Spider-Man: No Way Home

 

Spider-Man's identity now revealed, he is no longer able to separate his normal life as Peter Parker from life as the superhero. Seeking someway to normalize not only his life but those he cares about, he asks for help from Doctor Strange...

Ok no spoilers what-so-ever...let me just say that this was so completely and unexpectedly fun! Easily the best of Spider-Man series. 

There are two after credit scenes - one mid credit and one post credit so stay for them both.

*** MUST SEE for all you Spider-Man/Marvel/Sony/Comic-book junkies.

Rated PG-13 (for violence, language and suggestive dialogue)

No Time to Die

 

James Bond has left active service, when his old friend Felix Leiter finds him and asks for help. The new mission becomes far more treacherous than anyone bargained for. 

You need to watch Spectre (2015) before seeing the newest installment as it picks up right where it left off and if you don't remember the entire story you might find the new episode a tad confusing. 

Overall I liked the movie, but at the risk of spoilers - not a huge fan of some of the subplots that lead to the somewhat predictable ending. This storyline certainly humanizes our hero... but isn't that why we love James Bond, for his super-human likeness?

Meh.

**1/2 Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for violence, disturbing images, strong language and some suggestive material)

Encanto

 

The Madrigals are an extraordinary family, that live in a secret vibrant Colombian village called Encanto. The magic of Encanto has blessed every child of the family with a unique gift, everyone that is, except Mirabel. 

This is a sweet story about the importance of family and accepting yourself inside that group. Not nearly as memorable as Coco (2017) however as the songs are forgettable and the characters not as endearing. 

**1/2 Must See for Pixar/Disney Fans (rentable for everyone else)

Rated PG (for thematic elements and mild peril)

Ghostbusters: Afterlife

 

A single mother and her two children reluctantly take up residence in her estranged deceased fathers' home. They soon discover ghoulish secrets about their new home and their past. 

This long awaited sequel is fun and nostalgic as it pays homage to not only the original film and cast but it's creator and director, Harold Ramis (1944-2014).

Comical and spooky this reboot is borderline cheesy in it's sentimentality and some of its' carbon copy plots lines but for some odd reason, like the original movie, it totally works.  

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language, violence and suggestive dialogue and situations)

Dune: Part 1

 

A young boy born into a Noble family travels to the most dangerous planet in the universe. His world implodes while the conflict over this planets' exclusive resource turns into a deadly war. 

Could that synopsis be any more vague? I never saw the original movie (Dune 1984) nor have I read the book (Dune 1965) written by Frank Herbert. Which apparently won several awards including the Hugo Award in 1966 and the Nebula Award for Best Novel. What I can tell you is that my brothers had some toys from the movie - and I could never figure out what part of Star Wars they were from.   

So..... that being said I went in with zero expectations.... and was still disappointed. 

The movie is extremely slow and although identified as a science fiction story, it is in fact a political piece. It's about political propaganda, religious dogma, sex and ultimately self awareness and how they all cause a huge mess in the human game of life. 

Again, unfamiliar with the book, this film version while visually stunning is extremely lacking to be defined as a "character piece."  When it was all said and done there was a collective, 'Huh." that rang out from the audience.

If you are fans of the book, the original movie or special effects put it on your Netflix list - otherwise you're not missing out.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for language and violence)

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

 

Eddie Brock still struggles to coexist with his extraterrestrial parasite Venom. As an interview with serial killer, Cletus Kasady, begins to put Brock's career back on track it also comes with disastrous consequences.  

Not nearly as clever or creative as its' predecessor, this sequel has about six minutes of new information. It is really just a hour and thirty seven minute bridge. To understand that more fully make sure you watch the after credit scene.

Entertaining for what it is - but not great.

** Rentable

Rated PG-13 (for graphic violence and language)

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

 

Shaun and his best friend Katy are living quiet albeit a tad floundering lives as valets. When a bus ride to work takes a mysterious and shocking twist - Shaun reveals himself as Shang-Chi who must now confront the past he thought he left behind.

This was fun. It wasn't the best of the Marvel Universe, but certainly not the worst. It is entertaining and funny however like most Marvel movies goes on for about 35 minutes too long. 

**1/2 Must See for Marvel Fans (rentable for the rest of the world)

Rated PG-13(for violence and language)

Free Guy

 

A video game character deviates from his programing and sends the gaming world into a tailspin. 

Definitely a fun tongue in cheek commentary on not only the world of video games but also those that actually live vicariously online. 

Entertaining, quickly paced and lots of unexpected cameos.

*** Must See

Rated PG-13 (for language, crude & suggestive references and violence)

The Green Knight

 

King Arthurs' nephew sets off on a quest to confront the Green Knight in an effort to prove himself worthy of the King's court. 

Based on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a late 14th century Middle English chivalric romance story, the author is unknown. It is apparently one of the best know Arthurian stories... still unknow to me, I had to look it up and read the story after I saw the movie. That being said the story is entertaining enough and made sense... the movie however did not. It was not only totally confusing, it took a great deal of liberty in its adaptation. 

Like watching someone hallucinate - perhaps more enjoyable if you are on something. 

* 1/2 - Totally bizarre, not a chance.

Rated R(for violence, sexual content and graphic nudity)

The Suicide Squad

 

The government makes a deal with the worlds most dangerous villains. A suicide mission that if successful will reduce their sentence by fifteen years. 

This revamp/sequel is mediocre at best. The characters are undoubtedly unique and quirky, the storyline however is weak and predictable. 

Obnoxiously gruesome violence and language leave this film with an R rating - which can only hurt DC as their target demographic is twelve to sixteen year old children who can't get into an R movie unaccompanied by an adult. 

** Rentable

Rated R(for gratuitous violence, gore, harsh language, and war)

Jungle Cruise

 

A biologist and her brother head to the Amazon in search of a legendary mystical tree that holds the power to heal all and any ailment. Convinced this will help the war effort of 1916 Great Britain they enlist the help of a corny joke telling tour guide and soon find themselves at odds with German soldiers along with 15th century Spanish conquistadores also in pursuit of the tree. 

Raiders of the Lost Ark meets Pirates of the Caribbean. Lots of homage paid to the ride with the corny jokes and hippo sightings, this was a fun adaptation of the famous Disneyland ride.

*** Must See (for Disneyland fans)

Rated PG-13(for action, violence and thematic elements)

Black Widow

 

Natasha Romanoff, confronts her past as she is pursued by a dangerous force that will stop at nothing to destroy her and her makeshift kin. 

Back in business and on the big screen. Yes this was also released on Disney+ but worth the trip to the theatre to see it as it was intended. And like anyone needs an excuse to leave the house - GO!

Very fun and well paced - stay till after the credits for some head scratching spin off thinking!

*** Must See

Rated PG-13(for language, violence & thematic material)