2023 Summer Movie Season - Monthly Recap (May 2023)

 

2023 SMS May Recap

Hello followers. Well, the summer movie season is off to a real awesome start. There has already been so many exciting moments that have happened, and we are just getting started. Before we transition to a whirlwind month 2, let's recap everything we got in May with our first recap of the season.

Marvel Studios' Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3

With all of the action, intensity, and gut wrenching emotion one can expect from an epic finale, James Gunn delivers one of the most satisfying Marvel showstoppers in recent memory as he closes the book on his intergalagtic trilogy. What started out as a risky space movie featuring a talking tree and a gunslinging raccoon turned into one of the MCU's most influential and beloved IPs. The Multiverse Saga continues on but the MCU as we know it will never be the same.

Fast X

Family is going to be needed now more than ever as things become more dire for Dominic Toretto. The 10th entry in The Fast and Furious franchise put Dom and company in the crosshiers of the sadistically vengeful Dante Reyes. Once the dust settled, Dom and his son are facing imminent death, Tej, Roman, Ramsey and Han's fates are unknown, and an old family member from the past returns to offer some backup. The road to the end of the saga is approaching and only time will tell where it goes from here.

The Little Mermaid

The amount of conversations that have occured around this film has been immense. Some have been heartwarming and uplifting. Others seem keen on bringing vitriolic drama to the forefront in an attempt to push a blatantly biased narrative. Despite it all, one can not deny the impact that Disney's latest live action reimagining has already had on audiences especially young black and brown children of this current generation. Halle Bailey captures the heart and soul of Ariel in this starmaking performance that is already the feel good story coming out of this year. Rest assured, this trip under the sea is one to remember in a musical adventure that leaves audiences, young and young at heart, speechless.

Here Are The Regarding How The Films Did Financially and Among Critics

Best Box Office Numbers (As of May 31st, 2023)

1. Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3: $746.4 million

2. Fast X: $542.4 Million

3. The Little Mermaid: $209.2 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 (82% Certified Fresh)

2. The Little Mermaid (68%)

3. Fast X (54%)

What was your favorite movie from this month? Be sure to come back tomorrow because we got a lot to cover in a massively packed preview of the June lineup. Have a happy hump day followers.

2023 Summer Movie Season - Disney's The Little Mermaid: Review & Analysis

 

Smooth Waters!!!!! Adaptation of the 1989 Animated Classic is Solid Gem in Disney Live Action Portfolio!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Daughter of the sea.

Story Description

In the underwater kingdom of Atlantica, the noble King Triton (Javier Bardem) rules benevolently over the land and is incredibly protective of his people, especially regarding the dangers of the surface world. Everyone, including his many daughters, follows his instructions and logic…all except for one. For Triton’s youngest daughter Ariel (Halle Bailey), her curiosity about the world beyond her own drives her to learn more about the surface world. Her motivation becomes more pronounced when she meets a young prince named Eric (Jonah Hauer-King). Determined to seek the answers that she’s been denied for so long, Ariel makes a pact with the sinister and mysterious sea witch Ursula (Melissa McCarthy) to finally truly experience what it means to be human. After it’s all said and done, Ariel will discover what it truly means to find your voice. 

Ariel makes a pact with the mysterious sea witch.

Film Review

The latest live-action adaptation from Walt Disney Studios, Rob Marshall and Lin Manuel Miranda bring the opening film of the Disney Renaissance to life. Headlined by one half of the R&B duo Chloe X Halle, Halle Bailey takes on the iconic role of Ariel in a generation-defining motion picture event. After traveling under the sea with the newest Ariel variant, The Little Mermaid is a solid and entertaining film from start to finish. It is well known that there is a strong stigma towards Disney's live-action remakes. A cynical and jaded attitude when seeing beloved films from people's childhoods get reimagined in live action. Some do end up actually being quite good while others seem to fall under the category of unnecessary or bad. For me, The Little Mermaid ranks as one of the better live-action adaptations in recent years. The movie manages to strike a strong balance of paying homage to the original animated film while somehow establishing an identity all its own. Before we get into that, I'd be remiss if we didn't talk about performances and there is obviously no better place to start than with our leading lady Halle Bailey. I honestly don't know where to begin. Bailey's talent is well-known thanks to her musical background. But in this leading role, she definitely solidifies herself as a bonified star. She nails the essence of Ariel in every sense of the word especially when she sings. Her angelically powerful vocals and natural screen presence light up every scene she's in. She radiates charisma and her ability to convey emotion is impressive, especially at this level. Bailey gets full marks in a career and generation-defining performance. Additionally, her surrounding castmates do equally well. Jonah Hauer-King is great in the role of Eric capturing the confidence of a man who matches Ariel's need for understanding the world around him. He plays off of Bailey incredibly well making their chemistry feels natural and unforced. As for the CG characters, there is plenty to be pleased with. Daveed Diggs, Awkwafina, and Jacob Trembley do well as Sebastian, Scuttle, and Flounder. Diggs really brings comedic charisma to the role truly making Sebastian stand out just like in the animated film. Awkwafina continues to be a comedic juggernaut with her performance as Scuttle. 

"She don't got a lot to say, but there something about her"

Her performance had me laughing constantly, especially when she is interacting with Sebastian. But the secondary MVP award for this film has to go to Melissa McCarthy's Ursula. While a lot of the live-action interpretations of iconic Disney villains haven't quite hit the mark, McCarthy feels like the first one that really gets it right. It is staggering how much I truly underestimated how much of the late great Pat Carroll's essence was embedded in her performance. McCarthy strikes a great balance of honing the iconic animated version while still making it unique to the film. Kudos to McCarthy for really nailing an authentic version of this iconic Disney villain. As I mentioned before, one of the main problems that people have with the live-action remakes of these Disney classics is that they can't seem to find a balance between bringing new stuff to the table and doing things like the original. It's a frustrating experience seeing that no matter the direction, it's going to get flamed for being too much like the animated version or not much like it at all. For me, The Little Mermaid does a great job of balancing both old and new elements. Yes, the iconic songs are there with the showstopping ballad "Part of Your World", sung by Bailey, being an obvious standout sequence. But it's the changes to character motivations that set this film apart in a good way. Giving Ariel a more reasonable motivation to be human other than just blindly falling in love with Eric allows her to be more nuanced as a character. It's her desire to learn more about the world around her that drives her actions and makes this a solid modern update. I can definitely see this being a solid foundation to build on with future films that will allow them to keep the essence of their characters while updating the film for the live-action spectrum. All in all, The Little Mermaid is one of the stronger live-action Disney remakes whose changes really help make this film a solid homage to the original and a unique experience all its own. Bailey hits on all cylinders as does her supporting cast in what is sure to be her coming out party as an actress. While the stigma against these "reimaginings" is still prevalent, I'm happy to say that this trip under the sea was a fun time through and through. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

Behind Bailey's incredible performance and additional elements that help make this adaptation unique, The Little Mermaid somehow strikes a good balance of honoring
its animated predecessor while standing out on its own.

Always better down where it's wetter

2023 Summer Movie Season - Fast X: Review & Analysis

Road To The End!!!!! 10th Fast and Furious Installment Sets The Stage For Upcoming Finale!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

The past comes back with a vengeance.

Story Description

A ghost from the past has emerged to settle a score. 12 years ago, Dante Reyes (Jason Mamoa) witnessed Dominic Torreto (Vin Diesel) and his family take everything from him. With his father killed and the millions he was set to inherit stolen, Dante stewed in his grief looking for the perfect opportunity to get even. Now, the time has come. Armed with ruthless mercenaries and a killer resolve, Dante aims to break Dom’s precious bonds piece by piece. To make matters more personal, Dante’s main target is Dom’s young son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry). With so much more to lose this time around, Dom must lean on his family now more than ever while facing the reality that he may not be able to save everyone this go around. 

Dom is back in his element.

Film Review

Serving as “one of” the penultimate chapters in the Fast and Furious franchise, Fast X ups the stakes in the latest installment of one of Universal’s most popular franchises. Tying in elements from Fast Five, introducing new characters, and continuing to up the ante from the previous installments, Fast X looks to thrill fans with another explosive ride while also setting the table for the inevitable finale to come. Upon seeing the film in all its unapologetically bombastic glory, Fast X is an entertaining installment that delivers on spectacle while also holding back. The film is definitely packed with the action that fans have come to expect. But the film puts a lot of effort into putting the pieces in place for the forthcoming finale. The veterans all deliver per usual in terms of performance. Vin Diesel, Ludacris, Natalie Emmanuel, Michelle Rodriguez, and Sung Kang are so in sync and know their characters so well that it seems effortless as they play off one another. It truly is a treat to just spend time with these characters after having gotten to know them for 20+ years. Returning cast members Charlize Theron and John Cena and great value to the cast as well with the latter really getting to show his fun side this go around. To see Jakob's growth from the previous movie to this one makes him a great standout and his chemistry with Leo Abelo Perry is very fun to watch. As for the new characters, Daniela Melchior is a great addition to the fast family in a role that I look forward to seeing develop moving forward. Brie Larson and Alan Ritchon set up intrigue with their involvement as well. But it is Jason Mamoa who is the absolute showstopper in this one.  

Taking "rolling with it" to a whole new level.

Mamoa is deliriously unhinged, deranged, and a hell of a lot of fun to watch. I could tell he was having the absolute time of his life playing Dante Reyes. All while still being a formidable antagonist throughout the film. It will be interesting to see what mark he leaves on the remaining aspects of this story. That brings me to an element that I noticed with this film. Fast X definitely feels like it is building toward an epic showstopping finale. While it doesn't come at the expense of the action, the film does seem to be holding back as it sets the table for what is to come. What is uncertain about this move is that it is unknown if the 11th or the recently rumored 12th installment will be the one that wraps it all up. That said, the film is a fun ride that puts the pieces in place to really give fans something to look forward to in the coming years. Overall, Fast X is another entertaining addition to the Fast saga. It does feel like a real Part 1 of a finale and that works both for and against it. The road to the finish line has started but the path is still unclear where it all leads and how it all ends. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

Fast, loud, and over the top like its predecessors, Fast X is another fun installment in the 
the franchise that holds back just enough to set the stage for an explosive forthcoming finale just over the horizon. 

No matter how long or how far, Family Always Comes Back!!!!

Re-Porter Blog: The Porter Report #15

 

Raccoon’s Rise

Rocket’s Full Circle Moment in Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 

By Brandon Porter

Rodent. Abomination. Rabbit. Badger. Guardian. Avenger. Subject 89P13 aka Rocket has been given many titles over the years. Once a product of sadistic and inhumane animal experimentation, Rocket escaped and tried to carve out his path while still dealing with the demons and trauma of the life he once knew. In Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3, Rocket gets the full spotlight as the film offers context as to why he is the way he is. His journey is heartbreaking and sad but how he grows from it and rises above his “original protocol” makes him one of the most fleshed-out characters in the MCU. In this post, we’ll dive deeper into Rocket’s journey gain more insight into him embracing who he is and the people who helped him hope again. 

There will be spoilers for Guardians 3 in this post. Advise you to see the film before reading.

When we first meet Rocket, He is a crass, loud, sarcastic, and standoffish scoundrel. He is prone to pushing people away despite his fear of being alone. Upon seeing Guardians 3 and seeing firsthand his torturous time with the high evolutionary, much of Rocket's behavior can be traced back to his tragic origins. We start to see signs of that internalized trauma when Rocket gets into a fight with Drax on Knowhere in Guardians 1. Rocket, in his drunken rage, laments that he didn't ask to get made, torn apart, and put together becoming some little monster. It's also apparent that he is extremely sensitive to negative labels as well. He resents Drax for calling him vermin, Gamora for calling him rodent, and nearly shoots the collector for calling him Groot's pet. His quick resort to violence is an obvious sign of someone who has so much internalized trauma that causes him to act impulsively aggressive. It also explains why he isn't seen as the best person to confide in when it comes to PTSD. In Avengers Endgame, he isn't really understanding or sympathetic to Thor's panic attacks and depression hence why he slaps him and tells him to suck it up and keep going. That method has worked for Rocket personally but the problem is he is telling Thor to get over his trauma when he himself hasn't even done so. The severe psychological effects of Rocket's upbringing still very much haunt him even after finding a new tribe. Being seen as a disposable object and not someone that deserves to live like everyone else can make you very resentful, callous, and cold-hearted. There are moments where people see through Rocket's tough exterior and see him for what he truly is: a scared and traumatized individual running from his past and his haunting regrets. The best example is found when Youdu calls him out upon arriving on Ego's planet. Yondu sees so much of himself in Rocket. From the crass attitude and the billy badass facade, he is putting on. All of which are just defense mechanisms to keep anyone from getting too close to him for fear of acknowledging how empty and alone he truly is.

 

This all brings us to the source of Rocket's pain. His time with the High Evolutionary. Tortured, experimented on, and verbally and mentally abused, Rocket's life was filled with sorrow. But there was one aspect of his life that gave him hope. His friends Llyla, Teef, and Floor. Just like him, they were experimented on in an attempt to "improve their flaws". What was wholesome about this friendship was their ability to see beyond their circumstances. Leaning on each other for comfort and companionship. Lylla said it best: "It really is good to have friends."

Once The High Evolutionary's true intentions are revealed, Rocket knows he must do whatever it takes to protect the light he's found in darkness. For a moment, it all seems like Rocket and his friends are home-free. Finally able to fly away together into that beautiful sky...Until it is snatched from him. In an emotionally shattering sequence, Rocket witnesses the murder of Lylla in front of him. Shot without remorse in the back by The High Evolutionary. Filled with overwhelming anger and grief, Rocket snaps and brutally mutilates the architect of his suffering and engages in a gunfight with the guards. As he looks around at the aftermath, all he sees around him is death and destruction. The High Evolutionary with his face ripped off, the only friends he's ever known shot dead, and here he stands in the middle of it all..alone and broken. This is the reason why when he sees his friends at the crossroads to the afterlife, he breaks down sobbing in Lylla's arms. He's held on to his regret for what happened to them for so long and never forgave himself. Carrying that burden made him become so closed-hearted. The idea of letting people get close to him was terrifying due to his paranoia or seeing them die like Lylla and the others. It's Lylla who releases him from the burden he's carried for years and allows him to embrace the purpose he still has. Once he comes out of his coma, Rocket has a renewed sense of purpose and a personal mission of his own: to ensure no one will ever go through what he and his friends went through. When he finally is face to face with his creator, he is thrown around by him and constantly reminded at the end of the day that he is an abomination unworthy of love. But Rocket has the ultimate hero moment and fully embraces who he is proudly proclaiming that he is Rocket...Rocket Raccoon. With that proclamation and his family at his side, he beats his tormentor and the shackles that have held him bound for so long. No longer running from who or what he is, Rocket becomes the best version of himself capable of being the leader that the Guardians need. 

Rocket's story is one of the MCU's most tragic yet also its most triumphant. A lowly test subject transcends his programming to become someone who will now live his life on his own terms. Despite all of the suffering he's endured, he is able to find hope again and be a guiding light for others as he leads the next generation of guardians. As Lylla said: "This story has been yours all along. You just didn't know it". No matter what the future holds for the gunslinging sparkplug formally known as 89P13, the big and beautiful sky has never been clearer or more promising.

2023 Summer Movie Season - Marvel Studios' Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3: Review & Analysis

Guardians Forever!!!!! James Gunn Delivers Thrilling and Emotional Caper to Marvel's Cosmic Trilogy!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

One More For The Road.

Story Description

 For Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Mantis (Pom Klementiff), Drax (Dave Bautista), Nebula (Karen Gillan), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper), Times have been ever-changing. Still navigating the universe years after the blip, the guardians have done their best to bring peace to the cosmos. But figures from the past have now returned to wreak havoc on them and those who follow. A powerful adversary known as the High Evolutionary (Chukwudi Iwuji) has emerged looking to expand his unethical methods of “genetic improvement” by any means necessary. His return is extra personal for Rocket knowing that he was one of his “special projects”. With the High Evolutionary’s shadow looming over the galaxy, the Guardians must band together to face him while also contending with a returning Gamora (Zoe Saldaña) as well as the vengeful Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki) and her experimental human weapon Adam Warlock (Will Poulter). After the dust settles, the galaxy and the guardians will never be the same again. 

Lost Lovers Found

Film Review

For 9 years, Marvel’s galactic outlaws have transcended their mundane comic origins to become one of the MCU’s most popular characters. Now, James Gunn closes out his story featuring this lovable group of misfits in what aims to be a show-stopping final chapter in the Guardians of The Galaxy series. After listening to the last song on the album, Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3 is an emotionally earnest and thrilling sendoff to this cosmic group of misfits. I can't say enough about the amount of love and care that went into this series, its characters, and the world they inhabit. Gunn's absolute passion for the series shines through as he delivers full-circle moments that close character arcs that have been built over the past few films and the subsequent crossovers. Performance-wise, Bradley Cooper deserves full marks as Rocket Racoon. Cooper's portrayal of Rocket is iconic and an absolute joy to watch. He captures the essence of the character so well while making it his own. While Cooper's previous performances as the character were great, Vol. 3 really showcases the talent of Cooper in arguably one of his best performances in the MCU. Rocket's journey in this film is gut-wrenchingly emotional and adds so much context to him as a character. It's clear that the film's focus was on him and it made for some heavy moments that pay off brilliantly by the film’s end. As for his fellow Guardians, Chris Pratt continues to excel as Peter Quill. His charisma knows no bounds and his performance here is a joy to watch especially with his interactions with the other Guardians. Zoe Saldaña is equally a standout as Gamora. While she is technically the same Gamora we know, what the story does with her post-endgame is interesting and adds further layers to her character. Pom Klementiff, Dave Bautista, and Karen Gillan all shine as Mantis, Drax, and Nebula bringing an incredible amount of substance to the film in their own right. Klementiff's Mantis goes from a comedic and shy empath to a compassionate and strong-willed character who sees the good in everyone. Nebula's arc is tremendous as she transforms from a sadistic killing machine made for chaos to a loyal member who tries firmly hard to keep everyone in line not out of anger but because she deeply cares for the people around her. As for Drax, the film solidifies him as the glue guy. Despite his powerful and menacing nature, his heart is his strongest aspect as he brings light to a dark room. It's amazing to see how Gunn has managed to drastically change each character from their first appearance to this latest one. He truly understands the importance of character development and how vital that is for the story. This film is a great example of what a skilled storyteller Gunn truly is.

The Ultimate Gunslingers

As for the new blood, Chukwudi Iwuji is despicably delightful as the High Evolutionary. I don't think there has been an MCU villain that has filled me with so much loathing since John Walker in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. The High Evolutionary is cruel, egotistical, sadistic, and devoid of basic compassion. He is easy to root against and Iwuji plays him so convincingly that every time he appears on screen, it makes your blood boil. Bravo to him for crafting such a memorable antagonist. Will Poulter, though his time is brief, delivers a fun introduction as Adam Warlock. His childlike nature and gullibility mixed with incredible strength and power made him a formidable foe and a comedic standout. It will be interesting to see his development as the Multiverse saga progresses. One of Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3's biggest strengths is its ability to balance exposition while still keeping things moving. A lot of films spend too much time in the past which takes away from the current story being told. Gunn does a solid job of giving context without sacrificing the pace or the progression of the narrative. The backstory of Rocket is told via flashbacks yet it still adds so much to the current story being told. It's not an easy thing to do but Gunn manages to find a solid middle ground between adding essential context and not allowing the story to lose focus. Action-wise, the film is a full on thrill ride from beginning to end. Vol 3 delivers adrenaline-induced action with some of the sequences ranking among the best in the trilogy including an epic sequence in a hallway that was nothing short of breathtaking. Gunn pulled out all the stops to ensure his trilogy capper was every bit of a showstopping finale in terms of spectacle. As for how the film wraps things up, I applaud James Gunn for not taking the cliche route when it comes to writing his finale. It was obvious that so many people were convinced that they knew how the stories of these characters were going to end. But the actual end result is surprising and quite frankly a welcome change of pace. All while still doing what Gunn set out to do which was close out the story of this current Guardians team. Overall, Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 is a wonderful conclusion to one of Marvel's most unlikely standout franchises. Gunn's MCU swan song delivers in every facet firmly establishing him as of the franchise's most influential architects. There is still plenty to be excited about when talking about the future despite its current roster officially ending its run. While this tracklist has reached its end, one can't help but be excited as to what the next playlist has in store. 

Rating and Final Thoughts

Filled with all the heart, humor, and action that has defined
the series for nearly a decade, Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3
closes the current era of Marvel's cosmic heroes with a showstopping
and emotionally jubilant conclusion. 

To the team we never knew we needed but couldn't think of living without, THANK YOU!!!

Re-Porter Blog SMS 2023: Guardians of The Galaxy Pre-Release Post

I’m almost certain that if anyone told you that a movie starring a talking raccoon and a talking tree was going to be a successful blockbuster, there is a high chance that you would be laughed out of the room. Well, who knew that the folks at Marvel and James Gunn would deliver that and so much more? As we are now on the precipice of saying goodbye to this galactic band of misfits, it’s incredible to see a team that started as C-list characters in Marvel’s Comic portfolio become some of the most beloved characters in modern cinema and pop culture. 

It is a testament to the genius and earnest passion of one James Gunn. Before the MCU became a gold standard in pop culture, Guardians of The Galaxy was viewed as the latest in a line of experimental projects where Marvel was taking risks and expanding their universe in vastly diverse ways. Gunn had a keen eye for finding the beauty in things and people that get overlooked. Guardians of The Galaxy was a known series in comics but with behemoths like Spider-Man, Iron Man, Thor, and the Hulk, it is easy to see why this team was not looked at as major players in the heroverse. So you can imagine when Guardians of The Galaxy was announced, a lot of people were skeptical and even convinced that this project would not be as beloved or received as well as the other MCU entries including the critically acclaimed Captain America: The Winter Soldier just 5 months prior. The beauty of Gunn is his ability to add heart and humanity to chracters regardless of their look or background. 

Each character in Guardians has such incredible layered depth to them that makes them more than a band of low-life criminals. Peter Quill is a cocky and wise-cracking con artist who deep down feels the weight of trauma and guilt of losing his mother and not having a father. Gamora may be a fierce assassin and warrior. But she is also very compassionate and has a heart of gold but is, unfortunately, a product of the environment she was raised in. Drax is brash and brutal but has such a sensitive soul underneath and is loyal to the end. Rocket is rude, sarcastic, and incredibly crass but that is simply due to the pain and torture he has endured from the moment of his birth in multiple senses of the word. Each character has so many redeeming qualities despite having so many things about them that make them unlikable. Combine that with Gunn's writing and character development and you have a diverse group of individuals that feel real and organic. 

The actors deserve tremendous credit for the job they've done in creating them as well. Chris Pratt was 
looked at as the funny guy from Parks and Rec but he turned himself into a more than capable leading man and one of Hollywood's elite talents. Zoe Saldana was already establishing herself as the queen of sci-fi with her roles in both Star Trek and Avatar. Her becoming the fierce daughter of Thanos in this cosmic adventure made her one of the top eschelon actors in pop culture. Dave Bautista had a tall hill to climb being the latest in a line of wrestlers turned actors. But he rose to the occasion and in some ways set himself apart from the others with his incredible screen presence, comedic wit, and emotional versatility. As for Rocket, Bradley Cooper brought this character to life in a way that made him feel so real and more than just a visual gimmick alongside his talking tree counterpart. Add the additional contributions of Pom Klementiff, Karen Gillan, and Michael Rooker as Mantis, Nebula, and Yondu and you have a truly incredible cast of characters that add so much to this spectrum of the MCU.  

Even when put alongside the bigger players of the MCU in both Infinity War and Endgame, they add so much to those films while being their authentic selves. Seeing Thor, Groot, and Rocket's comradery shine in the 2nd act culminating in one of the most iconic moments in The Infinity Saga is still a chill-inducing sight to behold. Seeing Gamora's backstory and her willingness to sacrifice herself to protect her family from the monster that raised her made the Vormir scene even more emotionally torturous. Starlord, while a lot of fans loath him for his hand in Thanos getting the upper hand on Titan, his loss of Gamora adds to the psychological torture he's endured his whole life between losing his mother and his surrogate father Yondu. Even Nebula became incredibly layered as she truly broke free of Thanos's programming to become someone capable of forging a path that is her own. The Guardians' involvement in both Avengers films was one of the many elements that made those films so beloved by fans. To think this band of misfits could stand side by side with the likes of Iron Man, Captain America, Black Panther, Thor, and Spider-Man and not feel out of place is a true testament to how seriously Marvel cares and values Gunn's contribution to these characters and what each of them brings to the table. 

I never thought in a million years that this franchise would bring so much value to my life and the MCU. A lovable band of misfits that have captured the hearts of millions of people to become one of the MCU's crown jewel teams and one of the biggest pop culture juggernauts of the 2010s. From the moment they appeared on screen, they captivated audiences everywhere and I'm happy to say we've been hooked on a feeling for them ever since. Not bad for a bunch of a-holes.

I hope everyone is ready and prepared for one last ride wwith Starlord and company. To everyone seeing this weekend, enjoy and have a rockin good time!!!

Re-Porter Blog 2023 Summer Movie Season - May Preview

 

Preview By Brandon Porter

Happy Wednesday followers. The start of the summer movie season is fast approaching and the hype factor couldn’t be any higher than it is right now. There is so much on the docket in the coming months but for now, attention shifts to our opening month which promises to be an explosive start to the season. Two big franchises deliver their latest installments while an animated classic gets told in a whole new way. Let’s break it all down in our official preview for SMS Month 1.

Marvel Studios' Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3
 (Marvel Studios, May 5th)

Closing Track

They started out as a bunch of lowlife criminals and misfits. Now they have become one of the most beloved teams in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After years of character-building and harrowing obstacles both physical and personal, the ragtag group of A-holes are poised for their most dangerous adventure yet and the result will change them all forever. Director James Gunn prepares to close out the story of Marvel’s most unlikely cosmic team in the final chapter of the sci-fi trilogy. The past will return, the danger will be ever-present, and the Guardians as we know them will never be the same. Witness the last song on a storied album when Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3 arrives in theaters this Friday.

Latest Trailer

Fast X (Universal Pictures, May 19th)

Road To The End 

Family has always been a foundational fabric of Dominic’s life. The statement carries even more weight as he continues to raise his son Brian. But soon, Dom will face the repercussions of the destruction of a family he destroyed over a decade ago. A vengeful figure from the past emerges from the shadows looking to tear down everything Dom has fought to protect. The question is: What will Dom be prepared to sacrifice to save his world? The penultimate chapter in the Fast and Furious franchise arrives with old faces, new allies, and a merciless enemy with nothing but retribution on his mind. Experience the beginning of the end of the road when Fast X arrives on May 19th.

Latest Trailer

The Little Mermaid
 (Walt Disney Studios, May 26th)

Part of Your World

Ariel has always been curious about the world around and outside her own. She longs to forge her own path and gain a better understanding of what is outside her kingdom of Atlantica. Desperate for answers, Ariel strives to discover who she wants to be…no matter the cost. Serving as the live-action interpretation of the film that birthed the hallowed Disney Renaissance, Rob Marshall, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Halle Bailey get ready to transport audiences under the sea for a high-spirited musical adventure. Become part of Ariel’s world in a whole new way when The Little Mermaid swims into theaters on May 26th. 

Latest Trailer

A stellar lineup to get things kicked off. Can hardly wait to experience these films and more. Check back tomorrow for a special post regarding tomorrow’s release of Guardians of The Galaxy Vol 3. See you all at the movies.

Re-Porter Blog 2023 Summer Movie Season Preview

 

Long time no see followers!!! It's officially May and now the time has come to prepare for one of my favorite times of the year. This week marks the official start of the summer movie season and OH MAN DO WE HAVE A LINE UP FOR YOU!!!! Due to incredible circumstances and sheer luck, 2023's SMS lineup this year is by far the most chaotically stacked lineup this decade. Almost every single week has a big-time release attached to it. Everything from action, comedy, animation, and drama is present in these films. If you are a fan of movies, this is definitely the year to be at the movies. There is a lot to cover before we kick things off this Friday, so let's go ahead and run down our menu in our season preview. 

Our opening month promises plenty of action and spectacle with three high-profile blockbusters on the docket. We start things off by saying goodbye to one of the MCU's most iconic families in the highly anticipated Guardians of The Galaxy Vol. 3 due out in just a few short days. A few weeks later, the road to the end begins when Dom and company face off against a deadly new adversary from the past in Fast X. Finally on Memorial Day weekend, Disney brings to life one of its most beloved classics in the live-action retelling of The Little Mermaid with Halle Bailey taking on the reins as the iconic Ariel. As you can see, May is gonna have plenty to offer. But nothing is gonna prepare us for the months ahead.

If there was any time you would consider moving into a movie theater, June would be the month to do it. I don't think I've ever seen a month as jam-packed with blockbusters as this one. Every single week has something for everyone and the films are sure to be showstoppers. On June 2nd, fans have been patient and now Sony Pictures Animation will finally deliver arguably the most anticipated film of the year with Spider-Man Across The Spider-Verse. Just 7 days after that, the Autobots return with some beastly new allies in an epic battle against the fearsome Predecons in Transformers: Rise of The Beasts. On June 16th, you get a double dose of action and heart when Pixar delivers its latest cinematic endeavor Elemental and DC ushers in a new era with Andy Muschietti's The Flash. On June 30th, it's time for one last ride for Harrison Ford's iconic adventurer in the final chapter of the Indiana Jones saga. Seriously, guys, June will be nuts, and just think, this is only the halfway point. 

July has traditionally always had "fireworks" pun intended. But this year gives us a plethora of cinematic outings that offer a little bit of everything for everybody. On July 12th, the IMF begin their most daring mission yet in Part 1 of the culmination of the Mission Impossible franchise Dead Reckoning - Part 1. On July 21st, we probably get the biggest heavyweight fight in cinematic history with two films opening on the same day that have everyone talking. Christopher Nolan delivers the definitive story of one of the most ingenious and controversial figures in modern warfare with Oppenheimer. In a completely opposite alternative in every sense of the word, Greta Gerwig transports you to the vibrant world of the iconic doll that forever changed the toy industry in Barbie. Finally, on July 28th, spooky season arrives early when Disney invites you to the home of 999 happy haunts in the Justin Simien-directed supernatural comedy Haunted Mansion.

August closes out our whirlwind season with some big-time movies. Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies puts the "heroes in half shell back" on the big screen in a whole new way in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem on August 4th. Also on that day, Jason Statham tangles once again with the terrors of the deep in The Meg 2: The Trench. On August 11th, David Harbour headlines the big screen adaptation of Playstation's iconic racing game Gran Turismo. Then on August 11th, the newly christened DCU begins with the introduction of an all-new hero in Blue Beetle. 

I have never been so ecstatically overwhelmed with a movie lineup in a long time. I cannot wait to get the ball rolling and experience the thrills and excitement of possibly one of the best summer movie seasons in recent memory. Be sure to check back tomorrow as we look ahead to month 1 and on Thursday for a special GOTG post in anticipation of the new film. Welcome back to summer everyone!!!!!