2023

This is a great introduction to what Kang could really do for the future of the MCU. The movie starts off a bit slow with some jokes that feel forced. However, the storyline really starts to pick up in the second half.

For the most part, the acting was really good with great performances with from the main cast of the movie. However there are cameos in this movie that seem like a money grab.

The visuals and effects portrayed in the movie stand out more than most marvel movies in the past. There were scenes that would leave you “wow” but also ones that are uneccesary.

Overall the plot of the movie was just alright. This isn’t something memorable but if you’re a marvel fan would leave you excited for the future of the MCU.

“Blue Beetle” is simply B or even C grade super hero movie with some charm along the way. I don’t think it will be realistic to expect something else to be honest. The trailers showed that pretty well in my opinion.

The tone of the movie is close to that of “Shazam!”, given the fact that the family got bigger role in it again, that said the story is not all that good. Not that “Shazam!” got some epic story, but I think it was one idea better.

The cast is fine, maybe the best part of the movie is the family dynamic, except when they lean too much to the melodrama side. Xolo Maridueña as Jaime/Blue Beetle and George Lopez are the standouts no doubt.

The villain is everything you ca expect from B grade super hero movie, from the introduction, through his motivation, the fights and the conclusion is nothing particularly memorable.

I must say the suit looks great when is practical and not CGI all over the place. There are some cool fight scenes with our protagonist, most of which are shown in the trailers, which is kinda of a shame.

There are plenty of jokes in the movie, but for me, most of them doesn’t land. I mean they are too childish. I guess the younger auditory will laugh out hard, but me and my cinema crowd were silent most of the time. Of course there were funny moments, but don’t expect “Deadpool” level laughs if you are a bit older.

The movie is not bad, but it’s kinda cringe, predictable and given the fact that the audience know this genre already, they expect something more clever, which sadly to report “Blue Beetle” is not.

There are already enough talks about the future of this character, is it part of the DCEU or DCU, will there be a sequel, or the character will transfer in the newly formed universe? If you ask me, there will not be a second movie, because this one will bomb hard, also, I’m not sure how you can do clean slate without the bagage of the previous universe, when you always lean to what was, not what it can be. In other words there is always a chance to see Blue Beetle again, but who will portray it and will the origin story be 1:1 identical is something I’m not sure about and I don’t hold my breath for it.

In conclusion the movie is “okay”, got its moments, but there is nothing really memorable, also there are two credit scenes, which are fine I guess.

Talk to Me is a stone cold classic of the horror genre. It feels fresh, thrilling, absorbing, and has a brilliant concept at its core.

The story follows a group of friends who play around with the occult, contacting the spirit world through a mysterious ceramic hand. As you might expect, things go off the rails quickly and insidious activity ensues.

The way the story is set up is superb, giving a fresh spin on a somewhat tired horror trope and bringing it into the 21st century with style.

It contains a strong collection of characters with great performances behind them all and solid writing that doesn’t feel cliche or tired.

Stylistically I think the film is superb, with the direction on point. There are some neat creative flourishes and a brilliant use of sound, both of which really contribute to the overall atmosphere, which is one of constant suspense and unease.

I don’t think the film is particularly scary, relying more on body horror and disturbing imagery, but it is very unnerving and tense nonetheless.

The only reason I’m not scoring this higher is that I think some of the concepts could have been taken a little further, and some of the horror dialled up a notch, but these are minor criticisms really.

Talk to Me is one of the most refreshing and engaging horror films I’ve seen in a while, and will be sure to be a treat for any horror fans out there.

The Creator seemed to promise so much through its trailer, and although it is still a very enjoyable film it feels a little too safe and run of the mill.

It’s story follows the familiar tropes of humanity against AI, super weapons, chosen ones, and the reluctant guardian. None of these are overly original but they are decently executed in this film nonetheless.

The emotion of the piece is a bit hit and miss. Even though the performances are good, particularly Madeleine Yuna Voyles in the role of Alfie, I just didn’t really connect to any of the characters. This lack of connection and emotion is one of the biggest things missing from this film.

There is no denying however that this film is beautiful. The natural landscapes are used well and the grainy camera style really adds a nice element. It also has a good score and the direction is very solid.

Ultimately The Creator is a really solid sci-fi film, but it just feels a little safe and derivative. Perhaps my expectations were too high as the trailer suggested this was potential a more high concept and emotionally gripping sci-fi, when I don’t think that is the case. Still a good film though.

I understand that many people highlight how faithful they were to the books. That’s brilliant but this is a movie made for the mass audiences now.

First of all, there’s way too much of singing, it gets cheesy and annoying. Secondly, they’ve tried too hard to remind us our “Katniss Everdeen” it’s does not feel natural. I don’t like Rachel Ziegler’s performance at all she is way too theatrical her accent is too comedic. They have tried to make her Katniss.

There must be a Part II for this movie as well I suppose because it left many questions unanswered. I don’t want to include spoilers so I will skip those questions.

Carol Danvers is attempting to save the universe, but her incredible powers become entangled with those of Kamala Khan and Monica Rambeau, they must unite to save the world.

Ouch, what can you say, this is surely one of Marvel’s lowest points, I honestly don’t know who the target audience is, or who this is going to appeal to, young teens only maybe? Anyhow, this was an absolute mess.

The writing was clearly problematic, it doesn’t gel, it is genuinely all over the place. I do very much wonder if huge sections of this film cut? It can be the only answer, it just doesn’t flow at all, and that short run time…

Special effects, some were pretty good, some were poor, I just wish there was a greater focus on plot, it just seemed like 100 minutes of CGI, noise and random events.

Brie Larson, I’m not sure about you, but to me she looked totally disinterested and bored by the whole thing, what I didn’t see, was someone committed to the role. I thought Samuel Jackson was rather good, but again poorly served by the script.

It didn’t look great from the trailers, and in reality, it’s another clunker from Marvel Studios.

The Monkey King himself is really an irredeemable scoundrel. I’ve seen Disney Villains that were more likeable than this psychotic nutcase. Okay yes, the Monkey King is historically a chaotic character, but in this film they take that concept way too far. Monkey is definitely the anti-role-model of the year.

The movie doesn’t really have an overall theme to speak of, doesn’t really make a point, doesn’t teach any value lessons to kids. The whole message of the film is: “Do what you want and hang the consequences.” Lin points out that Monkey was born from an egg, didn’t have a family and even the gods rejected him (as if they had no reason)… so that’s supposed to be an excuse for him being a total sociopath?

Sorry, but some movies just don’t pull it off, and this is one of them. In the whole movie the Monkey King learns absolutely nothing, experiences no personal growth, doesn’t change at all. If you’re needing an adrenaline rush this might do, but don’t look for anything else in this poorly-conceived plot and presentation of an ageless character.