Category: Sci-Fi

The Matrix Resurrections in AMC Dolby

The Matrix Resurrections in AMC Dolby

It’s been 18 years since the Matrix Franchise graced us with an installment. I thought they were gone for good since everyone is aging, but alas the franchise has pushed out a new installment.

This Matrix installment is nothing like the installments that came before it. It lacks the fluidness and style of the Matrix Trilogy. Although it does revisit the Franchise with zeal.

In this installment we find Neo aka Mr. Anderson trying to determine if his reality is a physical or mental construction. To determine this Neo will have to follow the white rabbit once again. Once again, choice is an illusion and is still the only way out of or into the Matrix. This time though, The Matrix is stronger, more secure and more dangerous than ever before. The saga unfolds from there…

This reboot is a good one, although there are a few lulls in the story. The special effects at times are breathtakingly cool and at other times scary. There is tons of non-stop action, intrigue and suspense. Just what you expect from Sci-Fi. I was also impressed by the cinematography and camera angles. 

If you are a fan of the Matrix Franchise, “The Matrix Resurrections” should not be missed.

“The Matrix Resurrections” is in Theaters and streaming on HBO MAX.

This is a 3 ½ Star Movie!!

Dune

Dune

In this first of two installments of “Dune” we learn of a young man who is born into a destiny not of his choosing but is forced to do whatever is necessary to save the future of his family and his planet. In order to do this, he must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe and fight while overcoming his own fears to survive. The story unfolds from there…

 Wow! What a visual. The movie is a bit cumbersome in some areas, but that does not take away from the story. The execution of the saga is on point and the casting is AWESOME! Some of the desert scenes reminded me of the 2015 Blockbuster “Mad Max: Fury Road”, “Desert Dirt Flying…”. This is the first of 2 Dune movies and I am excited for the conclusion.

“Dune” is in Theaters and Streaming on HBO MAX until Nov 21st.

It’s best seen on the big screen!

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

Godzilla vs Kong in Real 3D Dolby

Godzilla vs Kong in Real 3D Dolby

Just what we need right now, a “Block-Buster Monster Movie” 

Do legends ever die…? Apparently not as two Mythic Monster Legends Godzilla and Kong meet up for an ultimate battle. 

The state of the world hangs in the balance while Kong and his protectors are out on a journey in search of his true home, along with them is an orphan little deaf girl named, Jia. Jia and Kong have formed a powerful bond as she signs him, he understands her.  During this journey Kong encounters Godzilla. The story unfolds from there…

There are 2 things that come to mind while watching this movie, 1. Part of the movie reminded me of one of the earlier installments of Jurassic Park (Scientists tampering with the Dinosaurs) There was something similar in this movie. 2. Godzilla and Kong reminded me of 2 Prize Fighters going at it. Each retreating at the end of an imaginary Round. The Boxing Ring is the World. Who comes out on top? You will have to see the movie to find out.

The Cinematography was awesome. The Special Effects were on point!! I was leery when I first learned of this movie back in early 2019, but there is some “Freshness” to this installment and it was surprisingly well done. The time went fast and the movie was over before I knew it. 

If you feel comfortable it’s best seen on the big screen. The movie is streaming on HBO MAX, but I have heard the sound isn’t that great. If you see the movie in IMAX or a Dolby Cinema you will feel like you are along for the ride!!

This is a 3 ½ Star Movie!!

Tenet in AMC Dolby

“Tenet” finally opens on the big screen. This has been a much-anticipated movie from Director Christopher Nolan.

In a world of International Espionage, an unnamed CIA Operative known as the Protagonist is recruited by an unknown organization called “Tenet”. On a global scale the assignment unfolds beyond real time. The mission is to stop a renegade Russian oligarch with precognition abilities from World War III. The Protagonist soon learns to master the art of “Time Inversion” as it will be the only way to stop the threat that is coming. The story unfolds from there…

Some parts of “Tenet” reminded me of the 2010 box office hit “Inception”. Director Christopher Nolan loves to play with the concept of time. “Tenet” plays to that concept from start to finish. At times though, I found the movie a bit difficult to decipher and there was a lot of puzzlement. But there was also a lot of international intrigue, suspense and science fiction. The cinematography was crazy cool! The action was non-stop.

Denzel Washington’s son John David Washington makes his acting debut in “Tenet”. I think he will have a long acting career if he wants it. John David does have his dad’s signature walk…

If you are a fan of Director Christopher Nolan then “Tenet” should be on your “Must See” list.

This is a 3 1/2 Star Movie!!

Bloodshot

“Bloodshot” is based on the best-selling comic book of the same name. Vin Diesel is Ray Garrison a decorated Soldier who gets killed in the line of duty. Ray is brought back to life by the RST Corporation. Loaded with a lot of nano-technology in his veins Ray is stronger than ever and is able to heal quickly if injured.

Although Ray is not in complete control of his mind and that’s where the problems start. The RST Corporation can alter Ray’s memories at any given time. Ray does not know what is real and what isn’t, but he is determined to get to the bottom of the situation. The story unfolds from there…

There is no plot. No solid story, but tons of non-stop action and special effects. The Cinematography was on point! It’s a bit sad…I had high hopes for “Bloodshot”. I counted down the minutes to when I could leave the theater. Vin Diesel does a good job with what he was given, but he isn’t the only person in the movie.

“Bloodshot” is best viewed on Cable, Blu-Ray or DVD.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker in Dolby 3D

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” sans the slow start and the dead spots is an entertaining extravaganza with tons of special effects, great cinematography and plenty of outer space action. I found this installment to be much better than the previous a couple of years ago.
The plot is a bit confusing, but that does not stop the entertainment factor of the movie.
This installment is a nice conclusion to the Star Wars Series. Many old familiar faces reappear.

If you are a fan of the Star Wars Series, you will not want to miss “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

This is a 3 ½ Star Movie!!

Terminator: Dark Fate in AMC Dolby

Calling all “Terminator” Fans!!

It’s been over 20 years since Sarah Conner (Linda Hamilton) halted Judgement Day and changed the future for the human race. Now she is going to have to get involved again. The machines have targeted Dani Ramos (Mackenzie Davis) who is living a simple life in Mexico City with her brother and father.
The machines believe that Dani represents the future and they cannot let that happen. A super enhanced human named Grace also arrives in Mexico City. Together Grace and Sarah must save Dani from the machines. The story unfolds from there…

“Terminator: Dark Fate” is an excellent re-boot to this franchise. It has non-stop edge of your seat action and violence. The movie is very entertaining. Great special effects and a good back story tie-in help boost this movie. This installment is definitely better than the previous reboots.

“Terminator: Dark Fate” is definitely worth a look.

This is a 3 1/2 Star Movie!!

Ad Astra in AMC Dolby

“Ad Astra” is about an Astronaut Roy McBride (Brad Pitt) who is sent on a Space Exploration out into the Solar System to search for his missing Father Cliff McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) who is also an Astronaut. The mystery of it all threatens the existence of planet earth. On his travels, Roy uncovers secrets that challenge the human existence and earth’s place in the cosmos. The story unfolds from there…

Plain and simple the movie was boring. I did not find anything entertaining about “Ad Astra”. I had hoped it would get better, but except for 2 or 3 scenes that were interesting I found the movie to be dry and lifeless.
Don’t get me wrong I love Space Exploration movies like “Interstellar” and “The Martian”. Those movies were entertaining and had lots of action, suspense and intrigue and kept you on the edge of your seat. I did not get any of these elements from “Ad Astra”.

The paid critics gave “Ad Astra” 4 stars. It will only get 2 stars from me.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Spider-Man: Far from Home in AMC Dolby

“Spider-Man” is back!! He misses the guidance of “Iron Man”, but gets on with his life. Far from Home is the next installment of the Spider-Man Homecoming series.

Peter Parker and his high school pals, Ned, MJ and the rest of the gang go on a European vacation. Unfortunately peril is not far behind. Nick Fury shows up asking for Spider-Man’s help. Begrudgingly Spider-Man is forced to make an appearance several times during the vacation.
The story unfolds from there…

The action, entertainment and intrigue are non-stop. The cinematography and special effects are on point! All I can say about the camera angles are wow!!

The story is a bit long and at times drags a bit, but the movie is still very good. There is a bit of a surprise with the plot line. If you are a Spider-Man fan, this installment should not be missed.

This is a 5 Star Movie!!

X-Men: Dark Phoenix in AMC Dolby

The X-Men have been enjoying “Hero” status among normal humans when they are called out to use their powers to save and protect. But the X-Men soon find out that they will end up facing their worst foe, one of their own when after a journey into space to save one of NASA’s Space Shuttle crew Phoenix consumes the unknown fire source in space in order to save her team and the shuttle crew. The X-Men are unaware of the danger humanity could end up being in. The story unfolds from there…

First for the good…The cinematography is fantastic, the special effects and action are on point.

The bad… The story lacks emotion and depth and is not very entertaining. The acting seemed a bit dry also. This is supposed to be a “Finale” of sorts. I would have expected much better. I am highly disappointment. The story ends on a whisper. You are left more questions than answers.

“Dark Phoenix” is supposed to be the last installment in the X-Men franchise. It comes in with a whimper and goes out with a Whimper… The movie is not very memorable and does not do the comic book justice.

I think the 2017 “Logan” installment was much better and more entertaining.

This is a 1 Star Movie!!