Doctor Sleep (2019)

It is the sequel to one of cinema's most thrillingly suspenseful films of all time. The iconic Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" from 1980 gets a long-anticipated sequel and is the second story from author Stephen King. This film 40 years after the acclaimed 1980 predecessor is just as thrilling and suspenseful, not by much, it still has that same thrill factor of the original film but it just struggled a little during the first half of the film. 

Horror cinema has evolved dramatically since 1980 and the release of the Jack Nicholson thriller. With this direct sequel 40 years in the making, it has the same thrill and suspense factors just like the previous film, but I still think that the Kubrick original is slightly better than this sequel. 

Director Mike Flanagan is no stranger to thrillers and the horror scene. He is better known for his work on the Netflix show "The Haunting of Hill House". His take on this film is horrifying and lives up to the legacy of the original film. His vision of thrilling horror escapades goes deeper into the world Stephen King has created and while offering nostalgia to viewers who have seen the 1980 Kubrick horror masterpiece. 

Playing adult Danny Torrence is none other than Ewan McGregor. McGregor does an outstanding job as the traumatically grown-up version of the character. His performance is nothing short of dramatic and sharp. Starring alongside McGregor, are Rebecca Ferguson (Mission Impossible: Fallout) and young breakout star Kyliegh Curran. 

Ferguson stars as the villain of the film in a menacing and hellbent on gaining immortality. Curran plays a young girl who has the same supernatural abilities as Dan Torrence. Their performances are all equally dark and terrifying, which I think audiences will be entertained by. 

Scoring this horror-thriller flick are the Newton Brothers. They are also no stranger to the horror-suspense thriller scene. They have also worked on the hit show "The Haunting of Hill House". Their score is as haunting as the original films. With a new spin on Wendy Carlos', Rachel Elkinds', and Chuck Cirino's theme from the original film, their score is as dark and electric as the film itself. 

It's been forty years since the world first saw the dark and horrifying "Overlook Hotel". Now return to the iconic world and hotel once again in this new film. This new film lives up to the original film and the Kubrick style overall. Audiences of the original film will no doubt enjoy this film even more now that this sequel dives deeper into the world of the "Shining" unlike anything ever before.  Horror fans of old and new generations will be on the edge the whole time. This film does the original 1980 film justice in a menacingly thrilling fashion. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: B

Director: Mike Flanagan 

Starring: Ewan McGregor, Rebecca Ferguson, and Kyliegh Curran 

MPAA Rating: R (for disturbing and violent content, some bloody images, language, nudity and drug use)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 32 Minutes 

Synopsis: 

"Doctor Sleep" is the continuation of Danny Torrance's story 40 years after the terrifying events of Stephen King's The Shining. Still irrevocably scarred by the trauma he endured as a child at the Overlook, Dan Torrance has fought to find some semblance of peace. But that peace is shattered when he encounters Abra, a courageous teenager with her own powerful extrasensory gift, known as the "shine." Instinctively recognizing that Dan shares her power, Abra has sought him out, desperate for his help against the merciless Rose the Hat and her followers, The True Knot, who feed off the shine of innocents in their quest for immortality. Forming an unlikely alliance, Dan and Abra engage in a brutal life-or-death battle with Rose. Abra's innocence and fearless embrace of her shine compel Dan to call upon his own powers as never before-at once facing his fears and reawakening the ghosts of the past.

The Sound of Music (1965)

It is the single greatest musical film ever made, no question about it. For over 55 years, Rogers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music", still reigns supreme as the greatest musical-film of all time. It still manages to delight decades after its release. Even after so many years, the iconic film is still as great a film now as it was back then. It's iconic because of not just the vocal talents of Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer, but its scenery and overall spectacle. It's the single greatest film of its kind and I think that's why audiences continue to watch and sing along to the film. 

The films' director Robert Wise has created something so charming and magnificent that it's irresistible. His vision of telling this iconic story is marvelous and heartfelt. It's because of the stunning scenery and story that makes the film all the more charming. His work will live on forever with the creation of this beautiful film. 

Leads Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer give towering performances in the iconic film as Maria and Captain VonTrapp. They are the best part of the movie, but the kids are the real showstopping stars of it all. With the rambunctiousness of the VonTrapp kids, they are the funniest thing about the film. 

This film stands out among the rest in its genre, because it's not only just a film musical, it's a real-life story. This film is the most memorable and iconic in so many ways, but the fact that this film is based on a true story is why this film is so unique in every possible way. 

Not only does this film have excitement at every turn, but the songs are also very iconic. That is yet another reason why this film is so entertaining. The musical numbers are the one thing that this film makes so iconic. Yet, after 55 years, these songs and its score are still popular today. 

It is the greatest musical film ever made. With its iconic Austrian scenery, a marvelous cast and catchy tunes, this film stood the test of time. It is indeed the all-time greatest film not just in the musical genre but one of the best films ever made. I have no doubt that the legacy of the film will continue to grow for ages. 

Poster courtesy of Fox 

Rate: A+ 

Director: Robert Wise 

Starring: Julie Andrews & Christopher Plummer 

MPAA Rating G 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 55 Minutes 

Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution (2020)

For the longest time, disability has been underrepresented. Now, a full-length documentary shining a light on disability is here. The disability community finally gets the representation its been looking for from "Hollywood". What makes this documentary the perfect portrayal and representation of disability is the authenticity and appreciation the directors have for disability. 

It is one of the best films to depict and showcase disability in a way that we can be proud of and appreciate even more than ever before. This film is a remarkable and groundbreaking achievement in film and getting the path set on the accurate and authentic portrayal of disability that we crave. 

Directors James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham make an extraordinary film. LeBrecht, who has Spina Bifida, knows just how to portray disability as it should be. The directing duo does an amazing job of making a film that actually captures the real and authentic picture of disability as a whole. I have no doubt this film will be a wake-up call to Hollywood and show them that this is how disability should be shown. 

Famed composer Bear McCreary scores this film. McCreary makes a score that is as lighthearted and jubilant as the film as a whole. His jubilant score is of blue-grass and honky-tonk qualities. 

One of the biggest things facing disability in the media today is representation. With films like this, disability in film and television can be just like this. But if only Hollywood listens, we won't get anywhere. This film, however, is at the forefront of accurate disability representation in film and television.  

Poster Courtesy of Netflix

Rate: A 

Directors: Nicole Newnham and James LeBrecht

MPAA Rating; R (for some language including sexual references)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: In the early 1970s, teenagers with disabilities faced a future shaped by isolation, discrimination and institutionalization. Camp Jened, a ramshackle camp "for the handicapped" in the Catskills, exploded those confines. Jened was their freewheeling Utopia, a place with summertime sports, smoking and makeout sessions awaiting everyone, and campers felt fulfilled as human beings. Their bonds endured as they migrated West to Berkeley, California -- a promised land for a growing and diverse disability community -- where friends from Camp Jened realized that disruption and unity might secure life-changing accessibility for millions.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

One of the most historically and religious events to ever happen in the history of mankind gets an extraordinary film portrayal. This event, the crucifixion of Jesus, and the last hours of his most extraordinary life. This iconic film is brought to life by none other than legendary director and devout Christian, Mel Gibson. Gibson makes this film even more meaningful while maintaining accuracy from the Bible. The film is not one for weak stomachs, this film as in the most bitter of graphics, is the most violent and disturbing films ever made. It will continue to be a staple in Hollywood but also for believers in Christ and non-believers for ages to come. 

There aren't many people who can portray the legendary and miraculous messiah in any media form. That being said, Jim Caviezel, is outstanding as Jesus. Not only does he try and resemble the presumed look of Jesus, but he is essentially the best actor to portray him in any film or television program in history. Caviezel has outdone himself in the best way possible, playing Christ is his best performance. It is heavy, undoubtedly emotional and is especially very impactful on anyone who has seen it or those who still have yet to watch. 

As I mentioned earlier, Mel Gibson brings histories most influential figures to the big screen everso triumphantly and with dignity and precision. Gibson stays accurate in telling the story of the death of Jesus very authentically and original that will delight audiences forever. Though the film is extremely violent, some may say that it is the most violent film ever made, albeit it certainly is, it does have its nonviolent sequences which are primarily in the form of flashbacks to the "Last Supper", are as impactful as the graphic nature and emotional moments throughout the entire film. 

Jesus, being multi-lingual, Gibson wanted to tell this story in the way of the ancient language of Aramaic. Aramaic is the language in which parts of the middle east spoke at the time of Christ. That being said, the film is entirely subtitled, but it is as effective even if it's not in English. The emphasis that this language and the dialogue has on the film overall, is stunning and is a first for films of religious value. 

Not only is the makeup, costumes, and sets so powerful to witness, but the score is even more powerful. Scoring this historical take on the most extraordinary events is John Debney. Debney makes the film even more dramatic. With a heavy inclusion of drums, a solo artist and the effect on this film overall, this is one of the eeriest and haunting compositions of music for a film, that I have ever heard. 

This film is an essential cinematic viewing. It has the power to impact believers and non-believers in so many ways. With this film, there is no telling that this won't impact every single person that watches this extraordinary work of cinema. This film is life-changing and will always be life-changing for as long as humanly possible. It is the single greatest faith-based film to ever be made in Hollywood. 

Poster courtesy of Icon Productions

Rate: A 

Director: Mel Gibson

Starring: Jim Caviezel 

MPAA Rating: R (for graphic violence throughout) 

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: In this version of Christ's crucifixion, based on the New Testament, Judas expedites the downfall of Jesus (Jim Caviezel) by handing him over to the Roman Empire's handpicked officials. To the horror of his mother, Mary (Maia Morgenstern), Magdalen (Monica Bellucci), whom he saved from damnation, and his disciples, Jesus is condemned to death. He is tortured as he drags a crucifix to nearby Calvary, where he is nailed to the cross. He dies, but not before a last act of grace.

Onward (2020)

The one thing both "Disney & Pixar" is phenomenal at, is being able to create utterly entertaining films. Their newest feature is nothing short of magic. They are able to craft a film like its fellow filmography, is as beautiful as you would expect from these two iconic movie studios. For years, the studios have created some of the most emotional movies ever. With blockbusters such as: "Up, The Lion King and Inside Out", this film is next up to those films in being one of their most emotional films to date. Not only is this film emotional and creative, but it is also their most adult-centered film yet. With its story and visual effects, "Onward", is a brilliantly laid out and executed film of emotional proportions. 

Director of the 2013 "Disney & Pixar" film "Monsters University", is Dan Scanlon. Scanlon returns to make yet another exciting film from the studio. He makes this film just as playfully magical as the rest of the studios' prior film entires. Scanlon's vision is executed flawlessly and with the help of a stellar voice cast, this film achieves the great honor of living up to the standard that all "Disney & Pixar" films do, is that they are all wonderful in their own way and that they each improve on every single feature that is released. I have no doubt that Scanlon's work here will be best regarded as one of the most adventurous and ambitious films yet.  It is beautifully animated, just like the studio's prior entries, and undoubtedly their most adult-themed story so far. 

With an all-star cast led by Tom Holland and Chris Pratt who team up once again for a film that is not part of "Marvel", but for their first film at "Pixar". They are quite a comedic duo. They each pull off being very likable and charming in this film but while also showing audiences thee reason we fall in love with the films that "Pixar & Disney"  make, its because they get actors that star in their films to have great chemistry. The same goes for this film, Holland and Pratt have exciting chemistry which makes the film all the more enjoyable. 

Starring alongside the two, are Julia Louis-Dreyfuss and Octavia Spencer. Louis-Dreyfuss plays the mother of Pratt and Hollands characters. Her part in this film is just as emotional as the two and she gives the film an extra kick to be just as entertaining as the two leads. While Spencer also plays a somewhat minor role, she is able to charm her way on the screen just as effectively as the rest of the cast. 

Scoring the film, are Mychael and Jeff Danna. With a film that is as magical as it is exciting and emotional, the duo is able to create a score that is as light and medieval as stories with this nature have. The sibling composers are able to charm audiences with a score that is as lighthearted and delicate as the film overall. 

Like I said earlier. this film is the most adult-themed film from the studio to date. Its emotional levity is what ultimately drives this film throughout the escapades of the characters and the mature nature of this film overall. I am sure that this film will impact audiences of all demographics because of the film's ability to connect audiences to a very emotional story. 

If there is one film that Disney & Pixar make that is both their most emotional and beautifully animated film this far, it is this film. And if there is any film that is made for adults, it is also this film. What this film does is indescribable too few words its that emotionally gripping. This film is yet another outstanding entry into the studios of both "Disney & Pixar". I have no doubt this film will enchant emotional audiences for ages to come. It is their most ambitious film yet and I cannot wait to see how future films from the studios compare to this one as far as emotional intensity is concerned. 

                                                                                                         Poster courtesy of Disney and Pixar 

Rate: A 

Director: Dan Scanlon 

Starring: Chris Pratt, Tom Holland, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Octavia Spencer, Lena Waithe, and John Ratzenberger 

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

Runtime: 1 Hour & 42 Minutes 

Synopsis: Teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles, and unimaginable discoveries. But when dear Mom finds out her sons are missing, she teams up with the legendary manticore to bring her beloved boys back home.

 

Bombshell (2019)

It was one of the media's most shocking scandals. This scandal saw the downfall of one of the biggest names in the world of broadcast-journalism., Roger Ailes. The founder of Fox News who quickly became a star in the business turned serial sexual abuser. This film is an eye-opening account of the scandal and sheds light on it so detailed in fashion. It also is very emotionally compelling in that it shows the impact of the victims in raw emotion which makes the film even more serious than it already is. This film has it all: humor, heart and a deeply compelling story on one of the journalist's biggest heroes turned foe. What this film manages to do so effortlessly, unlike other true-story based films is be a reviewing story throughout the entire film. It is truly one of the best films of the year.

This film is a star-studded saga. Playing former Fox News journalists: Megyn Kelly and Gretchen Carlson is none other than Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman. The two leading ladies not only look exactly like the real players but they give phenomenal performances as the two famed journalists. They give performances that are undeniably memorable, emotional and charming throughout the film. I have no doubt that these performances have and will grab the attention of the real Carlson and Kelly, respectively. Meanwhile, playing the disgraced former Fox founder, who has since deceased in 2017, John Lithgow plays a conniving yet charismatic Roger Ailes. Lithgow's take on the troubled media mogul is thrilling yet haunting because of his spiraling downfall at the network.  And Margot Robbie, on the other hand, plays a fictitious character who is new to the network and wants to be at the top. Robbie's role is just as sensational as the rest of the cast. 

Director Jay Roach and writer Charles Randolph, craft an equally compelling story retelling the events of the infamous scandal. Roach delivers with an authentic mind of originality. Randolph's script as just as original with his craft. The writing is not delicate in the slightest when detailing the haunting events that unfold throughout the film. What they do here is stunning and equally as such is obvious. The two have done something that only certain true story based films can do and that is delivering and staying true to the actuality of the events being retold. 

Scoring this drama is Theodore Shapiro. His score, which includes a chorus of women, makes the film even more dramatic because of this. Shapiro makes the score the only delicate thing about this film because of the nature of the film and the seriousness of the film overall. The score adds to the drama and is perfectly balanced with it. The film also has an end-credits song, which amplifies the overall message of the film is that no one will be silenced if they talk about workplace harassment sexual to not. 

As I said earlier, the film's make-up could not be more accurate and perfect than it is. It really does show the journalists in a way that is uncanny. Just like any other film based on a true story, but this film is extra detailed as it can be when it comes to the make-up and overall beauty of the film itself. 

It shook not only the media by storm but the world. It is one of the most infamous media scandals of our time and its big-screen portrayal is nothing short of dazzling. I have no doubt this film will be a beacon of opportunity for anyone, man or woman, to not be afraid of speaking out against a hostile work environment. This film is an absolute sensation, even if the film gets too sensationalized in talking about the events of the scandal and the impact it had on the employees at one of the countries' television largest networks.  

                                                        Poster Courtesy of Lionsgate Films

Rate: B 

Director: Jay Roach 

Starring: Charlize Theron, Margot Robbie, Nicole Kidman, John Lithgow, and Kate McKinnon 

MPAA Rating: R (for sexual material and language throughout)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 50 Minutes 

Synopsis: Based on the real scandal, BOMBSHELL is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; Fox News, and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it.

Knives Out (2019)

If there is any film within the past year that is intriguing as ever, it is this film. It is a cross between the game of clue and anything by author Agatha Christie. With its mystery and intrigue, this film is undoubtedly exciting. This film is all kinds of crazy. It will have audiences engaged at every moment. It is uniquely savvy in that the execution of the story is undoubtedly original and thrilling at the highest levels. I have no doubt this film will rank among the best films of not only the year but of mystery-intrigue value.

Writer-director Rian Johnson has made one of the best films of not only the past year but also within the last decade. He is smart with his craft and creates the ultimate case of film intrigue and wonder. The film is not only mysterious and delightfully entertaining but the film is also very funny. It is able to pull quality laughs from the audience and that is a fantastic thing for this film.

This film leads an all-star ensemble of A-listers including Daniel Craig, Jamie Lee-Curtis, Chris Evans and the legendary Christopher Plummer. They are all stunning in this film, but especially Craigs donning of a southern accent as a mysterious yet well-known sleuth. His performance is utterly charming and charismatic because of the energy he puts into the role.

Scoring the whodunnit is Nathan Johnson. With the film taking place in a mansion of Victorian architecture, it is only fitting for this film to have a classical sound to play throughout the film. Johnson does this so effectively and its as suspenseful as the film itself.

It is one of the most interesting films to date. This film is unique in every sense of the word. It pulls off the impossible by being an entertaining film but also one of the most fascinating films of the century. With twists at every turn, this whodunnit is one you cannot miss.

Poster courtesy of Lionsgate

Rate: A

Director: Rian Johnson 

Starring: Jamie Lee-Curtis, Daniel Craig, Katherine Langford, Christopher Plummer, and Chris Evans

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for thematic elements including brief violence, some strong language, sexual references, and drug material)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 10 Minutes 

Synopsis: Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie in KNIVES OUT, a fun, modern-day murder mystery where everyone is a suspect. When renowned crime novelist Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, the inquisitive and debonair Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. From Harlan's dysfunctional family to his devoted staff, Blanc sifts through a web of red herrings and self-serving lies to uncover the truth behind Harlan's untimely death.