotional from start to end. With a hulk-sized runtime of 3 hours, this is perhaps the best 3 hours I've ever spent at the cinema, perhaps ever. So, with all that to say, I just want to extend my utmost thanks and applause to everyone at "Marvel" for creating not only outstanding films for us all these years, but for making this the grandest-of grand finales in the history of any film franchise, and quite honestly, the grandest sequel to any film ever.

Rate: A+

Directors: Joe and Anthony Russo 

Starring; Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan, Danai Gurira, Bradley Cooper, Josh Brolin

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

Synopsis: Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers -- Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner -- must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos -- the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.

Runtime: 3 Hours & 2 Minutes 

Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios