Hey everyone! Sorry to keep you all waiting but I'm back with a new preview! I also have an announcement about the blog that I'll post later on, but back to movie business!
Last night, Marvel and Sony Pictures dropped the third and final trailer for Spider-Man: Homecoming. We're treated with new suit features (how many web-shooter combinations does it have?) seeing how Peter balances school and being a masked hero (remember the Spanish quiz, Peter!), and Peter's trial by fire as the newest Avenger.
This film finds Peter Parker (Tom Holland) trying to balance his secret life as Spider-Man while keeping up with his high school life. But as he learns more about the suit given to him by his mentor, Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Parker has to contend with the nefarious Vulture (Michael Keaton) and his friends with weaponry enhanced by the remains of previous battles involving the Avengers.
After these previews, I'm ready to see how the MCU will treat one of Marvel's best and well-known heroes. It's a shame that he might not be a part of the MCU for long if Sony backs out of this deal. With the recent news of a Venom spin-off being announced to star Tom Hardy, it's safe to say that the wall-crawler might go back to Sony full-time, but we'll see. For now, I'm ready to see Spider-Man return again in a solo film so I'll be there on opening night!
As an added bonus, here is the international trailer, which shows more new scenes and possibly better than the domestic trailer!
In 2014, Marvel Studios introduced audiences to their first galactic family in Guardians of the Galaxy. Starring rising Hollywood star Chris Pratt as the wise-cracking Star Lord, along with Zoe Saldana, Dave Batista, and voice acting by Bradley Cooper and Vin Diesel, Marvel gave a glimpse into the hilarious adventures beyond the grounded challenges facing Earth's heroes. The unexpected success of a relatively unknown property warranted a sequel by the superhero movie studio. I think this sequel checked the most important boxes to remind us how much fun it was with these characters.
Picking up the story three months after the original film, the Guardians: Star-Lord/Peter Quill (Pratt), Gamora (Saldana), Drax (Batista), Rocket (voiced by Cooper), and the adorable Baby Groot (voiced by Diesel) have established themselves as galactic heroes for hire. While collecting bounties and pissing off royal sovereign worlds, Quill has questions about his lineage after finding out that he is half-human during the first film. As the heroes avoid capture by the Ravagers, led by Quill's former employer and role model, Yondu (Michael Rooker), they encounter the all-powerful Ego (Kurt Russell). Revealing himself as Peter's biological father, Ego leads the Guardians into his world while seeking to fulfill a hidden agenda.
This installment into the Marvel Cinematic Universe wasn't its best, but definitely one of the more colorful and funniest. The chemistry between the main cast remains entertaining as they sling insults while protecting one another. Each character has their own shining moment, especially Yondu, Rocket, Baby Groot, and Quill. Saldana and Gillan have wonderful scenes together as we explore the relationship between the sisters. The new cast members seem to fit in with the original crew as Kurt Russell plays Ego with a airy grooviness to him that you could instantly trust. The empathic Mantis played by Pom Klementieff had comedic chemistry and bonds with the no-nonsense Drax out of all the Guardians. Baby Groot is as adorable as you think, but still as violent. Chris Pratt once again shines as the leader, cracking jokes and exploring the emotional depths of his character.
While it took a little while for the plot to get to its core after the first act, the action picked up in the second and third. Saving the galaxy again is the main goal for the heroes but the subplots dominate the film. The story of being and remaining a family and the father-son relationship is where the real meat of the plot lies. Peter learns two lessons from this adventure: an person can be a father but a real man is a daddy and what you are looking for could already be standing in front of you. It's that unspoken thing that we realize when the time is right (and there are a few unspoken things in this film). The effects are dazzling and full of color so you'll get the full effect of the movie in IMAX. If you were worried about the soundtrack, don't worry. While it's not full of Pop like Volume 1, Volume 2 is filled with songs with deep meaning to the story or just to make the audience feel good during that particular scene. Songs such as Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain", Jay & The Americans "Come a Little Bit Closer" (used to hilarious effect), and Looking Glass' "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" will have you going out to buy the soundtrack after the movie (I've already listened to it on and off for the past week).
While this film was not as strong as the original, Volume 2 holds its own and establishes the Guardians of the Galaxy as a solid story separate from the Earth-grounded Avengers. The next time we'll see this band of A-holes will be next summer's Avengers: Infinity War and I think they will be more than ready. Go out and get the summer started with this amazing Marvel Cinematic Universe installment.
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 blasting its way into theaters this weekend, the Summer Movie Season will officially begin. For all of us moviegoers, we should be in store for a plethora of solid Summer entertainment to get us through these heated months. We have our usual sequels headlining, a Rock-solid comedy on a 90's staple television show, some family entertainment, and the returns of Edgar Wright and Christopher Nolan to the silver screen.
There are so many movies that I'm excited about that it's hard to narrow them all down. But I have finally gotten this done! So here are the top ten anticipated movies to corral audiences into those air-conditioned theaters:
10) Cars 3 - June 16
I'll admit that I've never had the chance to watch either of the previous movies in the Cars franchise, despite the fact that I love most of the films out of the Disney/Pixar factory. While the last outing didn't fair well with critics or fans, there is enough story to add another entry for this animated racing movie. This time out, Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) will face the future as a new generation of blazing-fast racers, led by Jackson Storm (voiced by Armie Hammer). After an accident, McQueen will have to prove to not only his fans, but himself, that he's still the best racer in the world.
9) Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales - May 26
Captain Jack Sparrow sets sail again! For the fifth time, Johnny Depp puts on his pirates hat as Captain Jack Sparrow sets off to find the legendary Trident of Poseidon. As always, it wouldn't be Jack to not step on a few toes along the way. The deadly ghost pirate, Captain Salazar (Javiar Bardem) seeks to kill every pirate at sea...including Sparrow, who he ran across years before. I wasn't a big fan of On Stranger Tides and thought that the franchise could have ended after the third entry, At World's End. Captain Jack Sparrow seems to have more adventure in him and he could have some old friends joining him as Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom return to the franchise.
8) Baywatch - May 24
"Hollywood-Viagra" superstar Dwayne Johnson is back again, looking to claim the summer early in May by giving an old television series an R-rated facelift. Johnson plays Baywatch legend Mitch Buchanan who butts heads with a brash new recruit, Matt Brody (Zac Efron). While trying to rebuild the Baywatch name, the duo uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the beach. Of course, it wouldn't be Baywatch without the lovely women of the beach: Alexandra Daddario, ABC's Quantico star Priyanka Chopra, model Kelly Rohrbach, and Llfenesh Hadera head up the female contingent of the team. Beaches ain't ready for what The Rock will bring.
7) Alien: Covenant - May 19
Lately, I've caught up with the Alien franchise, starting with the first two movies. I've seen Prometheus, the start of the prequel series to this franchise. All of them have been brilliant science fiction works from the mind of Ridley Scott. Scott returns to direct the next installment in the prequel trilogy. Picking up ten years after the events of Prometheus, the crew of the colony ship Covenant, bound for a remote planet on the far end of the galaxy to colonize, discover a threat beyond imagination and must attempt a harrowing escape from this uncharted paradise. Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Apocolypse) returns as the android David and joined by Katherine Waterson (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them), Billy Crudup, and Danny McBride (HBO's Vice Principals). When are we going to learn to stop going to planets outside of our solar system?
6) Detroit - August 4
This movie caught me off-guard but once I saw the preview, I was on board. Directed by Oscar-winning Director Kathryn Bigelow (The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty), this film documents a police raid in Detroit in 1967 that results in the one of the largest citizen uprisings in United States history. This film boasts a solid cast with John Boyega, Anthony Mackie, Jacob Latimore, John Krasinski, Kaitlyn Dever, and Jason Mitchell leading the cast. Kathryn Bigelow could become a three-time Oscar nominee with this film that has the potential of being an early Oscar favorite.
5) Wonder Woman - June 2
After many delays, script rewrites, a revolving door of directors, and other roadblocks, the Amazon Princess will be making her solo movie debut. This origin film tells the story of Diana (Gal Gadot), princess of the Amazons and trained warrior. When pilot Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) crashes and tells of the conflict in the outside world, Diana leaves home to fight in the war, discovering her full powers and true destiny. Gal Gadot did a wonderful job in her introduction during Dawn of Justice and deserves her chance to shine on her own. If this film can be a success, DC's Cinematic Universe can get a leg up on Marvel.
4) Spider-Man: Homecoming - July 7
After his long-awaited appearance in the MCU during Captain America: Civil War, Spider-Man will get another reboot under the Marvel Studios banner. Tom Holland stars as Peter Parker as he attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinger, Spider-Man. Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark will also play a role but I hope that it's not dominant, only appearing when he needs to. Spidey will have his hands full, battling Michael Keaton's Vulture. Let's see how Marvel Studios handles one of the greatest and relatable heroes of all time.
3) Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 - May 5
Like there was any doubt that this would make my list. Marvel Studios' favorite team of A-holes are back to take us on another ride on the Milano. Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mix Vol. 2 and three months after the first film, this film continues the team's adventures throughout the cosmos as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's (Chris Pratt) true parentage. Along with the main players from Volume 1, Kurt Russell joins the cast as Ego, Pom Klementieff as the empathic Mantis, and Elizabeth Debicki as High Priestess Ayesha. With an stellar soundtrack and James Gunn's direction, this film should be a joy for all Marvel Studios fans. My review for this film will be posted as soon as tomorrow.
2) Baby Driver - June 28
If you are not a fan of Edgar Wright or seen any of his films such as Scott Pilgrim vs The World, Shaun of the Dead, and Hot Fuzz, you have time to catch up. Returning to write and direct for the first time since 2013, Edgar Wright helms this film about a young getaway driver named Baby (Ansel Elgort), who is coerced into working for a crime boss (Kevin Spacey) and finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail. If you need any indication that this film could be amazing, it currently holds a 100% on Rotten Tomatoes and was originally scheduled for release on August 11, but moved up to June 28. After watching the trailer, all I can say is buckle your seatbelts.
1) Dunkirk - July 21
And speaking of returning writer/directors, Christopher Nolan returns after three years to bring audiences another epic film. This war epic tells the story of Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, Canada, and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II. This is based upon a true story during the Battle of France between May 26 to June 4, 1940. Christopher Nolan has always been able to tell a great story and this film looks no different. In case you need any more convincing, here is the most recent trailer for Dunkirk.
What movies are you looking forward to watching this summer? Are there any that have not made my list? Either way, I hope you all enjoy your time at the theaters.
Director Matthew Vaughn (Kick-Ass, X-Men: First Class) delivered an entertaining surprise of 2014 with the spy-action-comedy Kingsman: The Secret Service. The loopy, anarchic energy of the first film which put Bond to shame with its pyrotechnics and infectious energy that made the film re-watchable when it came out on Blu-Ray. The ending left it open for a sequel and after a year of rumors and teases, 20th Century Fox has released the first trailer to reveal a solid look at Kingsman Esq.'s second act.
When their headquarters are destroyed, Eggsy (Taron Egerton), Merlin (Mark Strong), and Roxy (Sophie Cookson) head to the United States to join forces with the Statesmen, Kingsmen's American counterpart. These two elite secret organizations must band together in order to defeat a common enemy.
Taron Egerton, who made his feature film debut in the original, is back as the super-spy named Eggsy, looking more comfortable in his role as a Kingsman. After rumors of his return ran rampant in movie news, Colin Firth makes his return as Eggy's mentor Harry; despite his character's apparent demise at the hands of Samuel L. Jackson's villain in the first film. These two are joined by a deep cast of Oscar-winners, including Jeff Bridges and Halle Berry, as members of the Statesmen. Julieanne Moore, Channing Tatum, Pedro Pascal, and the Rocket Man himself, Elton John, round out the new cast.
This movie looks like it could be as fun, if not better, than the original and it could open up this world more. When I saw the first Kingsman, I wasn't thinking it would become a franchise. But since that's the cool thing to do in Hollywood these days, why not go for it? Unlike other possible franchises, this one could have the potential to be very successful. One thing is for sure: they won't be able to top the church scene from the first film!
Kingsman: The Golden Circle hits theaters on September 29. If you haven't already, check out the trailer!
After the unfortunate death of Paul Walker in 2013, many fans would understand if Furious 7 would be the finale of The Fast and the Furious franchise. When Vin Diesel announced that he wanted to complete one more trilogy of films, especially with the eighth entry being a way to honor his former cast member, who knows how the films could continue without Walker. But with the direction of director F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton), Vin Diesel's star power and producing, and screenwriter Chris Morgan, now on his sixth Furious outing, this franchise doesn't show signs of slowing down.
Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) has settled down with his wife, Letty (Michelle Rodriguez), enjoying their life away from the globetrotting danger. That is until cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) confronts Dom and coerces him to work with her, turning him to against his family. This forces his team to regroup and take down Toretto and Cipher.
This entry has a solid storyline thanks to Morgan, but you also know it wouldn't be a Furious movie without its levels of insane stunts and action sequences. This story swats away plot logistics and the laws of physics like flies at a barbeque. One of the reasons that these films have endured because the stakes have always been continuously raised with each entry; this adventure is not any different (a military submarine, an army of cars in New York) to ensure fans will continue to be entertained. Another point of consistency in these film is the sense of loyalty, brotherhood, and family - retaining the core crew, including Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, Tyrese Gibson, and late-game additions and game changers Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. (Paul Walker is alluded to, and still lives off-screen). The globetrotting shenanigans continue as well: from sun-baked Havana and New York City to a frozen wasteland in Russia.
Kurt Russell reprises his role as government operative Mr. Nobody, but now is shadowed by straight-man sidekick Scott Eastwood, and Game of Thrones wildling Kristofer Hivju drops in as Cipher's menacing, Viking-bearded number two. But the most surprising additions to this testosterone ride are Charlize Theron and Helen Mirren, two women who have no intention of just sitting on the sidelines and playing the opposite sex in this film. While Mirren's file is more of a cameo, Theron truly sinks into the role of Cipher, the blonde dreadlocked, key-coding sociopath, resembles a tech CEO of the 21st century and speaks like a classic Bond villain. Despite her Dr. Evil-ish goal - nuclear warheads and controlling the international power grid - she's probably the best villain that this franchise has had. The way that she was able to pull Diesel's outlaw ringleader Dominic Toretto to the dark side and forcing him to betray those closest to him was genius (No spoilers here).
Despite the dark undertones that we have seen from the previews, this film is thankfully much funnier and lighter on its feet. A lot of this is thanks to Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham, with their love-hate bromance feel like it became the heart of the movie. Statham's cockney you-wish-you-never-messed-with-me style and Johnson's jacked-up 90's-movies-tough-guy role with a heart of gold play off each other wonderfully and has you looking forward to the recently announced spin-off with their two characters.
The film ends with more than one literal bang, especially reaching towards its closing moments. But the series' fate has not been sealed; it's merely to be continued: Per Diesel, there are still two sequels due by 2021! This film is a great early start to the summer movie season and if will have a great time with this high-action sequel.
Disney has remained quiet as far as any news about the next Star Wars film. After the success of the standalone story Rogue One, fans were ready to return to the original story. After the title was revealed late January, fans have had theories behind the mystery while Disney kept up their radio silence.
During the Star Wars Celebration this past weekend, director Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper) and the stars of the second installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy presented the first teaser trailer for Episode VIII.
Not much is known as far as where this entry is picking up after the events of The Force Awakens, but it's obvious that Rey (Daisy Ridley) is going through her Jedi training under the watchful eye of legendary hero, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Rey seems to have honed her Jedi powers as she see the light, darkness, and the balance of the Force.
The trailer shows us the dark silhouette of General Leia Organa, played by the late Carrie Fisher in her final film role, the smashed mask of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), who we also see taking aim at someone with his lightsaber. There is also a burning temple with R2-D2 watching in the distance along with a hooded figure (one could assume that is Luke), Finn (John Boyega) still in a coma, Ace pilot Poe Dameron (Oscar Issac) running to his soon-to-be destroyed X-Wing fighter, and an epic space battle.
But the final statement is what starts fan theories: "I only know one truth. It is time for the Jedi to end." Why would our once proud hero, Luke Skywalker, say this? And who is he saying this to? Maybe Rey will learn the lesson that you shouldn't want to meet your heroes.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi blasts into theaters on December 15, 2017.
Out of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, I think that Thor, one of the original Avengers, has had one of the weakest movie series so far. The first outing for the God of Thunder was decent in introducing him to the world. The sequel, Thor: The Dark World, is almost what I consider the Batman and Robin of the MCU, but better. With the announcement of Thor: Ragnarok, I was concerned with how this sequel will be. After the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron and Civil War, how would the resident deity fit into the world?
That answer was revealed today in the first teaser trailer for Thor: Ragnarok. And it looks like Thor has gotten himself into a bit of trouble.
After the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, Thor (Chris Hemsworth), held captive on the planet Sakaar without his hammer, must win a gladiatorial duel against an old friend - the Hulk (Mark Ruffalo) - in order to return to Asgard in time to stop the villainous Hela (Cate Blanchett) and the impending Ragnarok, the doom of the Asgardian civilization.
We get a look at Cate Blanchett looking her most wicked as Hela, known as The Goddess of Death. Her villain looks to be the most powerful that Thor has ever encountered as she takes away his trusted hammer and obliterating it. Thor, is sent to the planet and taken hostage. Captured by Tessa Thompson's Valkyrie and taken to the pastel colored Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum), Thor is relieved of his long locks and dons gladiator gear (including his infamous helmet)! But that's not the only familiar thing that we see.
Mark Ruffalo, although not actually seen, returns as the Hulk and the Incredible one looks his most ferocious. Thor thought he had found an ally in "his friend from work" but that couldn't be further from the truth as these old friends collide in battle.
I was overly impressed with this teaser trailer. This trailer was definitely inspired by the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 and this solo adventure looks like it could be the biggest and most fun Marvel adventure to date.
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