Alicia Vikander brings grounded and fresh take on Lara Croft in first 'Tomb Raider' trailer

In 2001, video game adventurer Lara Croft was brought to life. At that time, the only woman that could fill out her curvaceous pixels was rising superstar Angelina Jolie. Jolie starred in two live-action films as the Tomb Raider but her adventures have not graced the silver screen since 2003. The Tomb Raider games have had a resurgence in popularity in a reboot that shows Lara Croft's origins before becoming the legend we all know and love. 

That sounds like a great place to reboot the film series, right?

 

Alicia Vikander takes over the role as a young Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer. She must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared. Based on the trailer, it looks as thought Lara is looking to rejoin the company her father founded (Batman Begins inspiration?) in order to find him. Most of the action takes place on a jungle covered island, akin to the rebooted game series. I found the rebooted game to be very grounded and enjoyable so let's hope that it translates well onto the big screen. And having an Oscar winner isn't a bad choice to play the lead role. 

Tomb Raider will come to theaters on March 16, 2018.

Jennifer Lawrence reteams with director Franis Lawrence in thriller, 'Red Sparrow'

Jennifer Lawrence's hot streak as Hollywood's sought-after actress. After successful runs in The Hunger Games franchise and the prequel X-Men movies and other projects like Passengers, Lawrence can be seen in theaters in Mother!, but fans can already look ahead to her next performance.

The Oscar winner will be reuniting with her Hunger Games director, Francis Lawrence (no relation) to bring to life a seductive femme fatale in the first Red Sparrow trailer.

Lawrence portrays Dominika Egorova, a former prima ballerina who is forced to give up her craft when her body and mind is pushed to the absolute limit and leads to a career-ending injury. As a devoted daughter to her mother and facing an uncertain future, Dominika finds herself manipulated into becoming the newest recruit for Sparrow School, a secret intelligence service that trains a person to become a Red Sparrow, a young person trained to use her body and mind as weapons. Dominika emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow of them all. Her first mission, targeting a CIA agent (Joel Edgerton), threatens to unravel the security of both nations and everyone she cares about as he tries to convince her he's the only one she can trust.

This movie is based on the book by author Jason Matthews. Mary-Louise Parker and Jeremy Irons also feature in the film.

Red Sparrow flies into theaters on March 2, 2018. Watch the first trailer and let me know what you think in the comments!

All hail the Kingsman: 'The Golden Circle' doesn't reach the first, but still provides an entertaining time.

"Manners maketh man." - Harry Hart, Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

From that line which began a well-choreographed bar fight, audiences realized that the first Kingsman movie was not going to be a regular spy thriller. The stylish and all around fun film, filled with innuendos, humor, and violence, became a breakout in 2014. It had to warrant a sequel based on the financial and commercial success, but the question for all sequels is if it would measure up to the original. Attending an early screening on Monday night, The Golden Circle comes close by keeping what worked in the film, but didn't quite hit the standard mark that the original set.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle continues the adventures of Eggsy Unwin (Taron Egerton), a Kingsman agent. Eggsy has been with the spy organization for a year after the events of the first film. When Poppy Adams (Julianne Moore), a global entrepreneur and criminal mastermind, uses her resources to attack all of the Kingsman, Eggsy and remaining member, Merlin (Mark Strong), uncover a secret in their "doomsday" protocol that leads them to the United States and to sister organization, Statesmen. Teaming up with members such as Ginger (Halle Berry), Tequila (Channing Tatum), Whiskey (Pedro Pascal), and Champagne (Jeff Bridges) and a returning Harry Hart (Colin Firth), they seek to stop Poppy from global domination.

How Harry was able to return after being shot in the head by Samuel L. Jackson's eccentric villain, Valentine, was explained so I didn't gripe that much about it. For those who want to see the film, I won't spoil that part for you, but safe to say that Harry is far from his old self when we catch up with him. From the opening car fight and chase scene, the sequel looked to start with all motors running to thrust the audience back into this spy filled world. It was more funnier once the Statesmen are introduced and Channing Tatum putting on his best southern accent to represent to American cowboy. This film serves as a tongue-in-cheek take on America with the Wild West-style weaponry, characters, and their bourbon distillery headquarters. It provides a hysterical exaggeration of the frontier justice warrior America often projects to the world, even though we don't all wear the hats much anymore. Where the Kingsman do everything with a bit of style and class, the Statesmen are less refined in their methods to get the job done.

While the first film is marked by its criticism of the British class system, the sequel illustrates how drug use is the great class equalizer; something that affects people of all walks of life. I won't spoil anything else beyond that point, but this film does try to vilify those who would put down drug users even though it also sends a contradictory message that people shouldn't do drugs.

Julianne Moore's cheery, '50's TV mom demeanor makes you not even think she's crazy, but once you are introduced to her, you find out that you are wrong. The ruthlessness that hides behind that '50's-era smile and attitude is somewhat scary. She grew up on Fifties nostalgia -- Grease, Happy Days, American Graffiti -- and influenced her to create "Poppy Land", her homage and monument of America's past of the Eisenhower-Elvis era.  A strong villain that you would think about giving a cup of sugar to or inviting over for coffee; the only question is who would make it out of that house. Moore gave a great, colorful performance and stealing every scene that she was in. Egerton continues to prove himself as a winning, charismatic screen presence, Colin Firth shines as he explores a new vulnerable layer of his super-spy character. Channing Tatum isn't in the film as much as you would think, but still great fun when you see him. Halle Berry's Ginger Ale is sweet, but underserved and could have been used a little more. Mark Strong, flexing his baritone-singing muscles with a rendition of "Country Roads", was comical but a strong core in this movie.  

My criticism of the film comes from the over-stylized action. I know it's what made the first film great (remember the church scene?), but I feel like the director relied too much on CGI action, especially near the final battle against their nemesis. The 141 minute runtime is also a bit troublesome. Normally, if you are having fun watching a movie, you barely notice the run time. But there are some scenes that could have been cut or this movie could have shaved off a few minutes to tighten up the story. Some sequels don't need an extensive run time. While some criticize The Secret Service for their crude, sexual ending, this film tried to atone for that with a more cheerful happy ending. There is a similar sexual but comedic scene in this movie involving a different female character, but rather than treating this woman flippantly, this results in consequences that must be dealt with as the film moves forward. It was a smart call by director Matthew Vaughn, who made sure we remained emotionally invested in these characters.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is as cartoonish and crazy as its predecessor, but is also unafraid to demolish what it built before, especially if it services the story. Despite the runtime, having a more abundance of stars, and not matching up with the first, this film will be a joyous delight to those who loved The Secret Service as we watch Eggsy and his team meet up with their amusing counterparts.

Top Ten Upcoming Fall/Winter Films

Hello everyone! Do you feel that change in the air? The weather getting a little chilly in the morning and during the day. The wind blowing orange and maroon leaves around the grass. That's right! Fall is here and Winter is coming. And that means that a new batch of films are coming to the silver screen to entertain us as the days get colder.

The 2017 remake of It has started off the season in a big way, but luckily it will be the only time that we have to deal with creepy clowns this season. We've got returning heroes and a superpowered ensemble that is years in the making, an cultural Pixar animated flick, and another return to our favorite galaxy far, far away.

10. The Snowman - October 20

Why don't we start with a little winter this October? Based on the novel by Jo Nesbo, this crime drama stars Michael Fassbender as Detective Harry Hole as he investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman. Looking to be inspired by the cat-and-mouse detective films of old, this thriller looks to capitalize on the resurgence of crime dramas, such as Wind River (one of the best film's I've seen this year). With a leading actor such as Fassbender, it could be a solid film before entering beginnings of Oscar season.




9. Coco - November 22

Disney/Pixar bring audiences another diverse animated film that's sure to become a classic with time. With the success of last year's animated musical, Moana, the music is sure to play in this new film. Aspiring musician Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musical artist like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove himself, Miguel finds himself in the colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Teaming up with charming trickster, Hector, they set off on a journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel's family history. With voice talents including Benjamin Bratt, Edward James Olmos, Gael Garcia Bernal, Gabriel Iglesias, Cheech Marin, and newcomer Anthony Gonzalez, prepare to experience a colorful blast of musical adventure.

8. Murder on the Orient Express - November 10

Speaking of a Who-dun-it, an ensemble cast comes together to bring one of author Agatha Christie's classic novel to life. Directed by Kenneth Branagh, a lavish train ride unfolds into a suspenseful mystery as one man, along with thirteen strangers, races to solve the puzzle before the murderer strikes again on the stranded train. Along with Branagh, the cast includes Johnny Depp, Daisy Ridley, Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Dame Judi Dench, Josh Gad, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Considering Branagh's success behind the camera with Shakespeare adaptations and Marvel's Thor, this film will definitely have style to go along with the drama.



7. The Mountain Between Us - October 6

What if your life depended on a stranger you had just met? That's a question that we've all had to ponder at one time or another. Luckily, films like to put this question out there and see what happens. Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers (Idris Elba and Kate Winslet) must work together to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow covered mountain. When they realize help is not coming, they must embark on a perilous journey across miles of wilderness. I wasn't 100% behind this film, but the more TV spots and trailers I see, I'm convinced that I should give it a shot. Hosting two of the best actors today doesn't hurt either.



6. The Foreigner - October 13

Jackie Chan hasn't done action movies for what feels like an eternity. Well, the wait ends this fall. A humble London businessman, Quan, unearths his long buried past to seek justice when his daughter is killed in an act of terrorism. In his relentless search for the identity of the terrorists, Quan is forced into a cat-and-mouse conflict with a British government official (Pierce Brosnan), whose own past may hold clues to the identities of the elusive killers. If you haven't seen the trailer, including the most recent one, you are missing out. Even if this film isn't a box-office success, it's worth it to see 63 year-old Jackie Chan back in action once more.



5. Blade Runner 2049 - October 6

How long have fans of the cult classic been awaiting this sequel? 35 years after the original film, this long awaited sequel returns us to a colorful future that set the visual standard for how we see the future. A young blade runner, 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. This film has been kept under lock and key as far as secrets beyond this synopsis, which I think works better for them. It adds to the intrigue and the mystery. One question has to be raised though: will we see the death of another iconic Harrison Ford character?!


4. Kingsman: The Golden Circle - September 22

Put on your best suit and saddle up to journey across the pond and back. The sequel to the 2014 surprise smash hit reunites audiences with our favorite spy agency. When the Kingsman headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the remaining members journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US called Statesman. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a ruthless common enemy in order to save the world. Returning originals Taron Egerton, Colin Firth, and Mark Strong are joined by Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. If this film is anything as exciting and entertaining as the original, audience are sure to be in for a hell of a good time.


3. Justice League - November 17

As a comic book fan, I never thought this day would come. While I am a Marvel fan, my love for superheroes is originally rooted in DC comics. Reading and watching the adventures of the Justice League on Saturday mornings, a live-action movie never crossed my mind. Now, the time has finally come. Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and Superman's (Henry Cavill) selfless act, Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck) enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) to face an even greater enemy. Together, they find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against the threat of Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds). Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, The Flash, Cyborg...together on the big screen. And you know the father figure, Superman, won't be far behind! Let's see if the DCEU can capitalize on the success of Wonder Woman's solo outing.

2. Thor: Ragnarok - November 2

Speaking of universes, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is ready to unleash one of this fall's highly anticipated movies. the mighty Avenger, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), finds himself on the other side of the universe in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo), his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to return to Asgard in order to stop Ragnarok, the destruction of his homeworld and the end of Asgardian civilization, at the hands of an all-powerful new threat, Hela, the Goddess of Death (Cate Blanchett). Along with Marvel veterans Tom Hiddleston as Loki, Idris Elba as Heimdall, Anthony Hopkins as Odin and newcomers including Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, Jeff Goldblum as Grandmaster, this third installment in the Thor film saga looks to be the all-time for the God of Thunder as next year's Infinity War approaches.

1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi - December 15

Jump into hyperspace to our favorite galaxy far, far away as the second installment in the Star Wars sequel trilogy blasts into theaters. Picking up after the events in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey (Daisy Ridley) continues her epic journey into a larger world with Finn (John Boyega), Poe (Oscar Issac), and the reclusive Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Like Blade Runner 2049, this next chapter of the Skywalker saga has been kept under wraps. Why did Luke walk away? Who are Rey's parents and what's her connection to the Force? Will this story be similar to The Empire Strikes Back where the First Order takes the upper hand? I'll definitely be in attendance to watch Rian Johnson's vision of the Star Wars universe and give a final send-off to Carrie Fisher's final role as General Leia.

So what movie are you most excited for? Have I missed any that you readers are looking forward to? Let me know in the comments section!

Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson are dynamic as R-rated comedy duo in 'The Hitman's Bodyguard'

Hello everyone! I know it's been a while, but I'm back with a new movie review. I'm still working on constructing the revamped blog so that will be coming up soon. I'll have more official news about that in coming weeks. But, back to business. Have you ever had times where you want to go out to see a movie, but nothing really piques your interest? That's kind of how it is as the summer season reaches its epilogue. But there are those few surprises in late August...

Ryan Reynolds plays Michael Bryce, a "triple A rated" executive protection agent, known best for not losing a client. When an unsuccessful delivery of a client goes south, Bryce's reputation is in pieces as he works as a second-class bodyguard for hire. Two years after the incident, Bryce is given a chance to prove his worth once again; chance comes in the shape of an Interpol offer to escort the renowned international assassin, Darius Kincaid (Samuel L. Jackson), from Manchester to the Hague in order to testify at the International Court of Justice. One problem: they have to put aside their personal differences and try not to kill each other in the process.

There are certain times where you worry about a film like this because of the unknown chemistry between the two leads playing reluctant partners.That is not a problem here. Reynolds and Jackson have excellent comedic timing and chemistry. They keep you laughing throughout the movie as Bryce tries to keep control of the situation in his transportation of Kincaid while his partner is more willing to go with the flow and let the chaos happen. Even among the explosions, boat-chases, and loads of ammunition shot across Europe, the two characters find time to discuss their love lives as Bryce looks to not only get his protection status back, but also reunite with his estranged ex-girlfriend, Amelia Roussel (Marvel's Daredevil), and Kincaid seeks to reunite with his aggressive but hilarious wife, Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek). Gary Oldman does a great job as the villain of the film, once again playing a sinister role that you can't help but love to hate.

This film can coast on the comedic chemistry of Samuel L. Jackson and Ryan Reynolds' banter, but the rest of the film is carried by the plethora of action-comedy cliches. But there is a reason that a cliche became a cliche: it's because they work. Along with the chemistry that I've mentioned before , it makes the film a delightfully ridiculous action-comedy that's a late summer surprise. This late summer release would have been easy to sink into the quicksand of its genre, but chemistry is everything in a movie like this and this combination will have everyone in the audience laughing. You have nothing to lose by seeing this film, whether you go to the theaters or not.