A Look Back at Godzilla (1998)

Hello everyone and welcome back to another installment of A Look Back at and this time I'll review 1998's Godzilla, but before we get to that let me explain something first. Now yes it would make more sense for me to review 2014's Godzilla what with the sequel coming out but since I already reviewed it I decided to go with this film instead. Also I was gonna make this a Cinematic Disaster review but I don't think it's completely bad. I still think it's bad none the less but not enough to say it's a complete abomination to film. So with that out of the way let's get started.



Godzilla is a 1998 monster film and a reimagining of Toho's Godzilla franchise. The film is also the 23rd film in the Godzilla film series and the first film to be produced by a Hollywood studio. Godzilla is produced by Centropolis Entertainment, Fried Films, and Independent Pictures and distributed by TriStar Pictures. The movie was written by Roland Emmerich and Dean Devlin and directed by Roland Emmerich.




The story is an unknown creature has risen from the South Pacific Ocean and is making a path of destruction. NRC scientist Dr. Niko "Nick" Tatopoulos has been recruited by the U.S. military to study this monster and find a way to stop it. But one question remains, are they any match to stop this creature known as Godzilla?

• Negatives

You probably know by now the worst thing about Godzilla is Godzilla himself. I mean what happened? The design makes him look more like a T-Rex than his usual look. Really makes me question why Toho gave the thumbs up for this design (also yes Toho approved of that final appearance. I'm not kidding look it up). The other problem with this Godzilla is the characterization. In all of the other movies human weapons have no effect but here they do. Oh and in this film Godzilla can reproduce asexual. Now I admit I'm not deep into Godzilla lore but last time I checked he couldn't do that...at all!

The other issue with this movie is it really brings down your hopes. The beginning starts out promising enough but once we get to New York that's when things go from pretty good to it really could have been better.

• Mix

There are many gray areas with this movie one of them being the acting. A lot of people riff on Matthew Broderick and yes while he does have some bad moments he's performance isn't the worst...that dishonor goes to Maria Pitillo. She was truly awful in this.

Another part of the movie that's just okay is David Arnold's score. There is music in the movie that's perfect to live to but then there are times when it tries to be John Williams. And considering people were saying the film was trying to be like Jurassic Park it didn't help that not only were certain scenes trying to be that film but the score also wasn't helping matters either.

The final thing that could have used some improvement is the action. It's passable for what it is but there really needed to be a lot more suspense and such to really make you get into it.

• Positives

The only truly good thing about Godzilla is the visual effects. Yes there nothing compared to what we have today but they are rather good for 1998 standards.

So yes I don't think Godzilla (1998) is as bad as people try to make it out to be. It's still bad yes especially with Godzilla's characterization and that false hope at the beginning. The only things saving it from me giving a very low rating is the decent performances, score, and action. The only aspect of the movie to really get a kick out of is the special effects.

My final rating is Bad But Harmless

But if you want to see a truly horrible Godzilla movie go watch Godzilla's Revenge, now that's a stinker. Anyways that's gonna do it for me. Come back on Saturday, June 1st for my review of Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Rambo V: Last Blood - First Blood Review

Yes that's right I'm doing yet another "Road to" series of reviews only this time with the Rambo films which will hopefully lead up to Rambo V: Last Blood (if my theater doesn't have a showing I will most definitely make an apology post). Because even though I started doing things on a bi-weekly schedule to make things easier for myself I'm still a glutton for punishment. But enough of that let's get stated.


First Blood (aka Rambo and/or Rambo: First Blood) is a 1982 action-thriller film based on David Morrell's 1972 novel of the same name. The movie was produced by Anabasis Investments N.V. and distributed by Orion Pictures. First Blood was written by Sylvester Stallone, William Sackheim, and  Michael Kozoll and directed by Ted Kotcheff.





The story is a Vietnam war veteran and drifter named John Rambo wanders into a small Washington town to meet up with an old war buddy. However he instead meets up with the town's brutal sheriff, Will Teasle. After a series of events that make Rambo flashback to Vietnam he goes on a rampage.

• Negatives

Really my only complaint with the film is Teasle is unrealistically angry with Rambo at the beginning of the movie. I mean Rambo did nothing and already he has a problem with him.

• Mix

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Positives

Now despite my previous comment about something being unrealistic I'll give Rambo credit for portraying other things realistically. Such as the action and how a soldier's PTSD effects their way of thinking.

Another thing that makes Rambo an all time classic is the performances by Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, and Brian Dennehy. Crenna and Dennehy have great moments of dialogue and that scene where Rambo has a tearful breakdown was such an amazing moment delivered by Stallone.

The other aspect of the movie that deserves praise is the cinematography. It just has this very Earthy vibe which really gives the film it's realism that I gave credit to earlier.

The last thing I'll give the film credit for is the action. It's all incredible and done perfectly. It also has this great cat and mouse element to it. Which makes you anticipate everyone's next move.

Rambo rightfully earned it's spot of not only being a great action film but also a great movie overall. It has a nicely done realistic element, stellar performances, wonderful cinematography, and amazing moments of action. My only problem is Sheriff Teasle's angry towards Rambo at the very beginning of the movie.

My final rating is Great

Alright guys, that's going to do it for me. Come back next time on Thursday, May 30th for my A Look Back at review of the 1998 film Godzilla. A review that'll celebrate the upcoming Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Aladdin (2019) Review

Aladdin is a musical fantasy film and a live-action adaptation of the 1992 film of the same name, which was based on the Arabic folktale One Thousand and One Nights. The movie is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Rideback Productions and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film is written by Guy Ritchie and John August and directed by Guy Ritchie.



The story is Aladdin is approached by a Grand Vizier named Jafar. Jafar says he can make Aladdin rich. All he has do to his find a magical lamp. Aladdin finds the lamp with it's wisecracking genie inside. Soon Aladdin wants help from the genie to make a prince.

Initial Reaction




Now having enjoy both the animated movie and Disney's previous live-action remakes I was looking forward to this movie. Granted the magazine cover from Entertainment Weekly did bring my excitement down a little bit. Then the trailers were released and I got excited again. However I still remained skeptical because I didn't want fanboyism to cloud my judgment.









Cons




The whole real bad thing in Aladdin was Jafar. This version of the character was so cheesy and over the top that'll be wondering when is he going to tap his finger tips together and laugh evilly.







Middle Ground




The only mix bag I had with the movie is the CGI. There were times when it was pretty good but other times it just didn't seem right to me.








Pros




Now let's talk about the good things because there is plenty of that in the movie. One positive was the performances from Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott, and  Will Smith. They all do a great job with their respected characters. Will Smith was the biggest surprise because from all of the marketing you would have thought he was going to be the worst. Thankfully that wasn't the case. The other aspect of the Aladdin remake that'll definitely get credit for is the musical numbers. The nail all of the songs perfectly. And I think some people will enjoy the newest song put in here titled "Speechless". Another thing I liked about Aladdin was the humor. Now there isn't tons of it like there was in the animated movie but it's still enjoyable.






Aladdin while I don't believe it'll make any "Top 10" list there is still some enjoyment to it. The performances are stellar, the music was great so much so I even saw people singing along, and the humor is alright. The grey area is some of the CGI effects and the only true negative of the movie is Jafar.





My final rating is Good








So yes the animated movie is clearly the superior one but I still feel as though you should give this movie a viewing. Now with that out of the way that's going to do it for me. Come back on Monday, May 27th when I begin the Road to Rambo V: Last Blood starting with my review of First Blood. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

A Look Back at Aladdin (1992)

Aladdin is a 1992 animated musical fantasy film. The movie is the thirty-first Disney animated feature film and the fourth movie produced during the Disney Renaissance era. Aladdin was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Walt Disney Feature Animation and distributed by Buena Vista Pictures. The film was written by Ron Clements, John Musker, Ted Elliott, and Terry Rossio and directed by Ron Clements and John Musker.



The story is a street rat named Aladdin has fallen in love with Princess Jasmine. One day Aladdin finds a magical lamp with a genie in it. With Genie's help Aladdin hopes to win Jasmine's heart. However what he doesn't know is the evil Jafar has his own plans for Aladdin's new found lamp.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

Now I really did enjoy the film's animation. One of the things I didn't notice when I watched this as a kid was how the animators used two different styles for the characters. The more serious characters have a more realistic movements to them while the comedic ones get more of a squash and smash style. That was really creative of the animators part. However what didn't work for me was the use of computer animation. I know I shouldn't be too hard on the CG animation since this was 1992 but sorry I just wasn't all for it.

• Positives

One thing that can definitely be enjoyed from Aladdin is the comedy. This is truly one of Disney's funniest films from their Renaissance era. Some of the best bits were from the Genie.

Now let's talk about the characters. There all great. The comedic ones really help make this a funny story while the main characters (Aladdin, Jasmine, and Jafar) help bring out the more serious moments. What also makes them all great is on both the humorous sidekicks and the main stars can stand by themselves.




What also made Aladdin a Disney classic was it's main villain Jafar. The guy was one part devious and one part cunning. His best moment was the final act of the movie.




The final aspect of Aladdin I'll give it credit for is the film's musical numbers. Those songs will without a doubt get stuck in your head. The best songs being "A Whole New World" and "Friend Like Me".







Aladdin is not only one of my favorite animated movies but a classic from the Disney Renaissance era. It has great comedy, even greater characters, Jafar is definitely a top 10 Disney villain, and the songs are very fun to listen to as well as memorable. Now while I did enjoy the animation for the most part I just wasn't all for the 3D parts.







My final rating is Great








Alright guys, that's going to do it for me. Come back on Saturday, May 25th for my review of the 2019 version of Aladdin. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith Review

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is a 2005 epic space opera and the third and final movie in the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy. The movie is produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and distributed 20th Century Fox. Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith was written and directed by George Lucas.



The story is it's been three years since the beginning of the Clone Wars. After what seems to grand accomplishment by finally defeating Count Dooku and successfully rescuing Chancellor Palpatine. However Anakin still feels like this war is far from over when his suspicions are raised within the Jedi Council, and all of his suspensions are pointing to Palpatine.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

Once again the acting for the most part is a mix bag. Hayden Christensen does actually have some good moments but yes at the same time he does have some bad reads.

Then we have the dialogue. For the most part it's fine. But then there are those...other moments, such as when Padme literally says Anakin is breaking her heart. No seriously she actually says "Anakin, your breaking my heart". Like I said some moments are good others are not.

• Positives

One thing I've come to enjoy about Revenge of the Sith is Anakin's slow transformation into Darth Vader. Now yes I've had heard most say he has no reason but the films actually show he has his reason for turning to the dark side. But if you watch the film carefully they actually do tell you this.

Another thing you to enjoy from the movie is the very subtle touches the director puts into a couple of scenes. Like there was this one scene where Obi-Wan's in the light while Anakin's in the dark just before their big fight. Moments like that really should get a thumbs up.

Oh and since I bought up their big fight....oh my god was that an awesome scene. Seriously the scene of Anakin and Obi-Wan fighting is the highlight reel moment of the entire movie. I loved it! I could watch that fight scene on repeat over and over again.

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith is definitely one of the best films in the prequel trilogy. Anakin has a great slow transformation, really nice subtle touches, and that fight between Anakin and Obi-Wan is amazing. The only grey areas is the acting and some of the dialogue.

My final rating is Good

Alright everybody that's going to do it for me. Come back on Thursday, May 23rd for my A Look Back at review for 1992's Aladdin. That review will be in celebration of the 2019 film with the same name. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Review

Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is an animated comic book film based on the crossover miniseries Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by James Tynion IV and Freddie Williams II. The film is produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, and Nickelodeon and distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment. Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is written by Marly Halpern-Graser and directed by Jake Castorena.



The story is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have arrived in Gotham City. Their mission is to find out what the Shredder's plan is and put a stop to it. During this adventure they run into Batman. While the Ninja Turtles and Batman are having their fight things get worse when Shredder teams up with Ra's al Ghul.

Initial Reaction

In all honesty I wasn't really looking forward to this film as much as everybody else. It mainly stemmed from the fact that I didn't read the miniseries. So before the trailer showed up I read the miniseries and I gotta say it was good. It was nothing deep or thought provoking it was just a nice little team-up comic. Then the trailer showed up and it became one of those films that I didn't know I wanted in my life.

Cons



One thing I didn't like was Robin's voice. To me it sounded like they were telling Ben Giroux (the voice of said character) to try too hard to sound like a young kid. The other thing I did't like was the title itself. Now yes, I did expect this to be a team-up movie as suppose to a "vs" movie but it's a little hard to be called a "vs" when you only have one fight and that's it.







Middle Ground



The movie's animation was great. It was well done and there was really nothing I hated about it. Although I do admit and maybe it's just me but I felt like whenever they did something in slow-motion it looked a little a awkward. Other than that it was really good.








Pros



One thing you'll enjoy about the movie is the voice work (aside from Robin's) is all great. Especially Troy Baker. The guy almost comes close to sounding just like Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill. Another part of the film to love is it's humor. There are a lot of funny moments most of them of course come from the turtles (especially Michelangelo's fanboying). Now to talk about the action...it's awesome. There are so many great action scenes that I don't know which one's my favorite. The other aspect I'll give the action credit for is how surprisingly brutal it is. I mean it's more intense than the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film from 1990.









Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles may have it's flaws but it's a film where the good out weights the bad. It has good voice work (mostly from Troy Baker), the humor is hilarious, and the action is awesome. The mix bag is when the animation has it's slow-mo moments. The only things I didn't like where Robin's voice and the misleading title.









My final rating is Good










Alright everybody that's going to do it for me. Come back on Monday, May 20th when I return to the Road to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker with my review of Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Terminator: Dark Fate - The Terminator Review

Hello everyone and welcome to yet another edition of The Road to. This time I'm reviewing all of the Terminator films leading up to the newest film Terminator: Dark Fate. So let's get started.



The Terminator is a 1984 science fiction film. The movie is produced by Hemdale, Pacific Western Productions, and Cinema '84 and distributed by Orion Pictures. The movie was written by James Cameron and Gale Anne Hurd and directed by James Cameron.




The story is a killer machine known as a Terminator has been sent from 2029 to 1984 Los Angeles to kill a woman by the name of Sarah Connor. What the Terminator doesn't know is a soldier from his timeline named Kyle Reese has come to protect Sarah to insure that her son John Connor is born. Now it's not only a fight for survival but a fight for the future.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

Now don't hate me for this but the true gray area of The Terminator is it's special effects. There are times when the film's low budget shows. One of the two instances is the scene with Arnold Schwarzenegger's model head and the other is the stop motion. However despite those scenes we still have more stellar special effects that are showcased.

• Positives

One thing that was done so well in the film was the pacing. The movie never has a scene that overstays it's welcome. All of it was quick and to the point.

Another enjoyable part of The Terminator is Brad Fiedel's score. He's theme simply titled "The Terminator Theme" is and always will be a classic.

The other feature that makes the movie a masterpiece is the action. Those scenes definitely made The Terminator a must see 80's action film. My favorite is the police station scene.

The final thing I'll give The Terminator credit for is the performances. While Schwarzenegger definitely has the best acting overall I feel as though Michael Biehn doesn't get enough credit as he should have. I mean watch that interrogation scene at the moment Kyle snaps and starts screaming. It's an awesome moment of acting.

The Terminator is one of the many classic action movies to be made. The pacing is perfect, the score is well made, the action is a thrill ride, and Schwarzenegger and Biehn's performances are top notch. The real mix bag is while special effects are great for a low budget others are not so great.

My final rating is Great

Okay everybody we are done here. Come back on Thursday, May 16th for my review of the newest animated comic book movie Batman vs. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu Review

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu (or simply Detective Pikachu) is a fantasy comedy mystery film based on the 2016 video game Detective Pikachu. The movie is the first live-action/animated Pokémon film and the first Pokémon movie to receive a PG rating as suppose to the usual G rating that the MPAA gives to Pokémon films. The movie is produced by Warner Bros. Pictures, Legendary Pictures, and The Pokémon Company and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Pokémon: Detective Pikachu is written by Nicole Perlman, Benji Samit, and Dan Hernandez and directed by Rob Letterman.

The story is Tim is trying to find his father Harry Goodman after he mysteriously disappeared. During his investigation Tim meets Harry's partner, who happens to be a wise-cracking Pikachu who only Tim can fully communicate with. They decide to team-up and find out what happened to Tim's father.

Initial Reaction

At first I had no intentions of seeing this movie. Mainly because I was never really a fan of Pokémon that was always my older sister's thing. Then I took a look at the trailers and my interest was peaked. Then I started hearing from early reactions that people enjoyed it. So I threw my hands up and said "what the hell! Let's give this a chance". 

Cons




I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.








Middle Ground




One of two things in the movie that could have used a little more work is Tim. I didn't think he was a bad character I just think the writers could have given him a tad bit more development. The other part of Detective Pikachu that's a mix bag is the investigation part. Often times Tim and Pikachu will find clues and put the pieces together by themselves other times the answer to questions was just handed to them. It was like "wow you two didn't really need to work for that".








Pros



Let's get this out of the way. The designs to the Pokémon are great. When I first heard they were doing this film in live-action I was worried. I was truly expecting some uncanny valley stuff but nope. All of the Pokémon were realistic but not creepy. The other best part of the film is it's humor. This is a very funny movie. My favorite part was an interrogation scene with Mr. Mime were things turned kimk of dark yet still funny (because dark humor is the best kind of humor and you can quote me on that). Now like I said in the Initial Reaction part of this review I was never really a big fan of Pokémon, however despite that I still noticed a few things (i.e. easter eggs) that I think some fans will definitely like. Now to praise the greatest thing ever about Detective Pikachu that being Ryan Reynolds' performance. He played that talking Pikachu to a perfect ten. He delivered every line in the film smoothly and he's the sole reason why the jokes worked.






Pokémon: Detective Pikachu was quite a surprise for me. Yes it's no masterpiece but it's definitely a fun movie to go out and see. The designs for the Pokémon are amazing, the humor is hilarious, the fans will enjoy the easter eggs, and Ryan Reynolds' acting was top notch. The only things that could of used more work were the detective sides of the film and our main protagonist.






My final rating is Good








All right guys, that's going to do it for me. Come back on Monday, May 13th were we'll begin the Road to Terminator: Dark Fate with my review of 1984's The Terminator. Untill then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Toy Story 4 - Toy Story 3 Review

Toy Story 3 is a 2010 3D computer animated comedy drama and the sequel to 1999's Toy Story 2. The movie was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Toy Story 3 was written by Michael Arndt and directed by Lee Unkrich.


The story is Andy is preparing to leave for college. After an accident occurs all of the toys (expect Woody who knows exactly what happened) think Andy wants nothing to do with them. They later wind up in Sunnyside Daycare. Everything seems nice but Woody has a sneaking suspicion things aren't quite right.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Positives

One thing that surprised me about this movie that I didn't noticed the last time I watched it was how the genres in the story are so well handle. One story (the toys wondering what are they gonna do without Andy) essentially a drama film while the story (the Sunnyside one) is an action film, more specifically a prison escape flick. And there blended so perfectly.

Now throughout my entire Toy Story review series I've praised the animation. Saying how it's so good. Well I'm gonna say it again...I loved the animation in this film. However I feel as though Toy Story 3 has the best out of all of the films. I mean Lotso's fur looks so realistic.

The other thing I liked about the movie is how surprisingly dark it is. Especially that incinerator scene I mean just...wow. Even if you did know Toy Story 4 was happening that was still a shocking scene.




Another thing to enjoy from Toy Story 3 is Randy Newman's music. I really feel like he's come a long way. From Toy Story I did like his score but there were times when he was singing where it wasn't intended, but since Toy Story 2 he's just gotten better.




The final thing I liked about the movie was how well they handled introducing new characters. The bigger ones range from you'll love to you're going to love to have them, and the small ones still get some memorable moments.








If Toy Story was to remain a trilogy than this would have been a perfect way to end a series. The two different genres to the story are top notch, the animation is great, the darker tone is a nicely added tone, Newman's music continues to be a highlight to this franchise, and the new characters get two thumbs up.






My final rating is A Must Watch








So that's it for me and that's the end of the Road to Toy Story 4. Come back on Saturday, May 11th for my review of Pokémon: Detective Pikachu. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Dark Phoenix - X-Men: Days of Future Past Review

X-Men: Days of Future Past is a 2014 comic book film based the fictional superhero team the X-Men. It's a sequel to both 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand, X-Men: First Class, and 2013's The Wolverine. The story is based on the 1981 Uncanny X-Men two-part arc Days of Future Past. The movie was produced by 20th Century Fox, Marvel Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, Bad Hat Harry Productions, and The Donners' Company. X-Men: Days of Future Past was written by Simon Kinberg, Matthew Vaughn, and Jane Goldman and directed by Bryan Singer.



The story is in the year 2023 the world is ruled by the Sentinels, robots that have been programmed to hunt down mutants and humans who dared to help them. A small group of surviving X-Men have send Wolverine to the past. His mission go back to 1973, find Charles Xavier, and stop Mystique from killing Bolivar Trask.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

The true mix bag is how the Sentinels got their powers. They got their powers from Mystique because her cells can adapt. It's an odd thing because Mystique's powers aren't adapting to any mutant power it's just shapeshifting. The reason I find this a mix bag because one hand I understand why they had to do because a certain character who had an adapting power died in X-Men: First Class but at the same time it's just a bizarre thing for her character.

• Positives

One thing I liked about the movie is it's villain Bolivar Trask. He is a very twisted scientist character. He just made my skin crawl whenever he discussed his research. So yeah Trask is a good villain for the movie.



The other part of Days of Future Past that makes it great is how it balances it's characters. We not one X-Men team but two and their both used perfectly.



Another aspect of the movie you'll enjoy is the action. From the very first scene you're know your in for a thrill ride.



This film was nominated for Best Visual Effects, I can see why. The special effects are just so we'll done. They really shine with the Sentinels. There's just so much great detail put into them.



Now to tell you about the performances. The actors are what truly make this movie amazing. We all know Hugh Jackman is great as Wolverine, Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen are still great as Professor X and Magneto. James McAvory and Michael Fassbender countined that chemistry they had in First Class for Days of Future Past and Jennifer Lawrence gave so much emotion for this flick.






X-Men: Days of Future Past is not only one of my favorite X-Men films but one of my favorite comic book films. Trask is a good villain, characters are nicely balanced, the action is awesome and worth rewatching over and over again, the special effects are done perfectly, and the performances are top notch. The only grey area is somehow Mystique's powers somehow led to being able to adapt to any other mutant power.






My final rating is Great






So I'm done for now. Come back on Thursday, May 9th for the final chapter of the Road to Toy Story 4 with my review of Toy Story 3. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

My #ReleaseTheSnyderCut Story

Hey everyone. So today I figured I would do something relating to a certain following I've been apart of for what I want to say is I don't know maybe a year or two. This is about #ReleaseTheSnyderCut and why I got involved. What I'll be talking is my dreams of having a Justice League movie, me reviewing the Justice League films leading to the "Zack Snyder's" movie, and what lead me to the hashtag. Let's begin, shall we?

Part One - Justice League & Justice League Unlimited

My first time seeing the Justice League wasn't in the comics. It was the Cartoon Network series simply titled Justice League and it's sequel series Justice League Unlimited. Before the first episode aired my mind set at that time was to mainly watch it for Superman and Batman because Cartoon Network often times would show reruns of Superman: The Animated Series and Batman: The Animated Series. So that was the main reason I was going to watch the show for Superman and Batman, I could care less about the other characters. Then the first episode aired and I being a little kid was going to watch the show by any means necessary. Then the more episodes I watched the more I wanted to know more about Green Lantern, The Flash, Wonder Woman, and all of the other characters. So if you have anything to blame for my love of DC Comics you can blame this show.

Part Two - Justice League: Mortal

Image created by @Bosslogic

Now it's early 2007. Justice League Unlimited aired it's final episode months ago and all I have left is the comics. Then somehow I don't remember how I came across it but I heard news that Warner Bros. was going to make a live-action Justice League movie. At first I thought it was just some rumor someone made up but then with the magic of the internet I found it was true. I was so pumped. We were finally going to get a Justice League movie and I do believe the release date was 2008. So it's early 2007 and all I got to do is wait for 2008 to roll in....2008 came and went and the only Justice League media I got outside of comics was Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe. So yeah that bummed me out. I was so close to a live action Justice League film yet so far.

Part Three - Man of Steel & Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Now it's late-2012. One day I was on YouTube and I noticed a certain thumbnail. This thumbnail had Superman's suit and beneath it it said "Man of Steel - Official Trailer #2". So natural I clicked on and I couldn't believe it. A new Superman movie was coming out and it was coming the summer of 2013. Sure it wasn't Justice League but come on it's Superman, that's just as good. Then the movie came out and I loved it. I loved it just as much as I did with Richard Donner's Superman (1978). Then in July 2013 I saw a YouTube video that said "Superman/Batman Announcement and Logo Reveal Comic Con 2013". So I clicked and my jaw dropped. I couldn't believe two of my favorite superheroes were finally gonna be on the big screen together. Zack Snyder was making movies I dreamed about since I was like five. Then in early-2014, I heard the film got pushed to 2016, got bummed out, then cheered back up, and waited. So it's now March 25th, 2016, I'm going into the theater with my grandpa, my dad, and my mom (she's not typically into movies as much as me but she was curious about this). Now I did enjoy the theatrical cut. I thought it was an okay movie but that Ultimate Edition. Now that was the movie that should have been shown in theaters. So yeah I was definitely becoming a full Zack Snyder fan.

Part Four - Leading Up to Justice League

Back in January of 2017, I started my blog. Around this time I didn't have a lot to review. So I came up with the idea of The Road to. A film review series where I review films from franchises leading up to the newest installment of said franchise. The very first one I did was for Justice League. I reviewed every single animated Justice League movie leading into the live-action film. Hell I even reviewed that terrible yet hilarious 1997 film. I even give out suggestions on what people can read or watch to be prepared for the movie. Then after that I made a top eleven dumbest news stories related to the movie. And if that wasn't enough to convince you that I was excited I also bought an official t-shirt, a behind the scenes magazine talking about the movie, the book Justice League: The Art of the Film, and watched the trailers over and over again.

Part Five - Justice League (aka the one review I'm ashamed of)

I would use the more Alex Ross inspired poster but this one represents Josstice League better.

So it's now Thursday 16th, 2017, and I'm as excited as a kid in a candy store. Why? Because my theater is having an earlier screening of Justice League. The moment I posted my Top 11 Dumbest Justice League News Stories I bolted right to the Salem Twin Cinema. I got everything I needed. I have my Justice League shirt, my popcorn, my root beer, and I'm in my favorite recliner chair. I saw the movie and went home to type my review. In honesty I'm very much ashamed of that piece. The main reason is looking back on it I lied to you. If there's one thing I didn't want people to think with my reviews is that there a lie. Once again looking back I think it steamed from me being in denial. Because ever since the first trailer dropped I have defended the movie from all of the bias journalist and/or haters. So all I wanted was to say the movie is good, however in doing so I basically became one of those bias journalist (even though I'm far from a journalist but I think you get what I'm saying). So if any of you liked that review please don't. Because I really can't look at it now and be proud of it.

Part Five - The Moment I Joined #ReleaseTheSnyderCut

Image created @ComicBookDebate

Now we flash forward to December 6th, 2017. Justice League as only been out for nineteen days at this point. During this time I go on my Twitter account and the very first thing I see on my timeline is @ComicBookDebate breaking the story that Fabian Wagner confirmed that Zack Snyder shot scenes of Superman in his iconic black suit. I was absolutely pissed. In matter of fact it was at the moment some clicked in my head. Something that I was ignoring when Justice League came out that I should have noticed in the first place. There were tons of scenes that were either unnecessarily altered, completely reshot, or cut out of the movie completely. Like 96% of the movie was Joss Whedon and only 5% was Zack Snyder. It was on that day I used #ReleaseTheSnyderCut and joined the movement.

Part Six - What Am I Doing Now? & What Can You Do?

Image created by me. 😁

So it's been seventeen months since Justice League came out and it's been a year since I used the hashtag. So what have I been doing since. Well I'm still using #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. Both as a form of criticism of the butchered film and in more comedic ways by making memes on my Twitter account. But even though I'm using the hashtag I'm still reviewing movies. Whether they be new or old. The real question is if you guys want the Snyder cut of Justice League what can you do? Well really my only recommendations is join the movement any way you can. If you have a Twitter account join @RTSnyderCut, @FilmGob, and really any other Twitter account that supports #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. However if Twitter isn't really your thing then watch YouTube videos my strongest request are Film Junkee, Comic Movie Marks, and in my opinion the biggest one of them all Chris Wong-Swenson then share those videos any way you can. The last thing I'll say if any of these people are holding any special events i.e. a snail mail campaign, calling Warner Bros., or any other event.

That's going to do it for me today, but before you click off and either go about your day or go join the movement I want you to remember a few things. Warner Bros. knows all about #ReleaseTheSnyderCut. Hell Zack Snyder himself said at his special director's cuts events that their feeling the pressure. I want to remember that because it means that this isn't fruitless. A major film studio knows about us and we should still continue until the give us the film they advertised not the one in theaters they falsely advertised. The other thing I want you to remember is be polite. You're not gonna get anywhere if all your gonna be is rude. I claim and collective voice is going to be listened to more than a brass and impulsive one. Now with that being said come back on Monday, May 6th, when I return to the Road to Dark Phoenix with my review of X-Men: Days of Future Past. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.