Avengers: Infinity War (Review)

Avengers: Infinity War (Review)

As the Avengers and their allies have continued to protect the world from threats too large for any one hero to handle, a new danger has emerged from the cosmic shadows: Thanos. A despot of intergalactic infamy, his goal is to collect all six Infinity Stones, artifacts of unimaginable power, and use them to inflict his twisted will on all of reality. Everything the Avengers have fought for has led up to this moment - the fate of Earth and existence itself has never been more uncertain.

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Ready Player One (Movie Review)

Ready Player One (Movie Review)

In the year 2045, the real world is a harsh place. The only time Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) truly feels alive is when he escapes to the OASIS, an immersive virtual universe where most of humanity spends their days. In the OASIS, you can go anywhere, do anything, be anyone-the only limits are your own imagination. The OASIS was created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday (Mark Rylance), who left his immense fortune and total control of the Oasis to the winner of a three-part contest he designed to find a worthy heir. When Wade conquers the first challenge of the reality-bending treasure hunt, he and his friends-aka the High Five-are hurled into a fantastical universe of discovery and danger to save the OASIS.

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Saban's Power Rangers (Review)

Reviewed by Justin D Williams

Minor Spoilers Ahead

Five ordinary teens must become something extraordinary when they learn that their small town of Angel Grove - and the world - is on the verge of being obliterated by an alien threat. Chosen by destiny, our heroes quickly discover they are the only ones who can save the planet. But to do so, they will have to overcome their real-life issues and before it's too late, band together as the Power Rangers.

I have mix feelings about Power Rangers after leaving the theater. On one hand I really like it and then on the other hand I feel disappointed. The new entry of Power Rangers sets up the same premise of the first generation of Rangers that was in the 90s. Five teenagers with attitude  are chosen to be defenders of Earth. In this case it's more like Angel Grove. Power Rangers succeeds in character development. Out of all the incarnations of Rangers this version is the best in the bunch. The movie does well giving time to each ranger so the audience can connect with their character arc. Jason lives wild and has trouble with the law. Zack has to deal with a sick mother. Kimberly has to deal with an action that affects her friendship. Trinity has to deal with battle of sexuality. Billy doesn't fit in and has battle a medical condition. The way each arc is presented is well done and you will get behind these characters. If there is a standout ranger it's Billy. Not only is he the comedy relief but he is the heart of the rangers and the film.

 In regards to storytelling the Power Rangers succeeds. The problem with Power Rangers is the film not knowing what tone or audience it's trying to appeal too. I was really loving the mature, realistic sometimes gritty aspect of the film. The film had me invested but once the rangers got their suits the film goes oh wait we have toys to sell and product placement to do. This is where the film went from a Power Rangers to Mighty Morphin Power Rangers of the 90s and it wasn't a good thing. The cheesy final act ruins what was a very good first two acts. As cool it is to see them kick ass and fight with the zords the build up is not felt due to the chessy fun. I'm not saying the battle had to feel like serious but it would be nice to see some cohesiveness with the tone. You can't go serious for the age 13 and 18 to silly for age 4 to 10.  The constant shift in tone took me out of the movie and I hope in future installments they will correct it.

Overall Power Rangers is a good film. The acting is solid and the cast have great chemistry, the fights scene while subpar does enough to entertain. The movie has the worst product placement ever! I mean this is worst than Man of Steel product placement. The product placement ends up being part of the plot which really hurts the film. Krispy Kreme you got your money worth that is for sure. The music is generic and doesn't standout. There isn't much of an original score instead we get songs like Kanye West Power which ruins the fight scene. I'm happy to say you do here very briefly the 90s Power Rangers theme which got a huge pop from the audience. If you're a fan of Power Rangers this is a good film to see. It has good character development for the first two acts. The only one underdeveloped is Rita. She is a one note and over the top and doesn't fit the tone the movie was going for in the beginning. The movie was actually better without the suits. The movie is not bad but will leave some disappointed. However either way this movie should be seen in theaters at least matinee. It's Morphin Time.

Final Grade 3 and 1/2 stars out of 5

Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back Review

Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back Review

After the rebels have been brutally overpowered by the Empire on their newly established base, Luke Skywalker takes advanced Jedi training with Master Yoda, while his friends are pursued by Darth Vader as part of his plan to capture Luke.

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Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope Review

Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope Review

Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle-station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.

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Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith Review

Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith Review

Three years after the onset of the Clone Wars; the noble Jedi Knights are spread out across the galaxy leading a massive clone army in the war against the Separatists. After Chancellor Palpatine is kidnapped, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and his former Padawan, Anakin Skywalker, are dispatched to eliminate the evil General Grievous. 

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The Transporter: Refueled Review

In the south of France, former special-ops mercenary Frank Martin enters into a game of chess with a femme-fatale and her three sidekicks who are looking for revenge against a sinister Russian kingpin.

Can the Transporter film franchise survive without Jason Statham? Yes it can, only if it in capable hands. The Transporter Refueled is a hit or miss depending on your taste. If you're a person who loves action over story then this is a good film. If you're a person who values story over action then you might be disappointed. The Transporter Refueled is not a bad film. I actually had some fun with it. The film is just a basic action film with the usual cliche of you have your family member hostage. While I did enjoy the dynamic of Frank showing more heart than previous films. The movie became predictable by time the second act hits. Frank is forced into a situation he has to get of. He finds a way and onto the next set piece. The movie did more humanity to the cold heart transporter which fans will love. 

The acting is okay. Ray Stevenson as Frank's Martin father steals every single scene he's in. He is a great comedy relief to the film and a good moral compass for his transporter son. The female leads were enjoyable to watch and to see these anti heroes was refreshing. Ed Skrein replaces Statham and he did a good job. I enjoyed his performance but it's one of those roles that you can't see anyone else in but the original actor. Overall the film gives you exactly you expect from the franchise and that's not a bad thing. The villain could have been better and the story less cliche but it's pretty decent.

 

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Attack on Titan The Movie (Part 1) Review

Attack on Titan The Movie (Part 1) Review

100 years ago, titans suddenly appeared on Earth. Soon, human civilization veered on collapse due to the titans. Humans then built a giant wall to defend themselves. Within the giant walls, humans lived in peace, but, 100 years later, the giant wall is broken.

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Jurassic World Review

Jurassic World Review

Twenty-two years after the events of Jurassic Park, Isla Nublar now features a fully functioning dinosaur theme park, Jurassic World, as originally envisioned by John Hammond. After 10 years of operation and visitor rates declining, in order to fulfill a corporate mandate, a new attraction is created to re-spark visitor's interest, which backfires horribly.

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Project Almanac Review

Project Almanac Review

As a group of friends discover plans for a time machine, they build it and use it to fix their problems and personal gain. But as the future falls apart with disasters, and each of them disappear little by little, they must travel back to the past to make sure they never invent the machine or face the destruction of humanity.

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Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Review

Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Review

Cyborg discovers an imminent threat in the depths of the oceans so powerful that it rallies together the newly formed Justice League. Meanwhile, wandering thousands of feet above the ocean floor is drifter Arthur Curry, a man with strange powers who may be the last chance to bridge the ancient Atlantean world with our own. 

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Real Heroes Review

Real Heroes Review

A desperate reality show producer hits on the idea of doing "The Real World", but with superheroes. Unfortunately, Spiderman, Supergirl, and Iron Man all have better things to do so he takes what he can get. This is a look behind the mask at B-string superheroes hoping to hit the big time.

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