Skinned Snake!!!!! Fan Favorite Joe Origin Story Is Dull Blade of Engagement!!!!!
Review By Brandon Porter
Witness The Origin of The Legendary Joe
Story Description
Life is full of uncertainty and harsh realities. Destiny can befall those in moments where they least expect it. When a small-time fish market butcher (Henry Golding) saves the life of his boss and close friend Tommy (Andrew Koji), this skilled underground fighter soon sets in motion a new path to a life he never knew was possible. Both he and Tommy travel to rural Japan to Tommy’s home where he grew up. Run by the Arashikage clan, a secret society of ninja protecting the world from the shadows, Tommy teaches and guides his friend in the ways of the ninja and offers him something he’s never had. But when dark secrets start to emerge, this underground fighter must choose his allegiances wisely as dangerous adversaries come from outside and with the walls he resides including the shadow organization known as Cobra. This path he takes will shape him into the legendary warrior he was destined to become. Will he rise to the challenge or meet a fatal end at the hands of people he considers family?
Consdider this your audition.
Film Review
Looked at as a reboot of the GI Joe franchise and an origin solo movie for one of the series most popular characters, Snake Eyes: GI Joe Origins was a film I was excited about from the moment I saw the first trailer. After Bumblebee created such a drastic resurgence of faith in the Transformers franchise, I was confident that display would have a ripple effect through its military-based counterpart. After seeing the movie, it saddens me to say that doesn't seem to be the case at the moment. Paramount is doing what it can to get some of its already established IPs back in gear in this competitive field. While one series looks like it could have a promising road to redemption, Snake Eyes proves that GI Joe's road may be bumpier than originally thought. Performance-wise, it's tough to say who really is a standout in a film that doesn't really have that many engaging characters. But I'll start with our leading man. Henry Golding does his best to bring nuance to the character but the story that is told does not do him any favors. He is neither likable nor unlikeable. He is just a guy out for vengeance and that's it. His arc isn't all that fulfilling and by the end, you wonder was the journey really worth it. I wish the film gave Golding more to work with given his talent level but what appears is a character that honestly was more engaging and sympathetic when he was anonymous and silent. Andrew Koji fares a little better as Storm Shadow.
Non-Blood Brothers Who Have Each Others Backs
He crafts a character that is more sympathetic than the title character through his lack of emotional range robs any goodwill that is built up in moments. The rest of the cast doesn't bring much to the table as they range from uninteresting to just there with no real purpose. The action sequences while they are frequently placed are not as engaging as originally hoped. Doesn't help that most of them appeared in the trailers prior to the release. The film also suffers from pacing that really needed to hit the breaks at times. We aren't really given time to establish a connection to the characters because of action sequences that are placed with no real depth behind them.
Highway Cluster
The movie would have benefited from learning when to balance character building and action beats resulting in a film that was more enjoyable and narratively coherent. By the time the credits roll, you feel like this part of the character's history would have been better served in the hands of a genuine storyteller who knows how to balance action set pieces and craft engaging characters via depth-filled directing. All in all, Snake Eyes GI Joe Origins is a solid GI Joe film but simply because the bar wasn't all that high. If this franchise is going to have that newfound renaissance that Transformers looks like it's having, then more must be done to get directors who not only love the brand but can also tell a great story. The path is there but the hill to climb is steeper than what was originally suspected.
Rating and Final Thoughts
An action-filled escapade that is too fast to digest and not engaging enough to leave a lasting impression at the end of the journey.
Jam Session!!!!! LeBron and Tunes Score In Fun-Filled Hoops Romper!!!!!
Review By Brandon Porter
It's An All-New Jam
Story Description
NBA superstar LeBron James (Himself) has been the beacon of athletic excellence since he was a kid. With numerous accolades including 2 Olympic gold medals, 4 NBA championships, and several MVP awards, LeBron is the person everyone aspires to be…well almost everyone. James’ son Dom (Cedric Joe) seems to have no interest in following his father’s footsteps despite LeBron’s insistence he lives up to the legacy he has built. This persistent drive to have Dom be more like him causes a rift between the two but now they may need each other’s skills for a whole game that even LeBron hasn’t faced before. Now trapped in the Warner server verse, a digital world where all Warner Bros. properties reside, A highly egotistical AI known as Al G Rythme (Don Cheadle) is determined to steal LeBron’s social media followers to get more famous by doing the unthinkable…challenge one of the greatest basketball players of all time to a game of hoops. With his son’s freedom on the line and not many allies to turn to in this new world, LeBron must scour the server verse and assemble a team consisting of the unlikeliest of hoopsters…..Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes!!! Can LeBron and the tune squad triumph over the menacing goon squad or will this be one ball game King James can’t dominate?
LeBron and The Looney Tunes Face The Task In Front of Them.
Film Review
A spiritual sequel to the 1996 live-action/animated classic, LeBron James follows in the footsteps of Michael Jordan in teaming up with the Looney Tunes in a high-stakes hardwood battle for the ages. Brimming with both potential and skepticism, James aims to have his latest cinematic endeavor be a Slam Dunk. After being courtside for this, I can honestly say that this movie was so much fun. Like many, I too have fond memories of the 1996 classic movie. But as I've gotten older, I do see that the nostalgia goggles shielded a lot of the flaws but I still enjoy it for what it was. That said, Space Jam A New Legacy succeeds, and even times transcends the original in areas more times than not. For starters, let's give some credit to the leading man. LeBron James is a definite highlight of this movie. Not surprising given his breakout performance in Trainwreck six years prior. The guy has some raw talent when it comes to comedic performances and he showcases it here in the starring role. One of the biggest things that make Space Jam: A New Legacy work is LeBron's investment in the material. You can clearly tell he's putting effort into his performance and he is not afraid to have some fun and be goofy. This also shows in his vocal performances as well when he is animated. When you have an actor who is enjoying himself on screen, it allows the audience to do the same.
Al G Rhythm appeals to his captive audience inside the central hub of the Serververse
I give him a ton of credit for not phoning it in and just having a good time in the role. In fact, LeBron's performance in this Space Jam really shows how much Michael Jordan was just phoning it in in the original. Clearly, LeBron is the MVP when it comes to this movie and credit goes to him for embracing the ridiculousness of all that was around him. James wasn't the only one who shined on the court. The sixth man award goes to Cedric Joe as Dom. Joe plays an incredibly sympathetic character that you root for and his chemistry with James makes for some fun and genuinely heartfelt moments. He has a promising future and I'm looking forward to seeing him grow as an actor. Don Cheadle is fun hamming it up as Al G Rythme in a villain role that is cartoonishly over the top but given the subject matter, you should expect nothing less. As for the Looney Tunes themselves, it was such a treat seeing these characters on the big screen again. Whether it was in 2D or CG, all the characters were beautifully animated and authentically represented their characters. Credit to Jeff Bergman, Eric Bauza, Zendaya Coleman, and others for bringing these characters to life and playing well off of the leading man.
Power UP!!!!
Now of course the movie does have some flaws but the flaws are not as severe as all the detractors and critics say. Yes, there are some obvious nods to the Warner Streaming Service that feel hamfisted in but a quarter of the way in I was over it and it didn't bother me. Seeing cameos from other Warner properties just allowed for the filmmakers to have fun with the Looney Tunes. Some of them do kinda fall flat while others actually are pretty fun. The cynical mindset around this film really makes the criticisms overblown and quite frankly overly dramatic. It's LeBron and the Looney Tunes playing a basketball game against superpowered mutant monsters. Have some fun and get the stick out of your butts. Overall, I really had a fun time with this movie. More so than I thought I originally would. I think it just comes down to wanting to have a good time and not letting the uptight mindsets of others influence how I walk into films like this one. While I'll always have a soft spot for the 1996 film, there are times where this one surpasses it due to LeBron's investment and embrace of the silliness of it all. It may not be a game-winner, but it's worth the price of admission.
Rating and Final Thoughts
A big, looney, and goofy good time with James and the gang. Plenty of fun to be had for those not too stuck up about cynical viewpoints and perspectives.
Widow's Might!!!!! OG Avenger's Solo Movie is Overdue But Rock Solid Action Thriller!!!!!
Review By Brandon Porter
Nat's Defining Moment Has Come
Story Description
Natasha Romanoff (Scarlett Johansson) has endured a lot in her time. Once a KGB loyalist turned assassin, she found a new lease on life when she abandoned her destructive origins and pursued a straighter path. That path made her a loyal ally and friend as well as an integral member of the Avengers. But the past never seems to die. After her hand in the destructive escapade trying to apprehend Captain America and fugitive Bucky Barnes, Nat has gone off the grid to take the heat off her back. Unfortunately, that heat is starting to burn bright. When her old regime looks to reclaim her as their own, Natasha will have to rely on the most unexpected of allies…her estranged family. With her father the Red Guardian (David Harbour), her headstrong mother (Rachel Weisz), an equally capable sister Yelena (Florence Pugh) by her side, Natasha will confront her haunting past and the skilled combat specialist known as Taskmaster to break free of the shackles that continue to chain her to the woman she once was.
No bond quite like sisterly bonds
Film Review
Serving as the 24th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first theatrical MCU film in two years, Black Widow is the long-awaited solo outing for one of the Avenger’s OG members. Director Cate Shortland leads Scarlett Johansson and a talented roster of actors in a high-octane thriller that finally gives Natasha Romanoff the overdue spotlight she deserves. After seeing the movie after a year of waiting, Black Widow may be incredibly overdue but it is nonetheless a solid chapter in the Marvel cinematic portfolio. Since her debut in 2010's Iron Man 2, Natasha Romanoff has developed tremendously as a character making her a fan favorite amongst the Marvel fanbase. Her tragic demise in Endgame served a purpose in the story but still left people feeling like her story would never be told. Thankfully, Marvel finally saw a chance to give Nat her very own spotlight and the wait was worth it. To start, Scarlett Johansson carries the film with ease to no one's surprise. She was one of the first Avengers to get introduced in the MCU's infancy and though it took a good ten years to give her the keys to her own vehicle, she drives this car like she was born to do it. Everything she has learned and accumulated from her years on screen shines through as she continues to show layers of regret, remorse, and vulnerability. Johansson is a more than capable leading lady and I'm thrilled she got the chance to tell this story with a character that has been with her for over a decade. In addition to Johansson, a number of supporting characters do just as well in carrying the load. Florence Pugh kills it as Yelena in what might be one of the best MCU character debuts since Shuri in Black Panther. Pugh is a rising star in the industry and I'm thrilled to see that her talents are on full display playing this character.
Alexei Stands by his daughters in their time of need
The sass, snark, and dry humor she throws out there keep things from getting stale, and her chemistry with Johansson really adds heart to the story thanks to some terrific banter between the two of them in a number of tense moments. I for one cannot wait to see what Yelena brings to the table in this new phase of the MCU. Also bringing awesome things to the table is David Harbour as Alexei. He is a riot in the film and just comes off as this lovable goof with the strength of Captain America and the heart of a gummi bear. Harbour brought the majority of the laughs in the film and embraced the comic relief role with ease. Others like Rachel Weisz and Ray Winstone did great in their roles with the latter crafting an antagonist that is cruel, sadistic, and scarily mirrors a few individuals in the modern-day.
He's clearly up to the task of facing the Avengers
Speaking on that, besides the fast-paced action the encompasses the majority of the film, the movie does bring up some dark and hard-hitting thematic undertones that merely just peak out but don't take center stage. These types of contextual elements could have been explored more but it doesn't detract from an otherwise solidly crafted film. Still, it would have been great to see the movie touch on these subjects more heavily resulting in a story that is equal parts adrenaline-pumping and thought-provoking. That said, Black Widow is a great addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that serves as a long-overdue outing for this fan-favorite hero. It may not break the mold or do anything that could shake the foundation of the universe but it's still great to see Natasha Romanoff get the much-needed story she's long deserved.
Rating and Final Thoughts
A thrillingly entertaining Solo outing for one of the OG Avengers that is action-packed and fun while still showing signs of a more complex narrative just below the surface.
Hey there followers. Today is a huge day for Marvel fans. With the release of Black Widow in theaters, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has officially returned to cinemas for the first time since 2019. It has been too long since we’ve experienced Marvel on the big screen and now this latest installment will kick start the studios' reintroduction to the theatrical audience. But just because the MCU has been MIA from theaters, does not mean that they haven't been busy leading up to today. In fact, some of their recent MCU content has already had some dramatic effects on the future of the universe. The launch of Marvel content on Disney + has been the talk of conversation since the start of the year with the constant stream of MCU lore being expanded thanks to this new form of storytelling. And it all started with Wandavision.
Wandavision broke the rules and added to the mold as one of the MCU's most rewarding chapters.
The MCU's first original series was an instant hit with fans and saw Wanda officially take on the mantle of the Scarlet Witch. It also introduced us to fan favorites Monica Rambaeu and Agatha Harkness as well as set up the potential conflict that could be at the center of the upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. Though it remains to be seen what role Wanda will play in her escapdes with Steven Strange, it truly is awesome to see Wanda finally become a major player in the franchise after some steady and effective character development over the course of her intro in Age of Ultron to now.
A game changer and conversation starter, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier saw Sam Wilson fulfill his role as this universe's new Cap.
A few weeks after the finale of Wandavision, probably one of the most talked about shows on Disney + took center stage with The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. From a personal standpoint, this is my favortie thing to come out of Marvel Phase 4 as of right now. From its fast paced action, hard hitting social commentary, and bold takes on the material, this is a rewarding and uplifting series that is a must watch for Marvel fans. When it was all said and done, we ended up with a brand new Captain America in Sam Wilson finally taking the mantle that was left to him by Steve. With an untiled Captain America film set to release at a later date, It's great to know that our new Star Spangled man is up to the task of wielding the shield. As of now, Black Widow is not the only Marvel escapde on display as of now. Tom Hiddleston is creating mischief in more ways then one in his own series. But soon the MCU will be doing its own set of resuffuling in the mind bending animsted series What If...? Whether its T'Challa as Starlord, Kilmonger Saving Tony Stark, or Peggy Carter getting the super solider serum, the series will take some serious swings as it looks to show the MCU in a new light.
Loki has really done it this time in his mind bending new series that takes the character and the MCU in unexpected directions.
Marvel's newest hero will make his MCU debut in the official closing movie of the summer.
After Black Widow, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is going to continue to revitalize it's place in the cinema landscape with some huge releases set to come down the pipeline. Two months from now, fans will be introduced to the MCU's newest hero when Simu Liu takes on the role of Shang-Chi in the martial arts action epic Shang-Chi and the Ten Rings. Marvel also has us covered for the holidays as Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek lead an all new team in Eternals being led by Academy Award winning director Chloe Zhao. Finally, the much kept under wraps Spider-Man film that follows-up the explosive events of Far From Home arrives in December to wrap up the calandar year for the studio.
An all star cast take the stage in an all new team up movie about a diverse group of celestial warriors.
The future dosen't stop there. Next year will be even bigger with some massive cinematic and streaming outings arriving including Thor: Love and Thunder, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Hawkeye, Ms. Marvel, She-Hulk, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3. Marvel has always been a powerhouse when it come to world class entertainment and the upcoming docket proves that the universe is back and stronger than ever. After being in a world without earth's mighteiest hereos for a whole year, it is safe to say we are thrilled to have them back and will never take them for granted again.
Hot and Ready!!! Widows, Ninjas, Explorers, and Toons Set To Fire Up The July Box Office
By Brandon Porter
Welcome to July followers. It was really awesome to see the thetrical experience return to a sense of normalcy this past month. July however can really kick things into high gear. Films that are primed to thrill audiences will also look to make their mark as a sign that movies are back in their rightful place. Let's breakdown the madness headed our way in month 2.
The Forever Purge (Universal Pictures, July 2nd)
Open Season
After years of bloodshed, a climbing bodycount, government corruption and literal anarchy, the annual purge has been discontinued allowing the country to move into an era where innocent people don't have to look over their shoulder in fear of death from random purgers. Unfortunately, one small texas town isn't quite ready to let go of the past. When a group of bystanders are being hunted by a pro-purge militia, they must band together to survive one last night of chaos that is now a relic of the past. The final installment of the horror dystopian series, the siren may have signal the end, but to some the past is harder to let go. Witness a full on out with a bang finale when The Forever Purge comes to theaters this Friday.
Latest Trailer
Marvel Studios' Black Widow (Marvel Studios, July 9th)
Widow Bites Back
Natasha Romanoff has always had a shady past, but now that past has come back to tear down everything she holds dear. After her part in the Airport brawl in Germany, Nat disappears to find herself. Instead, she finds a relic from her murderous past returning. She'll need all the help she can get and she may have found it with her family who have all come back together to have her back. Where will this road lead her and will she and everyone she loves survive the ordeal? Serving as the first theatrical MCU entry in 2 years, this spy action thriller aims to return the Marvel heroverse to the cineplex in explosive fashion. Watch this OG avenger finally get her chance to shine when Black Widow arrives in theater and Disney + on July 9th.
Latest Trailer
Space Jam: A New Legacy (Warner Animation Group/Warner Bros. Pictures, July 16th)
Time To Slam Now
LeBron James has gone up against some of the toughest competitors on the court. But nothing will prepare him for this. After getting sucked into the Warner Serververse, LeBron has to assemble a team that is compiled of the legendary Looney Tunes to play in a basketball game to save his son who has been kidnapped by a Rogue AI. Well LeBron come in the clutch or miss his shot at freedom. A spiritual sequel to the 1996 sports animated comedy, LeBron James following the steps of Michael Jordan in this zany and action packed hardwood battle. Get ready to lace em up when Space Jam A New Legacy slams in the theaters on July 16th
Latest Trailer
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (Paramount Pictures/Skydance, July 23rd)
Way of The Ninja
Little is known about the silent warrior affiliated with the military organization known as G.I. Joe. His identity was secret and his past was unknown…until now. Coming from nothing, this lowly fish handler goes on a life-changing journey where he discovers himself and truly becomes the hero he was always meant to be. Henry Golding is the silent ninja that became one of G.I. Joe’s most iconic heroes in a prequel/reboot of the cinematic franchise. Experience the birth of a hero when Snake Eyes: G.I Joe Origins hits cinemas on July 23
Latest Trailer
Jungle Cruise (Walt Disney Studios, July 30th)
Jungle Fever
What happens when you put a headstrong and stubborn explorer with an egotistical con man with a struggling boat tour on an adventure together? A wild and perilous good time. In a journey to find the fountain of youth, these two individuals must learn to work together to make it through the perils of the Amazon unknown. Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt set sail in the latest adventure from Disney live action. Experienced the terror, humor, an explosive action of the worlds most unpredictable boat tour. Be prepared to set sail what a journey to the backside of water when Jungle Cruise ports in the theaters on July 30th.
Latest Trailer
So many big time films on the way make this a huge month for theaters and moviegoers. Be on the lookout for the release of these movies and more throughout the month. Have a wonderful and safe July 4th weekend.
