Super Bowl Movie Spots

Hello again everyone! I'm sorry about the semi-hiatus but I'm squeezing in time to update my blog and provide you all with some good movie reviews and preparing for what's to come in the next few months. I do have a review for the movie Split which will be posted later this week.

In the meantime, let's get to it!

I'm sure everyone witnessed The Big Game last weekend with the Patriots and the Falcons. While the game was better than I initially thought (having family around definitely helped things out), I was mostly there to see the commercials...mainly the movie TV spots. Most of the spots gave us a new look at movies that are coming up in the next month and some we can't wait until the summer to see.

First up, Scarlett Johansson is a high-tech assassin in the big screen adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.

Optimus Prime fights against Bumblebee in Transformers: The Last Knight

The beach has never been safer with Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron leading Baywatch.

Logan goes full savage in Hugh Jackman's final run in Logan.

It's time to sail the seas again with Captain Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tails.

Dominic Torretto goes rogue and battles his former family in The Fate of The Furious.

Finally, your favorite team of intergalactic A-holes are back in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

So which one are you all most excited about?

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!