My 2019 Movie Reviews
List activity
3.2K views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
89 titles
- DirectorAdam RobitelStarsTaylor RussellLogan MillerJay EllisSix strangers find themselves in a maze of deadly mystery rooms and must use their wits to survive.***: Interesting and involving even if it turns into the Belko Experiment by the end. The first half is much better than the end of the movie.
- DirectorJeffrey NachmanoffStarsKeanu ReevesAlice EveThomas MiddleditchA scientist becomes obsessed with bringing back his family members who died in a traffic accident.
- DirectorCharles Martin SmithStarsAshley JuddJonah Hauer-KingEdward James OlmosA female dog travels four hundred miles in search of her owner throughout a Colorado wilderness.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJames McAvoyBruce WillisSamuel L. JacksonSecurity guard David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has twenty-four personalities.
- DirectorSteven KnightStarsMatthew McConaugheyAnne HathawayDiane LaneA fishing boat captain juggles facing his mysterious past and finding himself ensnared in a reality where nothing is what it seems.
- DirectorRobert RodriguezStarsRosa SalazarChristoph WaltzJennifer ConnellyA deactivated cyborg's revived, but can't remember anything of her past and goes on a quest to find out who she is.***: Some-what engaging and not as bad as most critics said. Hell Alita isn’t really bad at all. It’s just that it feels like a pilot episode. It doesn’t feel like a complete story was told.
- DirectorMike MitchellStarsChris PrattElizabeth BanksWill ArnettIt's been five years since everything was awesome and the citizens are facing the huge new threat of Lego Duplo, invaders from outer space, wrecking everything faster than they can rebuild.***1/2: After the end of the last movie. They went with the obvious plot of a brother and sister learning to share.
Still, the movie is cute and entertaining. With more than just one catchy song. Unlike the first movie where Everything is Awesome was pretty much the only song throughout. - DirectorAdam ShankmanStarsTaraji P. HensonKristen LedlowJosh BrenerA woman is boxed out by the male sports agents in her profession, but gains an unexpected edge over them when she develops the ability to hear men's thoughts.
- DirectorTina GordonStarsRegina HallIssa RaeMarsai MartinA woman is transformed into her younger self at a point in her life when the pressures of adulthood become too much to bear.***: I guess it’s supposed to be fresh because it wasn’t done with black people ? In the 80’s alone, there was probably 10 movies like this.
However due to Marsai Martin and Issa Rae, it’s entertaining and cute. - DirectorStephen MerchantStarsDwayne JohnsonLena HeadeyVince VaughnA former wrestler and his family make a living performing at small venues around the country while his kids dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment.***: Even if Paige’s wrestling NXT career is pretty much skipped over. Fighting With My Family is probably the best movie about wrestling.
Due to a good cast, fine performances and a good story about fighting for your dreams. - DirectorCecilia AranovichStarsFrank WelkerGrey GriffinMatthew LillardScooby-Doo and the gang must track down the last of thirteen ghosts they had hunted years ago.***: I was like 7 when I loved the show and it was cancelled with no ending. Which made this continuation fun to me.
The fact that Fling Flang had a big growth spurt and is an adult now. When only months went by according to the movie. Didn’t work for me though. They also should have had Scrappy, whether people like him or not. - DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardPhi VuTree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.***: Spoiler Warning: I had to watch the first more than once to appreciate it. That might be the case for this sequel. Happy Death Day 2U starts out funner and scarier.
Then instead of really being a Groundhog Day/Slasher film. It becomes pretty much more of a science comedy, like Weird Science and Real Genius. With there being way more heart and comedy than thrills or kills.
The movie has some laughs and might still entertain you. However it was basically only made to tie up the loose ends that the first film had. - DirectorDean DeBloisStarsJay BaruchelAmerica FerreraF. Murray AbrahamWhen Hiccup discovers Toothless isn't the only Night Fury, he must seek the Hidden World, a secret Dragon Utopia before a hired tyrant named Grimmel finds it first.***1/2: A touching and exciting last movie. Even if they sort of rush all the closure in the end.
Spoiler: Also there seemed to be more loss and more at stake in the 2nd film than in the 3rd film.
Still, try not to cry in the end because it’s still a beautiful ending to the series. - DirectorAnna BodenRyan FleckStarsBrie LarsonSamuel L. JacksonBen MendelsohnCarol Danvers becomes one of the universe's most powerful heroes when Earth is caught in the middle of a galactic war between two alien races.***1/2: I found the movie a lot of fun even if I was more interested in the cat. Than what Captain Marvel is capable of. I just don’t think it’s the greatest Marvel film I have seen, meaning from the studio.
Especially when She’s Just a Girl by No Doubt is played during a fight scene. That was a little cheesy. While the use of the Skrulls turns out disappointing and cliche. - DirectorDylan BrownStarsSofia MaliJennifer GarnerKen Hudson CampbellThe imagination of a wildly creative girl comes alive in an amusement park.**1/2: It’s a cute and harmless distraction for kids. Even if it’s not too strong on story.
- DirectorJordan PeeleStarsLupita Nyong'oWinston DukeElisabeth MossAdelaide Wilson and her family are attacked by mysterious figures dressed in red. Upon closer inspection, the Wilsons realize that the intruders are exact lookalikes of them.****: Creepy, original, fun, funny and well acted. Just, still trying to figure out if the ending really works though.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsColin FarrellMichael KeatonDanny DeVitoA young elephant, whose oversized ears enable him to fly, helps save a struggling circus, but when the circus plans a new venture, Dumbo and his friends discover dark secrets beneath its shiny veneer.***: The story is bit dragged out in this live action/cgi version. However, the film really is better than critics said.
Due to plenty of heart and the skillful direction of Tim Burton. With good work by Colin Ferrell and Danny Devito. Michael Keaton and Eva Green are decent but they over-do the accents. - DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsZachary LeviMark StrongAsher AngelA newly fostered young boy in search of his mother instead finds unexpected super powers and soon gains a powerful enemy.***1/2: Goofy at times but well cast and a ton of fun. As well as the best of the DCEU or whatever it calls itself now.
- DirectorKevin KölschDennis WidmyerStarsJason ClarkeAmy SeimetzJohn LithgowDr. Louis Creed and his wife, Rachel, relocate from Boston to rural Maine with their two young children. The couple soon discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home.***: Well made, acted and perfectly creepy. I think the changes work since who needed the same exact movie again ?
- DirectorNeil MarshallStarsDavid HarbourMilla JovovichIan McShaneCaught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, Hellboy battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
- DirectorJonathan LevineStarsCharlize TheronSeth RogenJune Diane RaphaelJournalist, Fred Flarsky, reunites with his childhood crush, Charlotte Field; now one of the most influential women in the world. As she prepares to run for president, Charlotte hires Fred as her speechwriter, and sparks fly.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.****: While they over-do so much PC moments all at once towards the end. The time travel stuff gets confusing too.
With that said though. The cast has fabulous chemistry and the film is non-stop entertainment.
End Game could be the best of all the Marvel films. - DirectorRob LettermanStarsRyan ReynoldsJustice SmithKathryn NewtonIn a world where people collect Pokémon to do battle, a boy comes across an intelligent talking Pikachu who seeks to be a detective.***: Some might not find it to totally be like Pokémon without Ash. But this is definitely a Pokémon movie and way better than most of their animated movies. The CGI nailed the looks of all the Pokémon creatures and their voices.
The movie is charming, funny and fun as well. They did a great job introducing this world to the big screen. I definitely want more.
Spoiler: Even if the twist doesn’t totally work. - DirectorDavid YaroveskyStarsElizabeth BanksDavid DenmanJackson A. DunnWhat if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister?**1/2: You might not have seen a horror movie mixed with the origin story of Superman. However, Brightburn does feel like a typical killer kid movie.
It’s creepy but nothing really surprised me since I have seen killer kid movies before. Having the powers of Superman but with blood thirst. Made it a bit more predictable. - DirectorChad StahelskiStarsKeanu ReevesHalle BerryIan McShaneJohn Wick is on the run after killing a member of the international assassins' guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head, he is the target of hit men and women everywhere.***1/2: The first John Wick has more of a story than the better rated sequels. That doesn’t mean I don’t love the sequels. This one especially is just about John having a hit on his head and that’s it.
But that does work since all the scenes of him fighting for his life. Are creative and entertaining fight scenes. - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsWill SmithMena MassoudNaomi ScottAladdin, a kind thief, woos Jasmine, the princess of Agrabah, with the help of Genie. When Jafar, the grand vizier, tries to usurp the king, Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie must stop him from succeeding.***: While the effects, leads and dance numbers are solid. Not everything worked. The new songs were forgettable.
Jasmine had a new cliche romantic comedy like best friend who’s there for her to vent to. As well as being Genie’s love interest for the heck of it as well. While Jafar was barely intimidating.
Otherwise the film is pretty entertaining and lively. Cinderella and Jungle Book are the strongest live action versions so far though. Since they only copied 1-2 songs from the animated movies. While not really being musicals or total copies of the animated films.
Aladdin mostly shined musically with the “You Got a Friend in Me” and the “A Whole New World” scenes. It’s not always a total copy but not all the new add on moments work. The film is almost a Genie version of How I Met Your Mother for instance. - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsKyle ChandlerVera FarmigaMillie Bobby BrownThe crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.This was definitely more for Godzilla fans than it was for critics. It was way better than the 2014 film that got Certified Fresh. The film is just badass. Not perfect but....bad ass.
They do over-do the family drama again though. Especially when the family drama makes no sense. Mark Russel (Kyle Chandler) blames Godzilla for the death of his son. He wants all monsters dead.
Mark’s wife Emma (Vera Farmiga) says screw mankind. The monsters will cure the planet of Climate Change. So, in another words who cares if anyone else loses family members. Due to her plan to unleash all monsters.
Her daughter Madison (Millie Bobbie Brown) sticks with her. Despite her mom teaming with some bad men with guns. Who kill some nice scientists right in front of her. Mark is the sanest one in that family.
Even if there’s too much of the humans and a silly plot. This is the best of the Hollywood Godzilla movies. Critics are just wrong. One even said the Roland Emmerich version is better. What drugs is that critic on ?
The battles are some of the best done of any monster vs monster battle. Unlike the first film this one has a ton of Godzilla history to it. It shows him way more and shows the character great respect. ***1/2 - DirectorSimon KinbergStarsJames McAvoyMichael FassbenderJennifer LawrenceJean Grey begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix, causing the X-Men to have to decide if her life is worth more than all of humanity.**: I think they only made this so they could have Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence) throw out the line “it should be called X-Women.” Everything needs feminism.
They blew it after Days of Future Past. Rebooted the franchise after the X-3 mess. So they can make a movie with the Phoenix plot again ? At least X-3 was fun.
This film was just as dark while killing key members again. Except this is the last one. No time travel sequel coming that will save the killed off characters. - DirectorChris RenaudJonathan del ValStarsPatton OswaltKevin HartHarrison FordContinuing the story of Max and his pet friends, following their secret lives after their owners leave them for work or school each day.***: A light and cute sequel. Even if the plot is less focused than the first movie. With a story that is jumpy and about too much at once.
- DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsChris HemsworthTessa ThompsonKumail NanjianiThe MIB tackle a mole in their organization.**1/2: Despite a pretty good cast. They missed the boat on what made the first one good. Chris Hemsworth is a funny guy with the right material and lines. Here though his Thor like charm almost doesn’t feel right for a Men in Black movie.
Tessa Thompson has gotten most the praise in the bad reviews. While she’s a reliable actress. I can’t really say she steals the show. Thompson and Hemsworth are equally wasted.
I didn’t think Men in Black with different agents was a horrible idea, like many say. I mean, it is an organization with not just J and K as the only agents.
It’s just that nothing special was done with that. - DirectorKyle NewacheckStarsAdam SandlerJennifer AnistonLuke EvansA New York cop and his wife go on a European vacation to reinvigorate the spark in their marriage, but end up getting framed and on the run for the death of an elderly billionaire.
- DirectorJosh CooleyStarsTom HanksTim AllenAnnie PottsWhen a new toy called "Forky" joins Woody and the gang, a road trip alongside old and new friends reveals how big the world can be for a toy.***1/2: Most of the movie is Woody trying to get the annoying Forky to admit he is a toy. While bringing him back to their owner. Also trying to rejoin the love of his life, Little Bopeep.
What makes the movie memorable is the ending. Otherwise I wouldn’t say it’s as good as the first three. - DirectorLars KlevbergStarsTim MathesonBen DaonZahra AndersonA mother gives her 13-year-old son a toy doll for his birthday, unaware of its more sinister nature.***: Surprisingly good, even if now it’s more like a Black Mirror episode. Or like the episode of Creeped Out where the A.I. cell phone went nuts. Than like the original movie. The new Chucky is more creepy than scary really and he’s even pretty funny.
Spoiler Warning: There’s some horror cliches though. If I wrote a horror movie or book. I’d spare the family pet for one. It’s just too obvious.
While the kill count is definitely less than the original or the sequels. However, the film is entertaining and darkly funny.
You may not leave thinking it was better than the original but it is fun. But maybe a little funner before Chucky goes predictably nuts. - DirectorJon WattsStarsTom HollandSamuel L. JacksonJake GyllenhaalFollowing the events of Avengers: Endgame (2019), Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.***1/2: Until now the Sam Raimi ones “well part 1-2” got Spider-Man right the most. I had a problem at first with MJ being an outcast named Michelle and not a redhead. However, to me Kirsten Dunst’s was too bitchy and changeable.
Zendaya’s MJ has grown on me because she’s less conceited. While her scenes with Peter are more cute and funny.
I prefer that over how stand offish MJ could be in Spider-Man 2 and 3 to Peter. Even if Peter obsession over dating her in Far From Home, feels a bit forced. When he barely talked to her in the first film.
While the Mysterio scenes just blew me away and definitely do him justice. Jake Gyllenhaal did an excellent job. All the Iron Man tributes will make fans happy as well.
The whole school trip idea sounded lame to me though. Then you have Peter trying to avoid his hero duties, just to get closer to MJ. Also to relax after all the Infinity Stone drama.
However, Spider-Man Far From Home just might be the best Spider-Man. The last one was good but over-rated. It just felt like a light introduction to me. This film definitely made a better impression on me. - DirectorAri AsterStarsFlorence PughJack ReynorVilhelm BlomgrenA couple travels to Northern Europe to visit a rural hometown's fabled Swedish mid-summer festival. What begins as an idyllic retreat quickly devolves into an increasingly violent and bizarre competition at the hands of a pagan cult.
- DirectorGary DaubermanStarsVera FarmigaPatrick WilsonMckenna GraceWhile babysitting the daughter of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a teenager and her friend unknowingly awaken an evil spirit trapped in a doll.
- DirectorMichael DowseStarsDave BautistaKumail NanjianiMira SorvinoA detective recruits his Uber driver into an unexpected night of adventure.***: Stuber is like the movie Taxi but with an Uber. Except it is better because there’s no Jimmy Fallon. As well as more laughs.
- DirectorJon FavreauStarsDonald GloverBeyoncéSeth RogenAfter the murder of his father, a young lion prince flees his kingdom only to learn the true meaning of responsibility and bravery.***: The Jungle Book was better made by director Jon Favreau. Since it didn’t feel like a shot by shot remake. With mostly all the same lines. Which almost makes the Lion King CGI version feel boring.
Despite how visually stunning it is and how realistic the animals look. Which is why I would give it a positive rating. Since it’s still the Lion King and you can’t call the Lion King a bad movie. - DirectorThurop Van OrmanJohn RiceStarsJason SudeikisJosh GadLeslie JonesThe flightless birds and scheming green pigs take their feud to the next level.***: A bit better than the previous film. Since there’s more of a story. Than birds just launching themselves at pigs. The birds having to work with the pigs is more fun.
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsLeonardo DiCaprioBrad PittMargot RobbieA faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.****: The movie is great fun and well acted. My problem is that in Quentin Tarantino’s mind. Bruce Lee was an ego maniac bully. So he is portrayed as one here.
Jackie Chan who actually met him. Says Lee accidentally kicked Chan once and comforted him for hours. He felt so bad.
Otherwise the film is an entertaining character study and a fun fictional version of 1960’s Hollywood. If you have have a love for movies. You’ll probably appreciate it. - DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsDove CameronCameron BoyceSofia CarsonThe teenagers of Disney's most infamous villains return to the Isle of the Lost to recruit a new batch of villainous offspring to join them at Auradon Prep.***: A nice last movie and in a way I am glad they wrapped up the story. Since they shouldn’t make any without Cameron Boyce.
- DirectorDavid LeitchStarsDwayne JohnsonJason StathamIdris ElbaLawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity.***: The Rock and Jason Statham make for an entertaining team. While Idris Elba is an excellent villain. There’s plenty of fine action as well.
I just wouldn’t call Hobbs & Shaw the most memorable film of the year. You’ll be entertained but forget about it by the next day. - DirectorJames BobinStarsIsabela MercedEugenio DerbezMichael PeñaTeenage explorer Dora leads her friends on an adventure to save her parents and solve the mystery behind a lost city of gold.***: There’s a funny moment. Where Dora looks at the screen and talks to the audience. While her dad looks at her like she is crazy.
Dora and the Lost City of Gold is like the Brady Bunch movies. Where people ask “why was this made ?” While not realizing it’s having fun making fun of the show and it’s characters.
Isabela Moner‘s charm as Dora is what makes an unnecessary movie actually funny and fun. Since like the cast of Brady Bunch movies. She does a fine job playing her character like a dork.
The movie mostly works when it is about Dora adapting to High School. The movie is more entertaining than it has a right to be either way though. - DirectorAndré ØvredalStarsZoe CollettiMichael GarzaGabriel RushIn 1968, the night of Halloween brings mayhem in a small town when a group of friends discovers a notebook written by a mysterious girl that foretells terrifying events.***1/2: Urban legends come to life stalking teenagers that took a ghost girls journal. This film is more creepy and fun than it is scary really.
It’s like a darker version of the Goosebumps movie. The film works though since there might not have been a better way to bring the books to the big screen. - DirectorMatt Bettinelli-OlpinTyler GillettStarsSamara WeavingAdam BrodyMark O'BrienA bride's wedding night takes a sinister turn when her eccentric new in-laws force her to take part in a terrifying game.***: Fun but it starts out better than it ends. The cast is perfect through-out though. Samara Weaving gives a fine wtf is going on performance while being pretty badass at the same time.
You might be disappointed if you were hoping for family members killed one by one sort of movie though. I expected the movie to be more like You’re Next for example. - DirectorJohannes RobertsStarsSophie NélisseCorinne FoxxBrianne TjuTwo sisters diving in a ruined underwater city quickly learn they've entered the territory of the deadliest shark species in the claustrophobic labyrinth of submerged caves.
- DirectorRic Roman WaughStarsGerard ButlerFrederick SchmidtDanny HustonMike Banning is framed for the attempted assassination of the President and must evade his own agency and the FBI as he tries to uncover the real threat.**1/2: It’s like Taken 3 where the filmmakers ran out of ideas. So they put the hero in a fugitive plot where he is framed and on the run.
Though, due to some decent action. Angel Has Fallen is at least better than Taken 3. Which doesn’t say much.
A plus is Nick Nolte as Gerald Butler’s father. Who loves blowing shit up. The ending though is like they thought they were giving us an iconic ending like, Heat. Where the hero and villain sit by each other side by side. - DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsJessica ChastainJames McAvoyBill HaderTwenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.***1/2: IT Chapter 2 is a well acted sequel that doesn’t always work. The film is a trippy dramatic epic ride even if it isn’t always scary.
It is faithful to the book even if some things were left out. Bill’s wife has a disappointingly very small role in this version. This film is so long that I am sort of glad they didn’t fit her in more than one scene though.
They mostly just chose to make it a story about friendship and love within the Losers Club. Rather than making anyone out of the Losers Club, matter too much.
Bill Skarsgard gets more room to show what he can do in the role of Pennywise. Without so much CGI stealing his thunder this time. Now I can confirm that he is about as good as Tim Curry was.
Bill Hader owns every scene he is in and really does feel like an adult version of Richie. This time we gets to see there’s big heart in the wise cracking goofball.
The flashbacks can slow the film down. Since for the heck of it we learn that Pennywise haunted them more as kids than the first film showed. Some of those scenes work and some don’t. The ones that do work, at least developed the characters more.
I do admit that some parts made me think “that was kind of dumb.” Other scenes are so good that they outshine the bad scenes however.
I enjoyed the movie a lot. I would say though that such a long movie could have probably done the book even more justice than it does. Fans of the book might be pleased by what was in the movie. - DirectorLorene ScafariaStarsConstance WuJennifer LopezJulia StilesInspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.
- DirectorJames GrayStarsBrad PittTommy Lee JonesRuth NeggaAstronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.
- DirectorDan BerkRobert OlsenStarsBill SkarsgårdMaika MonroeBlake BaumgartnerAfter a pair of amateur criminals break into a suburban home, they stumble upon a dark secret that two sadistic homeowners will do anything to keep from getting out.***: Villains has a fine cast who have good chemistry. With more character development and more plot though. Villains could have been even better.
- DirectorZach LipovskyAdam B. SteinStarsEmile HirschBruce DernGrace ParkA bold girl discovers a bizarre, threatening, and mysterious new world beyond her front door after she escapes her father's protective and paranoid control.
- DirectorAdrian GrunbergStarsSylvester StallonePaz VegaSergio Peris-MenchetaRambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.
- DirectorNoah HawleyStarsNatalie PortmanJon HammZazie BeetzAstronaut Lucy Cola returns to Earth after a transcendent experience during a mission to space, and begins to lose touch with reality in a world that now seems too small.
- DirectorWill BecherRichard PhelanStarsJustin FletcherJohn SparkesAmalia VitaleWhen an alien with amazing powers crash-lands near Mossy Bottom Farm, Shaun the Sheep goes on a mission to shepherd the intergalactic visitor home before a sinister organization can capture her.
- DirectorVincenzo NataliStarsLaysla De OliveiraAvery WhittedPatrick WilsonAfter hearing a young boy's cry for help, a sister and brother venture into a vast field of tall grass in Oklahoma but soon discover there may be no way out...and that something evil lurks within.***:
I read the short story. It’s creepy and messed up but there’s not enough to it for a movie. There’s a creepy boy named Tobin, a special rock that changes people and tall grass. People get lost in for good.
The movie is faithful, yet it adds more to a story that didn’t make much sense. I liked the movie more even if it’s not perfect.
Patrick Wilson (The Conjuring) giving a fine nutty performance is definitely an upside. - DirectorJill CultonTodd WildermanStarsChloe BennetAlbert TsaiTenzing Norgay TrainorThree teenagers must help a Yeti return to his family while avoiding a wealthy man and a zoologist who want him for their own needs.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.***1/2:
Joker is a film that messes with your head. The way American Psycho and Birdmad did. Joaquin Phoenix gives an epic performance as Arthur Fleck.
A wannabe comedian who no one takes seriously. Due to a disorder that makes him laugh uncontrollably. Pushing him further to madness. Is his talk show host role model played by Robert DeNiro. Constantly airing his comic performance, mocking it.
The film is full of uncomfortable situations and can be hard to watch at times. it’s also hard to know what is real and what isn’t, in Joker.
Which can be frustrating but Todd Phillips (The Hangover, War Dogs) does his best work yet. Giving us a trippy and complex movie that makes us question reality and our sanity. - DirectorAng LeeStarsWill SmithMary Elizabeth WinsteadClive OwenAn over-the-hill hitman faces off against a younger clone of himself.**1/2: Gemini Man is silly but kept my attention through-out. The charms of Will Smith and Mary Elizabeth Winstead also help the film be better than it has a right to be.
It is mostly the predictability the holds the film down. As well as a plot as original or interesting as it thinks. - DirectorRobert EggersStarsRobert PattinsonWillem DafoeValeriia KaramanTwo lighthouse keepers try to maintain their sanity while living on a remote and mysterious New England island in the 1890s.
- DirectorVince GilliganStarsAaron PaulJonathan BanksMatt JonesFugitive Jesse Pinkman runs from his captors, the law, and his past.
- DirectorGreg TiernanConrad VernonStarsOscar IsaacCharlize TheronChloë Grace MoretzThe eccentrically macabre family moves to a bland suburb where Wednesday Addams' friendship with the daughter of a hostile and conformist local reality show host exacerbates conflict between the families.**1/2: Despite a great voice cast and some charm. This 2019 animated version of the Addams Family is underwhelming. Especially compared to the under-rated 90’s films.
There’s a lack of laughs and not enough dark humor. Pugsley Addams (Finn Wolfward) is pretty Bart Simpson now. Which is out of character.
Lurch playing hit songs on his organ and even singing is out of character but actually entertaining. The best thing about the movie though is that the Addams do the finger snap to the theme song in the end credits. Which is faithful to the 60’s show. - DirectorAbe ForsytheStarsLupita Nyong'oAlexander EnglandJosh GadA washed-up musician teams up with a teacher and a kids'-show personality to protect young children from a sudden outbreak of zombies.
- DirectorRuben FleischerStarsWoody HarrelsonJesse EisenbergEmma StoneColumbus, Tallahassee, Wichita, and Little Rock move to the American heartland as they face off against evolved zombies, fellow survivors, and the growing pains of the snarky makeshift family.
- DirectorBrad AndersonStarsSam WorthingtonLily RabeLucy CapriA couple stops at a gas station, where their 6 y.o. daughter's arm is fractured. They hurry to a hospital. Something strange is going on there. The wife and daughter go missing.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsRoman Griffin DavisThomasin McKenzieScarlett JohanssonA young German boy in the Hitler Youth whose hero and imaginary friend is the country's dictator is shocked to discover that his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.****: A young German Johannes (Roman Griffin Davis) loves Hitler. So much that he imagines him as his imaginary friend (Taika Waititi). He’s naive to what being a Nazi really means and the lives it ruins.
Until he meets a Jewish girl and must decide if he wants to turn her in. Which is a dilemma because his mom (Scarlett Johansson) is the one hiding her in the attic.
Instantly the best movie I saw from 2019. It’s touching, funny, charming and well acted. Also occasionally takes darker turns than you don’t expect. Which does make sense after all. Jojo Rabbit is a film about Nazis. - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroAl PacinoJoe PesciAn illustration of Frank Sheeran's life, from W.W.II veteran to hit-man for the Bufalino crime family and his alleged assassination of his close friend Jimmy Hoffa.
- DirectorJoachim RønningStarsAngelina JolieElle FanningHarris DickinsonMaleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play.**1/2: Since there was no sequel to Sleeping Beauty. Maleficent was evil and was killed "the end." Maleficent is about as unnecessary and uninspired as The Huntsman: Winters War.
Maleficent was never meant to be a good guardian of the forest. Who learns to love Aurora and decides she doesn't want the curse to happen.
In Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Maleficent loves Aurora so much. That she doesn't want to lose her to marriage. After Aurora gets engaged.
By Mistress of evil, the title means Michelle Pfeiffer‘s Queen character. Who frames Maleficent for a curse on the King.
Maleficent to me is the weakest of live action remakes. Since it changed the source material too much. Maleficent just doesn't work as being good. Sleeping Beauty needs a live action remake, not a sequel.
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is a nice fantasy to look at. With a nice looking CGI atmosphere. It's a shame it's just a movie that stretches out a story where it wasn't necessary. - DirectorKevin SmithStarsJoey Lauren AdamsBen AffleckFred ArmisenJay and Silent Bob inadvertently sign away their names and rights to the new Bluntman and Chronic movie. Now they head to Hollywood to stop the film from being made. Along the way Jay discovers that he is a father.
- DirectorEdward NortonStarsEdward NortonGugu Mbatha-RawAlec BaldwinIn 1950s New York, Lionel, a private detective with Tourette syndrome, sets out to uncover the mystery behind his mentor and only friend Frank's murder. Scouring the jazz clubs and slums of Brooklyn, he soon uncovers a web of secrets.
- DirectorTim MillerStarsLinda HamiltonArnold SchwarzeneggerMackenzie DavisAn augmented human and Sarah Connor must stop an advanced liquid Terminator from hunting down a young girl, whose fate is critical to the human race.***:
Just like the trailers hint. Terminator: Dark Fate isn’t much of an Arnold film. The movie is well carried by Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis and Natalia Reyes though.
They make another unnecessary Terminator sequel surprisingly good. Rather making believe 3–5 never happened though. I’d like to think they are alternate timelines.
Arnold Schwarzenegger does shine when he is eventually shown though. Hamilton though steals the show about as much as she did in Terminator 2. By being pure badass.
Some might find the film over the top with feminism. If you just sit back and enjoy the ride it doesn’t really matter.
Even if the film is a bit repetitive with blowing up the bad terminator over and over and over again. The film packs a punch and is about as good as part 3. - DirectorSergio PablosCarlos Martínez LópezStarsJason SchwartzmanJ.K. SimmonsRashida JonesA simple act of kindness always sparks another, even in a frozen, faraway place. When Smeerensburg's new postman, Jesper, befriends toymaker Klaus, their gifts melt an age-old feud and deliver a sleigh full of holiday traditions.***1/2:
Klaus is quite ambitious for a made for Netflix Christmas movie. It’s a bit better than Christmas films actually released in theaters. Due to a moving story about friendship. As well as people learning to give to each other. - DirectorMike FlanaganStarsEwan McGregorRebecca FergusonKyliegh CurranYears following the events of The Shining (1980), a now-adult Dan Torrance must protect a young girl with similar powers from a cult known as The True Knot, who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.***1/2: Doctor Sleep starts out intriguing, fascinating and a bit disturbing. The film is much stronger though when it doesn't throw in some bad cgi. To become a full blown Shining sequel at the Overlook Hotel.
The villains are both creepy and a bit silly. They eat the fear of kids with the Shining until they have no breath left and die. So they can live longer. Which leads to one of the most disturbing scenes in movie history.
I loved most of the movie until it actually ended exactly how I predicted. The Overlook scene should be the strongest and scariest. It's when the film falls a part a bit with as a I mentioned. Not so great CGI.
I'd still say it's an almost solid movie with fine performances. With some messed up moments that will stay with you. - DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsEd SkreinPatrick WilsonWoody HarrelsonThe story of the Battle of Midway, told by the leaders and the sailors who fought it.
- DirectorMarc LawrenceStarsAnna KendrickShirley MacLaineBill HaderSanta's daughter must take over the family business when her father retires and her brother, who is supposed to inherit the Santa role, gets cold feet.***: Noelle (Anna Kendrick) is the energetic daughter of Santa. Who has never had much of a role with her brother Nick (Bill Hader) destined to be the next Santa.
She loves Christmas when her brother is just eh about it and not too excited about being Santa. He takes off when she recommends a weekend to himself. With everyone around blaming Noelle for his disappearance.
The film is pretty much Arthur Christmas but with a girl. Kendrick does bring plenty of charm though and is pretty much a live action version of her character from Trolls.
Noelle will put you in the Holiday mood probably. Even if November 12th is a bit early for a Christmas movie. A predictable but cute, Christmas movie that’s often even funny. - DirectorCharlie BeanStarsTessa ThompsonJustin TherouxSam ElliottThe romantic tale of a sheltered uptown Cocker Spaniel dog and a streetwise downtown Mutt.***: Like most of the Disney live action remakes. Lady and the Tramp is pretty much just made for the sake of diversity.
Just like the Lion King though. Lady and the Trump isn’t a bad movie because the animated film wasn’t. Since they are still pretty much the same, just with more diversity. - DirectorElizabeth BanksStarsKristen StewartNaomi ScottElla BalinskaWhen a young systems engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, Charlie's Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect us all.**1/2: We apparently needed another Charlie’s Angels film. Where the men are either evil or just morons. The film is pure girl power. With some decent performances and good action.
The film is quite forgettable though. When the last tv series reboot only made it to 8 episodes. Elizabeth Banks shouldn’t have expected this to be a huge hit.
Yet Banks blames men for it bombing. She shouldn’t expect men to rush to see it. When like I said, they definitely weren’t the target audience. - DirectorChris BuckJennifer LeeStarsKristen BellIdina MenzelJosh GadAnna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.***1/2: Frozen 2 develops Elsa a little bit more. As well as her parents. Other than that it mostly just exists for more money.
Since there's nothing to memorable about the story. It's pacing is a bit off as well. Frozen 2 is a charming sequel nevertheless.
With yet another song that will get stuck in your head. Though Into The Unknown is the only new memorable song. - DirectorMarielle HellerStarsMatthew RhysTom HanksChris CooperBased on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Lloyd Vogel.***1/2: Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), journalist for a magazine with anger and resentment towards his father (Chris Cooper). Gets an assignment to write a piece about Fred Rogers (Tom Hanks).
Lloyd is used to not writing not so great things about those he interviews. Which is why not so many people want to work with him. Fred sees that as someone he can help see the brighter side of life.
I like how Lloyd is pretty much the one being interviewed. Also that Mr. Rogers is his shrink pretty much. Since Lloyd has no faith in humanity, he thinks he can find his dark secrets. Which is frustrating because Fred has none.
Tom Hanks is fabulous and Oscar worthy. Just like when Hanks played Walt Disney. He makes you wish the film was more about him and that he had more to do. - DirectorJames MangoldStarsMatt DamonChristian BaleJon BernthalAmerican car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference and the laws of physics to build a revolutionary race car for Ford in order to defeat Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigChris EvansAna de ArmasA detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.****:
Knives Out is the best whodunnit mystery in years. With a fine cast and standout performances by Daniel Craig Ana de Armas and Chris Evans.
When you think the film gave you all the answers. It really didn’t.
- DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonJack BlackKevin HartIn Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world's most dangerous game.
The film starts out fun, funny and ambitious. It is that way through at least half the movie. After awhile it got a bit draggy and not as involving.
There’s a villain but we don’t see enough of him to feel like they are in danger of him. While it feels like the characters spend half the movie figuring out what their strengths and weaknesses are.
Despite my problems with it there was still no doubt I’d rate it positive. Jumanji: The Next Level has plenty of humor, action and very committed actors.
Even if it is a bit of the previous film all over again. - DirectorBenny SafdieJosh SafdieStarsAdam SandlerJulia FoxIdina MenzelWith his debts mounting and angry collectors closing in, a fast-talking New York City jeweler risks everything in hope of staying afloat and alive.
- DirectorEricson CoreStarsWillem DafoeJulianne NicholsonChristopher HeyerdahlThe story of Togo, the sled dog who led the 1925 serum run despite being considered too small and weak to lead such an intense race.***: The backstory of how Togo, a mischievous puppy. Becomes a lead sled dog is the most charming aspect of the movie.
- DirectorSophia TakalStarsImogen PootsAleyse ShannonLily DonoghueA group of female students is stalked by a stranger during their Christmas break. That is until the young sorority pledges discover that the killer is part of an underground college conspiracy.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsRyan ReynoldsMélanie LaurentManuel Garcia-RulfoSix individuals from all around the globe, each the very best at what they do, have been chosen not only for their skill, but for a unique desire to delete their pasts to change the future.**1/2:
Another incoherent Michael Bay movie. That is so sexy and nice to look at. That you wish it was a good movie.
6 Underground is yet another Michael Bay car advertisement/stunt show. With barely any plot, a wasted good cast and brainless action. In other words, 6 Underground might as well be a Transformers movie.
If Bay cared about plot and character development. He could easily be a good director. Instead we’re thrust into a whole lot of action. With no clue why there’s such a long car chase going on. - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacThe surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again in the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.***1/2:
Minor spoilers: The Rise of Skywalker has less good reviews than the last film. Despite being more entertaining and faithful than that film was. Critics call being a fan service a bad thing, after they loved the Last Jedi.
There is some unanswered plot holes regarding Finn and Rey. As well as the Jedi kid, the previous film showed in the end.
Finn obviously wants to tell Rey how he feels. He doesn’t get much to do though. Other than chase her around like a clingy lost puppy, yelling “Rey! Rey! Rey!” Which almost even gets her killed at one point.
J.J Abraham’s can be known as a copy and paste Director. Most of The Rise of Skywalker at least doesn’t feel like a Return of the Jedi remake. Some of it should remind you of that film though. Otherwise Abraham’s didn’t copy and paste as much as usual.
I call trying to please fans a good thing. The Last Jedi may feel like the most original of the trilogy in the end though. Abraham does at least know StarWars more than Rian Johnson, however.
There’s plenty of satisfying moments. That outweigh any disappointing moments. Which you really can’t say about the Last Jedi. The Rise of Skywalker is entertaining and exciting throughout. - DirectorTom HooperStarsJames CordenJudi DenchJason DeruloA tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.
- DirectorNick BrunoTroy QuaneStarsRachel BrosnahanJarrett BrunoClaire CrosbyWhen the world's best spy is turned into a pigeon, he must rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world.***: An entertaining animated spy film. Will Smith and Tom Holland are fun together. Even if Smith once again Will Smith’s his way through the movie. Like when he did a voice in Shark’s Tale.