2015 Summer Movie Season - Ant-Man: Review and Anaylsis

 

 

 

Small Hero, Big Impact!!! Marvel’s Miniature Heist Film is a Satisfying Conclusion To Phase 2!!!!

By: Brandon Porter

 

 

 

 

  

 



Thief, Hero, Avenger. Scott Lang aka Ant-Man

Story

                Everyone has the chance to make themselves into something better than they were before. All that person needs is a second chance. Notorious thief and hacker Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) gets his chance at redemption with the help of a mysterious ally. Inventor and genius Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) uncovers a weaponized prototype at his own company, he enlist the help of Lang to recover the weapon for it could spell doom for the entire world if put in the wrong hands. With Hank’s assistant Hope (Evangeline Lilly), Lang’s crew (Michael Pena, Tip Harris, and David Dastmalchian), and a powerful shrinking suit, Lang goes on a daring mission to save the city and soon rises to become one of the world’s most powerful heroes…The….Ant-Man?!!!!...Is it too late to change the name?



Scott, Dr. Pym, and Hope go over the plan at Pym's secret hideout

Analysis

As Marvel revealed their plan for Phase 2, one of the films that stood out was Ant-Man. Being that Ant-Man is historically one of the founding members of the Avengers, people were interested but incredibly skeptical about this character being brought to life on screen. After a passably successful performance from Avengers Age of Ultron two months ago, audiences were eager to see how marvel would close out Phase 2 of the ever expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. After the films over the weekend, the film performed very well financially and very strong critically. The filmed earned a surprisingly strong 79% certified fresh rating from critics and an enormously strong audience response of 92% fresh from audiences. This is a surprisingly critical response for it shows Ant-Man having a stronger and more positive critical ratings than Age of Ultron. Financially, Ant-Man performed well capturing #1 at the box office with $58 million and $56.4 million overseas for an overall worldwide total of $114.4 million. Though not as big of a financial monster as its previous MCU predecessors, Ant-Man continues Marvel’s streak of #1 box office spots. With this film putting the close of Phase 2, focus now seems to be shifting toward Ant-Man’s next endeavor in 2016’s Civil War.




Tremble in terror at the most fearsome weapon ever used.

Review

                At first glance, I had no initial interest in Ant-Man. I was aware about how important the character was to the Marvel Comics but it didn’t have the appeal or fanfare that the other Marvel characters or the other movies. Then again, Guardians of The Galaxy was in the same situation and became one of the most talked about movies of 2014. I decided to give it a chance and caught it in IMAX 3D. The movie exceeded my expectations entirely. Marvel once again delivers a unique, fun, and highly entertaining addition to the MCU that stands on its own among the other films in the Cinematic Universe. Marvel has earned a reputation for trying different things and testing the waters and as a result have a variety of films within their Universe that can fit into different genres. They have their political thriller in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, their cosmic space opera in Guardians of the Galaxy, and their folk legend epic in the Thor films. With Ant-Man, the movie serves as the studios first ever Heist film and helps the movie become a stand out amongst the other MCU movies. In terms of the cast, they are a joy to watch. Paul Rudd is fantastic as Scott Lang. He gives the character such charm and likability that you can’t help but root for him. I’m ecstatic that he is apart of the MCU and that he’ll play a bigger role in future Marvel films. Michael Douglas is great in his role as Hank Pym. I can clearly see his perfected craft as an actor and he is a true pro on screen. Evangeline Lilly is equally solid as Hope Pym. She joins the ranks as one of the Marvel Cinematic Universes various strong female protagonists. Lilly is a delight in the role and there are subtle hints that her involvement in the MCU will be expanding in Phase 3. The supporting cast of TI, Bobby Cannavale, and Michael Pena pull their fair share of the weight with Pena delivering the film’s best comedic gags. Action wise, as I said before, Ant-Man is Marvel’s heist film, so the movie features some slow but great heist sequences before concluding with a loaded final showdown. Overall, I came into this movie with rather low expectations which is surprising given this is a Marvel movie. Fortunately, Marvel Studios delivered a unique and fun film that is just as heartfelt and engaging their other movies. Let’s hope the can keep that mojo going as they set their sights to Marvel Phase 3.

Rating and Final Thoughts

With Phase 2 in the books, dark times are preparing to descend on the MCU as a monumental event prepares to take place that promises to be the biggest showdown since the invasion of New York.

2015 Summer Movie Season - Minions: Review and Anaylsis

 

 

 

Minion Domination!!! Despicable Me Prequel Spinoff Is Fun Treat For Fans!!!

By: Brandon Porter

 

 

 

 

 

Three Brave Minions. One Perilous Quest. 

Story

                Years before the rise of gru, the minions held a prominent place throughout time and history. Serving any of the biggest most fearsome villains of all time from the early cave man to count Dracula. Sadly, it seemed every time they settled into their role as the henchman, their unintended escapades resulted in their bosses being seriously hurt or worse. At some point, the minions fell into severe boredom and depression. Seeing the end of their species on the horizon, three brave minions named Bob, Kevin, and Stuart volunteer to find the biggest, baddest, and most fearsome villain in the world for their kind to serve. The ultimate villain search begins as the trio embarks on a perilous adventure to save their kind.



Scarlett Overkill Showing Affection For her Newest Recruits

Analysis

Since 2010, the hilarious minions of Despicable Me have become one of the most prominent and beloved animated characters in pop culture. So it only made since that the minions had the spotlight in their very own spinoff film. Banking on the minions charm and uproarious antics, Minions looked to deliver a hilarious and worthy installment to the despicable me series. Financially, the film did outstanding. Minions brought in an enormous $115.2 million domestically with a worldwide total of  $390.7 million making Minions second biggest single-day and the biggest opening day for an animated film with $46.2 million. Critically however, the film under delivered. Minions grabbed a less than favorable 54% rotten rating from critics while gaining a slightly more favorable but still low score of 62% from audiences. Despite it all, Minions has become one of the summer’s most successful animated movies. The undeniable appeal of these yellow henchman have no question capture the attention of the world. Gru would be proud.



How to drop the mic King Bob style!!!!

 

Review

                The Despicable Me series has become one of the most beloved animated film franchises of the decade. The credit can go to the heartfelt story and beautiful animation, but most fans will tell you the reason they love the series is because of the wacky and gibberish speaking minions. The lovable yellow sidekicks have become a global phenomenon and one of the most recognizable and iconic animated characters since SpongeBob. Minions puts Gru’s sidekicks in the full spotlight of their very own spinoff prequel. Universal hoped to deliver a fun installment featuring the fan favorite characters. After seeing the film, the film is about as fun as you can expect. Minions delivers as much minion mayhem that fans can handle in this crazy and hilarious spinoff. The film relies heavily on the minions charm and appeal to carry the movie. It works most of the time, but there are times where it can get pretty tiresome. The films leads of Bob, Kevin, and Stuart are given great individual moments and highlight them as the main trio. Kevin shows confidence, Stuart is suave and quick witted, and Bob steals the hearts of audiences with his small stature, big heart, and kindness. The three of them are fun to watch as they progress through the movie getting into one mishap after another. Sandra Bullock is a joy to watch as Scarlett Overkill. I can tell just by listening to her voice the role that she is having a ball. Others like Jon Hamm, Allyson Janay, and Michael Keaton do alright in their role but it is clear who the stars of the movie are. The unfortunately doesn't have that memorable lasting impact that the first two Despicable Me movies had but that doesn't mean the film isn't a great time throughout. All in all, Minions is a fun treat for fans of the Despicable Me series and the characters. The appeal of these lovable henchman are further proof of their influence and appeal to audiences everywhere.

Rating and Final Thoughts

Funny and with plenty of treats for fans of the series, minions is a good hearted and fun spinoff featuring arguably the funniest characters of the decade.

Turns out the minions don’t need a “Big Boss” to conquer the world. They’re doing just fine on their own.

2015 Summer Movie Season - Terminator Genisys: Review and Anylsis

 

 

Not Obsolete!!! Reimagined Terminator Brings The Thrills and The Fun To Summer Movie Season!!!

By: Brandon Porter

The Future Has Benn Reset

 

Story

In the year 2029, a war against the human race reaches its end. Years prior, an artificially intelligent defense program named Skynet turned against the human race and launched an all-out war against the mankind. Through strength, faith, and unshakable resolve, the resistance, led by John Connor (Jason Clarke), are on the brink of reclaiming the world they love. However, knowing there is a possibility of defeat, the machines send a T-800 terminator back to the time before the war to assassinate John’s mother Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke). Fearing their future is at risk, John’s second in command Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) volunteers to safeguard the weak, helpless, and vulnerable Sarah Connor. But shockingly, upon arrival to the target destination of 1984, Reese discovers that Sarah Connor is not the weak, helpless, and vulnerable victim John describes but rather a hardened and battle ready warrior trained under the guidance of a reprogrammed T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger). With the original time line altered, Sarah, Kyle, and the Terminator must find a way to stop Judgement Day from happening while battling a powerful and unlikely new enemy.     

 

 

 

John, Pops, and Kyle go over their strategy for bringing down Skynet 

 

Analysis

The Terminator franchise has solidified itself as the most influential and iconic science fiction franchises in cinema. The first two installments set the foundation for the films of the mid 80s and early 90s and gave birth to a new generation of Hollywood blockbusters. Unfortunately, since the start of the 21st century, the latest Terminator films have struggled to recapture the magic and complexity of the films that came before it. Fate was hoping to change as Paramount Pictures announced the reboot Terminator Genisys. With a new cast and an alternate timeline ala Star Trek (2009). Genisys looked to breathe new life into the timeless sci-fi series. Sadly, critically and financially, it missed the mark. Terminator Genisys earned a devastatingly low critical score of 27% from critics and a passable but far from good score from audiences via rotten tomatoes. Financially, the film didn’t deliver strongly either. The film only garnered $28.7 million at the box office grabbing the #3 spot at the box office while grabbing a worldwide total of $129.7 million. Overall, Genisys tried to deliver a reimaging of the franchise but the result instead lead to a poor critical reception and a below average box office performance. Given more sequels are on the way, there might be a good chance that fans “Won’t Be Back” for the next installments.

 

 



Buses aren't supposed to do that!!!

Review

                Upon hearing the news that the Terminator franchise was getting rebooted, speculation and skepticism arose into what this new take on the franchise would be. While diehard fans criticized this reboot for destroying the spirt of their beloved series, I saw it as a chance to bring a fresh take on an age old saga. After witnessing the film in IMAX 3D, Terminator Genisys has already solidified its place as one of the year’s most fun action movies. Genisys is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously and that is part of the reason it works so well. While the previous films had dark and serious tones, this film is more easy going and light hearted. First off in terms of acting, Emilia Clarke does and admirable job as Sarah Connor. I can tell just by seeing her on screen she put the work in to play this role displaying great moral strength with the hard core edge of Linda Hamilton's version of the character. From the way she carries herself to her tough as nails demeanor, she is a very convincing and strong lead heroine. Jai Courtney is solid in his own right as Kyle Reese as is Jason Clarke as John Connor. Connor this time around is fighting on the dark side ad honestly it’s fun to watch. I was one of the many fans who were puzzled by the villain reveal in the trailer, but the film does a good job of backing it up in just the first few minutes of the movie. In terms of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s performance, what more can be said for the OG of this franchise. After all the years he hasn’t played this character, he is able to jump back in as if he never left. He is truly a living legend on screen. Also, the movie does a great job of doing something the other films haven’t done: give the reprogramed Terminator a soul. Moments in the film really show how deeply this version of the T-800 cares for Sarah and the film truly establishes him as a legit father figure. The action in the movie is quite possibly the best I’ve seen this year. Brimming with intensity, carnage, and non-stop adrenaline, Genisys is a fun ride from start to finish. As for other moments in the film, Genisys has its share of cheesy moments but it doesn’t completely stain the film’s entertainment value. All in all, Terminator Genisys is a good hearted and fun popcorn entertainment fest. Devoted fans of the series may shun it in favor of the classic films but others might look at it as a reimaging that embraces its roots but knows what future it wants.

               

Rating and Final Thoughts

Action packed, fun, and with plenty of moments of nostalgia. Terminator Genisys provides audiences with an adrenaline filled thrill ride for fans and newcomers alike.



The future may not be set, but the identity of this new series of installments looks set and stone.