The Wolfman, directed by Leigh Whannell and starring Julia Gardner (Ozark), Christopher Abbott (Kraven The Hunter), and Matilda Firth (Disenchanted), follows a family as they travel to the remote mountains in Oregon to Blake’s childhood home to pack up his father’s things after being declared deceased.
The moment Blake reaches his family estate, things go bad as the family suffers from a terrible accident, leaving Blake with an injury that he is unable to recover from.
The situation continues to spiral out of control as Charlotte (Garner) and their daughter Ginger (Firth) try to help Blake while attempting to make sense of their current circumstances.
Overall, this was a pretty good movie. The storyline was interesting and presented a nice backstory into the past of our antagonist. The balance between Blake’s humanity and his relationship with the monster within created an internal struggle that was projected beautifully on screen.
Charlotte’s character is strong yet flawed. The fast-paced horror film did not disappoint, as its structure had many classic elements interwoven within. However, the creature design for the Wolfman did miss the mark for me. Parts of the character’s transformation reminded me of Seth Brundle from 1986’s The Fly. The concept of Blake living between human and wolf was conveyed, but I was hoping to see more elements of the wolf transpire.
The special effects were solid, and the film was thrilling in many ways.
Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers and starring Bill Skarsgard (Count Orlok), Nicholas Hoult (Thomas Hunter), Lilly-Rose Depp (Ellen Hunter), and Willem Dafoe (Albin Eberhart von Franz), is a dark tale that follows a mystical young woman haunted by the dark forces of an evil creature as he attempts to possess her heart and mind.
This version of the 1922 horror remake created a level of cinematic depth that opened the moviegoer to a realm of dark creativity. The world-building was authentic and pulled viewers in like a magnet. The story, loosely based on Dracula, was well written and presented an interesting connection between Emma and Count Orlok. The film explores deeper supernatural elements within the 1800s that deliver a timeless notion between religious beliefs and the belief in Science. All of which push the boundaries of the characters involved.
Nosferatu was well done; Bill Skarsgard’s portrayal of The Count created a captivating performance. However, I was a bit disappointed over the Character’s esthetic. The creature design fell short for me. I wanted the Character to look more like the original gangly vampire, with the large piercing eyes, oval-shaped head, and pointed elven ears, all elements that make Max Schreck’s original so memorable. Despite this design oversight, Skarsgard did a fantastic job bringing the creature back to life uniquely. Lilly-Rose Depp and Nicholas Hoult did a nice job intertwining their characters. The closeness they shared through their distance was another piece that made the story work so well. The costume designs were fabulous and added personality to the development of the characters. The Gothic nature of this film created a whimsical horror fantasy that will make fans of the genre appreciate the film’s intention.
Alien Romulus, directed by Fede Alvarez, produced by Ridley Scott, and starring Cailee Spaney as Rain, David Johnson as Andy, and Archie Renaux as Tyler, was a horror thrill ride that took franchise fans on a journey to space and beyond.
Following events after Alien (1979), This film follows a group of space columnists searching for a better life. To return to their home planet, they plan to obtain a cryostasis chamber to put them to sleep for their journey. They board an abandoned space probe only to learn something terrible happened to the crew.
As the space columnists explore the ship further, they soon realize that they have boarded the nesting place of an otherworldly creature with only one mission: to destroy anything and everything in its path.
Alien Romulus is the seventh film in the franchise. The movie blended fresh with familiarity within the elements of storytelling and cinematography. The visual effects and structure of the film were stunningly impressive, while the acting and character delivery provided layers of emotional depth and vulnerability. The directing was spot on, and the overall film provided the horror that fans anticipated. This movie was exciting and a lot of fun. I recommend this to any horror fan or franchise devotee.
A Quiet Place: Day One, starring Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, and Djimon Hounsou and directed by Michael Sarnoski (Pig), takes place at the beginning of a major extraterrestrial invasion in the heart of New York City.
Terminally ill Samira, portrayed by Nyong’o (Us), is a poet living on borrowed time as she attempts to manage her Day-to-day life while creeping closer to her death. A routine day trip to a Marionette show in the city soon becomes a fight to survive as the city becomes utterly unhinged with chaos and destruction. While seeking refuge with other patients and a nurse on the trip, the will to survive suddenly becomes a journey to get Pizza from Patsy’s in Harlem. With her emotional support feline in tow, Samira meets a man named Henri, portrayed by Hounsou (Blood Diamond), who helps her learn how to move among the aliens undetected.
Surrounded by death and loss, Samira finds herself trapped in a tight situation; her feline companion comes to the rescue as he finds someone who can bring her to safety. Eric, portrayed by Joseph Quinn (Stranger Things), helps Samira by bringing her to safety and helping her get the medication she needs. Together, they set off to get Pizza in a world on the verge of ruin.
This film was exciting, packed with explosions, jump scares, thrills, and, most importantly, an emotional energy that radiated off the screen and into the hearts of moviegoers. Lupita’s performance not only delivered but also made such a deep connection between her character and co-star, Quinn, in such a profound way that it brought Samira and Eric together so quickly. It shows that despite the lack of dialog within the film, two actors can carry a movie without much conversation. Strangers can grow to care for one another in a way that impacts their lives beyond their shared traumatic experiences. This film gave me vibes from The Last Us, Alien, and Cloverfield.
A Quiet Place: Day One was deeply moving; the cast, cinematic view, score, and visual effects created an experience only the theater could bring.
The Watchers, directed by Ishana Shyamalan and starring Dakota Fanning, follows the story of a young artist who travels to a remote location in Ireland to deliver an exotic bird, only to find herself trapped and unable to leave.
Mina, portrayed by Fanning, finds herself among a group of lost travelers as they try to work together to survive the mysterious forests surrounding them. Mina learns that she must follow a specific set of rules while allowing a group of creatures to watch her through a mirrored fortress know as the coop. As the pain of her tragic past surfaces, Mina breaks the rules with another lost traveler, Daniel, portrayed by Oliver Finnegan, in hopes of leaving the dreaded forest. Mina’s plan backfires as she learns that the consequences of her rebellious ways.
Days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months; Mina and the others, Clair, portrayed by Georgina Campbell, and Madeline, portrayed by Olwen Fouѐrѐ, begin to uncover the secrets of the forest and other useful information that helps them understand the history behind the forest, and it’s dark inhabitants.
The Watchers was an interesting film that brought Irish folklore into the modern world. Dakota Fanning’s portrayal of Mina was revealing, complex and relatable. The supporting cast held their own throughout, and the director’s point of view appeared strong while certain visual and story elements echoed classic M, Night Shyamalan.
I thought this was a good movie to see during fall instead of late spring. There were a lot of jump scares, and “things that go bump in the night.” Horror fans will appreciate the mysteriousness and dark energy this film gives. The flow of the film progressed, and the visual elements were magical. The scenes were authentic and transported moviegoers into the realm of fantasy/horror.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, starring Kevin Durand as Proximus Caeser (Abigal), Owen Teague as (Noa) (It Chapter 2), Freya Allan as (Mae) (The Witcher) and directed by Wes Ball (The Maze Runner 2014), takes place generations after the death of Caesar, the Leader of the original ape rebellion.
In a future world where Apes are supreme while humanity dwells as a minority within the shadows of the earth, the adventure begins with a young Ape named Noa. Noa strives to be part of the group as he embarks upon a journey to take part in a cultural ritual to obtain an eagle egg to raise it within his clan. His journey to be among his clan eventually propels him to be marked as a leader. As the world moves into the future, we see a variety of ape clans and civilizations strive to fight for survival, rule, freedom, and peace.
Noa and his eagle clan family are on the verge of captivity by fellow apes; meanwhile, he and his companion (Raka) stumble upon a human (Mae) who has an agenda of her own to bring the world of human dominion back from the grave.
The Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes was a cinematic adventure that brought all the elements of past franchise films into full swing. The world of the Apes was truly a sight to behold. The cinematic environment powerfully depicted how the earth has evolved from human expansion. The creativity behind the climate was a magical experience as I had a deeper appreciation and understanding of how fragile our earthly environment is. For this movie to only be carried by one or two “humans,” I must say that the storytelling process delivered as it drew me into the world and the characters within. The special effects were believable and done with grace and accuracy, the score added to the film, and the movie’s overall tone moved the franchise into a new realm of story while still staying true to the overall legacy of Caesar’s reign.
This movie was enjoyable. I gave this film four stars for the thrill, special effects, and adventure.
TWD: The Ones Who Live, directed by Bert and Bertie Ellwood and starring Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira, continues the epic love story of the famous Colt Python slinger Rick Grimes and the Katana Sword-wielding Michonne. This story takes place in two different locations, as our main characters face a multitude of challenges, obstacles, and interesting circumstances along their journey to find each other. Rick’s journey to the CRM started after he blew up the bridge outside of Alexandria; Jadis found him near death on the edge of the river. Then we see Rick riding off into the world of the unknown in a helicopter with Jadis in tow.
Unsatisfied with their search efforts, Michone found herself going out to find Rick, feeling in her heart that he was not dead. She set out to expand her search beyond the borders of their walled community. On her travels, she ran into a man named Virgil in connection to a mysterious boat. The boat contained Rick’s Boots, a cell phone with an etched photograph of her and Judith, and a message written in Japanese, which were clues to prove that Rick was alive.
Their journey to each other leads them on a path to a much bigger and broken world.
Rick finds himself in a community held against his will and does everything he can to reunite with his love, Michonne, including attempting to escape several times.
Episode 1 takes us inside the CRM as we see the life that Rick Grimes is living. He tries to hang on to the love and life of his past while his hope for finding his family and the future he envisions slowly fades away.
Rick’s newfound relationships appear to be established with great caution as Okafor (portrayed by Craig Tate) tries to push Rick into a major Leadership role within the CRM. During this recruitment process, we learn that Rick undergoes extensive Military training. We see Rick do everything from hand-to-hand combat training to Walker extraction and flight training. While receiving this training, he mentally resists the idea of being a CRM leader. He finds himself amid an internal rebellion whose purpose is to change the inner workings of the CRM.
Rick’s resistance leads him on a path of four failed escape attempts, with his last effort finally bringing his comic book character storyline to life with the mutilation of his left hand.
By the end of the episode, Rick tries to let go of the idea that he will return to Michonne and his family. As he tries to open himself to the possibility of a new future, unexpected firepower suddenly takes down a routine supply run with Okafor’s group in one of the very helicopters that he has learned to fly. He crashes into a nearby field. Rick escapes the aircraft to an even more dangerous situation. Rick’s protective mask is taken off to reveal his face, while the individual who killed the others in his group is shown to be none other than his one true love, Michonne.
They stare at each other for several long moments as their mouths are dropped in awe.
This episode was by far one of the best episodes that the TWD Universe has presented to us. The storytelling process and the spectacular cinematography have created a fresh take and a different perspective on how Rick’s adventure has continued through his long absence within the universe. The world of the CRM and the secrets they hold create a more detailed idea of the puzzle pieces that the CRM has left us throughout this time. Andy Lincoln’s portrayal of Rick Grimes is award-winning, bringing us back to when TWD was all about Rick since season 1, episode 1, Days Gone By. The entire production was done amazingly. The new Costume designs tell a story within themselves and add to the experience of drawing us into Rick’s life. The “what if “scenes with Michonne and Rick were captivating and very special. Seeing them engage with each other in a new way was magical. The supporting cast meshed well throughout the episode and did an excellent job blending their fresh take with Rick’s story.
It is going to be fantastic to see how this unfolds.
Episode 1 of The Ones Who Live was a great start to this new thrill ride, and I am all in!!!
Ten stars!!
L.L.
Check out the trailer below. The Who Live airs Sundays on AMC at 9:00
Equalizer 3, directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day) and starring Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning, was a great action-packed film that gave fans everything they wanted in a thrilling Denzel Washington cinematic adventure.
This time, we find our anti-hero assassin, Robert McCall (Denzel Washington), on the beautiful banks of Italy as he deals with some unfinished business. That unfinished business leads him on the path of retirement. But before he can actually sit back and relax. He soon finds himself once again protecting the people he loves.
Entangled in a world of the Italian Mob, Robert partners up with CIA Agent Emma Collins (Dakota Fanning) as they work together to bring down the powerful organization that has been constantly terrorizing the citizens of a quaint Italian community.
Equalizer 3 was well-balanced and presented moviegoers with a familiar yet fresh take on character expansion while delivering a tone that ties in trauma, loyalty, and purpose. The story and action sequences were captivating. Denzel’s performance was magnetic; the second he appears on screen, you are drawn to his character. The effects were wild, and the reunion and chemistry between Denzel and Dakota were fantastic. The supporting cast added to the depth of the storytelling process while providing fans with a level of connection that creates an emotional reality based on the understanding that dark times won’t last forever.
This is a must-see action film. The director‘s perspective and the magic of the cinematography connected all the elements to make this movie a spectacular Labor Day weekend Blockbuster.
The third installment of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise was an incredible adventure that dug into the past while providing a hopeful future for the characters we know and love.
Directed by James Gunn, this film takes place sometime after the tragic events of End Game. We see the devastating impact that Gomora’s (Zoe Saldana) death has had on Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) and the rest of the Guardians.
In their attempt to move forward, the Guardians must find a way to heal from their loss as a new threat surfaces to destroy the universe.
With an unshakable cast, a strong and tight storyline, and consistent and larger-than-life special effects, Guardians of the Galaxy volume 3 is a must-film that will move you. Character connections evolve throughout the story and impact how the audience receives the realistic components within the theme. Additionally, the delivery of humor was intertwined gracefully, while the majestic nature of these superheroes is genuinely touching in multiple ways.
The cast brought this film to life; the director’s perspective created a movie that fans would love and appreciate.
I gave Guardians of the Galaxy 5 stars. It’s a must-see and hopefully will set the tone for (a fantastic summer blockbuster season.
John Wick Chapter 4, directed by Chad Stahelski and starring Keanu Reeves, continues the saga of the legendary hitman as he battles his way to free himself from The High Table and all the expectations that come with it.
This movie is the definition of high-octane action. We are once again drawn into a world of international luxury where the darkness of high society rules the world and where no one is safe from escape. The complicated story of The High Table becomes more intense as John attempts to face his inner and outer demons.
John Wick Chapter 4 is a fast-paced film, yet it flows nicely to where you can follow the direction as to where John Wick is going. He meets old friends and new enemies throughout his journey as he maintains his classic style and calculated nature.
This movie, by far, is one of the best Keanu Reeves action films I have ever seen. The fight sequences, fantastic choreography, stunning backdrops, fabulous fashion, and diverse casting created a visual experience like no other. Almost every scene is unforgettable, and the film establishes a tone of familiarity while still able to evolve into a new elemental force within the genre.
I hate to admit that John Wick Chapter 4 was the first movie in the franchise I’ve seen in the theater, and I must say that it was such an exciting adventure that I couldn’t stop thinking about it ever after it was over.
The cast was chosen to create an interlocking ensemble that united the storytelling process. In addition, each character delivered a performance that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
John Wick Chapter 4 is a film that must be experienced in the theater. It was amazing and did not disappoint. This movie will take you all over the world. The draw-dropping scenery is a character in its own right. John Wick Chapter 4 pushes the limits of high-energy concepts and displays a variety of fighting styles. We see John Wick explore different weapons as well as diversify his world while giving movie-goers a thrill ride filled with new reveals, the exposure of deeper secrets, and shocking moments that will surely rock your world.
The World According to LaTaeya 