Re-Porter Blog: 2017 Year End Post

Hello Followers!!! Well, it's finally here. Day 365 of the year 2017. It has been a hectic year filled with tons of movies that were big hits, big disappointments, and moments that defined the year. We are merely hours away from stepping into the new year but before we begin day one of 2018, Let's reflect on the best moments and best movies of 2017.

Top Takeaways For 2017

The simian species brought it this year with two incredibly entertaining films that thrilled and moved audiences. Kong Skull Island brought blockbuster level excitement and a renewed interest in the iconic king of monsters. Andy Serkis delivered one of the year's best performances with an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the Planet of the Apes trilogy and solidifying Caesar as one of the most iconic heroes in modern cinema. An incredible show of drama and spectacle that was truly an absolute joy to watch.

Who says boys got to have all the fun being on the bad side. In a year where women are changing the game in Hollywood, 2017 brought some standout performances with some fun movies featuring some menacing and badass ladies playing the villain role. Just goes to show that females can be just as good at playing the baddie as the boys.

Over the past few years, the super hero genre has had a love hate relationship with the critical audience. However, this year's crop of superhero films have garnered praise from both critics and audiences to a universal reception that puts a number of these movies among the top of the best films list. Marvel, Fox, and DC came strong in giving moviegoers some of the best cinematic experiences of 2017.

When an actor commits to a role, it is never known how long he or she will play it. But for actors Hugh Jackman and Mark Hamill, their recent portrayals of Logan and Luke Skywalker respectively not only hold the honor of being the best and most acclaimed performances of 2017, but it also shows how their body of work has brought them full circle in their craft. Truly two legendary performers who should be celebrated for all they have accomplished in their incredible careers.

Now before I announce my top five films of 2017, here are my five honorable mentions

After a decent first film and a lackluster sequel, Pixar delivered a worthy third installment to the Cars franchise that was fun and emotionally grounded. Hard to believe that a story about a talking race car would bring such a relatable and relevant narrative about taking control of your own destiny and not letting others decide where your next step takes you.

Kong Skull Island was a film that took me by surprise in delivering a high octane and thrilling action fest that breathed fresh life into the character and a satisfying second installment in the Legendary Pictures Monsterverse. With Kong taking on Godzilla in a number of years, the world of monsters will be one to watch on the pop culture scene as these two legends prepare to clash in the coming battle of the ages.

With 8 films involving cars, explosions, and submarines, The Fate of the Furious brought a darker and more emotional experience that pushed one of its most iconic heroes to his emotional brink and gave fans one of the franchise's best antagonist. The Fast franchise continues to send it into overdrive and bring all the over the top action and fun that fans come to expect.

The lovable a-holes kicked off the summer movie season with a fun and entertaining follow-up to the 2014 phenomenon. Filled with laughs, feels, and thrills, GOTG Vol 2 brought fun energy and great heart to a sci-fi odyssey in the MCU. Now the wait begins as we prepare for the Guardians to take on a more powerful and vicious threat to the Marvel heroverse

 The god of thunder lived up to his title with one of the most fun and hilarious installments in the Marvel Cinematic portfolio to date. Taika Waititi gave fans a real crowd pleaser that brought intense action, big laughs, and show stopping spectacle in the bold reinvigoration of the Thor franchise. Thor is now all geared up to join his fellow Avengers in their next big team up in 2018.

And Now The Time Has Come To Share With You My...

Remember Me

Rarely does a film come that is a mixture of breathtaking visuals, beautiful music, and pristine storytelling. Coco happens to be one of those films. Pixar masterfully delivers an emotionally rich and culturally authentic film that celebrates life and shows that a family's love is always present even when they're gone. One of the best films in the Pixar library and an instant classic in every aspect.

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Spidey Swings Home

Franchise fatigue is common in modern Hollywood. Too much of a good thing is possible in this age of mandated studio franchises. However, Spider-Man Homecoming manages to become an incredibly fun and engaging entry into the Spider-Man cinematic spectrum. Giving fans a new take on the character that they can root for as well as a story that is hilarious and a good time from start to finish, Spider-Man Homecoming is a more than welcome addition to the MCU and one of the Standout Super Hero films of the year.

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God Killer

Warrior, Princess, and a long overdue hero debut. DC films broke new ground with releasing the summer blockbuster phenomenon that inspired viewers and redefined the genre. Gal Gadot and director Patty Jenkins brought one of the most beloved heroes to life in such an important way creating a hero that stands for the goodness and compassion humanity is capable of. A truly fun and well structured hero's tale that shows that love is the true key to saving the world.

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Apes Forever Strong

Some heroes are born into greatness. Others by chance. Who knew an orphaned chimpanzee would become one of the most iconic heroes of the 21st century. The third installment of the Planet of the Apes franchise brought the story of Caesar to an emotional close capping off a memorable trilogy in the process. Beautifully designed and engagingly provocative, War for the Planet of the Apes is a visual and cinematic marvel worthy of legend and praise.

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The Way You Think

There are movies that challenge you to look beyond what has come before and see things in a new light. I just didn't expect to see it in a galaxy far far away. The eighth installment of the Star Wars saga brought game changing elements to the table that redefined for the better what a Star Wars movie was capable of being. Filled with resident themes, layered depth, and a thematic complexity not seen in a Star Wars film since 1980, The Last Jedi has a beauty and deep brilliance to it that some have noticed but others have yet to see. I believe when it's all set and done, Star Wars The Last Jedi will be just what the franchise needed to establish a new and prosperous era that will maintain the franchise's relevance for years to come.

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What an incredible year it has been. Thank you all so much for your continued support throughout this hectic 12 months. Enjoy that last few moments of 2017 and I'll see you in the new year!!!!!

Re-Porter Blog: Countdown to The Last Jedi Part 4

Hello followers!!! Welcome to our final installment of our Countdown to The Last Jedi series. Hard to believe, but the film is actually coming out tonight. All your waiting is finally coming to an end. Before you go back to a galaxy far far away this evening, let's get you introduced to a few of the new faces you will meet in Episode 8!!! 

Headstrong, resilient, and confident in her own abilities, Rose Tico is a hardworking and capable member of the Resistance. Working as a maintenance crew member, Rose has always stuck to the background while her sister Paige gets all the action on the frontlines. When she is tasked with accompanying Finn on an important mission for the Resistance, Rose finally gets a chance to really show she is more than just a mechanic and can be someone who can bring change to the galaxy.

Played by

Kelly Marie Tran

As her first big movie role, Kelly Marie Tran steps into the Star Wars universe as one of the most vital new characters to the story. Full of energy and incredible enthusiasm, Tran looks to make her mark in the Star Wars universe and on the Hollywood stage.

In this dark time for the Resistance, General Leia Organa struggles to maintain stability within her regime. In the midst of this overwhelming chaos, Admiral Amilyn Holdo steps in to help the Resistance regain some ground in the fight against the First Order. Task with rallying the troops in this grueling fight, Holdo makes her mark as a beacon of calm effectiveness and leadership the Resistance needs in its most desperate hour.

Played by

Laura Dern

Veteran actress Laura Dern's career speaks for itself. no stranger to the iconic blockbuster scene, Dern continues to show versatility in every role she takes. As a massive Star Wars fan herself, Dern looks to bring the character of Admiral Holdo to life as she officially steps foot into the Star Wars universe. 

A mysterious hacker who is skilled in his craft, the man known only as DJ is tasked with helping the resistance in a crucial mission. With a galaxy on the brink of chaos, DJ is more than happy to help in any way he can...as long as the price is right.

Played by

Benicio Del Toro

An incredibly talented actor who's close to reaching legendary status, Benicio Del Toro brings his acting expertise to Star Wars in a mysteriously under wraps new role. Playing one of the most secretive characters in the film, Benicio Del Toro is sure to impress in his big Star Wars galaxy debut

Thank you for joining us for our Countdown to the Last Jedi special. To those seeing the movie tonight, remember to stay safe, be courteous to those who have yet to see it, and most importantly...ENJOY THE MOVIE!!! Have an amazing weekend Star Wars fans and May the force be with you!!!

Re-Porter Blog: Countdown to The Last Jedi Part 3

A shift in power is at hand in the galaxy. Despite losing Starkiller Base, the First Order was able to destroy the Republic cutting the resistance off from back up or assistance. The powers that be are now poised to put their foot on the neck of the Resistance and conquer the galaxy once and for all. In today's post. We'll highlight the biggest baddies of the First Order as they prepare for utter domination.

The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa has been on a broken path . Ben Solo aka Kylo Ren fell to the Dark Side under the manipulation of supreme leader snoke. He led the first order in many campaigns including the hunt for the map to Luke Skywalker. 

During his search, Kylo Ren tracked the map to a young scavenger named Rey. Given she saw the map with her own eyes, Ren tried to rip the image from her. Little did he know that her strong connection to the force would give him a much more challenging foe to confront.

After Rey escaped, Kylo tracked her and Finn down looking to finish the job. After easily defeating Finn, He turned his attention to Rey who proved to be a formidable opponent in the intense duel.

Despite his best efforts, Kylo was bested by Rey.

Defeated and scarred, Kylo Ren fled with the rest of the order as Starkiller Base was destroyed and the resistance claimed victory.

When We See Him In The Last Jedi

After the ordeal on Starkiller Base, Kylo Ren is now faced with his greatest task yet: follow the legacy of his grandfather or forget his own.

Captain Phasma is the highest standard of perfection and discipline in the First Order Stormtrooper regime. Distinguishable by her chrome armor, Phasma is dedicated to the security and ultimate preservation of the order.

During the ambush on Starkiller Base, Phasma was forced at gunpoint by her once Star pupil FN-2187 to lower the shields for the incoming resistance attack. She was then tossed in the garbage chute while the resistance incursion unfolded.

When We See Her In The Last Jedi

With the First Order gaining momentum, Phasma is committed to crushing the resistance and anyone who stands in her way.

Loyal to the First Order to a fault, General Hux is determined to show the might of his regime. Though he buts heads with Kylo Ren on occasion, Hux has a passion, drive, and cold blooded resolve to help the First Order achieve greatness.

When We See Him In The Last Jedi

Despite obliterating the Republic, Hux is still stinging from the First Order's defeat at Starkiller Base. It's now up to him to keep his people locked in and focused in the struggle against the resistance.

Supreme Leader Snoke oversees the growth and stability of the First Order. With Kylo Ren as his pupil, Snoke is confident in destroying his opposition and conquering the galaxy.

When We See Him In The Last Jedi

Snoke senses the force growing stronger in his apprentice Ben Solo. But another potentially stronger pupil could give Snoke the tool he needs to gain ultimate power.

Next Time on Countdown to the Last Jedi

Some new faces have come to a galaxy far far away. In our final pre-Last Jedi post, we will highlight the three new characters of the Star Wars The Last Jedi in addition to getting you ready for the premiere.