The Old Guard (2020)

 Not many of the original films on "Netflix" impress me, but this one sure did. This film is one of the very few original films on the streaming service that is actually very entertaining. It has great action sequences and a confident lead in Charlize Theron. This film is one of the few delights to come out during the "Coronavirus Pandemic" that is actually worth watching. It may not win over those who don't like violence, but it sure will win over those who do like a good action-packed and violent film. 

Based on a comic book of the same name, this film is a reimagined take on a new kind of superheroes. The work here is exciting and brings new life to the 2020 film slate. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood makes an undeniably exciting film in these challenging times. Her craft is as exciting as any other film of its kind but even better than some. It may be dark and disturbing but it's one hell of an action film. 

Lead star Charlize Theron has probably given her best performance in this crazy action thriller. She is the glue that sticks this film together. She makes this film so enjoyable and it's very telling. Her costars KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari, and Luca Marinelli give this film an even bigger boost alongside Theron and the action of this film.  

Not only does this film have an interesting and compelling story, but this film's action sequences are just as exciting as the story. The action in this film is some of the best in terms of films this year so far. I have no doubt audiences will enjoy this film just as much as I did. 

One of the very few films to come out on "Netflix"  during this time is one big achievement for moviegoers because nothing blockbuster has been released as of yet. This film is one of the few gems to come from the streaming giant and not be a total let down. I have no doubt that this film will fully entertain audiences. 

Poster Courtesy of Netflix and Skydance Pictures 

Rate: A- 

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood  

Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari and Luca Marinelli 

MPAA Rating: R (for sequences of graphic violence, and language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 5 Minutes 

Synopsis: A group of mercenaries, all centuries-old immortals with the ability to heal themselves, discover someone is onto their secret, and they must fight to protect their freedom. 

Scoob! (2020)

One of the most popular and beloved cartoons of "Hanna-Barbera" gets an all-new film. The ever-iconic "Scooby-Doo" gets a new film that is just as loveable as you would expect. It has given new life into the iconic cartoon in this new film. It gives audiences a beautifully animated and downright hilarious film. Even after so many years since its debut in 1969, it has remained an icon in animated television, and now iconic in film. This brand new animated film is true to the legacy of the original show and I think fans of the iconic dog and crew will love this film. 

Director Tony Cervone makes the film live up to the legacy of the original show. It is charming and overall fun that I think audiences both new and those who are familiar with the iconic character will enjoy the film. He makes the film as exciting as the show itself. The film is not only beautifully animated, but it also has an entertaining story. This film also has some adult humor that will go over the heads of kids, that I think will ultimately win over parents. 

The film's voice cast is star-powered. With the talent of Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried, Gina Rodriguez, Mark Wahlberg, and the original voice of the iconic dog, Frank Welker. This cast is lively and they make the film even more exciting. With Welker returning to voice the iconic character, this is cause for nostalgia. 

Scoring the film is Tom Holkenborg "Black Mass". His score is as jubilant and energetic as the film itself. It is an exciting and upbeat score that makes the film stick together overall. 

Though this film is exciting, it does struggle at the forefront at times. Some of the writing of the film falls flat in the comedic efforts and dialogue, but it still is a good movie overall. The jokes can sometimes be a bit cringe-like and the characters sometimes act as a placement just to be there when they don't need to be. But the film compensates for the action and overall beauty which is what I think ultimately drives the film. 

One of the televisions' most iconic characters gets a revamped new storytelling in film. Though it sometimes falls short, the beauty of the animation and the exciting action sequences are what drive the film to succeed. Overall, this film may not win over fans of the original show with this new film, but it will win over a new generation of fans. 

Poster Courtesy of Warner Bros. 

 

Rate: C

Director: Tony Cervone 

Starring: Zac Efron, Gina Rodriguez, Amanda Seyfried, Mark Wahlberg, and Frank Welker 

MPAA Rating: PG (for some action, language, and rude/suggestive humor)

Runtime: 1 Hour & 35 Minutes  

Gone With The Wind (1939)

Based on the best selling 1936 novel by Margaret Mitchell, this film adaptation is nothing short of an American cinema classic. Since its release in 1939, it has remained one of and if not the greatest film ever. It also just happens to be the highest-grossing film of all-time with inflation. This Civil War epic is a perfect picture of the tumultuous time period and is crafted utterly elegantly. With it being one of the longest films ever made, it packs in a ton. Despite its controversial reception from today's modern era of film audiences, it still is an iconic film unlike anything in the history of cinema. It is a timeless cinematic gem. 

Director Victor Fleming & Producer David O. Selznick's masterpiece of cinema is a true treasure of the cinematic arts. This film paints the biggest picture of the "Civil War" and its utter beauty is a sight to behold. The film is massively crafted. With its stunning sets and scenery, this film takes viewers into the era of the "Civil War" in such grace and utter flawlessness. 

What makes this film brilliant is the story itself, but also the incredible cast. Leads Clark Gable & Vivien Leigh are utterly fantastic in this film. Their chemistry is perhaps the greatest of any film duo to date. This cast broke lots of barriers too. Costarring as "Mammy", a black house servant, is Hattie McDaniel (who later won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the role, and the first black actor to win an Oscar.) Leslie Howard & Olivia de Havilland also star in the film. This cast is remarkable in every sense of the word. It's clear that this film set the standard for cast ensembles because this cast is amazing. 

Composer Max Steiner's legendary score is just as iconic today, as it was 80 years ago with the film's original release. His theme for the film is an instant classic, everyone who hears the theme they know exactly where it's from. With a beautiful film to go along with it, this score is beyond beautiful. 

Given that the film is based in the "Civil War" era, it is not a real story. Regardless, this film is an utter masterpiece. Times have changed. Audiences decades later may feel sour about the film, but I highly beg to differ that this film is offensive or controversial nowadays. 

It has been decades since the film was first released, and it has even been rereleased throughout the years as well. With how groundbreaking and remarkable this film is, I feel in awe every time I watch it. The legacy of this film has made an enormous impact on cinema, and I have zero doubt in my mind that this film's legacy and historical representation will not fade anytime soon. 

Poster courtesy of MGM Studios

Rate: A+ 

Director: Victor Fleming 

Starring: Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Hattie McDaniel, Leslie Howard, and Olivia de Havilland 

MPAA Rating: G 

Runtime: 4 Hours 

Synopsis:

Epic Civil War drama focuses on the life of petulant southern belle Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). Starting with her idyllic on a sprawling plantation, the film traces her survival through the tragic history of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and her tangled love affairs with Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).

Citizen Kane (1941)

It has been considered the greatest film of all time by film critics ever since its release in 1941. I quite frankly have to agree with them. It's intricate and complex narrative is one of the most entertaining of all time. The Orson Welles classic is a truly American film. It's a film that must be seen by everyone whether you live the "American Dream" or not, this film is beyond imaginative and renews a human spirit in us that even the most successful of people among us have their demons. 

It embodies the "American Dream" in such a way that it is as authentic then as it remains the same almost 80 years later. I have no doubt that this tale of the "American Dream" will remain that way for decades to come. Welles's creation is an extraordinary tale of the rise and fall of what the "American Dream" can be. 

Iconic actor and director Orson Welles's first film is one of the most unique of all time. His vision of intricacy and bewilderment is pulled off very elegantly and savvily. The direction is unique and is one of the most underappreciated ever. The narrative is as complex and unique as its direction is. What the film manages to do is put audiences on edge and keep them wondering throughout the whole film. This film remains an underappreciated cinematic gem that audiences must watch. 

Not only did Welles direct and write the film, but he is also the star of the iconic motion picture. His iconic role as the newspaper tycoon. It's one of the single greatest performances by an actor in any film. He is a brute force onscreen and delivers an extraordinary performance as the successful yet embattled Charles Foster Kane. His performance is memorable, to say the least, and it shows just how impactful the film is overall. 

Iconic film composer Bernard Herrmann's score is as iconic as the film itself. Herrmann's score has just as much elegance as the film itself. It remains just as iconic after so many years just like the film overall.   

 

The legacy of this film is ever-present. The iconic film has one of the cinemas most meaningful stories. It is a story of failure and success and should be seen by everyone. This film is more relevant than ever before with its allegorical presence. With masterful storytelling, bombastic performances, and a crushingly engrossing narrative, this film is an iconic film in every sense of the word.

Poster Courtesy of RKO Pictures 

Rate: A+ 

Director: Orson Welles 

Starring: Orson Welles, Dorothy Comingore, Joseph Cotten 

MPAA Rating: PG 

Runtime: 1 Hour & 45 Minutes 

Synopsis: 

When a reporter is assigned to decipher newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane's (Orson Welles) dying words, his investigation gradually reveals the fascinating portrait of a complex man who rose from obscurity to staggering heights. Though Kane's friend and colleague Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his mistress, Susan Alexander (Dorothy Comingore), shed fragments of light on Kane's life, the reporter fears he may never penetrate the mystery of the elusive man's final word, "Rosebud."

Uncut Gems (2019)

It's one of the most talked-about films of the past year. This drama starring Adam Sandler is beyond bizarre and strange, yet it somehow finds its way to entertain me. It's bizarre in so many ways that it somehow finds a way to entertain. It has something that Adam Sandler's past films have not had: depth. It's an intriguing film, to say the least, and I commend the Safdie brothers' direction and their writing talents, because, though the film is strange, it is a thoroughly entertaining film.  

New faces Safdie Brothers direct this thrilling drama. This is the single most odd film I've ever seen. They are able to, despite its very strange and bizarre narrative, craft a thrilling film that entertains from start to finish. The duo writes with a crisp rawness of a burst of authority with excessive profane language, it is able to emphasize the emotional drama of the film overall. 

This film is perhaps usual funnyman Adam Sandler's most poignant role to date. His role as a tough and boisterous addicted gambler & jewelry store owner is one hell of a character. He packs no punches as this tough New York-based businessman. His performance is riveting and highly compelling, all thanks to the craft that the Safdie Brothers have made here. 

Scoring the drama is Daniel Lopatin. His score is of electric and upbeat characteristics which help speed up the drama of the film overall. It helps the film be as thrilling as it is with this score. It's as fast-paced and exuberant as the film itself. 

Some films aren't just to my liking. This film is however entertaining, it's just very strange and its approach is very bombastic and flashy. That being said, I do think its a good movie, just not a great film that requires a second viewing. With the film seemingly all over the place, it just doesn't seem like a film many would be interested in watching. 

It's one of the strangest most bizarre films I've ever seen. Adam Sandler's performance is nothing short of dramatic yet somehow, this film is just not as great as it claims to be. Audiences will not go into this film with the expectation to laugh but rather indulge in the theatrics of Sandler's dramatic role in a slightly overwhelmingly odd and bizarre film that may not win over many people. 

Poster Courtesy of A24 Pictures 

Rate: C 

Starring: Adam Sandler, Kevin Garnett and  Idina Menzel 

Directors: Josh and Benny Safdie 

MPAA Rating: R  (for pervasive strong language, violence, some sexual content and brief drug use)

Runtime: 2 Hours & 15 Minutes 

Synopsis: From acclaimed filmmakers Josh and Benny Safdie comes an electrifying crime thriller about Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler), a charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score. When he makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime, Howard must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

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