2019 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Summer Movie Season 2019 Month 2 Recap

Happy Sunday Followers!!! Month 2 is officially in the books and a lot went down over the course of this sixth month of the year. Before we head into the second half of 2019 let's look at how the movies this month did in our June recap.

Dark Phoenix 

With an uncertain future and not much pre release fanfare, the final film in the pre Disney X-Men saga was the equivalent of a wounded dog eating itself alive. This current era saw itself lacking in engagement and emotional impact despite an action packed 3rd act. All signs now point the inevitable reintroduction of these characters in the MCU.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 

Pets have secrets and lives outside of our own. But they don't seem to be all that interesting or impactful. The sequel to the 2017 film offered new characters but more of the same animal related humor that's amusing in the beginning but not so much on the second go around

Men in Black International 

Following the conclusion of the initial trilogy, the MIB series took the franchise to new territory by expanding the mythology of its universe. Unfortunately, it would have been more effective had it not been 10 years too late. Despite fun action and solid chemistry between the leads. MIB International feels late to the party in terms of impact and relevance

Shaft

Bringing an icon back to the mainstream is hard. Doing it and not adjusting to the current time makes it even harder. Despite legacy actors returning to reprise their roles, the 2019 reboot failed to show why the baddest mofo in the blackplotation era deserved to be brought back. Not much to be diggin here

Toy Story 4

It's always hard when you want to continue what is already considered perfection. But when it's done like this, it's hard to argue the quality and impact. Stellar animation and an emotional uplifting story makes this latest adventure from Woody and friends worth the time and closes the chapter on a truly magical series of films

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

Best Box Office Numbers (As of June 30th, 2019)

1. Toy Story 4: $279.2 million

2. Dark Phoenix: $234 Million

3. The Secret Life of Pets 2: $198 Million 

4. MIB: International: $187.1 Million 

5. Shaft: $16.9 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Toy Story 4 (98% Certified Fresh)

2. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (56%)

3. Shaft (31%)

4.Dark Phoenix (23 %)

5. MIB International (22%)

What was your favorite movie to come out of June? Check back tomorrow for the July preview and more. Till next time followers. 

2019 Summer Movie Season - Toy Story 4: Review & Analysis

To Finality and Beyond !!!! Fourth Entry of Pixar Series Provides Emotional Closure for Beloved Series!!!!

Review by Brandon Porter

First-day jitters are not
uncommon for new toys

Story Description

Woody (Tom Hanks), Buzz (Tim Allen) and the rest of the gang are enjoying their life with their beloved new owner Bonnie. They are well taken care of, played with constantly, and are always excited about what they will get into next. One day, Bonnie creates a new toy in her arts and craft class bringing it home for everyone to see. The new toy named Forky (Tony Hale) is apprehensive about being a toy given he was originally supposed to be a kitchen utensil. The gang soon goes on a road trip out of town and Forky escapes believing he doesn't belong given he's meant to be used to eat food. Knowing how important Forky is to Bonnie, Woody follows him determined to bring him home. They are then thrust on a new adventure that sees them encounter many toys both good and bad including Woody's long lost flame Bo Peep (Annie Potts). With time running out to get to Bonnie before it's too late, Woody must make a choice that will inevitably change him and how he sees the world of a toy.

Bo showcases what she's been up
to since she's been away

Critical and Financial Analysis

The Toy Story series is one of the crown jewels of Pixar Animation Studios. The characters are beloved, the storytelling is flawless, and the animation pushes the envelope at every turn. It's this reason that a lot of fans felt puzzled why a fourth installment of the series was being made after the perfect capper to the story occurred in Toy Story 3. There was anticipation but skepticism on whether or not they could deliver another masterpiece after going 3 for 3. According to critics and fans, it was beloved on both sides. The film held a near perfect certified fresh score of 98% from critics and a 95% percent rating from audiences via Rotten Tomatoes. This marks the 4th time that a film in the Toy Story franchise has earned above 90% showing these stories still have weight, appeal, and high-value entertainment. Looking at the box office, the film earned a high mark of $118 million in its opening weekend which makes it the biggest opening in the franchise beating the  $110 million haul from Toy Story 3 9 years prior. This weekend haul and an additional $120 million overseas gives the movie a global total of  $238 million. According to the numbers, Toy Story 4 is yet another when for Pixar and the Toy Story franchise. It is truly remarkable that despite all the confusion of why the story needs to be continued, The Magicians at one of Disney's Crown Jewel Studios still managed to deliver a film that is equal parts moving and equal parts magical.

Look sharp cowboy. We got work
to do 

Film Review

For nearly 25 years, the Toy Story movies have been the pinnacle of animation and storytelling for both Disney and Pixar. After the amazing close to the initial trilogy, it was weird to see them tackling a story that continues to the journey of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, Bo Peep, and the gang. Nevertheless, I was still super excited to go on another adventure with these characters I have grown with for over 2 decades. Now that I've seen the film, I can say that Pixar always seems to know when and how to tell an incredibly moving and poignant story no matter what the circumstance. A fourth installment of what was thought to be a perfect trilogy seemed puzzling and at time confusingly frustrating. But the wizards at Pixar have managed to somehow deliver another breathtaking addition to the franchise that surprisingly builds on what has come before. To start, the visuals and animation are straight up ridiculous. The amazing thing about these films is that each installment pushes the envelope in regards to the visual aesthetic and Toy Story 4 somehow represents the pinnacle of that continually rising bar. Amazing depth and detail, photo-realistic lighting and textures, and lifelike facial and motion capture bring the world to life like never before. Never has a Toy Story movie come this close to being almost live action like in both look and feel. But just like the visuals, the voice acting is just as astonishing. The entire cast returns and doesn't miss a beat maintaining the qualities that have made them iconic for over 20 years. Tom Hanks delivers big time as Woody giving all he has to the role with favorites like Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and the late Don Rickles providing great performances in their limited screentime. Others like Tony Hale' Forky, Keanu Reeves Duke Ka-Boom, Keegan Michael Key and Jordan Peele' Ducky and Bunny provide scene-stealing hilarity throughout making what is at times an emotionally heavy film lighthearted and full of laughs. However, the character that has been given the biggest role this time around is Bo Peep. Once the love interest who just hung in the background, she is thrust front and center and given newfound resolve and a new sense of purpose within the narrative. Though she still has feelings for her sheriff she proved that she can match him in almost every way becoming a more capable and resourceful character as a result. In both spirit and animation, Bo Peep is more alive than she has ever been in any portion of the franchise. Another big standout is Gabby Gabby, played by Christina Hendricks. Though she is clearly framed to be an antagonist, in the beginning, the movie does a great job of developing her and making her sympathetic in all the right areas. Despite not being the standout villain that Lotso was in the last one, the film makes her a compelling and interesting character with antagonistic qualities but understandably reasonable motivations. That brings me to my biggest endorsement of this movie. The thing that makes the Toy Story films so beloved is how the characters feel so real. Each character is presented in a way that makes them so relatable and human despite the fact they are not. To see that Pixar has genuinely made these characters feel so real despite the fact they are essentially just talking toys is truly magical. It's a testament to the quality storytelling and development these characters have gotten in their nearly 25-year history. Overall, Toy Story 4 may seem like an unnecessary addition to what is largely an already amazing series. But somehow the movie reminds its audience that these characters still have a way of playing their way into the deepest depths of your inner child. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

Jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation, stellar voice acting, and an emotionally resonate story make this latest
entry in the franchise a shining gem and reassures that this series is truly one of the greatest of all time.

No matter where they go, You got a friend in them!!!

2019 Summer Movie Season - Dark Phoenix: Review & Analysis

Burnt To Ash!!!! Closing X-Men Film Ends Era In Destructive Fashion!!!!

Review by Brandon Porter

The Beast is Unleashed 

Story Description

Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and his students have made a conscious effort to protect humanity despite their distrust of the mutant species. But they now face a threat, unlike anything they've seen before. When a routine space mission goes wrong, Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) returns home safely but is dramatically changed. Her powers are significantly increased and her mental persona begins to take on a mind of its own. Filled with a lust for destruction and a force within herself bent on chaos, Charles, Erik Lensher (Michael Fassbender) and the rest X-Men must band together to stop this destructive force and possibly save what is left of their closest friend.

Charles, Kurt, Storm, and Scott
Face off against a potential threat 

Critical and Financial Analysis

This particular entry of the X-Men series has possibly had the most troubled path to release in franchise history. From bad press to extensive reshoots, Dark Phoenix comes in with a lot of baggage that threatens to make in the punching bag of the summer movie season. Critically, it was a straight-up slaughter fest. The movie was brutally pummeled with negative reviews earning the film a  22% rating on rotten tomatoes. Audience wise, it was a little better but not by much as they scored the movie with a 65% rating. This makes it the lowest rated film in the X-Men film franchise beating out previous holder X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Financially, things weren't any better. The movie earned only $33 million dollars on its opening weekend along with a total of $107 million overseas for a global total of $140 million. As of today, the film failed to top previous installments by a significant margin making it the lowest performing X-Men film in the series. With low critical reception and a subpar box office haul. The final installment of the Fox-owned superhero series may have ended in a full ball of fire.

Your eyes are mine

Film Review

The X-Men series has had possibly the most interesting history of all the Marvel-based film properties. From standout installments including the first film, it's sequel X2, X-Men First Class, and Days of Future Past to below average in trees like X-Men the Last Stand, X-Men Origins Wolverine, and recent installment X-Men Apocalypse, the franchise has been inconsistent at times when it comes to effective cinematic storytelling. Dark Phoenix comes in as not only the next chapter but as the definitive conclusion to the pre-Disney owned franchise. Needless to say, a lot of weight was put on the movie's shoulders with people having little confidence they could pull it off. After seeing the finished product, it's quite an unceremonious film yet still entertaining at times throughout. The film has been lauded as the closing chapter of the decades-long franchise but it really seems to want to end it quickly knowing its days are numbered. There are moments that I genuinely enjoyed while there were moments where the movie seems to lose hope both within the film and within the narrative. Performance wise, a few standouts come to mind. Sophie Turner does a solid job carrying the movie displaying a keen sense of loss and agonizing inner torment. Her performance is a highlight of the film and shows the potential she has as a future leading lady. James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender do well in their latest outing as Charles Xavier and Magneto respectively but are relegated as side characters in what is largely Jean's story. Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit McPhee are pushed aside and not given much to work with or given a chance to develop. After being thrown together in Apocalypse, they are essentially there for show with little spats of sequences that show off their abilities but nothing more. There lies the biggest issue with the film. The lack of investment in the characters. A number of these young actors were brought together in the previous film and none have gotten the chance to make these versions their own. Sadly, given the circumstances, they may never get the chance. Jessica Chastain is reduced to a monotone one-note villain with little substance and means to motivate. For all the flaws, the movie does manage to deliver a very exciting 3rd act with thrilling action that is fast paced and fun to watch. That said, a lot could have been done to make this a more emotionally resonant finale to the franchise. Overall, Dark Phoenix is not the worst X-Men film in the series but it does feel lacking in impact in terms of it being a definitive conclusion to the series and its legacy. Instead of pomp and circumstance, it seems more like a waving of the white flag. The future of the franchise looks bright but more could be done to make the present worth the stay.

Rating and Final Thoughts

A flawed yet mildly decent X-Men film with small doses of engagement and investment with passable effort to make the experience worth remembering.

An era ends with highs and lows but the
journey is still worth celebrating. Till we
Meet again.

2019 Summer Movie Season - MIB International: Review & Analysis

Black and Global!!!! Soft Reboot of Sci-Fi Comedy Series Delivers Expansive, Fun But Long Past Due Romp!!!!

Review by Brandon Porter

They make this look good

Story Description

The intergalactic enforcement agency known as the Men in Black have always maintained security on planet earth. But a threat unlike any they have faced before could burn their world to the ground. Eager to prove herself within the ranks of the organization, wet behind the ears recruit Agent M (Tessa Thompson) insist she be put on a high ranking assignment and show she belongs. She's given the chance to when she is transferred to the London bureau of the organization where she partners up with Agent H (Chris Hemsworth), one of the best agents in the bureau. However, the danger at hand proves to be more sinister than originally perceived when the threat is revealed to be a potential mole in the department. With no one to trust and time running out, Agent M and Agent H must put their best foot forward to save the planet and cleanse the filth in their own ranks.

Agent M and H survey the damage
left by a hostile force.

Critical and Financial Analysis

The Men in Black series has had a solid track record since it was adapted to film in the late 90s. The 1997 classic starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones is beloved by fans while it's sequels have been less than celebratory despite the 3rd installment being an improvement on the 2nd. Men in Black International thrust us back into that world for what is both a continuation and a soft reboot of the series. There was plenty of skepticism and worry about this film but pieces were in place to make this a fun summer adventure. From a critic and public perspective, it was subpar to say the least. The film received a punishingly low score of 24% rating on rotten tomatoes making it the lowest rated film in the series. Critics cited the film's biggest flaw as simply a franchise that is slowly but surely lost its appeal over the past decade and a half. The film did earn a slightly better but still below average score of 67% from the general audience. The movie's box office haul wasn't any better. The movie earned a lackluster total of $28.5 million and a global total of $102 million thanks to $73.7 million overseas. The underperformance of this film makes it the lowest grossing movie in the franchise and also emphasizes the common theme that has been constant in the early part of the summer movie season. With little appeal left in the series, one had to think the time has come for this science fiction action comedy series to finally be retired while it still has some semblance of relevance left.

Start low finish high

Film Review

Ever since Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones donned the suit and shades in the 1997 classic, it seems the bar for the franchise was set extremely high given how much the movie felt like lightning in a bottle. The 2nd film is considered below average while the 3rd film is an improvement but still not up to par. 7 years later, director F. Gary Gray and Thor Ragnarok duo Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth take us back to that universe for another globe-trotting alien adventure. With so much riding on whether the appeal of the franchise is still there, MIB: International had a lot prove heading into release. After watching the film in its entirety, I am both pleased and saddened about this entry. On the one hand, the movie stands out among the rest by being far more expansive in its mythology but the interest and desire to explore it doesn't seem to be there anymore. That still didn't stop the movie from being fun and entertaining when it can. Most of that credit goes to the cast especially Tessa Thompson and Chris Hemsworth. Both of them carry the film with wit and banter that keep things interesting and engaging enough to make the trip worth taking. Thompson is quirky and plays up the awkward humor well while Hemsworth steals the show thanks to his massively improved comedic chops. Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson do good but are pushed to the side to give the two leads room to breathe. One of the things I love the most is the film's expansion of its universe. Taking the story out of New York allowed for this to be a more expansive film and allow for a deeper look at the alien world. However, the movies biggest strength is also tied to its biggest weakness. The movie going this route feels very much a case of too little too late. As much as I loved seeing the film open up the world it did it at the worst time when the film is trying to hold relevance in the competitive film circuit and doing this without one of the franchise's most notable cast members. It's unfortunate to rely on old cast members to help boost appeal but its the reality of the situation no matter how much the new actors try and at times succeed in carrying the load. Overall, MIB International should be commended for expanding the story to different parts of its universe but the dwindling appeal in the series seems to have derailed its staying power despite the valiant effort put forth by a talented duo.  

Rating and Final Thoughts

A fun and expansive Sci-Fi romp that delivers in a solid amount of aspects in
terms of action and comedy but feels the
burden of a series way past its prime.

Imagine this in the film. Here's hoping J comes back.

Re-Porter Blog 2019 Summer Movie Season - Month 2 Preview (June 2019)

Fire It Up!!!! Heroes, Pets, Toys, and Cops Headline 2nd Month Of Summer Season

By Brandon Porter 

Hey followers. The summer movie season has gotten off to a hot start and now the momentum is about to be amped up. A bevy of movies is set to release and look to do wonders for people looking for some silver screen fun. Let's see what's in store for us in the month of June. 

Dark Phoenix (20th Century Fox, June 7th)

Order of The Phoenix

The students at Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters have put their lives on the line numerous times facing threats both big and small. But things become more direct when their next adversary is one of their own. Marvel and 20th Century Fox bring the closing chapter of the X-Men series to an explosive close. Witness the rise of untamed power when Dark Phoenix arrives in theaters tonight. 

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Universal Pictures/Illumination, June 7th)

A Hard Bark Life

Life as a pet has its ups and downs. Along the way, you learn about yourself and the people around you. But what happens when you get the chance to show everyone you're more than just a dog, or cat, or bunny. Will you rise to the occasion or falter under pressure? A hairy new adventure awaits a group of furry friends in the sequel to the 2016. Hold on to your tails for a new leash on life in The Secret Life of Pets 2 in theaters tonight.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

MIB: International (Sony Pictures, June 14th)

Black Suits Comin

The covert government agency known as the Men in Black have maintain security on Earth from Intergalactic threats for decades. Now faced with a threat within their own ranks they must rely on each other to maintain order and secure the future are there planet and brethren. Director F Gary Gray leads Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson in the latest installment of the Sci-Fi Action comedy series. Prepare for alien mayhem when Men In Black International hits theaters on June 14th

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

Shaft (New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. Pictures, June 14th)

Bad Motherlovers

It's hard living up to a legend. It's even harder when that legend is the baddest mofo around. So what happens when generations collide with no indication of where the destination will take you? Samuel L Jackson, Regina Hall, Jessie T Usher, and Richard Roundtree lead the wild and crazy ensemble in the latest iteration of the blackpotation series. Get ready for the coolest cats to come to play when Shaft comes to theaters June 14. 

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

Toy Story 4 (Walt Disney Pictures/Pixar Animation Studios, June 21st)

Old Toy Road

Woody and the Gang have been together for years. From their adventures with Andy and their current adventures with Bonnie, things are looking up as all all the toys enjoy their Newfound lives. But life has a way of catching up with you and Woody, Buzz and the others find themselves at a Crossroads which could potentially lead them down a road left untraveled. Following up the Stellar animated trilogy, Pixar returns you to the world of toys in an too big to miss. The toys are back in town for another Wild Ride when Toy Story 4 arrives in theaters on June 21st.

Here is The Latest Released Trailer

A loaded month is ahead of us and it couldn't be more exciting. Be on the lookout for the reviews of these films and more in the coming weeks. Have a great day followers and talk to you soon. 

2019 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

Summer Movie Season 2019 Month 1 Recap

Happy hump day followers. The first month of the summer movie season is in the books and it was crazy. A lot of action, heartbreak, and unforgettable moments littered the opening month and the best part is that it's just the beginning. Let's recap all the big things that happened in our first month recap of the season.  

Marvel Studio's Avengers: Endgame 

The culmination of the MCU brought a decades long storyline to an emotionally and viscerally satisfying conclusion. Years of build up led to what is sure to be one of the true cinematic experiences of a generation.

Pokemon: Detective Pikachu

It's hard to say if video game film adaptations are a viable source of Storytelling. However, the first live action Pokemon film could be the step in the right direction when it comes to potentially breaking that curse. An engaging story filled with humor, action, and a ton of heart have made this movie one of the best examples a video game movie done right.

John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum

He came, he saw, he "Wick" it up. The third installment to arguably one of the best action franchises this decade saw Keanu Reeves proving he still capable a being one of Hollywood's most prolific action Stars. Jaw dropping action, a vibrant world, and a rich mythology have turned this action franchise into one  the great cinematic trilogies ever assembled.

Aladdin 

Turns out there's more diamond in this rough than originally thought. With all the odds stacked against it, Disney's live-action adaptation of one of the most beloved classics in the Disney animated portfolio turned out to be one of the more fun and better executed adaptations in the live-action lineup. Great Performances all around and a true sense of style, heart and humor make this a fun summer Rob and potentially one of the of the still-young summer movie season

Godzilla: King of the Monsters 

The third installment of the Monsterverse delivered on the promise of the title. With wall to wall monster action despite lackluster storytelling, Godzilla King of the Monsters was a dream come true for anyone looking for the best in a Kaiju brawl for it all.

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

Best Box Office Numbers (As of June 5th, 2019)

1. Marvel Studios' Avengers Endgame: $2.715 Billion

2. Aladdin: $454.5 Million

3. Pokemon Detective Pikachu: $394.2 Million 

4. John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum: $225.1 Million 

5. Godzilla King of the Monsters: $181.6 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Marvel Studios' Avengers Endgame (94% Certified Fresh)

2. John Wick Chapter 3 Parabellum (90% Certified Fresh)

3. Pokemon Detective Pikachu   (66%)

4. Aladdin (56 %)

5. Godzilla King of the Monsters  (40%)

What was your favorite movie of April/May? Check back tomorrow for the June preview and many more. Till next time followers. 

2019 Summer Movie Season - Godzilla: King of the Monsters: Review & Analysis

Flawed King!!!! Second Godzilla Film Delivers Epic Monster Battles But Forgets Engaging Narrative!!!!

Review by Brandon Porter

ZILLLAAA!!!!

Story Description

Millions of years ago, the earth was inhabited by massive beasts known as the Titans. They roamed the planet eons ago but have disappeared from existence. In the present day, these monsters are poised to rise again and threaten humanity on an unimaginable scale. The organization known as Monarch now appear to be completely outmatched by the likes of entities codenamed Mothra, Rodan, and the largest and fiercest of them all Gidora. Monarch's only chance for survival is to band together and join forces with the only one who can go toe to toe with these fearsome adversaries...the mighty Godzilla. 

Madison and Emma held captive by Jonah and his Men.

Critical and Financial Analysis

The Legendary Pictures Monsterverse has quietly become one of the more stable cinematic universes in recent memory. It's iconic title characters, Larger than Life action, and a well-rounded cast of veteran's and newcomers have made this franchise quite the spectacle to watch. The latest installment Godzilla king of the monsters looks to ride the momentum of his previous two entries by delivering on an epic scale and jaw-dropping awe. From a critical point of view, it was carnage to the highest level. Critics clobbered the movie hard with a brutally low 39% score on rotten tomatoes while the audience went the opposite route with a more positive 87% fresh rating. The film has been praised for its visuals and monster sequences but criticized plot structure and character development. The reaction is pretty lopsided with fans bringing up the fact that the monsters are the main reason to see the film. As for the box office, the film did capture the top spot at the box office though it did so performing under expectations with a $49 million dollar opening weekend. Additionally, the movie made $130 million in international markets for a worldwide total of $179 million. Godzilla King of the Monsters comes in with the intent of big bite but the mark is less than impactful from a critical and financial standpoint. The monsterverse is still promising in hindsight but some adjustments may need to occur for it to reach peak pop culture status. 

Triple The Bite, Triple The Might

Film Review

Godzilla King of the Monsters seems like the dream movie of anyone who grew up loving kaiju centric films. The title alone promises a lot up front and the pressure is on to deliver. With a loaded roster of incredible creatures including the title lead and a stacked cast, the film looks to rock the movie-going audience to its core. After seeing the movie, I am very torn with this entry in the cinematic universe. On the surface, it seems like a dream come true for monster movie fans. But looking closer, it gives a lot of sugar and sweets in monsters and brawls but severely lacks in other areas. Performance wise, there is much to be desired but there are still a few notable standouts. Ken Watanabe delivers possibly the most inspired performance with his dedication to his character's motivations and beliefs. He also delivers what I believe is the most emotionally moving and heartfelt moments of the franchise. Unfortunately, he is the only one who is remotely the most engaging of the bunch. Kyle Chandler, Millie Bobby Brown, and Vera Farmiga do solid in their roles but it isn't enough to pick up the slack for a rather lackluster human element. Some of the other cast are relegated to side characters who are not that interesting or fun. This really drags the story down and leaves everything to the monsters to pick up the slack. While we are on the subject, the monsters themselves do their part and do it well. Rest assured, if the lack of Godzilla was an issue in the 2014 reboot it is addressed fully here. He is present throughout the film and is shot with grace and scale making him a towering presence every time he is on screen. Ghidorah, Rodan, and Mothra balance out everything as they are captured beautifully and in stunning detail. Action wise, it shouldn't be a surprise that this movie delivers on the action with exhilarating set pieces that showcase its larger than life stars in a way that makes them the center of attention. I only wish the other elements of the film matched the ones that worked. All in all, I can't help but feel divided about Godzilla King of the Monsters. I got what I wanted in the form of big monster fights but without an engaging human narrative, the movie feels too reliant on spectacle to carry it through. If the franchise is to truly make waves, it has to find a way to get both the human and beast side to share the load and create a more well-rounded experience.

Rating and Final Thoughts

An explosive and raucous movie that delivers big on the thrills and beauty of monster fights despite the lack
of engaging characters or an above average plot.

Two kings, one throne. Who will rule?!