My Top 10 Films of 2014

     As 2014 comes to a close, it's time to reflect on the movies we all clamored to the theaters to see. This year has been full of sequels, new heroes to cheer for, a franchise taken in a new direction, and just a few thought-provoking movies.  I might not have seen everything that other critics have seen such as Top Five or The Theory of Everything, but here we go.

     10) The Lego Movie

     A surprise hit this year, this adventure is based on the characters of the three-dimensional blocks children still play with today. This film helped increase the popularity of the LEGO toy line. Featuring a great voice cast with the likes of Morgan Freeman, Chris Pratt, and Will Ferrell, along with laughs and a strong story, The Lego Movie is fun for all ages.


     9)  Divergent

     While necessarily the strongest movie of this year, this film still does well to strengthen the power of Hollywood's trend to adapt YA novels into big-budget movies. Shailene Woodley turned in a wonderful performance as Tris, helping improve her resume as a dependable leading lady. The novel has a great story and message of becoming an individual but that is overshadowed by the predictability of the YA formula to pull teens into the theaters. Might not agree with this but it works.


     8) Transformers: Age of Extinction

     When Transformers: Dark of the Moon ended, I honestly thought it was a fitting conclusion to the Transformers film trilogy. Figuring out that he could continue to make money based on the classic 80's toys, Michael Bay returned with a new cast to join the robots in disguise. Nothing is really in disguise in this movie as Bay continues his typical formula of big effects and loud-action to support the story. Fans of the series will love this installment. All others, check your brain at the door.


     7) X-Men: Days of Future Past

     When the X-Men film series began a prequel trilogy with First Class, it was a breath of fresh air that the series needed. After that success, Bryan Singer returned to the series as director and brought in the original X-Men to join forces with their younger selves to save the future. The film combines the best elements of the series to produce a wonderful outing that ranks as the best outing so far for the franchise while also promising an interesting future for mutantkind.


     6) Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

     Rise of the Planet of the Apes was a great reinvention and reboot for the long time franchise. Stunning special effects. This sequel does a spectacular job expanding on the world that began with its predecessor. Along with an intelligent story and emotional harmony to go along with the stunning special effects, this film signals nothing but good things ahead for the reinvented storied franchise.


     5) The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

     Two weeks ago, fans of the Middle-Earth saga said good-bye to our epic companions. The final chapter of the saga might seems overwhelmed by its built-up spectacle based on the previous films, Peter Jackson ends his Middle-Earth prequel trilogy in a satisfying note with one last epic battle and finale that ties his films together.

     4) The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

     The beginning of the end of this powerful franchise started this year with part one of Mockingjay. The book was not the strongest of the trilogy but splitting it into two films helps to make the story better. This penultimate chapter sets up the franchise for an epic finale with powerful performances by the main cast and a smart political subplot. While the action is not prominent in this film, Mockingjay - Part 1 follows the trend of the final Harry Potter films and saving the action for last.

     3) Captain America: The Winter Soldier

     Captain America: The Winter Soldier is possibly the strongest film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Not because of the game-changing plot that altered the world of The Avengers but its political cleverness that draws similarities to what is currently going on in our world now. This movie thrilled die-hard Marvel fans as we watched the all-American hero stand for what's right in a world that is colored in shades of grey and surrounded with land mines of distrust and hidden agendas. 

     2) The Fault in Our Stars

     Wise, funny, honest, and heartbreaking, this film comes close to topping my list but not that close. The Fault in Our Stars does right in honoring its source material and staying close to John Green's popular bestseller. Unlike other romantic comedies or dramas, this movie doesn't keep the promise of a happy ending but it painfully honest of how real life is, no matter what you are going through and to live life to the fullest.

     1) Guardians of the Galaxy

     A kick-ass soundtrack, a great cast, and not to mention its a Marvel film, it's a winning formula for the tenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Expanding into the far reaches of the galaxy, Marvel brought a band of intergalactic misfits together to take on evil. Full of laughs, heart, thrilling action, and spectacular visual effects, Guardians of the Galaxy is a must-see film that can be enjoyed over and over.

Movie Review - The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies brings a fitting and epic end to the Middle-Earth Saga

     It took a little while and Peter Jackson took his good time in deciding to come back to the director's chair to direct The Hobbit. Adapting the slim book in Tolkien's Middle-Earth prequel should have only produced one film, possibly two. No one expected three. I always felt that Jackson was the rightful man to bring audiences back to the lands of Middle-Earth. In the end, he was right to return and end the film trilogy that made him a high profile director and master storyteller.

   

    
     In The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, we pick up with our heroes after they released the dragon, Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) on Lake-town. I won't spoil if the dragon makes it through the end of the film but he will run into Bard (Luke Evans) while the dwarves reclaim their mountain homeland of Erebor. With news of the dragon leaving the mountain spreading throughout the land,  everyone wants a piece of the treasure deep in the mountain. This same treasure begins to drive dwarf leader Thorin (Richard Armitage) into a paranoid, greedy monster who is unable to identify friend from foe. This news brings all the creatures of Middle-Earth - Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, and others - to Erebor's doorstep for a final battle.

     A continuing trend in Jackson's Fantasyland, the final battle does run a little too long. It feels like it overtakes the length of the final battle in The Return of the King but it's not as epic as The Two Towers' Battle for Helm's Deep. I'm not saying that it's terrible or will bore you because this battle is epic and fought on different fronts for our heroes. I praise Martin Freeman for adding some humor to the otherwise serious finale and lending some humanity to lighten up the darkness that hovers over the characters. He has been the secret weapon behind the blockbuster trilogy, the beating human heart of this powerful warrior machine. 

     The final scene of the film ties The Hobbit prequel trilogy and The Lord of the Rings films together as Bilbo settles into the Shire after a grand adventure, he can rest knowing that he will be missed as the book is closed on the Middle-Earth Saga.

     Well done, Peter Jackson. Well done.

Movie Preview - Terminator Genisys

     "I'll be back" - Arnold Schwarzenegger, The Terminator, 1984

     Those famous three words have become iconic now as one of the best lines of all time. It's also the line that describes Schwarzenegger as he returns to the film series that made him a mega-star. For the first time since 2003's Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Arnold puts the exo-skeleton on under his skin and goes to war again.

     In Terminator Genisys, it's the year 2029. John Connor (Jason Clarke) continues his war against the machines. At the Los Angeles offensive, John's fears of the unknown future begin to emerge as TECOM spies reveal a new plot by Skynet to attack Connor from two fronts: past and future.

    To protect the future and the impending victory against Skynet, Connor sends trusted lieutenant Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney) back through time to save his mother's life and ensure his existence. However, what he finds in the past is not what he expected. After being orphaned at age nine by a Terminator, Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke, Game of Thrones) has been brought up by another Terminator (Arnold Schwarzenegger) programmed to protect her. He has trained her to face her destiny, which she rejects.

     After the failed attempt of a new trilogy from Terminator: Salvation and the sale of the franchise, this new film feels like it's putting the franchise back on track. Salvation was not the best installment in the series so a reboot makes sense. Looking at this preview, there are elements of the first two films in this new one. The T-1000 has returned with a new look (Sorry, Robert Patrick). Sarah Connor is not the scared woman we saw in the original but represented the female solider of Judgment Day. I will say that it is cool to see the time machine actually at work in the future and not just see the naked traveler come into the past.

     It's clear that the rules have changed in the Terminator series.

     Terminator Genisys blasts into theaters July 1, 2015

Movie Preview - The Force Awakens in the new Star Wars Trailer

     On Friday, November 28, 2014, I felt something I haven't felt in ages. I felt a tremor in the Force and it turns out that it was the new trailer for Star Wars : Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

     It doesn't reveal a lot and we don't see our favorite characters from the original trilogy but we are shown some new characters of this new trilogy. John Boyega (Attack the Block) is shown as a startled Stormtrooper, unaware of where he is. Whether he is a wearing this in disguise as Han and Luke did in A New Hope or an actual stormtrooper will be discovered soon.

     Daisy Ridley, a relatively unknown actress, is on a new speeder and in Rebel gear.

     Oscar Issac (Inside Llewyn Davis) is flying an X-Wing fighter on water with other fighters alongside of him. This won't be the only big film for Issac who has secured the role of Apocalypse in X-Men: Apocalypse.

     And a great evil has returned as we see a Sith lord walking in the snow covered woods and pulled out a broadsword-style lightsaber. Who is he or she hunting?

     But it wouldn't be a Star Wars preview without seeing the Millennium Falcon in action. It looks a little different from when we saw it during Return of the Jedi but still looks incredible. We all know that Han Solo (Harrison Ford) is piloting the ship and going against the remaining pieces of the Empire.

     As a fan, I was hoping to see the original characters in the first trailer but I understand that J.J. Abrams wants to save that for the next trailer. Despite what little we are shown in the two minute trailer, it's enough to keep fans interested and possibly bring new fans over to the Star Wars universe.

     Join the Light or the Dark Side on December 18, 2015.

Fire is catching in the The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1

     After the success of the Harry Potter film series by making the final book into two movies, it seems like every movie adaptation of popular YA novels is following that model to get all the money possible. In Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, it made the most sense with the length of the book and not trying to cheat the fans; the same with The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn. With The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, the worst book of the series, splitting it into two movies made little sense to me but with more free reign in movies to make changes, it could be made better.

     After opening up to $123 million, the worst book might become the best movie of the series.

 

      

     Mockingjay - Part 1 picks up not long after the events of Catching Fire, finding Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), along with fellow Victors Beetee and Finnick Odair in District 13, an underground rebel facility. Katniss has been reunited with her mother and Prim. She doesn't have long to recover because our heroine is instantly brought into the revolution by President Alma Coin (Julianne Moore), the leader of District 13. After learning her actions during the Quarter Quell has sparked unrest in the districts, Coin wishes to capitalize and strengthen the cause by making Katniss to becoming the "Mockingjay" - the symbol of the rebellion - but Katniss declines. 

     After seeing what the Capitol had done to her home of District 12 and seeing the Capitol using Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) to stop the rebellion and to shake Katniss, she reluctantly changes her mind and becomes the "Mockingjay". Along with her best friend, Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and a guerrilla film crew that records her battlefield heroics, exposes what the Capitol has done to the districts, and sends it back to the masses of Panem.

     I give a lot of credit to director Francis Lawrence and writers Peter Craig and Danny Strong for bringing in the politics to the forefront of a big-budget film. The subplot of exposing the Capitol's wrongdoings works well in the grand scheme of the propaganda war between the rebels and President Snow (Donald Sutherland). Jennifer Lawrence once again delivered in her role, taking Katniss in a different direction after the trauma she suffered during the Games. Katniss seemed passive, lacking the fire and smarts that she possessed in the previous film; showing that the events of the Hunger Games has finally caught up to her but once she sees the devastation the Capitol has caused, Jennifer brings the old Katniss out to fight. Hutcherson's Peeta didn't have much screen time except for the Capitol television interviews but still had a powerful performance and effect on the characters. During the progression, Peeta looks worse and worse, showing the effects of the torture the Capitol is enacting on him and this torture comes back to haunt Katniss before the film ends.

     Mockingjay - Part 1 has one major problem and it's right there in the title: Part 1. Mockingjay felt like it was needlessly padded with filler scenes, even through they served a purpose to the overall film. It followed the formula that the previous films I mentioned utilized: build up the events in the first part and then create an epic and grand finale to the series in part two. If you have read the book, you know what happens in the novel and how the story ends but I won't spoil that here. I just wish we didn't have to wait until next year for the conclusion of The Hunger Games film series.

      
    

Established franchises announce their return.

     Hollywood has had a big day as breaking news was reported today when my phone was pinged with news from Entertainment Weekly. So without further ado...

The Galaxy far, far, away feels a little closer now...

     

     Do you feel that? That disturbance in the Force? It's the announcement that Star Wars: Episode VII has finished it's final day of shooting and now has a title.

     The next chapter of the Star Wars movie saga is called Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.

     The title does bring to question what the Force has been doing the last few decades.  Has Luke been slacking over the last few years, resting on his success of helping destroy another Death Star? Are there any new Jedi that have joined the new Jedi Master? These

     This entry picks up three decades after the events of Return of the Jedi and is headlined by the original trilogy stars Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), and Anthony Daniels (C-3PO). New additions include Lupita Nyong'o (Best Supporting Actress winner from 12 Years a Slave), and Gwendoline Christie, the British actress who plays the female knight Brienne from Game of Thrones. It's also been announced that Andy Serkis will be a part of this phenomenal cast.

     C-3PO star Daniels tweeted an expectation-setter by stating that this movie is better than The Empire Strikes Back. That is saying a lot since a lot of hardcore fans consider that film as the standard bearer of the entire saga. I suppose we'll find out how good this film will be around 13 months.

     Star Wars: The Force Awakens is set to fly out of hyperspace on December 18, 2015.

Send in the Toys!

     

    
     This was a pleasant surprise for me and made me smile like the frozen smile of the Woody doll before he comes to life when the kids are away.

     John Lasseter, the Pixar chief, returns to the directing chair and helms another entry in the movie series that changed the animation scene forever in 1995's Toy Story.

     The fourth film in the series is slated for release in June 16, 2017 and will be written by Rashida Jones, formerly of NBC's Parks and Recreation and her screen writing partner Will McCormack . The idea was kept under tight wraps by other Pixar directors and Walt Disney's CEO Robert Iger. It has not been revealed whether or not Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, or any of the other voice actors who voiced the toybox crew will return but it's hard to see this film go on without them coming back.

     As a fan, I am excited because this is a movie saga that I grew up with; that I was willing to go see Toy Story 3 eleven years after the last movie and I loved every minute of it. I felt that Toy Story 3 was the perfect ending to the beloved trilogy and another film might sully the franchise.

     The online Entertainment Weekly article states that Lasseter thinks of these characters as family and wouldn't do anything with them unless it lived up to or surpassed what came before. So I guess that helps my confidence in this film.

     While past Pixar films have not been as well accepted such as Cars 2 or Planes, Toy Story has always been reliable. Let's hope that this return to the toybox is as epic as before. 

Vengeance comes to our favorite team of racers in the "Furious 7" preview

     It's finally here. Months of hype and set photos put up by Vin Diesel through his Facebook page have built up to the first trailer of the next chapter in the high octane film franchise. Here is the first trailer for Furious 7.

     
    
     After an abrupt stop in production due to the tragic death of Paul Walker, the fate of The Fast and Furious franchise was in jeopardy. But pulling together through the tragedy and wanting the film to honor Walker and his Brian O'Connor character, filming resumed later and the high-octane franchise is ready to bring the next chapter to its legion of fans.

     This new film finds franchise newcomer Jason Statham (The Transporter series) playing Ian Shaw seeking revenge against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his crew for the death of his brother. 

     Looking at this preview, it's safe to say that Furious 7 will have more insanely and over-the-top action pieces, exotic locations, and those fast cars. It could be the best film of the franchise that seems to keep getting better since the return of the original cast. Judging from this preview, the film does not lose its constant theme of family.

     Furious 7 roars into theaters on April 3, 2015.

Movie Preview: Avengers: Age of Ultron

     We weren't supposed to see the preview or any footage until this upcoming Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. episode but there are those who will go out of their way to spoil surprises and cause chaos where there was originally order.

     Thanks to a grainy trailer that was leaked out onto the internet, Marvel decided to toss those "best laid plans" and release the first official trailer that will bring Earth's Mightest Heroes back to the silver screen.

     Here is the official first trailer to Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron

     After S.H.I.E.L.D. has been dismantled after the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the Avengers have been stopping threats but are in need of a break. Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) attempts to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program with Ultron (voiced by James Spader), a self-aware, self-teaching, artificial intelligence. When Ultron decides that humans are the main enemy and sets his sights on destroying Earth, it is up to the Avengers. Along the way, they encounter the gifted twins, Pietro and Wanda Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen).

     From looking at the preview, there is definitely a sense of dread and hopelessness as our heroes seem to have met their match in Ultron. We see Thor drop his hammer, a glimpse of Cap's broken shield, and Bruce Banner not only looking lost physically but looks to be dealing with an internal battle when we see him on a plane with his teammates.

     This movie seems to be more globe-spanning instead of focusing on a major city. We see snowy mountain tops to city streets, this battle will take the Avengers all over our planet.

     One of the big things we see...The Hulkbuster armor as Iron Man and The Hulk go one-on-one! We aren't completely sure why but it looks as though this fight will happen.

     And we can see that with Thor grabbing Tony by the throat and by the synopsis, this is all Tony's fault.

     Avengers: Age of Ultron comes to theaters May 1, 2015.

Movie Review: Denzel delivers calm and chilling justice as "The Equalizer"

     My friends, it has been a little while but you all know how life gets in the way. During the fall season, good movies can be few and far between with a few possible Oscar movies or performances sprinkled in. While The Equalizer doesn't fall into that rare category, it is a good film powered by a film star's staying power.

   
     The Equalizer stars Denzel Washington (Flight) as Robert McCall, a quiet man living in Boston, Massachusetts and works at a Home Mart hardware store. He is friendly to his co-workers and tries to help a security guard trainee Ralphie pass his qualification exam. Beyond that, he keeps to himself by living alone and sticking to a routine. One night during his visit to a late-night local diner, he befriends a teenager, Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a victim of sex trafficking and forced into prostitution.

     When he sees her end up in the hospital after being brutally beaten, Robert promises to save her and enters the restaurant owned by the Russian Mafia to buy her freedom. When her pimp Slavi (David Meunier) refuse his offer to buy her freedom, Robert systematically takes out Slavi and his men. In retaliation, Robert is forced to go up against the enforcer of the Mob, Teddy (Marton Csokas) and return to a life that he promised never to return to.

     While it might not be his best acted roles in the vein of Malcolm X and American Gangster, Denzel Washington brings his own energy to the action hero role, playing the character of a man trying to tow the line between his promise and protecting the innocent. Washington perfectly acted the struggle of his character before McCall completely crosses over the line to do what is right to him. Seeing McCall in action, his calmness in executing strikes against the mob was exciting, bringing in memories of the first Taken film.

     The film is more stylishly violent than meaningful although it had potential to be. As a whole, the movie delivers with Antoine Fuqua behind the camera. The team of Fuqua and Washington again delivers in their first film together since Training Day. While up to that level, it shows that this duo can make an average gritty film appealing to audiences. It certainly speaks to Denzel Washington's star power and that he can still bring audiences to theaters to see his films. 

New Movie Preview : The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

     I know it's been a while since I have put up a post but life has been keeping me busy. I do promise more movie reviews, top ten lists, Netflix film updates and a site update in the coming weeks.

     While there have been other previews that have come up that have caught my eye and will have a super-sized preview post later this week, one preview has been long awaited since its teaser from Comic Con.

     In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I, after surviving the Quarter Quell, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) finds herself in the hidden District 13. Under the leadership of President Coin (Julianne Moore) and the advice of her trusted friends, Katniss embraces her role as the Mockingjay as she tries to rescue Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from the clutches of The Capitol and President Snow (Donald Sutherland).

     In this preview, we see all of the characters from the previous films taking their place in the war against The Capitol. Most of our favorite characters like Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) and Effie (Elizabeth Banks) are more like refugees now, embracing the dark times they have entered. President Snow looks more sinister during his video conversation with Katniss. Peeta looks chillingly calm in his Capitol attire as he instructs the resistance to surrender and giving Katness a reason to fight.

     A war-torn country, exploding arrows, and a symbol to lead a resistance against the government. This penultimate chapter of The Hunger Games Saga has all the makings to be better than its predecessor.

     Panem's war comes to theaters November 21.

Movie Review - Marvel takes over the cosmos in Guardians of the Galaxy

     We're all fans of Marvel's Cinematic Universe, the world of interconnected superhero films that culminated in the big budget ensemble movie The Avengers to end their first phase. Now fully into Phase Two, preparing to reunite Earth's Mightiest Heroes next summer, Marvel Studios took another chance and introducing a new team to their devoted fans. A team of unpredictable and unconventional individuals who are tasked to save the galaxy and try not to kill each other in the process.

    
     The film starts on Earth in 1988, where we see young Peter Quill get hoovered up into a spaceship when he was eight years old. Twenty-six years later, Quill (Chris Pratt) is a cocky earthling "Indiana Jones"-type of fortune hunter, armed with space weapons, a Walkman with classic rock, and a wandering eye for extraterrestrial babes. All in all, he represents a fun, updated version of Han Solo, played with wily mischief and charm by Chris Pratt.

     During a botched plan to sell his most recent score, he is arrested and sent to a galactic prison along with the green-skinned assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), the insane grumbler Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista, whose physique from years of wrestling made him physically ready for the role), the foul-mouthed and hilarious Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and the walking tree Groot (voiced by the deep, foghorn voice of Vin Diesel, only repeating the line "I am Groot").

     I won't go too much into the plot because I feel like I wouldn't be able to do it justice. It reads the same as other action-adventure superhero films where everyone good and evil is in search of a mysterious MacGuffin - the mysterious orb that was shown during the preview that Quill was in search of that is later shown to have the power to destroy worlds. The villain Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace) is looking to obtain the orb for the destructive power it holds. It is similar to The Avengers and their fight for the Tesseract.
    
     Unlike the seriousness of previous MCU films like Thor and the 1940's retro feel of Captain America: The First Avenger, Quill and his rag-tag band of pranksters bring a blast of comic relief and hilariousness to the threat that Ronan brings to the galaxy. A lot of credit goes to Pratt due to his previous experience on TV's Parks and Recreation, where he mostly played a supportive role. This film graduates him up to the status of leading man. After watching this movie, it's been long overdue. Cooper also delivered another wise-cracking, side-splitting performance as the genetically altered raccoon. He was like a Looney Toon armed with a machine gun.

     Together, this team of exiles become unexpected heroes. I better related to Gamora's opinion of the team as "the biggest idiots of the galaxy." During the time, you wonder if they will be able to put their separate selfish desires to the side and embrace the responsibility that showed up on their doorstep. Director James Gunn did a great job with his first big budget film and Marvel shows with this movie that despite their success, they are still willing to take risks. If the universe started with this film, I don't think the MCU would be where it is now. The proper foundation of The Avengers helped this film stand on strong legs. I haven't been too mixed about the Marvel films but this is the first one that was one of the more unpredictable and exciting of the universe.

     I hope everyone goes on the journey with the Guardians and rocks along with the soundtrack that accompanies the film, flowing with the rhythm of classic rock.

     In case you were curious about the soundtrack, here is the playlist for the Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix, Vol. 1.

     1. "Hooked on a Feeling" - Blue Swede
     2. "Go All The Way" - The Raspberries
     3. "Spirit In The Sky" - Norman Greenbaum
     4. "Moonage Daydream" -David Bowie
     5. "Fooled Around And Fell In Love" - Elvin Bishop
     6. "I'm Not In Love" - 10cc
     7. "I Want You Back" - The Jackson 5
     8. "Come and Get Your Love" - Redbone
     9. "Cherry Bomb" - The Runaways
    10. "Escape (The Pina Colada Song) - Rupert Holmes
    11. "O-O-H Child" - The Five Stairsteps
    12. "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" - Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Movie Preview - Movies to come from Comic-Con

     To show how big of a fan or nerd that I am, It's always been a goal and dream of mine to travel out to San Diego and attend the biggest convention is all the land...COMIC-CON!!

     Not only is it the place for fans to dress up like their favorite fictional characters, meet new friends with similar likes in the Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Action genres, you can also meet your favorite stars. That's right, stars from your favorite movies, TV series, and studios show up to show off never before seen footage from movies that are currently filming, are in pre-production, or that have been waiting to be announced. This all happens at Comic-Con.

     This year, many movies scheduled to be released later this year premiered their first trailers to legions of their fans that packed the auditorium halls. Now that the craziness of Comic-Con has faded until next year's festivities, I'm here to show you all the first trailers that premiered at the convention.

     First: Mad Max: Fury Road. In this reboot, Tom Hardy takes on the role of Max, a man traveling the desert wasteland of the world where he meets Furiosa (Charlize Theron), a woman who wished to cross the desert to reach her childhood home, unaware of the dangers that lay hidden in the wasteland. Mad Max: Fury Road rages into theaters May 15, 2015

     Next: Interstellar. Christopher Nolan already has people and fans of his previous work excited for this original Science Fiction film about a group of explorers that make use of a wormhole to expand space exploration and possibly save the Earth. This film stars Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Michael Caine, and Jessica Chastain. Interstellar voyages into theaters on November 7.

   
     Coming Soon: Sin City: A Dame to Kill For. Nine years after the first movie, Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller bring their neo-noir world back to the silver screen as the town's most hard-boiled citizens go up against its more powerful and reviled inhabitants.

     Next: The Hobbit: The Battle of The Five Armies. The final chapter of The Middle-Earth Saga is ready to be written. Picking up where The Desolation of Smaug left off, the company of Thorin Oakenshield reached The Lonely Mountain and confronted the dragon, Smaug but have set him free from Erebor. Now, all of Middle-Earth prepares to go to war to fight the dark forces that goes beyond the dragon. The epic finale to The Hobbit trilogy arrives December 17.

     Finally: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I. After being rescued from the Quarter Quell, Katness Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is taken to the hidden District 13 and reluctantly becomes the symbol of a mass rebellion against President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and The Capitol. The penultimate chapter of The Hunger Games Saga charges into theaters on November 21.

    
     I hope you all enjoy these previews and they get you more prepared for these films as their release dates get closer! One day, I hope to report or update you all when I go to Comic-Con for the first time ever!

Movie Review - Dwayne Johnson proves to be "Rock"-solid in Hercules

     I'm back with another movie review from the slate of summer flicks that have had control over this Summer movie season. While this summer has not been kind to Hollywood, money-wise, while audiences are awaiting the movies that have been announced for next Summer (Avengers: Age of Ultron, anyone?!), this season hasn't necessarily been terrible.

     A Hercules film already came out this year with The Legend of Hercules, starring Kellan Lutz. Trust me, this one is certainly better and brings a more realistic spin to the legendary warrior. In this version, Hercules (Dwayne Johnson) is said to be the demigod son of Zeus, going through the Twelve Labors, and a hero. When he finally appears on-screen, he is not alone. Hercules is leading a team of mercenaries that help support his legend as it spreads across the land, offering their services to the highest bidders.

     The King of Thrace, Lord Cotys (John Hurt) summons Hercules and his band to his city to help train his armies to defend the kingdom against the warlord, Rheseus (Tobias Santelmann). During this training, we uncover more about what led Hercules onto his current path and his earlier success that cost him his family, weighing him down with guilt and looking for redemption. When Hercules uncovers that all is not as it seems in Thrace and the good king, he has to break the chains that hold him back and accept his destiny.

     Johnson played this role with such ferocity and energy that he looked like he has born to pay this role. I followed the Rock through his Facebook page and Instagram as he prepared physically to portray the mythical Greek hero. Dwayne's intensity and energy helped drive this movie along with its action packed story.  Ever since his kick-ass role as DSS Agent Hobbs in Fast Five, the wrestler formally known as "The Rock" has been Hollywood's go-to actor to give action films a well-needed shot of adrenaline and bringing a degree of freshness to an established franchise such as G.I. Joe and The Fast and The Furious. Dwayne Johnson seems to have found his niche in action films but is also known to be talented and able to play in different roles.

     Hercules isn't a spectacular movie but worth it seeing if you have some extra time to spare this weekend after seeing Guardians of the Galaxy.

     Have a good weekend and enjoy the movies!

Movie Preview - Fifty Shades of Grey

     Well, it was bound to happen at some point. When you have a large enough following behind a piece of work, a phenomenon is created and no one can seem to avoid it (Twilight, for example). It'll surround us on the streets, bookstores, magazine racks, clothing stores, etc. This "lightning-in-a-bottle" effect seemed to happen to a terrible piece of fiction that opened up the proverbial "Pandora's Box" in fiction and made something taboo popular today.

     While I made a promise not to talk about this movie on my own personal blog, I cannot ignore the momentum that this film will have before its release date. I consider myself to be a well-read individual, willing to give any book a first try but there are some novels that I can't see myself casually reading.

     With all of this being said, the first trailer for Fifty Shades of Grey:

     When Literature student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) goes to interview wealthy but tormented billionaire Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan), her life is changed forever. As they accept their mutual attraction, Christian brings her into his world, revealing his secrets, and allowing Anastasia to explore her own desires.

     I'm fairly sure that fans of the book trilogy will be flocking to the theaters to see this film, possibly pulling their reluctant boyfriends to go with them for a Valentine's Day date. Will this movie be able to capitalize on the unbelievable momentum since its release to the public? Only time will tell.

     Fifty Shades of Grey premieres Valentine's Day 2015.

Movie Preview - Brad Pitt brings his 'Fury' to Germany

     This fall, audiences will have the chance to journey back into time where heroes were made; A time where Americans went overseas to fight for freedom on a land where evil and oppression hung overhead.

     The film is set during the last few months of World War II as the Allies make their final push in the European Theater. A battle-hardened army sergeant named Wardaddy (Pitt) commands a Sherman tank called "Fury" and its five-man crew on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines. The crew find themselves over their heads as they are outnumbered and out-gunned against the German resistance. Together, these five band of brothers attempt to defy the odds and strike at the heart of Nazi Germany. 

     Starring Logan Lerman (Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead), Shia LaBeouf (Transformers film series), and Michael Pena (End of Watch, American Hustle) and helmed by writer-director David Ayer (End of Watch), this movie is sure to stir the American spirit in all of us. 

     Fury opens November 14.

Movie Review - Transformers: Age of Extinction

     So, on a whim, I decided to go see Transformers: Age of Extinction. I mean, I saw the first three films so I might as well see the newest installment. Nearly three hours later, I knew two things: 1) This movie would make a lot of money because of it's a big budget Michael Bay film; and 2) Michael Bay's storytelling has not gotten any better and this movie suffers from his need to have big explosions. 

     First, I'm not a Michael Bay hater. I enjoy his films and, out of this whole film series, the first was the absolute best because of an excellent story combined with Michael Bay's directing. The first film had a way of bringing out your inner child and showing why the Transformers franchise has such a huge following. Then, in typical Bay fashion, Revenge of the Fallen and Dark of the Moon had to go bigger but not better. This film follows the same trend. 

     Transformers: Age of Extinction picks up five years after The Battle of Chicago in Dark of the Moon. The Autobots and Decepticons remaining on Earth have been forced into hiding for survival due to humans hunting them. Struggling inventor Cade Yeager (Mark Wahlberg) buys a truck in hope of earning some money for his daughter (Nicola Peltz) to go to college. When Cade discovers the truck is an injured Optimus Prime, he steps into the re-ignited Transformers War.

     The way the film starts millions of years ago, the same way Revenge of the Fallen began. This time it was during the age of the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs are just roaming until alien spaceships hover overhead and use a probe to bring them to extinction. All that is left are fossilized remains, which are uncovered by a scientist in the Arctic in the present time. This all becomes important later on but I'm not going to spoil that if you are adamant on seeing the movie. As the film goes on, we learn that the government has created an elite unit led by its creator, CIA agent Harold Attinger (Kelsey Grammar), to hunt the remaining transformers on Earth but unable to capture Optimus Prime. When Yeager revives the Autobot leader, it puts him and his family on the run from their home in Texas, then Chicago, and finally in Hong Kong.

     Stanley Tucci plays Joshua Joyce, Attinger's partner, who looks to capitalize on the hunt for the Transformers by creating tech from their remains. Tucci does a good job with his arrogant, weasel-like character before he grows a conscience. Typical, I know. Micheal Bay also introduces an unknown actress in Peltz, playing Yeager's daughter. Bay has a way of having his movies make stars out of actresses looking for their big break. We'll see if that trend continues because I was not impressed at all by her. While Mark Wahlberg is good in an action film adding in his own comedic value and charm to the movie, it was a little hard to take him seriously in this film. I'll say this; he is a sizable upgrade from previous Transformers lead actor, Shia LaBeouf.

     Of course, it wouldn't be a Transformers film without the robots getting into the action. Yes, there are a few robot battles, especially with Transformer bounty hunter helping the government. Robots fight, cities are destroyed, and crap blows up. Oh, it does blow up. What really cripples Bay's film is the time length. The first hour was impressive but as time went on, I just felt numb and exhausted with the film, wondering when the final battle would arrive. Ultimately, Age of Extinction could be considered one of the weakest of the series. Michael Bay has said that this film would be the start of a new trilogy of Transformers films and the way it ended, I think he's right. If he is, it's not starting off well. 

     If you have seen the previous films in the series and liked them, want to see a summer popcorn flick, or just to get out of the house, I would recommend this movie. But just check your brain at the door. 

This Public Service Message is brought to you by President Snow and The Capitol

     I have to say that when I came across this news today, I was very giddy with excitement. After the success of The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, its first part of a two-part sequel has a higher expectation attached to it. This one-minute teaser trailer definitely sent chills through me and it should for every fan of the series.

     President Snow is sitting in a grand white throne, addressing the citizens of the Capitol. His propaganda machine seems to be in full swing as he tries to quell the rebellion that we saw begin in the previous film. Snow speaks smoothly using words like "unity" and "prosperity" to describe the nation of Panem and each districts role in the great machine. Then it took a dark turn as he made a comment about rebellion, making statements such as "But if you resist the system, you starve yourself," and "If you fight against it, it is you who will bleed."

     As the camera slowly pulls back, it is shown that the leader of the Capitol is not alone. Standing beside him is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), the kidnapped Hunger Games winner. If you read the book, you know what happened to Peeta after Catching Fire. If you haven't read the book, I won't spoil the twist for you but as you see Peeta staring off into the distance, you can tell that Peeta is not the same boy.

     Well done, Lionsgate. Now I can't wait for this film. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1 comes to theaters November 21.

Movie Preview - The Expendables 3

     In 2010, a new generation of audiences were introduced to the past stars of the 1980's and 90's as Sylvester Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in The Expendables. Two years later, Stallone and his team returned with more stars that have reached cult status in this generation in the action-packed sequel The Expendables 2.

     This summer, the boys are back and ready for action in The Expendables 3.

     This time, Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone) and his Expendables team must face the merciless arms deal Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), the co-founder of the Expendables with Ross. In order to combat this personal threat, Ross must recruit younger pieces to add to his team. From the trailer, this film will go into the history of the Expendables and how they formed. Apparently, Stonebanks and Ross had a falling out that put them on opposite sides. What this falling out is, we'll find them out among the explosions, gunfire, and fistfights.

     Continuing the trend of The Expendables movie trilogy, this film boasts an all-star cast of returning favorites Jason Statham, Jet Li, Randy Couture, Terry Crews, Dolph Lundgren, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. It also introduces new heroes to the fight: Kellan Lutz (The Twilight Saga, I know...), MMA figher Ronda Rousey, Antonio Banderas (The Legend of Zorro), Kelsey Grammar (Frasier), and Harrison Ford (Star Wars, Indiana Jones). Audiences are also re-introduced as Wesley Snipes (Blade) makes his return to Hollywood in his first big film since being released from prison for tax evasion.

     Get ready for the ultimate summer action fix on August 15.

Movie Review - The Fault in our Stars

   

     The Fault in Our Stars. One of the best novels of the past decade. When this was announced to be adapted into a movie, I knew this film would be a wonderful, emotional, and human spectacle to watch. This film certainly didn't disappoint. The novel adaptation is about the miraculous story of Hazel Grace Lancaster (Shailene Woodley) and Augustus Waters (Ansel Elgort), two cancer patients who meet during a support group and fall in love. 

     I loved reading the novel and fell in love with the humanity and truthfulness of the story and how it affected the two main characters so I was hoping that the film would do the novel justice. Director Josh Boone did a great job with the source material. From Hazel Grace's first line at the opening of the film, it's apparent that this film will not be easy to get through, setting the audience up to be knocked down as the movie truly began. As the movie continued, the funny wit and heartfelt emotions kept audiences invested as the love story continued to evolve between Augustus and Hazel. What I truly loved about the movie was the same thing I loved about the novel: the realness of the cancer in the lives of young teenagers. Although both would like to live full, healthy lives, they accept their conditions but doesn't allow it to hinder them. Like the novel, the movie doesn't shy away from the cancer or hide the effect it has on the two lovers.  

     Shailene Woodley brought a stellar performance in her role as the brave, witty, and resilient Hazel Grace Lancaster. In my eyes, this was her official breakout role. Thanks to the success of Divergent earlier this year, Woodley was already shown to have A-list star quality and that was confirmed in Stars. Her performance is memorable, possibly Oscar-worthy but it shows that she could make it to that stage. Pure and authentic, Woodley's performance was exactly how I thought Hazel Grace would be in real-life portrayal. Ansel's performance was just as strong as the loyal and persistent Augustus Waters, displaying the heart that Waters had, despite the effect that cancer had on him. 

      This movie was the best and precious young adult movies that Hollywood has brought to audiences in a long time. Augustus and Hazel Grace is the best love story that people have read or seen in the last decade and this movie proves it. 

     If you have not read the book, do it. If you haven't seen the movie, go see it. 

     Okay. Okay. 

Movie Preview: Interstellar

     It's certainly difficult to keep track of the comings and goings in Hollywood but I do my best to keep track while maintaining a full time job. There have been more previews that have been released and streaming into theaters but I hope to show some of the ones that none of my followers have seen yet. 

     With that being said, I'm bringing you a new preview from one of my favorite directors. Christopher Nolan has established himself in the Hollywood big budget film club with his movies but unlike other big directors, Nolan separates himself by bringing his own twist to a film. Whether it be a pop culture fictional hero (The Dark Knight Trilogy) or a smart and imaginative science fiction thriller (Inception), Nolan has been known to present fantastic films to audiences. 

     This year, Christopher Nolan brings us another original science fiction film. 

     Interstellar is a a science fiction film where a group of explorers make use of a newly discovered wormhole in order to surpass the limitations of human space travel. This film boasts an all-star cast with Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers Club), Anne Hathaway (The Dark Knight Rises), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), and Michael Caine (The Dark Knight Trilogy) leading the way. 

     Like with all of Nolan's films, he has kept this film under wraps so there have been no reveals to spoil audiences but I can imagine that no one will be disappointed. 

     Interstellar voyages into theaters on November 7, 2014.

Movie Review: X-Men: Days of Future Past

     So I'm a little late making this post but the movie was so good that I had to see it twice! I'm not joking, this movie was everything I thought it would be when it was announced. While I'm not sure if I would give it the title of "Best Superhero Movie Ever", it certainly ranks up there with The Avengers. The X-Men movie franchise was the start of the superhero movie craze of the new millennium when the first movie hit theaters in 2000. And now, fourteen years later and a reboot later, Days of Future Past breathes new life into the franchise.

     X-Men: Days of Future Past takes one of the X-Men's best stories and brings its own version to the silver screen. In the future, the mutant race is teetering towards extinction, being hunted by the Sentinels. The surviving members of the X-Men send Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) into the past and bring a young Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Eric Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) together to change history and stop an event that will spark a war that will threaten both humans and mutants.

     I had all the confidence in the actors of the film and how they would all mesh together. The original X-Men cast (Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, Ellen Page, and Shawn Ashmore) did a wonderful job portraying the war-weary heroes, fighting for their survival. You could feel their hope slipping and desperation to save the world, going far enough to suggest a risky attempt at time travel. The movie did a wonderful job of balancing the survival fight between the past and the future, not an easy job when it comes to time-travel films. Bryan Singer did a great job in his return to the franchise, keeping the action fast paced and audiences intrigued as the climax of the film was getting closer and you weren't sure how everything would work out.  

     Hugh Jackman once again dominates as the protagonist of the entire series, Wolverine. Wolverine was chosen for the time travel trip because of his healing factor which makes him ageless. His consciousness was sent back in time to his younger body in order to reach Charles Xavier and Eric Lehnsherr. Jackman was flawless playing Wolverine again for the seventh time, greeting the audience with the violent and wise-cracking hero. Jackman shows his comfort in playing Wolverine like it is a part of his personality that he's always had. 

     Wolverine is sent back to the 1970s, ten years after the events of X-Men: First Class. When Logan arrives in the past, we see that a lot has changed. James McAvoy did a wonderful play portraying the lost and broken Charles Xavier, hope completely dashed from the future leader of the X-Men. Jennifer Lawrence was stunningly sexy and dangerous as Mystique, showing a less innocent character than we were introduced to during First Class. Michael Fassbender delivered once again as the younger Magneto, showing that the mutant's fight for mutant superiority always tops his loyalties. This is contradicted by the older Magneto who joined Xavier with the mutant race close to annihilation.

     Along with old friends and their younger counterparts, audiences are introduced to new mutants in the future such as Blink (Fan Bingbing), Sunspot (Adan Canto), and fan favorite Bishop (Omar Sy). Another fan favorite made his appearance as Evan Peters plays the swift runner Quicksilver. Quicksilver was exactly how every fan might imagine him; quick talking and quick moving while the rest of us are moving in slow motion around him. This is proven during one of the best scenes in the movie (you'll know it when you see it).  With a great ensemble cast, the return of Bryan Singer to the X-Men director's chair, and an excellent story, this film has the X-Men film series looking forwards towards a bright future. 

     I highly recommend this top contender for movie of the Summer. Please survive the credits (It's a Marvel movie, you don't leave during the credits!) and, overall, enjoy the movie!

Guardians of the Galaxy: The Marvel Cinematic Universe travels into space

     The Marvel Cinematic Universe is about to expand from Earth and into the far, dark reaches of space. As if the universe could not get bigger, this upcoming movie will take superheroes into a different direction and show that the Marvel universe can go beyond The Avengers. Yesterday, the official trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy was released into our world. 

      In Guardians of The Galaxy, an American pilot named Peter Quill (Pratt) finds himself hunted after stealing an orb coveted by the villainous Ronan (Pace). In order to evade Ronan, Quill is forced to create an uneasy alliance with galactic outlaws including Gamora (Saldana), Rocket Raccoon (voiced by Bradley Cooper), Drax the Destroyer (Dave Bautista), and Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). When Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the threat it presents, he must rally his team for a last stand to save the galaxy. 

     This film could be a huge risk for the Marvel Cinematic Universe but it is fair to remember that the universe started with a risk when Iron Man was brought to the silver screen. It also stars Benicio del Toro as The Collector, whom we were introduced to in Thor: The Dark World. This shows that this film will have a link to the already established world that The Avengers have shaped. Might we have an Avengers-Guardians team up sometime soon? I suppose time will tell. 

     Guardians of the Galaxy blasts into theaters on August 1.

Movie Review: Neighbors

     Since the release of the classic comedy Old School, comedies have changed up their style to be more raunchy, pushing the envelope and becoming less predictable. All in all, they provide the comedy that some members of the audience need in their lives. This summer's first comedy does just that. Starring Seth Rogen and Zac Efron (yes, that Zac Efron), Neighbors brings on the wonderful balance of shocking behavior and delightful humor.

     Mac Radner (Rogen) and his wife Kelly (Rose Byrne) have the picture perfect adult life; a steady job, a home, and a child. Their perfect adult world is disrupted when a fraternity moves into the house next door, led by its president, Teddy (Efron). Living next to a fraternity house is not that bad until the parties start disrupting the lives of the couple and the stakes get raised as the battle for the neighborhood begins between these neighbors.

     I was a little worried when I heard about Zac Efron's casting in this movie because when I think of him, I still see Disney and High School Musical. If you still have that idea in your mind when this movie because he embraces the stereotypical role of a fraternity president: handsome, stylish, party person, and a complete "bro". It reminded me fondly of seeing those guys on campus when I was a college student. I was very impressed with the energy that Efron brought to the role and completely breaking free from that young Disney star. He matched up well against Rogan's parent role. 

     It wouldn't be a Seth Rogan movie without his character getting in on some of the fun. Despite the fact that his character is supposed to be a mature family man, Radner took the fight to the fraternity by doing his best to fit in and play by their rules. From sabotaging the frat house to turning the neighborhood against the students to a final battle against Teddy, Radner proves that he can still hang with guys younger than him. You could really tell that Rogan had fun making this film and enjoyed working with Efron the whole time. 

     When you first look at this film, you would think that it's another insane comedy straight for the start with Seth Rogen's voice over before the first scene (I'm not going to spoil that for you all!). As the film starts to pick up and the fraternity comes into play, there is an underlying message under all of the hilarious acts and suggestive humor. Watching Rogan and Efron's characters, it shows that when college is over and real life begins, you can't go back to re-live or re-do your youthful glory days. Thinking about it is one thing but trying it when you are past the appropriate age is another. Despite the fact of how young I am, I know there are some things that I could do when I was going onto twenty that I can't do now...or is it that I don't choose to. I don't know. 

     Bottom line, if you are looking for a good laugh in the early part of the summer, I recommend going to see Neighbors. Catch you all soon with my review of the much anticipated X-Men: Days of Future Past.

     

   

Movie Review - The Amazing Spider-Man 2

     It's officially May and that means that the Summer Movie Season has begun. There are a big slate of films ready to entertain and thrill us during this exciting season filled and we opened the summer films with a superhero sequel.

     In 2012, audiences were reintroduced to one of the all-time great superheroes ever as the Spider-Man franchise was rebooted. Sending the web-slinger back to high school to tell his origin story, Spider-Man returned with a younger cast, a more character-driven story, and the thrilling action of taking on larger than life villains. The Amazing Spider-Man 2 opens up the Spider-Man universe as our hero's life changes.

     The Amazing Spider-Man 2 finds Peter fully embracing his role as Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield) while attempting to balance that responsibility along with preparing for his post-high school life as Peter Parker alongside his girlfriend Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). An obsessed fan of the wall-crawler named Max Dillon (Jamie Foxx) suffers an accident that created the shockingly powerful villain, Electro, but that is the least of Spidey's concerns as secrets are revealed and events change his world forever. 

     I will say this film does a good job in opening up the Spider-Man universe, building the foundation for the franchise to stand on its own two feet. More characters from the Spider-Man's world were introduced and if you are a fan of the wall-crawler, you will catch their names instantly. One of the big characters that audiences will be reintroduced to is Harry Osborn, played by the talented Dane DeHaan. While it was good to introduce these characters into the universe, like most superhero sequels, I think it suffered from having an overabundance of characters. The cast was amazing but I think this film suffered from trying to go bigger and better and adding more challenges for the hero.

     One of the bright points of this film is the chemistry of real-life couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone. Their chemistry was a good foundation for the film to stand on as the film shifted focus between Spider-Man's enemies and Peter and Gwen's relationship. Because this film is set during Peter's younger years, it had to have its share of teen angst and the struggles of growing up while maintaining a relationship at the same time but I will say that it's a strong point. Andrew Garfield does a good job as the hero, particularly as the wise-cracking, spandex wearing superhero. He does his best work with the struggle of his character between his normal life and his alter-ego. Emma Stone brings her A-game as always, playing the talented and intelligent Gwen Stacy.

     Peter's past with his parents, his present as Spider-Man, and his future were intertwined in this film as his character arc continues on to the next film. The producers and creative minds at Sony have to be proud of this film because of what this film started as far as creating a story arc that will arch over into the next sequel along with smaller, unresolved, character arcs. While the plot does get tied up with the multiple villain strands, the main plot does help this film become more stronger on emotion than its predecessor. Despite having too many villains and too much going on during some moments, this film is a wonderful installment and helps bring optimism to the next installment in the franchise. 

     I won't tease anything for you, my readers. All I will tell you is to go see the movie to start your Summer Movie Season off in the right way.