Playmobil: The Movie

After Charlie (Gabriel Bateman) disappears into the Playmobil universe, his sister, Marla (Anya Taylor-Joy), sets out to find him. During her adventures, she teams up with some unlikely new friends, including smooth-talking food truck driver Del (Jim Gaffigan), dashing and charismatic secret agent Rex Dasher (Daniel Radcliffe), a wholehearted misfit robot and an extravagant fairy-godmother (Meghan Trainor). Adam Lambert will voice the character of villain Emperor Maximus.

I made it about 30 minutes into this movie before pulling the plug on it.  It was just a blatant wannabe Lego movie and it was basically made for 6 year olds.  There is nothing else to say about this.

Even if I had a 6 year old - I would still wait until this was on tv or something for free.  I recommend that absolutely nobody bothers with this.

The Angry Birds Movie 2

"The Angry Birds Movie" slingshot to nearly $350 million in worldwide box office and launched a global movie brand.

This is literally just more of the first.  Decent laughs.  Pretty good voices.  Great use of music to make people laugh.  But you have pretty much forgotten all about it 10 minutes after seeing it.  Its more than decent enough for parents to watch if they are looking for something to do with their kids.  But it's not a must see.

Like I said - I would lukewarmly recommend people checking this out.  There is a reason this is coming out mid-August.  Its just an end of summer money grab for families looking to do something as the summer winds down.

Hobbs & Shaw

The "Fast & Furious" spin-off will be a team-up between Dwayne Johnson’s Agent Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham’s Deckard Shaw.

This was textbook summer popcorn movie.  Crazy over the top action, tons of banter and laughs, an awesome villain, great chemistry between all parts and lots of random surprises.  I will always love The Rock no matter what.  The guy has made some giant turds of movies but I don't care because. . . . . . he's The Rock.  But outside of Fast Five - this is probably my favorite movie he has ever done.  It was just a very enjoyable ride.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  It is easily one of the more enjoyable movies to come out this summer.  

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood

Set in Los Angeles in the summer of 1969, Tarantino’s upcoming movie focuses on a male TV actor named Rick Dalton (DiCaprio) who’s had one hit western series and is looking for a way to get into the film business. His sidekick Cliff Booth (Pitt) who’s also his stunt double, is looking for the same thing. The horrific murder of Sharon Tate (Rick’s neighbor in the film) and four of her friends by Charles Manson’s cult of followers serves as a backdrop to the main story.

I have always been a huge fan of Tarantino.  Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction are probably two of my favorite movies ever.  Most of his movies would also be way up there.  That being said, you can always expect certain things from his movies . . . . . They will take you to the exact time where the movie is supposed to take place almost flawlessly, the movie will be too long and there will be legendary dialogue or random action scenes.  This movie was no different.  The movie legit looked like it was right out of the 70s.  There was so much effort put into the cinematography and it really became kind of like a character in the movie.  The movie was definitely too long and to be honest was missing a hook for the first 40 minutes or so.  I was starting to get worried that I wouldn't like it (knowing I still had two more hours) just before it did get much better.  Could have done without that though.  And yes - the dialogue, one liners, random action scenes with Brad Pitt were all awesome.   And the bottom line is that even though it was too long - the movie came together awesomely and very Tarantinoesque at the end.

I would recommend people checking this out because just like all his other films - this is essentially a clinic on film making from every angle.  It is definitely too long and drags at times but gets better as it goes and the way it comes together at the end is awesome.

The Lion King

Jon Favreau will direct a live-action version of "The Lion King." The film will include songs from the animated film. The Lion King (1994) is one of the biggest animated films of all time with a lifetime global box office gross of $968.8 million, including $422.8 million domestically. It won Academy Awards for the original song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (Elton John, Tim Rice) and original score (Hans Zimmer), plus two Grammy Awards, with the soundtrack selling over 14 million copies. In 1997, the stage production “The Lion King” made its Broadway debut, winning six Tony Awards; 19 years later, it remains one of Broadway’s biggest hits.

I was nervous about this movie because of how much the original owns a piece of my heart on a bunch of levels.  But it did not disappoint.  I actually thought that they did a really great job considering the animated facial reactions that they would not be able to do with the live animal CGI.  I was not a fan of pushing the Beyoncé voice/character so much and it definitely fell victim a little too much to the "Me Too" pc forcing that is so prevalent now.  But that being put aside - they really did a great job with characters that I have loved for decades.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  There are great iconic moments that are included and some elaborated on a little bit to put their own twist on it.  This is a very enjoyable family movie just like the original animated version.

Crawl

When a massive hurricane hits her Florida hometown, Haley (Kaya Scodelario) ignores evacuation orders to search for her missing father (Barry Pepper). Finding him gravely injured in the crawl space of their family home, the two become trapped by quickly encroaching floodwaters. As time runs out to escape the strengthening storm, Haley and her father discover that the rising water level is the least of their fears.

This movie was exactly what you thought it would be.  It's a movie that could have been made for tv with a little less blood that somehow ended up in theaters in this lamest summer movie calendar of all time.  Were there a couple of moments that made me jump out of my seat?  Yes.  Did you pretty much see everything else coming?  Yes.  This movie was totally formula in every way but still watchable for what it was.  

I would not recommending anyone rushing to see this.  It's by no means a must see movie.  But like I said - if you like disaster and wild animal type of movies - you could definitely do worse than this.

Stuber

When a mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu (Kumail Nanjiani) picks up a passenger (Dave Bautista) who turns out to be a cop hot on the trail of a brutal killer, he's thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he desperately tries to hold onto his wits, his life and his five-star rating. 

Ugh.  Just plain ugh.  Did I laugh a couple of times?  I'll admit.  But was this movie awful?  Oh my god yes.  And not in the kind of a way where you can enjoy it because of how awful it is.  It was just outright bad.  Even more baffling is that I can't get past how in the blue hell this was a mid-July release.  That is how bad this summer is.  Stuber is a summer wide release in the middle of July.  Did you read that?  Read it again.  How insane is that?   Unreal!

No - nobody should waste their time with this movie.  It is absolutely not worth your time or money.  It's just completely baffling how this movie is a thing . . . . . . . and then the fact that its a summer release.  What in the actual hell is going on in Hollywood!?!

Midsommar

Ari Aster’s next horror film, a story about a vacation gone violently wrong - as a couple travels to Sweden to visit their friend’s rural hometown for its fabled mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.

What in the blue hell was this movie?  I went into it knowing that this was not a mainstream type of movie and that there was only so much of a "horror" movie that it could be.  I have seen Hereditary and loved it but it was still one of those movies that I couldn't just blindly recommend to everyone.  It's for very particular tastes.  I assumed this one would be just like that and apparently it was because it has gotten amazing reviews but my review of it is that it was total and complete garbage.  Like what in the blue hell was this?  Why was it 2 1/2 hours long?  I was so annoyed by it that I just starting yellling WTF openly in the theater.  I understand it was well done from a directorial view and what not.  Like I get that.  But I still thought that movie was a giant turd.   

I would not recommend anyone bothering with this.  Do not buy the hype like its a must see or a mainstream/enjoyable movie.  

Spider-Man: Far From Home

Spider-Man: Far From Home sequel will continue to explore the adventures of Tom Holland’s Peter Parker in the Marvel Cinematic Universe - the 2019 sequel to Homecoming will take Peter Parker out of New York for a European adventure in London that will reflect the global aftermath of Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

I literally love Tom Holland as Spider-Man.  He is such perfect casting in this role.  I cannot possibly stress that enough.  This movie was great in many ways.  It was a perfect standalone movie.  It was a great sequel too.  But most importantly this was an excellent follow up to start the next chapter after Avengers: Endgame.  They answered some questions which will leave fans very very happy.  They did is straightforward which is even more appreciated.   And they kept it simple in terms of focusing on Spidey's age and the stuff he was going through along with having to fight off the bad guy and it be connected to a bigger picture moving forward.

I very much enjoyed this movie from beginning to end.  Love the Spider-Man franchise now that it is connected to Marvel Studios so much more than before.  

Yesterday

Yesterday, everyone knew The Beatles. Today, only Jack remembers their songs. He’s about to become a very big deal. From Academy Award®-winning director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, Trainspotting, 28 Days Later) and Richard Curtis, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Notting Hill, comes a rock-n-roll comedy about music, dreams, friendship, and the long and winding road that leads to the love of your life. Jack Malik (Himesh Patel, BBC’s Eastenders) is a struggling singer-songwriter in a tiny English seaside town whose dreams of fame are rapidly fading, despite the fierce devotion and support of his childhood best friend, Ellie (Lily James, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again). Then, after a freak bus accident during a mysterious global blackout, Jack wakes up to discover that The Beatles have never existed … and he finds himself with a very complicated problem, indeed. Performing songs by the greatest band in history to a world that has never heard them, and with a little help from his steel-hearted American agent, Debra (Emmy winner Kate McKinnon), Jack’s fame explodes. But as his star rises, he risks losing Ellie — the one person who always believed in him. With the door between his old life and his new closing, Jack will need to get back to where he once belonged and prove that all you need is love.

This was a very enjoyable take on a relationship movie.  The whole Beatles being erased from people's memories and riding fake fame and the cost of that was a very original twist of the whole destiny and relationships ideal.  I really enjoyed this movie a lot.  The music was great.  The pacing was great - although the movie was a little bit long and the characters were all great.

I would recommend people checking this out.  It's not a must see by any means but it was a very enjoyable watch.  And the music alone made it worth it.  

Annabelle Comes Home

The film will pick up with the Warrens bringing Annabelle to the place where it can really no longer wreak havoc, which is their artifact room, of course, it turns out she can also wreak havoc there. And she really awakens the evil within that room and they target the Warrens’ 10-year-old daughter, Judy.

This movie was pretty much a snoozefest - especially compared to the others in the "franchise".  There was a solid hour of pointless build in this before anything actually happened.  Strike one.   When stuff finally did start happening it honestly was not scary/creepy at all.  Strike two.  Once they did start with the traumatic sight gag type stuff it was honestly cheesy as hell.  Strike three.

I wouldn't really recommmend anyone bothering with this but my opinion is not much of a factor here.  Either you like the franchise and you will see it or you don't.  But it is a pretty lame entry compared to the others.

Child's Play

Chucky will be heading back to the big screen in a "Child’s Play" remake. The new version of the killer doll won’t be a doll possessed by a serial killer, but will be a defective ‘Buddy doll’ whose programming code was hacked so that he has no limitations to learning and also violence.

Oh my God this was atrocious.  Like just why?   It wasn't even scary at any point.  The doll looked lamer special effects wise than it did 30 years ago.  How is that possible!?!  Even the campiness of this one was just annoying and not enjoyable.  This is easily one of the worst remakes with this onslaught of them the last couple of years.   I can't believe I actually made it to the end of the movie.

I would not recommend anyone bothering with this.  Ever.  It is a blatant waste of time and a massive fail from a pretty enjoyable original.  

Toy Story 4

Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.

I was beyond the realm of skeptical of this movie because I really thought that Toy Story 3 was one of the best franchise ending movies ever.  That ending still messes me up.  They even flashed through it at the beginning of this movie and I got choked up.  Anywho - I kept bringing my expectations down for this movie hoping that they had not caved and just made a money grab type of sequel.  They 100% did not do that.  This movie was excellent on many levels.  The kids will obviously love it.  The cords that it pulls in the minds and hearts of adults though . . . . . . WOW!!!  This movie made me crazy emotional a couple of times.  They new characters introduced were all awesome.  There were TONS of laughs throughout the movie and had an incredibly heartfelt ending.  Not as tear inducing as Toy Story 3 but kind of close.

I would 100% recommend people checking this movie out.  It is an awesome watch for all ages and I feel very guilty for having doubted Pixar.  I am ashamed.

Shaft

He may be a cyber security expert with a degree from MIT, but to uncover the truth behind his best friend’s untimely death, JJ—aka John Shaft Jr. (Usher)—will need an education only his dad can provide. Absent throughout JJ’s youth, the legendary locked-and-loaded John Shaft (Jackson) agrees to help his progeny navigate Harlem’s heroin-infested underbelly. And while JJ’s own FBI analyst’s badge may clash with his dad’s trademark leather duster, there’s no denying family. Besides, Shaft’s got an agenda of his own, and a score to settle that’s professional and personal.

Keeping up with the why theme of the weekend.  Was there a demand for a continuation of Shaft and an expansion of the lineage that I was unaware of?  Like the movie was a decent watch but really don't understand the need for this movie to be made.  It really ends up just kind of there.  It even seemed kind of watered down and even campier than they had in the past.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering with this.  It's not a bad movie but its just kind of there.  You will forget about seeing this 10 minutes after you do.

Men In Black: International

Men in Black International will continue the same fictional universe without the involvement of Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones’ Agents J and K. Agents H and M, played by MCU stars Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson, are part of MiB’s London branch, which is run by Liam Neeson’s character. H and M’s latest case will call upon them to solve a murder mystery with global implications.

Why?  Just why?  Was there some kind of a need for this movie.  Not a reboot.  Not a sequel.  Just a similar storyline but international?  This movie mattered pretty much not at all in any way.  Like I forgot about everything I watched five minutes after the movie was over.  This movie is nothing more than a blatant money grab.

I wouldn't recommend anyone bothering with this movie.  Like I said - totally pointless waste of time and just a money grab that is beyond the realm of forgetful.  

Dark Phoenix

In DARK PHOENIX, the X-MEN face their most formidable and powerful foe: one of their own, Jean Grey. During a rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force. Once she returns home, this force not only makes her infinitely more powerful, but far more unstable. Wrestling with this entity inside her, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. With Jean spiraling out of control, and hurting the ones she loves most, she begins to unravel the very fabric that holds the X-Men together. Now, with this family falling apart, they must find a way to unite -- not only to save Jean's soul, but to save our very planet from aliens who wish to weaponize this force and rule the galaxy.

Wow!  This was such a mailed in X-Men movie.  Like massively mailed in.  It was as if they tried to remake The Last Stand which is so the worst of all the X-Men movies.  This was massively disappointing and I'm not officially thrilled that Disney is taking it over and can reboot the whole thing since the last two entries were total crap after what was an amazing reboot with this new cast.

I wouldn't recommend anyone bothering with this movie.  It really was just a massive waste of time.

Godzilla: King Of The Monsters

Following the global success of 2014’s “Godzilla” and this year’s “Kong: Skull Island,” comes the next chapter in Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ cinematic MonsterVerse: an epic action adventure that pits Godzilla against some of the most popular monsters in pop culture history. The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. When these ancient super-species—thought to be mere myths—rise again, they all vie for supremacy, leaving humanity’s very existence hanging in the balance.

This was very enjoyable for what it was - a summer popcorn monster movie.  I enjoyed it just like the last Godzilla movie but nowhere near as much as Kong: Skull Island.  It's basically the same problem I have with all Godzilla movies.  Why is it that they are never able to film anything Godzilla close up?  Everything is always from far away and with a wide angle type of lens.  In Kong you actually believed that there was a giant ape doing all these things.  They way it was shot made you feel like he was there with the humans in the movie.  I never feel that way in Godzilla movies though and it's always kind of annoyed me.  This movie had that same problem.

I would still recommend anyone interested in these kinds of movies checking this out though.  It is a good summer popcorn movie watch and worth checking out.

Rocketman

Taron Egerton is set to star as Elton John, aka "Rocketman." The film will focus on Elton John’s beginnings, starting when he was a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music and carrying over to when he reached global stardom through his influential and enduring musical partnership with his songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin. It will be a biopic that looks at the performer’s life past the glitter saturated image we have grown so accustomed to associating with the performer.

This was a tough one to review.  I like Taron Egerton's performance a lot.  I liked how true the movie was to Elton John's life and NOT like the holding back that they did in Bohemian Rhapsody with Freddie Mercury.  I love Elton John's music BUT the playing of it in this movie felt extremely forced.  Like it was a musical that was not fluid at all with the music and that always annoys me.

I would lukewarmly recommend this movie to people.  It's not bad.  It's actually pretty good but the forced music thing held it back from being truly great.

Ma

Everybody’s welcome at Ma’s. But good luck getting home safe. Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer stars as Sue Ann, a loner who keeps to herself in her quiet Ohio town. One day, she is asked by Maggie, a new teenager in town (Diana Silvers, Glass), to buy some booze for her and her friends, and Sue Ann sees the chance to make some unsuspecting, if younger, friends of her own. She offers the kids the chance to avoid drinking and driving by hanging out in the basement of her home. But there are some house rules: One of the kids has to stay sober. Don’t curse. Never go upstairs. And call her “Ma.” But as Ma’s hospitality starts to curdle into obsession, what began as a teenage dream turns into a terrorizing nightmare, and Ma’s place goes from the best place in town to the worst place on earth.

How in god's name was this a movie.  Better question - how in god's name did this movie have legit actors in it!?!  Like did they owe someone money?  I will never understand it.  Like ever.

I would absolutely not recommend anyone wasting their time with this.  Outside of joking with my friend about it who saw it opening day in theaters there is zero redeeming qualities to it.

The Secret Life Of Pets 2

The Secret Life of Pets 2 will follow summer 2016's blockbuster about the lives our pets lead after we leave for work or school each day. Illumination founder and CEO Chris Meledandri and his longtime collaborator Janet Healy will produce the sequel to the comedy that had the best opening ever for an original film, animated or otherwise. "The Secret Life of Pets 2" will see the return of writer Brian Lynch ("Minions") and once again be directed by Chris Renaud ("Despicable Me" series, "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax").

This is pretty much just an extension of the first one.  There were some laughs.  There were some cute characters.  Not really much else to say about it.  I liked the first one but didn't think it was the greatest animated movie like the high quality stuff that has come out.  And I feel pretty much exactly the same about this as that one.

I would still recommend people check this out - especially pet lovers and parents with their kids.  

The Sun Is Also A Star

An adaptation of Nicola Yoon’s novel "The Sun is Also a Star." College-bound romantic Daniel Bae and Jamaica-born pragmatist Natasha Kingsley meet—and fall for each other—over one magical day amidst the fervor and flurry of New York City. Sparks immediately fly between these two strangers, who might never have met had fate not given them a little push. But will fate be enough to take these teens from star-crossed to lucky in love? With just hours left on the clock in what looks to be her last day in the U.S., Natasha is fighting against her family’s deportation as fiercely as she’s fighting her budding feelings for Daniel, who is working just as hard to convince her they are destined to be together. A modern-day story about finding love against all odds, “The Sun Is Also a Star” explores whether our lives are determined by fate or the random events of the universe.

This was a decent "young adult" book adaption about the debate of science verses destiny.  There was a lot of cute romantic moments but unfortunately the movie lacks a true hook that prevents you from forgetting about the movie mostly five minutes after you have finished watching it.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone rushing to see this.  It's not a bad watch necessarily.  It's just not really that memorable either.

Aladdin

The “Aladdin” cast includes: Two-time Oscar® nominee Will Smith (“Ali,” “Men in Black”) as the Genie who has the power to grant three wishes to whoever possesses his magic lamp; Mena Massoud (Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”) as Aladdin, the hapless but lovable street rat who is smitten with the Sultan’s daughter; Naomi Scott (“Power Rangers”) as Princess Jasmine, the Sultan’s beautiful daughter who wants to have a say in how she lives her life; Marwan Kenzari (“Murder on the Orient Express”) as Jafar, an evil sorcerer who devises a nefarious plot to unseat the Sultan and rule Agrabah himself; Navid Negahban (“Homeland”) as the Sultan, the ruler of Agrabah who is eager to find a proper husband for his daughter, Jasmine; Nasim Pedrad (“Saturday Night Live”) as Dalia, Princess Jasmine’s hand maiden and confidante; Billy Magnussen (“Into the Woods”) as Prince Anders, a suitor from Skanland and potential husband for Princess Jasmine; and Numan Acar (“Homeland”) as Hakim, Jafar’s right-hand man and head of the palace guards.

Aladdin is probably my favorite overall Disney movie.  Always has been since I've seen it.  So I was extremely nervous when I heard about this.  I was worried that it would never live up to the greatness that was the animated version.  I'm not going to say that this is awesome or must see BUT it was a pretty decent watch and they did a pretty impressive job with going live action on it.  The music was still there.  The laughs were still there.  I was pleasantly surprised.

I would recommend people checking this out.  But don't get too excited like I forced myself not to.  Because you will end up not liking it as much.

Booksmart

The story follows two academic superstars and best friends (Beanie Feldstein and Kaitlyn Dever) who, on the eve of their high school graduation, suddenly realize that they should have worked less and played more. Determined never to fall short of their peers, the girls set out on a mission to cram four years of fun into one night.

This movie was really funny.  I was surprised at how much it had me laughing from beginning to end.  Big fan of Beanie Feldstein and think she has a huge future and she killed it in this.  Her and Kaitlyn Dever had incredibly believable chemistry and played off of each other so very well.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  It was very funny and very much worth the time to watch it.  

John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run for two reasons… he’s being hunted for a global $14 million dollar open contract on his life, and for breaking a central rule: taking a life on Continental Hotel grounds. The victim was a member of the High Table who ordered the open contract. John should have already been executed, except the Continental’s manager, Winston, has given him a one-hour grace period before he’s ‘Excommunicado’ – membership revoked, banned from all services and cut off from other members. John uses the service industry to stay alive as he fights and kills his way out of New York City.

It's absolutely crazy to me that this is a three movie franchise at this point.  It's even more baffling how much I thoroughly enjoy this franchise.  The action - while insane levels of unbelievable - is so badass that you can't not enjoy the crazyiness of it all.  I will happily keep watching Keanu Reeves mowing down guys for several more installments.

I would absolutely recommend people check this movie out.  Action fans will love it and its a great continuation of a surprisingly enjoyable movie franchise.

Detective Pikachu

"Detective Pikachu" is the first live-action film based on the globally popular Pokémon franchise and will star Ryan Reynolds, Justice Smith ("Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom") and Kathryn Newton (Big Little Lies). Smith will star as a teen whose father is kidnapped which leads him to Reynolds’ Pikachu and Kathryn Newton as a young journalist who team up in order to find him.

I was never into Pokémon so I'll be honest here.  I have absolutely no idea what I watched.  It was cool visually and Ryan Reynolds as the voice of a smartass Pikachu was entertaining but I have legit no idea what I just watched.

I'm really not the one who should say yay or nay to this because again I have no Pokémon knowledge whatsoever.  This is one of the only pop culture phenomenons that I was just never able to wrap my head around.

BrightBurn

What if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister? With Brightburn, the visionary filmmaker of Guardians of the Galaxy and Slither presents a startling, subversive take on a radical new genre: superhero horror.

This was an awesome concept, the trailer looked great and the movie absolutely delivered.  I love when a movie goes superhero but on a simple budget like this.  It had you on the edge numerous times.  There was not crazy special effects throughout and the movie was that much more intense and creepy because of it.

I would definitely recommend both scary movie fans and superhero movie fans checking this out because it is a very original take on the whole Superman story.  

The Hustle

Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson are nasty women in the big screen update of "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels." They’ll play variations on the roles originally played by Michael Caine and Steve Martin in the 1988 original. The new version will update the story by putting the focus on two lady cons attempting to get money from a rich tech prodigy.

This movie was massively disappointing.  I am a big fan of both of the leads and the chemistry between them was really good but it was an absolute waste in this movie with zero substance around them whatsoever.  Like nothing.  It was just the two of them and garbage.  Very disappointing.

I would not recommend anyone bother with this.  It is absolutely not worth your time or money.

A Dog's Journey

Audiences are invited along on A Dog’s Journey, the next chapter of the beloved bestselling series by author W. Bruce Cameron. The family film told from the dog’s perspective serves as the much-anticipated follow-up to the soulful story of one devoted dog who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

This was literally just more of the same from the first movie like this.  Total heartstrings but very cute from beginning to end.  Any animal lover is guaranteed to love this movie and any fan of the first one should obviously check this one out.

I would recommend this to all animal lovers.  It's a very cute family film that plucks every right heartstring along the way.

Breakthrough

Based on the Joyce Smith novel “The Impossible: The Miraculous Story of a Mother’s Faith and Her Child’s Resurrection,” based on the true story. When Joyce Smith’s fourteen-year-old son John fell through an icy Missouri lake one winter morning, she and her family had seemingly lost everything. At the hospital, John lay lifeless for more than sixty minutes. But Joyce was not ready to give up on her son. She mustered all her faith and strength into one force and cried out to God in a loud voice to save him. Miraculously, her son’s heart immediately started beating again. In the coming days, John would defy every expert, every case history, and every scientific prediction. Sixteen days after falling through the ice and being clinically dead for an hour, he walked out of the hospital under his own power, completely healed.

Usually these religious/spiritual movies are a total joke to me.  Like they are usually so blatant and forced that I pull the plug less than halfway through.  But there was something about this one.  It kept my interest straight through and found a lot of spiritually dead parts of me getting triggered a bit as I got caught up in the story.  That was pretty impressive.

I never thought I would say this but I would actually recommend people checking this bad boy out.  It's actually a very enjoyable and pretty realistic story - especially with the interactions between all the characters and what not.

The Best Of Enemies

The Best of Enemies follows the story of Ann Atwater (Henson), a civil rights activist in Durham, N.C., who battled Ku Klux Klan leader C.P. Ellis (Rockwell) for a decade until 1971, when the two agreed to co-chair a two-week community meeting to deal with a court-ordered school desegregation decree. That event changed both of their lives immeasurably.

This is one of those biographical movies that you know is good.  It's well acted.  It tells a great story.  But for some reason the movie is just kind of there.  You pretty much forget having watched it five minutes after its over.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone rushing to see this.  There really is no reason to.  You can just wait to randomly catch this one on tv randomly.

Long Shot

Fred Flarsky (Seth Rogen), an unemployed journalist battered by his own misfortune, endeavors to pursue his childhood crush and babysitter who now happens to be one of the most powerful and unattainable women on the planet (Charlize Theron).

Never in a million years did I think that this would be a good rom-com pairing.  Like it just didn't make sense whatsoever but that's obviously the hook.  This movie was very enjoyable.  You believe the chemistry between the two leads.  There are plenty of laughs throughout and you find yourself rooting for them and enjoying the ride.  By definition - this is a good rom-com.

I would surprisingly recommend people checking this bad boy out.  I enjoyed it very much and was pleasantly surprised.

Uglydolls

Unconventionality rules in UGLYDOLLS, the new animated musical adventure set in the adorably different town of Uglyville, where weird is celebrated, strange is special and beauty is embraced as more than simply meets the eye.

This is not even worth me reviewing.  This is blatantly a kids movie.  This is very much NOT one of those animated movies that older kids and the adults that take them can enjoy too.  It is just for kids.  The message to the kids is great but it is not an enjoyable watch for anyone outside of them.

If you have small children - take them to see it and hopefully its in a theater with reclining seats so you can take a nap.  Outside of that scenario though - I would pass on seeing this ever.

Avengers: Endgame

After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers must assemble once more in order to undo Thanos’ actions and restore order to the universe once and for all, no matter what consequences may be in store.

Wow!  This is one hell of a massive wrap up to the 21 movie story that built up to it.  Like this movie was just an experience.  A massive experience that is so much bigger than seeing a movie.  Especially with the writing layers on top of layers in this movie.  Don't want to spoil anything but they really respect pretty much everything that came before this movie and then move forward effecting anything that will come out in the future.  This ride has truly been amazing.

I would of course absolutely recommend people checking this movie out.  It was a truly amazing watch and you really forget that you are sitting there and taking it all in for three hours.  

Little

The Universal Pictures comedy centers on a woman who gets the chance to relive the carefree life as her younger self (Martin), when the pressures of adulthood become too much.

Wow!  This movie was beyond unfunny.  I dozed off three times during an incredibly garbage first half of the movie and then decided to pull the plug.  Even without finishing it I have no doubt how the rest of the movie played out.  That's how formula it all was.

Nobody should bother with this movie.  Ever.  It was a really lame attempt at bringing back a beaten to death movie formula from the 80s and 90s that clearly should have been left alone.

The Curse Of La Llorona

La Llorona. The Weeping Woman. A horrifying apparition, caught between Heaven and Hell, trapped in a terrible fate sealed by her own hand. The mere mention of her name has struck terror around the world for generations. In life, she drowned her children in a jealous rage, throwing herself in the churning river after them as she wept in pain. Now her tears are eternal. They are lethal, and those who hear her death call in the night are doomed. La Llorona creeps in the shadows and preys on the children, desperate to replace her own. As the centuries have passed, her desire has grown more voracious…and her methods more terrifying.  In 1970s Los Angeles, La Llorona is stalking the night—and the children.“Ignoring the eerie warning of a troubled mother suspected of child endangerment, a social worker and her own small kids are soon drawn into a frightening supernatural realm. Their only hope to survive La Llorona’s deadly wrath may be a disillusioned priest and the mysticism he practices to keep evil at bay, on the fringes where fear and faith collide. Beware of her chilling wail…she will stop at nothing to lure you into the gloom. Because there is no peace for her anguish. There is no mercy for her soul. And there is no escape from the curse of La Llorona.

This is one of those pretty watered down scary movies.  They had some good sight or moment scares but not really much past that.  The story was decent and had a pretty good build but it was just one of those watered down scary movies that could have been so much better if they really went all in for frights instead of making something for all audiences.  

I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering with this.  It's just background noise and not really worth anyone's time or money.

Hellboy

Hellboy is back, and he’s on fire. From the pages of Mike Mignola’s seminal work, this action packed story sees the legendary half-demon superhero (David Harbour, “Stranger Things”) called to the English countryside to battle a trio of rampaging giants. There he discovers The Blood Queen, Nimue (Milla Jovovich, Resident Evil series), a resurrected ancient sorceress thirsting to avenge a past betrayal. Suddenly caught in a clash between the supernatural and the human, Hellboy is now hell-bent on stopping Nimue without triggering the end of the world.

Wow!  This was really, really bad.  Like really bad.  Like why did they bother doing this?  I was ready to pull the plug halfway through and it really just became background noise at that point.  I was a big fan of the original one and was even okay with the sequel.  I tried not to get excited about this one but I kind of did and that might have backfired on me because I thought this was total garbage

I would not recommend anyone bothering with this movie.  It was a total waste of time.

Missing Link

The charismatic Sir Lionel Frost (voiced by Hugh Jackman) considers himself to be the world's foremost investigator of myths and monsters. The trouble is none of his small-minded high-society peers seems to recognize this. Sir Lionel's last chance for acceptance by the adventuring elite rests on traveling to America's Pacific Northwest to prove the existence of a legendary creature. A living remnant of Man's primitive ancestry. The Missing Link.

This movie was a pretty decent watch.  It wasn't must see animation for all but it was worth checking out and should have done better box office wise than it did.  There were decent laughs, the story was well paced and the animation was pretty cool.  Cant really complain about the movie but can't really praise it either.  Ultimately its just kind of there I guess.

I would casually recommend families checking this out.  It is not a must see by any means whatsoever but you could definitely do much, much worse.

Shazam

We all have a superhero inside us, it just takes a bit of magic to bring it out. In Billy Batson’s (Angel) case, by shouting out one word—SHAZAM!—this streetwise 14-year-old foster kid can turn into the adult Super Hero Shazam (Levi), courtesy of an ancient wizard. Still a kid at heart—inside a ripped, godlike body—Shazam revels in this adult version of himself by doing what any teen would do with superpowers: have fun with them! Can he fly? Does he have X-ray vision? Can he shoot lightning out of his hands? Can he skip his social studies test? Shazam sets out to test the limits of his abilities with the joyful recklessness of a child. But he’ll need to master these powers quickly in order to fight the deadly forces of evil controlled by Dr. Thaddeus Sivana (Strong).

This was one of those movies that is kind of hard to review.  Because superhero movies have become so much more for adults than kids you tend to watch them a certain way.  This movie went back to the roots of superhero movies and was very much for families and kids more so than adults.  It was not bad for what it was.  Honestly I can't complain about this one nearly as much as usual DC entries.  But it is nowhere near the level of most superhero movies of today.  It felt like an 80s family movie NOT your usual stuff now.

I would recommend families check this out because it is an enjoyable watch.  It's just not your usual superhero movie for those looking for something like that.

Pet Sematary

An updated version of Stephen King's "Pet Sematary." The following is how the 1983 book is described:
"The road in front of Dr. Louis Creed's rural Maine home frequently claims the lives of neighborhood pets. Louis has recently moved from Chicago to Ludlow with his wife Rachel, their children and pet cat. Near their house, local children have created a cemetery for the dogs and cats killed by the steady stream of transports on the busy highway. Deeper in the woods lies another graveyard, an ancient Indian burial ground whose sinister properties Louis discovers when the family cat is killed."

The first Pet Sematary was honestly one of the scariest movies ever when I was younger.  Like that movie royally messed me up.  I actually used to have to jump off my bed for years because of the paranoia created in my head from that movie.  So I was very torn on this one thinking that they would not be able to do it as well.  But I was wrong.  They did a great job of recreating the building tension and creepiness and the third act of the movie was edge of your seat stuff all over again.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this movie out if you like scary movies.  It is a very enjoyable watch.

Dumbo

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, the all-new grand live-action adventure “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished and dreams take flight. Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

This was a very cute and cookie cutter version of the animated movie from what I can remember.  It was never one of my Disney favorites but everything seemed pretty much the same.  I thought that it would be a little quirkier because of Tim Burton directing but it was not.  It was very simple, formula and  cute fun for a live action Disney remake.

I would definitely recommend people - especially families - checking this movie out.  It's not a  must see like some of the others but it is quite enjoyable.  

Us

A mother (Lupita Nyong’o) and a father (Winston Duke) take their kids to their beach house expecting to unplug and unwind with friends (including Emmy winner Elizabeth Moss from TV series The Handmaid’s Tale). But as night descends, their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some shocking visitors arrive uninvited.

This was one weird, disturbing and massive tension causing movie.  I was legit tense watching it from start to finish.  There were points where I had no clue what was happening.  There were points where I was getting annoyed that I didn't know why things were happening.  There were times where I was laughing and wondering why or if it was okay to be laughing.  But the whole time I was tense.  I also absolutely need to watch this movie again to make sure that I even really took it in right and am not overthinking or anything like that.

This was a very intense and enjoyable watch and very much a movie to talk about afterwards.  Great acting all around and the direction was once again awesome.

Five Feet Apart

What would love look like if you were forbidden to touch? "Five Feet Apart" is the story of Stella (Haley Lu Richardson) and Will (Cole Sprouse), two young people who refuse to be defined by the obstacles that separate them. Moises Arias will co-star as Poe, Stella’s lifelong best friend.

I thought that this movie would be massively melodramatic and I have to say I was shocked that it ended up not being that.  Outside of a little over the top stuff towards the end that was very not necessary drama wise - this movie was actually really enjoyable.  It didn't overdo it with the heart strings.  The characters and their chemistry was very believable.  Very surprised.

I would actually recommend people checking this one out.  Never went into it thinking I would be saying those words or that it would even be able to hold my attention like it was able to.

Wonder Park

Wonder Park tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive.

This was one of those animated movies that sucks by comparison to most others based on the standards that now exist about the movies being just as enjoyable for adults as it is for kids.  This movie was really just for kids which is funny when you think about it because that is technically who all of these movies are for.  It's a decent watch but nowhere near the level of others that I would usually recommend.

I wouldn't really recommend anyone bothering with this movie.  It's just noise to put on to distract younger kids for a while at home when needing a break.

Captive State

Set in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after an occupation by an extra-terrestrial force, "Captive State" explores the lives on both sides of the conflict – the collaborators and dissidents.

This was a very strange watch.  Like it was an alien movie with very little aliens.  It was like political but sci-fi at the same time.  And the weirdness of that kind of ended up making it a decent watch.  Not sure if that makes sense but it definitely was worth checking out.  I wouldn't say that it is must watch by any means but I enjoyed it.

I would sort of recommend it.  I just think I liked it because it was different but I'm not sure that I could just openly recommend people checking this out.  

Captain Marvel

The story follows Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races. Set in the 1990s, “Captain Marvel” is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Again . . . . . . . Marvel does not do bad.  I actually thought this might be the one with how it started.  It was very scattered and kind of all over the place at first but it managed to smooth itself out after about 20 minutes and become a very enjoyable ride that introduced a great lynchpin type of character in Captain Marvel.  It's going to be a lot of fun watching her banter with the current Avengers.

I would absolutely recommend people checking this out.  It was a great origin story.  It's not one of Marvel's top movies but still incredibly enjoyable and a great ride.

A Madea Family Funeral

A joyous family reunion becomes a hilarious nightmare as Madea and the crew travel to backwoods Georgia, where they find themselves unexpectedly planning a funeral that might unveil unsavory family secrets.

This is pretty much more of the same Tyler Perry stuff.  If you think Madea is funny (which I still do) there are lots of laughs in those parts.  The rest of the movie is over the top melodramatic nonsense.  These movies are always 50/50 for me.  

I would not recommend anyone rushing to see this.  Very much not must see material.  The Madea stuff has been getting old for years.  Some good laughs but not nearly enough.

Fighting With My Family

Fighting With My Family is a heartwarming comedy based on the incredible true story of WWE Superstar Paige™. Born into a tight-knit wrestling family, Paige and her brother Zak are ecstatic when they get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to try out for WWE. But when only Paige earns a spot in the competitive training program, she must leave her family and face this new, cut-throat world alone. Paige’s journey pushes her to dig deep, fight for her family, and ultimately prove to the world that what makes her different is the very thing that can make her a star.

This was a really enjoyable movie.  Granted - it helps to be a WWE fan in order to enjoy it but honestly even if you are not - it was a really well developed movie where you get hooked by the characters and their voyage regardless of being a fan or not.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  Its a great story and you can't help but get wrapped up in it.  

The Prodigy

Taylor Schilling stars as Sarah, a mother whose young son Miles' disturbing behavior signals that an evil, possibly supernatural force has overtaken him. Fearing for her family's safety, Sarah must grapple with her maternal instinct to love and protect Miles in favor of investigating what - or who - is causing his dark turn. She is forced to look for answers in the past, taking the audience on a wild ride; one where the line between perception and reality remains blurry.

This is another one of those prime example early in the year horror movie releases.  They are just made for the quick opening weekend money and out of theaters within two weeks.  This was basically a made for tv movie on like Lifetime or something that somehow made it to the big screen.

I wouldn't recommend anyone bother with this.  It's pretty much just there and a big waste of time.  

Isn't It Romantic

New York City architect Natalie works hard to get noticed at her job, but is more likely to be asked to deliver coffee and bagels than to design the city’s next skyscraper. And if things weren’t bad enough, Natalie, a lifelong cynic when it comes to love, has an encounter with a mugger that renders her unconscious, waking to discover that her life has suddenly become her worst nightmare, a romantic comedy and she is the leading lady.

I am shocked at how much I enjoyed this movie.  Don't get me wrong - I'm a big fan of Rebel Wilson.  I just figured that this would be one of those movies where all the good stuff was in the trailer.  But the fact that the movie didn't take itself seriously and really mocked the whole genre perfectly made it crazy entertaining.  The movie was short, to the point and really witty with its commentary on rom-coms.

I would definitely recommend people checking this out.  It had plenty of laughs and was really an enjoyable watch.

What Men Want

Ali Davis (Taraji P. Henson) is a successful sports agent who’s constantly boxed out by her male colleagues. When Ali is passed up for a well-deserved promotion, she questions what else she needs to do to succeed in a man’s world... until she gains the ability to hear men’s thoughts! With her newfound power, Ali looks to outsmart her colleagues as she races to sign the next basketball superstar, but the lengths she has to go to will put her relationship with her best friends and a potential new love interest (Aldis Hodge) to the test.

This movie was watchable and had a couple of good laughs but it is very much the type of movie that gets ruined by the trailer.  All the good stuff was already in there and you pretty much have seen the movie by seeing the trailer.  There was nothing I didn't see coming and nothing original whatsoever.  It's a shame because I like Taraji P Henson a lot but this definitely continued her streak of blah movies.

I wouldn't really recommend that anyone bother with this.  It's just kind of there and again not much to see past the material in the trailer.  It could have been so much better.