2017 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Summer Movie Season 2017 (Month 3 Recap)

Hello Followers. We are officially at the end of July and what a month it was. Tons of incredible movies made this one of the best months of the summer movie season yet. Let's get a look at the best moments in this month's SMS recap.

Spider-Man Homecoming

A title befitting in every sense of the word, the official MCU induction of the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man was arguably the most fun film in the summer movie season. Filled with action, heart, humor, and great performances all around. Spiderman Homecoming is a satisfying and long overdue coronation of the iconic Web slinging hero into the incredibly expansive world of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

   War for the Planet of the Apes 

For 6 years, audiences have grown with the new age of simian heroes led by Ceasar. In the near perfect conclusion to one of the most brilliant, engaging, and enveloping trilogies of the decade, War for the Planet of the Apes is an emotionally charged powerhouse that combines top notch visuals with pristine storytelling and a Cinematic hero for the ages.

Dunkirk

An intricate example of letting story and events unfold through tension and anticipation, Christopher Nolan delivers a powerful and exceptionally crafted war story of survival and perseverance behind incredible cinematography and sensor rocking sound mixing.

Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets 

Despite Luc Besson's passion for the material, the adaptation of the beloved space epic failed to capture the magic and overall ambiance of its lush world and chracters. Combined with lackluster performances from leads Dane DeHaan and Cara Delevingne, Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets proves to be a galactic misfire in the hardest possible way.

Here is a Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of July 31st, 2017)

1. Spider-Man Homecoming: $633.8 million

2. Dunkirk: $234.1 million

3. War for the Planet of the Apes: $224.6 million

4. Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets : $34.6 million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. War for the Planet of the Apes (93% Certified Fresh)

2. Dunkirk (93% Certified Fresh)

3.Spider-Man Homecoming (92% Certified Fresh)

4. Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets (52%)

What was your favorite movie in July?! Be sure to stay tuned for more post in the summer movie season in the coming weeks.

2017 Summer Movie Season - Dunkirk: Review & Analysis

Slow Tide!!! Christopher Nolan's War Time Epic Is Effective But Slow Paced Time Burner!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Survival Is Victory

Story Description

During the summer of the 1940s, World War II rages on between allied forces and the German army. On the beaches of Dunkirk, the British division of the alliance find themselves trapped on land with no back up or naval support to assist. With their boys backed in a corner with no way of getting home, local civilians take the unimaginable risk to bring their forces home in one of the most daring rescue missions in the history of the world. 

Commander Bolton Looks On With His Allied Units on The Dunkirk Bridge 

Critical and Financial Analysis

Warner Bros and Christopher Nolan prepare to transport the audience into one of the biggest historical incursions of World War II. Behind Nolan's legendary direction and a mix of young up and coming talent, Dunkirk looked to be the must see substance and drama based war epic of the summer. The film has been incredibly well received by critics and fans. The movie scored a strong 92% Certified Fresh rating via rotten tomatoes with an equally impressive 84% fresh rating from audiences. The film performed well financially grabbing the top of the box office with a $50.5 million total domestically with an additional $55.4 million overseas bringing the film a worldwide total of $105.9 million. With universal acclaim and an above expectation box office performance, Dunkirk seems like the God sent shot in the arm for a very seemingly underwhelming summer season.

Chaos on the Front Lines

Film Review

As an avid fan of Christopher Nolan's work, I was more than eager to see him return to the cinematic forefront with another potential showstopper of a film. His latest film, Dunkirk, looked to bring the grit and emotional drama of the pivotal trials and tribulations of WWII in stunning detail and ambiance behind Nolan's leadership and a solid ensemble cast. After experiencing the film in IMAX, the film is an effective piece of filmmaking despite not being necessarily an entertaining nor engaging one. Christopher Nolan has proven over his decorated career he can create films that entertain and engage audiences. With Dunkirk, he sticks to telling a grounded story of soldiers looking to leave the horrors of war time violence for the peace and serenity of home. A noble act of storytelling that could have been an incredibly captivating experience. Unfortunately, the film falls short of that. In the beginning, Dunkirk starts off strong with a tension filled opening that sets the tone nicely. But afterwards, the movie's pace slows down creating a slow-moving narrative that only the select few will allow and accept. Action sequences boil down to a few booms and some admittedly tension filled scenes that keep things interesting but not enough to hold the audience in tow. The performances from the film's ensemble are solid but you never are invested in the characters' journey or struggle because you don't know much about them which makes them hard to root for or care what happens to them. Nolan has shown his ability to create heart stopping action sequences and set pieces that are fast paced and intense. In this film, that fast paced and intense sense of action could have benefited the film making for an experience that was effectively moving and entertaining. Overall, Dunkirk does succeed in being a great example of filmmaking but its lack of entertainment value and a sluggish pace keep it from truly being great and ultimately anywhere in the realm of memorable.

Rating and Final Thoughts

A strong example of cinematic filmmaking despite lack of a faster pace, Nolan's war film does what is

necessary to be an effective film rather than a bombastic action romp.  

Entertainment or not, There nothing quite like seeing a master at work.

2017 Summer Movie Season - War For The Planet of The Apes: Review & Analysis

Long Live Caesar!!! Concluding Apes Film Is Emotionally Harrowing and Powerfully Moving!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Two Species, One Planet....The War BEGINS!!!

Story Description

The state of the planet is in dire striates. Over a decade has past since the devastating outbreak of the ALZ 113 virus. While it has enhanced the intelligence of the Apes population led by Caesar (Andy Serkis), the human population now teeters on the edge of extinction losing their place as the dominant spices on the planet. After the earth shattering events years ago thanks to a coup by one of Caesar's own, military reinforcements have arrived in a last act of desperation to take back the planet. Faced with the potential destruction of his people, Caesar rises up to defend his family and put everything on the line to protect the world he holds dear to him.

Caesar armed for battle alongside Luca, Maurice, and Rocket

Critical and Financial Analysis

It seemed hard to believe, but the reboot of the classic sci-fi franchise has snuck up on a lot of moviegoers. After a surprisingly engaging first installment followed by an even bigger and better sequel, the Planet of the Apes franchise has been given new life worthy of people's attention. The third installment of the trilogy brings Caesar's story full circle in a third chapter that tries to put a bow on a rejuvenated series. Critically speaking, the film is arguably the best of them all. War for the Planet of the Apes scored an overwhelming positive 95% certified fresh rating via rotten tomatoes with critics claiming it as the most ambitious, action packed, and emotionally powerful of the trio. Financially, The film impressively topped the box office with a domestic total of $56.5 million. The Planet of the Apes franchise has become a sensation culminating in the rare cinematic trilogy that transcends each previous entry to standout as a phenomenon in of itself.

Watch Ya Head

Film Review

I never thought that a story of intelligent Apes would engage me as much as this series has. The rebooted Planet of the Apes franchise has quietly become one of the most entertaining and engaging cinematic franchises in recent memory. Filled with action, heart, emotion, and iconic characters, the series is a breath of fresh air and a clear cut example of a reboot done right. War for the Planet of the Apes brings the trilogy to a close with a larger than life conclusion that is sure to propel the franchise to legendary status. After finally watching the movie, I'm proud to say that War for The Planet of the Apes is an incredibly moving third installment  in this rebooted franchise. Rarely does a third film in a franchise avoid almost all of the traps of threequel-itis but War manages to do just that. For starters, this is the darkest film in the series as it delivers very emotional and heavily gritty story. While Dawn of the Planet of the Apes had humanity on the edge of desperation, War finds the Apes teetering on complete extinction making the stakes incredibly high on both fronts. Andy Serkis is at his most profound as Caesar delivering one of the best on screen performances of the year and solidifying Caesar as one of the best characters in film. Woody Harrelson delivers a very menacing and cold blooded performance as the coronel in the little amount of screen time he has. Despite not being seen much, he still manages to leave a solid impression when he is there. Amiah Miller is great as Nova delivering an emotionally effective performance without using any dialogue. Steve Zahn's performance as Bad Ape gave the film humor where it was appropriate bringing laughs in correct places without dethatching from the story. The film itself is a gritty revenge story of wrestling with your demons and your animal instincts. Caesar's journey throughout the trilogy has shown him grow in mind, body, and spirit. This installment puts him through the ringer and truly test his self worth and amazingly his humanity. The movie also offers eerily dark content that keeps you invested in the story while also making the emotion hit the hardest. The film transcends its predecessors to be a third instalment that pushes the series forward and not back. Overall, War for the Planet of the Apes caps off the trilogy with a concluding chapter that cements its main character as an iconic hero and makes this one of the best trilogies of the current decade. Hard to believe that this rebooted franchise would do all the necessary things to make a rare feat of having a third act be a worthy closing chapter.

Rating and Final Thoughts

An emotionally powerful and transcendent third chapter that elevates the quality of the franchise and the appeal of its iconic lead character

Here's to an incredible actor, an incredible character, and an incredible trilogy 

2017 Summer Movie Season - Spider-Man Homecoming: Review & Analysis

Home Sweet Home!!! Spider-Man MCU Solo Movie is A Fun, Fast, and Spectacular Superhero Showstopper!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Does Whatever A Spider Can

Story Description

High school student and tech wiz Peter Parker (Tom Holland) was accustomed to normal life consisting of going to school and living with his Aunt May. His life soon changed when he was given abilities that increased his strength, heightened his senses, and allowed him to become a force for good. His escapades would soon catch the attention of Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) who takes young Peter under his wing to guide him in the ways of heroism. Months have past and Peter longs to prove to Mr. Stark that he can do more than just be a good samaritan who swings through the air and crawls up walls. When a group of salvage workers led by Adrian Toomes (Michael Keaton) come across powerful and dangerous tech, Peter sees an opportunity to prove to the world and to Tony Stark he is worthy of the mantle of being one of earth's mightiest heroes.

Tony With Peter In The Upstate
New York Avengers Facility

Critical and Financial Analysis

The Spider-Man franchise was one of the biggest franchises for the Marvel movie brand and for comic book films in general. But over the past few years, Spider-Man has had a rocky road over the past ten years. After a disappointing third film in the original trilogy and a lackluster initial reboot, the Spider-Man franchise was going everywhere except the right direction. After a deal with Marvel Studios, Spider-Man was allowed to forge a new life in the acclaimed MCU. After a spectacular debut in Captain America Civil War, Marvel greenlit a stand alone film within Phase 3 to give him a proper welcome. Critically, the film is arguably the best in the entire franchise. The film scored an amazing 93% certified fresh rating via rotten tomatoes with an almost equally stellar 92% fresh rating from audiences making it not only the highest rated film in the summer movie season but one of the most critically acclaimed Spider-Man movie in the series. Financially, the film dominated the completion with a stellar $117 million dollar opening weekend. In addition, the movie also pulled in $140 million overseas for a worldwide total of $257 million. This makes Spider-Man Homecoming the seventh highest grossing movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while also being the one of the highest grossing non-sequels in the franchise. Behind universal acclaim and a terrific box office haul, Critics and fans might have just been gifted with one of the most satisfying Spider-Man films in the past decade.

Giving Frequent Flyer A Whole
New Meaning.

Film Review 

Spider-Man has been one of my all time favorite superhero since I was a kid. But over the course of the past decade, it seemed that the cinematic version of the beloved web slinger struggled to really be anything but a game of keep away from the folks at Marvel Studios. After the studios' successful acquisition of the character and a stellar introduction in Captain America Civil War, the pieces were in place for the newest take on the friendly neighborhood Spider-Man to establish a new identity. Spider-Man Homecoming serves as not only the 2nd reboot of the franchise but also as a proper introduction of this character into Marvel Cinematic Universe. After seeing the movie in IMAX, I can say that Spider-Man Homecoming is to put it simply...AMAZING!!! Never has a film in the Spider-Man cinematic portfolio been this fun, this hilarious, and this much of a good time. For starters, the movie sheds its serious, dark, and gritty tone of its predecessors for something more modern, more comedic, and more playful yet still maintains a sense of seriousness in small tid bits of the story. Tom Holland solidifies his role as Spider-Man in a performance that is fun and depth filled. Holland gives Peter Parker a brimming sense of humor while also displaying a child like immaturity given the age of this particular version. Holland shows terrific depth in the role giving you a super fun take on the character while also giving a character you can genuinely root for. He truly is perfect for the role and has more than earned his spot in the MCU. Michael Keaton shines as Vulture delivering a well tailored antagonist especially given the fact that Vulture is among one of the lower tier villains in the Spider-Man universe. Among the other standouts is Zendaya Coleman as Michelle. Her dry humor and comedic timing were so perfectly balanced and placed that the performance seemed almost natural. Before she even reveals her real identity by the end of the film, Zendaya already makes Michelle such a great character that I already would love to see her in future films. A standout performance no question. Action wise, the film sports a frenetic pace with a ton of standout set pieces that balance humor and intensity. In addition, the movie is a standout in terms of comedy as well. I was laughing throughout the movie as moments that made me laugh also kept the story moving forward. The plot also flows smoothly giving Peter plenty of character growth throughout the course of the film making his arc equally engaging as well as super enjoyable to watch. Overall, Spider-Man Homecoming is the most satisfying take of the Spider-Man character yet. Fun from start to finish and equally solid story wise, the latest incarnation of the friendly neighborhood web slinger is truly one the fans and the world have been waiting for.




Rating and Final Thoughts

A hilarious, action packed, heartfelt, and spectacular edition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe

that feels fresh and somehow also feels long overdue

Safe to Say Spider-Man Is Reaping The Benefits of

His New Home with Marvel Studios!!!

2017 Summer Movie Season - Month 3 Preview (July 2017)

The Defining Moment!!! Spidey, Apes, Soldiers, and Galactic Detectives Are Ready For Big Booms In Epic Month 3

By Brandon Porter

Happy Hump Day followers!!! Hope you all had a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. We have now entered the third month of the summer movie season and if past years have shown, the fireworks don't just happen outside. Huge films from Marvel Studios, Christopher Nolan, and the third chapter of the Planet of the Apes franchise headline a stellar month ahead. Let's break it all down in this preview for July.

Spider-Man Homecoming (Colombia Pictures/Marvel Studios, July 7th)

Spidey Makes His Mark

Think being a geek in high school is tough? Try being a geek in high school with superpowers,  a high tech suit, and a connection to one of the richest people on the planet. After teaming with Tony Stark in Germany, Peter Parker aka Spider-Man is eager to prove himself worth of being one of earth's mightiest heroes. Sony Pictures and Marvel Studios brings one of the most iconic heroes in comic history to the big screen for his long awaited MCU solo debut. Experience the journey of a future Avenger in Training when Spider-Man Homecoming swings into theaters This Friday.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

War For the Planet of the Apes (20th Century Fox, July 14th)

War Has Begun

Since the devastating outbreak of the ALZ 113 virus, Earth has drastically changed with Apes and Humans in a tug of war for supremacy. When Military reinforcements arrive looking to turn the tide in the war, Caesar must defend his family and home while maintaining the little ounce of humility he has left. The epic third chapter of the acclaimed Sci fi trilogy bring all out war to a world torn apart by violence, chaos, and change. Witness the epic conclusion of the battle between man and Beast when War For the Planet of the Apes arrives July 14th.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

Dunkirk (Warner Bros. Pictures, July 21st)

Home Comes to Them

During the grueling days of World War II, over 400, 000 allied soldiers were stranded behind enemy lines with no way of getting home. Faced with overwhelming odds, brave civilians risk everything to bring their boys home from hell on Earth. Director Christopher Nolan transports you to one of the most crucial moments in WWII in this gripping and harrowing tale of sacrifice, courage, and resilience. Experience the world's defining moment when Dunkirk comes to theaters July 21st.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (STX Entertainment/Europa, July 21st)

City Scape

In the far reaches of space, the interstellar Metropolis of Alpha also known as the City of Angel Thousand Planets Is in turmoil after forces threaten the population. Dispatched to stop the threat, Agents Valerian and Laureline must stop the impending  doom of a powerful empire set to fall to choas. Based on the Ground Breaking Graphic Novel, Director Luc Besson brings one of the most vibrant and visually stunning Sci-fi spectacles of the summer. Go on a larger than life adventure for the ages when Valerian and the City of A Thousand Planets arrives in cinemas July 21st.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

Lots of Fireworks This Month With Plenty of Fun To Be Had!!! Look for the reviews for these films and more in the coming days. Have a great day followers.

2017 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Summer Movie Season 2017 (Month 2 Recap)

Hello Followers. June has ended and now we are only a few days away from the July movies hitting theaters. The June movies brought lots of thrills and excitement all the way through. Let's get a look at how these films did in our monthly summer movie season recap.

Wonder Woman

For a movie to come in with so much hype, skepticism, and pressure, the stand alone film featuring the warrior Princess of Themyscira became not only the best film in the DCEU but arguably the biggest film of the summer. Historical in a slew of ways, Wonder Woman has become one of the must see films of 2017.

The Mummy 

When you start off a Cinematic Universe, there will be bumps in the road that will make the trip very taxing and difficult. The opening installment of Universal's Dark Universe may have hit a big bump which might cause to the ship to sink before it even gets out of port. Loud action and subtle horror elements are not enough to make the Mummy a great opening installment or a great movie overall

Captain Underpants The First Epic Movie 

A fun, colorful and zany adaptation of the hilarious children's books, Captain Underpants was clever, funny, and full of good hearted hilarity for the whole family.

Cars 3

The Cars franchise looked to bring the heart and soul back into the most marketable franchise in Pixar's lineup. Behind a more focused narritive, awesome new characters, and a fun essence throughout, Cars 3 is the quintessential sequel that the fans have always wanted and deserve.

Transformers The Last Knight

10 years of loud, chaotic, and bombastic action with little heart or action might finally be negatively effecting the Transformers series. After incredibly negative reviews and a series low box office haul, the writing may finally be on the wall for this once powerhouse Sci fi action franchise.

Despicable Me 3

The next chapter of the adventures of Gru and his family brings the same action, humor, and fun that has defied the series. Oh, and of course you got the minions causing a ruckus as usual!!!

Here is a Breakdown on How the Following Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of July 4th, 2017)

1. Wonder Woman: $666.3 million


2. Transformers The Last Knight: $429.9 million


3. The Mummy: $349.7 million



4. Despicable Me 3: $192.3 million


5. Cars 3: $173.8 million


6. Captain Underpants The First Epic Movie:$76.8 million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Wonder Woman (92% Certified Fresh)




2. Captain Underpants The First Epic Movie (85%)




3. Cars 3 (67%)




4. Despicable Me 3 (63%)




5. Transformers The Last Knight (15%)




6. The Mummy  (15%)



 What was your favorite movie in June? Be sure to stay tuned for the latest post down the road including the July preview tomorrow. Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!!!