Archives for : Samuel L. Jackson
We’re all still recovering from the events of “Avengers: Endgame”. There were traumatic losses, epic battles, and a perfect ending to that chapter of the Marvel Universe. Luckily, we’ve been treated to another “Spider-Man” sequel, giving us something to help heal those emotional wounds. Now if you haven’t seen “Endgame” yet, shame on you! Also, stop reading any further. (Spoiler Alert!!)
After the devastating loss of Tony Stark (Robert Downy Jr.), the city questions who will be the new “Ironman”? As Peter Parker (Tom Holland) mourns the death of his mentor, the last thing he wants is to fill his shoes. No, instead he just wants to be a normal, love-struck teenager. That’s right, the first hour of “Spider-Man: Far from Home” is basically a romantic comedy. And I’m fine with it.
Peter is getting ready for his science club’s Europe trip, on which he plans on telling MJ (Zendya) how he really feels for her. He’s tired of the superhero gig, and wants to be a 16 year-old kid for once. Thus we follow Peter on many failed attempts to sit, talk, or flirt with MJ as he, also, has some competition for her heart. And it only gets worse when Peter discovers Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) and a “mysterious” new superhero, Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal) need his help to take down destructive mythological creatures.
“Spider-Man: Far from Home” may not be as complex as the adventure we just closed on, but it’s just as fun. Coming off such a heavy film, it was nice to sit back and see these characters in a more comical setting. The movie still carries the essence of “Spider-Man: Homecoming”, but it’s much more lighthearted.
The visual effects are fine, and there are some thrilling action sequences. But as in all Marvel films, the characters are lovable. Tom Holland continues to charm every time he’s on screen. His classmates are the source of most of the laughs, and please give me more Happy (Jon Farvreau) and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei).
Though there are times “Spider-Man: Far from Home” gets a little messy and you might struggle to find out where it’s headed, it is still smart and does an excellent job of continuing Peter Parker’s story.
This is far from any other Marvel movie, and the filmmakers know that. Just go in with an open mind and trust that you’re in for a much needed, entertaining trip.
*Be sure to stay for the two end credit scenes.
Rating: 4/5
“Spider-Man: Far from Home” opens July 2.
Just in time for International Women’s Day, Marvel takes us back to the 90s with “Captain Marvel,” the origin story of its first female superhero. And – in a one/two punch, girls rule again in “Fighting with My Family,” based on the true story of WWE wrestler Paige, the youngest winner of the Divas Championship. It’s time to get to the movies, ladies!
Before you read this review in disappointment, know that there are some moments of glimmer in Glass.
The end of Split (2016) left everyone in awe after realizing it was actually a long awaited sequel to M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable (2000). This left us anxious to see the final chapter and how Kevin (James McAvoy), David (Bruce Willis), and Mr. Glass (Samuel L. Jackson) all tie together!
Glass takes place weeks after the events in Split. Kevin Crumb, a multiple-personality case nicknamed The Horde, remains on the loose with 20-something individuals living inside him. Among them: The Beast, a superhuman with an occasional taste for human flesh. He is continuing to kidnap teenage girls (this time cheerleaders), and introducing them to each persona before unleashing The Beast on them.
But he is now targeted by Unbreakable’s David Dunn. After being the sole survivor of a horrific train crash, David discovered he was indestructible and capable of absorbing memories of other people’s misdeeds at a touch. He’s a masked vigilante, who wears a hooded jacket and nicknamed The Overseer.
When David and Kevin come head to head, they are apprehended and sent to a mental hospital for the criminally insane. It’s there that we discover Elijah Price, aka Mr. Glass, is being held at there as well. All three have been brought here to be treated by Dr. Staple (Sarah Paulson), who wants to cure them of their delusions of having superpowers. Meanwhile David’s son Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark), Casey Cooke (Anya Talyor-Joy), the Horde captive who got away, and Elijah’s mother (Charlayne Woodard) are trying to help their respective others. They each try to vouch for their loved ones.
Keep in mind Glass is 2 hours and 9 minutes long. A lot of that time will feel very dragged and wasted. Sadly, the major downfall here is the weak script. Hyping this film as a project in the making for 19 years comes with high hopes. Unfortunately, it seems evident that Shyamalan had great idea with an interesting beginning, but might have lost his way towards the end.
There are some silver-linings, like the fact that James McAvoy is just incredible with his ability to abruptly change personalities and deliver such a captivating performance. Of the few that were given, there is also a solid twist in the film (The other twists are a bit of head scratchers).
Glass is hardly a film to write home about, and I can’t say it’s worth paying full price for in a theater. However, it is worth watching, if nothing more than to see the conclusion of this “interesting” trilogy.
Rating: 2.5
Glass opens in theaters January 18.
The line-up for the Twentieth Century FOX films at Comic-Con brought out some of the biggest stars in Hollywood this past weekend. And I must say, all five films discussed at this year’s conference are soon-to-be box office hits that you won’t want to miss!
The Maze Runner
Director Wes Ball, Writer James Dashner, Stars- Will Poulter, Kaya Scodelario, Dylan O’ Brien
When Thomas wakes up trapped in a massive maze with a group of other boys, he has no memory of the outside world other than strange dreams about a mysterious organization known as W.C.K.D. Only by piecing together fragments of his past with clues he discovers in the maze can Thomas hope to uncover his true purpose and a way to escape. Based upon the best-selling novel by James Dashner.
Release: September 19, 2014
Book of Life
Christina Applegate, Writer/Director Jorge Gutierrez, Producer Guillermo del Toro, Ron Perlman, Channing Tatum
THE BOOK OF LIFE, a vibrant fantasy-adventure, tells the legend of Manolo, a conflicted hero and dreamer who sets off on an epic quest through magical, mythical and wondrous worlds in order to rescue his one true love and defend his village.
Release: October 17, 2014
Hitman: Agent 47
Stars Hannah Ware & Zachary Quinto
Based on the top-selling, award-winning videogame franchise, “Agent 47” is an all-new motion picture about an elite and genetically engineered assassin, known only by the last two digits – 47 – of a barcode tattooed on the back of his neck. His latest target is a young woman on the run from powerful and clandestine forces. The mission brings startling revelations about the lethal agent and his prey, hurtling them on a collision course with their pasts. And this time, his number may be up.
Release: February 27, 2015
Kingsman: The Secret Service
Stars Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Taron Egerton, Sophie Cookson, Sofia Boutella, and Co-Creators Dave Gibbons & Mark Miller
Based upon the acclaimed comic book and directed by Matthew Vaughn (Kick Ass, X-Men First Class), Kingsman: The Secret Service tells the story of a super-secret spy organization that recruits an unrefined but promising street kid into the agency’s ultra-competitive training program just as a global threat emerges from a twisted tech genius.
Release: October 24, 2014
Let’s Be Cops
Stars Keegan Michael-Key, Nina Dobrev, Damon Wayans Jr., Rob Riggle
It’s the ultimate buddy cop movie except for one thing: they’re not cops. When two struggling pals dress as police officers for a costume party, they become neighborhood sensations. But when these newly-minted “heroes” get tangled in a real life web of mobsters and dirty detectives, they must put their fake badges on the line.
Release: August 13, 2014