Category: Fantasy

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom in IMAX

Aquaman and The Lost Kingdom in IMAX

Happy Holidays!!

I actually saw “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” on Christmas Eve. I needed to think about what I want to say about the movie, so here goes…


It’s been 5 years since the 1st Aquaman installment. In this installment we are reminded that the Black Manta failed to defeat Aquaman previously, so now he wields the power of an Ancient malevolent force that he believes is enough to take Aquaman down. Aquaman on the other hand is looking to end Black Manta’s reign of terror by forming an alliance with his brother, Orm the former King of Atlantis. Aquaman and Orm set aside their differences to join forces to try and take down the Black Manta and save their kingdom once and for all. The story unfolds from there…

The movie gets to the point in a hurry, but there is so much ground to cover that it’s a mess of scenes that are not cohesive. There were attempts of silly humor along the way that really did not make any sense. The scenes that were “Funny” probably weren’t supposed to be.

Unfortunately, this installment stopped trying and it just whimpers out. Jason Momoa does his part, but the movie does really cover any new ground. The IMAX Aspects were not worth the ticket price. This is not the worst DC Comics film, but it makes the Super Hero movie industry look floundering. I am usually excited after seeing a Super Hero episode, but after seeing this Aquaman installment, I will have to think long and hard about seeing another Super Hero movie. I wasn’t in a hurry to write my review because upon leaving the theater I was extremely disappointed. I needed to put everything in perspective before writing anything.

If you did not like the first Aquaman installment, this installment won’t win you over. If you are a DC Comics Hero Fan, then you will probably want to see this installment, so you can make your own judgement.

This is a 1 ½ Star Movie!!

The Marvels in AMC Dolby

The Marvels in AMC Dolby

I saw “The Marvels” on Friday Nov 10th, but I needed time to think about my review before I posted.

Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. But unintended consequences see Carol shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree Revolutionary, her powers become entangled with that of Jersey City super-fan, Kamala Khan aka Ms. Marvel, and Carol’s estranged niece, now S.A.B.E.R. astronaut Captain Monica Rambeau. Together with Nick Fury’s help, this unexpected trio must team-up and learn to work in together to save the Universe as “The Marvels.”

The Marvels is an at times vibrant addition to the Marvel Universe and at other times it appears to be a jumbled mess of a movie. Its chocked full of action, fantastic cinematography and well-timed special effects, but the story is disjointed. The movie does not come across as a sequel to the 2019 Captain Marvel. This causes confusion, because it’s not obvious where this installment should be in the saga. There is plenty of energy going with Captain Marvel (Brie), Ms. Marvel (Iman) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah). The movie does have its entertaining moments.

The saving grace is that the movie is only 1 hour and 45 minutes running time. That was just long enough.

If you are a Marvel Universe Fan, then “The Marvels” should not be missed.

This is a 3 Star Movie!!

The Flash in AMC Dolby

The Flash in AMC Dolby

“The Flash” starts off with Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. The story unfolds from there…

The first 80 minutes of the movie are slow and go. The real action doesn’t start until the movie is half over. The Dolby effects are awesome. The cinematography is very good. There was a ton of CGI used, sometimes it was a bit over kill. The story is jagged and does not have a real flow. There are too many lull spots in the first 80 minutes, but the action that ensues makes it worth the ticket.

I was surprised to see Michael Keaton as Batman. The current Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) makes an appearance, but why not bring back Linda Carter as Wonder Woman since Michael Keaton was brought back. I feel this is a casting mix match as Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman represents now and the future, where Linda Carter’s Wonder Woman represents the past just like Michael Keaton’s Batman.

This installment is a bit of Justice League, so you do get the opportunity to see a few Super Heroes in Action.

This is DC Comics not Marvel Universe. You decide for yourself.

This is a 3 Star Movie!!

Black Adam in AMC Dolby

Black Adam in AMC Dolby

Another installment from DC Comics…5,000 years ago Black Adam was entombed after magical powers were bestowed upon him. Now in modern times Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb ready to unleash his unique form of justice upon the modern world. The story unfolds from there…

No real plot or story… The movie will overwhelm you with a ton of action and special effects that mean absolutely NOTHING… This is not one of Dwayne Johnson’s best movies.  Lots of characters and not sure who the foes were. The dialog was also lacking. This was a highly anticipated movie that left me extremely disappointed. Lots of potential that did not payoff.

In fact, I saw “Black Adam” Friday afternoon, but was so disappointed I needed to really think about what I wanted to say before posting a review.

“Black Adam” is not worth the price of admission. See it on Cable or a Streaming Service.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in AMC Dolby

Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in AMC Dolby

Finally, Dr. Strange is back!! I really enjoyed the first installment and was glad to see that a 2nd installment has arrived.

This installment really pushes the boundaries of Dr. Strange’s abilities. The Multiverse is unlocked and the journey with Dr. Strange is long and intense. This journey is mind bending, dangerous and forces Dr. Strange to confront a new adversary. 

Dr. Strange even gets the help of mystical allies old and new from far and wide. Is it enough? You will have to see the movie to find out. 

The movie is intense, crazy, mad, at times scary and a bit insane, but… also, fantastic to look at. The Visuals are on point. The story its self has holes, but with the great acting, special effects and fantastic cinematography, I can forgive the lack luster story and plot.

If you are a fan of Marvel Universe and Dr. Strange, this installment should not be missed.

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

Spider-Man: No Way Home in AMC Dolby

Spider-Man: No Way Home in AMC Dolby

Finally!!! I was able to see “Spider-Man: No Way Home” I was originally supposed to see this installment Sunday Dec 19th, but had to move my tickets to after Christmas due to some scheduling challenges. That will never happen again… 

So here we are… A bigger bolder more in your face installment with more going on than ever before. People know who Spider-Man is, this causes a clash between Super-Hero duties and his normal Peter Parker life. So, Spider-Man enlists the help of one of my favorite Super Heroes Dr. Strange to restore his secret identity to where no one knows that Peter Parker is Spider-Man. There are consequences from this that not only tears the world apart, but brings back the really bad villains that Spider-Man previously destroyed. The story unfolds from there…

This movie has breath-taking action and is a non-stop visual feast. You won’t be bored. The cinematography is outstanding especially when Dr. Strange is at the helm. Cracking open the multi-verse was a great idea.

Alas there is some sorrow, but with all that was going on in the movie some sorrow was bound to happen.

Don’t miss “Spider-Man: No Way Home” only in Theaters

This is a 4 ½ Star Movie!!

Eternals in IMAX

Eternals in IMAX

Finally, “Eternals” from the Marvel Universe hits the big screen. 

In this installment the backstory plays a large part in setting the stage for how the “Eternals” came to be. A group of Ancient Aliens who came to Earth and had been living in secret for thousands of years makes their presence known following the events of the “Avengers: Endgame” an unexpected tragedy forces the “Eternals” out of the shadows to reunite together against mankind’s most dangerous enemy, the Deviants. The story unfolds from there…

 I had high expectations for “Eternals” since it is part of the Marvel Universe, but alas “Eternals” does not live up to the high stands of past Marvel Universe productions. The first 45 minutes was very entertaining and I thought I was in for a great ride. Along the way the movie sags under so many different small plots and different stories that are hinted upon that you will find yourself conflicted and maybe a bit confused.

The cinematography is on point. There are some really great special effects, a lot of action and combat. The door was left open for another installment. Maybe a 2nd installment will come together better.

“Eternals” is only playing in theaters and not on a streaming service. 

If you are a Marvel fan, you will want to see “Eternals” and judge for yourself.

This is a 3 Star Movie!!

Cinderella 2021 on Amazon Prime

Cinderella 2021 on Amazon Prime

How many times and how many ways can Cinderella be made? Well, another installment is upon us. This one is an Amazon Prime Exclusive. It’s chocked full of famous and well-known actors and actresses and I am sure this was a fun vehicle for them to make. 

Unfortunately, it’s not as good as it should be… Don’t get me wrong, they did change it up a bit in several areas. Also, this is primarily a Musical, so most of the dialog is in song.  I am just no sure that this version needed to be told. Cinderella is a Classic!! This version tries to bring it into the 21st Century. I don’t feel that is needed. It could have been redone, just keep the Classic style in place.

I did find parts of the movie amusing. I also found parts of the movie boring.

Alas…There was some comic relief. I think children will find this version entertaining. From an Adult’s perspective the screenplay is disjointed.

If you have Amazon Prime, viewing this installment of Cinderella will not cost you a dime. Otherwise, it’s not worth the cost of a regular movie ticket.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings in AMC Dolby

Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings in AMC Dolby

What a nice surprise!! Marvel has expanded its Universe and it could not happen at a better time.


The back story for “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings” is on point! The story makes sense and everything ties together nicely. 

Shang-Chi (Simu Liu) must confront his past, a past he thought he had left behind, but it comes and finds him in San Francisco. He is drawn into a web of mystery by an organization known as the Ten Rings. Shang-Chi soon finds out that his Father is behind the mystery and they must confront each other to move forward. The story unfolds from there…

The usual Marvel Universe effects are in play. The movie is chalked full of action, special effects, intrigue and great cinematography.

This is an excellent first installment of Shang-Chi. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

If you are a Marvel Universe fan “Shang-Chi and The Legend of the 10 Rings should not be missed. It’s only in theaters.

This is a 5 Star Movie!!

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in Real 3D

She’s Back!! “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a visual feast!!

After Maleficent’s goddaughter Aurora gets engaged to Prince Phillip, they each start questioning the complex matters of family. Aurora wants Maleficent to meet the King and Queen and do all of the things that a mother would do when her daughter gets engaged. Little does Aurora know her godmother already knows the King and Queen all to-well. Additionally the hatred between man and the fairies still continues. The story unfolds from there…

As I stated in my opening “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” is a visual feast. The cinematography, action and special effects are on point. There is a lot of new ground to cover in this second installment. There are many new cast members and you get a peek at what may be Maleficent’s back story.

The movie is quite enjoyable. It’s sad that it took so long for this sequel. It’s been 5 years since the 2014 Global Box Office hit “Maleficent” hit theaters.
The paid critics didn’t seem to like this installment, but I think it’s worth a look.

This is a 3 ½ Star Movie!!