Moana (2016) Review

I am going to see Moana 2 tomorrow, so I thought it would be a good idea to finally find the time to watch the original film and review it here. Well, now I have done that and here is my review for Moana. The premise of the film sees a young girl attempt to find a demigod to try and stop a curse on her people that he caused. 

Main Character

Auli'i Cravalho plays Moana and she is great in this film. This character was strong, smart but also funny. She was a great protagonist for this film and I think it was the perfect time to have a great character for young girls to root for and see succeed without any love interest to be seen here. 

Supporting Characters

Dwayne Johnson Plays Maui and he brings all his charisma and enjoyment to the role and he was a blast to watch. The film mostly focuses on the dynamic between Maui & Moana and Johnson added a lot to this and the dynamic between the two of them is a great highlight. 

The rest of the cast aren't in this film much but a big part of the film is Rachel House who plays Gramma Tala. Their is a really sweet relationship between her and Moana and it really catapults the films plot well. 

Temuera Morrison plays Chief Tui and he is good in his role. We see how he is an overprotective father but also the head of his tribe and how the two things kind of conflict and leads Moana onto her journey. 

Story

The film does an effective job with showing Moana on this journey and having Maui along for the ride with them continuously interacting. However, the film is a bit generic with its storytelling and I don't think it does quite enough with its characters to make me care enough unfortunately. 

Script

The script is alright, I chuckled throughout the film and some of the drama is really well handled. But as I mentioned above, the film doesn't quite do enough with the writing of the film or the characters to make them really stand out. 

Style

The film looks beautiful, it really nails the colour pallet and makes it come across as this beautiful and exotic place. The animation is really well done and the film flows very nicely and didn't overstay its welcome. The film doesn't have loads of songs but the ones it has are great and memorable. 

Overall

Overall, Moana is a great film that delivers as a fun family friendly film. It isn't exactly ground-breaking but does enough to keep you interested and entertained throughout. 

Rating - 8/10 

Wicked (2024) Review

I wasn't planning on seeing Wicked, but my mum and sister are big fans of the stage musical and with the global marketing, I decided to go see the film and here is my review. The premise of the film sees two people with very different upbringings and personalities forced to come together and accept each other. 

Main Character

Cynthia Ervio plays Elphaba and she is fantastic in this film. She really makes you care about her and support her in the role. She is obviously great in the singing scenes but she really encapsulates this performance and Ervio deserves great credit on taking this iconic character and making it really work. 

Supporting Characters

Ariana Grande plays Galinda and she was also fantastic in the film. She has great charisma and chews up every scene that she is in. The chemistry between her and Ervio is really great and it is the bedrock of the film.. She is also obviously great at the signing sequences and overall a great performance from Grande. 

Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero and wow I really enjoyed this guy in this film. He comes in as the film does start to slightly lull and adds so much energy and charisma to the film. He is magnetic on film and he has an incredibly bright future and we will see him in many more big projects in the future. 

Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible and she is good in the role. She isn't in the film a huge amount but plays an effective role in the film and Yeoh does bring her star power to the role 

Jeff Goldblum plays The Wizard of and this is really a glorified cameo but I can't help but enjoy watching Goldblum on screen and he does great work with the limited screen time he is given. 

Story

The main story of the film is the relationship being built between Elphaba & Galinda and I think the film did a great job at it and the actors really delivered in making us feel the emotion and heartfelt interactions between the two. I couldn't decide whether I liked the ending because it does feel mostly like set up for the sequel, but the more I think about it the more I am fine of it because it does end at an effective moment and feels more complete the I expected. 

Script

The script is pretty well written and there was plenty of emotion in the relationship between the two main characters. Obviously, there is plenty of singing and it is really well realised here. But this film doesn't quite nail the dialogue and some of it is cringey and that is a shame. 

Style

The style of the film has had some big discussion but I personally thought the look of the film really complimented the story that they were trying to tell. It doesn't look real but that is kind of the point and the fantastical element is really well realised. But the film has some pacing issues, for me the 2nd act of the film does drag a bit and it made the film feel a bit longer then I would have liked. 

Overall

Overall, Wicked is a great film that really delivers for fans of the franchise. It is a film you need to see in the cinema and it is a big blockbuster movie with exciting potential for its 2nd part that comes out next year. 

Rating - 8/10

Twisters (2024) Review

I happened to be away travelling when this film came out, but due to its success it is still in the cinema and I managed to watch Twisters today and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a retired tornado chaser convinced to come back to Oklahoma and work to find out ways to stop the impact that Tornados have on people. 

Main Character

Despite what the marketing told everyone the main character is Kate played by Daisy Edgar Jones and she was great in the film. Her character is really great and Edgar Jones manages to do the best with the material and I really rooted for her character and wanted to see her succeed as she is just so likeable in this role. 

Supporting Characters

Glenn Powell plays Tyler and I love his character in this film. Powell is super charismatic and charming mixed with the obnoxious nature of his character. He is just having a blast here and seeing a guy enjoying himself so much is really nice and I genuinely think Powell can be the biggest name in Hollywood over the next few years if he keeps on going the way he is. 

Anthony Ramos plays Javi and he has a big connection with Kate and I really thought their chemistry was great. He kind of gets relegated once Powell appears but I think Ramos does the best with what he has and delivers a good performance. 

The rest of the cast are great too. David Corenswet who will be the next Superman plays Scott and does a good job as an annoying antagonist and it was nice seeing Katy O'Brian in a different role that we have seen her lately in recent franchises. 

Story

The story does its job solid enough, it showcases its characters really well and makes you care about them as these massive tornadoes are after them and causing havoc. They dip into the real problems that natural disasters like this affect people with death and destruction. But this film is pretty one dimensional with its storytelling and there is a sub plot that doesn't really go anywhere and kind of feels like it was added to the script to make the film a bit longer. 

Script

The script has some genuinely really funny dialogue and moments and these characters do feel like real people. I mostly cared about the drama and I wanted to see these characters get through these situations, but some of the writing doesn't quite work and that does kind of link to narrative in the film. 

Style 

The film looks fantastic, with modern technology it allows us to see Tornadoes in all of their CGI glory and really put these people under threat. The film is paced really well and balanced the action and character work very well. 

Overall

Overall, Twisters is a great film. It is a genuine surprise for me and I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anybody and I can't wait to watch it again. 

Rating - 8/10

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) Review

With Marvel Studios trimming back on its film releases in 2024 it made Deadpool & Wolverine the most anticipated film of the year. Today, I managed to watch it and here is my review for Deadpool & Wolverine. After rejecting an offer to join The Marvel Cinematic Universe, Deadpool must find Wolverine in order to save his timeline. 

Main Character

Ryan Reynolds plays Wade Wilson/Deadpool and he is just born to play the role and he does give a great performance in this film. He is just really funny and does manage to deliver on the occasional emotional scenes that are required. Hugh Jackman also makes his return as Logan/Wolverine and he is just fantastic here and I love watching him in this role. The chemistry between Jackman & Reynolds is 

off the charts and easily carries this film and seeing them together is great. 

Supporting Characters

Emma Corrin plays Cassandra Nova and she is a fun addition to the film. She is clearly revelling in her role and I liked how her powers were shown. I wish she had a little more screen time and her motivations were better but I think she does enough to create a fun villain. 

Matthew Macfayden plays Paradox who is the TVA Agent in charge of the situation and it is a lot of fun to watch him on screen with these other performers as he is incredibly charming and quick witted with his dialogue. 

The film has a bunch of decently sized roles from people not announced before the film so I will not mention them here but they are good fun. Though if you are a fan of the supporting cast from the first two films then you will be disappointed because they play minimal roles here. 

Story

The story does a really good job of progressing the characters of both Deadpool & Wolverine and the relationship that they have and I very much felt satisfied by the end of the film. However, this film does really lack plot and interesting motivations for the villain. It does sometimes feel like Deadpool and Wolverine are just meeting people for comedic value and not necessarily for narrative reasons. 

Script

The script is really funny, there is so much material to work with for Deadpool to break the fourth wall and he uses it to the maximum amount and it usually nails it. The drama is also pretty well done and it manages to flesh out the two main protagonists. 

Style

When Deadpool moved to Marvel Studios there was a fear that it would be nurtured a little bit but that is not the case. The violence is huge mixed with the bad language and the action scenes are fantastic with some really creative battles on the screen. But, I actually thought the pacing of the film was a little off, it rams so much into it and the first act is a bit slow that I did find it a bit disjointed at times. 

Overall

Overall, Deadpool & Wolverine is a great film. If you are a Marvel or Deadpool fan then you will enjoy this film and I am glad that the essence of this franchise still exists and that this film does deliver in being a fun summer blockbuster. 

Rating - 8/10

Beverly Hills Cop (1984) Review

On Wednesday, Netflix are releasing the fourth Beverly Hills Cop Film: Axel F, so I thought before I watch that film, I would go back and watch the other 3 films in the franchise and here is my review for the first film Beverly Hills Cop. The premise of the film sees a detective from Detroit find his way in Beverly Hills where he looks to solve a murder. 

Main Character

Eddie Murphy plays Axel Foley and he is fantastic in this film. He is so charismatic and you can tell he is really enjoying himself in this role. He became a huge movie star after this and he just oozes big movie star here and I love how fun he is to watch and lead this film. 

Supporting Characters

Judge Reinhold and John Ashton play Billy Rosewood & Sgt Taggart respectively and I really liked them. They are just a fun duo and they do have development throughout the film, you see how their journey with Foley affects them and in the end makes them better police officers. 

Lisa Eilbacher plays Axel's friend and I really like the chemistry that she was with Eddie Murphy. They really sell that they are old friends who haven't seen each other in a while and she was a good part of the film and she isn't just your typical romance for him. 

Ronny Cox plays Lt Bogomil and he is similar to the other cops in that he is tough with Foley but he also has some charm and grows to like him and he gives a strong performance. 

Steven Berkoff plays Viktor Mainland and he is a fun villain, there isn't much nuance about his character but he delivers a fun performance that rises above the content. It is also really fun seeing a young Jonathan Banks as a villain here too after seeing how great he is in Breaking Bad & Better Call Saul. 

Story

The story is really simple and it knows that and hits all the cliches but at least they do it in a pretty fun way and enjoyable way. But it has to be reinforced that if this films plot was shown in 2024 then I would criticise it so I will do it here and say that the film offers little surprise and is cliché which is a slight shame. 

Script

The film is pretty funny, Murphy has some great one liners and he is riffing for the majority of the film and nailing pretty much everything. But this film does lack a little heart and emotion to it, we are meant to believe that Foley is on this revenge mission but I don't think it is properly conveyed and the film goes the comedy route. 

Style

The film looks great, it really feels like an 80's action film. The soundtrack is really great and the action sequences are well filmed. The film flows well and it never slows down or feels boring making it a really enjoyable watch. 

Overall

Overall, Beverly Hills Cop is a great action/comedy film and was a lot of fun to watch. It definitely fits its era and I think it is a film that if you haven't you need to find a chance to watch it at some point. 

Rating - 8/10

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024) Review

I am not usually a huge fan of Horror films, but an exception are the two A Quiet Place films and now we have the prequel A Quiet Place: Day One, I managed to see it today and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees two people attempt to survive an alien invasion where they must be quiet in order to live. 

Main Character

Lupita Nyong'o plays Sam and I thought she was fantastic in this film. She absolutely nails this performance and is a fantastic protagonist that you want to support. Obviously, there isn't much dialogue here so she has to act through her body language and emotion and she totally nails it and hits the heights that Emily Blunt did in the other films. 

Supporting Characters

Joseph Quinn plays Eric and I really liked him in this film. He is a charming kind of nerdy character but he did a great job with it. The chemistry between him and Lupita was great here and I really liked how their characters progressed in this film and dealt with this situation that they are in, 

Alex Wolff plays Reuben and even though it is a smaller role he did a great job, the dialogue and witty banter between him and Lupita made it a great start to the film and did a really good job of establishing her character. 

Djimon Hounsou reprises his role from A Quiet Place Part 2 and he is really good when he is on screen. He doesn't do that much but I have to be honest I had forgotten he was even in a previous film in the franchise, once I remembered that his role actually works in this film. 

Before moving on though a big star of this film is the cat called Frodo. This cat is pretty adorable and a loyal companion to our protagonist, seeing the cat in danger made me really care about the film. 

Story

The story is decent, there is no doubt that the film really nails it with the dynamic between Sam & Eric and made you care about these people and hoping that they can escape this crazy situation. Also the ending of the film is handled really well and I am glad that they went the route that they did. Unfortunately, the film doesn't offer much new. With it being a prequel, I was hoping to learn more about these Aliens and there motivations or backstory but we get none of that and we just see these people try and escape, which we have already seen in previous films. 

Script

With the other A Quiet Place films, dialogue isn't very important but as this film takes place at the beginning of the invasion there is slightly more dialogue and it is really good. There is some on point humour which is then matched by some real emotion that made me care about the characters. 

Style

The film looks great and is shot fantastically. The tension is massive and I was at the edge of my seat for the majority of the film, waiting for someone to make a noise and draw the aliens in. The issue is with the pacing, the first act just didn't do that much for me and I think it overshows the Aliens and makes them feel less special. The 2nd and 3rd act are great, it is just the first act is a bit repetitive in its storytelling. 

Overall

Overall, A Quiet Place: Day One is a Great film that is worthy of being a part of this franchise. It doesn't revolutionise anything but it is a great watch and I think it is a film that everybody will like including people who aren't huge horror fans. 

Rating - 8/10

Inside Out 2 (2024) Review

After 9 years and many films under their belt, Pixar and Disney have finally released the sequel to the fantastic Inside Out and today, I found the time to watch Inside Out 2 and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Riley tuning into a teenager, this introduces new emotions to Riley's mind which causes a conflict between the older emotions and these new ones. 

Main Character

Amy Poehler reprises her role as Joy and she is really good in the role. She has her own story arc throughout the film and though I don't think it was quite as good as it was in the first film, by the end of the film I did appreciate it and think it was well done. I preferred her interactions with the other older emotions and think Joy was a better overall character here. 

Supporting Characters

Maya Hawke plays the main new emotion Anxiety. She is kind of an antagonist of the film and though it is kind of by the numbers, I did enjoy the character and her development. She is trying to do her best for Riley but struggles with how exactly to do that. 

Phyllis Smith reprises her role as Sadness and she is nowhere near as important in this film as she was the first but that is okay and I think it actually better for this film as Sadness worked in her slightly smaller role. But once again the MVP of the film is Anger played by Lewis Black and he was so much fun and his fits of anger are hilarious, they even give him a bit more depth and it worked for me. 

I was very surprised that both Fear and Disgust were recast for this film. Bill Hader & Mindy Kaling are gone and this time we get Tony Hale and Liza Lapira in their places and they just aren't as good. They are kind of given bigger roles here but they do very little with it and I think it would have been better had we had the original actors. 

I also didn't really care for the new emotions (except for Anxiety). We get Envy, Embarrassment & Ennui. They just don't offer that much and are completely overshined by Anxiety who owns every scene that involves this group which is a shame given the potential that all these new emotions have. 

Story

The story is good, it focuses way more on Riley and events that take place in her life and how hitting puberty and the lead up to high school really affects her. By the end of the film, I did like the story and the emotions story does have some real heart and care to it. But, a criticism I give this film is the fact that there is some re-treading from the previous films story just involving different emotions and though it was done well it did affect the overall quality of the story. 

Script

I am happy to report that the clever writing from the first film is back here and this is one of the major reasons that this film is accessible to adults. The comedy is still well written and there were laughs here and when the emotion is put into it, this film really nails it and does it really well. 

Style

The style of the film is very similar to the previous one and there is no problem with that. It is colourful and has great visuals for sure. The film is also 90 mins, just like the first film and it flows by really well and is a really easy watch. 

Overall

Overall, Inside Out 2 is a great sequel. I didn't quite enjoy it as much as the first film but this is a really great film and a worthy sequel that is once again a great family film. 

Rating - 8/10 

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015) Review

In preparation for watch Furiosa, I went back and rewatched Mad Max: Fury Road which serves as the film that introduced the character to the big screen and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a drifter and rebel attempt to escape from a tyrant and his crazed forces. 

Main Character

Tom Hardy plays Max and he is exactly what this film requires. He is incredibly gruff and is a man of few words but he delivers a really physical performance here and it works for Fury Road. They give him somewhat a story arc that kind of gets forgotten about but Hardy does the best with the material he is given. 

But the real main character here us Furiosa played by Charlize Theron, she is easily the most interesting character here and the film really puts her at the forefront of the film and she was great to follow. Despite the off screen issues with Hardy & Theron it didn't affect their performances and Theron is great here. 

Supporting Characters

Nicholas Hoult plays Nux who is a worshiper of the villain of the film and he is totally unhinged in the film and Hoult gives a great performance. His character does have a good enough story arc and I just really liked the effort he put into the character. 

Hugh Keays-Byrne plays Immortan Joe who is the main villain of the film and I just liked this character. He is menacing and it is just the way he is presented that it made him feel like a big threat to the heroes and someone who would have this following from a cult. 

There are a bunch of female characters on the run from Joe and they all get some time to shine which was nice to see. Zoey Kravitz & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley are the ones who get the most to work with and they did a good job. 

Story

The story is fascinating, it is basically an extended chase sequence and that sounds really dull but it really works. The characters are always on edge and you feel like they are on edge and the story progresses really well with this. Though, I mean there is no denying that there is a lack of meat on the story and I kind of wish Max had been fleshed out a little bit more to make me care about him a bit more. 

Script

The script is okay, it is a bit unhinged like the film itself. There is some good dialogue involving Furiosa but Max has few words which is fine for the film. But this film isn't really about the script so I feel like dialogue in particular was a bit of an afterthought. 

Style

The style of the film is where this film truly flourishes, everything is high octane and looks insane. It is hard to explain the crazy things that happens in these epic chase sequences. Great action sequences that really benefit from the lack of CGI and focus on practical effects and boy does it rise the level of this film. 

Overall

Overall, Mad Max: Fury Road is a great action film. It has some of the best action scenes of all time and if that is all you are looking for then you must see this film. It slightly lacks in some other areas but it is a great watch for sure. 

Rating - 8/10

Barbie (2023) Review

It has been almost a year since Barbie was released and I have finally found the time to give it a watch and here is my review for this global phenomenon that I didn't watch at the cinema. The premise of the film sees Barbie and Ken living their best life in Barbie Land, but when they go to the real world they see how that world affects both of them. 

Main Character

Margot Robbie plays Barbie and she is fantastic in her role, she is literally what I would expect when somebody was cast as Barbie and I think she knew that. She has that natural charisma and star power about her that means she owns the screen and plays the over the top Barbie well. But there are some dramatic scenes here where she takes this ridiculous character and makes you care about her and the situation that she is in. Though I don't think it defines her performance I think it was a shame that she didn't get an Oscar nomination for this role when others were given that honour. 

Supporting Characters

Ryan Gosling plays Ken and he is also brilliant in this film. He just understands what was required to take on this role and his chemistry with Robbie is fantastic. He is his own character and does have a character arc which I liked though it is definitely not a big priority of the film. 

America Ferrera plays someone from the real world who has a real connection with Barbie and she is really good in the role. She feels like a real person and she seemed to really enjoy her role in the film and it feels like she adds something to the overall feel of the film. 

Issa Rae, Kate Mckinnon & Emma Mackey are great as other Barbies as are Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir & Ncuti Gatwa as other Kens. These are some great performers and they bring life to some of these smaller roles. 

Special shout out to Will Ferrell who really had me laughing throughout the film and maybe was the best pure comedic outlet for this film. 

Story

The story has way more weight and depth to it that you would expect from a film called Barbie. It looks at the human issues that women go through and the imposter syndrome that both Barbie and Ken experience in their different roles and it is mostly well handled. However, it does get a bit too much at times. I think the film could have benefited a bit more from being a bit more subtle at times instead of beating the message over our heads throughout the film. 

Script

The script is well written, this is actually a pretty funny film. It is pretty nuanced and adult humour which I very much enjoyed. It also does a great job with the drama and made me care about these characters and the plight that they were in. 

Style 

The film looks great, Barbie Land is incredibly vibrant and colourful and it does an effective job of contrasting with the scenes that take place in the real world. The musical numbers are all well done too and all the music in the film is well used and pretty catchy. I do think the film has a bit of a pacing problem, the film doesn't spend that much time in the real world and it just takes a bit to get going after a rather long first act. 

Overall

Overall, Barbie is a great film. It is a fun film that does a good job at sending a message and it is nice to see an original idea get the love and attention that this film got. 

Rating - 8/10

The Iron Claw (2024) Review

Growing up I was a big fan of wrestling, over the years my interest has waned but I do have an appreciation of the history of this industry and that is why I was really interested in The Iron Claw. I knew a bit about the story of the Von Erichs so I knew this wasn't going to be a happy film but I hoped it would be an interesting one and here is my review for the film. The premise of the film sees a group of young men following their fathers dream of becoming professional wrestlers and how their entry into this world would change their lives forever. 

Main Character 

Zac Efron plays Kevin Von Erich and this may be the best performance that he has ever given. He nails the human side of this man and the physique that made him believable as this world class professional wrestler. Efron has to really deliver some tough scenes here and he is a person that you really want to root for here. 

Supporting Characters

Jeremy Allen White plays Kerry Von Erich and he is also great here. Despite the fact he doesn't quite measure up physically with the real Kerry, he nails the troubles that the man went through and he has a really interesting story throughout the film. 

Harris Dickinson plays David Von Erich, he was the one I knew little about but I thought he was great. It was interesting to see how he was a better talker then Kevin and that is what got his push in wrestling and how that created a bit of friction. 

Holt McCallany plays the father of the Von Erichs and he is so good in this film. He has to be one of the most unlikeable people that I have seen in a film in some time and that is clearly what they were going for here and they nailed it with MaCallany giving a stellar performance. 

Lily James plays Kevin's wife and she is good, she definitely is a smaller part of the film an overall story but fits well and is a worth addition to the cast. 

Story

This story is really sad, the tragedy of the Von Erich family is a hard watch for sure and this film lays it on pretty thick and does it well. It also does a really good job of showing the wrestling business and how this business affected people whether they be the wrestlers or the people surrounded by the wrestlers such as family. However, I think the film is a little bit rushed in its last act, lots of tragedy kind of comes out of nowhere and years pass without much explanation, I wouldn't have minded this film being longer if we had more content and detail. 

Script

This film is incredibly well written, the dialogue just feels very natural and like these were real human beings. There is a real bond between these brothers and the situations that they are put in and how their father influences their lives in different ways. Obviously, the drama is really good and there is little humour but it just is a well written film. 

Style 

The film is shot in a way to make it look like it is from the time period that it is set and progresses as the film gets closer and closer to modern day. The wide shots of the wrestling was great and a well done part of the film. But I found the close up shots of the wrestling to be very shaky and a even a bit nauseous inducing. The film also didn't have the greatest pacing which as mentioned above kind of affected the storytelling of the film. 

Overall

Overall, The Iron Claw is a great film that is an intense and emotional watch. Even if you aren't a wrestling fan this is definitely worth a watch and appreciate some great performances and a sad story based on true events. 

Rating - 8/10

Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) Review

Over the last few years, The Mission Impossible films have been some of the best action films in Cinema. Now the 7th film in the franchise Dead Reckoning Part One has been released and I watched it yesterday, here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Ethan Hunt and his team have to track down a device that could cause World War 3. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt and he continues his career renaissance with a fantastic performance here. Even though the man is 60 years old, he is brilliant in all the action sequences and there is no inkling that he has any plans on slowing down. His character has also developed really well, you see how the previous films have affected him and it is cool seeing his view on being a member of IMF. 

Supporting Characters

Hayley Atwell is new to the franchise and plays Grace. She is an exciting supporting character and has a really good dynamic with Cruise, it is a major part of the film and I liked how her character was used here as it really felt different to other female characters in this franchise. 

Ving Rhames & Simon Pegg are back in their roles as Luther and Benji and they are both great. This has been a great team together over the last few films and they continue to be a fun duo in this film too. Luther ends up having a larger role then I expected and that was a nice surprise for sure. 

Esai Morales plays the villain Gabriel and I really liked his portrayal. He is physically an equal to Ethan Hunt but he also plays the psychological game and it makes him stand out. His motivations are a little blurry but Morales has the chemistry to make it work. 

Vanessa Kirby & Pom Klementieff do really good jobs in their roles and I thought they were enjoyable to watch depsite not being an integral part of the plot. 

The one character they do treat a bit poorly is Ilsa Faust played by Rebecca Ferguson. She was a major part of the previous 2 films but feels underutilised here, she is just a background character and unfortunately gets no development which is a bit of a let down. 

Story

The story is alright. I liked how it showed how much technology has become a part of our everyday life and once it stops working or even works against us it can really affect people. Also the story of Ethan Hunt as a character is pretty well written and actually shows some development. But it also feels very much like a Part one, in terms that everything feels like build up for the next film, I mean its fun but definitely build up. Also there are certain story elements that aren't really explored or explained and it makes things a bit uninspired and generic. 

Script

The script is pretty well written. The film is pretty serious and that is conveyed well by the actors and the writers. There are dribbles of humour in there and when used appropriately they certainly gave a chuckle and I am glad it doesn't overuse this. 

Style

The film looks fantastic and there are some awesome action sequences. The film travels all over the world and it is really cool seeing these different locations and these sequences used in these environments. Knowing Cruise does his own stunts makes it even more crazy considering some of the stuff that is done in this film. Though I did feel like this film was a little long, it could have shaved 15 mins off and would have been a better film for sure. 

Overall

Overall, Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One is a great film that continues the really good work that the franchise has been doing. It isn't perfect but certainly has me excited for the 2nd part of this film and see if it really hits the spot. 

Rating - 8/10

Ant-Man (2015) Review

After a hiatus I am back reviewing Films & TV Shows and I start back with Ant-Man. In prep for Ant-Man & The Wasp: Quantumania, I decided to go back and watch the first film in the trilogy and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees an ex-con recruited by a tech genius to become The Ant-Man and save the world. 

Main Character

Paul Rudd plays Scott Lang and he is great in the role, he is just really likeable in the role and plays the role well. He comes across as this everyday guy, but has that charm to be a super hero in this universe. It was probably a bit of a risk to use Scott Lang as the first main Ant-Man but I think it paid off here due to how fun Rudd is. 

Supporting Characters

Michael Douglas plays Hank Pym who is the original Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and I think my favourite part of this film is the chemistry between Rudd & Douglas. Pym is a super interesting character and seeing Douglas really care about this character and this role elevates this character to new heights. The Mentor role fits him really well here and this was great casting for this crucial role. Evangeline Lily plays Hope Van Dyne and she is also really good, her character is cold at first but as the film progresses you grow to like her and understand where she is coming from and Lily does an effective job of making the audience care. Michael Pena plays Luis and this is a very enthusiastic and over the top performance. I get the feeling you will either really like this character or hate him, luckily I liked him and felt he wasn't overused here. Corey Stoll really tries as the villain Darren Cross but it just didn't work for me, it isn't that he gives a bad performance but his character is so bland and his motivations are really generic that I just thought he was an afterthought in the film. 

Story 

The story is a pretty good origin story, I like the character of Scott Lang and his dynamic with Pym & Hope is an enjoyable dynamic. His relationship with his daughter was also handled well with it providing an emotional hook to the film that really worked. But when it boils down to it, it has a pretty basic plot line and most of that has to do with the motivations of Cross as a villain. He just wants to get rich, that worked back in Iron Man, but this is the 11th film in the MCU and I expect more from the villain here. 

Script

The script is really good, with Paul Rudd involved it does have its humour that you would expect which for me mostly works. It also has some really well done drama here, the two father-daughter relationships contrast each other well and make you care about these characters. 

Style 

The style of the film is a bit of a mixed bag. The action scenes are really well done and unique to this character, it literally bought the test footage that was leaked to the screen in a really effective way. But this film has a pacing issue, this film isn't overly long and we don't see Ant-Man really do anything till over an hour in. I enjoy all the training, I just think it could have started earlier or been shorter to allow us to see Ant-Man do even more. 

Overall

Overall, Ant-Man is a really fun new addition to The MCU. It brings a bunch of new characters into the universe with an enjoyable experience. 

Rating - 8/10

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022) Review

After the tragic passing of Chadwick Boseman, the future of the Black Panther franchise was up in the air but now we have Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees after the death of T'challa, Wakanda is at the mercy of other countries and a force which has chosen now to rise up. 

Main Character

Letitia Wright gets more of the centre stage as Shuri and her character has changed a plenty. Gone is the fun and charming teenager and in her place is this dark and brooding young woman who is clearly angry at the world. Considering the story the film is trying to tell it works and Wright does a really good job in her role and you clearly see a journey that she goes on in the film. 

Supporting Characters

Danai Gurira reprises her role as Okoye and she is really good, she is a really talented actress and her character gets some development here. She is good in the action sequences too with her filling this role as a warrior really well. Angela Basset gets a pretty substantial role as Queen Ramonda and this is the performance that most people have been talking about. She is fantastic in her role, you see the pain that comes from her after the events of the previous films and she does a great job in this royal role. Tenoch Huerta makes his debut as Namor and he is fantastic, even though he is technically the antagonist in this film his character is so well written and realised by Huerta that you can't help but kind of see his point of view on things and that is great to see. Dominique Thorne also makes her first appearance as Riri Williams, she is a lot of fun and her performance reminds me of what Shuri was like in the first Black Panther film and I think that was on purpose. 

Story 

The story is incredibly heavy and emotional, it just feels real. The first act in particular feels like a true tribute to Chadwick Boseman and the character of T'Challa. But it also plays into the story and takes this group of broken people and makes them face this threat from a group of people who are also suffering. This is when the film is at its best, but it does have some issues. There is one part of the story that feels really out of place featuring a returning character that just feels shoehorned in. Also the last act had a few things that didn't quite sit well with me and let the film down a bit from a storytelling point of view. 

Script 

The script is incredibly dramatic, this isn't your typical Marvel film and deals with the true consequences of grief and trauma. The jokes are alright but that isn't why we are here, the characters are well written and proper time is given for us to care. 

Style 

The style of the film is a bit of a mixed bag. The soundtrack and overall sound design is really awesome and Ludwig Goransson continues his great streak of awesome music in film & TV. The film looks beautiful too, Wakanda & Talocan (Where Namor lives) are both very vibrant and nice to look out. But I don't know if it was just me who found the majority of the action scenes a bit jarring to watch, especially at the beginning of the film. There is plenty of shaky cam and it doesn't allow these performers to deliver as well as I think they can. Also the film does drag a bit, it is over 2 Hours & 30 Mins and I think a good 10/15 mins could have been cut off and the film would have been better. 

Overall

Overall, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever is a great film that feels like a real classy tribute to Chadwick Boseman but also tells its own story that resonated for me and I think it will any fan of this franchise. 

Overall - 8/10

 Elvis (2022) Review 

After a long wait I have finally had the chance to get back to the cinema and watch one of the biggest films of 2022, Elvis. Here is my review for the film. The premise of the film documents the life of the great Elvis Presley, his rise in music his troubles and his interesting relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. 

Main Character

Elvis has got to be one of the hardest roles an actor can play and the role falls to Austin Butler here and he does a brilliant job. I was watching the film and I totally believed that he was Elvis, whether it was the great performances or the more personal human moments. This is going to be his breakout role for sure and this is just one of those special performances, he is magnetic on screen and this is going to lead to a great career ahead. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker and he is really important in this film. Apart from a bit of a silly accent, Hanks does a really good job in this role. The chemistry between Butler and himself is really well handled and you believe in their relationship and their dynamic. The film is a bit aggressive with its take on the character but Hanks sells the deceit and treachery of his character as well as he possibly can. The rest of the cast do a really good job as they filter in and out of the film. Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla and she is really good with the chemistry between her and Butler being effective when it is on screen. Helen Thompson & Richard Roxburgh play Elvis parents and they play their roles really well to kind of bring this larger then life personality down to earth which was necessary. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it looks at the rise and subsequent fall of Elvis. Seeing him perform in his prime is so entertaining and mesmerising that you can't help but be excited by it. It shows sides of Elvis that I never knew about and it mostly feels like it treats him as a real person instead of just this huge star. But I can't deny that there are parts of this film I was less interested in and there is way too much of Colonel Tom Parker. His character is sometimes laughable, being like a cartoon villain and I would have preferred to see some other sides of his life instead of focusing so heavily on this one. 

Script

The script is well delivered, it has some really dramatic moments in it and it felt like Butler really encapsulated what I would imagine Elvis being like. There is also some funny moments but maybe not as much as some people wanted, though I enjoyed it. 

Style 

With the film being directed by Baz Luhrmann so you know visually that this film is going to look unique and apart from one or two moments it really works. As I mentioned above, seeing Elvis perform is incredible and it was delivered as promised. My issue is the pacing of the film, it goes a little too long and sometimes drags its heels in for some of its story beats. 

Overall

Overall, Elvis is a great film that will be enjoyed by fans of his and people are novices. I would say find a chance to watch this one as I suspect it will be a big contender come award season. 

Rating - 8/10 

Top Gun (1986) Review 

So I aim to watch Top Gun: Maverick this week and in my preparation I thought I would go back and watch the original Top Gun and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a young cocky upstart join a school for fighter pilots where he has to learn plenty about himself in order to truly thrive. 

Main Character

Tom Cruise plays Maverick and this is one of his more iconic roles and he gives a really fun performance. His young, confident performance fits the character really well and you can't help but gravitate towards Maverick, the film then explores more into his character and you do end up caring for him and want to see him have a good ending. 

Supporting Characters

Anthony Edwards plays Goose, him and Cruise are fantastic together and have a great on screen chemistry. You feel this relationship and friendship has been crafted over many years and the two actors are really good with Edwards giving as energetic a performance as Cruise. Val Kilmer places Iceman and you can see how he is the polar opposite of Maverick, he is more cold and calculated instead of the risky attitude of Maverick. Though he is pretty much the villain of the film, you understand where he is coming from and he is just trying to do the best for himself and his wingman. Kelly McGillis plays Charlie who is the main love interest and she is good in the film. I like their relationship and how it develops throughout the film, she is a cool character and a good love companion. Tom Skerrit plays the main instructor and he is just a really cool guy, who treats his students fair but clearly cares and wanting them to succeed. 

Story 

The story is pretty basic, it really focuses on the romance and it works pretty well. The dynamic between the two actors work well and it is a well functioning romance. The dogfights are pretty cool and the characters do get time and it feels like they are fleshed out well enough. I just wish the film had spent more time focusing on the training school and a bit less on the romance, I felt like actually seeing them work through Top Gun more would have been really cool. 

Script 

The script is pretty well handled, yes it is extremely cheesy and at times that does come across too much but it fits the film. The film has decent drama and humour, it is just some of it feels too much and like it isn't serious enough. 

Style 

For a film that came out in 1986, the plane fight scenes are fantastic and feel really epic in scale, you feel like you are sitting with Maverick & Goose in the cockpit. The film also has an amazing soundtrack which has become iconic over the years, it really gets you into what is happening on screen. 

Overall

Overall, Top Gun is a great film that has stood the test of time. If you are one of the few who hasn't seen it then I would suggest a watch, especially with the great buzz around Top Gun: Maverick. 

Rating - 8/10

Doctor Strange (2016) Review

I am off to see Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in a few hours, so I decided to re-watch the original Doctor Strange film and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees an arrogant neurosurgeon get drawn into the mystical arts in order to try and cure himself. 

Main Character

Benedict Cumberbatch plays Doctor Stephen Strange and he is great in the role. He plays both the arrogant Doctor and the Sorcerer really well and he feels natural as both. He is quite funny and as the film progresses and you see his character develop and grow an understanding on what he has to do as the character of Doctor Strange. It is a great introduction to the character and would lead to him being a big addition to the MCU. 

Supporting Characters 

There was some controversy when Tilda Swinton was cast as The Ancient One but I thought she was really good and there is real depth to her performance. You go in expecting one thing and the film makes you thinking other things about her and this is big credit to the performance from Swinton. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Mordo and he is was a pretty cool character too, he takes up a mentor role for Strange but his character also gets time to develop and he progresses nicely with this new arrival totally changing his role as a sorcerer. Benedict Wong plays Wong and he is good in the smaller role he is given, the chemistry between him and Cumberbatch is good and it is a nice taster to what we would see in later film. Rachel McAdams plays Christine Palmer & Mads Mikkelsen plays Kaecilius, both are fine in there role and do nothing wrong it is a slight shame they weren't given more to do but they are both decent actors that try their best. 

Story

This is an effective origin story for Doctor Strange, it isn't the most unique one but it does a good job of building this character up and bringing this crazy wizarding world into play that was new to the MCU at this point. But some of the plot doesn't quite hold up, mainly the romance and villain plots, they just feel underdeveloped and like they were an afterthought which is a shame as it is a big part of the film. 

Script

The script is good, it is what is to be expected for a film in The MCU. There is a good blend of humour and drama and it pretty much all works. The characters are developed well and the plot is handled well enough for an introduction of a new character. 

Style 

The film looks amazing, the magic looks incredible and so unique. Seeing this on screen is mind blowing and there wasn't really much that could reach these levels. When it is in the IMAX shots it looks stunning and absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, the film transitions between the IMAX and normal Aspect Ratio way too much and it is really jarring, I wish they had stuck to one or the other as it really takes away from this amazing looking film. 

Overall  

Overall, Doctor Strange is a great origin film and does a really effective job in building this character for his debut and it is worth a watch for sure. 

Rating - 8/10

Spider-Man (2002) Review

With Spider-Man: No Way Home set to come to cinemas in a couple of weeks and the reveal that characters from previous Spider-Man films will be a part of it, I thought I should go back and watch previous Spider-Man films and here is my review for the first Spider-Man film. 

Main Character

Tobey Maguire plays Peter Parker/Spider-Man here and he just fits the role really well and is really fun to watch. You see him grow from this really uncomfortable nervous nerd to this confident super hero and it is executed really well. Maguire, brings emotion and humour to the role to really create this interesting and sympathetic hero that you can really care about. 

Supporting Characters

Willem Dafoe plays Norman Osbourne/Green Goblin and he was literally born to play this role. He nails the duplicity of the role and the insanity that comes across from the Goblin, the costume isn't great but he is a very memorable villain for sure. Kirsten Dunst plays MJ and she does her job to the best of her abilities. The character isn't written very well and is basically a damsel in distress but I thought she had good chemistry with Maguire and it just about worked in this film. Similar with James Franco as Harry Osbourne, he isn't given that much to do but he is decent when on screen despite some of the plotting for the character not being that great in this film. Cliff Robertson and Rosemary Harris are both very good as Uncle Ben and Aunt May and you see the impact they have on Peter's life and how it moulds him as a superhero. Onto the show stealer which is JK Simmons as J Jonah Jameson, when people ask what is the greatest casting in a comic book film he is the answer I give. He hasn't got a huge role in the film but when he is on screen he knocks it out of the park and is literally the only person who could ever play this role in live action. 

Story 

The story is good, I think it is a really effective origin story for Spider-Man and really gets us invested in the character and moves at a quick enough pace that it never feels dull or slow. But this film does suffer a bit in their handling of some of the subplots, like the whole romance story. The characters of MJ and Harry are really underdeveloped and made to come across as bad people which doesn't make sense when the performers are really trying their best. 

Script 

The script is effective, it is funny at times and the drama mostly works. You care about the main conflict and Spider-Man which is the most important part of the film. But there is no denying that some of the writing is incredibly cheesy and feels dated, making me cringe. Plus as I said some of the story elements just don't work. 

Style 

The style of the film still holds up. The action scenes are very exciting and cinematic, I may have complained about the Goblin costume but the Spider-Man costume is amazing and so iconic. The film is paced really well and kept me interested and enjoyed throughout. 

Overall

Overall, Spider-Man is a great film. It is one of the superhero films that started the craze of these type of films and it still holds up really well. 

Rating - 8/10

The Guilty (2021) Review

This film has had big advertisement on Netflix and I have now watched The Guilty and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees a police officer on Dispatch faced with a dilemma when a woman calls him claiming she has been abducted. 

Main Character

Jake Gyllenhaal is one of my favourite actors operating and he is brilliant in this film, the different ranges of emotion is displayed perfectly and I felt the stress that his character was meant to this entire night. He gives everything and in his hands he creates a film that you can sink your teeth into and remain invested in. 

Supporting Characters

There are plenty of supporting characters here but they are mostly voices on the phone so I won't spoil who these people are as there are some pretty big names here. Everyone plays there role effectively and it makes every call feel believable and not like some pantomime. 

Story 

The story is really effective, it builds the tension expertly and you really sympathise with the situation that Gyllenhaal is put into. Though it ramps it up really well and it is pretty much all between this guy and these people that are on the phone. But I do have some issues, mainly that the actual storytelling becomes a bit convoluted and there are some elements of the plot that are underdeveloped and rushed. 

Script

The script is really good, it is a really serious film and it does those scenes really well but there are small sprinklings of humour that actually made me laugh and I think it is a really well written film. 

Style 

The film is shot really well, and by using camerawork and sound it makes the situation even worse then it is. It is only 90 mins and that is good but it does slow down a bit at times and maybe could have been even better if it was even a little bit shorter or cut one or two elements out of its story. 

Overall

Overall, The Guilty is a Great film. I have seen some real negative reviews but I am not sure what film they watched as it is really well acted and pretty much kept me invested throughout. 

Rating - 8/10

No Time To Die (2021) Review

After 4 films and 15 years we are finally at the end of Daniel Craig's run as James Bond with No Time To Die and here is my review for it. The premise of the film sees Bond attempting to start a new life with Madeleine when he is dragged back into the fray. 

Main Character

Daniel Craig has been James Bond for so long and you can tell he really wanted to go out on a high and he does a fantastic job here. He really gives it his all and manages to combine the charisma and grit that has defined his time as the character, this might even be his best performance in the role. The character goes through a lot in this film and you see just how much he has progressed since Casino Royale and real credit has to go to Craig for that. 

Supporting Characters

I admitted that I wasn't a huge fan of Lea Seydoux's character of Madeleine in Spectre but I thought she did a much better job here. I actually bought the chemistry between her and Craig and the whole romance option was much improved and it actually provided a lot of great dramatic moments. Lashana Lynch plays a new 00 here and she is also great, I really liked her competition with Bond and how her character shows how the world has changed even since the Craig films started. Ralph Fiennes, Naomi Harris, Ben Whishaw and Jeffery Wright reprise there roles from previous films and they are all great and actually get some decent screen time and plenty to do. I also just wanted to give a shoutout to Ana De Armas, she is barely in the film but she gives a really great performance and is so fun and likeable, it is just a shame there wasn't more of her here. Rami Malek plays the villain here and you can tell he is clearly trying, but the character is so poorly written that it gives him no chance, at the end his acting isn't the issue but this is a weak villain for sure. 

Story 

The film delivers a really good and personal story for James Bond and the characters that are around him. It feels like a big deal and the chemistry between the characters is what drives it through and things are just improved from some of the other films. But the issue is that there is just too much here and some doesn't make much sense, take the bad guys plan, it makes zero sense and it makes it hard to care about that element of the film. The story could have been tightened up and shortened the run time which would have benefitted the overall film. 

Script

The script is great, there is some real drama here that adds real depth to the characters and there individual stories. But the playfulness and slight bits of humour are there too and it really builds this great script that will keep you invested in this really long film. 

Style  

The action scenes are great, they have been the biggest strength of Craig's time in the role and they are once again great with the stakes being really high and the stunts really delivering. But the biggest issue in the film is the length, its nearly 3 hours long and it really doesn't need to be, if the plot had been more cohesive you could have shaved plenty of time off of the film. 

Overall

Overall, No Time To Die is a great film that ends Craig's time in the role in a satisfying and enjoyable way that is a good time in the cinema. 

Rating - 8/10

Skyfall (2012) Review

With No Time To Die upon us, I just have to finish off my Daniel Craig review series and that continues here with Skyfall. The premise of the film sees Bond go after a man linked to M's past that threatens all of MI6. 

Main Character

Daniel Craig is obviously playing James Bond here and he is fantastic. This is an older and more experienced Bond in this film and Craig sells it really well, it feels like at this point that he can play the role in his sleep and the more dramatic and emotional pressures put onto him are done effectively. 

Supporting Characters

Judi Dench is back as M and this is possibly the largest role she has ever been given in a Bond film and she is fantastic. You see how the role is starting to get on top of her and how the tough calls she has had to make in the past and she really does an excellent job of developing this character here. Javier Bardem plays the villain and this is a truly memorable villain, his entrance in this film is a scene that sends chills. The film takes a while to introduce him but when it does it makes him a villain that you will not forget in a hurry. Naomie Harris joins as an ally to Bond and she is a really fun addition to the franchise just as Ben Whishaw is as the new Q and there dynamics with Craig are some of the highlights of the film. Ralph Fiennes is good in the film, his role isn't too meaty but he does what he can and is another great cog to this great cast. 

Story

The film 's story is effective when it is looking at the characters and there depth, the relationship between Bond and M is really put in the forefront and it is done so well that it just adds another dynamic to this franchise. But this film does have a slight issue that its plot is a bit muddled, Bardem doesn't appear on screen for so long that it takes away from the tasks that Bond is doing and makes it feel like the plot could have been trimmed down a bit for a more effective time. 

Script

The script is really good here, the dialogue is quick and witty but serious and heartfelt. It manages to blend these two in a way that it makes these characters stand out and feel much more human and relatable then they might have been without it. 

Style

The action scenes are fantastic, the opening 10 mins alone are some of the best action scenes you will see in an action film. It feels really impactful and the creative fighting techniques and stunts done is a real credit to the actors and crew. But the film is just too long, there is easily 10 to 15 mins that could have been cut and it would have been more effective especially when it comes to its pacing which doesn't always stand up. 

Overall

Overall, Skyfall is a great Bond Film. It has action, drama and good characters and feels like a real return to form for Craig's Bond. 

Rating - 8/10