A Quiet Place Part 2 (2021)

One of the most anticipated films of the year is finally in theaters. The sequel to the smash-hit horror film is a phenomenal film.  It is more less of a horror film but rather a suspense thriller movie. We have been wait for over a year for this film and it was definitely worth the wait. What makes this film so unique is its thrill factor and over suspense of the whole thing. It is truly one of the most suspenseful films of the year. It is even more suspenseful than the first movie. 

John Krasinski comes back to direct the sequel and it is even better than the first film. It is way more suspenseful and adds to the thrill factor. He adds to the scare factor too with the sound sensitive monsters wrecking havoc on the world. The depth of this film is much bigger and the intensity of this film shows that it is. 

The film stars Emily Blunt and Krasinski as the couple in the film that tries to evade the dangers of the monsters that hunt those who create sound. Co-starring are: Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe. Their performances (with the new addition of Murphy in the film) are all thrilling throughout the entire film. 

Another very important part of the film is the integration of sign language in the film. This was also a huge part in the first film as well, so this is just a continuation of that. It's really unique because Simmonds is deaf in real life so I thing that is a great part of the movie to include sign language while also casting an actor with a disability in the film as well. 

To keep the thrill and suspense factors going, Marco Beltrami returns to craft yet another thrilling score. It keeps the thrill alive throughout the entire film. While accompanying the film, it is yet another exciting part of the film altogether. 

Audiences have waited for over a year to see the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 horror suspense film. The sequel lives up to the hype and is one of the best films of the year. This film has upped the level of suspense with this film and it was undoubtedly worth the year long wait to see the amazing film. 

Poster courtesy of Paramount

Rate: A 

Director: John Krasinski 

Starring: John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds and Noah Jupe

MPAA Rating: PG-13 ( (Terror|Bloody/Disturbing Images|Violence)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 35 Minutes

Cruella (2021)

One of the most iconic Disney villains gets the big-screen treatment in this highly anticipated origin film. The film is the second live-action film based off of one of Disney's most villainous foes. 2014's Maleficient starring Angelina Jolie played the iconic "Sleeping Beauty" villain ever so fierce. Now it's Emma Stone's role of the infamous Cruella De Vil. The cool thing about this film is that it gives viewers an origin into how our favorite Disney baddies turned evil. This new film is honestly my favorite live-action Disney film to date. This film is stylish, sexy, and fierce, it's entertaining from start to finish. 

I can't think of anyone who would be better than Emma Stone in this role. She is a tour de force and is electric and sassy. Her performance is amazing and her portrayal of the title role. Her chemistry opposite Emma Thompson is also fantastic and exciting throughout the entire film. 

Thompsons supporting role as the main rival to the character is very similar to that of Meryl Streeps' "The Devil Wears Prada" character in which she plays a bossy fashion designer. Her role is just as exciting and devilish as the title character is.

Director Craig Gillespie brings the classic iconic villain to life in a spectacular way. The ambiance of the film is delightfully dreary and the overall appeal of the time period of the film 1970's England is stunning because it fits into the personality of the character and the story altogether. This film is unique in every sense of the word. 

To complement such a devilishly entertaining film, a score by Nicholas Britell makes this film as charming as it can be. It's sophisticated enough for the film to give off the punk like attitude it gives off. In addition to the score, a mix of iconic songs from the 70's and 80's make this film even more entertaining. 

It is the best live-action "Disney" film to date. With so much to offer with its fantastic cast, stunning costumes, action packed fun and the delightfully crafted score, this film demands to be seen. It's the most unique of any live-action film from the studio to date. It's an irresistable ride and it can't be missed. 

Poster courtesy of Disney+

Rate: A

Director: Craig Gillespie 

Starring: Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter-Hauser, Joel Fry and Mark Strong

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for Thematic elements and some violence) 

Runtime: 2 Hours and 16 Minutes 

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

One of the biggest and most anticipated movies of the year is finally out and it's been a long time coming. The abrupt departure of Zack Snyder in the 2017 theatrical version of the film was changed due to a family emergency, which caused the film to change directors, leaving Snyders's vision left incomplete. He was replaced by Joss Whedon, "The Avengers" director. Though the 2017 edition of the film was not as successful as it could've been this new version and the fan-given name "The Snyder Cut" is much more exciting than the original theatrical cut.

If it wasn't for the fan outcry and demand to release this version of the film, we would've probably never have seen it. It is very surprising because it blew me away. This new entry into the "DCEU" (DC Extended Universe) is mind-blowing and it will surprise audiences. 

Zack Snyder finally gives audiences the gargantuan spectacle they have been waiting for. It is massively entertaining and is jam-packed with even more action than the original 2017 version. This is quite possibly his best film. The attention to detail, depth, and the story are insane and there is so much that he does that expands on the theatrical Whedon version of the film. More villainy, more action and it is sweet. This is the film that we have been waiting for. It is one of the best DC Comics movies yet. 

The cast like before is the star studded line up returning: Gal Gadots' "Wonder Woman", Henry Cavills' "Superman", Ben Afflecks' "Batman" and Jason Momoas' "Aquaman" are amazing in this film. They once again knock it out of the park in this film. They all even deliver even more awesomeness than in the original 2017 version. 

Each character throughout the whole film gets even more screen time versus the original film. Their performances in this new version of the "Justice League" are action-packed, fun and exciting through the whole film. 

Scoring the "Snyder Cut" is Tom Holkenborg aka Junkie XL. Holkenborg previously scored the Batman Vs Superman film in collaboration with Hans Zimmer. His score in this new film is electrifying and magnifies the films tension and pivitol moments with robustness that make the film even more dark than before. 

It has been a long time coming for this film and the time is now. This film is a showstopping superhero epic thriller that was well worth the wait. It offers so much more given its massive runtime and that should excite fans well enough to watch the film. It is a smash hit and it is one of the more surprising and thoroughly entertaining film from DC Comics in recent years. And it definitely is way better than the first version of the film by a long shot, it is that fantastic. 

Poster Courtesy of HBO Max 

Rate: A 

Director: Zack Snyder 

Starring: Henry Cavill, Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Amy Adams, Ray Fisher, with Diane Lane and Laurence Fishbourne

MPAA Rating: R (for language and violence) 

Runtime: 4 Hours & 2 Minutes

Synopsis: In ZACK SNYDER'S JUSTICE LEAGUE, determined to ensure Superman's (Henry Cavill) ultimate sacrifice was not in vain, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) aligns forces with Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) with plans to recruit a team of metahumans to protect the world from an approaching threat of catastrophic proportions. The task proves more difficult than Bruce imagined, as each of the recruits must face the demons of their own pasts to transcend that which has held them back, allowing them to come together, finally forming an unprecedented league of heroes. Now united, Batman (Affleck), Wonder Woman (Gadot), Aquaman (Jason Momoa), Cyborg (Ray Fisher) and The Flash (Ezra Miller) may be too late to save the planet from Steppenwolf, DeSaad and Darkseid and their dreadful intentions.

The Spongebob Movie: Sponge On The Run (2021)

The third film to the long-running kid's show lives up to the legacy of the series. It has that same slapstick and genuine hilarity of the show and that's why the films have been a tremendous success due to the faithful approach that stays true to the energy of the source material. What makes this film especially different from the two previous films, is that this film is completely CGI and is the first of the three films to have this style of animation. This new film is one of the best of the three because of its stunning animation and its comedic efforts that are reminiscent of that of the show. 

Long-time series writer Tim Hill directs and writes this new film. Hill has made this film utterly beautiful and keeps the magic of this film alive and makes this film live up to the legacy status of the show. The animation like I said before, is beautiful and the first fully CGI animated film from the series. Hill's vision is truly beholden to the show's iconic comedic efforts, story, and animation. 

Voicing the favorite iconic characters are the original cast from the show. Just like always, the series' iconic cast voices the characters in the amusing and hilarious way we like it. They all do yet another great job at playing the characters we have known and loved for years. I have no doubt that along with this movie, the cast will remain an iconic force in animation for generations to come. 

The story in the film is essentially a longer version of one of the show's early episodes. It is similar in plot but expands and tweaks the story to differ from the episode in which the plot takes after. This take on that same plot is better than the original episode because it is more entertaining and it has more to the story to offer. 

Scoring the film are Hans Zimmer and frequent collaborator Steve Mazarro. Their score is as jubilant and upbeat as the film itself. The score adds to the beauty of the film and the overall ambiance of it all. The music keeps the film alive with its upbeat and jubilant qualities.  

For two decades, the iconic yellow sponge and friends have made entertainment for all ages and it has remained iconic ever since. The new film is a delight to audiences who have remained loyal fans of the series. This film shows once again that the legacy of the show and the iconic title character will live on in history as among the best shows in animation for years to come.

Poster courtesy of Paramount+ and Nickelodeon Movies

Rate: B+

Starring: Tom Kenny, Bill Fagerbakke, Carolyn Lawrence, Mr. Lawrence, Rodger Bumpass, Clancy Brown, with Awkwafina, and Keanu Reeves

Director: Tim Hill 

MPAA Rating: PG (for Rude Humor|Mild Language|Some Thematic Elements)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes 

Synopsis: When SpongeBob SquarePants' beloved pet snail Gary goes missing, a path of clues leads SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick to the powerful King Poseidon, who has Gary held captive in the Lost City of Atlantic City. On their mission to save Gary, SpongeBob and the Bikini Bottom gang team up for a heroic and hilarious journey, where they discover nothing is stronger than the power of friendship.

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.