2022 Summer Movie Season - Top Gun Maverick: Review & Analysis

 

Pilot in The Box!!!!! Sequel to Classic 80s Film Is Earnest Aviation Love Letter!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

The Legend Flies Again

Story Description

Ace aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is the full embodiment of being a master at his craft. With over 30 years of service and earning almost every single distinguished honor in the Air Force, a few pilots on the planet are as skilled as one of Top Gun’s most distinguished graduates. However, Mitchell’s reluctance to take on a leadership role for fear of grounding himself keeps him from really making a real lasting impact in the Armed Forces. That soon changes in a big way thanks to a recommendation from an old friend. Thrust into the mentor role at the request of an old wingman, Mitchell must now guide a new crop of pilots, including the son of his deceased friend Goose (Miles Teller) in the ways of aviation. Determined to humble a couple of wet behind the ears hotshots and confront his own fallibility and fear, Maverick must now take the next step in becoming not only a worthy teacher but a leader worthy enough to follow behind. 

Formation.

Film Review

There are few films that defined the 80s like Top Gun. Since it’s released in 1986, the film has become a cinematic staple for the era it was released in. Now more than 30 years later, Tom Cruise jumps back into the cockpit as his iconic character in a sequel that has been hard anticipated and played with the setbacks and delays. With a new cast, a new story, and plenty of nostalgic nods to the classic that starts at all, Top Gun Maverick looks to reinvigorate the world of high stakes aviation and bring the need for speed to cinemas. After jumping into the cockpit and taking off for this ride, Top Gun Maverick took its time coming in. But it was worth the wait. Tom Cruise has been a dedicated advocate for this project as many people know. His passion for the art of aviation and his relentless drive to not play things safe from an acting standpoint made it inevitable that he would work hard to deliver the most authentic cinematic look at flying put to screen. Luckily, a strong story, a likable ensemble, and plenty of nostalgic beats make this more than just a glorified air show. Acting-wise, Tom Cruise commands the screen as Pete Mitchell. While still having that rebel attitude, Cruise really elevates the character by giving him dimension and demons to fight as he confronts the ever-changing world around him. You truly see Cruise giving his all and the film is better for it. Thankfully, others around him really help this film exceed even the original. While the 1986 classic had a handful of good supporting characters that played second fiddle to the love story, the ensemble in Top Gun Maverick is given the spotlight alongside Cruise and they do a great job keeping you engaged. Glen Powell, Danny Ramirez, Monica Barbaro, Jay Ellis, Jon Hamm, Bashir Salahuddin, and others create a great supporting cast that really works to create investment in the story and raise the stakes. The standouts of the supporters however are Miles Teller and Jennifer Connelly. Teller is fantastic as Bradley creates a great emotional obstacle for Maverick to overcome. Their relationship on screen is the heart of the film and it makes the moments of triumph and tension all the more heart pumping. Conneely radiates the screen matching Cruise's suaveness with her charm and wit. Unlike the first film, the romantic subplot is not the primary focal point of the story but it was great to see it play out nonetheless.

Goin Supersonic.

One of the things I appreciate so much about this movie is its ability to be cinematically top grade from a technical standpoint yet still craft a story that is engaging with characters that you want to invest in. The amount of time, effort, and passion that was put into the practical shooting of the breathtaking flight sequences, including having actors operate their in-cockpit cameras, is a marvel that should be celebrated. But what makes it all the more rewarding is that the narrative is strong and the characters on screen make you feel for them. I've seen too many movies where the cinematography, sound mixing, editing, and other technical elements are second to none but the story and characters are uninteresting and hollow. Top Gun Maverick doesn't have that problem. When the technical muscles are flexed on screen coupled with characters you care about, it makes what is supposed to be impactful moments more impactful. When a film can do that, it's something special. Overall, Top Gun Maverick is one of the most thrillingly satisfying films so far this year. So much heart and valor are seen on display and it's great to see that the film honors its past while making sure it creates a story that connects with more people maybe even more so than its predecessor. It took a while to get back into the danger zone but if feels damn good to be back. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

An emotionally earnest and thrilling summer ride that salutes aviation, honors its classic predecessor,
and presents characters and a story worth cheering for.

It's a hit Ghostrider, It's a hit

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #11 (My Relationship With Star Wars)

 

By Brandon Porter

Who knew this would be the Star Wars character that I would relate to the most as of right now.

Someone who was so passionate about something now only fills him with dread, stress, and fatigue. So much so that he wants nothing to do with it...at least not now.

It's been about 2 and a half years since the Skywalker Saga ended with Star Wars Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker. It brought an end to the sequel trilogy and the Skywalker Saga that started in 1977. The years that followed have become the equivalent of a bitter and resentful ex-wife/husband constantly telling everyone how dissatisfied they were with how things went with their partner. The blog posts, the "credible sources" on YouTube with their hot takes, the Twitter threads and Facebook posts talking about what went wrong, how this company ruined this, blaming everything on SJWs, Left-Wing Politics, POC, pandering agendas, or any other stupid BS that they pull out of their behinds these days. The consistency of all of this has made having conversations about this fictional form of entertainment such a freakin chore. For me, it's one of the many reasons why I'm not as passionate about Star Wars as I once was in 2015. Nowadays, whenever I see something in Star Wars that is on the horizon, I don't have the same level of hype that I used to have. The most I'll be is intrigued and then days later it is an afterthought. That isn't something I thought would happen to me, especially with a series that's been part of my life for so long. So what led me to this state? What caused me to exile myself from the galaxy far, far away with little interest, at the moment, to return? Warning that this post could be triggering to some people. These are my raw and honest takes on the state of the franchise, the series' ultra passionate (and at times zealously entitled) fandom, and the emotional baggage that has piled up since the conclusion of the latest trilogy. I've held these feelings in for long enough. Time to put my (sabbacc) cards on the table. 

Let me start this out by saying to everyone that I am a huge fan of the Sequel Trilogy. Yes, you heard me. I know I might be one of the only people in the Star Wars community that genuinely enjoyed the story told in Episodes VII-IX. But I genuinely believe this is the best trilogy since the original. I love the characters Rey, Finn, Poe, BB-8, Rose, and Kylo Ren aka Ben Solo. I love how they grow and change throughout the course of the trilogy, I love the era known as the Age of Resistance. I loved that it gave me some of my greatest moments as a Star Wars fan, and I love that it reawakened my love for Star Wars that had been dormant for so long. But ever since the conclusion of TROS, how the trilogy and era have been treated has me heartbroken and sad. As of now, it is being labeled as the bastard child by the collective fandom, the mainstream media, and at times, the people who helped bring it to life. We all know that the sequels had their share of issues. But a lot of these issues and criticisms that have been consistently thrown around to me are either unimportant, irrelevant or just downright childish and stupid. It's been quite disheartening to see a collection of stories that I love to get beaten like this and ridiculed because it didn't live up to the astronomically unattainable expectations. Something that no studio will ever be able to do no matter how hard they try. 

I'm not saying that no one shouldn't be critical of media and be positive all the time. That would make things boring. But I think the route of my frustration with Star Wars right now is the oversaturation of the overly critical hot takes that just boil down to you just being bitter that Disney has control of the brand and isn't delivering what you want. Sometimes to an embarrassing degree. Like a spoiled child throwing a tantrum at a grocery store because the parent denied them a candy bar. Being the age I am now, I've seen some incredibly repulsive takes that made me think Star Wars fans actually don't know how to watch a movie. In the years during the Sequel era, I myself have been on the receiving end of some of these personal attacks though not as severe as others. From people on social media passive-aggressively belittling my opinion accusing me of being a shill because I have the audacity to have a different opinion than them to people talking behind my back at my place of work labeling me as some white knight for Star Wars. To me, this type of gaslighting is the biggest sign of disrespect. There is nothing more disrespectful than somebody labeling you when they don't truly even know you. 

 Besides, it's not like the series was in pristine shape before George Lucas signed it over to Disney. George was pretty much bullied into retirement after he was crucified by the fandom after the prequels. If you don't believe me, just look up articles from over a decade ago about how he felt about what was being said about him. All because he had the audacity to do things with something HE made. Sure, I think Lucas can be villainized (a little bit) for his alteration of the Original Trilogy in 1997. But anyone who TRULY knows the man understands he is a perfectionist who was always looking to innovate and progress technology. Anyone who takes that type of psychological flogging is bound to have their spirit break despite how stoic and unbothered they appear to be. Lucas may not have been a perfect filmmaker but I would never say some of the things that "ultra passionate fans" have said to him in years past. Ironic how some of the fans seem to forget the part they played in Star Wars slipping from Lucas' control. 

That form of selective amnesia is laughable and it's hilarious when you remind them of it and they get defensive. My personal favorite is when they throw out the "Not All Fans" argument. Newsflash, everyone with a brain and common sense already knows that not all Star Wars fans are entitled pricks who throw around blatant forms of misogyny, racism, or other hurtful things at actors, directors, producers, or other fans but then try to pass it off as "constructive criticism." For me, this not-all mindset seems to be used as a defense mechanism to avoid addressing a real issue in modern fandom. The majority of the fandom community is made up of positive people. But the vocal minority seems to be drowning out the larger majority creating this assumption that everyone in the Star Wars fandom is a whiny entitled manchild. That's not the case but perception is everything, especially in an age where negativity and controversy are like an addictive drug. The problem isn't just that the vocal minority is loud. It's that the vast larger majority hasn't done enough, if anything at all, to keep this toxic vocal minority in check. Then once the valid criticisms come in, the ones on the majority side get defensive. I'm not saying you need to constantly police the toxic fans. No one has the time or temperament for that. Just do more than what you're doing now. 

Obviously, for a series that has been around for as long as this one has, the generational gaps are substantial. There are those who have loved the series since the first one was released in 77, there are those in my generation that fell in love with it during the prequel era via the movies and the clone wars, and there is the current generation who first experienced it thanks to Rebels, The Sequels, and even The Mandalorian. I understand that not everybody is going to like the same thing. But if there is one thing I don't want is for Lucasfilm and Disney to ignore and shun an entire generation's Star Wars based on the loud group of entitled individuals who had their egos bruised because of a section of the series that didn't match their in head algorithm. Do stories within the 30 year gap between ROTJ and TFA, do an Obi-Wan series, an Ashoka series sure. But there are fans, like myself, who love and connected with the Age of Resistance era and the chracters within. I pray that the 2 season run of Star Wars Resistance was not an indicator of what was to come for the sequel era. For a show that they "say" was the complete story, it felt very anticlimactic and unfinished just as it was hitting its stride. So much more could have been done with these characters that would have added some context to that era much like Clone Wars and Rebels did with their eras. But it felt like it got cut off at the knees before it had a chance to really make an impression within the universe. Do I want to see Star Wars stories in different eras? Of course. Connecting with different characters and different time periods in the universe will keep the series from getting stagent and reliant on old characters and familiar beats. But for an era and characters that I have a lot of love for that I believe has so much more to offer this universe in conjunction with what we've already seen, stories set within the sequel era could benefit the franchise in the long run. A Finn and Poe series, a Rose series, and new live action/animated series with new characters set during the events of the trilogy. Something to add context to this era and add more meaning to some of the iconic moments in TFA, TLJ, and TROS. Abandoning these characters and the era they inhabit because of loud internet mob mentality would be detrimental to the franchise and the fans that see the value and meaning in what was given instead of what wasn't. If George Lucas had not have stuck to his guns and been adoment about adding context to the prequel era and instead "listened to the fans", we never would have gotten Ashoka, Rex, Hondo, or so many incredidle moments from the Age of Republic. 

So I have to ask people, what do you think this crusade against "Disney Star Wars" and their "agenda driven political propaganda" is truly going to accomplish? Taking a page out of film critic Bob Chipman's re-review of Episode I, I can tell you what it is NOT going to do. It's not going to make any of the movies better or worse, it's not going to bring back George Lucas, it's not going to stop new fans who have the blessed luxury of not having all this emotionally draining baggage from falling in love with the series, it won't change the fact that Disney owns the franchise, and it won't stop potentially awesome new Star Wars content from coming out. No matter how many petty "this is better/more exciting/more engaging than" comments are written on social media that just fill me with such fatigue and annoyance or those the stupid as hell "so and so deserved better" t-shirts are worn that just make me roll my eys out of my damn sockets,   All this is really going to accomplish is turn the Star Wars fandom into one of the most entitled, whiny and cynically obxious fandoms in pop culture. 

I for one don't want to be associated with anything like that at this present time. I have heard more than my share of takes and critiques from other fans about who's fault it is for a series of films "failing" or how franchise being "ruined" or how Disney is raping childhoods and such. But all this is doing, as of right now, is negatively effect how I react to things, putting me in stints of depression, and just killing my mood for an extended periods of time. Combine that with the lack of investment that Lucasfilm has made in continuing stories within the sequel era just makes me not motivated to stay attached to this universe anymore. I will always be a fan of Star Wars. But at this time, hanging up the robes and tossing the lightsaber aside just feels like the appropriate decision right now. Will I pick it back up and be as on fire for the series as I was all those years ago? Who knows. But for now, I'm closing off the force and heading into isolation. I have spoken. 

2022 Summer Movie Season - Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness: Review & Analysis

Doctor's Orders!!!!! Second Doctor Strange Flick Is A Bag of Fun, Frights, and Prerequisite Requirements!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Welcome To The Multiverse

Story Description 

Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has dealt with many challenges since the fateful day he became the sorcerer supreme almost 6 years ago. But his latest one could be the most tumultuous of them all. Just months after stopping a cataclysmic event involving the still unknown multiverse, Stephen finds himself thrown into another brush involving the mysterious collection of multiple realities. When the task is clearly too big for just him and the inhabitants of Kamar-Taj, Strange enlists the help of former Avenger Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), fresh off of her escapades in Westview where she donned the moniker The Scarlet Witch, to help quell the coming threat. With danger at every turn and weird occurrences popping up every second, Strange must rely on his wit, his allies including Wong (Benedict Wong) and a mysterious young girl named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), and every trick he has in his arsenal to save his reality and the ones he is likely to encounter. 

Strange and America Chavez Deliberate Their Next Move
In Kamar-Taj.

Film Review

It has been a solid 5 months since the monumental release of Spider-Man No Way Home. Aside from the film being a cinematic juggernaut, the third film in the MCU Spider-Man trilogy film was our first proper introduction to the idea of the multiverse as a central storytelling agent. Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness is the chronological next chapter in this practice that sees Doctor Strange in another brush with the multiverse that will see him battle the dangers of the worlds beyond. With new and returning faces both expected (and potentially unexpected), the Sam Raimi-led endeavor looks to build on the momentum of its spiritual predecessor and deliver a mind-bending and terrifying trip through the world of endless possibilities. After traveling through the multiverse with some new and old friends, Multiverse of Madness is a brain trip, a horror show, and an emotional odyssey all rolled into one. It is easy to assume that a film that involves multiple universes would be overly chaotic. The good news is that while the film is chaotic it doesn't come at the cost of the narrative or the story at large. First, let's go over the performances of the main players. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers big time as Doctor Strange this go around displaying a side of the character we haven't seen much of. We are used to seeing the cocky, sarcastic and blunt version of the character. However, Stephen Strange, this go-around has a vulnerability to him that plays on his regret and fears. It's a great new turn for the character that really adds depth to him. Speaking of depth, Elizabeth Olsen is a bonified powerhouse in this film. Building off the momentum of Wandavision, Olsen's latest portrayal as Wanda is equal parts heartbreaking and downright sinisterly terrifying. What makes this performance work is that while her actions are unjustifiable, her motivations are fully understandable. Olsen does a masterful job at making you fear her while also making you feel the full weight of her despair and sorrow. This is truly a career-best performance and she should be applauded for giving her all and crafting an incredibly complex and nuanced character that you feel for and feel scared of all at once. Newcomer Xochitl Gomez is a bright light in her MCU debut as America Chavez. Gomez hangs with her more experienced counterparts rather well and carries emotional scenes with relative grace and ease. This may be the start of her MCU journey but from what I've seen, it's a welcome debut that I look forward to seeing more of moving forward. Benedict Wong does well as Wong this go around while Rachel McAdams does a great job with the expanded role that she has been given. There are a few other "major" players within the film but for the sake of not ruing the surprises, I will say there are some fun scenes that are awesome to see but also raise some questions as to the ramifications of their appearance.

Traversing Through The Multiverse. Seatbelts Recommended 

This does bring me to one of my complaints about the film. While the movie is a fun ride, it does come at the cost of alianating some people who have not been keeping up with the ever-changing MCU, particularly in regards to what's been happening with it on streaming. The movie has heavy ties to Wandavision and even a few other MCU-centric Disney+ series which is great for those who have been keeping up with everything on that platform. For those not fortunate enough to have access to that content, the emotional impact could very well be lost given how the events of those shows so heavily impact the narrative within the movie. You should still be invested in Raimi's cinematic vision but not as much as someone who is up to date on all things Marvel in both visual spaces. The film is still a lot of fun with tension-filled action, heartfelt emotion and skin-crawling terror. The mix of these make for a good time from start to finish. In hindsight, Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness is an entertaining, terrifying and emotionally earnest trip that is worth taking. It brings a lot of great things to the table. But some of it won't mean much to those not familiar with the new items added to the menu in recent time. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

Frights, Heartwrencing Moments, and Surprises Aplenty Fill This Multiversal Mayhem Fest
That Rewards Others Who've Been Keeping Up With The Larger MCU But 
Could Leave Those Without That Knowledge and Context Out To Dry.

So..Where To Now?

Re-Porter Blog SMS 2022: Special Doctor Strange Pre-Release Post

 

Who knew an egotistical neurosurgeon from New York and an orphaned girl from a war-torn country would play such a significant part in saving half the universe. As heroic as their escapades were, the events that transpired after the blip have further shaped these two Avengers in monumental ways ahead of their eventual reuniting this weekend in Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. In anticipation of the film’s release tonight, I wanted to take a look back at the events that have occurred since they were introduced to us just a few years ago and where they could potentially be headed as they travel into the multiverse for their new mission.

Dr. Stephen Strange has always been somebody who’s been in control wherever he goes. But once he gets into a near-fatal car accident, his entire worldview changes. Grappling with this newfound physical and psychological obstacle, Strange must now put his ego aside and do something for the betterment of the known world. His victory over Dormammu was a huge stepping stone for his character as he proved that he can be selfless and do what was necessary to protect humanity and be the safeguarder of the time stone. 

We see a pretty decent glimpse of that when he seeks out Tony Stark after having Bruce Banner crash through the sanctum to warn him of the impending arrival of Thanos. On multiple occasions, he elects to keep the time stone in his possession even though it makes him an obvious target for Thanos’ underlings and Ebony Maw and Cull Obsidian. After being rescued from Maw en route to the planet Titan, Strange makes it clear that he will not hesitate to sacrifice the lives of his saviors Peter Parker and Tony Stark in order to keep the time stone out of Thanos’s hands. It’s his understanding of the greater good that shapes his resolve and determination to do what’s necessary to protect humanity. 

However, he has a slight change of heart after using the stone to view the over 14 million scenarios where he, Peter, Tony, Starlord, Drax, and Mantis successfully defeat Thanos. Despite the surface-level observation that Tony made upon watching in horror as Strange gives up the time stone, it was all part of Steven’s role to preserve humanity and bring about the best scenario. For the world to be saved, Stark must survive. It was this sacrifice that was instrumental in ensuring that all of the Avengers that were snapped out of existence return for the final climactic battle against Thanos and his army. When it came down to the last moment it was his decision to ensure that Tony survived that was actually key in the victory against the mad titan. Strange exemplifies sacrifice and doing things for the greater good which has made him one of the most important members of the Avengers. 

However, despite his ability and willingness to put his life on the line for the greater good, there is still that slight pettiness and ego that he exudes over the next few years following him becoming the sorcerer supreme. This couldn’t be shown more vividly than when he was visited by Peter Parker not long after the battle at Avengers HQ. Despite protest from Wong, who currently holds the title of sorcerer supreme due to a technicality, Strange goes out of his way to try and help Peter with his problem of his identity being exposed. Though everything is smooth sailing, in the beginning, the spellcasting descends into chaos upon Peter’s desire to maintain the life he no longer is able to have. This of course leads to a rift within the multiverse with various Spider-Man villains from other universes descending on earth 616. After several setbacks and with some assistance from alternate versions of Peter Parker, Strange is able to prevent a cataclysmic event involving a multiversal cross rip. It does, however, come at the cost of redoing the spell and erasing all memories of Peter Parker, a man who just like him put his life on the line to save half the universe. With the crisis averted, Stephen Strange prevents a disastrous encounter with the multiverse..for now. 

Orphaned at a young age along with her brother Pietro, Wanda Maximoff is the definition of a survivor. Experimented on by Hydra, she became the ultimate weapon against the Avengers until she and her brother switch sides upon learning of the destructive nature of Ultron. With bravery and valor, Wanda and her brother were able to assist the avengers in saving the citizens of Segovia. Unfortunately, her brother was not so lucky as he was killed in the line of duty by Ultron. 

It’s a heavy blow for somebody who is already lost so much but hope comes in the form of the android Vision. Together they share a sweet and heartfelt connection that eventually blossoms into romance following the destructive events in Germany. When Vision becomes the target of the black order, Wanda is desperate to protect her lover although his possession of the mind stone is of high value to Thanos. For Wanda, Vision represents the best glimmer of happiness and normalcy she has felt since she was young. Tragically, she is forced to make the hardest decision of her life by destroying Vision and the mind stone to prevent Thanos from acquiring it. Though she is successful, her grief is quickly amplified upon seeing Thanos use the time stone to bring vision and the stone back to life and seeing him be destroyed upon Thanos ripping it from his head. 

Five years later, after helping the Avengers defeat Thanos once and for all (Including her almost single-handedly defeating him). Wanda descends on the town of Westview. Through her grief and sorrow, she manifests an entire reality where she and a created version of Vision can live peacefully and happily. Unfortunately, this peaceful life is not so peaceful for those unlucky to be in the vicinity of the hex. With thousands trapped within Wanda's reality, this paradise is anything but. The town of Westview becomes a place of nightmares within Wanda's dream.

 As her hold on her happy ending starts to slip, Wanda's descent into desperation and madness increases. When one of her neighbors is revealed to be the witch named Agatha Harkness, things take an even more traumatic turn. Desperate to discover how Wanda created all of this, Agatha forces Wanda to relive her childhood trauma by going through a series of "reruns" to pinpoint the source of her powers. From a certain perspective, it is indicated that Wanda already had powers before her encounter with the mind stone. Her encounter with the infinity stone only amplifying them. 

Determined to fight for her home, she fights back against Agatha and officially adopts the moniker of the Scarlet Witch, an ancient being capable of chaos magic whose powers rival that of the sorcerer supreme. Now ready to move on from her past and begin a phase of her life beginning with understanding this new power she has. 

Not long after the Westview incident, Stephen has an alarming warning pertaining to the multiverse. He seeks out Wanda for her assistance hoping to find answers to the coming threat. Only time will tell if this collaboration will bring an end to the threat...or the emergence of something sinister.

The stage is set for one explosive cinematic adventure. Enjoy the movie everyone!!! Have a MARVELOUS weekend!!!!

Re-Porter Blog 2022 Summer Movie Season - Month 1 Preview (May 2022)

 

Shall We Begin!!! Pilots, Chipmunks, and Sorcerers Kick-Off SMS 2022

By Brandon Porter

Happy hump day followers. Welcome to the month one preview. With the summer movie season about to get underway, the excitement is building for the crop of films that is said to headline the opening month of the season. From multiversal mayhem, chipmunks on the case, or pilots with the need for speed, May promises to deliver the goods and set the tone for the next several months. Let’s get a bringdown of all that’s coming our way starting with an anticipated flick releasing this weekend.

Marvel Studios' Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness
 (Marvel Studios, May 6th)

Mad, Mad World

Doctor Strange has dabbled into the workings of the multiverse before. But nothing can prepare him for this. Months after his intense brush with the infinite realities, Stephen once again finds himself in the middle of a dangerous situation involving the Multiverse. This time he’ll need to enlist the help of familiar and unlikely allies to combat the threat and save his realm at all costs. The latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe arrives in the form of a mindbending action epic that is equal parts thrilling and terrifying. Mayhem is sure to be in the cards when Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrives in theaters this Friday.

Latest Trailer

Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers
 (Walt Disney Studios, May 20th)

Ranger Danger

As one of television's most iconic duos, Chip and Dale have enjoyed an incredible bounty of success due to their successful TV series Rescue Rangers. But as time went on, circumstances drove the duo apart as both diverged on different paths. But when strange crimes start happening around town, these estranged friends must reunite and don their on-screen personas to solve the case and save the lives of those in peril. From Disney and The Lonely Island, John Mulaney and Andy Samberg are Chip and Dale in this insane live-action/animated comedy with a plethora of eye-widening cameos and zany references. Prepare for an adventure too big to miss when Chip and Dale Rescue Rangers arrives on Disney + on May 20th. 

Latest Trailer

Top Gun: Maverick
 (Paramount Pictures/Skydance, May 27th)

Need For Speed 

Ever since Pete Mitchell joined the Air Force, his talent and gift for aviation have always been defining attributes for him. But despite all his accomplishments and accolades, he still has yet to take that next real step in leadership. After several decades of service, the man known as Maverick will finally be called to step up and guide a new generation of pilots. Will he shepherd the next great aviators to greatness or will he lead them into the danger zone? After years of development and delays, the highly anticipated sequel to the 1986 classic arrives in theaters to deliver one of the most viscerally thrilling cinematic experiences this year. Throw on your aviator glasses, hop in the cockpit, and get ready to feel the need for speed when Top Gun Maverick flies into theaters on Memorial Day weekend. 

Latest Trailer

Quite a lineup to kick things off. Stay tuned for the reviews of these movies in the coming weeks.  Check back in tomorrow for a special pre-release special surrounding two key characters from the upcoming Doctor Strange film. See you soon followers.

Re-Porter Blog 2022 Summer Movie Season Preview

 

Long time no see followers. We are officially in May and that means one of the biggest events of the year is once again upon us. The 2022 summer movie season is packed with a multitude of blockbusters that are sure to carry on the momentum set by last year’s slate. There’s a lot of fun to be had from these various studios over the next 3 to 4 months. From superhero escapades, intergalactic missions, and high flying adventures, This year promises to be a showstopper of a season for sure. There’s a lot to go over so let’s do what we always do and break it all down in our official 2022 SMS preview. 

The opening month looks to get the season started off right with two high-profile tentpole releases. Marvel returns to kick things off as Doctor Strange headlines his next solo outing after his appearance in Spider-Man No Way Home. Though he may have dabbled into the multiverse with his escapades with Peter Parker, his latest adventure will see him diving deeper into the infinite possibilities (and terrors) of the worlds beyond. Appropriately, Memorial Day weekend will have viewers craving the need for speed as Tom Cruise returns as ace pilot Pete Mitchell in the highly anticipated sequel Top Gun Maverick. Quite a showing for just month one but as previous seasons have shown, this is just the beginning.

As is the case every year, June is the power-packed month that really sees summer getting into full swing. This year is no different. The highly anticipated culmination of the Jurassic Park franchise arrives with Jurassic World Dominion with the return of some familiar and iconic faces from the series' past. A week later, we bear witness to the origin story of one of the Toy Story franchise's most beloved heroes in Lightyear. Speaking of heroes, visionary director Baz Lurhman brings the story of one of rock and rolls greatest icons in Elvis starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks!!!

July lights up the season with some high-profile flicks of its own. The minions return to rise in the ranks of villainy with their new boss Gru in Minions The Rise of Gru. A week later, The god of thunder returns with some help from the Guardians of the Galaxy and a powered-up old flame in Thor Love and Thunder. Later in the month, Jordan Peele returns to deliver his latest horror masterpiece in Nope while David Leitch brings fast-paced action and mayhem to the table in Bullet Train. Closing out the month is DC's mightiest heroes...or at least their furry companions when DC's League of Superpets flys into cinemas.

A lot to be excited about as another summer movie season is within our reach. A lot more to come over the next few days. Check in tomorrow as we get a much deeper look at the May 2022 slate of films and check in on Thursday for a special pre-release special involving two marquee characters from Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. The summer season is here followers. It’s great to have you back!!!