Well, ladies, and gentlemen, today, things are going to be changed up a little bit. The reason being is that we will be reviewing a film that was released in theaters just 25 years ago. Oh, but that’s not all. Today, the film that we are reviewing was just re-released in theaters just a couple weeks ago as a 25th anniversary edition. What’s more is that it won not one, not two, but apparently even Academy Awards like Best Original Song, Best Director, Best Picture, and more. Did this film deserve all those Oscars a while back? Well, let’s find out as we talk about the one, and only Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, and others.

Plot: A fictional character named Rose Calvert (Gloria Stuart plays the elder Rose, while Kate Winslet plays younger Rose, when her last name was originally Butaker) recaps to a group of marine scientists about her experience on the voyage of the Titanic ship that sailed from Southampton, England, and attempted to sail to America, but was ultimately sunk after hitting a large iceberg over 80 years before.

Now, for the million dollar question! Did Titanic deserve to receive as many Golden Globe Awards, and Academy Awards as it did in the end? Also, did it deserve to perform surprisingly well at the box office? Well, let me put it to you all this way. There have been times when there have been films throughout the years that won awards that they shouldn’t have won in the end. However, there are other films that did deserve those awards that they won. I’m delighted to tell you all that Titanic happens to fall in the latter category. First of all, the way the story is structured, with it starting out in almost the present day (or present day at the time this film was released), and then having us go back to the time when the Titanic first sailed, works really well. Yes, the film could have just been set in 1912, when the ship sailed, and sank, and been done with it. And yes, the main character, Rose Calvert (formerly Butaker when the film flashes back to the character in her younger years) was a fictional character, as were characters like Jack Dawson, Cal Hockley, Spicer Lovejoy, Liszt Calvert, Brock Lovett, and all of them. Still, how often has it been that a film based on a true story hasn’t taken liberties, included fictional characters that weren’t part of the real event, and things like that? Plus, adding these elements adds more layers to the Titanic event anyway. Also, as you hear elder Rose go more in depth of her experience with being on the Titanic ship, you’d be surprised to hear how her journey went. In addition to this, it will serve as a reminder of how different people do in fact have different perspectives about certain situations around them. I won’t go into details, but let’s just say that you’d be surprised as to how, and why Rose saw things differently from many people that surrounded her. Anyway, even if this Titanic film may feel more like a love story than anything else, and may have been more dramatized compared to the actual event, it does seem to do quite well with trying to remain faithful to the telling of the whole story with Titanic. Not to mention that the film does well with depicting quite a few aspects of the Titanic event, from some of the crew members ignorantly saying that “not even God could sink the Titanic” (yeah, never good to make statements like that) to the downfall of the ship, and more. Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, Suzy Amis, Kathy Bates, Victor Garber, Bernard Hill, and the rest of the cast were just phenomenal with their performances. Billy Zane was especially great as the main antagonist of this film that almost seemed like Gaston from Beauty & The Beast, but likely worse. James Horner’s score was also phenomenal as well. Honestly, I’m sorry that I don’t own the soundtrack for this film, because this score most definitely seems to be out of this world. Definitely was great to see Horner get an Oscar for his score with this film. His score can range from being calm, and soothing, to being really dramatic when it needs to be. He most definitely knew how to use his score to engage the audience even more with this film. In addition to all of this, Titanic was great at not sugarcoating this story at any given point. Now, should this film haven been over three hours long? Well, if this film dragged at points, probably not. However, Titanic hardly, if ever, drags at all. It does well with maintaining a steady pace with it’s story. James Cameron did well when he made films like this, and Avatar later on. Oh, and the cinematography was spectacular. It’s understandable as to why this film won an award in that category as well. Oh, and even if you don’t get to hear it until the end credits, who wouldn’t want to sing “My Heart Will Go On.” It is undoubtedly a powerful song that deserved the Oscar for Best Original Song. Yes, “At The Beginning” (Anastasia), and “Go The Distance” (Hercules), which also got nominated for Best Original Song, were good songs too. Still, something about Titanic’s “My Heart Will Go On” is so amazing that you may want to hear it several times more.

But are there any downsides to this film? Well, the only one that I can think of is that there were a couple points where Rose’s character development was lacking at least a little bit. I don’t know how to explain it except that she made one, or two choices that let’s just could have come off as feeling a little random. You still understand her motives, but it could have been handled a little better.

And that’s my review for Titanic. Honestly, it is most definitely worth seeing. The characters are likable, and memorable, the story is understandably long, and possibly even unique, the score is amazing, and the action is great. All to say, whenever you see this film, if you haven’t already, you’ll be glad that you did in the end. If you have never seen Titanic at all over the last 25 years that it’s been out, definitely do so. Either see it while it’s still in theaters a little longer, or rent it somehow. Yes, the ending may be somewhat of a surprise. Still, you’ll definitely find a great many things to enjoy about it in the end. Don’t believe me!?! Well, just watch it, and see for yourself then!

Final Grade: A

Well, everyone, today, we shall have my last movie review of the week. This time, it is a mystery detective film that stars people like Liam Neeson. Presenting to you all my review of the one, and only Marlowe.

Plot: Set in 1939, an heiress named Clare Cavendish (Diane Kruger) asks private detective Philip Marlowe (Liam Neeson) to investigate about what happened to an ex-lover of hers. Will Marlowe find out the mystery in the end?

Okay, first of all, it is great to see a detective film come out for the first time in, well, a while. It’s also interesting to see this film take place around a time like WWII. And what’s more, it’s not too surprising that this film was as violent as it ended up being in the end. Not only that, but this film doesn’t sugarcoat how much corruption there seemed to be in the US even back then. Sure, morals may have gone down much worse when God was taken out of public schools in the 1960s, but it doesn’t change the fact that there were still gangs, and things like that even before then. Anyway, David Holmes has a superb score that fits well with a time period like the 1930s, and 1940s. The cast is also really good, especially with Liam Neeson, and Diane Kruger. No, the latter may not be a detective. Still, both main characters work really well off of each other. Plus, how could one not like Liam Neeson being in this film. Much like Tom Hanks, one could probably almost anything that he’s in. The acting, overall, is spot on as well. Anyhow, the storyline is also really good. It almost has this Sherlock Holmes vibe to it. Yes, it may feel complex at times, but still really enjoyable. Oh, and another thing to mention! If you have plans to see Marlowe, make sure you see it at a time when you don’t feel even remotely tired, or don’t feel tempted to doze off. It will probably be hard for you to follow the film otherwise. Okay, the movie may not feel as complex as say one like Inception, but still. There’s also really good action, and a good climax as well.

And that’s my review for Marlowe. I understand it may be one of my shorter reviews. Still, I hope that what I said will convince others to go, and see it. That is if you want a film with great writing, good characters, a good mystery, and more. Well, if you want a film with all of these good elements, along with great acting, definitely see Marlowe, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A+

Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we shall be hanging out with the superheroes of the Marvel Studios gang, and hang out with some of the Avengers, particularly with Ant-Man, and his family to explore some new worlds. About time we got to hang out with Ant-Man again, eh? Well, let’s discuss Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania.

Plot: After it is discovered that Scott/Ant-Man, and Hope Lang’s/Wasp’s daughter, Cassie (Kathryn Newton) has been using particles to send communications to the Quantum Realm, a problem occurs that causes Ant-Man, Wasp, Cassie, and Hope’s parents, Hank (Michael Douglas), Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) to be sucked down to the Quantum Realm. When there, it is discovered that a great evil has befallen that world in the form of a leader (Jonathan Majors) that wants to destroy the Realm, and all of the world. Can Ant-Man, and the gang stop him before it’s too late?

Okay, first of all, I would like to ask, why on Earth did this film get a low score of 47% on Rotten Tomatoes? Do most professional critics not understand the true meaning of a good story? Were they upset about there not being any gay, or lesbian characters in this particular Marvel superhero film? Is it both reasons, and maybe even more? Well, one could only speculate. Either way, please don’t listen to what the majority of critics are saying for this particular film. I mean in the past, there have been plenty of films that I have understood where critics were coming from, whether it was when films like The Lion King, and Zootopia got really high scores, and extremely good reviews, or when Home On The Range got mixed to negative reviews, you name it. Even back then, there were times when I disagreed with some of the reviews that critics gave a film, like when The Joker got a really high score, or The Chronicles Of Narnia: Prince Caspian got mixed reviews for some reason. Well, with Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, either I’m missing something, or maybe I just have to respect the opinions of the critics, and maybe even some of the audience viewers. You got me! Either way, if you plan to see this film, go into it with an open mind. First of all, the Quantum Realm, though we could have maybe gotten to know the world a little more, and maybe even the citizens of that realm a little more, the place consists of a mostly great world building. For one, the characters there are very likable, and fun. There’s even this one alien like creature that especially has a great sense of humor, and delivered some really fun jokes throughout the film. One might even go so far as to say that he might be a better version of a character like Jar Jar Binks from the Star Wars prequels, or someone like that. And as for the rest of the main cast like Scott, Hope, Cassie, you name it, how can you go wrong with these characters? In this third film, Cassie, for being a newer character, is very well fleshed out in this third film of the Ant-Man film series. Anyway, speaking of Star Wars, Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania does a surprisingly excellent job of acting like both a Marvel superhero film, and a Star Wars type of film as well. Okay, it may not start that way. However, when we, the audience, enter the Quantum Realm (aka Quantumania), it’s almost like the filmmakers may have taken inspiration from Star Wars. Hard to believe? Well, get this, then. Some of the creatures, and aliens seem to have personalities, and behaviors similar to those of Star Wars, some of the homes, and technology have a Star Wars type of feel, and things like those as well. Next, there’s the music by Christophe Beck. Man, did he do awesome with the score. He really helps set you in the mood, be it the good parts, the action scenes, you name it. Additionally, just like with many Marvel films, Ant-Man & The Wasp is incredibly funny. Yes, the alien in the space suit is most hilarious this time around. However, quite a few other characters bring some rather comedic lines as well. And another thing! Who wouldn’t want to see Bill Murray at one point during this film. I won’t say what character he plays, or what his character does. However, let’s just say that it’s interesting what they did to his character. Finally, there’s the climax of this film. Again, I’m not going to say how that turns out. However, I will say that you’d be surprised by how much raw emotion is contained in this climax, along with how well many of the characters get developed especially during this portion of the film. And of course the climax lasts just the right amount.

And that’s my review for Ant-Man& The Wasp: Quantumania. Despite there being a tiny bit of character development lacking, the movie is overall really well done. The characters are likable overall, the world of Quantumania is well done, especially having a Star Wars few to it, the climax is surprisingly excellent, and well-written, and choreographed, and the acting, and actor are also great. Plus, considering how woke some of the more recent Marvel films have been with them putting in gay characters, or unnecessary things like those, this film is a nice welcome back to movies not pushing the gay agenda. If this continues to perform well at the box office, hopefully even Marvel films will slowly reign back to normal, the way that they were before. So, go see Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A

Alright, everyone, today we are going to be reviewing a film that has a mix live-action, and animation, and that was released exclusively to Disney+ just a couple months ago, back around Thanksgiving of this past year, as a matter of fact. And it’s not just any live-action/animation hybrid film, but it is a sequel to a popular Disney film that was released just fifteen years before, in 2007, and featured Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and more. And now, most of that cast from that film, known as Enchanted, returns in this sequel to that film, the one, and only, 2022’s Disenchanted. So now, let’s see how Disenchanted compares to it’s predecessor, Enchanted, shall we?

Plot: Set ten years after the events of Enchanted, Robert (Patrick Dempsey), and Giselle (Amy Adams) are now happily married, and have a new child of their own, in addition to Robert’s daughter, Morgan (now a teenager, and played by Gabriella Baldacchino). However, after starting to feel unsatisfied with life in New York City, Robert, Giselle, their daughter Morgan, and their newborn, Sofia, decide to move to a fictional suburban town called Monroeville. After things begin to go wrong while living in their new home, and Giselle is given a wishing wand by old friends Prince Edward (James Marsden), and his queen, Nancy (Idina Menzel), who come from Andalusia to visit them, and present Sophia with a wishing wand, Giselle decides to use it to wish that her family’s life was a “perfect fairytale.” Will this wish make life better for Giselle, Robert, and their family, or will Giselle come to regret making that wish?

So, as I’m sure many of us know, this sequel was released exclusively to Disney+ just as the first film would reach it’s 15th anniversary. With that said, did we need a sequel in the end? Was it necessary? Quite honestly, no! Okay, it’s an okay follow up to the original Enchanted. However, Disenchanted was probably not the best sequel for Disney to come out with. Yes, there were some good lessons to take away from this film, even though those may have been executed in better films. And yes, the acting was very good, especially from Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, and of course Gabriella Baldacchino, who played teenage Morgan. The 2D hand-drawn animation for the scenes where we’re taken back to the kingdom of Andalasia, is also superb. Quite honestly, if Disney is willing to take a stab, or two, at hand-drawn animation again for any of their upcoming projects from Walt Disney Animation Studios, then hopefully the will be just as great, if not better, than it was for the animation here in Disenchanted. Anyway, the score by Alan Menken was also very good. I mean, come on, he’s most definitely a musical genius whenever composes especially for any Disney film (case in point, Enchanted, The Little Mermaid, or Pocahontas, for example). Finally, the film did have some rather comical lines, and moments as well.

With all those being said, Disenchanted is still not the best. The reason being is, well, there’s the story, for one. Don’t get me wrong, it is the nice idea with the kind of storyline that the writers were trying to convey this time around. And yeah, it was nice to see Morgan be a teenager, and end up having conflicts with either of her parents, and her having to learn some valuable lessons along the way. Still, it’s safe to say that there are other movies out there that seem to execute this kind of storyline better than in this one. Plus, if all of the main characters were memorable to you in the first film, let’s just say you probably won’t like how some of them are handled in this sequel, especially characters like Giselle, and her chipmunk pal, Pip. As for the ending, it was most certainly a decent ending, but probably felt a little too rushed. With issues such as these, it’s safe to say that Disney needs to get more back in the game of coming up with original ideas, instead of these sequels, and remakes, and all of those things, and milking out franchises, you know?

And that’s my review for Disenchanted. It may be an okay sequel. However, it probably wasn’t the best one to exist. If you liked the first film, probably stick just with that one. While there may be worse sequels out there, this one either could have had a better storyline, or, better yet, not existed at all. If you’re looking something newer to watch on Disney+, then I guess you could go worse. Just don’t expect one of the best sequels out there.

Final Grade: C+

Well, everyone, hope you are all back by a great week, and that you all had a fun Valentine’s Day this past Tuesday, whether you have a significant other, or are surprisingly single for the time being. Well, with that said, today, we are going to be diving into the world of documentary films. This time around, we will dive into a documentary that may likely be somewhat unique from your typical documentary movie. So, with that said, let’s be in the lives of the Suskind family, and their journey in their documentary film that was released back in 2016. It is the one, and only, Life, Animated.

Plot: The movie delves into some of the life of Owen Suskind, a man who, at 3 years old, was diagnosed with autism. It then takes the audience on his journey from his childhood, and into some of his early to mid-adult years, and how, when diagnosed with autism, lost his speech for a while. Along the way, we get to witness how Owen’s folks, Rob, and Cornelia, and his older brother, Walter helped Owen regain his speech again, and attempt to communicate with the world around him through watching animated films, particularly those animated films from Walt Disney Animation Studios (i.e. films like Bambi, Aladdin, The Lion King, Hercules, and some of those films), and pretending to interact with some of the fictional animated characters from some of those films.

I will say that part of me was rather surprised to not have first seen this film back in 2016, especially after seeing a trailer for it. I will admit that after watching it, I can kind of relate to Owen, despite not having autism myself. However, I do have Asperger’s Syndrome, which is said to be a step down from autism. Not only that, but I can recall memorizing quite a few animated films, and a few live-action ones as well, when I was younger. Wow, and not to mention that my folks sometimes retell about how, when I was a really, really young kid, I apparently memorized all of the animated version of Charlotte’s Web (which was of course made by Paramount Pictures, and Hanna-Barbera, not Disney).

Anyway, sorry, I just thought I’d take a moment to mention that. Now that that’s out of the way, how is Life, Animated? Well, I’m delighted to say that this film is really fun even for a documentary. Okay, that’s not to say that documentaries aren’t fun to begin with. They can be fun if people would let them be fun, depending on the topics that are covered in any particular documentary film. However, I will just say this, it is pleasantly surprising how enjoyable this one in particular is. First of all, especially for those of us who like Disney animated films, or even animated films that were not made by Disney, I think a lot of us will like this film even more. I mean we get to see clips, and footage of certain animated films from the past. How cool is that? Not only that, but instead of the footage being real-life footage 100% of the time, some of Owen’s life ends up being drawn in the form of animation as well. It’s intriguing how well done some of the animation scenes of this film are. This is especially true when it comes to a scene that, let’s just say, was so clever, and brilliantly well done shortly after the very beginning of this film. Additionally, it’s cool how Owen creatively uses Disney’s animated films in particular to help him either cope, or just joyfully interact with the world around him, as well as use them in different ways to parallel events happening in his life in many different ways. So, with that said, will most people enjoy this film, or will it be mostly those with autism, or even other special needs that enjoy this film? Well, let me put it to you all this way, ladies and gentlemen! First of all, people with autism, or Asperger’s Syndrome, or any other minor, or major disability, or that has issues that impair a person’s social skills, will most likely be the ones to appreciate Life, Animated even more so than those that don’t have those types of social impairments. However, that doesn’t mean that people who don’t have those types of impairments won’t enjoy this film to one degree, or another as well. In fact, I would say that if you’re a parent, or even a young kid, or teenager, or basically any other age for that matter, you should see this film. For one, this film will probably help more people to realize that people with social impairments matter too, and that we should love, and care for them just as much as those without social impairments. That is especially since those with autism, Asperger’s, Down syndrome, you name it have seemed to be ignored, and shunned by society more than those without those kinds of deals. Two, this film will probably help people to realize that people with social impairments end up having rather unique, and intriguing narrow interests. Finally, Life, Animated will help serve as a reminder that people with social issues like these fail to read the room more often than not. Oh, and another thing! If you’re a parent with young kids, definitely have your kids sit down with you to watch it. This film will likely prepare them for issues that they will face as they get older. What’s more is that because of the fact that this film has a most intriguing, and peculiar ending, that will probably help people to have a better understanding about life even more.

Honestly, the only downside might be when Walter ended up giving, or at least thought about giving some advice to Owen at one point that, let’s just say, wasn’t the best. And that’s all I’ll say about that. Moreover, they could have maybe expanded on one, or two people from this documentary that seemed to be slightly underdeveloped. And that’s my review for Life, Animated. It is a fun documentary that will hopefully be eye-opening, but especially fun overall. If you want a documentary that’s fun, upbeat, and interesting, then definitely see this film. Hopefully after seeing this film, it will help us to think about the feelings of those with autism, or any other social impairments, even more so. So, definitely make a point to see Life, Animated, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A-

Well, everyone, as we all know, the Super Bowl occurred as of recently! So, in celebration of that being the case, it would seem as if Paramount Pictures decided to release a film that revolved around a year in which the Super Bowl took place in the past. So now, let’s discuss 80 For Brady (wow, kind of a mouthful, eh?).

Plot: Set in the year 2017, it’s discovered that Tom Brady, and the New England Patriots have won so many games, and are now in the Super Bowl. Meanwhile, a group of four women (played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field) win four tickets to go to the Super Bowl. Now, once they go there, will they develop relationships that last a lifetime, or will they end up having the worst times of their lives while there?

Okay, so just be aware that even though this film was set in a more recent year like 2017, this film is NOT based on a true story. This film is still a fictional one. That being said, is this film still good? Absolutely. Granted, when it comes to some of the jokes, older people in their 40s, 50s, or 60s, and beyond might get, and appreciate those a little more than those in their younger years. Still, this movie is very funny at times. Also, how could we not appreciate the fact that people like Tom Brady, Guy Fieri, and other real people end up making cameo appearances in this film? Again, people who are really big football fans will appreciate that all the more. Even then, those who are not football fans even quite nearly as much may probably still enjoy seeing those cameo appearances in this film. As for the acting, wow, it is great. From start to finish, Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and especially Sally Field deliver, and really put themselves into the shoes of these characters really well. Also, who doesn’t enjoy a film especially with Sally Field? That is considering other roles that she’s been in like Mrs. Doubtfire, Amazing Spider-Man, the voice of Sassy in the two Homeward Bound films, and others, you know? The other three female actors are hilarious as well, especially Lily Tomlin during some of the scenes that she’s in. Next, there is the score by John Debney. Okay, his score may not be Oscar worthy, but that doesn’t change the fact that it’s still fun nonetheless. Oh, on that subject as well, I was surprised to hear that Debney not only scored in films like this film, but also in films like 1997’s Liar Liar, 2000’s The Emperor’s New Groove, 2002’s Snow Dogs, and quite a few other films as well. He definitely knows how to make situations more epic, or simply to make situations more calm, jazzy, or whatever else. Even though he may not get nominated for Best Original Score for this film, Debney should for sure get nominated, and maybe even win one of these years. He certainly seems to be an underrated music composer. This film seems to be one of many films to serve proof of that. Additionally, there is the story as well. Granted there are some cliches in this film that could have probably been handled a little better. Still, the movie does work overall. I mean not only does the story work for the most part, but the characters are likable as well. Even some of the underdeveloped characters seem to be even a little bit memorable. Yeah, definitely saying a lot, wouldn’t you say? Not only that, but in a day, and age where a lot of films seem to have immoral scenes, convoluted messages, and scenes that are really inappropriate, it is also nice to have a movie like this one that has a nice story, likable characters, scenes that are appropriate for the most part, and things like those. Oh, and there are some very good messages in this film as well. Honestly, the only downside may be that there are one, or two characters that seem slightly underdeveloped, but not my a whole lot.

And that’s my review for 80 For Brady. Although there are some scenes that may not be the best, at least they’re not inappropriate to the point of being vulgar, or even unbearable for that matter. I mean with some other films that have had some vulgar stuff in more recent years, or even months, at least we can be grateful that 80 For Brady is one of those films that you can basically enjoy without having to cringe at any given point. The film may have a slight flaw, but it’s still very good overall. If you want to see a movie about football, one in which people enjoy that sport, along with events like the Super Bowl, likable characters, and a film with much more clean humor, then all the more reason to see this film. Not to mention that the cast for this film seemed perfect. Well, I’ll just say go see 80 For Brady! You’ll have a fun time with it, I’m sure.

Final Grade: A

Okay, so, I apparently have one more film from 2022 to review. It is a film that takes place in 2010. It’s also based on a novel that was released back in 2018 by author Miriam Toews. Always nice to have some historical fiction involved, he? So, with that said, let’s discuss Women Talking.

Plot: Set in the year 2010, a colony of Mennonite women have begun to have a problem of getting raped by some of the men that live in their community. So one day, some of the women come together in a private place, and decide whether or not to stay, and forgive the rapists, or leave, and attempt to find a new life somewhere else.

Okay, first of all, after seeing this movie, I found myself wondering, do people in the Mennonite community have strange beliefs when it comes to trying not forgive others, and other things along those lines? Oh, and another thing! Do people that consider themselves part of a Mennonite community believe more in living in a more rural environment, away from the city life, just like the communities such as the Amish one, for instance? Well, one way, or another, after watching movies like Women Talking, or even other films with storylines similar to it, as well as with similar settings, you will probably asking questions like those, and maybe even more. That is if you haven’t already. Having said all that, the movie is also really good. The film does not shy away from the harsh things that have happened in communities like this one. I was surprised to also discover that this film was based on a novel that was just released a few years ago. Now, chances are there may be more detail in the book than in the film. But, come on, that’s almost always the case when it comes to adapting a movie from a book, is it not? Anyhow, the actors, and actresses bring so much raw emotion, and overall life into these characters. Ben Whishaw also plays one of the rare to few male characters. Let me tell you, even he does well. It is so amazing how well done the acting is overall in this film. Additionally, it’s good how the movie shows how different people have different outlooks on situations, and that any one person may analyze any situation differently than the other person might. Finally, the movie is excellent at telling how one must always consciously forgive others, no matter how difficult it may be, or how badly that person hurt you. Again, yes, easier said than done, but still.

And that’s my review for Women Talking. If you want to see a film with a more rural setting, and/or a film that gives you the opportunity to have a taste at another culture, then all the more reason to see this film. There are great lessons to take away from it, the cinematography is fabulous, the characters are likable, despite some of them being frustrating sometimes, and a beautiful score. If you haven’t seen it, I would most definitely recommend it. So go see it, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A+

Ladies and gentlemen, today, we now have twenty more film reviews until we reach the next milestone. As for what I will be reviewing for the 600th review, let’s just say that I do at least have a couple choices in mind. I won’t give away what those choices are, but once we get closer, I’ll have my decision made for that, and we’ll just go from there. In the meantime, we review a new mystery/thriller film that was directed by M. Night Shamalayan (who, of course, directed films like The Sixth Sense, The Village, Signs, and some films like those). So now, let’s discuss his newest film, Knock At The Cabin.

Plot: When some visitors come, and intrude on a cabin that’s owned by two fathers (Ben Aldridge, and Jonathan Groff), and their adopted Asian daughter, Wen (Kristen Cui), they inform the owners that they’ll have to sacrifice one of themselves in order to stop an apocalypse from occurring. Believing this to be bogus, fights, and unwarranted sacrifices end up occurring in the process. That being said, will one of the dads, or the daughter have to be sacrificed, or will it turn out that something else is going on?

Okay, first of all, why would a director like M. Night Shamalayan have a couple of the main characters be homosexual ones? Is he one of the main characters who’s part of the culture shock, along with nearly the rest of Hollywood? such a pity, if that’s the case. It probably would have been better if the parents were a normal husband, and wife couple. But whatever. Additionally, there was a scene around the beginning of the film that, let’s just say might have been a little creepy even by adult standards. Okay, especially since this film is rated R, hardly any young kids will see this film, but still.

Aside from those items, Knock At The Cabin is a very good film. Part of me had worried that the film was going to be boring at first. Thankful, that was far from the case. The film finds ways to be suspenseful, even if most of the story takes place at the family cabin. Yes, the film can be a little too violent at times. However, whenever any potential gory scenes occur, the film, more often than not, shies away from some of the blood being shown. Yeah, after seeing too much gore in a film like M3GAN, that was most definitely a nice change, especially for an R-rated film. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the movie cast includes Rupert Grint, whose roles included playing Ronald Weasley in the Harry Potter franchise? Even though his character wasn’t in the film quite nearly as long as the others, he still did a great job in the role. And yeah, so did the rest of the cast. There were also some very interesting twists especially near the end of the film. Finally, the film was also a good reminder about how it’s good to think critically about situations, and trying to see through any potential deceptions that might occur.

And that’s my review for Knock At The Cabin. Aside from one, or two flaws, the film is definitely another good work from M. Night Shamalayan. Even if it may not be quite as good as Shamalayan’s other works, this film is definitely worth watching. Definitely see Knock At The Cabin, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A-

Well, everyone, today, we are going to be reviewing the newest film to have a legendary actor by the name of Tom Hanks be in it. Presenting to you all a movie in which Tom plays a grumpy widower. Presenting to you all the one, and only, A Man Called Otto!

Plot: After losing his wife six months before this film began it’s story, Otto Anderson (Tom Hanks), a grumpy widower that lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, begins to feel so sad, and depressed that he begins to do some crazy things. But when some new neighbors move one, including Marisol (Mariana Trevino), her husband, Tommy (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and their daughters, Abby, and Luna (Alessandra Perez, and Christiana Montoya) move into his neighborhood, will these new neighbors help bring more happiness, and joy into his life?

Okay, first of all, this film may drag a little bit at times. And yeah, the movie may be a little too sad, and depressing to a point. However, what makes this film still really good is that, for one, how could one not like the fact that Tom Hanks starred in this film? I mean anything that he’s been, from Forrest Gump, to Cast Away, to Elvis, and even films that he’s voiced in like the Toy Story films, and The Polar Express, this is another one of those films in which Hanks really is the glue that holds this film together. There is also really good lighting in this film as well, particularly when there are flashback scenes that occur throughout the course of this film. The relationships are also beautifully well-written as well. It’s also cool how quirky some of them are. This is especially the case for Marisol. Let me tell you, if you like Hispanic people that have a unique sense of humor, you’ll also like Marisol as well, in addition to Otto. Marisol really helps steal the show as well. It’s also great how her husband, Tommy, Otto, and the two daughters help Marisol overcome certain obstacles that she faces throughout the course of this film. Oh, and did I forget to mention the score by Randy Newman’s cousin, Thomas Newman? Okay, for those of you who don’t know who Randy Newman is, he performed the score, and songs for many of Disney/Pixar films like the Toy Story trilogy. Well, Thomas Newman has scored in films as well, like this one, Pay It Forward, and the 2003 Disney/Pixar film, Finding Nemo. Well, his score for A Man Called Otto is rather amazing. Honestly, there’s a part of me that wouldn’t mind purchasing the soundtrack for this film. Okay, that may sound bias a little, but still. Finally, the movie does teach some really great lessons, particularly about learning to let go of any pain of the past, and learning to truly live again!

And that’s my review for A Man Called Otto. It is a really good film with fun characters, a beautiful score by Thomas Newman, and some amazing lessons to take away from it! I would say that if you haven’t seen A Man Called Otto, definitely make it a point to do so. It is worth seeing. Plus, with Tom Hanks in it, it makes this film worth seeing even more. So yeah, go see it, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A

Everyone, today, we are going to be reviewing a movie that was only in theaters for four days this past week. It is actually based on a Christian book series that was written by two authors by the name of Tim Lahore, and Jerry B. Jenkins. Presenting to you all a review of a film that is based on that series, the one, and only, movie version of Left Behind: Rise Of The Antichrist!

Plot: When an airplane pilot named Rayford Steele (Kevin Sorbo), and a small group of people discover that the Rapture has occurred, will they, and any other people that are still remaining on Earth come to have a relationship with Jesus either before, or during the time of the Tribulation that is about to occur?

Well, first of all, it was great to see a new theatrically released Left Behind film since, well, we had the last one with Nicholas Cage back in 2014. Not to mention that, this time around, we have Christian actor Kevin Sorbo (who was previously in films like Soul Surfer, and God’s Not Dead 1, for instance) included in this cast this time around. Speaking of which, not only does he do well, but so do the rest of the cast members playing in their respective roles in this film. Man, even the one that plays the Antichrist character, or ones who play other villain roles are just so phenomenal, and do really well with being a villain. Of course same goes for those who play the protagonists, but still. It’s also interesting how Sorbo plays a character likely similar to the one that he played in God’s Not Dead 1. Oh, and this film does well with surprisingly acting like a good action film at times. You’d be stunned by how suspenseful some of those moments are. Oh, and did I forget to mention that there is a scene around the last half of the movie that is really dark, and creepy, but still really well done? The way it is set up is really cool. I won’t say what happens, but let’s just say that one, and every other scene is so well-written up. But this scene in particular, that is. As for the story overall, even if the movie directors, and authors Tim Lahaye, and Jerry B. Jenkins might most likely be inaccurate about how the Rapture, and the events leading up to the Second Coming Of Christ might be inaccurate (although God only knows about that for sure), the storyline of this film, like most, if not all, of the other Left Behind movies is very well executed. And of course the music, how can you go wrong with the score? Additionally, it’s interesting how there are references to things from other Christian films as well. Strangely enough, there are quite a few Easter eggs in Left Behind: Rise Of The Antichrist. Finally, the movie does well with showing that people can truly understand that God does in fact exist, even if they might find that hard to believe at first, but are willing to dig deeper into that truth anyway.

And that’s my review for Left Behind: Rise Lf The Antichrist. This new version of the story is very well thought out, and is executed just as well, if not more so, than other film version of this story that have been released for likely quite a few decades. Of course some of the better things would be stuff like better cinematography, maybe slightly better acting, and things like that, but still. I would say that if you missed the window to see Left Behind: Rise Of The Antichrist when it showed from this past Sunday through yesterday, then definitely make it a point to see it. If you liked the other Left Behind films, you will most likely enjoy this version just as much, maybe even more so than, those versions. But again, all the more reason to see this film, and see what you think!

Final Grade: A+