Tag: Idris Elba

The Suicide Squad in AMC Dolby

The Suicide Squad in AMC Dolby

Welcome to Belle Reve, the prison with the highest mortality rate. This is a place where the worst super Villains will do anything to get out, even sign-up for do or die assignments with the super-secret, super shady Task Force X.

This assignment starts with an assemble of cons like Bloodsport, Blackguard, Javelin, King Shark, Rat Catcher 2, Peacemaker, Savant, Captain Boomerang and everyone’s favorite psycho Harley Quinn.  Heavily armed and ready, they are sent off to the Island of Corto Maltese. They are not sure what awaits them but they are ready for battle. The story unfolds from there…

The addition of Viola Davis, John Cena and Sylvester Stallone along with the Director/Writer James Gunn makes this installment better that the first.

The story is lacking, but where the story falls short, the movie makes up for it with a super-fast pace, crazy out of this world stunts and great cinematography. The violence is way over the top, at times I had to cover my eyes because it was so bloody. The movie is deranged, but entertaining none the less.

“The Suicide Squad” is open-wide in theaters. It is also streaming on HBO MAX

It’s worth seeing on the big screen.

This is a 4 Star Movie!

CATS

The Broadway Musical Hit “Cats” comes to the big screen. If you ignore the fact that there was no story, no plot and no suspense, you could say that the big screen version of “Cats” is just OK.

I expected there to be something, but was highly disappointed that there was nothing. Don’t get me wrong, the costumes, makeup, singing and dancing is fantastic. That is the entertainment factor of the movie. Unfortunately the dialog was difficult to decipher. You do figure out that there is a villain of sorts, but it’s not clear what he’s after or why he does what he does. If that is not enough the movie ends with a question mark. I hate when that happens.

There is a strong cast and that is probably the only element that is saving “Cats”. The cast is the reason I wanted to see the movie. I did see the Broadway Musical many years ago and it was fantastic.

“Cats” should stay on Broadway and that is where you should see it.

This is a 2 Star Movie!!

Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw in AMC Dolby

Finally an entertaining movie!! I will admit I was a bit concerned when I first learned that the “Fast & Furious” Franchise was continuing. I tried to image what was coming next…
It’s great that they went back to the drawing board and figured out how to put out a new fresh installment/spin-off. I am a big fan of the “Fast & Furious” Franchise. I am glad they are back!!

This installment brings sworn enemies lawman Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and lawless outcast Shaw (Jason Statham) together when cyber-genetically enhanced anarchist Brixton (Idris Elba) gains control of an insidious bio-threat that could alter humanity forever. The usual bickering ensues between Hobbs & Shaw, but at the end of the day it’s all about saving the world and humanity. The story unfolds from there…

The movie has non-stop action, is extremely entertaining, funny at times and has some stupidly wild stunts. The kind of stunts that are “Don’t Try This at Home” type of stunts. The cinematography is fantastic!! Great camera angles put you right in the mix of the action. There is even some cool computer hacks. This is a good start to a “Fast & Furious” spin-off. I am sure we have not seen the last of Hobbs & Shaw.

This is a 4 Star Movie!!

Molly’s Game

My movie going experience was enhanced today because my brand new husband went with me!! For those of you who did not know, One week ago today I got married! Going forward from time to time my husband may attend the movies with me making my reviewing experience more fun!!

Finally “Molly’s Game” has opened. I have been waiting for this movie for months and it does not disappoint!!

“Molly’s Game” is based on the true story of Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain), an Olympic Down-Hill Skier who ran the most exclusive “High Stakes Poker Game” operation for over a decade before she was arrested in the middle of the night by the FBI.
Molly’s players included some of Hollywood’s Royalty, Sports Stars, Big Business Tycoons and unbeknownst to her, members of the Russian Mob.

Molly’s only ally turned out to be her criminal defense attorney Charlie Jaffey (Idris Elba) who learned that there was a lot more to Molly than what the tabloids reported. The story unfolds from there…

“Molly’s Game” is awesome!! It’s suspenseful, intriguing and edge of your seat entertaining. I love Jessica Chastain and she does not disappoint!! She makes it up as she goes along. The only down turn of the movie was there wasn’t enough “poker play” shown.

Molly’s Game was worth the wait. You should check it out!!

This is a 4 Star Movie!

Thor: Ragnarok in Real 3D

This is a Special Edition of Thursday Night at the Movies with the Movie Warrior

This 3rd installment finds Thor imprisoned on the other side of the Universe without his powerful Hammer. Thor finds himself in a race against time to get back to Asgard to stop Ragnarok the destruction of his homeland and the end of Asgardian Civilization. Thor must battle a new powerful villain, the ruthless Hela. Hela will stop at nothing to take over and destroy Asgard. If that’s not enough, Thor also must survive a Gladiator contest against the mighty Hulk…The story unfolds from there…

Wow!! Awesome cinematography, special effects, action, suspense and intrigue. They got it right on this 3rd installment. It’s a wild ride in your theater seat. Colorful scenes give way to spectacular camera angles.

This is a star-studded cast with appearances from The Hulk and Dr Strange.

They definitely did not play it safe with this installment, it’s as if all guns came out blazing. Marvel Universe did hit the jackpot.

If you are a fan of the Marvel Comic Universe, this installment of Thor is definitely worth a look.

This is a 4 Star Movie!

The Dark Tower

“The Dark Tower” is one of Stephen King’s best-selling novels about the last Gunslinger, Roland Deschain (Idris Elba) who continues to battle the “Man in Black” (Matthew McConaughey) to prevent him from destroying the Dark Tower, which holds the Universe together.

A young boy, Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) has continued nightmares, visions and dreams about a “Dark Tower”, a “Gunslinger” and a “Man in Black”. He draws what he dreams. Jake’s dreams, visions and nightmares lead his parents to thinking that he needs to be placed in an institution. When the representatives from the institution arrive at Jake’s home, he recognizes them from one of his nightmares. Jake finds a way to escape his home and is able to evade them.

Jake on the run makes his way to an abandoned mansion he saw in one of his visions not realizing that inside this mansion is the gateway to where the “Gunslinger” and the “Man in Black” are located. Jake enters the gateway. The “Man in Black” realizes that Jake is the boy who holds the powers that he needs to use to topple “The Dark Tower”. The story unfolds from there…

Unfortunately the movie does not do the book justice. Although watching Idris Elba as a “Gunslinger” is a wonderful thing… He and his five o’clock shadow look good doing just about anything and Idris Elba is the bright spot in the movie.

“The Dark Tower” spends too much time at the beginning not giving you what you need to put everything in perspective. There is plenty of action and special effects. The movie spends most of its time being dark and mysterious.

I grew up a Stephen King fan and read almost all of his books. I did read “The Dark Tower” and I am disappointed that the movie does not represent the book better.

If you are a Stephen King fan, you may find “The Dark Tower” worth your time, but I suggest waiting for it to come out on DVD, Blu-Ray or Cable.

This is a 2 Star Movie!

Zootopia in 3D

I am enjoying a couple of days off so I decided to see the animated hit “Zootopia”!!

We should all be so lucky to live in a place like “Zootopia”. It’s a metropolis with neighborhoods like “Ritzy Sahara Square” and “Frigid Tundratown”. Animals from every environment live together and co-habitat without issues. Whether you are a HUGH Elephant to a small tiny mouse, you can be and do anything you like.

Rookie Office Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) wanted to be a police officer ever since she was a little bunny in school. She passes the police academy training at the top of her class. Judy is excited to get her assignment upon graduation day, but when she arrives at her newly assigned police precinct Judy discovers she is the first Bunny to become a police officer. She is not sure about this. There are HUGH animals as policemen. Judy is determined to prove her worth though, but she is assigned to Parking Meter Duty…The story unfolds from there…

“Zootopia” is entertaining, light-hearted and fun. While it’s potentially billed as a movie for the younger set. Adults can definitely enjoy “Zootopia”. There is a lesson in this movie for everyone!

The animation and cinematography are awesome! There is a story, plot and intrigue. If you are interested in something “Light-Hearted and Fun” I suggest “Zootopia”.

This is a 5 Star Movie!

Avengers: The Age of Ultron – The IMAX 3D Experience

They are back!! “Avengers: The Age of Ultron” is a good sequel, but not great! It does not compare to its predecessor.
Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) activates a dormant peace keeping program, but somewhere along the way things go awry and the team finds themselves involved in an epic battle to save the planet. The story unfolds from there…
What would have made this installment great is a better plot. The plot is very underdeveloped. Saving the world has now become a hard working job for The Avengers. Their latest nemesis Ultron gives the team all they can handle and more. Ultron is like an energizer bunny, he just keeps coming and coming.
There is lots of non-stop action, edge of your seat thrills and constant mayhem. There is even reason to laugh a bit. “The Age of Ultron” is a definite must see in IMAX, but 3D is not necessary.
If you are a fan of the Avengers then “The Age of Ultron” is a must see.

This is a 3 1/2 Star Movie!!

The Gunman

I had high expectations for “The Gunman” unfortunately it does not deliver, not by a long shot.

Terrier (Sean Penn) is a member of a mercenary assassination team tasked with taking out the minister of mines of the Congo. When the mission is accomplished Terrier is forced into hiding. Eight years later Terrier returns to the Congo only to find out that he has become the target of a hit squad. The story unfolds from there…

From the very beginning the story is disjointed. The dialog and some of the exchanges do not make sense. There is no real story line or plot. The actions and events do not make sense. The stage is not set properly, so you will spend a lot of time scratching your head. You will see events and scenes that will remind you of other movies that were executed better of the same genre.

Needless to say I am disappointed. I expected better. This movie was directed by Pierre Morel who did “Taken”.

“The Gunman” is best viewed on cable.

Thor: The Dark World An IMAX 3D Experience

It’s very difficult to duplicate the success of a first installment. “Thor: The Dark World” the sequel to the 2011 blockbuster picks up nicely from where the first installment ended.

The adventures of Thor the Mighty Avenger continues as he battles to save Earth and the Nine Realms from the dark enemy that came before the universe.
The evil Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Odin and Asgard are no match against this evil enemy they face. Thor embarks on his own perilous journey, one that re-unites him with Jane Foster (Portman) and they together try to save the Universe. The story unfolds from there…

A must see in IMAX, although 3D is not necessary. The cinematography, special effects and action are very good. Thor (Chris Hemsworth) continues to weld his hammer to the delight of female audiences. The movie has a small lull, but other than that it’s pretty good at holding your attention.

If you are interested in the Thor franchise then “Thor: The Dark World” is a must see.