2021 Summer Movie Season - Free Guy: Review & Analysis

Heck of A Guy!!!!!! Ryan Reynolds Led Video Game Comedy is Fun and Deeply Layered Emotional Escapade!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

A Great Day To Wake Up And Be The Best Guy

Story Description 

For Guy (Ryan Reynolds), every day is the same. He wakes up, gets dressed, goes to work, hangs out with his best friend Buddy (Lil Rel Howrey), and goes to sleep only to wake up and do it all over again. Now, this would be pretty standard and mundane if it wasn't for the fact that Guy is actually an NPC or non-playable character inside a video game called Free City. Residing in the chaotic town of Free City, Guy starts to question his role within the game longing to do more than just do his usual routine day in and day out. One day, he takes matters into his own hands by attempting to be a hero in a game that discourages good guys. Upon meeting a mysterious avatar named Millie (Jodie Comer), Guy and his new companion team up in an attempt to save a game that is being threatened with deletion. Guy must rise to the task to be the good guy and save the world he calls home.

Guy and Millie Advance Toward Their Goals Within 
Free City.

Film Review

From Director Shawn Levy and starring Ryan Reynolds, Free Guy is the action-comedy that looks to bring some hilarious antics and action-packed thrills to the SMS. Its intriguing premise and world-building could turn this gaming-centric adventure into the sleeper hit of the summer. After seeing the film from start to finish, I am pleasantly surprised that the film ends up being more than just an action comedy with a romance element. Although it does suceed in doing that but so much more. Free Guy takes its solid premise and manages to build a story that isn't just action-packed and hilarious but also brimming with deeply through and emotional layers. 

Fastest Way To Respawn.

Before we dive into the inner complexities of the movie, Let's give some much deserved praise to the people who brought these characters to life on screen. Ryan Reynolds is in a league of his own in this film. This man comes with his own brand of comedy which is only found in a handful of actors. Every scene he is in, he lights it up with a performance that is equal parts hilarious and equal parts heartwrming. His freedom to let his nerd flag fly high shows in a role that showcases him balancing action, humor and emotion at a great pace. His on-screen counterparts played well off of him with the obvious standout being  Jodie Comer. Her role as Millie see her balance quirky humor with heart, emotion and sex appeal that doesn't come off as objectifialble. A refreshingly engaging and fun chracter in both her real world and video game form. Lil Rel Howrey, Taika Watiti, Joe Keery, Utkarsh Ambudkar among others roundout a fun cast of characters who bring much to the table in a movie that has more going on under the surface than it wants to let on. 

 Stay Focused on What's Ahead.

While we are on the subject, Free Guy impressed me the most by really crafting a story that wasn't just coherent but also touchingly heartfelt and brimming with deep emotional layers. Each chracter within free city always felt like that had something under the surface despite the fact that they were chracters within a video game. This made them feel real and you felt for them as if they were real people. Reynolds' performance illiterates this the best as he carries a lot of the emotional weight and comedic weight. Luckily, those who play off of him are elevated and not pushed to the side. Their depth is deepened thanks to their relations with the other characters. The movie also is surprisingly sweet in many moments which is refreshing given the events that transpire within the game world. You can draw some real world parallels to gaming and streaming culture though some of it is obviously toned down given the vileness of the real world counterpart. None the less, this level of attention to detail in regards to narrative and chracter driven emotional depth is a credit to director Shawn Levy and the cast for bringing more to the table then what was expected. As a whole, Free Guy is more than just a video game centric movie. It's a film about taking that first step in beomeing something greater than what you were "programmed" to be. Couple that with some hilarious performances and some genuine emotion, you get a movie that gives you the thrills you wanted with an extra care package for good measure. 

Rating and Final Thoughts 

A genuinely funny action comedy with a strongly crafted romantic element and a deeply
rich and layred depth that enhances the viewers journey throughout.  

 

Who The Best New Hero of The SMS? THIS GUY!!!

Re-Porter Blog 2021 Summer Movie Season - Month 3 Preview (August/September 2021)

 

Summer Blowout!!! Myths, NPCs, Squads and Kung-Fu Masters Close Out Condensed Summer Season!!!!

By Brandon Porter

Good afternoon followers. We are only a few days into August and are about to start the final month of the Summer Movie Season. This month lineup has no shortage of showstopping blockbusters. From DC starting the month to Marvel closing it out, The last month of the SMS promises to be the cherry on top of what has been an unorthodox but nonetheless entertaining time at the movies. Let’s breakdown what’s to come in month 3 in our latest monthly preview.

 

The Suicide Squad (Warner Bros Pictures/DC, August 6th)

Squad Goals

If you had to choose between potentially getting killed by a giant intergalactic starfish or get your head blow clean off by a hard as nails government proctor, which door would you walk through. That is the decision that is about to befall a number of despicable inmates. From the deliriously genius mind of James Gunn, DC reimagines the thrown together team known as task force x in an explosively violent and demented escapde sure to leave people thirsting for more. Join the ultimate band of misfits when The Suicide Squad arrives in theaters tomorrow.

Latest Trailer

Free Guy (20th Century Studios, August 13th)

Upgrade Package

Everyone lives their life one day at a time. But what if you had the chance to rise above other's expectations and your own? One NPC is about to make the jump from side guy to main guy in an adventure that will show him become the hero he never thought he could be. Ryan Reynolds stars in the action-comedy about how one guy's life is changed in a single day within the confines of a video game. Plug in and get ready to play when Free Guy goes live on August 13th. 

Latest Trailer

Respect (MGM, August 13th)

What It Means To Me

An icon, a legend, an activist, a queen. One of the most cherished singer-songwriters of all time has inspired genrations and uplifted the voiceless since she was old enough to carry a note. Now, her story will be told in the biggest way possible. Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson takes on the role as the queen of soul as she portrays the singer at multiple points in her life. Witness the story of the woman who entertained the world while also finding her voice when Respect arrives in cinemas August 13th

Latest Trailer

Candyman (Universal Pictures, August 27th)

Be My Victim

The legend you know has returned to reap terror on those who say his name. When a young photographer returns to his childhood hometown, he researches the origins of the urban legend that has terrorized residents for decades. Upon uncovering the truths, he discovers his own suppressed connection to the enigma while also finding himself be the vessel of his bloody return. Nia DeCosta and writer Jordan Peele team up for a new take on the urban legend made famous by the iconic Tony Todd. We dare you to say his name 5 times when Candyman comes on August 27th.

Latest Trailer

Marvel Studios' Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings
 (Marvel Studios, July 9th)



Ring Bearer

No one chooses their family. But sometimes if they could, the results would be interesting to witness. When the prodigal son of a ruthless crimelord is called home to accept his birthright, he must face the trama of his past and attempt to escape the shadow of his father to forge his own destiny on his terms. Marvel Studios prepares to introduce the world to the MCU's newest hero in the studio's first film with an asian male lead. See the rise of the master of kung-fu when Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings arrives in theaters Labor Day weekend.

Latest Trailer

What a way to end the 2021 season. Make sure you watch out for the reviews for these films and more over the next couple weeks. Have a safe weekend everyone and see you next time.

2021 Summer Movie Season - Month By Month Recaps

 

SMS Month 2 Recap (July)

Happy Hump day followers!!!! The second month of the summer movie season has concluded taking us into the final month with anticipation. A lot of movies took to the screen to create probably the most entertaining month of the season so far. Let's break down all of it in our month 2 recap.

The Forever Purge

The final installment of the dystopian action-horror franchise concluded with very little fanfare despite its attempts to hold a mirror in today’s society. Only time will tell if this series is just edgy political satire or a crystal ball into a future that looks bleak for all involved.

Black Widow

The Marvel Cinematic Universe’s return to theaters saw one of the OG Avengers get her much-needed time in the spotlight. Alongside a colorful cast of characters including some that we’ll see again as soon as possibly November, Natasha Romanoff’s solo outing may not have shaken the foundation of the MCU all that much. But it is a welcome return for the Marvel heroverse to the silver screen.

Space Jam A New Legacy

Let's get something straight here. There are movies that you should take seriously as artforms and movies you should look at as fun entertainment free of any cynicism and stuck-up mindsets. The sequel to Space Jam is definitely the latter. Behind an invested and fun performance from LeBron and a heartfelt father-son element, Space Jam A New Legacy was one of the most fun movies to come out of the SMS despite the banshee screeches of detractors. 

Snake Eyes

I have to say, this one hurt. A spinoff starring one of the most popular characters in GI Joe history attempted to slice and dice the competition and only barely scratched it. Despite Henry Golding's performance, below-average filmmaking and a lack of engagement really sucked any potential life out of this let down of an action thriller. The reality is, unlike Transformers, GI Joe's big-screen resurgence is going to be a rougher road unless a passionate filmmaker can inject life into a franchise lacking appeal.

Jungle Cruise

Of all the movies to come this SMS, this amazonian action adventure starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt became the quentisestial summer movie offering everything you want in one. Fun characters, heart pounding action, and a few surprises and twist made it an enjoyable pun-filled ride from start to finish. A strong showing in a crowded month that delivered all the goods. 

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

Best Box Office Numbers (As of August 4th, 2021)

1. Black Widow: $345.4 million

2. Space Jam A New Legacy: $121.4 Million

3. Jungle Cruise: $71 Million 

4. The Forever Purge: $64 Million 

5. Snake Eyes G.I. Joe Origins: $29.4 Million 

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Black Widow (81% Certified Fresh)

2. Jungle Cruise (63%)

3. The Forever Purge (49%)

4. Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (38%)

5. Space Jam: A New Legacy (27%)

What was you favorite movie this month? Stayed tuned for the month 3 preview and more upcoming reviews. Have and awesome day.

2021 Summer Movie Season - Jungle Cruise: Review & Analysis

 

Cruise Control!!!!! Duo of Blunt and Johnson Create Big Laughs and High Thrills in Summer Adventure Fest!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

A Partnership Formed Through Mutual Understanding 

Story Description 

Explorer Lily Houghton (Emily Blunt) has never been one to shy away from discovery or adventure. No matter how crazy or far-fetched the journey is, if there’s a chance of learning more about it, she will not let anything stand in her way. Now, a new revelation has come to fruition fueling her desire to go out and see it for herself. An ancient tree foretold to hold unimaginable healing powers has been said to be located deep in the Amazonian rainforest. But the journey to get there is treacherous. Knowing the danger she may face on the journey, Lily enlists the assistance of local skipper and businessman Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to grant her and her brother (Jack Whitehall) safe passage to the tree. With deadly mercenaries, local natives and ancient curses at every turn, Frank and Lily must rely on each other to reach the tree and survive the unrelenting trials of the Amazon jungle.

Frank, Lily, and McGregor await their fate amongst
the natives.

Film Review

Loosely based on the classic Disneyland attraction that has been part of the company’s history for almost 6 decades, Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt star in the adventure film that takes two of Hollywood’s biggest stars and pairs them together in what looks to be the thrill ride of the summer. After going on this trek with the skipper and the explorer, Jungle Cruise is a ride worth taking with a group of characters worth spending time with. The thing that allows for Jungle Cruise to shine is its embrace of the crazy antics and world. The film never takes itself seriously but it doesn't sacrifice the quality of its entertainment value or its characters that add so much to the film. While we are on the subject of characters, let's give unsurprising praise to the lead duo. Dwayne Johnson continues to be one of the most alluring and electrifying presences on screen. His turn as Frank Wolff is fun to watch and also equally surprising to watch evolve over the course of the film. Johnson plays this character with such charisma and heart that it should be no surprise that you become attached and enamored within minutes of meeting him. This speaks to Johnson's unmatched ability to singlehandedly carry a film and his talent as an on-screen performer. 

Strong Form, Poor Targeting

Luckily, Johnson has someone to help carry the load in Emily Blunt. Between this film and A Quiet Place Part II earlier this year, I think it is safe to say that Blunt is becoming one of the most versatile actresses in the industry. Her effortless ability to poignantly display any and every emotion and do it so convincingly is a joy to watch. Her turn as Lily truly showcases her wit, humor, and sense of self crafting a character that you fall in love with from frame one. Her chemistry with Johnson only elevates her game as she is able to play off of him so well creating one of the best one-two punches in the Summer Movie Season. Jack Whitehall is not to be outdone as Lily's brother McGregor. His antics kept me laughing throughout the film making him an entertaining standout. His character is significant given he is LGBTQ but his reveal is executed well and doesn't come off as forced. Even after the reveal, he never changes in attitude or mindset, and that kind of character consistency helped shape him and make him a full-fledged comic relief. Paul Giamatti, Jesse Plemons, and Edgar Ramirez all do well on their screen time and none feel as wasted as most feared they would be. As I mentioned before, Jungle Cruise embraces its identity and never tries to take things seriously. Everything from the comedic beats to the action creates a strong sense of a film that just wants its audience to have a good time. Not to say there are not some heartfelt and emotional moments, but they occur as a result of character development and the performance of the actors. With so many movies looking to be taken seriously despite their ludicrous premise, it's nice to see Jungle Cruise wear its campiness and literal corniness like a badge of honor and aim to deliver a film that is pure popcorn indulging fun. In hindsight, Jungle Cruise fits the bill as a true-to-nature summer movie. Funny, action-packed, and full of heart, fun characters, and enough good-natured intentions to justify its absurd antics. It's a movie that is only intended to let you sit back and enjoy the ride and in these times, a ticket to that is worth more than anyone can imagine.

Rating and Final Thoughts 

A good-hearted, funny, and action-packed summer romp backed with a terrific duo that
make this cruise a ride worth the waters in treads.  

Jungle Hugs are the Best Hugs