Richard Jewell (2019)

It is perhaps one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in the history of our country. The Richard Jewell saga was perhaps the biggest libel and slander tale of the last century. On one fateful evening in July 1996, the Olympics were being held in Atlanta, Georgia, and mayhem struck. A pipe-bomb filled with shrapnel exploded in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. The tragedy killed two people and injured nearly 100 others.

What followed the attack, was chaos and the besmirching of the hero security guard at the venue, Richard Jewell. 23 years later, acclaimed director and Hollywood icon Clint Eastwood makes an extraordinary film based on the whole ordeal.

It is the single best film of the year. Clint Eastwood makes a film that should anger the entire country. This film does a remarkable job of showcasing the entire event of the attack and the aftermath, domino effect that soon followed. Eastwood's raw and gripping approach is sincere. This is as dramatic as it really was. It shows throughout the film.

This event directly affected my family. My mom was a volunteer at the Olympics but was not impacted by the attack. After watching this film, I was angry at our government and those investigating Richard Jewell. Everyone should be rightfully angry at this whole thing.

The timeliness of this film is so necessary. It couldn’t be more relevant to today’s political circus. It shows the contrast between both Richard Jewell’s story and now President Trump. It should enrage every American and make them feel just as angry as I am.

The film's cast is phenomenal and shattered expectations on all fronts. Playing the title hero is Paul-Walter Hauser, who is best known for “Blackkklansman” & I, Tonya”. Hauser is an uncanny doppelganger to Richard Jewell. His portrayal of Jewell is groundbreaking, emotionally gripping and powerful.

Alongside Hauser, are Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm. Rockwell especially stands out along Hauser as his friend and lawyer, Watson Bryant. Rockwell’s performance is as gripping as Hauser’s. The chemistry between the two actors is striking. Kathy Bates plays Jewell’s mother. She does a phenomenal job at the role and it’s as gripping as the rest of the cast.

Twenty-three years ago, one mans life changed forever. The name Richard Jewell will ever be etched into the minds of millions and has been ever since that fateful night in Atlanta. He died 11 years later. This film is magnificent and thrilling to its core. It is a brilliant take on a very disgusting and despicable miscarriage of justice and Clint Eastwood and the cast have done an incredibly amazing job telling this emotionally charged story that will live on forever.

Photo Courtesy of Warner Bros Pictures

Rate: A+

Director: Clint Eastwood

Starring: Paul-Walter Hauser, Kathy Bates, Olivia Wilde, Jon Hamm and Sam Rockwell

MPAA Rating: R (for language including some sexual references, and brief bloody images)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 11 Minutes 

Synopsis: Directed by Clint Eastwood and based on true events, "Richard Jewell" is a story of what happens when what is reported as fact obscures the truth. "There is a bomb in Centennial Park. You have thirty minutes." The world is first introduced to Richard Jewell as the security guard who reports finding the device at the 1996 Atlanta bombing-his report making him a hero whose swift actions save countless lives. But within days, the law enforcement wannabe becomes the FBI's number one suspect, vilified by press and public alike, his life ripped apart. Reaching out to independent, anti-establishment attorney Watson Bryant, Jewell staunchly professes his innocence. But Bryant finds he is out of his depth as he fights the combined powers of the FBI, GBI, and APD to clear his client's name, while keeping Richard from trusting the very people trying to destroy him.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

This anti-hate satire film is the next film by indie film director Taika Waititi. Based on the novel “Caging Skies “, comes a film adaptation that is ironically humorous and surprisingly emotionally heartfelt. Back in 2017, the world first saw the genius work of director Taika Waititi with Thor: Ragnarök. This new film is bonkers in all the right ways.

Films with these types of touchy subjects tend to be mediocre in nature and not successful. This film manages to tackle sensitive subjects and turn it into comedy without being dull or offensive. It is one of the year's most memorable films as far as story and performances are concerned.

With an all-star cast lead by director Taika Waititi himself as an alternative version of Hitler who is the title character’s “imaginary friend”. Newcomer Roman Griffin-Davis plays the title character in a heartwarming and genuinely charming. He stars alongside Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell and Thomasin McKenzie. Their performances are as memorable and genuinely heartfelt as the lead role.

This film has the essence of a Quentin Tarantino film. For anyone who has seen one of Tarantino’s films knows that somewhere in the film it will have Nazis and Swastikas for a comedic purpose. Well, this film does that same thing. It works to the best of its ability to not be like a Tarantino film exactly, but it has similar elements that like his films.

Highly renowned film composer Michael Giacchino scores this funny and emotional film. He crafts a score that is hearty and fun which keeps the film alive. It is as entertaining as the film itself, which keeps the film more balanced altogether.

It’s weird, unexpectedly charming and fun. One of this year’s most absurdly hilarious films. This film is unique and original in every sense of the word. The beauty of the film doesn’t go unnoticed and that is true says something special about the film and Waititi’s vision of the film. It may go a little over the top but that doesn’t mean that this film is worth skipping. This film is worth the watch given its satirical take on some of the histories most sensitive times.

Photo Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

Rate: A-

Director: Taika Waititi 

Starring: Roman Griffin Davis, Taika Waititi, Scarlett Johansson, Thomasin McKenzie, Sam Rockwell, and Rebel Wilson

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

Runtime: 1 Hour & 48 Minutes 

Synopsis: Writer-director Taika Waititi (THOR: RAGNAROK, HUNT FOR THE WILDERPEOPLE), brings his signature style of humor and pathos to his latest film, JOJO RABBIT, a World War II satire that follows a lonely German boy (Roman Griffin Davis as JoJo) whose world view is turned upside down when he discovers his single mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a young Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Aided only by his idiotic imaginary friend, Adolf Hitler (Taika Waititi), Jojo must confront his blind nationalism.

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

If there’s one thing that most sci-fi films have in common, are robots. Some films are dedicated to just robots and others are dedicated to space. With the classic Terminator films, they are dedicated to robots and the extinction of humanity. Now, with this latest installment, things get more exciting. Prior installments to the franchise, such as “GENESYS and Salvation” were mediocre in the storytelling and lacked originality.

This direct sequel to the 1991 sequel “Judgement Day”, is as thrilling, even if more than the predecessor. This film has what fans of this franchise expect, and that is exciting action sequences and a riveting story. This is yet another exciting and thrilling entry into the saga.

Original director James Cameron returns, this time as a producer. Director of Deadpool, Tim Miller, makes a triumphant action-packed entry into the series. What Cameron & Miller manage to do with this film, is to deliver a great film that supersedes all the rubbish of the prior sequels I mentioned earlier. This film is much more exciting and compelling than the two sequels that came before it. It has much more action and thrill factors because it stays on course with the 1991 sequel.

Despite all the positives, there is one thing that annoyed me. The film starts off slow and begins the first 10 minutes with subtitles. This slows down the film a little bit, but this doesn’t make the film terrible at all.

They’re back! Original stars Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger reunite for the first time since 1991’s Judgement Day. They’re as action-packed and dynamic as ever! The two shine once more by delivering the best performances in the franchise to date. Starring alongside the legendary duo is Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes. Offering some fresh new faces, they are as exciting as the legendary duo. The two are a good addition to the franchise.

This film not only has top-notch action sequences, but it also has an amazing score. Scoring the film is Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL. His score is energetic and fast-paced. Holkenborg also puts his own unique spin on the iconic theme which makes the film even more entertaining.

It has been one of the most iconic film series for over 35 years. Now, with a direct sequel to the second film, the franchise has once again regained the momentum that it so desperately needs. The Terminator films are one of the best sci-fi series to date. This new film shows that off in extraordinary fashion. Fans of the original films will love this film in all its splendor and gargantuan qualities.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Rate: B+

Director: Tim Miller 

Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natailia Reyes 

MPAA Rating: R (for violence throughout, language and brief nudity)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 15 Minutes

Synopsis: More than two decades have passed since Sarah Connor prevented Judgment Day, changed the future, and re-wrote the fate of the human race. Dani Ramos (Natalia Reyes) is living a simple life in Mexico City with her brother (Diego Boneta) and father when a highly advanced and deadly new Terminator -- a Rev-9 (Gabriel Luna) -- travels back through time to hunt and kill her. Dani's survival depends on her joining forces with two warriors: Grace (Mackenzie Davis), an enhanced super-soldier from the future, and a battle-hardened Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton). As the Rev-9 ruthlessly destroys everything and everyone in its path on the hunt for Dani, the three are led to a T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger) from Sarah's past that may be their last best hope. 

Zombieland: Double Tap (2019)

It has been 10 years since we last saw our favorite ragtag group of zombie-slayers. It has since become a cult-classic and one of the very few satisfying horror-comedy films. The zombie film phenomenon has been a thing for a long time now, with these films on the rise, it’s only a matter of time when they get old. But, in this case, that is not true. This film is wild, gory and insane which is why people love the films.

The writers behind the first film and Deadpool bring audiences back to Zombieland. Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick return with a funny as hell film that is even better than the sequel. They are clever and witty in their approach at their return to the franchise. Alongside the writing duo, is returning director Ruben Fleischer. Fleischer returns with yet another hilarious film. Gory and a bloody good time, this film tops the first one by a longshot.

This film wouldn’t be back to where the first film was without this amazing cast. Lead once again by Jesse Eisenberg, he is as quirky as ever in this sequel. Alongside him once again are Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson and Abigail Breslin. They are all as goofy as ever in this sequel. This cast is fun and exciting in the whole film, which makes this film even more entertaining.

The film also sees newcomers to the series, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson and Thomas Middleditch. They’re just as goofy and entertaining as the rest of the cast. These new additions to the cast, are just as hilarious as the rest of the ensemble.

Just like the first film, this film is undeniably gory but in a very comedic way. The action sequences are much more action-packed and exciting, improving even more than the first film. It is hilarious throughout the entire film.

Returning to score the film, is David Sardy. The score as a western-country style vibe to it. With the sounds of bluegrass and soul, the score is a great addition to the film overall.

With this year not having a whole lot of comedic films released, this film is oe of the funniest films yet. Ten years it’s been since we first took a trip to Zombieland. And here we are ten years later, with a highly anticipated sequel. Audiences can expect nothing less of a film that has an extensive number of fans. This film has the same type of gore, humor and fun as the first film, but tops it on a much larger scale, which is why fans will see this sequel to a cult classic phenomenon.

Photo Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Rate: A

Director: Ruben Fleicher

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone, Woody Harrelson, Abigail Breslin, Rosario Dawson, Luke Wilson, Thomas Middleditch and Bill Murray 

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

Runtime: 1 Hour & 40 Minutes 

Synopsis: Zombie slayers Tallahassee, Columbus, Wichita and Little Rock leave the confines of the White House to travel to Graceland in Memphis, Tenn. Along the way, they encounter other post-apocalyptic warriors and a group of survivors who find refuge in a commune. The scrappy fighters must now rely on their wits and weapons more than ever as they soon find themselves in a relentless battle against smarter, faster and seemingly indestructible zombies.

Gemini Man (2019)

One of the things that can make a sci-fi film great, are not only the stunning visuals that it may have, but also a compelling story. To this day, countless sci-fi films have been made. Some have been great ones, while others have been average and just downright boring sci-fi films. This film is another one of those sci-fi films that is worth watching but it does tend to be over the top and overly dramatic for its craft.

The thing about sci-fi movies, is that they all have something in common with one another. Whether that be eye-popping visual effects or exciting action sequences, sci-fi films are arguably one of the most stunning and mesmerizing. But given those attributes, some sci-fi films go over the top. This new Will Smith film does exactly that.

You think with big stars and directors a film would succeed, but not in this case. It does a seldom job at thoroughly entertaining. This film helmed by acclaimed director Ang Lee is imaginative but slow. What goes on in the film seems a bit dull with an intriguing story, but it just doesn’t match up with the rest of sci-fi films because of its mediocrity.  Lee does a great job at crafting the action sequences and eye-popping visuals, yet the film seems a little to cliché with a been there, done that approach as far as sci-fi films are concerned.

Will Smith stars in what might be one of his better roles, even though the film may seem dull at times or to dramatic and near sighted, this film is worth watching just for its exciting action sequences and visuals. Alongside Smith, is Mary Elizabeth Winstead, “Sky High”. She brings a balance to the film that is compatible with her leading co-star.

Acclaimed composer Lorne Balfe scores this sci-fi action film. Balfe adds a riveting score to the film to where it blends well into the film overall. This score is as upbeat and intense as the film itself. With the film being somewhat of a slow work of sci-fi cinema, this films score compensates for that quality.

Like I said, this is one of Will Smiths better roles we’ve seen him in lately. Smith was able to achieve yet another sci-fi film while being an integral part of it. I don’t think that this is my favorite Will Smith film at all, because this film missed so many opportunities to be successful.

The sci-fi genre is one of my favorite kind of films. With that in mind, it’s disappointing that a film with such potential to be a good sci-fi film, just ignores all and just makes it up as it goes on. This year hasn’t really seen much of sci-fi films. But that doesn’t mean that there are a few here and there. With Will Smith making sci-fi films part of him, this film is just overall a bleak and downright let down- even if the film is thoroughly entertaining.

Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Rate: C+

Starring: Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen and Benedict Wong 

Director: Ang Lee 

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

Runtime: 2 Hours 

Synopsis: Henry Brogan is an elite 51-year-old assassin who's ready to call it quits after completing his 72nd job. His plans get turned upside down when he becomes the target of a mysterious operative who can seemingly predict his every move. To his horror, Brogan soon learns that the man who's trying to kill him is a younger, faster, cloned version of himself.

Joker (2019)

When it was first announced that a film would be made on the iconic “Joker” and serve as a backstory, I was annoyed. For one, because Heath Ledger’s masterful performance as the character in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight”, was and still is the single greatest portrayal of the iconic villain. My negative thoughts on this new film completely changed when this film took me by utter surprise. This film is stunning to the highest level. What this film manages to do so masterfully is pull off the most in-depth character study in all of comic book films.

This film from start to finish is simply eerily mesmerizing. It is unlike any other comic book-based film because this film is one of the darkest most foreboding film in the comic book film genre. The film not only is an in-depth character study, it is an impressive and grim look at the psychology of the title character.

Director Todd Phillips crafts one hell of a film. His vision for the film is bold and shocking to say the least. It is a groundbreaking film achievement in comic book cinema. This film is a dark and dedicated film that shows us how the “Joker” came to be. Phillips outdoes himself and shows his true visionary capabilities.

All I can say is wow! Joaquin Phoenix pulls off the impossible by exceeding expectations. He would’ve certainly made Heath Ledger proud. There are two big differences between Ledgers and Phoenix’s portrayal of the iconic character. Ledger’s was more on the hellbent on chaos and a new world order based on anarchy. On the other hand, Phoenix makes a performance that is as psychologically twisted but more on the mental breakdown of the character.

Composer ‎Hildur Guðnadóttir crafts a haunting and eerie score for a film that is as haunting as the film itself. He makes the film more haunting and darker as possible and it shows all throughout the film with the cello solos making the film more gripping. Though the score isn’t as haunting as Hans Zimmer & James Newton-Howard’s craft of “The Dark Knight”, this film score acts yet another haunting sound that is perfect for this film.

Though this film is almost perfect, the film starts a little slow with some pacing issues and progression throughout. It does make up with its dark comedy and action sequences, along with the score.

One of “Batman’s” most iconic foes, finally gets his silver screen origin story of his very own. What makes as a fantastic film, it sets the stage as a landmark achievement in comic book cinema. I have no doubt that this film and Joaquín Phoenix’s take on the “Joker” will be memorable for years to come.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate B+

Director: Todd Phillips 

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen and Robert DeNiro

MPAA Rating: R (for strong bloody violence, disturbing behavior, language and brief sexual images)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 2 Minutes 

Synopsis:  Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks -- the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he's part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.

It: Chapter 2 (2019)

Following the success of the 2017 remake of the horrifying best-selling Stephen King novel “IT”, comes part two of the story and a much more thrilling and horrifying installment. This film is one of the longer films in the horror genre that drags on quite awhile before things get interesting and more entertaining.Though the film is longer than expected and slow at times, this sequel is better than 2017’s “It Chapter One”, in that it is more horrifying and suspenseful. The film is without a doubt one of the best horror films of the year so far and it shows. 

Director Andy Muschietti returns to make audiences even more frightened than ever before. He tuns it up a notch and delivers an even bigger scare factor than the films predecessor. It is bold, big and heartfelt. What Muschietti manages to do here is make a bigger more thrilling film. The dialogue is strong, and the cast delivers with strong emotion. It’s driven by a force of power that possesses the entire film.

The grown “Losers” are played by an impeccably chosen cast. Leading the charge to defeat “IT” once and for all are: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain and Bill Hader. They deliver some of the best performances of the year and with heart and passion, they succeed. On top of their performances, returning to terrify audiences once again as the title character, Bill Skarsgard does it again even more terrifying and sadistic than in the first film.  

Returning composer Benjamin Wallfisch makes yet another thrilling and chilling score. Just like the first film, Wallfisch makes the film even more terrifying and haunting than before.

One of the best parts of this film is that it’s hilarious and that is partially due to Bill Hader’s role as “Loser” Richie. He pulls off one of and if not the best role in any film he’s been in ever. It’s a standout performance and no doubt memorable.  Skarsgard’s go-round once again as the terrifying Clown, is also a standout and extremely hilarious on top of the scare factor with the character.

Despite the slow pace and the massive runtime of 2 hours and 50 minutes, the film is still enjoyable. The film bounces back to where the film isn’t too overblown with uselessness that just is there to fill the film to enhance the film overall. 

It’s perhaps one of the most legendary of horror films, let alone novels with classic villains. Though it is better than the first one and the original 1990 miniseries, this film is just another entertaining film for fans of Stephen King, his bestselling novel and horror films alike.

Photo courtesy of New Line Cinema and Warner Bros.

Rate: B

Director: Andy Muschietti

Starring: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader and Bill Skarsgard

MPAA Rating: R (for disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some crude sexual material)

Synopsis: Evil resurfaces in Derry as director Andy Muschietti reunites the Losers Club in a return to where it all began with "IT Chapter Two," the conclusion to the highest-grossing horror film of all time. Twenty-seven years after the Losers Club defeated Pennywise, he has returned to terrorize the town of Derry once more. Now adults, the Losers have long since gone their separate ways. However, kids are disappearing again, so Mike, the only one of the group to remain in their hometown, calls the others home. Damaged by the experiences of their past, they must each conquer their deepest fears to destroy Pennywise once and for all...putting them directly in the path of the clown that has become deadlier than ever.

Runtime: 2 Hours & 50 Minutes