Five Nights At Freddy's Review

I saw Five Nights At Freddy's on October 29, 2023! Based on the popular video game series, I was interested in seeing this simply because of the cool characters in the universe. I see why kids gravitate towards this series as there's such a compelling story involved. The movie could have just coasted on the aura of the characters, but what I really enjoyed about it is that it delves deeper into storytelling and creating an intriguing dynamic to connect with both kids and adults on different levels. 

The emotion in the movie has an authentic feel to it, particularly around the family dynamic with Mike and Abby. Josh Hutcherson gives one of his best performances here as Mike Schmidt. I've always found Hutcherson to be underrated, but this definitely shows how much he gets into his characters for the sake of the audience, and he was fantastic here. Traumatic events from his past plague his mind, and Hutcherson captures that vividly here. You can tell how much it weighs on him. His whole story is about the preservation of his family, ameliorating wrongs in the past and ensuring a positive future for himself, and more specifically, his sister, Abby. 

The highlight of the movie is Piper Rubio's performance as Abby. It's an exceptional young actress performance that helps provide so much of that natural emotion that emanates off the screen here. The chemistry with Rubio and Hutcherson feels so real. You definitely get a familial bond from their interactions. Rubio's dialogue had me laughing or crying depending on what was happening on screen. She really is the heart of the movie, and helps heal Mike in many ways. She's his light that keeps him from drifting towards the darkness. Her artistic mind is integral to the story, and also indicative of how all children's minds work differently. 

Along with the deeper family story, the Freddy Fazbear's Pizza aspect is a great mix of frivolity and fright perfectly blended for all audiences. The visuals of Freddy, Bonnie, Chica and Foxy are extraordinary. As each character was created using Jim Henson's Creature Shop, all of them felt more authentic than they would using CGI. It helped tell a better story. I was so impressed with the movements of the animatronics. The puppeteers, stunt actors and detailed imagery really worked together to create something truly special.

Through two excellent lead performances by Josh Hutcherson and Piper Rubio, two compelling storylines combined to create a deeper, more complex movie, the aura and actual representation of the robotic characters and solid supporting performances by Elizabeth Lail and Matthew Lillard, this movie has me belting out Talking In My Sleep, wanting a slice of pizza from Freddy Fazbear's and hoping for another movie from this universe, because it's such a compelling world to explore, as well as being one of my absolute favorite movies of the year! 

Oppenheimer Review

I initially saw Oppenheimer on July 27, 2023! One view was just not enough for this, so I saw it again on August 5, 2023 to truly capture how special this movie really is! On the surface, people will look at this movie and see it's about the Manhattan Project, which centered around the creation of the atomic bomb. While that is certainly the crux of what audiences go in expecting, Christopher Nolan's brilliant work here brings us further into the core of what this movie truly represents, as well as showcasing how he is one of the very best in the industry. The core of this movie is more about the literal and figurative aftershock of the creation of this horrific weapon. It's about people rising up to stop looming threats, particularly Jewish scientists finding a way to get back at the tyranny and atrocities of the Nazis. It's also an analytical study of the complexity of humanity. It's about the looming presence of power, and the actions and consequences that can come from wielding it. It also bridges past, present and future as constant technological advancements continue to exemplify this. It's truly one of the most important movies, and easily one of the very best you'll find in any genre. The dramatic tension of this movie is exceedingly palpable. 

What makes this movie as great as it is lies in the performances of the cast. Cillian Murphy has become one of my favorite actors in the industry, due largely in part to his exceptional work as Thomas Shelby in Peaky Blinders, but his performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer is his career best performance. He does an outstanding job capturing the emotions of a conflicted man, bringing the audience right into his mind. His struggle with his decisions shows a hero, but a flawed one, which one can identify with as we're all flawed. He serves as a picture of humanity's decision making process. It's also amazing to watch this movie as we get it through his view point, which is one of the most intriguing aspects. He has this ability to see beyond what is happening in the now, so his viewpoint being filled with vibrant color works so well. Watch how he becomes fearful of the power he wields. It's really interesting to watch as everybody around him is thinking about the present, wanting him to keep building bigger and more effective bombs, while his keen intellect allows him to realize the ramifications of even considering it. Murphy's performance really provides the different layers of the intriguing person Oppenheimer was, and is indicative of a truly gifted actor. Oppenheimer certainly had a life filled with challenges and regrets, but, IMO, he's also one of the most important people in human history. 

Another performance that I felt was excellent was Robert Downey, Jr.'s Lewis Strauss! Downey has had several great performances in his career, but, aforementioned, much like Murphy I'd consider this his best work as well. Where Oppenheimer's point of view is in vibrant color, Strauss's is in black and white, because he only sees things certain ways and only does things to serve himself rather than the American people or anybody else around him. It's a fantastic dichotomy that really adds to the overall story. In many ways, the story of Oppenheimer and Strauss is very Shakespearean, and I could easily see ol' William Shakespeare writing this as a play and putting it at the Globe Theater for all to see. Their interactions show two different minds, but Downey's performance as Strauss really shows an underhanded, despicable human being that will stop at nothing to gain more power no matter who he has to take out along the way. He's such a great part of the movie, though, and really provides that extra dramatic element to the movie. It's a character you love to hate, and it's all because Downey took the ball and ran with it, providing a phenomenal foil almost serving as a Lex Luthor to Murphy's, albeit flawed, but still heroic, porkpie hat wearing Superman. 

Along with these brilliant performances, writing and directing, the effects were astounding, particularly the Trinity test scenes. The utter silence as everybody watches is tremendous. The silence speaks volumes approach is so effective here. The audience watches the cloud rise high and the wondrous, but also treacherous nature of the fire is visually stunning. Then, you're hit with a cacophony of the blaring sounds emanating from this monstrosity. It's both magnificent and malevolent at the same time. The use of color and black and white to dance between view points is great keeping each aspect of the movie flowing, and adding to the overall feel and general scope of the story unfolding before our eyes. The musical score by Ludwig Goransson is truly one of the best as it captures tension marvelously, and, as a result, the music becomes a living, breathing part of the movie. 

Through brilliant writing and directing by Christopher Nolan, excellent performances from Cillian Murphy and Robert Downey, Jr., great supporting performances by Emily Blunt, Tom Conti, Matt Damon, Gary Oldman and Rami Malek, a layered plot centering around the conundrum that is humanity, as well as the music and the effects, this movie represents importance, significance as well as cultural relevance to our world, while also truly serving as a great movie allowing audiences to appreciate what makes watching them such an incredible experience.

Barbie Review

I saw Barbie on July 21, 2023! When you hear the word Barbie, it's globally recognizable as one of the biggest brands of all time from signature doll lines and accessories through multiple generations. Girls all over the world have purchased them, played with them and in some cases, just liked the idea of collecting them. Barbie is a word that conjures up so many feelings of both jubilance, while also being a subject of controversy among many people as well over the years. Barbie is just a force that has been the linchpin for Mattel for years going through several different iterations from the signature look to more diverse lines truly presenting that global impact Ruth Handler created in 1959. Barbie is something that will stand the test of time, and this brilliant movie helmed by renowned film director, Greta Gerwig will only further that notion. 

When you think about movies that are highly anticipated, nothing has piqued movie audiences interests more than Barbie has in recent memory. From the initial 2001: A Space Odyssey motif to the shots of Margot Robbie clapping to upbeat music, the mystery surrounding this movie's plot and overall ambience was intriguing. After seeing the movie, I was completely astonished at how much I enjoyed this. This isn't just a movie about a toy; it's a movie taking a toy towing the line between social satire and sublime sincerity to create a truly unique movie that stands out in the best possible way. 

Margot Robbie has become one of the preeminent actresses in Hollywood over the last decade and I've enjoyed many of her performances such as Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad and Birds of Prey to Sharon Tate in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, but, in all honesty, her performance in Barbie is her tour-de-force thus far in her career. She is simply phenomenal in this role. Her ability to alternate between the mindset of her glamorous doll life and the daunting ominous real life side is truly remarkable. As you would imagine, she is simply gorgeous through both smiles and tears, trying to navigate her place in two worlds and recognizing her purpose in every facet of her existence. I was moved by how much she put herself into this role, making it special and one of true great female performances of the year. She deserves the praise she is getting for her commitment to making Barbie one of the most layered characters. It's pretty impressive to take a plastic doll, and turn it into one of the most emotionally driven character performances in recent memory. 

Where Margot Robbie is the literal and figurative heart of this movie, Ryan Gosling's performance in this movie is simply outstanding. Gosling has always been a gifted actor, but his work as Ken is one of his absolute best displaying both brutish naivety as well as a sense of genuine veneration he wants from both Barbie and the world. A lot of his story forms the core of the overall plot, and when that plot takes shape, the movie becomes a whole new story which instantly gripped me more as a viewer keeping me invested at each turn. It's also really clever on the parts of the film makers where the audience realizes that Ken matters a lot more than he thinks he does, but, obviously Ken's character can't see that quite yet, which is apropos for the character's mindset in real...and, well, doll life. 

The overall look of Barbie Land is one of the impressive aesthetic designs you'll find. The set pieces are amazing from the design of the houses to the outfits to the land and the beach all centered around a pink hue. The bright, technicolor aspects of the pink blended with the genuine matriarchal society creates a bright, vivid picture exciting audiences from the outset. Compared to the earthy tones and darker colors of the real world, it really creates a beautiful symbiosis, showcasing both the similarities and differences emanating in both worlds. 

With two excellent leading performances by Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, a compelling, layered plot centering on social and political commentary, brilliant costume, make-up and set designs, a brilliant mix of comedy utilizing both double entendre and slapstick, genuine emotion that makes the audience feel for Barbie's journey, a great supporting cast such as Kate McKinnon (genuine show stealer as Weird Barbie), America Ferrera, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell, brilliant  writing and directing by Greta Gerwig and an overall movie that supplants the notion that Barbie is more than a doll; she is the very idea that continues to motivate girls and women to reach through the glass ceiling, shatter it and become more than they are in physical, emotional and spiritual ways, as well as providing that bridge between both work and play in every day life. The power of Barbie is truly universal, and her light will continue to shine bright for generations to come! 

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!

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret Review

 I saw Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret on April 30, 2023! Every once in a while a movie comes along that just feels special. Recently reacquainting myself with Judy Blume's novel, I found myself immersed in one of the most impactful coming of age stories through her words and her characters. Kelly Fremon Craig did an impeccable job adapting a story sprung forth from 1970 to 2023. It's a story 50 plus years in the making, and, it's still relevant to girls of this generation, just as it was then.  It's about Margaret Simon's journey dealing with physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of her life, and finding her place in all of it. 

What makes this movie adaptation as good as it does lies in the casting of it's main character, Margaret Simon. Abby Ryder Forsten delivers one of the best young actress performances I've seen in years. Yes, she's been involved with other projects before, such as Cassie Lang in the MCU, but this performance right here is her breakthrough role. She captures the awkward naivete, the burgeoning excitement, the adolescent ire and looming dread that comes with being a girl on the cusp of everything in front of her with such precision, displaying an dramatic acumen of somebody that's been in the industry for decades. This girl has a bright future as she has the ability to command a screen, and really get into the mind of the character she's playing. Her reactions come off as natural, and makes the performance that much better as a result. I really hope to see more from ARF. She's a shining star on the rise, and this performance will show you that. 

There's some other great performances here that stick out, particularly from Rachel McAdams as Barbara Simon and Kathy Bates as Sylvia Simon. Bates is always who I envisioned in the role of Sylvia, so it just came off as a natural performance to me, and Bates excels here selling the close bond with her granddaughter. McAdams is phenomenal here as Margaret's mother, a kind soul who goes out of her way for everybody, and she shows that in every step of her performance as well. The other young performances were fantastic, especially Elle Graham, who captured the embodiment of what Nancy Wheeler is all about. The difference in characters from Margaret and Nancy is astounding. One aspect of this story that I always liked is you get a sense of everybody's view point, looking deeper into their characters. The cast does a great job conveying that for audiences. 

The movie captures several of the key scenes from the book in an illuminating manner, showing how incredible these scenes are. From the reactions to the religious services to shopping for lady garments and products to the PTS meetings to Norman's party to Margaret's first kiss, everything feels how it was when Judy Blume sat down to write the words. I found myself laughing loudly at the reactions to the puberty video. The shots of the girls horrific looks was absolutely hilarious. It's just one of the examples of an adaptation that works on all levels. The movie flows well, capturing moments of euphoric emotion, while also capturing despondent drama. Audiences get perspectives from different characters, such as Laura Danker, and how she feels about herself, giving a more worldly approach to everything going on around these characters. It's a movie that really celebrates life and all the trials and tribulations that come of it, especially at a young age. 

From a brilliant lead performance by Abby Ryder Forsten to a compelling narrative capturing the essence of it's author, Judy Blume to memorable scenes encapsulating a young girl's odyssey into life as a whole through a fantastic visual adaptation, this movie gets everything right, making the characters and the words originally on the page that much more exceptional on screen.