"Do you Know how hard it is to learn New ways to Entertain Someone?" Ant-Man and the Wasp Review

Ant-Man and the Wasp

1.5/5

Directed by: Peyton Reed

Rated: PG-13

           The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a massive franchise, comprised of 20 different movies. Half of these movies are sequels. A common thread between each of these movies is that they each follow the story of one or more super heroes and their battle against one or more super villains in order to save a group of people often referred to as civilians. Though some people have grown more than tired of the MCU, most audience members have stuck with the franchise. This could be because its movie's (for the most part) are fun, enjoyable stories about super heroes saving the day. Perhaps this seemingly guaranteed experience the MCU offers is no longer a guarantee. The proof of this might be found in the MCU's latest entry, Ant-Man and the Wasp.
           In Ant-Man and the Wasp Scott Lang, Ant-Man (Paul Rudd), is under house arrest, until Hope Van Dyne, the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), springs Scott free in order to make him help her save her mom. Along with Scott and Hope is Hope's dad Hank Pym, the original Ant-Man (Michael Douglas). Things are going well for these three, until they are attacked by a mysterious masked woman, known as Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen). Now Scott, Hope and Hank will have to fight Ghost, in order to stop her and be able to save Hope's Mom, Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer). While this movie's relatively simplistic plotline might not be enough to intrigue viewers, some audience members will be entertained by Ant-Man and the Wasp's decent character performances. Most audiences will agree the funniest performance in this movie is Michael Pena's performance as Scott's friend Luis. Aside from this and this movie's occasionally silly antics, such as someone throwing a giant PEZ dispenser or someone shrinking a car and then driving around San Fran Cisco in it as if they were in a toy car, this movie's plotline and performances offer little amounts of fun and minimal amounts of excitement. Also, this movie's poor pacing and choppy editing does not help.
           Beyond Ant-Man and the Wasp's lack of fun, this movie also lacks a sense of value. Audience members may find there is little take away from this movie. Ant-Man and the Wasp does not feature an overt message or moral to its story. A possible moral might be that people need to work together rather than go it alone, but there is little to no conflict between characters with similar goals. Scott and Hope's partnership is at no point in jeopardy and their relationship with each other is relatively unchanged by the end of the movie. Another message might be that families should stick together no matter what, but Scott is forced to abandon his daughter Cassie (Abby Ryder Forston), in order to help the Van Dyne's save one of their family members. There might be a message or reason for pure enjoyment to come from this movie's experience, but it is not directly stated or made known. This movie's lack of depth and value greatly detracts from this cinematic experience's enjoyment.
           Not only is Ant-Man and the Wasp not necessarily fun or enjoyable, this movie also does not illustrate virtuous or heroic characters. While it is clear this movie's title characters are super, they have powers (the ability to grow and shrink), these characters are not entirely heroic. Their mission to save Hope's mom is a self guided and somewhat selfish mission, as this mission will primarily only benefit the three main characters. If Janet is saved, then Hank and Hope will be happier than usual, but in order to save Janet, Scott and Hope destroy property, engage in physical combat with people they did not necessarily have to fight and alienate themselves from former close friends and allies. While watching this movie (and future entries in the MCU) audience members should ask themselves, "Who are these heroes fighting for?", and if the answer is "for themselves," then they are probably not heroes. Even anti heroes, who fight outside of the law and use darker tactics than most heroes, at least fight for a greater good with a mindset founded on self sacrifice. If future heroes in the MCU fight only for themselves and do not promote a greater good, how long will it be before this super hero franchise runs out of heroes?

Verdict: Ant-Man and the Wasp is a slightly entertaining movie, but its lack of genuine fun, valuable enjoyment and heroic characters makes it an experience not worth seeing in theatres.

"I like to think of You as my Neighbor and my Friend." Won't You Be My Neighbor? Review

 Won't You be My Neighbor?

4.5/5

Directed: Morgan Neville

Rated: PG-13

           "It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood," sings Mister Rogers at the start of his famous television program, Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Millions of children and adults remember watching this show and listening to the songs and learning the lessons Mister Rogers shared. Though the television program was a success, it was never a guarantee the show would be as impactful or iconic as it has become. Marcy Whitmer, one of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood's producers, says a director once told her "if you took all of the elements that make good television and do the exact opposite you have Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: low production values, simple set, an unlikely star. Yet, it worked, because he was saying something really important."
           Documentarian Morgan Neville has crafted a film showcasing the beauty and wonder that is Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Neville's documentary, Won't You be My Neighbor, follows the show's development, from its first week of episode that aired 50 years ago (1968) to its last episodes. This documentary features footage from some of the most inspiring and amazing moments from this Pittsburgh produced television program by WQED studios. The documentary also includes interviews with Fred Rogers and some of his close friends and neighbors, including fellow cast and family members. All of this footage is compiled and edited together in a chronological manner. This allows audience members to experience the surprisingly true story behind the creation of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and learn many unique facts about the man and the people behind the show. In addition to this everything addressed in the interviews and mentioned on the show not only allows audience members to glance deeper into the lives of those who created Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, but also allows them to gain deeper understanding of themselves and their own worth. It's a chance for people who have not heard Mister Rogers' lessons on love, learning and growth to hear them.
           From a technical standpoint this documentary is a marvel full of all kinds of marvelous things. The way in which the film is edited together openly invites audience members to learn about the show's creation, as if it were a story with a beginning and an ending. The documentary is also accompanied by impressive visuals, unique animated segments and a wonderful orchestral score provided by Jonathan Kirkscey. This score encompasses the many wonderful and beautiful things about Rogers and his neighborhood. It also features musical cues directly referencing things from the show, such as the trolley's iconic "ding ding" from its bells as well as a touching rendition of Fred Rogers' song "Tree Tree Tree." When all of this comes together along with the footage from the show, this documentary has the power to make adults act more childlike and live out their inside feelings. The theatrical experience Won't You Be My Neighbor? offers has the potential to cause laughter, excitement, curiosity, fear, sadness, wonder, song, dance, learning and love. It's a joy and a pleasure, and it can give any audience member a good feeling.
           Though this documentary covers what the show was, when the show was made, who the people who made the show were and how they made the show, this documentary does not sufficiently address why this show was made and why Rogers acted and behaved the way he did. In interviews in the documentary Rogers states, "The greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they are loved and capable of loving." The documentary, however, does not fully address why Rogers believed this. Though it is implied, as there are a few scenes in the film that show Rogers as a minster, it is not unpacked. Along with this, the documentary features rude language that would not make it safe for families to watch it. The documentary is clearly created for adults, as a way of introducing them to Mister Rogers. Now whether this film did everything right or wrong, this film allows audiences to hear Mister Rogers special message. This message is often stated at the end of Mister Rogers' episodes, "You always make each day such a special day. You know how. By just your being you. There's only one person in the whole world exactly like you, and that's you, yourself, and people can like you exactly as you are."

Verdict: Won't You Be My Neighbor? is a marvelous documentary allowing audiences to learn about the creation of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood and experience some of this show's most meaningful moments.

"Change is like Death. You never know what it looks like, until you're standing at the Gates." Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Review

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

3.5/5

Directed by: J.A. Bayona

Rated: PG-13

          Dinosaurs live. Genetically modified and created from DNA strands recovered from ancient mosquitos, dinosaurs were brought back by humans and for humans' amusement. They were bread for the purpose of entertaining at the theme park Jurassic World, but they were unleashed by unprepared hands. After the fall of Jurassic World, dinosaurs have been left to grow and multiply on the island of Isla Nublar. However, Isla Nublar's inaccurately classified dormant volcano is about to rain fire down on the island and wipe away humanity's most unnatural creations. Across the world the debate rages on; since these dinosaurs can't be put back in the box, should they be rescued or perish?
           From J.A. Bayona, director of A Monster Calls, comes the next exciting adventure in the Jurassic Park saga, and the second installment in the Jurassic World series. Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is a thrilling tale full of danger, action, laughs and shock and awe. The main standout aspects from this film are its leading reptiles from many years ago, the dinosaurs. Pat Crowley (producer) claims, this film's audiences "will see more dinosaurs than [they've] ever seen in all the other Jurassic movies combined." While most audiences who have seen the previous Jurassic Park movies will except this film's large collection of dinosaurs to be amazing as usual, these dinosaurs have a few new features and surprises. Each dinosaur has its own unique personality, making them feel like something more than just monsters or animals. This allows some audience members to make personal beautiful connections with some dinosaurs more than others. The various unique dinosaurs showcased in this film range from being ferocious, timid, clever, dopey, divine, destructive, magnificent and malicious. These dinosaurs also feel lifelike, because they were not only created through well designed CGI but also stunning practical effects.
           Aside from Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom's characterized collection of dinosaurs, this film also features an interesting cast of human characters. Chris Pratt stars as the intrepid dinosaur trainer, Owen. His performance is full of charm and genuine heart, which is something most audiences have come to expect from MTV's 2018 Generation Award winner. Accompanying Pratt is Bryce Dallas Howard as Claire, the former naïve workaholic operations manager of Jurassic World turned courageous rights advocate for the park's dinosaurs. Howard's sentimentality is a good match for Pratt's earnestness and it sufficiently justifies their characters' love interests. Joining these two are Justice Smith as the typographic nerdy hacker character Franklin Webb, and Daniella Pineda as the typographic animal rights girl, Zia Rodriguez. Though both are typical portrayals of certain character types, these two personas add worthwhile humor and thrills that Pratt and Howard could not supply on their own. There are also three antagonistic human characters, which make up more than enough of a challenge for this film's contrasting heroes. Rafe Spall is the wealthy and insipid Eli Mills, Ted Levine is the no nonsense mercenary captain Ken Wheatley and the indomitable Toby Jones is the malicious merchant Mr. Eversol.
           While this abundance of characters can make the screenplay seem a little too overabundant, the film surprisingly rarely drags. This is primarily due to this film's fast paced directing and pacing, moving as quickly as it can to its next thrilling adventurous moment. While this can put some audiences in a daze and make them wish the film went slower and let them catch up, most audiences may not mind this film's charging speed. What most audiences will mind is this film's somewhat imprecise editing, often jumping from one location to the next, without sufficient time or enough expositional shots. While it is difficult telling where this film is going next, from its untouched jungles to its gothic human abodes, once audiences arrive at these locations most will not mind the bumpy ride. This film's bumpy pacing can also be overlooked, as this film's scenes are humorous, adventurous and downright scary when they need to be. These moments are also paralleled well by an exceptional orchestral score from composer Michael Giacchino. It all adds up to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom being a well directed film that propels the Jurassic Park series forward into the future.
           Far more important than this film's depiction of its dinosaurs, balancing of its characters and handling of its technical aspects is this film's ability to inspire wonder in and of itself. The Jurassic Park franchise is famous for combing bone rattling terror with wide eyed spectacle, and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom carries on this proud legacy. Not only does this film stand up tall alongside its predecessors, it also stands on its own two clawed feet. Thanks to a noteworthy young character, played exceptionally well by newcomer Isabella Sermon, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom gives its younger audiences a character with whom they can identify, someone who is seeing dinosaurs for their first time. This film acknowledges its fans of the series' first four movies and its first time park attendees, making Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom rise above most of the sequels currently playing in theatres.

Verdict: J.A. Bayona's Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom is an adventurous experience full of unnatural spectacle, unique charm and genuine scares making it a thrilling experience for long time fans and newcomers alike.

"We want to fight Bad Guys! It Defines who I Am." Incredibles 2 Review

Incredibles 2

3/5

Directed by: Brad Bird

Rated: PG

           It's been 14 years, since one of Pixar's most iconic families has been on the silver screen. It's not too late for this incredible family to return to the big screen, and so they have. Elastigirl stretches onto the scene, Dash rushes out, Violet appears in the Knick of time and Mr. Incredible arrives to catch the bad guys. Along with their infant, Jack Jack, and his newfound unpredictable set of powers, this super family is teaming up to take down their strongest foes, the government and normal family expectations. They're also going up against the villainous and hypnotic Screenslaver. It's bound to be "Pow!" exciting! It's sure to be "Wham!" thrilling! It's destined to be "Boom!" incredible!
           The good news is, for the most part, Incredibles 2 is a good movie. Most audience members will find the best part of this film is its action scenes. The animated hand to hand combat battles are well timed and keep audiences attentive, carefully looking out for where the next blow will come. These scenes then get kicked up another notch, because they are full of super powered fighters. Each super in this film uses their own unique powers to individually engage and take down their combatants. The way in which power dynamics are played in this film, which super fights which other super, is intriguing. This film also features excellently executed chase sequences. These chase sequences have a great sense of danger and forward motion, and it makes audiences feel characters must take action swiftly and without hesitation or else lives will be in jeopardy. It's fun. It's exciting. It's what most audiences would expect from Incredibles 2.
           Something the majority of audience members are not expecting from this film is its characters' lack of depth. While the development of this film's characters, and the individual crises they must face, are interesting and handled well, they are not compelling. This is in no part due to these characters' vocal performances, as the actors and actresses who supplied the voices for theses characters do an excellent job. It is clear every character performer knows the character they are playing, and wants to give them the most realistic and engaging performance they can. What primarily makes these characters lack depth is this film's seemingly missing character climaxes. While characters do get mad and sometimes furious with each other, not all main character have a defining moment where they have a boiling over point (a moment where they release all their inner anxieties and struggles) and then move past their conflicts and begin to work together with other characters. In some films, moments like this are not necessary, but for Incredibles 2 some audience members may feel this boiling over point is necessary and yet missing.
           Aside from this film's excellent action sequences and lacking yet engaging characters, Incredibles 2 comes with some more gadgets and gizmos up its sleeves. This film's humorous moments are full of fun and amusement. It's humor fans of the first film, The Incredibles (2004), will find rewarding and newcomers may find charismatically charming. Incredibles 2 also features an explosive orchestral score, composed by Michael Giacchino who also composed the first film's music. All of this adds up to Incredibles 2 being a fun time for the whole family and another good film from Pixar.

Verdict: Incredibles 2 is a fun time at the theatre, complete with excellent action sequences, engaging character performances, a charming sense of humor and one explosive orchestral score.

PLEASE NOTE: Incredibles 2 has a seizure warning, which should not be taken lightly. Based on my viewing of this film, it features more than 20 individual scenes of strobing lights. One scene lasts up to two minutes, and is excessively bright. The strobing within this film seems to comprise over 15 minutes of this film's runtime. When it appears on screen, it is meant to be surprising, and as such it is difficult accurately discerning when and where these strobing effects will appear on screen. I highly advise anyone who is susceptible to strobing lights, by either undergoing a seizure or suffering from mental fatigue, take extra caution before planning on attending Incredibles 2. For anyone at Disney and Pixar reading this, please make a non strobing version of the film for the Blu-ray and DVD release. Thank you for your time.