Jurassic World: Rebirth: Review

 A fun film that brings this franchise back from the brink of extinction.

The story line in this film was simple. It definitely felt like an earlier I really enjoyed the dynamic between the family, and the humor didn't fall flat, like I was worried about. I did feel like the film's pacing was too erratic at times, which ended up bogging the film down. And, I will also admit that some of the characters weren't written the best. Still a decent story line though.

The acting was solid. Scarlett Johansson was able to hold her own, and she looked like she belonged in this universe. Mahershala Ali was easily the standout actor of this movie. Jonathan Bailey was okay, I wasn't that impressed with his performance. Rupert Friend did a great job as an unlikable jerk.

The visuals in this movie were amazing. Loved the designs of the dinosaurs. I also loved how scary they actually made the dinosaurs. There were also a few jump scares that got me good. 

They could easily do another sequel. One concept I'd love to see is a group of teenagers partying on a boat, and the boat crashes near one of the islands, and they must find a way to get off the island. A good old fashioned horror movie. I would also like to see what the original writer, David Koepp, had planned, and if it is worth turning into a movie.

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3 out of 4 stars

How to Train Your Dragon (2025): Review

The live action remake of How to Train Your Dragon manages to hold it's own and be one of the better live action remakes!

The story line in this film was the same as the original, but if it ain't broke, don't fix it, I say. I did like how they managed to add a lot more characterization to Stoick, Astrid, and Snotlout (I was not expecting him to get a lot more character development so that was a nice surprise.) Astrid's character felt more fleshed out in version IMO, as did Stoick, and these are things that the live action film improved on in the original IMO.

The acting in this movie was great. Mason Thmaes acted his butt off as Hiccup, he did a great job at making the character his own, while making sure he wasn't trying to copy the original animated version too much. Casting Geard Butler as Stoick again was easily the best decision that this film made. Nico Parker did a much better job than I expected. She was a huge standout as well. Nick Frost was pitch perfect casting as Gobber also.

The visual effects in this film looked perfect. In a time where they are a mixed bag, they looked spectacular in this film, and the budget was less on this film than what I would've thought. Other films should take inspiration from this movie.

My only complaint with this movie, is that I wish the film's humor had landed better. They had a few good scenes that I laughed at, but it was too bad they didn't always hit it. But, it still doesn't take away from how good this movie was!

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

3.5 out of 4 stars 

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning: Review

 The mission was impossible, and they managed to succeed!

The story line in this film was so well done! I loved the darker tone that this film had, compared to the previous films. I was also impressed that for a nearly 3 hour movie, they managed to pace it just right. The script was unpredictable, and you had no idea what was going to happen next! Loved the callbacks they had to the other films as well, especially the first and third films.

The acting was great as usual. Tom Cruise gave one of his best performances as Ethan Hunt, and showed that he has still got it. Simon Pegg was a strong standout as well, loved the more serious tone to his character. Hayley Atwell gave a much better performance in this film, IMO. Esai Morales was a great villain, he wasn't the best, but he was a more memorable one.

The stunts in this film were amazing. I was holding my breath so many times, and my heart actually sank during the plane sequence. Tom Cruise managed to outdo himself, and should be commended for the risks he actually takes! The stunts in this film were probably my favorite stunts of the series.

They could easily end the series here and be justified. But, there is always room for another film IMO. If they do a sequel, I really hope it goes back to a more grounded film, because they can't make the stakes any higher than they were in this film. Plus, it would be more fun to see a grounded film in the series again.

This is probably my favorite film of the series!

Out of 4 stars I would give it...

4 out of 4 stars