Tom and Jerry (2021)

One of the most iconic tv duos in history finally gets the big-screen treatment. Hanna-Barbera's "Tom and Jerry" is one of the most and if not the oldest rivals in television history. It has delighted audiences for over 80 years, now, a new generation can enjoy the timeless shenanigans of the famous cat and mouse duo. It is filled with nostailgia and the classic slapstick humor we have known for years. This film is a delight for all fans and a new era of fans. 

Director Tim Story makes this film fun for the whole family. It is playful and has the same original charm it has always had. It is a comedy film that audiences new and old will enjoy because it brings that classic charm of the characters back. Story uses that nostailgia by making the film as enjoyable as the classic cartoons were. 

Now, the film is a great piece of nostailgia but it overall is a bit dry and cringy. The writing is generic in plot and the dialogue is just straight up weird. The script makes this film mediocre in the sense that it has potential but it fails to adequately present itself as a quality film that can capture the attention of the old generations that grew up watching the iconic characters. 

Not only is the dialogue and writing overall bad, but the acting is ten times worse. It's embarrassingly awkward and had zero potential of having an emotional and lasting impression on the audience. Chloe Grace Moretz and Michael Pena do an awful job at trying to be funny. It is surprising however on Pena's part because he is far more funny in the "Marvel" movies. Moretz's attempt at humor is just plain sad. Not really any good comedic stuff from her. 

One of the other few good parts about this film is the music. Mixed with the score by Christopher Lennertz are popular songs. Lennertz score is jubilatious and as upbeat as the original short films music as well. 

For decades, the classic wit and slapstick humor of "Tom and Jerry" have made generations laugh and smile. This film attempts to bring old audiences back for a feeling of nostailgia but it ultimately serves better at getting the satisfaction of a new generation of audiences that would enjoy the film more than the generations that grew up on the classic duo. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros.

Rate: C

Director: Tim Story 

Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Michael Pena, Colin Jost, Ken Jeong and Rob Delaney

MPAA Rating: PG (for Rude Humor|Cartoon Violence|Brief Language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 41 Minutes 

Synopsis: A legendary rivalry reemerges when Jerry moves into New York City's finest hotel on the eve of the wedding of the century, forcing the desperate event planner to hire Tom to get rid of him. As mayhem ensues, the escalating cat-and-mouse battle soon threatens to destroy her career, the wedding, and possibly the hotel itself.

Judas and The Black Messiah (2021)

This film's thrilling premise based on an FBI informant infiltrating the Illinois Black Panther Party in the late 1960s is very interesting and thrilling. It tackles an important event in history that many people such as myself had not heard of this story. More recently, there have been several films that have tackled touchy subjects like this one. Spike Lee's "BlacKkKlansman" is another film like this very similar in premise but also this film may be as dark as the latter but this film is a thrilling yet haunting painting of a time in history that impacted so many people. 

Leads Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield are electric in the film. Kaluuya's "Fred Hampton" the leader of the "Illinois Black Panther Party" is a disturbing look into this organization's chapter and he gives a phenomenal yet disturbing performance as the controversial figure. On the other hand, Stanfields role as an "FBI" informant infiltrating the "IL BPP" is just as electric as the lead. His performance is gripping and compelling albeit a fantastic part of the film. The two also have excellent chemistry on screen and that should be one of the highlights of the film. 

Director Shaka King makes an utterly dark yet very informative film that intrigues audiences. Her vision is one that is detailed and is a haunting feature to behold. King also pens the screenplay. Her script is very detailed and compelling enough to have an emotional connection that makes the film more gripping than it already is. 

With all this being said, one of the few issues I had with this film, is that I found it slightly confusing and I couldn't relate to or understand the complexities of this film overall. Don't get me wrong, it's a good movie, I just felt like this film is made for the Black community because they could possibly relate to this film and its subject matter. 

One of the most recent films to first debut on a streaming platform while simultaneously releasing in theaters, this film is extraordinary for some, but others may not find this film as relevant as it is to other people. This film is good, but I just can't say that this is a film I absolutely related to or quite frankly enjoyed. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: B- 

Director: Shaka King

Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, LaKeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons 

MPAA Rating: R (for Violence & Pervasive Language)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 6 Minutes 

The Little Things (2021)

This crime-murder mystery film is suspenseful but lacks any real connection to audiences that aren't true crime fanatics. With a star-studded film with Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, you think that they would deliver showstopping and thrilling performances, right? Well, I mean they do somewhat in a way deliver compelling yet dull performances in the film. I would like to add that fans of true crime will be thoroughly entertained by this film even if occasional true crime fans don't like it. 

When it comes to the star power of Denzel Washington and Rami Malek, you would think that they would deliver stellar performances right? Not in the slightest. Granted they do some good with action sequences and the genuinely suspenseful parts of the film. But with that being said, their performances are rife with wasted potential. 

Director John Lee Hancock makes this film utterly dull but there are some good that come out of the film. Just like the acting, this films direction is filled with wasted potential that often feels too much. Hancock tries to make the film as suspenseful and thrilling as possible but it also is wasted potential because of the dull and confusing albeit just flat out odd. 

To make the film a bit less wasted in potential, Thomas Newman (Skyfall), makes a score that tries to balance the films mediocrity with a blend of sound that is electric and suspenseful just like the film in a way. The score may even be one of the few things that make this film successful. 

With a film in the true crime genre one would expect depth and emotional intensity. One does not get that with this film. It is very dull and at best mediocre suspense. Not really a whole lot of suspense worthy moments in this film. It just tries way too hard to be a thrilling and suspenseful film. With that being said, yes there are a few good things about this film as mentioned earlier, but it lacks what the film is supposed to be, a suspense thriller. As far as I'm concerned, fanatics of true crime will like this film, but the occasional true crime fan, like myself, will not really be thrilled at all by this film. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: C- 

Director: John Lee Hancock 

Starring: Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek

MPAA Rating: R (for violent/disturbing images, language and full nudity) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 7 Minutes 

Synopsis: 

Deputy Sheriff Joe "Deke" Deacon joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer who's terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke's past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.

The Marksman (2021)

One thing most films Liam Neeson has been in are the same kind of movie. But he does a great job in films of this nature in which he proves he is indeed one of the best action stars in cinema. Even if films he has done in the past don't match up to this one, it is still one of his better action films. This is one of the few films that surprises at every turn even if the film starts off a bit too slow. This film starts the year off on a good but a bit slow note, but it is a great film to watch if you are fans of Liam Neeson and action film altogether. 

Like I said before, Neeson is in a lot of the same action films. But, with that being said, this one is actually a lot better than prior action films he has been in. This film is one of his better action films but the pacing of the film is a bit off but that does not mean that this film is complete trash. 

The action sequences in this film with Neeson are just what you would expect from his filmography. Another bit is that he does play the same kind of character in most of his action films. But this one is better in the emotional connection and the authenticity of his character. The action is exciting and very thrilling which will get the attention of the audience and get them hooked very quickly. 

Director Robert Lorenz makes this film as entertaining as possible but falters on depth and imagination because of the film's somewhat muddled plot and progression. He does however make this film another exciting action film that will rank among one of Neeson's best, not the best, but among his best action films. Lorenz uses the setting of the West and it is fitting for the film and gives off "tough guy" vibes. His work is another exciting and albeit a bit of a slow and formulaic film. 

As I said earlier, this film is good and is another solid Liam Neeson thriller, but it does have some issues that hinder it from being even more exciting than it is. Not only that, but the film's script is a bit dull with no real connection to what is going on. It is a bit too cheesy for an action film but it still makes for an exciting narrative. 

Revving up the action with the score is television and film composer Sean Callery. His score is as exciting and fast-paced as the film itself. With sounds fitting with classic westerns, this score takes it with a unique twist on the sounds of old western films. 

As I have said, the action films starring Neeson in the past have sometimes all been the same, this one included. However there is something about the film that makes it enjoyable, it's the action and his charisma that make this film an exciting but slow and muddled film. It may not be his best action work but it is satisfying enough to thrill audiences. 

Poster courtesy of Open Road Films

Rate: B-

Director: Robert Lorenz 

Starring: Liam Neeson, Kathryn Winnick, Juan Pablo Raba, Jacob Perez, and Teresa Ruiz

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Runtime:  1 Hour & 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Jim is a former Marine who lives a solitary life as a rancher along the Arizona-Mexican border. But his peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when he tries to protect a boy on the run from members of a vicious cartel.

Soul (2020)

The irresistibility of "Pixar" films is their charm and uniqueness. Audiences fawn over their films because of their ability to connect to audiences and leave an impact on them. The studios' recent hits like "Onward" and "Inside Out" are some of the studios' other features that have had an emotional intensity to them which made them a mature in nature film as well. This new film is another emotional film with stunning animation. 

It keeps getting more and more adult every time a new film from "Pixar" comes out and I don't see that changing any time soon because the studio has found a way to make films more grown-up than in years past. 

Starring in the film is Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey. Foxx stars as the lead protagonist, a band teacher who dreams of being a famous jazz musician. His performance in the film is entertaining, joyous, and exuberant in nature. It also comes across as comedic at times which is a plus. Tina Fey's character and performance are just as likable as her costar and it is just as comedic. 

Like with every film "Pixar" has made, the animation is dazzling and spectacular. This film remains within the range of dazzling animation and is as big of a spectacle as you would imagine a film from the studio to be. Director Pete Docter once again showing off his talent in this next "Pixar" film. The film shines everywhere. From the magical animation, the deep thought-provoking premise, and the music, this film is one of the other films in the mature-grown-up category of films from the studio. 

Scoring the magnificent film is  Trent Reznor, Jon Batiste, Atticus Ross. The trio of music makers creates a score that is jazzy and rhythm and blues. It also at times is electric and upbeat. The score is a perfect element to blend with the ambiance of the film altogether. 

Despite the unique and magic qualities of the film, I had noticed a few things I thought were offputting. These things include the character designs that I thought were wacky and unlike other films from the studio in the past. I also thought that the story, no matter the uniqueness of it is, I think it was a bit all over the place. It went everywhere without any idea to make sense of the film overall, which may throw viewers off a bit. 

One of the best things about animated films is their ability to enchant audiences with dazzling imagery and an interesting story. "Pixar" is no exception to this standard. With each and every film they make the animation and stories are all stellar beyond expectations. This film may fall a bit short of films before it, but it still is another solid animated feature from "Pixar". 

Poster courtesy of Disney-Pixar

Rate: B 

Director: Pete Docter 

Starring: Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Daveed Diggs, June Squibb, and Questlove

MPAA Rating: PG (for some language and thematic elements) 

Runtime: 1 Hour and 47 Minutes 

Synopsis: Joe is a middle-school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is jazz -- and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have a soul.

Wonder Woman: 1984 (2020)

Three years following the blockbuster smash hit "Wonder Woman", a follow-up to the smash hit proves to be more than a fantastic sequel. It is worth the long wait. This film ups its game on every level. The action is even more packed than the previous installment. The sheer awe and wonder of this film are overwhelmed with joy and entertainment that this film cannot be missed out for fans of superhero films and fans of "Wonder Woman". The film will be a hit for decades to come. 

Fans of the first film fell in love with leading woman Gal Gadot in her role as "Wonder Woman". Her outing once again as the lasso swinging heroine is irresistible and undoubtedly fun. Her portrayal of the mighty warrior is outstanding and I fell in love all over again with the character. Not only does she shine in the film but new faces to the franchise: Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal are some of the best villains in the DC Comics "Extended Universe" so far. 

What took me by surprise was Kristen Wiig's casting as the villain because she is more of a comedic actress and not dramatic as her character in the film. Her role as villain number one, "Cheetah", is unexpectedly a good one and very entertaining. Meanwhile, Pedro Pascals role as villain number two, "Maxwell Lord" is just as conniving and deceitful as "Cheetah". His portrayal is also very surprising to say the least. 

Returning to helm this sequel is Patty Jenkins. She was practically a not-so well known filmmaker three years ago prior to the first film and is now an amazing director once again with this installment to the DC "Extended Universe". Her work with this film is energetic and action-packed once again. It may be more exciting than the 2017 original. Jenkins does it again at proving to make her mark as a director of superhero films. 

The film is brought to a modern age in the 1980's so colorfully which I think is a major achievement. Seeing the film take place in a pivtol and exciting decade in history gives audiences the ability to see "Wonder Woman" experience the modern world for the first time. With the classic 80's imagery of malls and other shopping outlets, it's cause for reminiscing and nostalgia. 

Legendary composer Hans Zimmer,"The Dark Knight Trilogy, Man of Steel and Batman vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice" returns at making his craft in a superhero film. Zimmer isn't a stranger to these films and he knows exactly how to make a film be as lively as it can be with his music for the film. His theme for Wonder Woman used in "Batman Vs. Superman" returns in an updated version and incorporated throughout the whole film. He once again makes an incredible score for a superhero film. 

She has been an iconic character for decades. The eponymously titled "Wonder Woman" gets an adaptation worth waiting for and definitely worth watching. When the first film came out, it was the first of its kind in the DC "Extended Universe", a standalone heroine film. Now that a sequel follows, it remains one of the best franchises in the DC "Extended Universe", but this film is an absolutely marvelous spectacle that will delight audiences everywhere. 

Poster courtesy of Warner Bros. 

Rate: A 

Director: Patty Jenkins

Starring: Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig and Pedro Pascal

MPAA Rating: PG-13  (for violence and sequences of action) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 30 Minutes 

Mulan (2020)

A new thing now is to reboot films. But if you're "Disney", you are going to remake your animated classics.  Almost all of the films Disney has made within the last 30 years and even some years before that have gotten the reboot treatment. The 1998 original Mulan, is the latest film to get the reboot treatment. It's completely different from the original film. So much more action, stunning visuals, and a new take on the classic animated film are some of the few remakes from "Disney" that actually does better than expected. This is one of the best remakes to one of the studios' classic animated films. 

Actress ‎Liu Yifei stars as the main character and absolutely kills it in the film. Her portrayal of the iconic Disney character is more developed in that the audiences a new look at the character in a different and unique way. She is fierce and fits really well in the character altogether. Her take on the character is fresh and draws audiences into the new world in Mulan. 

Director Niki Caro helms this remake and makes it as exciting as the original film, despite important differences No songs and Mushu the dragon. But the film is still entertaining. However, it is one of the darker and more mature remakes from "Disney". The reason being is the action sequences and the stunts in the film. Due to these factors, the film is the first reboot from the studio to receive a PG-13 rating. It seems to top the original film in that aspect. Caro's vision stays true in honoring the legacy of the 1998 animated original. This will delight audiences even if it misses some key moments. 

The same old story just an updated telling of it. The film's writing isn't that good but it's not all the way terrible. I just think it could've been better in the aspects of the emotional connection and story lacking a fresh authentic feel like it's new and completely separate from the original film. Other than that, this film is a solid remake and another good film from "Disney". 

Scoring this remake is Harry Gregson-Williams. The score is enchanted with sounds that dominate Chinese culture which makes this film even more entertaining and it fits right into it. It is as exciting as the film itself. 

One of the biggest trends in the film industry now is rebooting films in a live-action format in which the originals were animated. This reboot of one of "Disney's" animated hits is a great one but also a bit more on the darker side. Though the writing could've been a lot better, and some key moments from the original film were left out, this film still proves to be another exceptional and albeit very surprising to audiences, a great film.  

Rate: B

Director: Niki Caro 

Starring: Liu Yifei, Donnie Yen, Tzi Ma, Jason Scott Lee, Yoson An, Ron Yuan with Gong Li and Jet Li

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours

Synopsis: To save her ailing father from serving in the Imperial Army, a fearless young woman disguises herself as a man to battle northern invaders in China.

Poster courtesy of Disney