Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)

For over 40 years, it has captivated the world, cinema, and pop culture. Two trilogies and now a third one has concluded. In 2015, the “Star Wars” phenomenon returned with the third trio of films. 4 years later the third trilogy has concluded. This new trilogy was the continuation of the Skywalker story and now ends the iconic story. It may not be the best that the series has to offer, but it sure is better than 2017’s “The Last Jedi”.

Episode VIII was utterly horrendous, but this film is a much more satisfying entry into the franchise. It is a wonderful end to this third trilogy and is an exciting finale to the original story which has spanned for four decades. Episode VIII lacked severely in being a fun and entertaining film. This film was able to make up for the previous installment’s errors, in an extraordinary fashion.

Legendary director J.J Abrams returns to the series. He previously directed the first installment in this trilogy, 2015’s “The Force Awakens”. That film was a nostalgic treasure for all fans and brought us to love our favorite characters all over again. Abrams concludes this trilogy in such a way that satisfies fans and honors the late Carrie Fisher, with this being her last appearance. Through stunning visuals and your typical action sequences thrust into the film, this is another job well done for Abrams.

Returning once more are Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac. All of them give some of the best performances in this set of films. Despite the lack of narrative quality, they are still able to make the film as entertaining as it should be. This film also sees the return of iconic character Emperor Palpatine, played once again by Ian McDiarmid. He is one of the most exciting parts of the film because it brings fans to be more nostalgic than ever.

Giving his last hurrah at the iconic franchise is composer John Williams. Williams has scored every single film in the franchise minus the spin-off films and the Disney+ series. He’s been creating iconic scores for this franchise since the beginning. He returns in an epic and glorious fashion once more. He does yet another great job at creating enchanting sounds that I have no doubt will remain iconic just like the rest of his work throughout the franchise.

The time has come, and now it is here. The end of one of the cinemas' most beloved stories. This franchise phenomenon has created a mega fanbase and cult following. It will remain an iconic staple in cinema and pop culture for years to come. This film shows that this franchise will continue to remain entertaining for fans of all kinds.

Photo courtesy of Bad Robot, LucasFilm and Disney

Rate: B+ 

Director: J.J Abrams

Starring: Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sci-fi violence and action)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 22 Minutes 

Ford V. Ferrari (2019)

If you aren’t a fan of car racing, you will be after this film. This film is filled with so much action and full-throttle fun throughout the entire film. This is a film that race car fans and nonfans alike will enjoy. It has something for everyone, whether you are a fan of racecars or not. It has a lot of humor to go right along with the rest of the film, which works very well. If there is one race car film that benefits from being both action-packed and inciteful, it is this film. I have no doubt that this film will excite fans of race cars and those that aren’t fans.

Director James Mangold, “Logan”, crafts an undeniably entertaining film. Mangold makes this film as entertaining as possible, it works. He makes this film in a heartfelt, humorous and action-packed way. This film benefits in being very entertaining because of the action sequences and the story itself. Mangold has created something unique and special. This is an achievement on all fronts.

The film stars Matt Damon and Christian Bale. Their chemistry is very dynamic and powerful, and it shows. The two are a powerhouse that brings all to the film. The performances they give are nothing but excited and spontaneously magnetic.

Like in real life, Bale’s character is reminiscent of his actual personality, which is tough and bossy. Yet, in this film, he manages to be the film's comedic relief. While, Damon on the other hand, is more serious and emotional in the film. Co-starring is “Outlanders” Caitriona Balfe. Balfe is Bale’s on-screen wife. She is the glue that binds the main characters together and she is just as important as the rest of them in this film.

A frequent collaborator with Mangold, composing the race car film score, is Marco Beltrami. Beltrami reunites with Mangold in this fun and action-packed film. His score is as fast-paced and upbeat as the film itself. Beltrami makes the score as exciting and exuberant as the film overall and it fits into the film wonderfully.

Ready. Set. Go! If you aren’t a fan of this going into the film, you will be after it is over. Those who are fans will find this film equally entertaining just like those who aren’t fans of racecars. This film is a fast-paced, exciting tale of a rivalry that spanned for years. I have no doubt this film will continue to be successful going into awards season but also a successful racecar film.

Photo courtesy of Fox 20th Century Pictures

Rate: A

Director: James Mangold

Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Caitriona Balfe, Noah Jupe 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some language and peril) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Synopsis: Academy Award-winners Matt Damon and Christian Bale star in FORD v FERRARI, based on the remarkable true story of the visionary American car designer Carroll Shelby (Damon) and the fearless British-born driver Ken Miles (Bale), who together battled corporate interference, the laws of physics, and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford Motor Company and take on the dominating race cars of Enzo Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France in 1966.

Midway (2019)

One of the best things about war films is that they tell the accounts of what happened. Historical war films like Full Metal Jacket, Saving Private Ryan, Hacksaw Ridge and Dunkirk are some of the best war films ever made. The passion, authenticity, and heart are what drove those films.  

Though the film is dazzling and historically significant, it is over the top when it comes to the special effects. This war film is one of a kind, but it seldom achieves what other films of this nature have accomplished. 

Like other war films, this film is another solidly entertaining war epic. History enthusiasts such as I, really appreciate films like this because they are emotionally enriching and stay true to the source material.

Acclaimed director Roland Emmerich makes a film that is good at capturing the rawness of war and the emotional impact of it. But, its reliance on the war CGI is not caused by excitement. This makes the film overloaded with just the visuals, which may be compelling, but not overly thrilling.

Starring in the film, is Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson and Nick Jonas. All three do an outstanding job of playing their real-life roles. They bring a lot to the film. It shows dramatically. Each of them does a great job of trying to bring to life the heroics of this courageous battle. Their performances are genuinely passionate and bring to life the war in stunning fashion, even if it’s a bit overdramatic.

Scoring the film is Thomas Wander. He does a great job of keeping the film entertaining. The score is just as dramatic as the film itself. It’s cross between an electronic score and a classy upbeat score. It keeps the film enjoyable to the highest levels.

Historically based films are a treasure. Some are very successful films, while others may not be. While this film is enjoyable, it is very reliant on the film’s visuals and not the story overall. This film is a good film, but it just fails to impress and be as memorable as other war films.

Rate: B-

Photo courtesy of Centropolis Entertainment

Director: Roland Emmerich 

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Woody Harrelson, Nick Jonas, 

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of war violence and related images, language and smoking)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 20 Minutes 

Synopsis: MIDWAY centers on the Battle of Midway, a clash between the American fleet and the Imperial Japanese Navy which marked a pivotal turning point in the Pacific Theater during WWII. The film, based on the real-life events of this heroic feat, tells the story of the leaders and soldiers who used their instincts, fortitude and bravery to overcome the odds.

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.