Category: 2019

REVIEW: ‘Hellboy’ isn’t saved by R-rated spectacle

I never saw the first two “Hellboy” films by Oscar winning Director Guillermo del Toro as perfect masterpieces, but they are light years ahead of this.

A reboot rather than a sequel to the last “Hellboy” in 2008, this picture follows the titular character who works for a special agency defending humanity from paranormal threats. Hellboy, who was summoned to Earth during World War II, is an agent for the organization and his latest case takes him to England.

There, he learns of a sorceress (Milla Jovovich) who had threatened the world generations ago and plans to do so again. While Hellboy is initially ready to fight her, though, he has second thoughts because of how humans have outright attacked paranormal creatures throughout their history.

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REVIEW: ‘Pet Sematary’ has scares, but lacks solid storytelling

Another Stephen King adaptation has made its way to theaters, inviting audiences once again to the wonderful state of Maine.

“Pet Sematary” is the second adaptation of the King novel, the other releasing in 1989. This film, directed by Kevin Kolsch and Dennis Widmyer, shares some similarities as the film and novel, while also featuring a few differences. Jason Clarke plays the main character Louis here, a doctor and father in a family of four who are relocating from Boston to rural Maine.

The rest of the family consists of Rachel (Amy Seimetz), Ellie (Jete Laurence) and Gage (Hugo Lavoie). Upon arriving, the family settles in fairly well to their new rural community. The family, by introduction from their neighbor Jud (John Lithgow), do soon learn that their property includes an odd cemetery for pets, though. The land is proven even more eerie after the family cat is killed by a truck and Jud reveals there are some areas where, if buried, dead creatures can be brought back.

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REVIEW: ‘Shazam’ powered by dual lead performances

Just say the word. Review!

The latest comic book adaptation from the DC library is “Shazam!” a superhero comedy directed by David Sandberg and starring Asher Angel as Billy Batson. An orphan and frequent runaway, the film opens with Batson on a mission to find his mother. When his most recent search results in no findings, Batson is taken to another foster family.

After school one day, Batson ends up transported from Philadelphia to another realm where he meets the Wizard Shazam, who’s looking to give his powers to a new champion. Batson is selected and soon receives all of the wizard’s powers, transforming him into his prime form as the new Shazam (Zachary Levi). With his new abilities, it seems to be all fun and games, but the history of the wizard brings about an antagonist who wants the powers, played by Mark Strong.

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Monday Movie Report: Casting news for Viola Davis, Dave Bautista, and more

Academy Award winner Viola Davis is has joined the cast of the “Suicide Squad” reboot and will return as the character Amanda Waller, according to Empire Magazine.

In the film series and the source material, Waller is often the head of government agencies which usually deals with superheroes and occasionally, villains. The latter is the Suicide Squad, a group of jailed criminals who’re sent out on dangerous missions. Davis portrayed the character in the original movie, too.

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Ranking the MCU: The Uniforms

I’m counting down the days to “Avengers Endgame” and in the lead-up, ranking a few things about the series. So, here’s a look at my thoughts on the various uniforms worn by both the Avengers, the Guardians of the Galaxy, and a couple others.

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Tony Stark: A character arc for the ages

Outside of Rocky Balboa and Anakin Skywalker from “Star Wars,” few characters have had as much screentime to grow and change as Tony Stark.

Of course there’s the obvious point of how Stark, played throughout the series by Robert Downey Jr., went from being a smart but rather selfish businessman to being a person who helps protect the world. however, the journey the character takes and the lessons learned are very layered and interesting to look at.

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Monday Movie Report: Topics expected at CinemaCon 2019

CinemaCon, an event organized by the National Association of Theatre Owners, is taking place this week and some recent news will likely be on the agenda.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the event running from April 1-4 will feature footage for upcoming movies as well as several exhibits regarding the industry. Additionally, THR reports that Disney Studios Chair and CEO Alan Horn will make a presentation Wednesday about the company’s purchase of 20th Century Fox.

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REVIEW: Live action ‘Dumbo’ never lifts off

Aside from “The Jungle Book,” Disney’s effort to remake its classic animated library into live action pictures has been only average at best. “Dumbo” certainly doesn’t help that trend.

Like its animated counterpart, “Dumbo” features a performance elephant at a circus who has a newborn son. Breaking away from the original, though, is who discovers the situation. Early on the film introduces the audience to an animal caretaker named Holt (Colin Farrell) and his two children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins). They’re the ones who discover the new elephant at the circus, run by Max Medici (Danny DeVito). Upon seeing Dumbo for the first time, they of course notice his rather large ears. This seems like a problem at first, but the two kids are able to “unlock” a talent in the elephant: the ability to fly.

Similar to the animated picture, there’s an incident where Dumbo’s mother is taken away. However, because of his flying, Dumbo is able to find some success and a little hope is restored. Because of Dumbo’s success, a rich amusement park owner, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), comes to make Max a partner and obtain his whole show, including Dumbo. An agreement is made, but it becomes apparent that Vandevere is a shady person.

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REVIEW: ‘Us’ provides the thrills but is undercut by consistency issues

“Us,” definitely not to be confused with the drama show “This is Us,” is the latest picture from Writer/Director Jordan Peele.

The film tells the story of Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o), who’s visiting a beach vacation home with her family, which includes her husband Gabe (Winston Duke), daughter Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph) and son Jason (Evan Alex).

While Adelaide is has some reservations about being in the area again because of some bad memories from her past, she tries to make the most of her vacation with her family. Things seem to be going OK until night falls and the family is confronted in their vacation home by a group of doppelgangers.

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