Vin Diesel delivers outrageous fun in 'Return of Xander Cage'

15 years ago, hot after the success of The Fast and The Furious, Vin Diesel starred in xXx; an action-adventure spy flick about an extreme daredevil being recruited by the CIA. When Diesel wouldn't return for the sequel, Ice Cube stepped in to take over in the disappointing xXx: State of the Union. Twelve years later, Vin Diesel made his return in typical Diesel fashion: high-action, stunt-fueled adventure.

xXx: Return of Xander Cage finds ex-xXx operative Xander Cage (Diesel), who faked his death, living in self-imposed exile in the Dominican Republic. After a team of four skilled individuals led by Xiang (Donnie Yen) infiltrate the CIA in order to retrieve "Pandora's Box", a device that is capable of controlling satellites to crash at specific locations. When one of these satellites causes the apparent death of agent Augustus Gibbons (Samuel L. Jackson), Cage is recruited once again by the CIA to return to active service to retrieve the device. While Cage could take this team on his own, he chooses to assemble his own team of maniacs to combat this team. Cage recruits sharpshooter Adele Wolff (Orange is the New Black's Ruby Rose), DJ Harvard "Nicks" Zhou (Kris Wu), and getaway driver maniac Tennyson (Rory McCann).

While we have seen different sides of Vin Diesel over the years, he seems most at home flexing his muscles in action flicks like this. There isn't much more to be taken out beyond the momentary skills  CGI-assisted stunts. I mean, Cage's motorcycle sprouts fins and becomes a jet ski capable of skimming across a tidal wave during a chase sequence. Let's get real: we're not here for a deep story. Watching Vin Diesel facing off with Donnie Yen is entertaining enough to keep fans interested during the middle of the movie.

Xander Cage is loud and a little over the top, playing to the strength of Diesel's character and, in turn, targeting the strengths of its audience. Most people who want to see this film were either fans of the first two, fans of Vin Diesel, or just wanted an action-film where audiences can check their brains at the door before sitting down. Director D.J. Caruso tailored his vision of the film around the likability of the leading man, encouraging Diesel to have fun with it (which he did). As a result, Xander Cage crackles with surprising enjoyable energy and playfulness that is often missing from the brooding, high-octane action fare that fans have got used to in recent years.

In the end, you can't expect more or less from a film that introduces the central character base-jumping from a radio tower only to land atop a pair of skis, gliding through the thick of the jungle just because he can. As preposterous as that sounds, it's a hell of a ride nonetheless.

Star Wars: Episode VIII finally gets its title

Disney has been tight-lipped about the second installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, following the success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Even after principal photography was wrapped up in July, numerous rumors (most of them false) about the real title have been circulating.

Well, Disney and Lucasfilm ended all of that speculation on Monday by announcing Episode VIII is titled The Last Jedi.

With the basic generic poster that we have come to expect from an upcoming Star Wars film, there isn't much for fans to analyze. But based off of history, we can make some assumptions. The lettering of the Star Wars emblem is red instead of the traditional yellow. It could be in connected to the Sith and traditionally, the second film in the trilogies usually tilts the balance of power towards the villains. The Empire Strike Back left the Rebellion and our heroes in pieces. Attack of the Clones brutalized the Jedi Order and began to take apart the already crumbling Republic. You get the picture.

But this title does raise one major question: Just who is The Last Jedi?

Once upon a time, that title belonged to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). But now the obvious answer would be Daisy Ridley's scavenger cast-off, Rey, who discovered powers that she never dreamed of in The Force Awakens, using the Force to call Luke and Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber to her and defeating Kylo Ren (Adam Drive) in single combat.

Director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) has confirmed that there will be no lapse in time between The Last Jedi and The Force Awakens, with the story picking up close to where the previous film left off: Rey standing before the self-exiled Luke Skywalker, ready to start her Jedi training after dealing a blow to The First Order.

Does The Last Jedi spell doom for the Jedi Master? Or does it mean that Luke and Rey (and maybe others) could represent the last Jedi? Jedi doesn't have to be mean singular. It can be taken into a plural meaning as well.

John Boyega, Oscar Issac, Adam Driver, Gwendoline Christie, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, and the late Carrie Fisher return for Episode VIII, alongside franchise newcomers like Benicio Del Toro, Laura Dern, and Kelly Marie Tran. Rian Johnson takes over the helm of this installment to the Star Wars sequel trilogy while Awakens director J.J. Abrams moves to a executive producer role.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi comes to theaters December 15, 2017.

Emotional depth and action highlight the new 'Logan' trailer

Over the last 15 years, Hugh Jackman has defined the iconic role of one of Marvel's most iconic superheroes as the immortal and steel-clawed Wolverine. The raging anti-hero has been the consistent glue of the X-Men Universe so the sadness among fans is understandable when it was revealed that the next Wolverine solo movie would be the last. The first trailer was a deep-cut into the post-apocalyptic future where we saw Logan burnt out from years of fighting and his healing factor fading away.

A new trailer was released last week, showing more glimpses into the despair Logan feels facing his mortality but also a confirmation about who the young girl we met in the first preview truly is.

In the near future, a weary Logan (Hugh Jackman) cares for an ailing Professor X (Patrick Stewart) in a hideout on the Mexican border. But Logan's attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant (Dafne Keen) arrives, being pursued by dark forces.

This trailer shows Logan realizing that his powers aren't what they once were as he cuts his hands on his claws and the suit he was wearing has a bullet hole in it. Logan seems more that prepared to hide away while caring for his mentor, Professor X. But we get to the big reveal quick once the bad guys show up: Dafne Keen plays Laura, a young mutant described as "very much like Logan" and that becomes very apparent by the two claws that extend from her hands similar to Logan's. Laura definitely has his rage factor as the two attack their enemies in order to survive. It looks like we are guaranteed a lot of action along with the emotion in Hugh Jackman's X-Men swan song.

Logan claws its way into theaters on March 3.

Ryan Gosling meets Harrison Ford's Decker in long awaited 'Blade Runner 2049' trailer

In 1982, director Ridley Scott brought an imaginative neo-noir science fiction film titled Blade Runner. Starring Harrison Ford as he was riding high off the success of the Star Wars films and Raiders of the Lost Ark, this adaptation of the 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick depicts a dystopian Los Angeles and how genetically engineered replicants on Earth are hunted down by special police operatives known as "Blade Runners". Ford's character, burnt-out Blade Runner Rick Deckard, reluctantly takes on the assignment of hunting a group of replicants loose in Los Angeles.

The film wasn't a huge success when it came out, underperfoming in North America theaters. Over time, it has become a cult classic and become the leading example of a dystopian future along with neo-noir films. So a sequel had to happen, right? 

Well, 35 years later... 

Taking place 30 years after the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD Officer K (Ryan Gosling) uncovers a secret that seeks to plunge what's left of society into chaos. In order to find answers, K's quest leads him to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former Blade Runner who has been missing for the past 30 years.

After years of development and other roadblocks, this sequel is finally getting made. From the trailer, it looks as though the future has gotten worse, desolate, and dangerous. It also looks like Harrison Ford didn't want to be found. Let's see how the dynamic between him and Gosling work out in this long-awaited sequel.

Blade Runner 2049 enters theaters on October 6, 2017.

Gosling and Stone dance into audience's hearts in 'La La Land'

One of the highest anticipated movies of 2016 and one of the hardest tickets I've ever had to acquire. My first attempt was met by a red 'SOLD OUT' sign. Today, I took advantage of my day off and got my tickets early before I was denied again and this movie was worth all of the wait. Just to make it known, I did see this film twice!

Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) brought a colorful romantic musical to life that told the tale of two dreamers in Los Angeles. Aspiring actress Mia (Emma Stone) works as an on-studio barista, going to auditions for her big break. Jazz pianist Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is playing a piano at any gig he can get while he struggles to pay his bills as he looks to save up and open his own jazz club. They don't initially get along, but eventually fall in love. However, when Sebastian finds an alternative route that brings him success, can their love withstand the challenges of following their dreams?

Normally, I don't see musicals. I know their history in movies, but they have become a rarity and not done well. This movie is the exception. The screenplay and direction captures the beauty and elegance of each choreographed dance scene. This movie had me hooked after its first opening scene and song with "Another Day of Sun." The soundtrack, which I've listened to on and off the last few weeks, brings energy to the film and encompasses the journey of our two protagonists. Speaking of our protagonists, Gosling's and Stone's acting was superb and their chemistry is believable enough that you can't help but love their characters and root for them, both individually and as a couple. Stone's performance has earned critical acclaim and it is earned because of her emotion, energy, and passion that she brought to Mia, most likely pulling from her early experience as an actress. Just listen to "Audition (The Fools Who Dream).

If I had seen this movie before the end of 2016, it definitely would have made the top of my list of best films. This film breathes new life into an almost forgotten genre with powerful performances, confident direction, and excellent musical numbers. La La Land definitely earned it's place as one of the best films of 2016 and I would recommend it to anyone, especially you, my readers. If it's playing in your theaters, take the time to see this movie.

Top 10 Anticipated Film of 2017

After much thought and taking a glance at what we have coming down the line for this year, we could be in for an entertaining time at the theater this year. We have the DCEU finally picking up steam with two anticipated films that may finally satisfy fans. An original war film, a superhero homecoming and a intergalactic band of misfits returns, and then there are sequels, sequels, and sequels. Did I forget to mention sequels?

10) Justice League - November 17th

The DCEU got there a little faster than Marvel, but a moment fans young and old have been looking forward to has finally arrived. We're getting a Justice League Movie! DC's Gods Among Us will take center stage as Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) assemble a team of metahumans to face the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds) and the Parademons, who are on the hunt for the three Mother Boxes on Earth. The team consists of Cyborg (Ray Fisher), The Flash (Ezra Miller), and Aquaman (Jason Momoa). The obvious question is: how will Superman (Henry Cavill) return and will he join the team?  The other supporting cast members from the previous movies will also be making cameos in this ensemble film. Considering the mediocre success of Batman v Superman, this is DC's chance to really right the ship. They will have an earlier opportunity in the summer, but this could be their second chance.

9) Kingsman: The Golden Circle - October 6th

In 2014, the British-spy action film Kingsman: The Secret Service surprised everyone. The fresh storyline, comedy, and stylized action scenes (remember that church scene?) made the film one of the top grossing films of that year. It only made sense that a sequel would be made. Now, we're finally being treated to one. Taron Egerton returns as Gary "Eggsy" Unwin as an attack on the Kingsman Headquarters forces him, Merlin (Marc Strong), and Roxy (Sophie Cookson) to head to the United States and join forces with Statesman, their American Counterpart, to take on a new enemy called Poppy (Julianne Moore). I, for one, am looking forward to this film after having so much fun watching the first. New cast members include Channing Tatum and Jeff Bridges to represent the Statesman but the big question is how Colin Firth's Harry Hart will make his return after presumably killed in the first film.

8) The Fate of the Furious - April 14, 2017

'Family No More' seems to be the tag line for this installment in the high-speed series and, after the first trailer, it's very appropriate. Dom (Vin Diesel) and the crew, despite being exonerated after the events of Furious 7, are still up to their old tricks and found some semblance of normal lives. When a mysterious woman named Cipher (Charlize Theron) corrupts Dom into betraying his family and into a world of crime he cannot escape. They each will face trials that will test them like never before. Vin Diesel returns along with series veterans like Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson and Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, returning characters played by Kurt Russell and new players like Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren will be joining the cast. Since the original cast has returned, the series has truly evolved past its street racing beginnings. Despite the tragic loss of Paul Walker, the Fast and the Furious continues to run. Let's see where this direction takes them in the final trilogy of the Fast and Furious film series.

7) Blade Runner 2049 - October 6, 2017

An unexpected cult classic is FINALLY getting a sequel. After languishing in developmental hell, going through changes to the script, writers, and all the stalling, Blade Runner returns. Picking up thirty years after the events of the first film, a new blade runner, LAPD officer K (Ryan Gosling), unearths a long buried secret that has the potential to plunge what's left of society into chaos. K's discovery leads him on a quest to find Rick Deckard (Harrison Ford), a former LAPD blade runner who has been missing for 30 years. Since it seems like Harrison Ford is returning to past role that made him a star and we have seen Han Solo's end, who knows what the fate of Deckard will be? I'm looking forward to seeing Blade Runner's sequel will translate with the masses.

6) Wonder Woman - June 2, 2017

Before the Justice League finally assembles in DC's biggest film yet, one of the founding members and iconic heroes of all time will, at last, get her own solo movie. Gal Gadot reprises her role as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman in this origin story set in the early 20th century, finding the Amazon princess of Themyscira meeting American military pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) when he washes ashore. After learning about the outside world embroiled in World War I, Diana leaves the island to bring an early end to the war. A film about the iconic comic book hero has been long discussed and teased that we never thought it would happen. Now, it looks like DC might get a chance to one-up Marvel Studios with the first solo film for a female superhero.

5) Dunkirk - July 21, 2017

Christopher Nolan returns to the director's chair this summer to deliver a war epic that could be an earlier front-runner to win the summer and possibly an Oscar nomination. This film concerns the Dunkirk evacuation during the Second World War, where Allied soldiers from Britain, Belgium, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German Army on the beaches of Dunkirk and evacuated in Operation Dynamo. Starring a stellar cast that contains Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, and introducing Harry Styles, this film could be very strong. We've never seen a movie cover the early years of World War II, but if there is one director who can do that film justice, it is Christopher Nolan.

4) Spider-Man: Homecoming - July 7, 2017

After an original trilogy and a reboot under the Sony banner, Sony finally struck a deal with Marvel to bring the web-slinger home. This second reboot of the Spider-Man film series and the sixteenth film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe follows the events after Captain America: Civil War, finding Peter Parker (Tom Holland) trying to find a balance in his life as an ordinary high school student with fighting crime as his superhero alter-ego, Spider-Man, along with the help of his mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) as a new threat emerges in the Vulture (Michael Keaton). I was very impressed by Tom Holland during Civil War and it will be amazing to see how he stands on his own and interacts with this established universe and all its amazing characters. Welcome home, Spidey.

3) Beauty and the Beast - March 17, 2017

One of my all-time favorite Disney movies and one of my favorites of all time is getting the live-action treatment. This movie doesn't need to be changed or modified in any way. It just needs to be done right. Belle (Emma Watson) is a young woman who is taken prisoner by a Beast (Dan Stevens) in his castle in exchange for her father's (Kevin Kline) freedom. Despite her initial fears, she comes to befriend the castle's enchanted staff and learns to look beyond the Beast's physical appearance to recognize the true heart and soul of the human prince inside as a hunter, Gaston (Luke Evans), is on the loose to take Belle for himself and kill the Beast at any cost. Disney could not find a better cast to be a part of this film with the talents of Emma Thompson, Ian McKellan, Ewan McGregor, and Josh Gad. This film deserves to be one of the most anticipated of this year.

2) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 - May 5, 2017

Marvel's intergalactic band of misfits are back! The sequel to the surprise hit of 2014 finds James Gunn returning to the helm the new adventure with its cast of colorful characters. Set two months after the first film, the Guardians of the Galaxy travel throughout the cosmos and struggle to keep their new family together, while helping Peter Quill (Chris Pratt) learn about his true parentage. Featuring the returning cast members of Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Vin Diesel, Michael Rooker along with new members like Kurt Russell along with what is sure to be an amazing soundtrack (like the first film), this film could be out of this world.

1) Star Wars: Episode VIII - December 15, 2017

In what seems to be the start of a holiday trend, a new Star Wars movie will blast into theaters in December. The second installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy following The Force Awakens, finished filming in July 2016. Little is known about the film that will pick up after the events of the previous episode. Star Wars veterans Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Carrie Fisher in her final role before her untimely death as General Leia return to team up with returning new cast members Daisey Ridley as Force-sensitive Rey, John Boyega as Finn, Oscar Issac as Poe Dameron, and Adam Driver as Kylo Ren. I cannot wait to see the first preview for this film, knowing that this film is the top of the anticipated movie list for many entertainment forums.

What's your most anticipated film for this year? Did any of them show up on my list? Let me know!

Here's to a great year of movies!

My Top Ten Films of 2016

Hello, everyone! I'm so sorry that this post is coming up late. I have a few more reviews to complete and post so I appreciate your patience. Even through 2016 has ended and we have opened a new book for the year of 2017. Looking back to last year, there have been good and bad films; there have even been those terrible films that audiences still enjoyed (Here's looking at you, Ghostbusters!) Looking over the list of films that I have had the pleasure of watching and enjoying in 2016, I have narrowed down my list to ten.

10) Captain America: Civil War

This year, audiences were forced to choose a side in the superhero universe with two different films: Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Captain America: Civil War. If you read my reviews of both films, you know where I side. Marvel Studios split the Avengers into two separate factions as Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey, Jr) battled over their morals and accountability of their actions in the third Cap film. Marvel's resident director duo, the Russo Brothers, did a wonderful job of balancing the action and not losing the story or the characters in the shuffle. It's another Marvel film that you can watch again and again.

9) The Jungle Book

This has definitely been a powerhouse year for Disney. With the Marvel franchise continuing its dominance, a slew of animated films, and Star Wars' resurgence in pop cultures, the Mouse House is the place to be for films. It's almost easy to forget the re-imagining of their animated classics. The story of Mowgli and his jungle adventures thrilled audiences this year, both young and old. Director Jon Favreau (Iron Man) did a masterful job of translating this classic into live-action with the help of a stellar voice cast and classic Disney magic, making it one of the better remakes out of this run to reintroduce classic characters to new audiences. This does up the anticipation for Favreau to help the sequel and one of Disney's next live-action remakes, The Lion King.

8) Zootopia

I wasn't sure about Zootopia when it first came out, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw. It is a film not just for children, but it also speaks to adults. The story about how we shouldn't let the fear of diversity, whether by our gender, race, or in this film's case, type of animal, hold us back from embracing one another despite our differences. There is even a joke about a sloth working at the DMV! Considering this film won a Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, it's a must-see and earned a place on my list. 

7) The Edge of Seventeen

An total indie darling of a film, I had to give this film recognition for its relatable story of surving high school. Hailee Steinfeld's Nadine is a hilariously misunderstood protagonist in the high school setting: having the support of her best friend, finally talking to the guy she has starry eyes for, and just surviving high school, The teacher-turned-mentor role was commanded with comedic timing by Woody Harrelson. What made this film great was that it isn't a typical teenage movie; while some of the elements (beach time, underage drinking, etc) were there, it didn't take over the movie and the commanding performances of Steinfeld and Harrelson playing off each other was a bright spot to garner this spot.

6) The Nice Guys

Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe in a summer comedy? Who would have thought that would be as successful as it was? Written and directed by Shane Black (Kiss Kiss Bang Bang), the 1970's detective comedy had a special energy to it and helped reinvigorate the buddy cop comedy that has gotten a little stale in recent years. There is a lot of violence, 70's porn and language that will probably tick some people off, but it is still funny. The chemistry of Crowe and Gosling and their comfort in the roles helps make the film be entertaining and a surprise for audiences. 

5) Loving

If there was ever a film that was needed in these uncertain times we live in, Loving fits the bill. Based on the true story of Richard and Mildred Loving, an interracial couple in 1950's Virginia, it depicts the challenges they faced from their community. Back then, interracial marriage was still illegal in 24 state, Virginia being one of them. This story and the Surpreme Court case that sprung from it should be discussed or taught in public schools. Not many people are aware of this story and they should be. Interracial marriages are still somewhat frowned upon now, but the discussion is not as loud as it was back then. Witnessing the love and vulnerabilities of the characters through the actors truly makes audiences feel for the Lovings as they became activists in their own way. This movie shows that the strength of love knows no limits. 

4) Hacksaw Ridge

Directed by Mel Gibson (Braveheart), this movie surprised me because it was a story that I didn't know about and unsure about how it would translate onto film. The film tells the tale of WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who became the first man in American history to receive the Medal of Honor without firing a shot. Andrew Garfield was the true surprise for me because I had only known him for playing the wall-crawler in The Amazing Spider-Man. This film is just as courageous as its subject and also as violent as the war it covers. This film is very much a film of two halves; the first part introducing us to Doss, exploring his personal life, beliefs, and how they are challenged. The true challenge came from the Battle of Okinawa, where on the battlefield, Doss tries to stay true to his faith and convictions as he faces the horrors of war.  Not all warm films get the recognition that they deserve, but this film earned its place as one of the best in recent memory and a welcome back to Mel Gibson in the director's chair. 

3) Hell or High Water

This contemporary heist film was another surprise recommendation from a friend that I enjoyed. Chris Pine and Ben Foster hatch a scheme to save their family's ranch. This gritty crime drama is wonderfully original and a film that should have earned more time in the theaters. This movie separates itself from the mainstream of remakes, sequels, and superhero films (which I usually like as well) by being intelligent and character-driven. The reality of this film and acting of this modern-day western makes this film very entertaining and should be a recommendation to anyone who is seeking originality in their movies. This movie will be a serious contender in the awards season. 

2) Kubo and the Two Strings

While Disney has been dominant, there is this little company called Laika that has brought out films such as Coraline and ParaNorman. There is a story that is running with originality and the adventure is fun to watch. The themes of the value of memories and how we can never forget people that we lose is something everyone should keep in mind as we go through life. These mature themes are handled with creativity and tact; the delivery surprises audiences and while the film is hard to really describe, it does a wonderful job of reminding audiences that there are other options outside of the Disney factory. 

1) Fences

I'm sure I would have put La La Land (Review coming soon) at the top of this list, but I saw this film before I thought about the musical and with good reason. Denzel Washington and Viola Davis both give possibly the best commanding performances of their careers. Washington's acting and directing is a tour-de-force that is sure to entertain audiences. This is an engaging film that grips audiences with its power and delivery. While I haven't disliked any of Denzel's characters since Training Day, his "Troy" is like Washington put on a well-fitted tuxedo and walked down the red carpet at an award show, but it was Davis' powerful and emotional performance that really took the film to a new level as the wife of a man who is coming to terms with his life. I would put this film as recommended viewing for anyone who has seen the play or loves to see these two actors work. 

Keanu Reeves is back to work in new 'John Wick: Chapter 2' trailer

One of the big surprises of 2014 was the stylized action thriller, John Wick. The neo-noir film revitalized Keanu Reeves' career and brought him back into the Hollywood spotlight. Let's be honest, it wasn't the plot or story that carried this film. It was the callback and homage to classic martial arts films, gun-fu techniques, and the fight scenes. Sticking with the Hollywood trend and hoping to capitalize on the surprising success of the first film, a second one had to be made. And so it has with John Wick: Chapter 2.

John Wick: Chapter 2 finds legendary hit man John Wick (Keanu Reeves) forced back out of retirement by a former assassin plotting to seize control of a shadowy international assassins' guild. Bound by a blood oath to help him, John travels to Rome, where he squares off against some of the world's deadliest killers.

Again, the plot is fairly simple, but that's what we loved about the first one. The film doesn't make more out of it than it already is. From the trailer, it looks like we will be guaranteed more of the martial arts and gun-fun sequences, honoring those films that the director has drawn inspiration. Keanu Reeves returns as Wick along with Ian McShane as Winston. Common joins the cast as a hitman and we also get a mini-Matrix reunion with Laurence Fishburne making a cameo appearance.

John Wick: Chapter 2 arrives in theaters on February 10, 2017.