And now, it’s time for us to dive into the very first remake of an animated film that was made by DreamWorks. Oh dear! Will DreamWorks be remaking most of their animated films into live-action like Disney has in more recent years? Well, I guess we shall see. For now, let’s discuss a remake of the classic 2010 animated films, from DreamWorks, the one, and only, 2025 remake of 2010’s How To Train Your Dragon.

Plot: In the fictional land of Berk, a tribe of Vikings have had to deal with a band of dragons that have been stealing sheep of theirs, and other supplies of theirs. The Vikings want to kill any dragon that comes, and invades their territory. That is with the exception of one teenager named Hiccup (Mason Thames), the son of Stoick The Vast (Gerard Butler), Chief of the Viking tribe. One day, after catching a dragon called a Night Fury, Hiccup befriends the dragon, whom he names Toothless. Now, with potential opposition between him, and his Viking tribe, will Hiccup be able to convince his tribe to have a different attitude about dragons, or will they end up having to kill many more dragons to come?

Well, here’s the thing! The film was very good, even if it felt like a mostly shot for shot remake. Honestly, for the most part, people may find themselves thinking that they might as well just rewatch the original animated film. But is this remake bad? Absolutely not. There is great acting, and there is still emotion in this remake. Seeing as that has sometimes been lacking in some of Disney’s recent remakes, that is most definitely saying something. Also, I’m not sure if it’s due to the dragons not talking, like in the original animated film, or some other reason, but this remake actually does feel like it can be live-action. I mean this film could feel like say Eragon, if that one was actually good. As for the score, once again, John Powell composes the score. Let me tell you, if you liked his score in the animated one, even if it’s mostly the same, it doesn’t change that it’s still awesome even for this go round. One other thing! There were a couple characters that seemed to have a slightly bigger in this new remake. Finally, as far as pros go, definitely stay for the credits for a bit. Trust me, let’s just say that if you do, you’ll be glad that you did.

The one con that this movie has going for it is the casting of Astrid. Okay, hear me out! Nico Parker did a good job as this character. Still, since she doesn’t have blonde hair like the animated Astrid did, and it didn’t seem as accurate to the Viking culture, the way that the character looked this time around felt a little off. But hey, I guess that’s typical Hollywood for us as of nowadays, isn’t it? Oh well!

And that’s my review for the 2025 remake of How To Train Your Dragon. Honestly, there is a part of me that wants me to advise you to see this remake of the film, if you haven’t yet. Still, there is another part of me that wants to advise against it not because it’s bad, but because the film’s success is probably going to make DreamWorks want to do more remakes of their animated films like Shrek, The Prince Of Egypt, and films like those. At that point, I guess I’ll go ahead, and say to see this remake, but let’s hope that DreamWorks won’t get on the remake train after this! Time will tell, eh?

Final Rating: 9.5/10

Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we review a live-action Disney film that was released back in the spring 1997, before that following summer gave us Disney films that consisted of the animated Hercules, and live-action films George Of The Jungle, and Air Bud. Not to mention that Disney seemed to have more creativity around this time period. Boy, let’s hope those return more frequently slowly, but surely. Anyway, today, let’s talk about this film that starred people like Tim Allen, Martin Short, newcomer at the time San Huntington, and a few others. Presenting to you all my review of 1997’s Jungle 2 Jungle.

Plot: When stock broker, and coffee businessman Michael Cromwell (Tim Allen) travels yo South America to have his ex-wife (JoBeth Williams) sign divorce papers before he gets married to someone else, he finds out that he has a 13-year-old son (Sam Huntington). After he reluctantly decides to take his son to his hometown of New York, the question remains, will father and son bond in New York, likely they briefly did in South America, and and can they do well with learning by each other’s cultures?

Well, I must say that, first of all, Tim Allen being the main star of this film, that really helped elevate this movie in terms of its comedy, and more. Same goes for Martin Short for any of the fewer scenes that he was in. Overall, this movie is hilarious from start to finish because of that. I mean, let’s face it, whether Tim Allen stars in sitcoms like Home Improvement, or Last Man Standing, or films like The Santa Clause, Wild Hogs, or this one, he knows how to bring out one of the best comedic performances. And he doesn’t even have to be crude, or have potentially creepy lines to do so. Man, if only Hollywood had more celebrities like him. Anyway, the relationships are also great, especially when it comes to developing the bond between Michael, and Mimi Siku. Same goes for Mimi Siku, and love interest Karen. Additionally, it was really great to have a film about people trying to understand each other’s cultures in terms of how they work. Yeah, we probably could use more films like that, wouldn’t you say? Oh, and another thing! It was also really cool how each of the creatures that we were introduced to at least in the South American portion of this film had names, including there being a spider named Matika, or an alligator being called Ukumo. Kind of makes you think of films like maybe The Jungle Book, or some story like that, you know? How ironic, considering both take place in the jungle at some point, eh? Michael Convertino’s score was beautifully orchestrated too. And, overall, director John Pasquin did an excellent job of making a well-crafted story.

Honestly, if there were any flaws, it would be that there were one, or two scenes that will thankfully fly over kid’s heads, but adults will understand those references. Basically, that scene, or scenes, were put in the film, and might have not been the best one to insert even in a live-action Disney film. Why? Well, because, let’s just say it might not have been a good scene for young kids to see even temporarily, and could have maybe border-lined along the appropriate, and inappropriate line.

And that’s my review for Jungle 2 Jungle. Besides a scene being inserted that wasn’t the best for kids, the movie is a delight from start to finish. Tim Allen is great, along with Martin Short, Sam Huntington, you name it. I would say that if you have Disney+, or have a library to check out movies at, then make a point to see Jungle 2 Jungle! You will have a great plenty of fun with this one. Well, if you haven’t see it yet, go out of your way to do so, and see what you think!

Final Rating: 9.5/10

Well, everyone, today, we review the latest installment in the Jurassic Park/World franchise. It is the one, and only Jurassic World Rebirth.

Plot: In the year 2008, when a dinosaur laboratory on an island in the Atlantic Ocean gets jeopardized, thanks to a type of dinosaur called the Distortus Rex getting loose, the lab gets deserted. Seventeen years later, when it’s harder to keep any of the dinosaurs safe that spread around the world in 2022, a pharmaceutical representative named Martin Krebs (Rupert Friend) puts together a team of researchers to go to the equator to find three of the largest prehistoric dinosaurs, and collect samples from them by means of a special medicinal way, despite the areas around the equator being no-travel zones. Included in his crew are a covert operations expert named Zora Bennett (Scarlett Johansson), team leader Duncan Kincaid (Mahershala Ali), a paleontologist named Dr. Henry Loomis (Jonathan Bailey), and a few others. Now, will their motives to get this job done for money remain the same, or will some, if not all, of the crew have a change of heart along the way?

So, did we need this new installment in the Jurassic Park/World franchise, or did this one feel pointless in the end? Well, we probably didn’t need it. However, seeing as some people might have been curious how things turned out after Jurassic World Dominion, it might have probably been for the best. But what do I know? I will admit, however, that the filmmakers need to be careful not to milk this franchise. But hey, they might. We shall see. Anyway, for what we had, was this film still good? Well, yeah, it really was. Granted, the very beginning might have made it feel a little creepy, and have a little bit of a horror feel. Still, there’s no denying that it helped set up the rest of the film. What’s even more is that since you have a paleontologist setting up an expedition to the deserted island where many of the remaining live dinosaurs remain, this Jurassic Park/World film seems to have somewhat of a feel of any of the Indiana Jones films, or a franchise like that. You also have most of the relationships with most of the characters developed really well too. In addition to all of this, even though the whole deal of some characters wanting to be on an expedition for money, but having a change of heart along the way has been done before, it was surprisingly done very well here. Also, as far as characters go, ones like Zora Bennett, Duncan Kincaid, and Dr. Henry Loomis are probably the bigger standouts of the cast. There was also some cuteness with a Triceratops-like dinosaur named Dolores tagging along with a Hispanic family that tags along with Zora’s team after their boat gets damaged by a dinosaur sea creature while they were sailing. And yes, there were some really intense scenes throughout the course of this movie as well. Oh, and one other thing to mention is that though there are some sad scenes, there don’t seem to be any that really make you bawl at any point the way that a certain memorable tragic scene did in 2022’s Jurassic World Dominion did.

Still, Jurassic World Rebirth does seem to have some weak moments as well. For one, though there were a couple tragic scenes when certain characters got killed off, you didn’t seem to know them long enough to care for them, or really invest in them, or grieve their death. Yeah, that’s likely a little poor writing there, wouldn’t you say? Also, even if characters like Zora, and Duncan were memorable, there were others like the villain, who, let’s just felt a little shallow, and not that well developed because of that. Finally, the climax might have felt a little rushed, and not as well developed as it could have been because of that. It’s still a fairly good climax. Still, it could have likely been better.

And that’s my review for Jurassic World Rebirth. Though maybe not quite as strong as most of the other ones in this franchise, it was still good. It teaches some good lessons, has some good creativity, and more. Honestly, though this one was still good, this should probably be around the time that the franchise comes to an end. In the meantime, definitely go see Jurassic World Rebirth! It is most definitely worth your time, and worth seeing in the theater realm.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Everyone, today, we review the latest entry in the Disney/Pixar library, as well as the first original one since 2023’s Elemental. It is the one, and only Elio, starring Yonas Kibreab as the title character, Zoe Saldana, and a few other people.

Plot: When eleven-year-old Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab), who hardly has any friends, and lives with his aunt (Zoe Saldana), gets abducted by aliens, he is mistaken as Earth’s ambassador. Now, as he’s caught in the middle of a war in space that involves other aliens, Elio must decide if he can have peace with new friends in space, as well as any family, and friends on Earth, or if he should just live in space more with his new alien friends.

Seeing as this new Disney/Pixar movie has, thus far, been the company’s lowest grossing animated film, the question now remains, “Does this film deserve to have that reputation, or is this film just going to be yet another underrated animated movie?” Well, on the surface, Elio may, on the surface, look like an animated film that’s just geared for kids. However, much like a situation with say DreamWorks’ Madagascar (which was released 20 years ago, in 2005), Elio does well with also being geared towards even teens, and adults for it’s mature themes, and more. First of all, having themes about coping/dealing with loss, facing loneliness, and other challenges make this Disney/Pixar film very enjoyable. Although Elio may not be quite as memorable as other films from the Disney/Pixar film library, the film does have plenty to enjoy, like mature themes mentioned before, and what creativity, and heart that they did put into this film. In addition to this, there’s the score by Robert Simonsen. I mean his score is really good throughout the film, make no mistake about that. However, some of the points where his score especially does shine are scenes that include Elio being in space, or even a part of the film where Elio is in a space museum, and he explores certain places of the exhibit. I remember thinking to myself that it’s because of scenes like these that Elio deserves it’s own area at theme parks like DisneyLand, and DisneyWorld, for example, and should be a ride in TomorrowLand, and one similar to rides like Space Mountain, but a more improved version. But hey, with Elio not performing quite as well as the company had hoped, it’s not looking like that will happen anytime in the near future. But hey, one can still dream up, right? Anyway, Elio also has some fairly good character development, particularly where there needs to be, such as with Elio, and his relationships with his aunt Olga, the alien kid, Glordon, and some of the aliens that he meets along the way, and get fairly well fleshed out in the film. The visuals are also really beautiful to look at, especially when Elio is in space, and having interactions with the aliens that he befriends along the way. Oh, did I also forget to mention that there were some really hilarious lines in the script along the way? Yeah, that helps make this film fun too. There was also some really great action in this film too, particularly around the middle to end of this film. And the way that some of the action is handled, very well-handled beautifully. Elio will also be very relatable as well. Honestly, if Disney/Pixar makes more films like Elio, and develops them up a notch even more, I think that maybe kids will hopefully learn to grow up handling difficult situations in more healthy ways. Finally, Elio serves as a really creative metaphor for learning some valuable lessons in life, including coping with loss properly, and learning to truly appreciate people, and things in your life as much as possible.

Still, in a couple ways, Elio did have the potential to be a little better. Don’t get me wrong, Elio still is really good. Still, whether it was due to having some creative differences in the company, the Writer’s Strike a couple years ago, this film being pushed from last year to a release date this year, or other factors, Elio doesn’t quite reach the full potential that it could have maybe reached. First of all, Elio might have had too many alien characters. Some of them could have maybe been cut out, and the film maybe narrowed on those alien characters that were fairly well developed, and been developed a little better. The world building could have probably been done a little better too. One last thing! Some of the alien designs probably could have used a little more work. Yes, they’re still good, but could have been tweaked in some ways.

And that’s my review for Elio. Well, even if Elio could have had a little more work done in some aspects, it was still a fun film, and definitely did/does deserve more popularity at the box office. Is it because of former creative executives like John Lasseter not being part of Disney/Pixar, and Walt Disney Animation Studios, that some of these original films don’t seem to capture the same amount of magic that older films did before? Probably! Still, Elio is undoubtedly one of the better Disney/Pixar films to come out in recent years. Yeah, I personally would revisit films like Elio more so than at least recent films like Strange World, and Wish, for example. Though not quite one of Disney/Pixar’s best works, Elio does show that there is still hope for Disney/Pixar, and maybe even Walt Disney Animation Studios in terms of making good, or great stories without having woke, or political deals, or having to make sequels to films of either library in the process. Elio is creative, engaging, has a lot of heart, is memorable in many ways, and is an overall really fun film. I would advise you yo please not listen yo the naysayers for this film, and truly give this film a chance. Now, can upcoming original films from Disney/Pixar like next year’s Hoppers, and 2027’s Gatto improve from Elio, and help serve as proof that neither Disney/Pixar, nor Walt Disney Animation Studios, have to constantly make sequels in order to meet success? Boy, fingers crossed for that being the case. For now, definitely go out, and see Elio while it’s still in theaters, and/or if it’s still playing at your local theater. I’m sure you’ll be glad that you did in the end. But again, let me know what you think of Elio!

Final Rating: 8.5/10

Everyone, today, we review what seems to be called one of the best films of 2025. Starring Brad Pitt, we review the one, and only F1. 

Plot: When American race driver, and former Formula One prodigy Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) has to give up racing in the mid-1990s, due to severe injuries during the Spanish Grand Prix, he becomes a gambler, and then a nomadic racer. But one day, after winning a race in Daytona, Sonny is asked by former racing teammate Ruben Cervantes (Javier Bardem) to participate in APXGP F1 team, as that racing team needs to win one of nine Grands Prix races, or else the team will have to be sold. Now, will Sonny help the team win the race, or will APXGP F1 have to go down under for good?

Now, from the sounds of it, some of you may think that this might be just another cliche movie about cars like Fast & The Furious, or films like those, yes? Well, while F1: The Movie may revolve around cars, car racing, and the bunch, this film is also very mature, and thought-provoking. Yes, this movie involves race car drivers. As such, it involves people that are rich, sometimes even cocky, you name it. Still, what may make this particular sports film stand out is, first of all, how the characters are really well-developed, and, shockingly, really memorable. I’m not sure if it’s because of the fact that this film is 2 1/2 hours long, or some other reason, but this film truly does know how to hone in on both main characters, and even the secondary ones. I mean even with Sonny, who’s played by Brad Pitt, he may be the typical buff, arrogant, and cocky character that Brad Pitt plays many times in movies that he’s starred in. However, he also seems to be more of a complex character for one played by Brad Pitt. In addition to all of this, F1 could potentially feel somewhat like a race car version of Top Gun, but without as much tragedy. It can also be like a more adult, and live-action version of a Disney/Pixar like Cars. Yeah that one might sound a little corny to say. Still, I say Cars because of there being potential similarities between the two. Hard to believe? Well, how about watching Cars, and F1 back to back, and you could just let me know if you agree, or disagree on that? Just a thought there! Anyway, this movie also does is excellent at developing relationships as well, including Sonny, and Kate’s relationship, Sonny’s relationship with Reuben, and more. Sure, Sonny, and Joshua Pearce’s relationship could have maybe been handled a little better, but even that was written very well. Additionally, I should mention the score by Hans Zimmer. Yeah, you heard me! The guy who composed for live-action films such as Interception, and Interstellar, or animated films such as The Lion King, and The Prince Of Egypt, yeah, he composes for this film. Let me tell you, once again, Zimmer, is great at making musical scores. Is it just me, or does Zimmer seem to get quite a few great movies to score far, and between? Honestly, if only he could probably score for a few other films as well! Though this film may not win it, I personally hope that F1, and Hans Zimmer at least get a nomination for Best Original Score come the Oscars, and or maybe even Golden Globe Award ceremonies next year. Finally, the storyline is really memorable, and may get viewers to maybe race back, and rewatch this film again.

And that’s my review for F1. If you haven’t seen it yet, I would highly recommend it. Honestly, though there were one, or two relationships that could have probably been developed a little better, this film is memorable from start to finish, the characters are likable, the score is awesome, and the film is a really enjoyable watch overall that you’ll probably want to come back to again. Truth be told, even if there doesn’t seem to be quite as much creativity in the movie business as of recently, F1 is a film that proves that there is still creativity out there, and original stories that can be told, and have yet to be. And with people like Hans Zimmer, Jerry Bruckheimer, Warner Bros., and, surprisingly, even Apple Studios being included in being at the helm of this film, yeah, I’m sure many of those elements helped make F1 really good. All to say that if you haven’t seen F1 yet, definitely do! Sure race car drivers may be bound to appreciate it more. However, even the typical movie goer will be glad that they made a point to see this film once they do as well.

Final Rating: 9.5/10

Ladies, and gentlemen, as I’m sure many of us know, this adaptation of the Freaky Friday story was released back in 2003. And, as you can see from the poster, it starred Jamie Lee Curtis, and Lindsay Lohan. Now, 22 years later, in August of this year, both actresses, along with most, if not all, of the rest of the cast will be reuniting for a sequel to that hit film. But before that sequel gets released, let’s discuss the 2003 hit, the one, and only, Freaky Friday!

Plot: When an incident at a Chinese restaurant, that involves a fortune cookie, causes Tess Coleman (Jamie Lee Curtis), and her daughter, Anna (Lindsay Lohan) to switch bodies with each other, they must learn to walk in each other’s shoes. With Tess’ wedding coming up, can the mother, and daughter duo walk in each other’s shoes, as well as find a way to switch back with each other before the day of Tess’ wedding?

Well, I will say that this film is a real fun watch from start to finish. First of all, there is heart in this film. The mother, and daughter duo of Tess, and Anna Coleman was well handled. I mean even when they switch bodies with each other, the way that the relationship is developed is well-handled, and very creative as well. Same goes for pretty much all of her relationships, from the one with her brother, her friends, and even Jake. They’re all really well done. The other characters are also really great, including the ones that don’t have as big of a role in this film. Additionally, is it just me, or does anyone else find it a little interesting that both this film, and the Disney animated film, Brother Bear, got released in the same year, in August 2003, and November 2003 respectively? Okay, I bring up Brother Bear as well, since both that one, and Freaky Friday, revolved around certain characters having to learn to learn things from another’s point of view. Granted, Freaky Friday executed a storyline like that better, but still. Anyway, even if this film does have some fantasy elements in it, it does a great job of showing what life is like for kids, teenagers, and adults. Granted, more so for the second, and third categories, but still. In addition to all of this, this film Freaky is really funny from beginning to end. Not only are there funny lines, but also really hilarious moments period. Honestly, some of the hilarious, and creative lines, are what really make this film incredibly memorable. What’s more is that there are some scenes that are creatively, and brilliantly well-handled. Additionally, did I forget to mention that the acting is phenomenal as well? True, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Lindsay Lohan are the major highlights. Still, the rest of the cast deserves credit too, especially Mark Harmon as Tess’ fiancée. The music, and soundtrack was really great too. But what really makes this movie really enjoyable is how our main characters are willing to eventually see the other’s point of view, make certain sacrifices, and other things that make them great characters overall.

But with all the positives, there were a couple issues. First of all, there was a little bit of crude language in this film. Thankfully, Disney has seemed to get better about that, but still. Also, there were a couple scenes that may be deemed a little inappropriate for children. Kids will still even enjoy Freaky Friday, make no mistake. And no, there’s nothing wrong with making a family for a slightly older audience. But when filmmakers throw it in younger viewers faces that may be a little too crude, and/or inappropriate for children, it should make filmmakers more careful in the future. Just a thought there!

And that’s my review for Freaky Friday. Even though it may be a little too adult for children at times, it’s still an overall must-see film. The characters are fun, the music is good, the themes are really great, and you’re bound to have an overall fun time. If you want to see one of Disney’s better films from the 2000s, and a film that teaches some valuable lessons, then definitely see this movie! You’ll be glad that you did in the end.

Final Rating: 9/10

Everyone, today, we review the latest Disney live-action remake that has surprisingly taken the world by surprise with it’s enormous box office numbers, and things like that. It is a remake of one of Disney’s more popular animated films that was released around the early 2000s. Presenting to you all my review of the 2025 remake of Lilo & Stitch.

Plot: When an alien experiment named 626 (aka Stitch, and voiced by Chris Sanders) crash lands on Earth, he gets adopted by two humans named Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong), and her younger sister, Lilo (Maia Kealoha). Now, as adapts to this new family, while attempting to evade alien bounty hunters, Dr. Jamba (Zach Galfianakis), and Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), can this alien that was originally designed for destroying things around him learn to become good, and love Lilo, and others?

Well, despite this remake having its flaws, it is also understandable as to why this remake has grossed plenty of money thus far. First of all, seeing as it’s labeled as live-action remake, it actually feels that way. I mean with remakes like Lion King, for example, which felt more like a CGI remake, and an animated one in a different form of its animated counterpart, this new Lilo & Stitch felt more like a live-action type of film. Sure, characters like the aliens were obviously CGI, including Stitch himself. Still, like with the houses, the backgrounds such as sand, the ocean, and more, you could actually find yourself feeling immersed in this film. That is especially if you’re into live-action movies overall. Truth be told, for those of you who saw films like Johnny Tsunami, or even Soul Surfer, for instance, I wouldn’t be surprised if people thought of films like those while watching newer Lilo & Stitch film, especially when it comes to scenes that involve the ocean, the beach, surfing and scenes like those in particular. In addition to this, though the original animated film maybe be better in most ways, there are maybe a few other ways in which this new one may yet be better too. For one, Lilo seemed to act a little nicer than in the animated version. Okay, don’t get me wrong, she was a fairly nice character in the animated version too. However, Lilo did also seem to act a little too snotty, and bratty in the animated film as well. What’s more is that not only does this remake do it’s best to keep as much of the heart that the animated film had, but it does well with adding some newer, and, I will also add, creative elements this time around. This is most notably true with how alien characters Jamba, and Pleakley have guns that can shoot, and create portals, as well as end up creating human versions of themselves. Yeah, for those of you who was one of the more recent trailers for this film, you likely know what I’m talking about. Additionally, did I forget to mention that there seemed to be a little more comedy in this newer version of Lilo & Stitch? Yeah, oddly enough, I was surprised to find how much more I find myself cracking up at certain scenes that occurred in this newer version, especially around the beginning in the middle of this film. One final thing to mention was that, much like in the animated film, there were some very emotional, and heartfelt moments this time around too. That is one thing that might have been a little better this time around too, was them maybe upgrading on that aspect in this film too.

Still, as I mentioned before, this new Lilo & Stitch has flaws as well. For one, the actress that played Nani in this version, though her acting was mostly good, there were a couple points where she could have maybe given her all a little more, and her acting could have likely improved because of that. Also, Dr. Jamba’s design this time around, might have looked a little creepy this time around. Okay, I get that he had a similar look in the animated version. However, things like the way his nose looks in this case, and more, that is one aspect that made the animated version better. Finally, while there were some changes that were very welcome this time around, there were other ones that weren’t the best to have this time around. Yes, I get that a lot of these remakes have had to make changes from time to time. Even so, some of the changes that did occur in this remake, kind of bogged the movie down, and might cause people to not like this remake as much.

And that’s my review for 2025’s Lilo & Stitch. Honestly, seeing as this was one of Disney’s better remakes, I for one, am glad that this one didn’t go straight to Disney+, as originally planned. Truth be told, making this film a theatrical release might have helped Disney make some money, and likely stay afloat (which, being that up, since Disney did have a couple flops as of fairly recently). Anyway, though the animated film will always be a classic, it’s safe to say that just as 2016’s The Jungle Book was one of Disney’s best remakes, though one may not quite that far for Lilo & Stitch, it is a remake that a lot of people might find themselves enjoying just as much, if not more, than the animated film. This film does still have heart, there are some fun additions, there is some additional comedy that people will enjoy, and, despite there some changes that weren’t the best, also had others that worked surprisingly well in this case. I would say that if you’re on the fence about some of Disney’s remakes as of recently, I would still say give this one a shot. Truthfully, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised with this remake. But definitely decide for yourself after you see this remake. For now, go see this new Lilo & Stitch remake! It is definitely worth seeing overall.

Final Rating: 8.5/10

And now, it is time for us to review the latest installment in the Karate Kid film series. It is the one, and only Karate Kid: Legends.

Plot: When a young Chinese boy named Li Fong (Ben Wang) moves from Beijing, China to New York City, he is asked by his mother (Ming-Na Wen) to give up fighting for good. But when circumstances occur that have Li get back in the game of martial arts, he must enter a fighting contest, known as the Five Boroughs Tournament, in order to help his friends, as well as confront his past. Now with the help of his old mentor, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), as well as karate expert Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), can Li win the tournament, make peace with his past, and help a pizza owner (Joshua Jackson) save his pizza restaurant?

Well, Karate Kid: Legends does seem to follow a similar storyline to most of the other previous Karate Kid films. Still, it does seem to do a better job of differentiating in other ways as well. Additionally, how could you not like Li Fang as being the main Karate Kid character this time around? Also, to have the movie have Jackie Chan’s character, Mr. Han (who, of course, was in the 2010 Karate Kid film), be his uncle, that was really cool. Honestly, I’m not sure if this Karate Kid was trying to bring things full circle, or not. Still, having characters like Mr. Han, as well as having Daniel LaRusso, come back, after being the main character of the very first couple Karate Kid films, that was really cool. I will do my best not to spoil other cameos. However, I will just say that anyone that has watched most, if not all, of the previous Karate Kid films, let’s just say that they will appreciate any other cameos that do appear in this latest Karate Kid movie. And another thing to appreciate is that even though this film can have a tendency to follow some of the same beats, and patterns, as previous Karate Kid films, it also does it’s best to deviate from those films in other ways as well. And what’s more, is how could we not appreciate that we have some newer characters, including the main one, as well as others like an owner of a family-owned pizza shop, and his daughter? Next, there is the deal of how Karate Kid: Legends does well with honoring the legacy of the other previous Karate Kid movies from the past 40+ years, and up to this point in time. Finally, when fighting scenes occur, particularly around the middle to end, people will probably appreciate the clever, and possibly entertaining sound effects that occur when a character gets punched, kicked, you name it. Speaking of entertainment, that’s one other thing is that this film is incredibly funny at times, especially around the beginning, and middle portion. Honestly, if there were any flaws that this film had, it would probably be that some of the characters probably could have maybe had a little more personality than what they seemed to have in the end.

And that’s my review for Karate Kid: Legends. Honestly, I’m not sure if facing competition with films like Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning, and the Lilo & Stitch remake have kept this movie from making more money than it has in the end, or if other factors are involved. Or even both. Either way, if you’re a die hard Karate Kid fan, then I’m not sure that I can recommend this film even more. However, if you haven’t seen the other ones, probably wait until you have, as I’m sure those people may feel a little confused when it comes to older characters, and such. Otherwise, definitely make a point to see Karate Kid: Legends ASAP. You’ll be glad that you did in the end, I’m sure.

Final Rating: 9/10

Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we review what may yet be the final installment of the Mission: Impossible film series. It is my review of the one, and only, Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning.

Plot: When Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise), and his team discover that the arrival intelligence, known as the Entity, has the power to take control of global nuclear systems, it is up to him, and his team, consisting of Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames), and Grace (Hayley Atwell) to track down Gabriel (Esai Morales), and stop him from using the Entity to destroy much of the world before it’s too late.

For this probably being the final chapter, after this film series began nearly thirty years ago, Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning may yet be one of the better films, if not the best one yet. Yet, like many films, this sequel isn’t without its flaws. First of all, I’m not sure that it needed to be nearly three hours long. I mean part of that might have been due to the fact that the filmmakers were trying their best to bring this film series to its conclusion, but still. I mean there were some scenes, such as certain parts in the beginning, that might have dragged a little too long. But honestly, if there was any point of the film that might dragged a little too long, it would probably be the climax. Again, it’s understandable as to what the filmmakers were trying to do. Still, the climax might have overstayed its welcome a little bit. Additionally, characters like Benji don’t seem to have the same amount of personality, and charm that they had in some of the previous sequels. This might be due to the film trying to move itself a little too quickly at times. One other thing is that the film put in some situations that would most likely be unrealistic in real life. I know that may be common from time to time in movies. However, in this case, the way that they went about it might not have been the best. One other thing is that the ending, in some ways, might have been a little abrupt.

But now, what are the benefits of Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning? Well, though this film may either move a little too quickly, or be rather slow at times, it helps make up for those with quite a few elements. One of those being that Mission:Impossible-The Final Reckoning hits a great many emotional beats. I won’t go into details to avoid spoilers. However, the way that those moments are handled, one may, or may not be surprised by, and in mostly good ways too. In addition to this, there are a great many suspenseful moments in this film. It truly does come without saying that it’s because of those moments that you’ll find yourself on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Next, there are some of the other characters. Sure, people like Benji, and maybe even Luther probably could have been a little better developed. Still, the rest of the cast are done really well. Even Ethan, and Grace’s relationship, and forgive me if this might sound a little cliche, is done very well. Well, let’s just say that the relationship is more of an implied, and interesting one to say the least. The score by Max Aruj, and Alfie Godfrey, is also done well. They both do well with capturing the tone of the Mission:Impossible films. And what’s even more is how Ethan was truly determined to go though with doing what is right, and accomplishing his missions, even if it might have meant having to make sacrifices, the lengths he would go to help others, and more, to make sure that he could accomplish whatever he needed to. Finally, by the end, many people may yet consider Mission:Impossible-The Final Reckoning to be one of the best, if not the best, of the Mission:Impossible movies. In some ways, some people may even like the fact that this film is around three hours just to stay for things like the story, a great plenty of action, and for what other positive elements that this film does have.

And that’s my review for Mission:Impossible-The Final Reckoning. It is such a good sequel. Yes, it has some flaws. Even so, it is, overall, what may yet be a mostly, if not fully, satisfying conclusion to this film series. It has a great many elements, such as excellent suspense, emotional depth, mostly well-developed characters, and more. Even some of the action scenes may be really memorable. The storyline may also be one of the more memorable ones in the Mission:Impossible movie series. If you haven’t seen it yet, then definitely make it a point to. Besides the first film, for sure, this latest installment is another one that many will probably consider a favorite of theirs in the Mission: Impossible film series. What’s more is that the storyline will probably be memorable as well. I would say that if you haven’t seen Mission: Impossible-The Final Reckoning, then definitely go out, and see it. It’s guaranteed that you’ll likely have the time of your life watching this film in theaters. Yes, it is one you’ll want to have the theater experience for.

Final Rating: 8/10

And now, let’s dive into the latest Marvel Studios film, Thunderbolts.

Plot: After an experiment goes awry that involved a CIA director killing a bunch of people, a group of criminals, including a man who survived that experiment, come together, and decide to name themselves the Thunderbolts. Now, can they take down their new enemy?

Well, you know what? This is definitely a decent new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, in quite a few ways, you’ll probably find yourself wishing that it was The Avengers that were around. Even putting aside that comparison, these new characters, they probably aren’t ones that you will find yourself speaking about a lot like The Avengers, Spider-Man, you name it. Not to mention that, let’s just say that, though the story is nice, it could probably be a little stronger. As for the characters, again, fairly memorable, but could maybe somehow leave a little more of an impact on the audience. One other thing to mention is that Thunderbolts could likely be a little too serious for an MCU movie.

Still, there was some really great action in this film. There was this one character that could do some cool flying moves, and that is one aspect that could definitely keep the audience engaged. And yeah, like I said before, the choreography of some of the action was awesome. Finally, despite this Marvel film having a little too much of a serious tone, there was also some good comedy, especially in the beginning, and middle of the film.

And that’s my review for Thunderbolts. It may not exactly be the best addition to the MCU. Still, for what we got, it’s actually not bad. Still, here’s hoping that things will be even better for the Thunderbolts in the future.

Final Rating 7/10