Love Again Review

I saw Love Again on May 7, 2023! I'm a guy that likes movies from all different genres. I like drama, comedy, thriller, action, etc., but one genre I've always really enjoyed is the good ol' fashioned romantic comedies, or rom-com, for short. Yes, I like a lot of so-called chick flicks as they say, but a lot of them have great stories, so that's why I've always liked them. Now, this movie definitely has romance, and definitely it's fair share of comedy (watch our for a truly hysterical Nick Jonas cameo), but there's such a beautiful story underneath the surface creating a deeper movie for audiences. I had been invested in the movie from the initial trailers. The actual movie ended up being really enthralling certainly tearing at my heart strings, and feeling for the characters. 

The movie deals with love and romance on the surface, but, the core of this movie lies in dealing with the loss of a loved one, the grief one feels from it, and a journey back to normalcy in some way. The movie does an exemplary job of presenting how people will always be a part of your life, despite them no longer being with us. It also does an illuminating job of portraying the ideal that people are put into our lives for a certain purpose. I have a strong credence that there are people in our lives for a reason. They are sent to us to heal, grow, laugh, and bring us back into the light from the darkness we may have been feeling. The core of this movie really delves into that, and, along with the initial romantic plot, this piece of the movie is why I enjoyed it so much. 

Priyanka Chopra Jonas performance as Mira Ray is exceptional. She conveys so much in her performance of the constant hurt and suffering from losing a loved one. Watching her deal with it in a sullen, gloomy manner is such an apropos feeling that many can empathize with. It takes a long time for somebody to move on and feel a sense of betterment. You're in this constant flux of despair, trying to swim out from the abyss. I like her backstory as a children's author/illustrator. That caterpillar character is a great motif of capturing how she's feeling in her life whether it was happy, sad, or frustrated. Along with being one of, if not, the most physically beautiful woman in the world, PCJ is such a kind soul as well, really making the Mira character somebody you want to just reach out and help in any way. Trying to deal with her loss, she starts texting his old number, unaware that it's been reassigned to somebody else's phone. 

This leads to the other half of the story in Sam Heughan's Rob Burns. While PCJ is the overall star of the movie and does a tremendous job as the female lead, I think Heughan really gives the movie it's heart as it's male lead. While Mira is dealing with loss of her own, Rob is also dealing with his own loss in the romance department as well. Yes, it's in a completely different way, and, while not as tragic, is still loss that can definitely be hard to come back from. In a way, these two characters feel like they're both sent to each other to heal. Mira's messages give Rob that sentiment that love, though an absolute manic emotion at times, is possible to find in the most unexpected ways. Rob's presence and overall commitment to finding out what and who these messages are about ultimately helps Mira's heart mend and make the first steps to embracing the light again. Watching Mira and Rob heal each other in their own ways is such a beautiful story to watch, especially in Rob's case in taking care of Mira. I really like watching Mira smile and laugh again. It legitimately made me tear up, because, you just want her to get to that place. Watching how much Rob genuinely cares about Mira and goes out of his way to help heal her is truly delightful to watch. I liked their conversations. The dialogue was clever and witty, as well as lighthearted, but also really does a great job of delving into that dramatic spark that gives the movie more heart and warmth for audiences. 

Through the performances of Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan, a beautiful story with a deeper meaning, and the music of Celine Dion, this is a movie that will make your heart feel, and truly appreciate how good the romantic comedy, or, in this case dramedy can be when it's done properly. I really recommend this movie, especially if you're dealing with loss or just going through a hard time. By the end of the movie, it will make you feel better. It's a really beautiful movie! 

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 3 Review

 I saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 on May 6, 2023! Guardians of the Galaxy has always been my favorite thing related to the MCU. I think these characters are some of the best in comics as well as recent movie history in general. James Gunn is a great storyteller.  His combination of larger than life characters, real emotion, well placed humor and overall world building has really shaped Guardians into something special. This final chapter is an epic conclusion to an excellent trilogy! 

This final entry is all about character arcs, helping everybody realize their own self worth to the group, and to themselves as individuals. This is such a fantastic ensemble cast that truly understands how special these characters are. Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Pom Klamentieff, etc. all have their own journeys, and, we as the audience care about them, because they're all flawed, layered heroes. To me, the Guardians as a whole always come across as a more cohesive team than the Avengers ever did. This installment really shows how much each of the Guardians care about each other. There's so much intense emotion, and you definitely get caught up in all of it. There's such a different style to Guardians than anything else in the MCU, and that's why I've always liked these movies. There's just something astonishing about them. 

While every character in this movie has a story, and all of it connects to form a fitting conclusion, the bulk of the movie focuses on Rocket. His story is so moving. You find out so much about his background, and how he became the character we know. Rocket has been through so much torment physically and emotionally throughout his existence. Rocket's heart might just be the biggest of the group, and this movie will show you that. His friendships with other animals like him, and how much he means to the rest of his team show you how integral Rocket is to everything going on in this universe. His intelligence is intimidating, and his overall potential as a leader is realized throughout his story. Bradley Cooper conveyed so much emotion in this performance, and I felt all of Rocket's pain, suffering and eventual anguish.

Rocket's story is even more intriguing when you factor in the High Evolutionary, who is by far the most insidious villain the MCU has had, and, honestly, I'm including Thanos in that. To me, the High Evolutionary is far more sinister. He has the qualities of some of the worst leaders in world history. His fascist ideals, narcissistic persona, and overall manipulative nature makes him one of the best villains in some time. This is a villain you absolutely despise. I was so impressed with Chukwudi Iwuji. His performance was great as he gave the character such an unsettling personality through unbridled charisma. It's been a long time since I've actually hated a villain in movies, but I despise the High Evolutionary, and all of it lies in the brilliant performance of Iwuji. 

I also think the addition of Will Poulter's Adam Warlock was phenomenal as well. He's this all powerful being, but he's also a little goofy, while also being defiant of cosmic leadership. He's a representation of change in generational view points. His mother is very much a zealot, while Adam is trying to make his own path, assisting the rebels so to speak. He's important in both the open and the close of this movie in big ways. He can almost be seen as an anti-hero in this movie, based on some of his actions, but he's definitely an important character, and we'll probably see more of him in the future. Poulter made Adam likable making a god like character vulnerable connecting very well to the overall team dynamic of the Guardians.

Along with Rocket's story, the looming threat of the High Evolutionary and the Guardians becoming a stronger unit based on how much they genuinely love each other, like family, there's more incredible action befitting of an epic conclusion. The action sequences look crisp and have a certain gritty quality to it that just feels right for this franchise. The different worlds they explore such as Counter Earth are mystifying, yet magnificent. I really liked the different creature designs, and interactions with these characters and the Guardians. Every member of the team has their chance to shine. Every member of the team matters, and realizes, that despite their faults, they have a lot more strengths. Watching this team work together is remarkable. The amount of obstacles these characters have faced is truly herculean, but they find a way to come together and win the day. 

Through brilliant characters, an impressive cast, excellent storytelling, world building, action sequences, incredible soundtrack (which has always been a cornerstone of these movies), and James Gunn's writing and directing Guardians of the Galaxy 3 is a fitting conclusion to this space odyssey. It's been a wild ride, an incredible experience, and keeps me hooked on a feeling for more adventures in the future!