Black Widow (2021)

Starting the MCU's Phase 4 saga, is the standalone solo film centered on Scarlett Johansson's iconic Black Widow. Taking place immediately after the events of "Captain America: Civil War", the film follows Black Widow on the run from the US government and "SHIELD". This is the final outing for Scarlett Johansson's iconic character, given the events of "Avengers: Endgame". I'd say this is one way to end the role in spectacular fashion. This film is everything I would expect from Marvel and this film was well worth the years long wait. 

As always, Johansson shines and brings all the action. Her final outing as the iconic character is once again amazing. It is the closure to an epic span of seven film appearances for the character. Co-starring are: Florence Pugh, David Harbour  and Rachel Weisz. They are a stellar addition to MCU and they also add to the action as well. A bittersweet moment in the MCU as we say farewell to Johansson in the role of Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow. 

Newcomer to the MCU, director Cate Shortland, crafts a massive spy thriller type movie. It is cross between "Jason Bourne, James Bond and Mission: Impossible" rolled into one with a female lead. It's one of the most action packed films of the MCU and it lives up to the hype and anticipation which has been what feels like has been forever. 

The action, the music and the story are all fantastic. The film is filled with twists and turns and is undoubtedly one of the best of the movies so far in the MCU. The action tops those of some previous films in the Marvel filmography. Though the story does start off a bit slow with a back story, the film is great through the rest of it. 

Crafting the action packed films score is Lorne Balfe (Mission Impossible: Fallout). His score is just as action packed as the film. It may even be dramatic just like the film. It adds to the action and all the thrills. 

For seven films in 10 years, Scarlett Johansson's Black Widow has been a staple in the MCU. The character that audiences fell in love with during her second appearance in the MCU was 2012's "The Avengers" but the first was a show stealing debut in "Iron Man 2". 

Since then, her farewell in "Endgame" was a shocking yet now fitting conclusion to her iconic character. She goes out in style with this final time we see her in the MCU. This film is undoubtedly a bittersweet and action packed film that will delight fans. 

The film is the second woman lead solo film in the MCU, with Captain Marvel being the first. I think that since both films are out, this film is much better than "Captain Marvel" by far. This is due to, in my opinion, because audiences have seen more of the iconic Black Widow character in more films and have had an emotional connection to it as well. 

This first film in the fourth phase in the "MCU" is a knock out. It is fantastic in every sense possible. The film is a wonderfully made film that serves as the last hurrah to the character. Fans will no doubt be pleased and thrilled by this film, even though it is the last appearance of Black Widow. 

Poster courtesy of Disney+ and Marvel Studios

Rate: A-

Director: Cate Shortland

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Florence Pugh, Rachel Weisz, David Harbour and Ray Winstone

MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Some Language, Intense Violence, Action, Thematic Material)

Runtime: 2 Hours and 15 Minutes

Synopsis: Natasha Romanoff, aka Black Widow, confronts the darker parts of her ledger when a dangerous conspiracy with ties to her past arises. Pursued by a force that will stop at nothing to bring her down, Natasha must deal with her history as a spy, and the broken relationships left in her wake long before she became an Avenger.

Luca (2021)

Pixar is widely known for its originality and beautiful animation. With that being said, this new film is flawless. It is unique in every way imaginable. Audiences expect nothing less of the films from Pixar and this is an absolute delight throughout the whole film. Beautifully animated and a heartfelt and comedic story, this film is yet another spectacular entry from the beloved studio. 

Making his directorial debut, Pixar short film director Enrico Casarosa, crafts an utterly amazing feature. It is heartwarming, comedic and very memorable. The film is one of the most unique of the Pixar filmography so far and this film is worth watching. His direction is unique in every sense of the word. I have no doubt that this film will rank high among my favorite films from the studio so far. 

Starring as the title character is Jacob Tremblay (Wonder, Room). Tremblay's performance as the lead character is fun and emotional with comedic effort. He is able to bring to life such an amazing film with an exciting and upbeat voice talent. Costarring alongside him are Jack Dylan Grazer (IT, Shazam), Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan. Grazer plays the friend of Luca. The two have a chemistry that is very magnetic and undoubtedly memorable. Gaffigan and Rudolph play the main characters sea monster parents in a comedic fashion throughout the whole film. 

One of the most surprising moments of the film, is that one of the characters has a physical disability. This character is missing his arm and is one of the few characters portrayed as having a disability. This is a major win for inclusion of disability in film and I couldn't be anymore thrilled that this was included as part of the film. 

As I have said, the animation is spectacular. With that being said, the animation style in the film reminds me of the animation style of the British animated studio "Aardman". The character design reminds me of the characters seen in their films and I think that is unintentional but it is a comparison I am making.

The films music is also very bright and jovial. The music blends into the entire film. Composer Dan Romer makes the score just as beautiful as the film itself and it adds to the excitement. 

One of the best things about films from "Pixar" is the imagination. Their films are always so original and unique. Same goes for this beautifully crafted film. It is a sight to see and audiences will no doubt fall in awe over the films spectacular animation. The film I think is one of the best films from the studio so far. 

Poster courtesy of Pixar and Disney

Rate: A 

Director: Enrico Casarosa

Starring: Jacob Tremblay, Jack Dylan Grazer, Maya Rudolph and Jim Gaffigan

MPAA Rating: PG (for Some Thematic Elements, Brief Violence, Rude Humor, Language)

Runtime: 1 Hour and 40 Minutes

Synopsis: Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar's original feature film "Luca" is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water's surface.

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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.