Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (SPOILER) Review

     I was not able to go very in-depth in my non-spoilers review but luckily we have this separate post to get down to the nitty gritty of the newest addition to the Star Wars franchise. So if you have not seen the film then I highly recommend you click the back button and go to your local theatre now... Then come back and read this! Although you're more then welcome to read my Rogue One Non-Spoiler Review here.
     Often times when I see a new movie, and tell a friend that I've seen it they understandably get defensive and say, "Don't tell me anything about it!" In which I always sarcastically respond with, "Everyone dies!" Well, I've had to refrain from doing so with Rogue One because all of our characters actually do not make it out alive this time. What I really admired about this ending was how our main crew all received a valiant, hero's death. They all boldly went out fighting for a cause they deeply were immersed in. This ending was also incredibly fitting for the continuity of Star Wars because these Rebels are no where to be found in Episode IV-VI. It would have felt unsettling just to have them escape from Scarif.

     The continuity of this film is something that truly puts it over the edge. Since this lands right before Episode IV in the Star Wars timeline, it would have been a missed opportunity not to have previous characters such as Tarkin or Vader. Although the CGI in which we Tarkin is not perfected, I think its a bold step that needed to be taken considering how close this is to New Hope and how it would have felt weird to re-cast the role. It is a bit jarring at times but it's crazy to see how far this facial CGI technology has come in the past five years. I think there is still some work to be done especially near the eyes but I found it very fitting for the movie. Leia's moment is very short lived so I don't believe it's fair to really say if the CGI really delivered or not but it definitely fit within the timeline and story.
     Although seeing Leia was cool, the third act is heavily constructed with fantastic moments. The space battle over the beach planet Scarif is amazingly well shot and a visual spectacle. What I love about this movie is how it gets better and better as it goes on. The climax of the movie is arguably the best of any Star Wars film. We get a full space battle and an incredible land battle. It's a dream come true for any fan of the franchise.
     The highlight of the third act is Darth Vader though. Vader doesn't get a whole lot of screentime in this movie which is a smart move due to the focus on Director Orson Krennic and Grand Moff Tarkin. However, watching Vader ignite his lightsaber and cutting down Rebel soldiers is a thing of beauty. It's like watching Michael Jordan in his prime. It took all the willpower within me not to applaud every moment within this scene upon viewing it in the theater.

     Although the title is Star Wars, there has not really been a real war film within the franchise. Sure we had a CGI clone vs droid army in Episode II, but we were in no way attached to those characters. Rogue One changes that. Director Gareth Edwards does a miraculous job of bringing the grittiness of war within this universe. From the beginning, when Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) and Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) are sent by the Rebellion to find Saw Gerrera (Forrest Whitaker), we learn that Saw was dismissed by the Rebellion because his actions being too extreme. This is very reminiscent of Apocalypse Now and creates for an intriguing dynamic between Jyn and him due to the fact she was raised by Saw.
     Another reason I greatly enjoyed this film was due to the fact I read James Luceno's novel, Catalyst. This book is the lead up to Rogue One and helps to bridge some of the gaps especially between the relationship of Galen and Krennic. It's not necessary to read but I highly suggest doing so then giving the film another view.
     I covered my complaints within the non-spoiler review (link at the top) and gave a rating there, as well. If you have not checked that out then I highly recommend doing so! I am sure there are more spoilers I could get into but these are just what came to the top of my head. Please feel free to let me know of anything I am missing that you would like to discuss!

   

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (Non-Spoiler) Review

     Well it's the most magical time of the year once again. No, I am not talking about Christmas! I am talking about Star Wars! Although, this year is a tad bit different when it comes to the beloved franchise. Instead of a main episodic film, audiences got Rogue One: A Star Wars Story which is its own stand alone film that takes place right before Episode IV: A New Hope.
     This is a non-spoiler review so I will tread very lightly within this review. Rogue One focuses on a group of rebels that upon figuring about an Empirical, planet killing, space station known as the Death Star, will do whatever it takes to steal the plans to this weapon of mass destruction.
     The greatest quality about this movie is how well it ties into Episode IV. Without getting into spoilers, this movie does a fantastic amount of fan service without beating you overhead. There are certain aspects of this film that are incredibly necessary given its point within the Star Wars timeline. They took some bold steps that I believe ultimately paid off. This helps contribute to a wonderful third act of the film that'll have audiences mesmerized by the attention to detail and the sheer grittiness. The films does not focus on the Jedi and is ultimately a war film that gives off a very Apocalypse Now vibe.

     Since this is ultimately a war film, it's probably the one Star Wars film that is geared more towards adults. This film shows that the Rebellion is not perfect by anything stretch of the imagination. These two sides, the Rebellion and Empire, are not as black and white when it comes to their morals. I also really admired how much diversity this film exhibits. Much like Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this film displays great diversity in a Hollywood blockbuster which is something more big budget films should do. All the performances in this were well executed even though this movie highly emphasizes story over characters. The stand out performances come from the sarcastic droid, K2-SO (Alan Tudyk) and many others.
     There are some issues within the film though. When watching Star Wars, the score is often like its own character. The music helps to move or sweep audiences off their feet. The score for Rogue One does not do so. There are rumors that composer Michael Giacchino only had four weeks to write this score so you cannot blame him too much but it ultimately did not work within this movie.
     Another issue with this film is how long it takes to get the wheels in motion. The first half hour or so is a lot of set up and jumping around. It takes a little bit before this movie finds its direction. This movie does not have an opening crawl like the episodic films and I believe it could have benefited from one instead of jumping around so much. Overall though, the pay off within the third act is very much worth it so you cannot criticize it too much.
     Last year I loved the Force Awakens but I've seen Rogue One twice now and I believe it to be the better movie, solely because of its attention to story. This is a fantastic tie in with the original trilogy and I immediately wanted to re-watch A New Hope after seeing this.

Rating: 9.0 out of 10

FALL MOVIE REVIEWS

Howdy everyone! Unfortunately this has been an incredibly busy semester for me. Trying to balance my classes, an internship, a social life, and this blog has been more difficult then I ever expected. However, this semester I have seen quite a few films and I just wanted to update you guys on all my thoughts and feelings towards these films. So without further ado:

The Magnificent Seven (2016):
This film is a re-make to the 1960 classic, however, it is quite enjoyable and does a lot of service to the original. Although the villain is a very stereotypical and under developed, the team chemistry ultimately turns this film into a fun blockbuster.
Rating: 6.5 out of 10

The Accountant:
The latest action movie was from Warrior director, Gavin Hood, is quite enjoyable. The on-screen chemistry between lead character, Christian Wolff, played by Ben Affleck and Dana Cummings, played by Anna Kendrick is really well done. One complaint with the film is it tends to drag a little, especially towards the final act but it's enjoyable action flick nonetheless.
Rating: 7 out of 10

Doctor Strange:
The highly anticipated addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe does not let down. It's not the greatest film of the shared universe but adds a nice and refreshing touch, especially with fight choreography and visualization. Benedict Cumberbatch and Tilda Swinton are fantastic together and it'll be interesting to see where Marvel goes with the character further down the road.
Rating: 7.8 out of 10

Hacksaw Ridge:
Say what you want about director, Mel Gibson, and his personal life, but if you judge Hacksaw Ridge by the work of art and not the artist then you will love this film. Geared by amazing performances from Andrew Garfield and many others, this film captures the true heroism of a soldier that ran into battle without a gun. The battle scenes are very reminiscent of Saving Private Ryan and incredibly well directed. This snuck into my Top 5 of the year and is well worth the watch.
Rating: 9.6 out of 10

Arrival:
If you go into this movie expecting a guns blazing, sci-fi action movie then you will surely be disappointed. The latest film from Sicario director, Denis Villeneuve, is a first contact story but fantastically written. The more time I've had to ponder this movie, the more I love it. The writing takes a great, unexpected direction and it's so refreshing to see an intellectual sci-fi movie instead of just another action flick. This also managed to land in my Top 5 of the year and it's a very intriguing watch!
Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them:
Besides Star Wars, the Harry Potter series is probably my biggest devotion of fanhood. I grew up with the books and original films so I was pretty excited going into this. Although there are some story and dialogue problems, it's such a fun time returning to the wizarding world. The main four cast members of this movie work very well together and it was unique to see the wizarding world that is at hand in America. I had a lot of fun with this movie and it's a great watch for the whole family.
Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Edge of Seventeen:
Going into this movie I was really concerned if the coming of age story for a high school girl would only appeal to that demographic. However, this film most definitely proved me wrong. The characters of this movie are incredibly well fleshed out that appeals to people of all ages or gender. What really makes this movie great though is wonderful performances by Hailee Steinfeld, Woody Harrelson, and Blake Jenner. It's a fantastic movie for anyone who has been in high school and remembers the difficulties that come with it.
Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Moana:
This is the newest film from Disney Animation and I ended up really loving this movie. It's close between this and Zootopia for my favorite animated film of 2016 but this is definitely a fun watch. The music written by Lin Manuel Miranda is incredibly well done and the voice acting between newcomer, Auli'i Cravalho, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is great. I never knew The Rock could sing so well but his solo song might have stole the show. You can definitely see this film getting some Oscar nominations within the near future.
Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Well that does it for all the films I've missed out on with reviews! Let me know in the comments which films you guys have seen this Fall and which of them was favorite! Thanks!

Top 10 Movies of 2016 (So Far)

   
     2016 has definitely had its ups and downs when it comes to movies. Although this summer fell short in some aspects, there are still some shining moments. Although I have not seen two of three, The Conjuring 2, Lights Out, and Don't Breathe solidified a great summer for horror fans. Unfortunately I am a wimp and will just wait till they come out on Blu Ray. There have definitely been some good movies outside of the summer though. So I have compiled a Top 10 list for you guys. Although we have not got into the heat of Oscar season, there have definitely been some great films so far. I'd also like to state this list is my PERSONAL favorite. It's not necessarily what I think is the best made movie of the year. It's what I consider my favorite. So let's get into it!

10) Coming in that 10 spot is one of the more recent films, War Dogs. Although the film is very formulaic and predictable, the character performances from Miles Teller and Jonah Hill help make this film a lot of fun. It definitely is Wolf of Wall Street meets gun smuggling but the films is still very intriguing.

9) Next up on the list sliding into the number 9 spot is 10 Cloverfield Lane. What I loved about this film is the small, indie feel it had to it. It feels like an isolated thriller much like the original Alien. The core three actors, John Goodman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr. are fantastic in this. It falls apart a little towards the third act but is still greatly suspenseful.

8) The number 8 movie is Zootopia. 2016 has had quite a few animated hits. However, Zootopia is my favorite that I've seen so far. The best animated films are not only the ones that speak to kids but adults are entranced as well. Zootopia tells a fantastic story and has some spectacular undertones to it. Plus the voice acting of it is just phenomenal.

7) The number 7 spot has been claimed by the Merc. with the Mouth. We finally got to see Deadpool after nearly ten years of development and boy was the wait worth it. This might be the funniest of film of 2016 so far. However, the most surprising part of this film was the heart it has to it. Ryan Reynolds and Morena Baccarin have such a great chemistry. This film is such a refreshing take on the superhero genre.

6) The number 6 spot is occupied by Richard Linklater's Everybody Wants Some. What I love about Linklater is his ability to capture realism. This film follows a college baseball team in Texas and follows their shenanigans the week before classes starts. I had such an awesome time watching this and the characters are so well flushed out. Although the story is not anything crazy, it's nice to get a movie that captures life in college so beautifully.

5) The summer blockbuster season kicked off with Captain America: Civil War and it definitely deserves the number 5 spot. Looking at the task at hand with this film, there are so many characters the Russo Brothers had to fit in and they executed it so well. There's an airport scene that is one of the best action scenes that has been done in awhile. The character development of Cap and Iron-Man is so well captured in this. It's an awesomely fun movie.

4) Number 4 on the list is The Jungle Book. When you see the behind the scenes of this movie, it's crazy to think how well it was done. Neel Sethi who plays Mowgli, was the only actor on set. All the animals were done with CGI and the movie is absolutely stunning. The voice talent is phenomenal and Jon Favreau's direction is breathtaking. It's very difficult not to appreciate the movie.

3) My most recent review is number 3 on the list and that's Hell or High Water. With standout performances from Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges, this film is one of the more thrilling and well told stories of any film this year. Every scene has significance and character oriented story is such a breath of fresh air this day in age. The cinematography enhances the story by capturing the barren majority of west Texas as well.

2)  When people criticized that there are not enough original movies these days, I generally scream at them to go see this if they have not already. Number 2 on my list is The Nice Guys. What I love about Shane Black's films is his ability to capture great humor with a very intriguing story to co-align with it. Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe feed off each other so well to help make this movie such a fun time. I also love it when directors make the setting feel like its own character and Shane Black does that with 1970's Los Angeles. Unfortunately it didn't make as much at the box office as it should.

1) The prestigious number 1 spot goes to...Sing Street! This is an independent film that came out in March but it's still my favorite of the year. It tells the story about a kid who transfers to a rougher, inner city school set in Dublin, Ireland when his troubled family has to make cuts in spending. He eventually meets a girl and starts a band to impress her. What I loved so much about this movie is the family aspect. This ultimately a movie for brothers and it ultimately made me tear up (in a good way). The film takes place in the 80's and the soundtrack is phenomenal. It includes original songs and other famous hits of 80's. All the kids in this act beautifully and John Carney's direction helps to bring this film into my number 1 spot.

Alright everyone, well that's it. There are still some movies this year that I have yet to see but these are all great films that I recommend you see!

Hell or High Water Review

     Often times independent movies go unnoticed by the general audience. Usually they do not have a big market release and you can only see them in big cities. However, this does not diminish from the quality of them. It is very much refreshing to see independent films sometimes because there is not as much studio interference which helps to really let the story run its course. One particular independent movie that has been creating a buzz lately with critics is Hell or High Water directed by David Mackenzie. I had the privilege of seeing it last week and the film really delivers. Hell or High Water is such a grounded and well told story, that it could be a real contender when award season comes around.
     The film tells the story of the Howard brothers. One is an a crazy ex-con named Tanner (Ben Foster) and a struggling divorcee named Toby (Chris Pine). When both are struggle to make ends meet, they will take up the crime of bank robbing. Hitting up almost every bank in West Texas seems ideal but when local Chief of Police, Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) is hot on their tail, they will have to up their strategy.

     What makes this film work so brilliantly is the character dynamics. Pine has always been an actor to me that really shine but audiences do not get to seem enough in non-blockbuster roles. He is phenomenal in this. One reason that his performance is so fantastic is because of his co-actor. Pine and Foster feed off each so well. There is never a dull moment with their scenes. I would not be surprised to see Ben Foster get a Supporting Actor nomination when award season rolls around. The humor in this movie is so honest and the dialogue is beautifully crafted. They are not the only incredible performances in this film though. Jeff Bridges as rough, Texas Ranger is a marvelous pick. His co-officer is played by Gil Birmingham and their relationship is so exceptional. Character dynamics and dialogue gives this movie so much value.
     Great directors are able to use the setting of their movie to their advantage. David Mackenzie does just that with this. Mackenzie uses the west Texas landscape to add suspense. Mackenzie almost makes Texas feel like its own character since it's so wonderfully constructed. The music and editing help to add suspense as well. The pacing in this movie is incredible.
     There is only a minor complaint and its a nitpick so it really does not count. There's one scene in particular that's a little predictable. However, the set up and suspense is so good that it does not take away much from the movie.
     I cannot recommend this film enough. So often people complain about how we get too many reboots and remakes yet they will not go support original ideas in theaters. So go see Hell or High Water because it is absolutely excellent.

Rating: 9.9 out of 10

War Dogs Review

    There is Jonah Hill, weapon smuggling, and endless Scarface references. War Dogs should have it all, right? Although it has comedic elements, it's primarily a drama and is a good next step for director Todd Phillips. This movie has gotten very mixed reviews which makes the viewing experience appealing. Although War Dogs has some problems, it is ultimately a well directed story with very solid performances.
     War Dogs is based on the true story of two weapon smugglers named David Packouz (Miles Teller) and Efraim Diveroli (Jonah Hill). When the duo scores a $300 million contract from the Pentagon, they soon realize that the weapon smuggling business is a crazy ride.

     The directing of this film is something that very much stands out. Phillips style of directing is very reminiscent of Adam McKay's style with The Big Short. Both come from a comedic directing background and their style is very similar. The movie includes lots of freeze frames and jump cuts. The tone and structure is very much like The Wolf of Wall Street that really works for this film. Todd Phillips also directs in a way that exhibits good performances from his actors.
     The actor that stood out the most to me was Miles Teller. When this kids picks the right roles, he really shines. Audiences need him to do more films like Whiplash and War Dogs. His character was the best developed in this entire movie. Jonah Hill very much plays the same character from The Wolf of Wall Street. He does it very well though. Although the character's writing had some problems.
     Jonah Hill's character Efraim is often times very over the top. He does this weird chuckle that is humorous at the beginning but then loses its lust when it's over done. You knew exactly what this character was all about because we've seen it done in film over and over again
     The story for this movie is well directed. However, it is also very predictable at times. Without getting into spoilers, there are often times when you can tell exactly what the character's motivations are going to be. It is very formulaic and just goes through the beats. Even the soundtrack has songs that are constantly overused in films.
     The pacing of this story overall is pretty good. It only has a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. However, the first hour feels like two. It takes awhile to gain momentum. Overall though, I had a fun time with this movie. The story had me entertained and very pleasantly surprised.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10

Sausage Party Review

     When most people flock to animated movies they are generally hoping to see a fun, family movie that are mainly aimed at the demographic of young children. Well, Sausage Party is the complete opposite of that. The rated R, animated comedy uses the most of its rating in as many different ways as possible.
     Written by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Sausage Party tells the story of a sausage named Frank (Seth Rogen) who seeks the be purchased at the local grocery store due to his belief in "The Great Beyond". When Frank and his buddies discover "The Great Beyond" may just be a lie to keep the groceries in line, they will go through great obstacles to discover the real truth.

      The positives of this comedy are very much evident. The opening scene of this movie slowly escalates into hilarious vulgarity. The first act of this movie is really entertaining and there is tremendous voice talent at work. With talent such as Seth Rogen, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Danny McBride, and much more, the comedy almost always hit. Rogen and Goldberg definitely display their abilities to push the boundaries. This film touches on multiple jokes in the realm religion, race, and sex. After watching it, I felt like I needed to attend church.
     What also is admiring about the movie is the direction that the story takes. Without getting into spoilers, this movie definitely took me by surprise by where the film is primarily located. There are a lot more moving parts then anticipated.
     The shining moment of this movie though is the last 20 minutes. There is a certain montage without getting into spoilers that steals the show. It will not only make audiences super uncomfortable but will also have them rolling on the floor laughing. The first and third act of this movie are what really carry the film.
     The biggest struggle with this movie is the second act. There are often jokes that do not quite fall with the audiences and its set up for the third act takes awhile. The jokes often times getting very repetitive and it loses a bit of its taste. There is a taco played by Selma Hayek that almost felt unnecessary to the story. They pretty much played on the same joke with the character over and over again.
     Although Sausage Party is not the best work from Rogen and Goldberg, it definitely has its outstanding moments.  It not the greatest comedy but it's definitely a fun movie. I would recommend seeing it in theaters, especially with a big audience.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Stranger Things Review

     I am aware this is a Netflix exclusive and would fall more into the television spectrum. With that being said though, this episodic story feels like an eight hour movie. With all the talk around it and the great bundle of 1980 references, it was really difficult for me to turn down the opportunity to review this show. So let's get into it!
     When 12 year old Will Byers mysteriously disappears one night, the city of Hawkins, Indiana is not quite what it seems. An unpleasant government agency, a supernatural creature, and a psychokinetic girl all mysteriously stumble into this harmonious, midwestern town. With the help of a desperate mother, a rugged cop, and a group of kids, they'll soon discover that there is something more sinister at hand.

     Where to even begin with the positives of this show? The whole writing of this show is freaking superb. Never have I watched a show with only eight, one hour episodes that developed all of its characters so beautifully. There are so many moving parts to this story that writers, Matt and Ross Duffer, executed it in spectacular fashion. I read an article that stated its a Steven King script meets a Stephen Spielberg movie and that is very much evident. There are so many unique nods to the 80's that it feels like The Goonies, Star Wars, Poltergeist, The Thing, and much more bundled up into one epic story. A lot of shows/movies have tried to replicate the 80's but I am not sure any brought you there quite like this show. Plus there are some rad 80's tunes involved.
     The characters are written so magnificently. However, they are really brought to life by the performances of the show. While there are so many great performances in the show I am only going to highlight on a couple that really stood out to me.
     David Harbour plays the rough, police chief named Jim Hopper and I would be very surprised if studios are not lining up to land this guy in an upcoming film. He is very much the Han Solo like character of this series but we get this very heartbreaking backstory that helps to understand why he is so engulfed in searching for Will. Another sensational performances comes from Gaten Matarazzo who plays Dustin. Matarazzo's character is very much the comedic relief of this show but man does the kid hit it out of the park. His timing not only great but he can also be very intelligent when it is called upon the character. All the kids actors elevate this show to the next level but he is the one that really resonated with me.
     The soundtrack for this show is something that is very much in the forefront and very much should be. The creative choice by the Duffers to use synthesizers to add suspense gives it an unnerving feel very much resembling Jaws or the original Halloween score. We are also given awesome 80's jam that include The Clash, Toto, and Modern English that will make you want to go out to buy this soundtrack.
     I can honestly say there are hardly any negatives to this gorgeously crafted show. There is one nitpick and that comes from Winona Ryder who plays Will's mother, Joyce Byers. The first two or so episodes it feels like she is overacting at times. However, once her story gets into motion, she is phenomenal. So I wouldn't even consider her much of complaint.
     I can not highly recommend this show enough. I promise you that you will binge watch this show and it won't bore you for a second. It's a love letter to 80's cinema but it never feels overbearing. Please go watch this when you get the chance!

Rating: 10 out of 10

Suicide Squad Review

     The second film of the DCEU is the longly awaited Suicide Squad. After Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice was a disappointment to critics and a fair number of fans, movie goers have been incredibly intrigued to see what the reception would be for the next film in DC's playbook. Suicide Squad presents us with a government assembled team of supervillains in order to take down a bigger threat in exchange for time off their prison sentence. Well audiences have the opportunity to finally see Suicide Squad this weekend. The potential for this movie is evident when watching but it doesn't quite hit the target. While this film fantastically introduces and develops new characters of the DCEU, its plot is too chaotic and the villain is a huge setback.

      The biggest positive of this movie is some of the character writing and performances. Will Smith brings his A game as Deadshot. Going in to the film, it was a worry that Smith was going to take over the film with screen time. However his character gets a fair amount of screen time and beautifully delivers when he's up to bat. Another performer that goes above and beyond for her role is Margo Robbie as Harley Quinn. Her comedic chops were on point and she did great when action was needed. I felt like I was watching the 90's Batman cartoon portrayal of Harley Quinn. The range for her was incredible. Furthermore, the most talked about role going into this movie was Jared Leto as The Joker. I will say the sample size we get in this movie is way too small to compare him to Heath Ledger's performance. However Leto is creepy as hell in this iconic role. The writing for this character is definitely going in a different direction then any other on-screen Joker. It's a shame we did not get more scenes with him.
     Another huge positive was the chemistry with the members of the team. Most of the characters in the squad interact very well and it feels very authentic. We understand a lot of the characters motivations especially when dealing with a far more evil puppet master with Amanda Waller played by Viola Davis.
     Now we get to the negatives. The largest negative of this film is the plot. Once the squad actually starts on their mission, this movie lacks in a lot of aspects. The plot is often times very chaotic and the pacing does not allow for the scenes to develop. Its never really evident to the audiences as to what threat the squad is trying to stop in the city. Its plot is what very much makes this movie forgettable at times.
     The writing for this movie struggles a lot. The dialogue ultimately falls flat at times. Some might even think cringe worthy. There were heavy rumors that David Ayer only had 6 weeks to write this screenplay and after seeing this film it would not surprise me if this was true.
     The villain for this movie is also a huge mistake. I don't want to get into spoilers. However the villain's motivations are never stated and the performance is ultimately dull. It is very much just a stereotypical villain that wants world domination...Except we never know why she's evil, which is much worse.
     This is one of the most anticipated movies of the summer and I know people that actually really enjoyed this movie. So I cannot encourage you enough to go this movie and go decide for yourself. I run this blog not to drill you with my opinion and have you regurgitate it. My purpose running this is to communicate my ideas. When you see the film I want you to look at my views and be like "I see where's he coming from yet I disagree" or "I see where he's coming from and I actually really agree with his statements". When I state in all my posts whether or not you should see it, that's my personal opinion. So for Suicide Squad, I would say go see it because this is a very divisive movie that you should witness in the theater and develop your own opinion. However it didn't quite land for me.

Rating: 5.0 out of 10

MEGA REVIEW FOR SUMMER FILMS

     Unfortunately summer is chaotic for everyone and it is the pinnacle of movie season. Often times huge blockbusters are released in the summer time to satisfy box office needs. This is fantastic, however some of us have summer plans that interfere with seeing movies. So I have assembled a list of movies that I've seen over the past couple of months with mini-reviews and a rating. Unfortunately there are some films that I missed but I am hoping to catch them sometime in the future. Hope you guys enjoy!

Warcraft (2016)
- While this film is beautifully crafted visually and definitely takes you away to a beautiful world, its story often lacks clarity and one performance in particular brings down the film. This is not the film to break the curse of video game movies.
Rating: 5.0 out of 10

Finding Dory (2016)
- Pixar does not miss a step with this sequel to 2003's Finding Nemo. They once again find a way to make a phenomenal a film that not only is appealing to children, but will tug on the heartstrings of adults as well. The only minor complaint this film has is the pacing at times. It could have been around 20 minutes shorter.
Rating: 9.5 out of 10

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)
- While Alexander Skarsgard as Tarzan and Margo Robbie as Jane fit their roles, this film ultimately struggles with slow pacing and struggles with its identity as an origin film. Samuel Jackson's character is very much aggravating and all over the place.
Rating: 4.0 out of 10

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
- This film tries very hard to be Step Brothers and falls very flat. The jokes hardly ever land and story is as cliched as possible. I would not waste your time seeing this.
Rating: 3.0 out of 10

Ghostbusters (2016)
- While this is definitely not as good as the original and I had very low expectations, the story is very intriguing and Leslie Jones is the stand out of this film. Melissa McCarthy is very toned down which helps to make a very mediocre movie. Don't believe all the predetermined hate that arose from this movie.
Rating: 6.3 out of 10

Star Trek Beyond (2016)
- While this the most philosophical of the three newer Star Trek films and the action pieces are very well shot, this movie hardcore struggles with terrible pacing and a predictable story. This movie is carried by the great performances of the whole cast.
Rating: 6.0 out of 10

Hope this catches you guys up on some of summer movie thoughts. I am aware that some movies are missing but once again I hope to see them sometime in the near future. Thanks!

First Ever Reel Time Movie Commentary Podcast & Blog Update

Hey guys! Just a quick update but myself and a close buddy of mine Casey Atnip are going to start doing podcast for full length movie commentaries. We kicked off with X-Men: Days of Future Past. Go see all our positives, negatives, and questions for this highly pivotal X-Men movie. Be mindful that this is our first podcast so the audio or content might not be the best in the world but you'll still have a damn good time! 

https://soundcloud.com/reeltimemoviereviews/x-men-days-of-future-past-commentary

I'd also like to let you guys know that I am actually like 7 movies behind due to the fact I've been out of town the past two weeks. However I am hoping to catch up soon and do one mega blogpost with all my quick thoughts on the summer blockbusters of 2016. Thank you for all your patience. Stay classy!

The Conjuring 2 Review

     I'd like to start off by stating that I am not a big horror fan. I am a coward and I jump at nearly everything thrown at the audience. Also, I find most of the genre to be very lazy and repetitive at times. You hardly ever get good horror films with big theatrical releases. However when The Conjuring came out in 2013, it was a bit of a shocker. Warner Brothers took a risk with this summer horror film and boy did it pay off. Not only was the film received very well from the fans but critics very much enjoyed the movie as well. I had a chance to see it once it came out on Blu-Ray and although I nearly wet my pants multiple times while watching, as a whole the film is very good. The director, James Wan, writes very well fleshed out characters. When the audiences sees them being haunted, you are actually invested and concerned for them. So when the news was released James Wan was returning to direct the sequel, I was very ecstatic and I finally got a chance to see the film. Although this film is not better then the first one, it still has plenty of scares, a very compelling story, and beautifully developed characters.
     The Conjuring 2 is supposedly based off the true story of the famous Enfield Poltergeist in north London during 1977. Paranormal investigators Ed (Patrick Wilson) and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga) travel to London to help a single mother and her four children from a mysterious spirit that lingers within the house.

     There are two aspects of the film that stand out in a glorious fashion. The first is the direction. James Wan is one of the best horror directors out there and this is evident in this film. Wan uses long tracking shots and visual misdirections to really tantalize the audience. Wan also gives some terrifying moments with a demon nun. The second standout is the characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga have such spectacular chemistry and play off each other so well. You really buy into this relationship. Although this is primarily a horror film, there's also a love story at its core. Wan blends the two genres in a delightful manner. It very much enhances the story.
     Some other standouts is Madison Wolfe who plays Janet Hodgson. Janet is the daughter who has the most interactions with the demon in their house and Wan, much like the first Conjuring, does a stellar job of working with younger actors. Wan uses the family dynamic to help the audience be more invested in the characters and it works fantastically.
     There are very little complaints with this movie. One of them is the pacing. They probably could have cut a good chunk out of the second act. Another complaint is this film uses a little too much jump scares. What I loved about the first movie is the building tension and how to toys with your head. This one uses some jump scares which seems like a little bit of a cop out. However the jump scares are really terrifying.
     Although this film is not as good as the first when it comes to the film as a whole, it might be the scarier of the two. There are some really great scenes that I believe can really get a scare out of you. I highly suggest going to it the theaters with a big audience.

Rating: 8.7 out of 10
   

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Review

     Lonely Island is one of the better comedic bands out right now. So when I discovered they were making a movie, I was very eager to see what could come from it. We got Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone in Hot Rod, however Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is actually a story focused around a band with all three of the Lonely Island members. Although this film loses it momentum in the third act, it's full of great songs and hilarious moments.
     Popstar focuses around world celebrity Conner (Andy Samberg) and his solo after falling out with his group. When the solo life doesn't pan out quite the way he expected, Conner will do whatever he can to reunite with his bandmates to resurrect not only his but their careers as well.
     This movie has been noted this generation's This Is Spinal Tap and that is a fair comparison. It pulls off the music mockumentary with well placed cameos and hilarious problems that linger in music industry today. It's mostly pokes fun at Justin Bieber but there are many other antics that are a head nod to musicians in the industry today.

     The first two acts of this movie are very funny... Like gut-busting funny. Andy Samberg fits the role very well and comedically the dude does not disappoint. The chemistry between him, Taccone, and the third member, Akiva Schaffer, is phenomenal. All three of them play off each other so well. However I think one of the unsung heroes of this film is the manager, Harry, played by Tim Meadows. He is fantastic as the fickle, sleazy manager that so often surrounds the music industry.
     Another stand out of this movie is the soundtrack. Although there's one song in particular that's is underwhelming in the context of the film (which I will touch on later), a good majority of the songs are catchy and funny as hell. If you cannot get around to seeing the film, do yourself a favor and listen to this soundtrack. It has some great tracks.
     There are some duds with this movie. The main one is the third act. The momentum slows down drastically and the final song to throw the group back into the mainstream audience is very underwhelming compared to the rest of this soundtrack. Although the runtime of this movie is only 87 minutes, they could have easily lost around 20 minutes and it would have enhanced the movie.
     Although the third act drags and does not quite land, this is one of the better comedies I've seen this year. The first two acts are full of laughs, brilliant cameos, and catchy songs. This is not a particular film you have to see in theaters but if you get the chance then you should because there's some really funny moments.

Rating: 8.0 out of 10

X-Men: Apocalypse Review

     Superhero films are the hottest genre in Hollywood right now. Earlier this year audiences got to DC's Batman v. Superman and Marvel's Captain America: Civil War. However one could point out that the superhero movement ultimately started with the first X-Men (2000) movie and Fox continues to churn out films from this franchise. Although they hit some duds along the way (sorry X-Men: Last Stand and X-Men Origins: Wolverine), it ultimately regained its stride with X-Men First Class and X-Men: Days of Future Past. When we were teased with Apocalypse in the post credits scene of Days of Future Past, fans were very delighted to see a silver screen adaptation of the popular villain. Well the film has received its theatrical release and while there are some glaring issues with the movie, there are also some really excellent qualities.

     After 100s of years of entrapment, the first mutant, Apocalypse re-awakens. When Apocalypse hopes to cleanse the earth from humans with the help of his Four Horseman, it'll be up to the X-Men to stop them.

     There are some very positive aspects to this movie. An evident strength is the new cast for the younger X-Men that were set up. The big three Cyclops (Tye Sheridan), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), and Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee), all fit very well into their new roles and hopefully Fox is working on a film that focuses on these new, younger characters. Another character that was developed even more from Days of Future Past was Quicksilver (Evan Peters). The first Quicksilver slo-mo scene in Days of Future Past was spectacular because the audiences were not expecting it. While the slo-mo scene in Apocalypse is shoehorned in and not as entertaining as the first one, it is still very charming and shot beautifully. He is not my favorite character in this film though.

     My favorite character in this is Magneto (Michael Fassbender). I was very curious going into see how they would go about having Magneto joining Apocalypse to be one of his Four Horseman and it was done perfectly. Without going into spoilers, Magneto is at his lowest of low when he joins Apocalypse and audiences will see his brokenness. The development for this character over the past three movies has been done brilliantly, especially the relationship between him and Charles Xavier (James McAvoy). Fassbender has embraced and encompassed this role in an incredible way. The first half of this film with the new X-Men and Magneto's story is very well done.

     There are issues with some of the characters in this movie. The most obvious ones are the other Four Horseman besides Magneto. Storm (Alexandra Shipp), Angel (Ben Hardy), and Psylocke (Olivia Munn), are very under utilized and there was not a whole lot of logic set up for them joining Apocalypse. I understood why Apocalypse pursues them but I did not understand their side very well.

     My biggest issue with this movie is Mystique played by Jennifer Lawrence. I understand this is an alternate timeline since Days of Future Past so Mystique can be on the side of the X-Men. Unfortunately though it feels like Fox is just trying to throw Lawrence's star power in front us just to appeal to a wide market. This is not the only issue. Her performance as Mystique in this movie is not good. This felt like a cash grab for Lawrence just to show up and mail her performance in. She has stated this will probably be her last X-Men film and I certainly hope so. She's a fantastic actress but this role is not for her.

     Another issue in the film is the visual effects. I was not huge on the looks of Apocalypse and Psylocke. While I feel Oscar Isaac did well in the role, the look was off-setting. The same goes with Psylocke. I understand they were going for the comic book look. However that does not always translate well to the big screen. This movie also relied heavily on CGI and while there is nothing wrong with that if the CGI is well done, often times the shots were very repetitive. Lots of destruction shots with buildings rising which we've seen in superhero movies time after time. Also, the end scene is a bit anti-climatic and very cliched for superhero movies. I was hoping to see a bit more fighting between all the characters but it was ultimately underwhelming.

     While this movie has some issues, the first half of the film and the setup for the new X-Men is very well done. It's not as good as First Class or Days of Future Past but Apocalypse serves to the story and is an entertaining addition to this newer X-Men trilogy. 

Rating: 7.0 out of 10

The Nice Guys Review

     Good directors put a stamp on their films. Often when watching prestigious directors such as Spielberg or Kubrick, you recognize the technical and tonal elements that they incorporate into their movies. Shane Black is one of those directors. While his first film, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang not only critically but with the fans as well, while Iron Man 3 had very mixed reviews. Fortunately, Black certainly picked up from where he left off in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang with his newest film, The Nice Guys. The Nice Guys is a thrilling story and a great homage to the 1970's L.A. crime drama genre.
     The Nice Guys tells the story of an unlikely pair of P.I.'s, played by Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, investigating the mysterious death of a diminishing porn star. When the death is not all it seems, they will learn that there is much more at hand in this particular case.

     The Nice Guys makes the city of Los Angeles feel like its own character. It's a great throwback to the time and visually the cinematography looks very good. However a setting is only as good with the characters that surround it and The Nice Guys provides great character performances. Holland March (Ryan Gosling) is a single father who struggles with alcoholism and Gosling pulls off the character perfectly. Much like Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Gosling bumbles his way through this mysterious case but in a well articulated matter. Although he shows up to job often intoxicated, he's actually very cunning and is way more then meets the eye. It's difficult not to applaud Shane Black and his co-writer, Angourie Rice, on this script and these well developed characters.
     Gosling's surrounding cast is very good. Crowe plays Jackson Healy, a physical brute who is just as strong as he is smart. It's been awhile since audiences have seen Crowe in the lead role of a big feature film but he fits the role very well. Him and Gosling work very well together and you will definitely enjoy the chemistry they bring on screen.
     The story for this film is intriguing. In an age where franchise films or sequels almost completely dominate the wide release market, it's refreshing to see an original idea and pulled off so well. The only struggle this film might have is the pacing at times. Sometimes you'll be very drawn in and really enjoying the comedy, while other times can be a bit of a miss. It could have had some more gut busting moments. These are very small nitpicks.
     However I can honestly say this is in my Top 3 films of the year so far. The performances by Gosling and Crowe with this very intriguing neo-noir homage to 1970s Los Angeles, is one that I highly recommend going to see in theaters, especially since we do not get a whole ton of original ideas with a wide release.

Rating: 9.9 out of 10

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising Review

     Comedy sequels are one of the hardest obstacles to pull off in Hollywood. Not only do you have to live up the first film, but you also have to make sure that you don't get repetitive with the same jokes from the first one. While Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising sometimes relies on the same gags, this is a very much different yet enjoyable movie.
     Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising picks up with Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) not only trying to expand their family, but trying to sell their house as well. When a rowdy sorority led by Shelby (Chloe Grace Moretz) moves next door, they will do whatever it takes to push them out, even team up with a former neighbor/enemy, Teddy (Zac Efron).
     This film has some really enjoyable components to it. Including the chemistry between Mac, Kelly, and Teddy. This was one aspect that made the very first movie so amusing and the director, Nicholas Stoller, picks right up from where he left off in the first movie. There's a scene in particular, without getting into spoilers, that really showcases their chemistry. Teddy is now struggling with finding his true call in life so Mac and Kelly take him in. While the heart between Mac and Teddy is not as evident as the first movie, there are still some funny and tinder moments. The chemistry is one of many gratifying elements of the film.

     Another really pleasant aspect is the story of this movie. A worry going into the film is how it could differentiate itself from the first movie and does so in very well made manner. The first film juggled with the difficulties that lie once you graduate college. This film is much more concerned with the role of women in sororities and the standards they have to live up to compared to fraternities. This is an unexpected yet very intriguing piece of the movie.
     There are also some segments of the movie that do not perform quite well. One of those is the characters of Shelby (Chloe Grace Moretz), although the sections of the film with her and her friends established a good character dynamic, Moretz did not quite fit the role for me. I've enjoyed many of her former films but she just felt a little out of place to me in this role. Although she was not particularly poor in the role, the casting did not quite fit like it should have. I also wish the film had a bit more gut busting laugh moments. The first one had a few scenes that had me laughing my ass off. Where as this film just has some well paced chuckles.
     Overall Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is a justifiable sequel to this series which is rare in the comedy genre. While I wish there were more hilarious moments like the first and better casting at times, this is a fun movie that even if you do not catch it in theaters, you should check it out whenever it is distributed for home release.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Captain America Civil War Review

     Captain America: Civil War is one of the most prestigious comic books written today.  Mark Millar's epic, all Marvel crossover took the nerd world by storm in 2006. People were very curious to see how such a high stakes yet dangerous event could be pulled off and they were not disappointed. Upon release though, the comic was very highly praised. So when the Marvel Cinematic Universe decided to adapt it for the silver screen, people were just as cautious. Captain America: Winter Soldier was very well received among audiences and critics. So when the Russo brothers came back to direct the third film of the Captain America trilogy, the anticipation escalated and boy did they not disappoint with this movie. Although it is much different then the comic, Captain America: Civil War is a brilliantly crafted movie.
     Captain America: Civil War shows our favorite superheroes pitted against each other after governmental bill proposing that superheroes be registered and kept in check. While Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) believes this bill could ultimately bring justice for the world, Captain America (Chris Evans) is strongly opposed to the idea after the recent events of Winter Soldier. Tension rises and rises until finally our favorite heroes go toe to toe in an all out brawl.
     This film delivers in a lot of beautiful ways. The first aspect that stands out is the action choreography of this film. I can confidently say this has the best fighting scenes out of any comic book movies to this date. There's an airport scene in particular that I won't get into the spoilers of (if you haven't seen it by now) that is around 18 minutes of pure enjoyment. There are around 12 characters fighting in this massive scene and it's executed fantastically. However there are many other fighting scenes that will keep the audience fully focused in this movie. From start to finish we see some awesome fight choreography.
     Another great aspect of this movie is how well flushed out and development they make Cap and Iron Man. I went in with the attitude that I was team Cap but half way through the film I found my views identified with Iron Man's more. They excellently showed both point of views for these characters and their intentions.

     This is pretty much Avengers 2.5 and there are a lot of moving parts to this movie. They even had to introduce us to two new characters. The first was Black Panther played by Chadwick Boseman. From the second Boseman appears on screen, he kills it. The guy has such a powerful on screen presence in this film that his solo film is one of my most anticipated in the future of the MCU. From the beginning you should buy into his motivations for joining in on this fight. Another character we are introduced to is our brand new Spider-Man played by Tom Holland. First off, Spider-Man is my favorite Marvel character of all time. I was personally a big fan of Andrew Garfield's portrayal of the character even if it was more like the Peter Parker of the Ultimate Spider-Man comics. However I think Holland has the potential to beat that in his solo film slated for July 2017. It was too small of a sample size for me to say he's the best Spidey just off seeing Civil War. Although, what I saw I really enjoyed. Holland beautifully pulls off Parker in and out of the costume.
     There was only one minor complaint I had with this movie and that was the villain, Zemo (Daniel Bruhl). I had no problem with the Bruhl's portrayal of Zemo but like many other MCU films, it was a very forgettable villain. It seemed to me that he was very much a mustache twirling villain that just worked from behind the scenes and prayed everything went exactly as planned. I never really bought into this character.
     After my first viewing, I was thinking this could be my favorite comic book adaption to the big screen. However after the second viewing, I still think Winter Soldier is my favorite film of the MCU with this not far behind. I have very, very few complaints with this movie. I highly recommend going to see it in theaters if you have not already done so.

Rating: 9.8 out of 10

The Jungle Book Review

     CGI is a hotly debated topic among critics and movie fans. Films such as Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and Avatar have shown us that CGI can be pulled off in a visually, gorgeous manner. However you can get stink bombs of CGI such The Hobbit Trilogy or Gods of Egypt (although lets be real, that movie had a lot of problems). When Jon Favreau took the helm of The Jungle Book and audiences learned that the whole film would be shot in Los Angeles, people were very hesitant to the idea. Now the film has finally arrived in theaters and the results are in.
     Visually this movie is a masterpiece. Favreau and the effects department deserves a ton of praise for the work they did on this. Visual effects is already a very difficult department of the film industry but when your movie solely relies on one live action performer surrounded by CGI animals, it's pretty important that they pull it off. The jungle, the animals, everything in this movie is visually marvelous.
   

   
     Sometimes movies will go more style over substance but The Jungle Book is not that kind of movie. The story is very intriguing. Right from the start we get this high octane pace that lingers throughout the film with great performances to keep the audience invested in the characters. It's always nerve-racking watching kid actors especially when the movie is their first feature role. However Mowgli played by Neel Sethi is great. There are times when you can tell he struggles a little but nothing that takes the audience out of the film. He is surrounded by a great list of supporting actors, as well. Bill Murray as Baloo, Ben Kingley as Bagheera, and Christopher Walken as King Louie are just a few members of a very talented ensemble. The biggest standout to me was Idis Elba as Shere Kan though. The tiger has such a powerful and menacing onscreen presence. He was arguably my favorite part of this entire movie.
     There are few things to complain about with this movie. The only aspect that comes to the top of my head is the tone of this movie. It's was a lot darker then I expect but then there are a couple of musical numbers in it. The "Bear Necessities" scene was pulled off very well done but "I Wanna Be Like You" felt a little out of place. King Louie sounded great but I am not sure it necessarily fit the tone of the movie well. That's a very small nitpick though.
     Overall this movie is FANTASTIC. It's a beautiful mix of style and substance that I wish more directors would get on board with. The tone sometimes struggles but that's a very small nitpick

Rating: 9.7 out of 10

   

Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Review

     When Batman v. Superman was announced at the 2012 San Diego Comic Con nerds everywhere rejoiced in celebration. They had finally gotten what they wanted. We've been waiting years and years to see Batman and Superman on the big screen together. Well it's finally been released and nerds everywhere still might be rejoicing but if so then their cries are much weaker. While this film has its moments of glory, it ultimately struggles.

     Batman v. Superman begins with quite a thriller of an introduction. The film opens with us once again seeing Thomas (Jeffery Dean Morgan) and Martha Wayne (Maggie Grace) being shot while young Bruce must stand by and witness this pivotal massacre. While the murder of Bruce's parents has been done over and over again, it is essential to be shown here because it serves to the brutal Batman (Ben Affleck) introduced in this movie. Affleck was the best aspect of this movie and shuts out all the hate he received upon the announcement of him being cast. If you're a fan of Frank Miller's Batman adaptations then Affleck will be right up your alley. This is by far the most brutal Batman that we've ever seen on the big screen. However he can also turn on the Bruce Wayne charm when necessary. The scenes between him and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) are executed very well Gadot was the real pleasant surprise of this movie. Although she didn't have a lot of dialogue, she handled herself very well and captured the character. This component of the movie gives me hope that she'll be able to hold her own in her future solo movie slated for 2017.
     The director, Zack Snyder, is well known for his films being visually breathtaking and Batman v. Superman certainly has its moments. The end fight sequence is beautifully choreographed and I have to give Snyder credit where it's due. It's apparent that Snyder thinks shot by shot on what he wants. He also takes quite a bold move in how a certain factor of the film unfolds and it's difficult not to admire this risk presented before the audience. Unfortunately he lacks in other aspects.
     Snyder's biggest problem is his lack of storytelling. Often times in this movie, Snyder leaves many events unexplained. I don't want to tread into spoiler territory but it's quite recognizable upon seeing the film. Often times he does not hit the mark on where the tone of this film should go. This is not Synder's only problem though. This movie is very weirdly edited. There are many moving parts to this story and this is ultimately Snyder's downfall. There were moments when they would cut back to a particular character and I would have to remind myself what that character was doing because it had been so long since we had visited them.
     There is also the character of Lex Luthor (Jessie Eisenberg). While I see what Snyder was going for, the character of Lex often felt over the top and cartoonish. There were glimmers of evil but it would quickly be defused by another gimmicky act.
     Another of Snyder's dilemma that hinders the potential of this movie is the fact they are trying to set up for the Justice League movie. DC is taking quite the opposite approach compared to Marvel. Instead of a bunch of solo films focusing on a single hero, they are taking the route of giving us the Justice League movie quite early in their slate. Unfortunately this puts a lot more pressure on Snyder and his introduction to the other heroes just seemed like a shoe in.
     While this movie has some really fantastically choreographed action scenes, it lacks very much in story and character development. Overall for me the bad barely outweighs the good. However I would recommend going to see this in theaters because we've waited years to see Batman and Superman on the big screen together. The potential is there if DC would reach out and take a hold of it. However DC has to take great strides if it wishes to catch up with the critical success of Marvel.

Rating: 5.9 out of 10

Zootopia Review

     Because who doesn't love animals running around in clothes and doing human activities? Not only does Disney's Zootopia look great but this story also has a lot of heart at its core. This is one of those animated features that will not only capture the hearts of kids but adults as well.
     Zootopia tells the story of Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin), a young bunny that has just joined the police corp of Zootopia. With the help of a con artist fox named Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman), Hopps hopes to uncover the mystery of all the strange disappearances within the city.
   

     There are many positive aspects of this film. Lets start off with the look of the film. I am not very knowledgable when it comes to the animated realm but the shot selection in this movie is very intriguing for an animated film. Directors Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and Jared Bush did a phenomenal job with making this animation feel like a cinematic live action film. They also beautifully draw from other movies and TV shows. There's a scene that's a complete parody of The Godfather that will have you laughing your ass off.
     The characters in this film were very well drawn out. Jason Bateman is the perfect fit for the voice of Nick Wilde and plays the character in a beautifully, maniacal manner. While at the beginning of the movie he's a bit of a sleaze, the audience sees his transformation into a good hearted fox. This movie is full of other stars as well including JK Simmons, Idris Elba, Bonnie Hunt, and Shakira.
 

     I can only think of a few negative aspects of this movie. At times this movie gets a little predictable and goes off of what we've seen from other animated feature films. We know from the get-go as soon as Hopps enters the city of Zootopia and we see all the different regions of the city that Hopps will go to each one in her investigation. It felt much like Pixar's Inside Out and seeing Joy travel all around the mind of her human. Another complaint would probably be the humor. While there are a lot of scenes in this movie that will have you laughing, the pacing of the humor could have been better executed instead of us having to wait around so long for the next laugh out loud scene.
     Zootopia is a fun movie that highly recommend taking the family to see. Not only will the kids laugh but there are certain scenes where the adults will really enjoy. It will definitely bring a smile to your face.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10