I was introduced to Guy Richie through Snatch in the 10th grade. Yes, this was years after it’s release but I was a sheltered kid. The only adult movies I remember watching up until then were old James Bond films and the Die Hard franchise. But Snatch was special, I instantly fell in love with Guy Richie’s way of story-telling, his characters and his style of editing/filming. I quickly took a deep dive into all of his work before Snatch and have watched anything new since. I find his style is full of energy. If it wasn’t done purposely to keep our short attention spans engaged then kudos to him for figuring it out. So when I heard about The Gentlemen I was excited. It’s been years since Richie has written and directed a film. Eventually I would eagerly sit down with my popcorn with high hopes of another clever zig-zagging story about some criminals. Sadly I left the theatre disappointed and realizing it may be the only Guy Richie movie I don’t rewatch. The Cast: I will admit; the reason I watched Snatch was because Brad Pitt was on the cover. He may have brought me to the Guy Ritchie party but he wasn’t the reason I stayed. I think this movie is again trying to appeal to American audiences through a big name in Matthew McConaughey. He also pulls some UK actors from popular shows in the US like Charlie Hunnam (Sons of Anarchy) and Michelle Dockery (Downton Abbey). Round that out with other well-knowns: Hugh Grant (90s Rom-Com heart throb), Henry Golding (Crazy Rich Asians) and Colin Farrell (the guy from that movie). Overall it’s an impressive cast, the a-listers and everyone else works really well together. The acting is top notch and believable, a real bright spot in the movie.  The Recap: Most of the movie is being told by Hugh Grant as a movie and blackmail pitch to Charlie Hunnam who plays Matthew McConaughey’s right hand man, in his big time weed empire. But it’s time for Matt to retire so he’s working to sell the empire to one drug kingpin (with another getting in the way) while a newspaper man is trying to sully his ‘good’ name. It’s a Guy RIchie film so there are lots of little stories going on with each character and we get to know each of them in interesting ways. Overall the story is pretty straightforward. The good:
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Why you should watch or not watch it: As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 73%, Metacritic was at 51% and IMDB was at 81%. And I generally agree that it was a good movie but the overall feeling for me was boredom. I’d recommend a watch if you like a good crime movie, just don’t expect much. Last thought: Compared to past Guy Richie films this one felt underwhelming. Maybe because Guy Richie himself is a big wig now, but a focus on characters and settings that are very fancy and upper class rather than the underdogs I used to cheer for kept me from getting invested. I just don’t care as much about a guy trying to make a deal for billions of dollars. Now a movie with a focus on Colin Farell and his gym ‘thugs’? Now that would be entertaining! 
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 The Concept: Netflix’s answer to people who want more Project Runway and more Queer Eye. They are obviously trying to separate themselves from Project Runway but the basis premise is the same: grab some designers, give them some challenges, put on some fashion shows. Next In Fashion has its own light-hearted tone. Tan France, who is well known as the fashion guy of the Fab Five in Queer Eye, with his cohost Alexa Chung are very playful and keep the whole show fun. They keep talking about wanting to find the next big treads and fashionable ideas but either I’m very out of touch (which could be) or there wasn’t much boundary pushing with those design concepts. The Good:
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To watch or not to watch:
Do you enjoy Project Runway? Do you enjoy Queer Eye? Then you’ll enjoy this. Best to watch with someone who can be judgy and have fun picking apart the judges opinions and the fashions on the show. Also be prepared for so much name dropping. Might be a fun drinking game: every time a celebrity is mentioned, take a drink! Last thought: I like Project Runway better. I’m looking forward to Making the Cut which is Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn’s new show on Prime.  The Concept:
Hot off Captain Marvel, Brie Larson makes her directorial debut with Unicorn store. A movie that by itself is a beautiful story of growing up while still keeping that fantasy childlike wonder with you. With the casting of Samuel L. Jackson many won’t be able to stop from comparing it to Captain Marvel but I urge you not to. This movie tugs at the heart strings and stands on its own. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 63%, Metacritic was at 44% and IMDB was at 55%. The Cast: Brie Larson plays Kit, a girl just desperately trying to prove herself as not a disappointment to her parents played extremely well by Bradley Whitford and Joan Cusack. As parents they handle that balance of pushing their kid out the door to adulthood while wearing very very soft gloves. Rounding out the cast we’ve got Hamish Linklater playing a very gross, handsy boss, Karan Soni playing Kit’s high school friend she feels she is being compared to and Mamoudou Athie playing Kit’s helper soon turned love interest, if she'll let me of course. Now we also can’t forget Samuel L Jackson as the Salesman who tries to help Kit find her way to be worthy of a unicorn. The Recap: Brie Larson’s Kit begins the movie by failing out of art school. When compared to the rest of her classmates, her style is far too colourful, whimsical and well childish. She spends some time being moopy, lying about her parents house before being compared to an old high school classmate forces her to get up and become a temp at a dull advertising firm. It is long after this that she is invited to ‘The Store’ and offered the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream of having a real life unicorn. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: If you are watching this movie to try to rehash Captain Marvel, this is NOT that movie, quickly open your mind or turn off the netflix. Who knows you could learn a lot about unicorns, like did you know their horns are so heavy because they are filled with love? You also have to watch it to find out if she does in fact get a unicorn in the end, cause I’m not giving that away... Last thought: The need for unconditional love is a strong one. The fear of being a disappointment is a strong one. It is these things that make this movie relatable. The requirements for owning a unicorn are especially good to learn from: 1. Build a home worthy of a unicorn, 2. Feed your unicorn in body and soul and prove financial stability, and 3. Surround the unicorn with love - that’s like hugging right? Nope needs a good support system in the home. I saw this as things we should be doing for ourselves and that last requirement was Kit’s hardest, accepting she had love along, that Virgil was there for her, that her parents didn’t think she was a disappointment, that she had good friends. The takeaway? The most grown up thing you can do is fail at something you really care about… but keep trying.  The Concept:
Have you been following along with the Marvel universe at all? Well this movie is the big one. It is the movie to finish all movies and boy does it. There have been 22 movies so far and a whole lot of storylines and characters to remember. Unlike that lucky few I did not watch all the movies as catch up for this one. Thankfully, you don’t have to because they remind you… while making you have all the feels. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 95%, Metacritic was at 78% and IMDB was at 86%. Get ready for some wibbly wobbly timey wimey stuff ahead. The Cast: Everyone. But the main guys after the snap are Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Brie Larson, Karen Gillan plus Bradley Cooper’s Rocket. The Recap: The story starts first a few months later where with the computer and Captain Marvel’s help they find Thanos but it’s too late. So the real start is 5 years later. Everyone is trying to move on but no one can so when Ant Man basically magically appears, his type of science gives him an idea: time travel! Unfortunately it's only Tony who figures out how to properly use it and he doesn’t want to change the present, he is one of the few who has done well after the snap, specifically he has Pepper and a new daughter. But his moral compass stirs him back to the Avengers camp and they go on a time traveling adventure to collect all the stones. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: If for no other reason then to watch the final battle, you must watch this movie. Remember how in the Battle of Winterfell you could follow or see or make any sense of much of it well think the exact opposite. This battle is shot so beautifully. I was in awe the whole time. You get to follow the characters has they try to keep the gauntlet from Thanos. I hope you didn’t pay full price for this seat because you’re only gonna need the edge. Last thought: It is tough to say goodbye to the big 6 characters; Iron Man (dead), Captain America (old), Thor (adventuring), Black Widow (dead), Hawkeye (familyman), Bruce Banner (....wait what happened to him?), but boy did they all have fulfilling endings, either happy or saving others. My real last thought? … yeah I still agree with Thanos … he should have gotten rid of half the people/stuff/maybe memories and it would have been better but I do think he was trying to make the universe better.  The Concept:
The long awaited first female led superhero Marvel movie is here and it’s pretty good. It’s got lots of funny banter, riveting action scenes and of course marvel universe tie-ins. What this movie doesn’t have is the cure for misogyny. I am a feminist but that didn’t make me excited for this movie and that is not why I watched this movie. I watched it because it looked fun and I like superhero movies, plus I need to keep in the know so i’m fully prepared for Endgame. Many will have specific opinions based solely on their possible extreme views of women but let’s try to just enjoy a movie. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 78%, Metacritic was at 64% and IMDB was at 72%. The Cast: Brie Larson and Samuel L Jackson (also 4 kitties playing Goose the Cat) fill out a really well put together cast. Brie brings a lot of fun to Captain Marvel while still managing to carry the weight that people have put on this movie on her shoulders. It’s very weird to see Sam Jack with both eyes and man he looks young. I have had one birdie tell me he didn’t like Sam in this one but I felt he brought the heart to this movie. There’s also Annette Bening and Jude Law plus a host of other people, who I didn’t recognize, who help support Brie to fill out the Captain Marvel’s origin story nicely. The Recap: There’s a war going on and Carol Danvers ‘Vers’ is going to end it. Set in the 90s Vers lands on earth after one of the feuding alien races picks her for clues on how to kills the other alien race. Vers spends the movie having everything she thinks she knows being turned upside down. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: If you’re into the Marvel universe then watch it. If you want to see a strong female lead then also yes. If you like good buddy cop movies then definitely yes. It’ll keep marvel fans and non marvel fans entertained throughout and in the end you’ll feel excited to see more of her, you just might not feel the need to rewatch the movie. Last thought: As a woman, yes I enjoyed seeing a female lead but one of the things I really liked about this movie is that it didn’t really matter. They highlighted life as a woman on earth and how it was tough growing up for her, living the female experience, but once she’s got her powers she’s like any other superhero. She’s got a mission, she’s learning some new information and the world is going topsy turvy. Captain Marvel would be there to save the world whether or not she had a penis.  The Concept:
Have you ever wondered how Motley Crue got together? Have you ever wondered what type of shenanigans they got up to early in their careers? Then there is a book you can read to learn all about it or watch this movie too but that seems like a far less fun way to learn. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 44%, Metacritic was at 37% and IMDB was at 71%. The Cast: Hey the guy from Game of Thrones, the one chemist from Breaking Bad, the depressed guy from SNL... that’s it that’s all I recognize. Machine Gun Kelly plays Tommy Lee and he does a great job. He obviously had real enthusiasm for the role and it shows. The Recap: The story of how Motley Crue became one of the most notorious rock bands in history! However, this movie will not be a shining spot in their history. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: If you want something on in the background with good music as you clean then heck yeah this is a great mindless movie. It was fun to watch a group of guys go nuts and have fun. Didn’t show women in the best light but groupies be groupies I guess? Last thought: I have been researching the band members since watching the movie and I may add the book to my reading list. This movie did leave me wanting to know more so they succeeded there.  The Concept:
A Japanese manga series brought to life desperately trying to make itself into a movie franchise. We are introduced to an impressively rendered futuristic world through the eyes of Alita, who goes about learning things with a childlike wonder that keeps the movie playful despite still being kick ass. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 60%, Metacritic was at 54% and IMDB was at 76%. The Cast: Christoph Waltz, whose accent I still don’t know the origin but also I haven’t looked it up, was spot on as a compassionate robot doctor/ killer bounty hunter. They developed his character slowly but surely. A couple twists regarding which family member he lost and whether he was a serial killer where played to point. Rosa Salazar breaks through the screen as Alita. Despite her being covered heavily in CGI her soul showed through and had me really connecting to her. Also had Keean Johnson, playing Alita’s love interest, who I’m pretty sure is one of the Jonas Brothers? He was pretty but otherwise one noted. Jennifer Connelly also shows up as Christoph’s ex-wife, her whole character was intriguing but otherwise unneeded. The Recap: Alita’s robot/human hybrid head wakes up in a new body thanks to Dr. Ido. She has no memory so she spends the movie discovering the world, finds love and motorball. While doing so she uncovers a secret ‘overworld’ in the underworld and decides she must bring them down. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: Watch it but only in theatres or on a really nice TV. This movie is too be watched for the special effects. If you want to get engulfed in the story then this movie may is an introduction but go check out the manga (I assume, I haven’t actually read any of it but internet says its good). Last thought: I would be surprised if this gets a sequel or franchise which makes its ending really disappointing. Is it just me or does a disappointing ending make the movie feel negated which is especially too bad because I did enjoy this movie. I went in with low expectations and ended up having fun.  The Concept:
It’s been 5 years since we last played with these specific legos and a lot has happened. It’s gone from a story about a father and son battling over preserving verse playing with toys to a brother and sister battling over how to possibly combine very different storylines in their lego playgrounds. The reviews for this sequel have been generally good if not great. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 92%, Metacritic was at 65% and IMDB was at 75%. So with much skepticism towards sequel qualities let’s see how this kids movie does for adults. The Cast: There are so many recognizable voices in this movie but the big four are Chris Pratt as Emmet and Rex, Elizabeth Banks as Lucy, Will Arnett as Batman and Tiffany Haddish as Queen Watevra Wa’Nab. All did really well in transporting me to a make believe world. I think Jonah Hill’s voice as Green Lantern was the only one that made me think ‘oh hey there’s an actor acting’. WIll Ferrell does lend his voice but we don’t get to see him this time around instead Maya Rudolph makes an appearance as the mom trying to get her kids to play nicely together. The Recap: The battle between Bricksburg, now known as Apocalypseburg, and the unknown Duplo invaders still wages on 5 years later. One day an invader cordially captures Lucy, Batman and a few other to take them to a wedding ceremony. Emmett is left alone to rescue them. Along the way he meets Rex Dangervest, who has a very interesting backstory. He helps Emmett change into a more brooding master destroyer type. Is this change for the better though? Will awesomeness come back to the land? Can brothers and sister play well together? All will be answered after a catchy song and a couple heartfelt moments. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: You should watch it… eventually. Unless you have kids nagging you to go, wait for the DVD or streaming equivalent. Don’t get me wrong, it’s charming and well crafted but its not especially memorable. I’d much rather re-watch the first lego movie or the batman lego movie then watch this one again. And if you are going to re-watch it, maybe skip the first half? Last thought: This is a very solid sequel. It is fun, heart-warming and well, after a slow start, would spark the imagination of all ages. This movie does make me want to play, sing, dance, heck be awesome again but it does that most in reminding me how good the first movie was and to maybe go back and watch it again.  The Concept:
He’s got a particular set of skills… well mostly he’s got nothing to lose and some good connections. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 70%, Metacritic was at 57% and IMDB was at 66%. I would agree with these ratings. This movie will not be for everyone. It is weird! But it is fun and violent and really what more could you ask for? The Cast: So many unique and interesting characters! Luckily there are great actors to bring them to life, however, I couldn’t tell you any of their names beside Liam Neeson, Laura Dern and Emmy Rossum but you may recognize some of the others. There truly are too many wonderful performances to pick out a favourite. This is actually a good thing because a lot of this Liam Neeson movie doesn’t have him in it. The Recap: Liam Neeson is a snow plow driver with a high wife and a bag handler son. It’s a quiet life, the town appreciates him so much they give him an award. Everything seems totally pleasant until his son overdoses on the bad kind of drugs. Now it’s time for revenge. Mostly Liam just wants answers! His son wasn’t a junkie, he’s sure of it. It only takes a very large body count, bloody misunderstandings between crime lords, and a kidnapping to he find out he’s right. The good:
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Why we should watch or not watch it: Did you like Fargo? Either the movie or the TV show? Then get past the first 30 minutes of this movie and you’ll be having a lot of fun. Also don’t worry there is a scene where a person is shredded... Last thought: This movie is apparently based on the Norwegian film Krafitidioten or, as it is known in the US, In Order of Disappearance starring Stellan Skarsgard. (And I’m gone now to go watch that film, love me some Skarsgard).  The Concept:
Season 2 finds Frank Castle being pulled back to New York to face Billy Russo now turned Jigsaw but first he’s also got to figure out what’s up with John Pilgrim. This season had mixed reviews to say the least. As of this writing the Tomatometer had it at 52%, Metacritic was at 58% and IMDB was at 86%. It seems this season is a love it or hate it situation. And I got to say I hated it. I enjoyed Iron Fist so much more than this mundane representation of The Punisher. The Cast: A lot of returning characters but otherwise did you recognize anyone? Also can you remember any of their names.. characters... backstories…? There was the mopey woman and her son who Frank becomes pseudo husband and dad for a day. Was anyone surprised when she ended up in the hospital? No. Then there was the escort mission for Frank in the whiny blonde girl. We’ve also got a religious zealot badguy, a senator’s dad and the russian mob all going after Castle because of a picture whiny blonde girl has. As for the returning characters, we got to see one legged Curtis again, Karen Page and the FBI lady. Karen is basically a cameo whereas Curtis and FBI lady have some big feels this season. Lots of talking and character development for them. It’s just I didn’t really feel any connection to what they were saying. The Recap: This season Frank Castle has to fight Jigsaw and John Pilgrim! He’s been living on the road but gets pulled back into some bloody action after he meets whiny blonde girl in a bar. The mystery of who this girl is and why there are people after her last nearly all season. While he’s trying to keep her alive due to what I have named ‘Photo-Gate’, BIlly Russo is recovering back in New York and causing trouble for everyone involved. Both storylines meet in New York and things… come to a head?... kinda. The good:
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Why you should watch or not watch it: Don’t watch it. It’s slow. It’s boring. It’s safe. It’s confusing. It’s character development and storylines are lacking. But if you do want to watch it then plan on taking a lot of breaks, of holding your eyelids open and of drinking a lot coffee. Let’s just say this could have been 6 maybe 8 episodes long and it would have been better. Last thought: This is likely the last we will see of Bernthal’s Frank Castle and I am wholly disappointed in this farewell. The punisher deserved a much more action packed and bloodier ending. You know IF there were a season 3, at least they did find a way to bring him from a vengeance fueled machine to a crime fighting anti-hero with a job in the CIA whenever he wants it. |
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