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Posts Tagged ‘New Movie reviews’

Wolfman 2025 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on January 20, 2025| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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.

I gave this movie 3 stars

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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Nosferatu 2024 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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.

I gave this film 4 stars.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Beetlejuice Beetlejuice Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 8, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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.

Check out the trailer below:

L.L.

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Alien Romulus Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on August 21, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Alien: Romulus 2024 Movie Posters for Boys & Girls Decor Wall Art Poster 11x17", Unframed

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning: Mild Spoilers Below

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.

I gave Alien: Romulus 4 stars!

Check out the trailer below.

L.L

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The Watchers Review

Posted in New Movie reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning Mild Spoilers below:

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.

I gave this movie 3 and a half stars.

Please check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (Review)

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 13, 2024| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning Mild Spoilers Below:

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.

Check out the trailer below.

L.L.

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on May 7, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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John Wick Chapter 4 Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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.

I gave John Wick Chapter 4, 5 stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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Knock at the Cabin Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on February 6, 2023| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Warning: Mild Spoilers

Knock at the Cabin, directed by M. Night Shyamalan and starring Dave Bautista, Johnathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Kristen Cui, and Rupert Grint, tells the story of a family vacationing in a remote cabin when their trip turns into a deadly hostage situation.

The film opens with thrills and chills as we see a young Wen, portrayed by the talented Kristen Cui catching grasshoppers when suddenly a stranger approaches and attempts to befriend her. The child’s innocent nature is cautiously aware as she engages with the man. However, she is quickly alarmed by his intentions and retreats inside the cabin to tell her parents something is wrong.

The sound of a mysterious knock on the front door begins a chain of events that will change each character’s life.

Knock at the Cabin is a fascinating and thrilling film that will get the moviegoer to think about the fate of humanity and will challenge most people’s beliefs. Horror fans have seen elements of this type of movie before. The difference between this film and many others within the genre is that the definition and meaning of sacrifice are scarier than people realize. You can’t help but feel empathy and compassion for the family as they endure the brutality of their life-altering experience.

The Protagonists in the film were a good casting match. The chemistry they shared on-screen worked well and felt authentic. Kristen was the star of this film. She did a great job with her character portrayal and was a memorable presence on screen.

The Antagonists in the film were four individuals whose only connection was the event they set in motion. Their on-screen relationships and back story reflected their lack of connection. The lead antagonist, Lenard, portrayed by Dave Bautista, had several layers to his character. He had the most connection with Wen, as their interactions were powerful yet demanding.

The film concept created a space for deeper thinking and questioning the possibility of “what if.”

Overall, this film was thrilling and worth a trip to the movies.

I gave this movie 3 stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below:

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Avatar: The Way Of Water Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on December 18, 2022| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

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!!

Check out the trailer below:

L.L

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