2024 Summer Movie Season - Monthly Recap (July 2024)

 

2024 SMS July Recap

Hey there followers!!! This Thursday will signal the start of the final stretch of films for this year's summer movie season. In July, many amazing movies were released bringing plenty of fanfare, especially in the latter part of the month. Before we proceed with the final month, let's wrap up July with our latest monthly recap.

Gru and his family have endured a lot in their time together. Now that the family is extended, the stakes are are higher as well as the shenanigans. The fourth installment of the Despicable Me franchise continued the trend of heart, humor, and minion mayhem in a family comedy that still shows that there is a lot of fun still to be had with these despicably irresistible characters.

There are many stories about the fame moon landing of 1969. Do you know the links that people went through to bring it to fruition. Both in space and on the ground. Fly Me to the Moon showed the lengths that people were willing to go through to ensure that people still believed in hope for reaching the stars. sometimes a little white lie can’t go along way. Sometimes.

Mother nature has never been as vicious and visceral as she is now. Filled with intense storm depictions, southern charm, and an emotional core that speaks to the power of overcoming trauma, Twisters is a high octane summer blockbuster that values character and heart as well as spectacle. A thrill ride in every sense that guarantees to blow you away. 

Marvel has a new iconic duo in they’re here to bring some chaos to a heroverse at a turning point in terms of direction. The year’s most anticipated film was exactly what the doctor ordered in what is sure to be at the top of a lot of people’s best of list. In a summer full of great films, Logan and Wade slashed through the competition to be one of the summer’s must see attractions.

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

Best Box Office Numbers (As of July 31st, 2024)

1. Despicable Me 4: $680.7 Million

2. Deadpool & Wolverine: $496.4 Million

3. Twisters: $225.5 Million

4. Fly Me To The Moon: $37.1 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Deadpool & Wolverine  (79% Certified Fresh)

2. Twisters (76% Certified Fresh)

3.  Fly Me To The Moon (66% Certified Fresh)

4.  Despicable Me 4 (55%)

What was your favorite movie from this month? Make sure you return tomorrow as we get you ready for the final month of this year's SMS. Have a wonderful rest of your hump day everyone.

2024 Summer Movie Season - Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine: Review & Analysis

Maximum Effort!!!!! Ryan & Hugh's R-Rated MCU Buddy Movie is Adrenaline Filled Shot In The Arm for Cinematic Heroverse!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Hey bub! Lookin for me?!!

Story Description

Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) is living the life he’s always wanted…or is he. After his escapades with a hijacked time travel watch, Wade has configured a custom reality of his own making where everyone he loves is alive and happy. It feels like paradise but there is the stinging feeling that something is missing. Before he can ponder this fact, he gets an unexpected visit from some shocking individuals. Now in the custody of the Time Variance Authority, a multiversal security agency, Wade is informed that his world is in danger of being wiped out of existence. His only hope to save what he loves is to work with the TVA to stop a threat hiding in universe 616 more commonly known as something called “the Marvel Cinematic Universe”, a universe Wade has dreamed of joining for years. With time running out and enemies new and unfamiliar popping up from everywhere and everywhen, Wade must seek help from an unlikely source to combat the coming conflict in the form of the legendary yet disgraced member of the X-Men James Logan Howlett aka The Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).

The MCU's most unlikely odd couple

Film Review

There is no denying the fanfare that has surrounded this film since the announcement of its existence 2 years ago. Five years have passed since the Disney-Fox merger and the question about the future of the X-Men has hung in the balance with many people wondering if one of Marvel’s most beloved set of characters would finally join the MCU. With the release of Deadpool & Wolverine, the beginning of the mutant’s arrival in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has begun and the merc with the mouth is heading the ship. With plenty of intrigue, a collection of talent including the return of Hugh Jackman, as well as the promise of unhinged chaos throughout, Deadpool & Wolverine looks to shake the foundation of the MCU in explosive R-rated fashion. After experiencing the full glory of this movie, Deadpool and Wolverine is lunacy, insanity, and mayhem in an irresistibly satisfying package. It is already well-known that bringing The Merc with the Mouth to a mainstream audience was a tall hill to climb. Especially for a studio that was involved with a game of keep away for the longest time. Fast forward to now and it is obvious that the foul-mouth, gunslinging, katana-wielding anti-hero has a charm and ambiance that even the most cynical minds can't resist. Deadpool and Wolverine serve as a long-overdue welcome-to-the-club moment for both Ryan Reynolds and his running mate Hugh Jackman. It also serves as a heartfelt sendoff to a defining era that predates the MCU as a whole. There is a lot to unpack and highlight about this film but let's start by giving our leading boys their flowers. Ryan Reynolds is to no one's surprise the definitive Deadpool. Seeing him play this character with such ease always makes for an entertaining showcase. He is the definition of an actor who loves AND understands the character he's playing. Reynolds continues to solidify himself as one of the most inspired castings of a superhero in film. The same can be said Hugh Jackman. His latest go around as Wolverine gives him his MCU moment in a big way. The version of Logan we see in this is different yet still in essence the Logan we know. Filled with regret, anger, and suppressed trauma, Logan is haunted by his past mistakes and has coped with them through violence and drinking. His arc is about accepting he cannot change what happened but that still doesn't mean he shouldn't keep fighting. 

Steel on steel

Jackman plays the role beautifully and plays off of Reynolds effortlessly. While we are on the subject, Reynolds and Jackman on screen together as these characters is pure magic. The two of them have unrivaled chemistry with one another as every moment of them on screen is a guaranteed showstopper whether it's an action sequence or banter. It truly is a miracle come to life to see them lighting up the screen together. Other standouts do include Emma Corrin as Cassandra Nova. Corrin is delightful in the villain role displaying such a sick and sadistic aura that makes her calm yet firmly terrifying from scene to scene. Matthew Macfadyen is solid as Paradox but is used as a plot device in the end. While I want to be careful to avoid spoilers, I do want to highlight that there are a plethora of moments that make this film not only an enjoyable ride, but a heartfelt sendoff to one of the defining eras of Marvel cinematic storytelling. The action is brutal, bloody, frenetic, and downright grin-inducing. There isn't a moment where you won't be cheering or at the very least have a smile on your face. This is already a strong contender for best action spectacle of the year. What is more gratifying to see is a number of people getting their what I'm calling "MCU moment". I will not get into detail but there are a few people who "show up" and get their flowers and their chance to be part of the club if even for a little bit. Trust me, you won't be ready for who walks in. Despite all the jokes, the film does a solid job of acknowledging the contributions of the Fox era of Marvel and wraps things up nicely for that chapter of the heroverse. It may not have been perfect, but that era of Marvel did a lot for what we see in our modern time. Overall, Deadpool and Wolverine is a massive collection of joy, meta, heart, and bloody chaos. Seeing two actors who are in essence the full embodiment of their characters in the MCU is truly a gift and a joy to watch from beginning to end. Wade and Logan finally made it to the big dance and the spotlight is blessed to be shining on them.

Rating and Final Thoughts

A full-on spectacle from beginning to end as the MCU brings a bloody and ballistic carnival ride that offers both closure and comfort to an era of storytelling worth remembering. 

Pool kisses all around!!!!

2024 Summer Movie Season - Twisters: Review & Analysis

 

Ride It Out!!!!! Standalone Sequel To 1996 Film Is Intense Thrill Ride With Heart and Valor!!!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Hold on for your life

Story Description

Kate Cooper (Daisy Edgar Jones) and Mother Nature have not had a solid relationship. After a devastating incident traumatized her and left her unmotivated to continue what she was once passionate about, the former storm-chaser has been relegated to a life away from the elements. When her old friend and colleague Javi (Anthony Ramos) convinces her to return due to increased storm activity in Oklahoma, Kate reluctantly agrees to jump back into the fray. Upon arrival, they realize they aren't the only crew in town braving the elements. A group of internet-famous storm chasers known as Tornado Wranglers, led by Tyler Owens (Glen Powell), are also there for research but seem more concerned with reckless thrills and “going viral” rather than gaining knowledge about the storms. When the surge in storm activity becomes deadlier than anticipated, Kate and Tyler must work together to survive the onslaught of destructive tornadoes that potentially could rip the state of Oklahoma off the face of the map. 

Kate, Tyler, and Kate's mother study the patterns of 
the storms that are terrorizing Oklahoma.

Film Review

28 years after the 1996 blockbuster, Twisters is the latest high-octane thrill ride that pits a new generation of storm chasers against a packed of wildly unpredictable and violent tornadoes. With bigger stakes and double the storm power, Twisters looks to rock the SMS with some intense wind-filled adrenaline. After watching the film, Twisters respects what came before while adding modern touches that enhance the engagement factors. Often times we talk about what makes a great summer movie. For me, it's that sense of escapism where you can suspend disbelief and just be along for the ride with characters on screen. Twister did that nearly 30 years ago and Twisters follows suit to great effect. Director Lee Issac Chung clearly understands what made his film's predecessors so great not only from a technical perspective but also thematically which easily gets lost in the on-screen chaos. That can only be pulled from by the talented cast on screen which brings us to performances. Our leading lady Daisy Edgar Jones is great in the lead as Kate. Much like Helen Hunt's Jo, Kate is struggling with facing the trauma that not only claimed loved ones but her passion for what she dedicated her life to knowing more about. Her arc is centered on facing her fear and confronting the psychological obstacles that have prevented her from giving her all to what's important. Jones plays this brilliantly displaying a heroine that is vulnerable and nuanced in all the right ways. Not to be outdone, Glen Powell is a bonified showstopper as Tyler Owens. On the surface, he seems like an ego-driven social media star in it for the cheap thrills. However, as the story goes on, you realize he's more than just a thrill seeker with a perfect jawline. He is passionate about helping people in need and isn't afraid to put himself in harm's way for others. Powell's charisma and charm shine from scene to scene and his chemistry with Jones makes for some great character moments for both performers. 

Firestorm!!!

Javi, played by Anthony Ramos, is a strong standout in his own right. His arc is about finding out what he's fighting for and who he's really doing the work for. His allegiance and morality are tested as he's forced to make a choice between people and profit. It's a satisfying arc that fleshes out his character very well and Ramos continues to impress with the quality work he is given. The supporting cast of Katy O'Brian, Sasha Lane, Brandon Parea, and Tunde Adebimpe are super fun to watch as Dani, Lily, Boone, and Dexter while David Corenswet delivers as well as despicably unlikeable Scott. Performance from the cast is solid all around, but if you're coming for thrills, best believe Twisters has you covered. Much like the 1996 classic, Twisters has a grounded grit to it that amplifies the danger creating tension that puts the audience on edge. It truly is a thrill ride on screen with the sound mixing truly engulfing you in the beasts of the storms. Another aspect of the film I admire is the doubling down on the reality of what these storms do to people in the sense of the aftermath. While it is briefly touched on in the original, the film makes it clear that the effects of a tornado go beyond just destroyed property. Lives and livelihoods are also lost and it leaves people open to exploitation from those with corrupt hidden intentions. It is a reminder that it is never too dangerous to do the right thing and save lives. Not something you expect to get out of a summer weather film. All in all, Twisters is a fun thrill ride that offers everything you want in a summer blockbuster. It's also a film with a strong message about facing trauma and doing right by the people who need aid. It's remarkable to see a film build on what made the original such an iconic movie and redefine it for a new generation in the best way possible. A movie that proves what one is capable of if you're brave enough to weather the storm.

Rating and Final Thoughts

Thrilling, poignant, and a blast from start to end, Twisters takes the great things about its 1996 
predecessor to create a thrilling modern update.

Is anyone looking for a Nado Wrangler?

Re-Porter Blog 2024 Summer Movie Season - July Preview

 

Hello followers!!! Welcome to the second half of 2024. The first half of the year brought a ton of incredible moments including our first billion-dollar film of the calendar year. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Historically, July always supplies us with show-stopping fireworks. This year will see Minions, Storm Chasers, and an unlikely duo teaming up in one of the year's most anticipated blockbusters. Let’s kick the tires and light the fires as we break down all on the horizon in our month 3 preview.

Despicable Me 4 (Universal Pictures/Illumination, 
July 3rd)

The Family That Spies Together 

Gru has come a long way from being the dastardly villain he once was. Now a devoted family man with a newborn baby, Gru is still learning the ropes regarding parenting. But Gru can’t seem to outrun his past as an old enemy escapes from prison looking to exact revenge. Now Gru must muster up all the courage and rely on his family to combat forces that threaten his new life. Gru and company are back for an all-new adventure that sees our villain-turned-hero dad battling the trials of fatherhood and other people who are still in the life he once had. Madness ensues and the fireworks will fly when Despicable Me  4 arrives tomorrow.

Latest Trailer

Fly Me To The Moon
 (Columbia Pictures, July 12th)

Spaced Out

The moon landing is one of American history's most influential and important moments. An authentic display of honesty and integrity. Or was it? When a marketing executive and an official at NASA are tasked with assisting with the upcoming Appolo 11 moon landing, they come up with the best possible solution.... faking the upcoming Appolo 11 moon landing. Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson star in the humorous retelling of the mayhem of the 1960s space race. Through sheer determination (and some slight deception), these individuals will look to push the country in a direction that will elevate it to new heights. Get ready for the greatest lie ever told when Fly Me To The Moon arrives in cinemas on July 12th.

Latest Trailer

Twisters (Universal Pictures, July 19th)

Ride It Out

Mother nature can be a violent force. It can have no remorse and no regard for human life. So what happens when we try to control Mother Nature to fit our needs and wants? The results could be catastrophic and deadly. Over a decade and a half since the classic 1996 disaster blockbuster, Daisy Edgar Jones, Glen Powell, & Anthony Ramos emerge as a new generation of storm chasers looking to change the game. Will their escapades result in success or sudden death? The summer's most thrilling ride could have us seeing double when Twisters arrives in theaters on July 19th.

Latest Trailer

Marvel Studios' Deadpool & Wolverine
 (Marvel Studios, July 26th)

X-Forced

You rarely get an opportunity to do something you've always wanted to do. Even better when you get to do it with someone you've always wanted to work with. Wade Wilson has been on the outside looking in when it comes to the Marvel heroverse. When his escapades in Deadpool 1 & 2 catch the attention of the Time Variance Authority, Wilson gets the chance at the dream role of a lifetime...become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Even better, he'll have the chance to do it with someone who also is long overdue for a chance at redemption...the legendary Wolverine. The biggest event of the summer is coming with sharp claws and blades. The long-awaited debut of Deadpool in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is finally here and he's bringing his best "bub" with him along for the ride. Mayhem, chaos, and f-bombs aplenty will be around every corner when Deadpool & Wolverine slice into theaters on July 26th.

Latest Trailer

An exciting month of cinematic action is just one day away. Be on the lookout for the reviews for these films and more in the coming weeks. Till next time, have a wonderful week and enjoy your 4th of July holiday.

2024 Summer Movie Season - Monthly Recap (June 2024)

 

2024 SMS June Recap

Happy followers!!! June is in the books and we are officially in the second half of 2024. June brought a lot in terms of laughs, emotions, and chills. With month 3 kicking off in just 24 hours, let’s wrap up the midway point of the season with our June recap.

Despite being in the game for nearly 3 decades, Mike and Marcus continue to show why they are the best and can do it like no one else. Bad Boys Ride or Die was equal parts thrilling as it was comedic. Sprouting plenty of jokes, surprisingly innovative craftsmanship, and possibly the most cheer-worthy payoff moment in the series, the fourth installment of this buddy cop series shows that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are some of the best duos in the industry working today.

Getting older is a pain. It’s especially taxing when you’re going through the tumultuous period known as puberty. For Riley, her desire to fit in obviously creates chaos. Inside her mind, well that’s a whole different story entirely. Inside Out 2 is just what the summer movie season ordered as it delivered one of the best films of the year. With new emotions to connect with and new layers to explore among the emotions we know and love, the movie became a must-see animated event for everyone. A sure-fire hit that raises the bar for all the films that follow this SMS and beyond.

At the center of every great horror film is an understanding of tension and suspense. For A Quiet Place Day One, the human element is one of the foundational backbones that makes this series appealing and engaging to people who do not necessarily gravitate toward the genre. The prequel to John Krasinski’s standout film continues the momentum of the with engaging characters and a vastly larger scale. The series continues to impress by offering anxiety-induced adrenaline in addition to heartfelt human connections on screen.

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

Best Box Office Numbers (As of July 2nd, 2024)

1. Inside Out 2: $1.019 Billion

2. Bad Boys Ride or Die: $332 Million

3. A Quiet Place Day One: $97 Million

Best Critical Success (via. Rotten Tomatoes)

1. Inside Out 2 (90% Certified Fresh)

2. A Quiet Place Day One (85% Certified Fresh )

3. Bad Boys Ride or Die (64%)

What was your favorite movie of month 2? Be sure to return later today for the extensive preview of Month 3. See you soon.

2024 Summer Movie Season - A Quiet Place Day One: Review & Analysis

 

Sleeping City!!!!! Quiet Place Prequel Continues Trend of Suspenseful Tension and Genuine Humanity!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Loud start to a quiet future.

Story Description

There is never a moment where New York isn’t a loud bubble of endless chaos. Despite it all, Sam (Lupita Nyong’o) is making the most of it going about her day with her emotional support cat as she navigates life in the Big Apple. But her hustle and bustle life in New York is about to get a drastic change of pace. Flaming meteorites start descending into the city and violently landing in heavily populated areas. To make matters worse, the meteors contain horrifying extraterrestrial beasts that literally kill anything that makes a sound. Now stranded in the city with these creatures around every block, Sam and a group of strangers must rely on each other and stealth to navigate a New York that has become a flaming hellscape of fire and silence.

Sam and Eric must rely on each other to survive
a city gone quiet.

Film Review

A Quiet Place was a breath of fresh air for the horror genre in 2018. Its intriguing premise, tension-filled sequences, and engaging world-building have turned this series into an event upon every release. A Quiet Place Day One switches things up a bit while continuing to expand the world. Going from the low-population small town to the bustling streets of New York, the movie aims to progress the momentum while adding some high-stakes intensity with its new cast of hopeful survivors. After traversing the deathly quiet streets of the city that never sleeps, the film is another standout addition to the horror franchise. This series may be in a genre that I don't typically gravitate towards. But for whatever reason, I am continually drawn to this world and the characters within it. A Quiet Place Day One takes us out of the perspective of the Abbott family and gives us a fresh set of characters to traverse this universe with. The result is a film that is much larger in scale while still holding on to the foundations that make this series stand out amongst others in the genre. Performance-wise, our 2 leads are fantastic and play off of each other very well. Lupita Nyong’o continues to showcase why she is one of the top-notch actresses in the industry with a wonderful turn as Sam. I'm not used to seeing Nyong’o in this type of role but it was incredibly refreshing to see her play someone with this type of personality while skillfully adding some vulnerability and layers to the character given her circumstances. She commands the screen and really displays incredible depth throughout. The same can be said for Joseph Quinn as Eric. Eric's arc is one of someone seeking to find his courage in a world where your vulnerability can be your undoing. Throughout the story, he slowly but surely transforms into a capable individual who still manages to walk by faith despite the fact he is terrified of the world around him. Quinn wears his emotions on his sleeves which is a stark contrast to Nyong’o's Sam. Together, they bring the best out of each other and it is through those trials that they "save" each other by the film's end. 

 

Watch your heads!!!

A Quiet Place Day One has a ton of things going for it throughout its runtime. The sound design and sound mixing are the best they've ever been with any hint of auditory occurrence sending a spike of adrenaline and crippling anxiety through the spine of the viewer and the cinematography brilliantly captures the massive scope of this prequel. However, the human element continues to be the most important component of these films. Much like A Quiet Place Part 1 & 2, the films are uniquely crafted human stories with heartfelt emotion and earnest nuance. While it is nice to have intense sequences that excite or keep the audience on edge, having those quieter moments with characters you are invested in makes the journey more impactful. The Abbott family was the focal point of the mainline installments. Day One introduces new characters that are just as engaging. Quinn and Nyong’o's performances make the journey of Sam and Eric one that feels earnestly rich as well as suspensefully intense. If the human element is out of place, then the story and world fall apart as a result. It is great to know that John Krasinski and the creators never lose sight of what is important no matter who the players are on screen. All in all, A Quiet Place Day One is a strong addition to the franchise that continues to move the needle forward. Despite the chaotic nature of the setting and circumstances, the characters on screen are refreshingly layered in a way that adds humanity to this alien invasion thriller. Even with all the bloodthirsty creatures tearing up the streets, the peace that is found in just being human is a sound not to be suppressed.

Rating and Final Thoughts

Adding larger-scale action with its new setting, A Quiet Place Day One still never forgets
the essential ingredients that make it stand out in the genre it inhabits.

New York's #1 Survival Companion