Jurassic World: Rebirth directed by Gareth Edwards (Godzilla 2014) starring Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow 2021) and Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton), takes place 5 years after the events of Dominion. A team of scientists and military explorers set out to return to the deserted Theme Park to extract DNA from 3 of the most ferocious dinosaurs, to use for groundbreaking medical research.
It was great to see Scarlett Johansson in this role, however compared to the action portrayed in some of her past films, I was a bit underwhelmed by her part and the movie as a whole. There were exciting scenes but I think that this franchise has overdone it with too many sequels. There is only so far you can take the concept of genetically engineered dinosaurs and it think this is the end of the line for the franchise or at least it should be.
The supporting cast wasn’t anything out of the ordinary and the special effects were average considering a film at this caliber. Visually the movie impressed with world building and mood. It was an added bonus to see it in 3D, but it is worth watching via streaming service. Despite having some issues with writing and the repetitive storyline, it was still a fun movie that families will enjoy.
28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jodie Comer, tells the story of how a group of people have survived on a Scottish island since the initial Rage Outbreak over twenty years ago.
The film opens with father and son, Jamie and Jimmy, trekking through treacherous and unstable terrain as Jamie teaches Jimmy how to defend himself against the Infected. Jimmy is on a mission to learn how the world works while attempting to stay safe and be fully aware of his surroundings. Eventually, the actions of the father and son, in conjunction with their family dynamic, set the stage for Jimmy to venture beyond the borders of their small island in search of answers to aid his ailing mother.
This movie felt completely disconnected and seemed more like a stand-alone film, rather than part of a franchise. There were so many elements that went wrong. The beginning was off to a decent start. By the time we explore the middle of the film, we are lost in the concept of ridiculous storytelling. Jimmy, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, was underdeveloped as a character, while Dr. Kelson, played by Ralph Fiennes, was just bizarre.
The zombies were beyond terrible. This film attempted to convey a sense of evolutionary nature within them. The first type of zombie we see is the basic rage zombie; however, these zombies were completely nude, which didn’t make sense. I could see tattered clothes, but just running with nothing on was just over the top. Then we have another type, which is just an overweight crawling zombie. Their origin was explained, but it was so pointless that I can no longer recall how they came to be.
Unfortunately, this movie was a waste of time and a big disappointment.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, directed by Tim Burton and starring Michael Keaton, Winona Rider, Cathrine O’Hara, William Dafoe, and Jenny Ortega, follows the story of Spiritual Medium and Paranormal Investigator Lydia Deetz as she deals with her father’s death, which opens the door to a past of unfinished business with the haunting ghoul Beetlejuice.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice was a lot of fun to experience, and it was especially refreshing to explore the Afterlife further through Tim Burton’s lens. With the theme of death at the forefront of the storytelling process, the theme of family and elements of forgiveness, acceptance, and living are interwoven into the tapestry of a great Horror Comedy that is bound to end in a promising trilogy.
The plot is layered with multiple storylines that make the film entertaining and engaging from the very start. The special effects, costume design, and creature design create a captivating allure that only Tim Burton could deliver. Michael Keaton’s performance as Beetlejuice was comedy gold that brought me back to that 80s kid.
Winona Rider’s complex character gave way to an even deeper persona that presented a softer and more elevated side to her character. The addition of Astrid, portrayed by Jenny Ortega, created a rich family extension. Cathrine O’Hara did a great job reprising her role as the family matriarch while maintaining the spotlight and evolving her part in the story. The supporting cast kept the plot going in a fun way, while all the other components, including the score, added to the film in a meaningful way.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is the perfect film to kick off the Halloween movie season. It’s great fun for the family and has lots of laughs, thrills, and chills. I gave this film 5 stars.
TWD: The Ones Who Live was an epic ending to an epic love story.
Rick and Michonne head back to the CRM to obtain the dossier and to sabotage the Echelon Briefing. Each is responsible for their mission. Determined to return home, Rick is fueled with the hope of what he once was as he embarks on getting into the CRM to change things from the inside.
As their journey expands and their personalities shift into more complex individuals, we can still see the Rick and Michonne that we fell in love with in previous seasons of The Walking Dead.
Rick and Michonne overcome many obstacles throughout their journey while closing in on their most significant victory. The power couple beats all the odds to complete their mission. Rick nervously embraces his new lease on life and quickly reconnects with the people he loves.
The Ones Who Live intensely focused on Rick’s trauma and the CRM’s position and purpose in society. Michonne’s journey is centered on her love for Rick, who created a force of nature to change their world and the world beyond them.
The Ones Who Live was a masterpiece, as it continued to tell the whole story of Rick Grimes. Starting from the day he was shot and woke up from a coma, Rick’s intent to “find his family” and protect them has been at the forefront of his arc. Rick’s journey has led him to find his family and “focus on the future.” Rick’s desire to “thrive and fortify” will forever be etched into the astounding theme that love conquers all, and love is what makes people thrive and fortify. Rick has been through many trials and tribulations, but the one thing that has gotten him through is the love he shared with Michonne and his love for all the people who have come and gone throughout this time. Since Morgan saved him, Rick’s life has been shaped by each person who has played a role in his story.
Rick was born to lead.
Leadership is part of Rick’s DNA. As a Sheriff’s Deputy, the Leader of the Survivors, the town Leader of Alexandria, and a sergeant of the CRM, we see how much Rick’s Leadership has evolved. Rick’s personality is complex yet gentle. He is also edgy, determined, fierce, powerful, haunted, broken, hurtful, doubtful, and hopeful. He is a character who will heal from his pain but will always be a powerhouse in the world of The Walking Dead.
The last episode of Ones Who Live was a stunning example of how Rick’s story of survival can and will continue to live in the hearts of The Walking Dead Fandom. I’m still hoping for season 2 where we see Rick rebuild his life and reunite with Morgan, Daryl, Maggie, Carol, Ezekiel, Aaron, and even Negan. There is always more story to tell, and I would be honored to experience it again.
Check out The One’s Who Live on AMC+. Can’t get enough of The Walking Dead? Check out season 2 of Daryl Dixon coming Summer of 2024!
L.L.
Here is a sneak peek of season 2 of Daryl Dixon: The Book of Carol:
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny directed by James Mangold, executive produced by George Lucas, and Stephen Spielberg, and starring Harrison Ford is the final adventure thrill ride in the treasure-hunting franchise.
This film takes place several years after the events of The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Indy is on the verge of retirement, and we now see a changed Indiana Jones as the result of a recent loss. Indiana’s journey begins as a fast-paced expedition that creates the perfect amount of thrill and balance throughout the movie. Indiana’s past catches up with him as he attempts to obtain a legendary artifact that has the power to alter the course of history. He manages to fight his way out of the trenches of his lifelong enemy while remaining true to his code of ethics.
They pulled out all the stops for this film. Fans of the film and franchise truly understand what it means by the phrase “age isn’t nothing but a number.” Harrison Ford’s portrayal of the beloved character was fabulous. The action, thrill, and adventure of the story were bigger and better than ever. The partnership between Indy and his goddaughter Helena, played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge worked well. The chemistry between the two was a nice progression and reflected the true nature of their on-screen relationship.
The presence of old friends was a nice addition, and the entire film created a mood of non-stop action that made moviegoers feel and believe that we were part of the action too! The special effects were indeed special. From the youthful look of Indiana to all the action and fight sequences. It was amazing. There is nothing like seeing Indiana Jones galloping on a horse through a subway and all you need is that classic theme song and you are in it. At least I was… I apologize for the spoiler, but that scene was by far one of the best, most thrilling, action-packed scenes that have ever graced the silver screen.
Indiana Jones took us to places we never dreamed existed. He showed us things that made us think, question and believe. He made us open our hearts to the definition of what it means to go on an adventure. He made us fall in love with the idea of the “hunt.” He allowed us to see beyond what a great imagination can do. Indiana Jones never played by the rules and defined the laws of gravity, space, and time, all while giving us the adventure of a lifetime.
This movie is the perfect summer blockbuster and will go down in cinematic history as a spectacular end to the franchise. This is a five-star must-see.
Avatar: The Way of Water, directed by James Cameron and starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Kate Winslet, Sigourney Weaver, Cliff Curtis, and Stephen Lange, takes place years after we see Jake Sully permanently assimilated into the world of Pandora. Now mated for life with partner Neytiri, portrayed by Zoe Saldana, we find that Jake is also the father of four children. However, the Sully family’s happiness quickly fades as Jake’s old enemy Quaritch, portrayed by Stephen Lange, takes the form of an Avatar to finish the war he started against Jake.
Jake and his family are no longer safe within the trees of their forest home, so he makes the tough decision to move his family out of the forest and into the water world to seek refuge among a new community of warriors. The Sully family begins a new life as they learn the ways of the Metkayina Tribe.
Avatar: The Way of Water is a cinematic masterpiece with a little bit of everything packed into the three hours plus film. This film made magic real for me as I took this magical thrill ride of adventure into another realm of imagination and wonder. The addition of new characters quickly became favorites while we were enthralled to explore how Jake and Neytiri’s world has evolved since we last saw them.
This movie was a visual spectacle on levels that are difficult to express. Experiencing it in 3D created a layer of dimension that only a movie theater could bring. The characters and the actors that brought them to life created an element of cohesiveness and chemistry that worked to maintain a balance that made the movie flow effortlessly. The storyline-maintained interest, while the score made me want something more to add to the theatrical experience. James Cameron has done it again with his directorial skills and deserves an Oscar nomination and win for best film and director.
Overall, I gave this film five stars. It is worth watching again. It is absolutely amazing!!
AMC’s The Walking Dead started with a Georgia Deputy Sheriff named Rick Grimes, portrayed by (Andrew Lincoln). Suffering from an on-the-job gunshot wound, Rick ended up in a coma only to wake up and learn that the world he once knew was gone and riddled with the dead as they plagued the Earth roaming, lurking, and walking, ready to devour any living being that crossed their path.
Rick set out on a journey to find his wife Lori (Sarah Wayne Callies) and son Carl (Chandler Riggs), and along the way, he met a man named Morgan Jones (Lenni James) that would save his life and set him on a path to great leadership. Rick found his family and a group that would be the genesis of a story that eventually changed how humanity would survive the apocalypse.
Rick’s sole purpose was to survive, and through that purpose, he strived to find a permanent place where his family and the community that he has grown to love could thrive and have a future; however, for Rick’s purpose to have true meaning he had to endure the psychotic nature of many different enemies. Unfortunately, those enemies included people from other groups.
Rick’s leadership started with a small camp just outside of Atlanta. From there, his survival adventure led him to a farm where he met The Green family, then he and his group lived on the road for a while. Next, he found a Prison where he thought he could build a life and fortify. After he crossed paths and fought and survived Woodbury’s Governor (David Morrissey), he and the group again tried to start over. On the road again in search of a new place, he and the group met a man named Aaron (Ross Marquand), bringing them to a gated community called Alexandra. It is there where Rick and the group find their place until they meet a group called The Saviors, led by the now famous Negan (Jeffery Dean Morgan). After many lives lost and another war, the Alexandra safe zone is where Rick brings other local communities together, such as Hilltop, The Kingdom, and Oceanside.
As the years went by, Rick developed many friendships, allies, and enemies. He lost his wife Lori and his son Carl, but he was able to start over and build a new life with his daughter Judith (Cailey Fleming) and his partner, the katana-wielding Michonne(Danai Gurira).
After years of fighting and shortlived moments of peaceful times, Rick’s survival is tested again as he attempts to save his community from Walkers breaching the borders of the Alexandra safe zone. We last see Rick being taken away in a helicopter as he seeks medical attention for his injuries as directed by his possible ally Jadis (Pollyanna Mcintosh), who he met while trying to form an alliance to fight against Negan and the Saviors.
The surviving members of Rick’s group have done their best to pick up the pieces of a life first orchestrated by Rick. Many years have gone by, and we now see the group has left Alexandra to seek a new home and more opportunities for growth and expansion in a place called the Commonwealth. However, things are not as they seem. The organization of this group quickly reveals a vast amount of unfair treatment, injustices, and corruption among its leaders. We see the legacy of Rick Grimes live through each and every character as they prepare to fight the injustices of the Commonwealth.
Rick’s brother Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus) has been there from the beginning and has now taken on the leadership role in Rick’s absence. However, he has also taken on another important role: father figure to Rick’s daughter Judith and his youngest son RJ (Antony Azor), whom he shares with partner Michone. As the final season wraps up, we find Daryl and the group back at Alexandra as they try to fight their way through a herd of evolving Walkers, tapped by the Commonwealth’s troupers, searching for a safe place to regroup. At the same time, Judith suffers from a wound after she attempts to save Maggie’s (Lauren Cohan) life. Meanwhile, as Aaron and Jerry (Cooper Andrews) try to help Lydia (Cassady McClincy) cope with a newly amputated arm, they do their best to get back on track to be reunited with the rest of their group.
All the puzzle pieces move together simultaneously as the group fights through the darkness of what they thought would be a good life in the Commonwealth community. They fight for the true meaning of freedom and eventually are victorious, but not without the consequences and casualties of war.
The Walking Dead’s Series Finale tied some loose ends while keeping the door open to various storylines and spinoffs. Despite knowing that some stories will continue, such as Daryl’s, Maggie’s, Negan’s, and Rick and Michonne’s, it’s sad to see the end of an Era. The showrunners did an excellent job with the flow and finalization of the story as they showcased the continued strength and determination of the group to fight for what is right. The feature film length of the final episode brought tears to my eyes as I experienced the final zombie visualization push through the screen.
We have seen Rick’s story evolve through his eyes and through the eyes of some of the most beloved heroes and anti-heroes that the TWD universe has to offer. The reason why The Walking Dead is the greatest show of all time is because it is through its heroes that it displays the true nature of what it means to be human; the light, the dark, the strength, perseverance and determination, the hope of family faith and love, the spirit of friendship and loyalty all wrapped up into a shared experience that has transcended time and American Television. Rick’s story will live on because it is the story that has pushed the envelope and defined what it means to truly live as hope and light guide the way forward.
Wakanda Forever directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Angela Bassett, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, and Lupita Nyong’o follows the story of how the world of Wakanda tries to find its place as they deal with the tragic events of losing King T’Challa.
This film was an epic adventure that introduced fans to a new villain, Namor portrayed by Tenoch Huerta as well as introduced us to a new generation of Black Female superheroes. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s overall theme explored the impact of how devastating grief can have on loved ones as well as a community, but it also displayed the gentle tenderness of pain while exposing the grandeur and immense power of love, hope, family, and traditions.
The all-star cast conveyed raw emotion as their on and off- screen chemistry and love for Chadwick Boseman poured through each heartfelt performance. Angela Bassett delivered an award-winning performance as the mother of the late King while ruling as the Queen of Wakanda. Letitia Wright also deserves recognition for a job well done as she walked on the line of displaying such realism and strength in her role.
The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira did an amazing job portraying the Wakandan General Okoye. Her performance projected the true spirit of love and loyalty in only a way that she could deliver.
The special effects blended well throughout the film and the score added to the raw emotion that the performers gave. The costumes and set designs were stunning as each look created a unique balance within the characters’ personalities as well as set the tone and mood to make the setting more magical. The action sequences were intense and drew you in as if you were fighting along with the characters. The origin story of Namor and his people was written very well and opened the door to an infinite form of possibilities regarding story development and the possible expansion of the Marvel Universe including the further exploration of Wakanda’s place in the world of the Avengers.
Marvel created an amazing tribute to Chadwick that is sure to leave moviegoers in tears. Overall, I gave this film five stars for the beautiful story and theater experience that it showcased.
Spiderman: No Way Home, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Benedict Cumberbatch, picks up right after the events of Far from Home. Spiderman’s identity has been revealed, and he now must suffer the backlash of the world knowing who Peter Parker is. Out of desperation, Peter seeks help from Dr. Strange. Dr. Strange agrees to help, but in that process, the Multiverse is unraveled by a chain reaction of entities that poses a major threat to the current reality. Peter learns the hard way that his actions come with serious consequences despite the good intentions behind them.
Spiderman: No Way Home is packed with action that includes thrilling fight sequences that showcase a physically maturing Spiderman. The special effects are intensely done, and the cinematic elements transport the Marvel fan into Spiderman’s world. The Multiverse concept is blended into this story brilliantly and uniquely displays the creative components of writing. This film was exciting and worth all the time, energy, and funding used to create it. Tom Holland did a great job in his role as Spiderman. Benedict Cumberbatch was excellent as Dr. Strange, and the supporting cast had a beautiful way of projecting their chemistry on camera for all to see.
Spiderman: No Way Home is a must-see movie. I gave this movie five stars.
Candyman 2021, directed by Nia DaCosta, written by Jordan Peele, and starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, appeared to be a retelling/sequel of the classic 1992 Horror film. The story follows artist Anthony McCoy, also known as the baby that was taken and almost sacrificed to Candyman in the original movie. Anthony’s goal is to become a prominent name in the art world. However, to reach his goal, he opens the door to resurrect Candyman through his artwork and loses himself and the life he has built with his girlfriend in the process.
Without trying to give too much away, I struggled to like this film. I tried because I loved the original, and I like Jordan Peele’s work. The storytelling process was a bit much, and I didn’t particularly appreciate how the writers tried to water down the legend that Tony Todd worked so hard to create. I was sitting on the edge of my seat the whole time, hoping to see Tony. Honestly, the main reason why I wanted to see this film was that I was hoping to see Tony throughout the film, not just in the last five minutes. The story about the baby being all grown up was a good concept, but it became lost when the writers attempted to recreate the story by adding “new Candymans” in the mix. The whole idea of trying to turn Anthony into Candyman wasn’t a good idea at all. The haunting elements that made this franchise so thrilling weren’t present. The story was overworked, and the kill scenes were just “blah.” I will say that I was very excited when I saw Coleman Domingo (FEAR THE WALKING DEAD); however, when his character arc came full circle, it was just another letdown for me. The storyline was a little disjoined despite some elements from the original blended within. Although the cast was ok, I didn’t get that initial chemistry I usually see and discuss in my reviews. I was not too fond of the idea of multiple Candymans and one of them leaving candy on the floor before a victim succumbs to the hook. Another thing I didn’t like was how they tried to alter Daniel Robitaille’s (Candyman’s) origin story.
I still want fans of the original to see this film because it does make a great conversation piece. You will find yourself constantly comparing this new version to the original and analyzing the conceptual process of this film. Unfortunately, the film missed the mark for me, but maybe some new fans will come to like this version. I might attempt to watch it again once it is released on a streaming service.
The World According to LaTaeya 