I'm a film critic on this page.: 2023

Wednesday, December 27, 2023

2023 Action Award Nominations

Best Trailer: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, 65, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Wonka, Five Nights at Freddy's

Best Fight: Mario Vs Donkey Kong (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Dame Vs Chavez (Creed III), Dame Vs Donnie (Creed III), Mario and Luigi Vs Bowser (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Ilsa Faust Vs Gabriel (Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part One)

Best Villain: Admiral Atticus Noble (Rebel Moon), Bowser (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), William Afton (Five Nights at Freddy's), Dr. Volumnia Gaul (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Dracula (The Last Voyage of the Demeter)

Best Motion Capture or Voice Performance: Chris Pratt as Mario (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Charlie Day as Luigi (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Jack Black as Bowser (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Hugh Grant as Lofty (Wonka), Oscar Isaac as Miguel O'Hara/Spider-Man 2099 (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

Best Visual Effects: Rebel Moon, Godzilla Minus One, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Meg 2: The Trench, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Best Animated Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Best Screenplay: Five Nights at Freddy's, The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Creed III, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Best Supporting Actress: Elizabeth Lail as Vanessa Shelly (Five Nights at Freddy's), Viola Davis as Dr. Volumnia Gaul (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Rachel Zegler as Anthea (Shazam! Fury of the Gods), Mila Davis-Kent as Amara Creed (Creed III), Vanessa Kirby as Alanna Mitsopolis (Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One)

Best Supporting Actor: Ed Skrein as Admiral Atticus Noble (Rebel Moon), David Dastmalchian as Wojchek (The Last Voyage of the Demeter), Josh Andres Rivera as Sejanus Plinth (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Peter Dinklage as Casca Highbottom (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Matthew Lillard as William Afton (Five Nights at Freddy's)

Best Actress: Aisling Franciosi as Anna (The Last Voyage of the Demeter), Sofia Boutella as Kora (Rebel Moon), Ariana Greenblatt as Koa (65), Rachel Zegler as Lucy Gray Baird (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Piper Rubio as Abby Schmidt (Five Nights at Freddy's)

Best Actor: Timothee Chalamet as Willy Wonka (Wonka), Adam Driver as Commander Mills (65), Michael B. Jordan as Adonis "Donnie" Creed (Creed III), Tom Blyth as Coriolanus Snow (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Josh Hutcherson as Mike Schmidt (Five Nights at Freddy's)

Best Director: Andre Ovredal (The Last Voyage of the Demeter), Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Emma Tammi (Five Nights at Freddy's), Zack Snyder (Rebel Moon), Francis Lawrence (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes)

Best Superhero or Comic Book Based Movie: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Shazam! Fury of the gods

Most Surprisingly Good Movie of 2023: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, Creed 3, Fast X, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, Rebel Moon

Best Picture: The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Rebel Moon, Five Nights at Freddy's, The Last Voyage of the Demeter, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,

Best Movie Scene of 2023: The Old Therebefore (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Lucy Gray Sings on Talk Show (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), Snow Hunts Lucy Gray (The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes), "Peaches" (The Super Mario Bros. Movie), William Afton Becomes Springtrap (Five Nights at Freddy's)

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

2023 Movies I Have Seen

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

The Super Mario Bros. Movie

Creed 3

Shazam! Fury of the Gods

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Fast X

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning: Part One

Meg 2: The Trench

The Last Voyage of the Demeter

Five Nights at Freddy's

A Haunting in Venice

No One Will Save You

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Godzilla Minus One

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget

Wonka

Rebel Moon

Friday, December 22, 2023

Rebel Moon: Review

Minor spoilers ahead!

While suffering from pacing issues, Rebel Moon sets up a whole new franchise that looks to be exciting.

The story line in Rebel Moon was a lot different than I was expecting. While I thought it would be mainly an action packed movie, I appreciated Snyder trying to set up the characters, so that you will be rooting for them when part 2 comes out next year. I agree that it felt like a crossover between Star Wars and The Magnificent Seven, but it worked really well. The story line needed to be paced a lot better though, because it started off really slow, and it almost caused me to fall asleep.

The acting was amazing. Sofia Boutella managed to hold her own very well. Ed Skrein stole the show as Admiral Noble, such a great casting choice, and I am looking forward to seeing more of him in the next movie. Charlie Hunnam's performance was a lot different than I was expecting, but I am glad that it turned out the way it did. Ray Fisher is one character I wish we got to see more of. I am hoping for a spin-off on his character.

The visuals were top notch, but with Zack Snyder at the helm, it doesn't surprise me. Zack always takes pride in his visual effects, and this film is no exception.

The action scenes were very well done. The slow motion shots allowed you to take it all in, and make you think that someone might not make it out alive. Snyder is so good with his action scenes, and this film continues to prove my point.

The film has set up so many sequels and spin-offs, and I am so looking forward to seeing what Snyder has in store for part 2, and beyond. Congrats Zack Snyder, you have done it again.

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3.5 out of 4 stars

#SellZSJLToNetflix

#SellSnyderVerseToNetflix

Wonka: Review

Spoilers Ahead!

While nothing ground breaking with this new version, Wonka has plenty of heart and charm for the whole family.

The story line was a lot different than I was expecting. While I loved the fact that the movie didn't try and go with a dark tone, I wish it had more of the Oompa Loompas. But, I loved the fact they had a bunch of callbacks to Gene Wilder's Willy Wonka movie, and that the story line had likable characters, and plenty of heart to it. The story line was pretty predictable at times though, which was a bit disappointing.

The acting was really good. Loved Timothee Chalamet's performance as Willy Wonka. He really did a great job at coming across as very likable, and charismatic. Chalamet also had a really good singing voice. Hugh Grant absolutely stole the show as Lofty the Oompa Loompa. I really wish Grant had more screen time though. He was so funny, and added a lot to it.

The visual effects looked really good as well. I loved the ending where it shows Willy Wonka making his chocolate factory, and showing the first room in the Willy Wonka movies, where you could eat anything. The CGI on the Oompa Loompa looked really good as well.

The humor was good as well. Really glad that they didn't do a bunch of cringe humor that would appeal to kids, but make older people groan in disgust.

The songs were solid as well. While not as memorable as the original Willy Wonka songs, they didn't feel forced which was very nice.

I can't see how they could do a sequel. I think it serves well as a standalone movie, and making a sequel would feel very hard, and forced IMO.

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3 out of 4 stars

Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget: Review

While predictable, Chicken Run 2 is still a funny film for the whole family.

The story line was very predictable. I knew right from the start how the whole thing was going to turn out. I was a little disappointed that they didn't go for more of a heist kind of movie, but it still had some clever moments. Mrs. Tweedy's return was so great to see as well.

The voice acting was really good. Zachary Levi as Rockie was spot on perfect, even if it was sad that Mel Gibson was not able to return. Thandiwe Newton was perfect as Ginger, I honestly couldn't even tell the difference between her, and the original voice actress. I was so glad that they brought back Miranda Richardson as Mrs. Tweedy, she managed to steal the show once again.

The humor had me laughing so hard at so many moments. I was glad that the jokes had some adult oriented humor, and that it wasn't just geared towards young children.

I have no idea what else they could do for a sequel, but I am not opposed to getting one in the future!

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3 out of 4 stars

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Ranking all the Hunger Games Movies From Worst to Best

5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrHaRP-Y588

4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2fT8uIIrss

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Kcj4T8kuc

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq1x0VvpYdo

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yvNpKZdS12A

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes: Review

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes exceeds the very little expectations I had for this movie!

The story line was so well done. It was so neat seeing the different time setting for this movie, and seeing it from the Capitol's perspective. I have seen this movie 3 times already, and every time I have watched it, I notice some small details that I missed the last time I watched it. Francis Lawrence's attention to tiny details is a reason why I love this movie so much.

The acting in this movie was spectacular! While I originally hated the decision to cast Tom Blyth as Snow (Because I personally wanted Adam Driver), he knocked it out of the park! He did such a good job at portraying so many different emotions in multiple scenes. Rachel Zegler did a great job as Lucy Gray Baird. Some of her facial expressions managed to make you tear up, and she had a lovely singing voice as well. Viola Davis arguably gave the best performance however. She was very cartoony, but very serious at the same time. Was not expecting a whole lot from her, but she stole the show IMO. Peter Dinklage is not getting enough credit for his performance IMO. His character had so many layers, and Peter did a great job at portraying all of them in multiple scenes.

While there were not a whole lot of action scenes, the film's screenplay and acting was so good, that the movie did not need very many of them. I loved the film's tone so much as well!

I do not think there needs to be another movie in the Hunger Games series. The movies have run their course, and they were all good! The only thing I would maybe like to see from this franchise, is a series about the Hunger Games that weren't shown, and see how they started, and how the games got much more complex and innovated as the years went on. It is really the only thing left this series has to offer IMO.

Overall, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a hauntingly great movie, that features stellar acting, and some great small details!

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

4 out of 4 stars

Godzilla Minus One: Review

Considering the movie only cost $15 million to make, they did a solid job.

The story line was solid, if predictable. I am not the biggest Godzilla fan, but I appreciated the time period they set it in. This allowed it to feel hopeless whenever Godzilla arrived. I also loved the WW2 themes it had set in the story line.

The acting was good. I always have a hard time judging movies where the actors don't speak English, because it is hard for me to watch their facial expressions, and read the subtitles at the same time.

Whoever worked on the visual effects should be proud of themselves. Considering the movie only had $15 million to work with, Godzilla still looked really good.

There is plenty of room for them to do a sequel. And considering how well they used their budget, and how much it is making, they might even give them a bigger budget. Should be interesting!

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3 out of 4 stars

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

Five Nights at Freddy's: Review

Spoilers Ahead!

I waited 8 and a half long years for this movie, and it was totally worth it!

The story line was much different than I was expecting, but in a good way! I loved the plot twists that this movie had regarding the character of Vanessa, and her connection to William Afton. I also really liked that the team behind the movie focused more on crafting a story line, than making a movie with no story line, and just mindless jump scares.

The acting in this movie was great. After not seeing Josh Hutcherson in a movie for almost 8 years, it was great to see him in a new movie. Josh was perfect as Mike Schmidt, and I could not have seen anyone else in that role. Elizabeth Lail did a great job as Vanessa, and she really made you care for her character. Piper Rubio gave a great performance, considering her age, and lack of experience. Kat Conner Sterling did a good job as Max also, and I really felt bad for what happened to her character. Matthew Lillard, despite only having 3 scenes, was perfect as William Afton. I cannot picture anyone playing that role but him anymore. I am looking forward to seeing him portray William again in a sequel.

The fan service moments were great also. Loved that Shadow Freddy made an appearance, and I am really hoping that Kat Conner Sterling is able to return to voice Shadow Freddy in a sequel. I cannot believe that Sparky the dog made an appearance as well, perfect little Easter Egg also. Balloon Boy's appearance was not something I was expecting at all. His jump scares were so funny, and random at the same time. I also could not believe that MatPat showed up in the movie. So nice to see him.

This film laid the foundation for a whole new franchise. I loved that the movie ended with William Afton becoming Springtrap (Which I totally predicted back in February/March by the way). I hope the sequel fleshes out more of Vanessa's relationship with William Afton, and you find out why she is so loyal to him. I believe that they will adapt elements of FNaF 4 in the next movie, and it will be revealed that Vanessa accidentally killed her younger brother, and that William plays on her guilt over killing him, and that is why she was loyal to him for so long.

I also hope that it is revealed that the Puppet Animatronic is fused with Garrett (Mike's younger brother who was killed by William Afton). They teased the Puppet at the end of the movie, and I hope that that is the connection to Mike in the end.

I would also like to see Henry Emily show up, but I have a hard time seeing how they will do it right now. Maybe they will find a way to surprise me. I am also hoping that the film is a little bit scarier, and that William Afton (Portrayed by Matthew Lillard of course) has a bigger role.

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

4 out of 4 stars

Thanks Jason Blum, Scott Cawthon, and everyone else who made this possible, The long years of waiting were worth it in the end!