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Posts Tagged ‘Weekend Blockbusters’

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 13, 2022| Leave a Comment »

by LaTaeya Lane

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Review

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.

L.L.

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Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 19, 2022| Leave a Comment »

Warning: Some Spoilers Below!

by LaTaeya Lane

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, directed by David Yates and starring Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law, continues the story of beloved magizoologist Newt Scamander as he protects one of the Wizarding World’s most delicate magical creatures from the hands of Grindelwald.

The third film in the Fantastic Beasts franchise touched on several storylines. We learned more about Dumbledore’s private life and his struggles while he embraced his role as a future leader of Hogwarts. In the process, we were able to see his power in full force and see how he manages to put the needs of others before his own. This film had a very mature tone while still managing to infuse moments of lightheartedness and triumph.

The introduction of a few new characters only tightened the plot and added to the story’s overall flow. The cast’s chemistry was on point, which created a unique feel that only the Wizarding World could portray. The costume design and classic score added to the mood, while the special effects created that magical atmosphere that all Harry Potter fans adore.

Overall, this was a great film that added to the thrill of an undying franchise. I gave this movie four and a half stars.

L.L.

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Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom Review by LaTaeya Lane

Posted in Fantasy literature, New Movie reviews, Reviews, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 26, 2018| 1 Comment »

Jurassic-World-Fallen-Kingdom-2018-movie-poster

Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom directed by J.A Bayona, produced by Legendary Entertainment and starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard is the sequel to the 2015 franchise rebirth film. This film takes place three years after the events of Isla Nublar. This time around the thriving dinosaurs are once again threatened toward extinction with the sudden eruption of a large volcano on the island.

Society has now tried to incorporate the fight of animals’ rights to include the once extinct dinosaurs. Claire, now an advocate for dinosaur rights is made an offer she can’t refuse as she is recruited to help rescue the dinosaurs from the deserted island. She then reaches out for her ex-love interest and raptor trainer, Owen to help with the rescue mission.

Before you know it, the two find themselves intertwined in a vicious plot that includes genetics specialists and other scientists that are out to weaponize the dinosaurs and potentially make billions of dollars in profit off the animals.

If you’re looking for a good action adventure to kick off the official summer season, then Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom is the film for you. This movie is a lot of fun to watch even though you are already going to expect certain elements when it comes to the franchise film.

I adore Chris Pratt in this role, but I also like Bryce Dallas Howard. I do feel like there was a little bit of disconnect between the two characters this time around but maybe that was intentional since the two did not end up together after the first film. There are some interesting new twists in this movie and some cool new dinosaurs.

When you really think about what science has become, it really is scary and not much entertaining. But I must say that the film was entertaining and exciting. The effects were better than ever, and you can definitely see how much CGI and digital film technology has improved the franchise and industry as a whole. I was very impressed by the visual representation throughout the movie.

Jeff Goldblum did make a cameo appearance, but like many moviegoers, I was disappointed in his lack of screen time. I wanted him to have a more prominent role in the film, but I understand the concept of infusing some of the past without losing the purpose of bringing the franchise into the future.

This movie should be on your summer watch list. I gave this film 4 stars.

L.L.

Check out the trailer below!

 

 

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Avengers: Infinity War Movie Review

Posted in Fantasy literature, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 30, 2018| Leave a Comment »

Infinity war poster

Beware Spoilers Below!!

Avengers: Infinity War produced and distributed by Marvel Studios, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and starring Robert Downy Jr. was a cinematic spectacle. The movie also stars a host of Hollywood’s elite actors, such as  Chris Hemsworth, Benedict Cumberbatch,  Chadwick Boseman, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlette Johanson, Josh Brolin, Danai Gurira and so many more! The movie is basically a continuation of the events that occurred in Thor Ragnorok and begins to tie the events from the previous Avenger movies as well as the other movies within the Marvel Universe. The movie follows Thanos’ quest to  rule the Universe as he inquires all six of the Infinity Stones. At this point, everyone knows that he is successful in his rise to power. As the Avengers, Guardians and other Marvel Superheros band together to stop the carnage, there are many losses that are difficult to bare.  Don’t’ worry,  my Marvel research has revealed that all is not lost and that good will still triumph over evil. According to my sources, the Avengers and other beloved characters will be resurrected by new Superheros in the Marvel Universe.

I was so excited to see this movie that after I left the theater I couldn’t sleep. It was such a thrill ride. It was amazing. The script was great, all of the actors came together to create such a balance. They did a wonderful job in building and maintaining great chemistry. We had the chance to go into the lives of characters that we have only seen on the battlefield. The personal connections that each character had, was believable and what I loved about this, is that even though every character looked different, or came from a different culture or race; they all shared a common goal and came together to work as a team to help save the Universe. They embraced each other’s differences and unique abilities to help each other.   The special effects exuded the high standards of what Marvel represents in cinema. The mood of the film changed with the events and the experiences of the characters. This movie is worth seeing a second time, so if you can go see it again, do it. Even if you don’t follow the comics you are not alone and won’t feel overwhelmed. There is nothing bad that I can say about this movie, but I will say, that I don’t ever remember coming across a villain that is as dark as Thanos. Who could be worse? I do have Negan on my mind but what do you think?

I gave the Avenger’s Infinity War 5 stars for overall Greatness!

I can’t wait for Infinity War part 2!!

L.L

Check out the trailer below:

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