Toy Story 4 Review

Toy Story 4 is a 3D animated comedy film and the fourth installment in the Toy Story film series as well as the sequel to 2010's Toy Story 3. The film is produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Toy Story 4 is written by Stephany Folsom and Andrew Stanton and directed by Josh Cooley.





The story is it's been some time since Andy gave his toys to Bonnie. One day Bonnie brings home a new toy she made all by herself named Forky. However Forky isn't as easy as he seems what with him having an existential crisis about being alive. On a road trip Forky causes a problem that leaves him and Woody stranded on the road. Now they must get back to their friends however all that may change when Woody has reunion with Bo Peep.

Initial Reaction



Having enjoyed all three films I was curious about the Toy Story 4. Because seriously how can you possibly top the ending to Toy Story 3? Basically I looked at this film as big risk. Cause if it's good way to go Pixar/Disney, however if it falls under the sequel curse (you know the one. where the first film was a masterpiece but then the sequel comes along and destroys everything) then Pixar/Disney could be looking at something that's hated. Either way I was to see this movie with an opened mind and hoping for the best.








Cons



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








Middle Ground



One thing that was sort of a mix bag for me were the old toys are kind of sidelined. Now I can understand why the filmmakers did. Cause had they had the old toys on the adventure with the new toys it could make the movie bloated with characters. Yet at the same time I wished there were more scenes with them. Like I said I'm very conflicted with this decision for the movie.








Pros



One thing that surprised me was how the film still plays with you emotional, cause going into this movie I thinking there's no way after Toy Story 3 that the writers could possibility tug on our heart strings. But they actually do. Yeah there's no incinerator scene but this movie knows it didn't need something like to get you on an emotional level. There are two scenes in particular that got and that was Gabby Gabby near the end of the movie and the final scene with Woody. That's all I'm gonna leave it, I'm going to get spoilers so please remain calm. Now let's talk about Josh Cooley's directing. Wow. This is the guys first feature length film and you wouldn't know it by watching this. The way he handles action, the way he showcases scenes, and the way he has the camera move. You never would think this is someone's first movie. Another part of Toy Story 4 that makes it a great sequel is the animation. I mean if you though the previous films have great animation Toy Story 4 ups the ante. I mean that cat looks realistic and the opening scene for the movie is in the rain. And the rain drops, the water flowing down, basically everything in that opening felt like you were watching an actual rain storm in front of your eyes. The other aspect to praise Toy Story 4 for is the humor. There were so many moments when me and everyone in the theater laughed. My favorites were Ducky and Bunny's "Plush Rush" scenarios, those were hilarious. Speaking of characters like Ducky and Bunny, the new characters such as the previously mentioned Ducky and Bunny, along with the other new characters such as Forky, Duke Caboom, and Giggle McDimples are all great characters. Hell some of them even steal the scene. Which leads me to my next the voice acting. It's perfect. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele were great as Bunny and Ducky, Keanu Reeves as Duke Caboom I wasn't expecting him to be as funny as he was with this character, basically all of the new actors in this franchise are astounding. The final thing I'll praise Toy Story 4 for is how brought a new view of the life of a toy. This time around it's the concept of "lost toys". The writers did a great explaining this concept, how it works, and how some toys see it as a negative while the lost toys themselves show how it's a positive for them.








Toy Story 4 is a surprisingly great fourth installment to a franchise. It tugs on your heart strings, Josh Cooley knocked it out of the park in this debut, the animation is wonderful, the humor gets you to laugh, the new characters are entertaining, the voice acting gets two thumbs up, and the new perspective on toys was very interesting. The only mix bag is how the older toys are treated.







My final rating is Great








So yeah, Toy Story 4 is thankful NOT a terrible sequel to what we thought at the time was going to be a trilogy. Anyways that's going to do it for me, come back on Monday, July 1st for my A Look Back at review for Stranger Things (Season 2). That review is in celebration for the upcoming third season. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker - Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope Review

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (or called by it's original title simply being Star Wars) is 1977 epic space opera film and the first film in the original Star Wars trilogy as well as the very beginning of the Star Wars franchise. The movie is produced by LucasFilm Ltd. and distributed by 20th Century Fox. Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope was written and directed by George Lucas.





The story is an R2 unit has an important message for Obi-Wan Kenobi send to him by Princess Leia. Once seeing the message Obi-Wan recruits a young boy named Luke Skywalker and pilot Han Solo along with his friend Chewbecca to help him on his rescue mission.

• Negatives

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

• Mix

Now I'm begging you. Please don't hate me...but sometimes the acting is not all it's cut out to be. While the actors do deliver some great lines there are other times when they just have a bad read. So yes I find the acting just to be good but not all that amazing.

• Positives

Now let's get into the more positive things about the movie one of those being George Lucas' directing. He framed and showed shots that tell a lot more than they did. One of those being the first shots in the movie with the Rebel ship trying to escape from the Star Destroyer. That shot alone told just how big the Empire is.

The other part of Star Wars (or A New Hope) such a classic was John Williams' score. It decades old but it's still and will always be one of the all time greats. Hell you can't tell me you haven't hummed at least one of his songs from this movie.

Another aspect of the film that spectacular is the action. It still enjoyable to watch now as an adult just as much as when I saw it when my grandpa give me is copying when I was getting into the franchise. That final battle at the Death Star still leaves you on edge even if you've seen it before.

The final thing to give praise to is the special effects. They are all done to perfection. Not only that but they still really hold up. When rewatching it for this review there was not one time when I thought they looked bad.

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope is without a shadow of doubt one of the all time greats of not only science fiction films but films in general. Lucas' directing is spot on, Williams' score will always be regraded as a classic, the action is astounding, and the effects are timeless. Now while the acting could have been better it's still fine for what it's worth. Besides this is a case when the good overpowers the bad anyways.

My final rating is A Must Watch

Alright that's it for me. Come back, Saturday, June 22nd for my review of Toy Story 4. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Terminator: Dark Fate - Terminator 2: Judgment Day Review

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (or otherwise known as Terminator 2 or T2) is a 1991 science fiction action film and the sequel to 1984's The Terminator. The film is produced by Carolco Pictures, Pacific Western Productions, Lightstorm Entertainment, and Le Studio Canal+ S.A. and distributed by TriStar Pictures. Terminator 2: Judgment Day was written by James Cameron and William Wisher Jr. and directed by James Cameron.




The story is it's been eleven years since the first movie. John Connor is now a teenage boy just living his live. One day Skynet sends a T-1000 to kill John while at the same time the future John Connor has send a reprogrammed T-800 (Model 101) Terminator to protect his younger self. The T-800 will everything he can to protect John and continue the fight for the Resistance.

• Negatives

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

• Mix

Now I'm probably gonna get a little bit of hate for this but...I only think the CGI in Terminator 2: Judgment Day is fine. I don't think it's as "cutting-edge" as people make it out to be. There are scenes were yes it's great but that walk through the fire the T-1000 does is not very good.

• Positives

Now despite me taking a shot at the special effects I do also give praise for the majority of the film. Terminator 2 has a perfect blend of old and new effects. And for the most part they work really well together and it leaves you wondering how do they pull that off?

The other thing to enjoy from the movie is how things are fleshed out more. We get to learn so much more about this world. From the characters themselves to Skynet and how they became the ones to destroy the human race.

Another aspect of T2 that's incredible is the score. Brad Fiedel score from the previous Terminator was great but here it's even better (although the bigger budget for the film most likely helped). This time around even sounds bigger.

Now to discuss the thing this sequel is known for and that's it's action. Oh boy is it sweet. The film truly delivered on those scenes. My favorite part is the chase scene with all of our characters.

The final thing to praise the movie for is the performances. Arnold Schwarzenegger once again does an amazing job as the Terminator and Robert Patrick as the T-1000 was top notch. For the big surprising performance came from Edward Furlong. Nine times out of ten child actors can make or break a movie but in Furlong's case he really made the movie.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day is definitely a great sequel. The special effects of new and old work, things are more fleshed out, Fiedel's score adds even more weight to the flick, the action was incredible, and the performances are really good. The only thing I can get behind but not fully was the CGI.

My final rating is Great

Well that's going to do it for me. Come back on Thursday, June 20th when I return to the Road to Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker with my review of the film that started the franchise 1977's Star Wars (or as it's now known as Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope). Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Rambo V: Last Blood - Rambo: First Blood Part II Review

Rambo: First Blood Part II (aka Rambo II or First Blood II) is a 1985 action film and the sequel to 1982's First Blood as well as the second installment in the Rambo franchise. The movie's produced by Anabasis Investments N.V. and distributed by TriStar Pictures. Rambo: First Blood Part II was written by Sylvester Stallone and James Cameron and directed by George P. Cosmatos.





The story is John Rambo is doing jail time after the events of the first movie. That all changes when his former boss Col. Troutman offers him a deal. The deal being if he goes to Vietnam and find American prisoners and do it without getting involved his record will be expunged. Rambo accepts the mission however when the Vietnam soldiers find him it'll be time for Rambo to spring into action.

• Negatives

Now despite how much I enjoy the film, I will admit it has flaws. For instance they completely scrap off the fact that Vietnam gave Rambo PTSD so why on Earth would he ever want to go back. Sure there is story reason but still.

My other problem with the movie is they set up this all anti-machine message...and it ultimately goes nowhere. I mean it's brought up then during the entire movie it's never talked about again. So they made it pointless by the end of the movie.

• Mix

The true mix bag of the film is the cinematography. There are times when it's fine. It was done good and it left at that. Other times not so much. For some reason other scenes seem like the lighting was put on overdrive. It really stuck out when Rambo and Co are just talking put the lighting is just blurry and overly bright.

• Positives

One of the best things about Rambo: First Blood Part II is it's action. Holy sh*t is the action awesome. This is clearly where some of the focus for the movie was on but hey I didn't mind. It really kicks off in the third act.

The other thing I liked which some critics just seem to ignore is the movie showcased another horror of war. That being how Rambo is suppose to take photos of POWs and then when it was true they were there and alive the higher-ups would make a cover up. Honestly it's a nice element to the movie that I wish some critics would realize about it instead of making something up like the movie was glorifying war.

The final thing I'll give the movie credit for is Stallone. Yes his acting in the first movie will also be superior but here I still say he gave a good performance.

Rambo: First Blood Part II is a pretty good sequel. It has spectacular action sequences, another horror of war, and Stallone's acting. The cinematography could have been better but was fine for the most part. The film's biggest problems were ignoring Rambo's PTSD and a anti-machine message that's never fleshed out.

My final rating is Okay

So that's going to do it for me. Come back on Monday, June 17th when we return to the Road to Terminator: Dark Fate with my review of the best Terminator film Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

The Secret Life of Pets 2 Review

The Secret Life of Pets 2 is 3D animated comedy film and the sequel to 2016's The Secret Life of Pets. The movie is produced by Universal Pictures and Illumination and distributed by Universal Pictures. The Secret Life of Pets 2 is written by Brian Lynch and directed by Chris Renaud.




The story is Max is going through some major changes in his life. His owner Katie has gotten married and they have a kid named Liam. With the new baby boy around Max has become overprotective. Then one day the family goes on trip to the countryside. At the farm Max meets a new dog named Rooster and he decides to help Max overcome his problems.

Initial Reaction

Now having been a fan of the first movie I was definitely looking forward to the sequel. The trailers did a good job getting me excited. However I still had my skepticism because I didn't want to get myself too excited. With that aside though I was still going to see the film.

Cons




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








Middle Ground




One thing that's really a mix bag for me is Gidget's story. Now this film has three stories, you have Max's story where he's learning how he shouldn't be afraid of everything, then you have Snowball and Daisy's story where their going to rescue a tiger, and then you have Gidget who's going to rescue Max's favorite chew toy. Yeah her story was weak but at the same time it comes to play at the third act. So you're gonna have this feeling of it shouldn't have happened but at the same time you'll be like "what had this story NOT happened then everything in the third act wouldn't work". Like I said very gray area with Gidget's story.








Pros




One element of the movie I liked was Max's story. I think be can relate to the fact how now there's this little kid in your life and you feel the need to protect him or her from anything and everything, but at the same time you need to let them explore the world and learn what not to do. My other favorite thing about the film is it's humor. Like it's very movie it's quite funny. You'll laugh, your kids will laugh, and people in the theater with you will laugh. Once again Illumination gives their films great animation. Everything moves smoothly and the details on the animals all the way from dogs, to tigers, and farm animals are all well done. Another aspect I found enjoyable about it was there wasn't anything that overstay it's welcome. This is a very quick and to the point movie and that'll definitely make the experience of seeing very easy. The final thing I'll give the The Secret Life of Pets 2 credit is the performances. Much like the first film the cast really bring a comedic wit to the characters their voicing. Everyone was so good including newcomers such as Patton Oswalt, Tiffany Haddish, and the one and only Harrison Ford.








The Secret Life of Pets 2 is a very fun movie for the whole family. Max's story was good, the humor was good, the animation is top notch, there's not a single moment that's overplayed, and the voice work was done really well. The one thing that really brings the movie down from it's predecessor is Gidget's story.







My final rating is Okay








I'm gonna say the same thing I said in my Dark Phoenix review give this movie a watch. So that's going to do it for me, come back on Thursday, June 13th when I return to the Road to Rambo V: Last Blood with my review of Rambo: First Blood Part II. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Dark Phoenix Review

Dark Phoenix (aka X-Men: Dark Phoenix) is a comic book film based on the Marvel Comics' team the X-Men. It's the twelfth installment of the X-Men film series, a direct sequel to X-Men: Apocalypse, and the final film in the X-Men main series. The film is produced by 20th Century Fox, Bad Hat Harry Productions, The Donners' Company, Marvel Entertainment, and TSG Entertainment and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Dark Phoenix is written and directed by Simon Kinberg.




The story is it's been nearly a decade since the events of X-Men: Apocalypse. Since then the X-Men are seen as national heroes and with that they are often called upon for missions considered to risky for normal humans. After being hit by a solar flare from a rescue mission from space Jean Grey has been losing control of her abilities. With this uncontrolled power the Phoenix is released and it spells danger for everyone.

Initial Reaction



Now I've been with this franchise since the very beginning. So you can imagine how sad I was to hear that this was going to be the final X-Men film in the main series, and with it being the final film I definitely wanted to see it. Then we had the trailers and in all honesty I don't understand the hate for them (I really really REALLY don't understand how people can say this is just another X-Men: The Last Stand. That one is just stupid). I guess maybe the second one since it's a bit spoilery. None the less they all made me interested in seeing the movie.








Cons




My biggest issue with the movie is this didn't really feel like a true ending to a franchise. There's nothing about it that said this is the end. I mean I understand at first this wasn't supposed to the final film because Kinberg did go on record how there was going to be more X-Men films with this cast but then the whole Disney-Fox deal happened. But what I mean is even though that deal occurred they still could have done a lot more to make this feel like the end of an era. It didn't have be a big overly flashy ending just something that would have been a really good farewell. The other issue I had was there was this nagging feeling in me that said "this movie seems like it was cut short". It might seem weird that I'm bringing this up but I just needed to get it off my chest (and if this flick was indeed cut fingers crossed for an extended cut).







Middle Ground



One thing I found to be in a gray area on is the character development. There are at times when there moments are good but then there are the other times when the writers really should have put just a tiny bit more effect.







Pros




One thing I really enjoyed about Dark Phoenix was Hans Zimmer's score. His music throughout the whole thing was just beautiful. The other thing I liked about the movie and this was something a friend of mine was discussing was this actually felt more like a Dark Phoenix story then what X-Men: The Last Stand was trying to pull. Because with Last Stand it was a cure story with tiny bits of Dark Phoenix with this it's a full Dark Phoenix story. Another thing this movie did well was the action. Mainly in the final act. That's were it's full on mutant powers on display. Not bad for something that was completely reshot. The final thing I'll give the film credit where credit is do is the performances. Mostly for James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Sophie Turner. Once again McAvoy and Fassbender continued to have great chemistry but Sophie Turner was just...wow. She really pulled off playing two different versions of the same character.







Dark Phoenix may not be the best X-Men movie but it is by no means the worst even if some critics are trying to spin it that way. Zimmer's score gets a thumbs up, the story really should be getting credit for focusing on the Dark Phoenix, the action was fun to watch, and the performances from McAvoy, Fassbender, and Turner are spectacular. Character development could have use a bit more work. The only issues I had were not feeling like the final chapter in a series and a runtime that should be longer (seriously can we get please get an extended cut of some sort)?







My final rating is Okay








So yes I enjoyed Dark Phoenix for the most part. I really don't understand the overall hate but besides that give this movie a watch. Other than that that's going to do it for me. Come back on Monday, June 10th for my review of The Secret Life of Pets 2. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Dark Phoenix - X-Men: Apocalypse Review

X-Men: Apocalypse is a 2016 comic book movie based on the Marvel team the X-Men. The film serves as the ninth installment to the X-Men film series as well as the sequel to X-Men: Days of Future Past. The movie's produced by Marvel Entertainment, TSG Entertainment, Bad Hat Harry Productions, and Kinberg Genre, and The Donners' Company and distributed by 20th Century Fox. X-Men: Apocalypse was written by Bryan Singer, Simon Kinberg, Michael Doughtery, and Dan Harris and directed by Bryan Singer.

The story is a new mutant named Apocalypse has awakened after over a thousand years. After seeing what humanity has become in his absence he plans to destroy the world and reshape it in his image. But the X-Men plan to stop him and his four horsemen before he can achieve that idea.

• Negatives

One of my issues with X-Men: Apocalypse is Mystique. While in First Class and Days of Future Past she clearly has reasons for being there around this time not so much. It really felt like she just was there for the sake of being there.

My other problem with the movie is the pacing. I believe it's the first twenty minutes that start off real slow.

• Mix

I've got nothing to say. So let's move on.

• Positives

One thing that the movie does right is the performances. Especially James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, and Oscar Issac. McAvoy and Fassbender's chemistry continues to be the highlight of this film series and Oscar Issac was amazing as Apocalypse. I mean he's delivery of "everything they build will fall" sends chills no matter how many times I watch it.

Speaking of Apocalypse, I liked him. He was very menacing and everytime he was in action he showed just how strong he is.

The other thing I enjoyed about the movie was of course the action. After the slow pacing is finally over oh boy does it deliver on the action. The top four were the opening, the Quicksilver scene (which was also hilarious), that special cameo scene, and the final battle. They were all really exciting and well done.

When this movie came out back in 2016 I never really understood why it's so hated, and to this day I still don't get it. X-Men: Apocalypse has stellar acting, Apocalypse is a pretty good bad guy, and the action is awesome. The real problems is the Mystique and slow pacing.

My final rating is Good

So yes, I kinda like Apocalypse and with that being said that's going to do it for me. Come back on Saturday, June 8th for my review of the final X-Men movie in the main series, Dark Phoenix. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

A Look Back at The Secret Life of Pets (2016)

The Secret Life of Pets is a 2016 3D animated comedy film. The movie is produced by Illumination Entertainment and distributed by Universal Pictures. The Secret Life of Pets was written by Brian Lynch, Cinco Paul, and Ken Daurio and directed by Chris Renaud.

The story is Max thinks he has the perfect life with his owner Katie. One day everything seems normal until Katie brings home a new dog named Duke. Then through a series of escalating events they must work together if they want to get back home to their beloved owner.

• Negatives

Now I'll freely admit, despite being a fan of this movie it does suffer from predictable moments. Which does ruin the more suspenseful moments that the filmmakers set up.

• Mix

I really did enjoy this movie's use of humor. There were plenty of times scenes got me to laugh. My absolute favorite one was when that highly classed Poodle starts jamming out to heavy metal music. Although if there's one thing that needed toned down it was some of  Snowball's more screaming parts.

• Positives

One thing you'll love about The Secret Life of Pets is it's characters. There are a lot of entertaining ones such as Gidget, Chole, Tiberius etc. They were wonderful in their own way.

The other thing I enjoyed from the film was the performances. The actors really gave their respected characters plenty of charm and comedic wit.

Another aspect of The Secret Life of Pets that makes it a fun watch is the journey. The film put us on a thrill ride through New York and they did it without going to the more clichéd landmarks such as Times Square.

The final feature to give the movie credit for is the animation. It's very well done and handled perfectly. It really shines with an even balance of the pets moving both cartoony and realistically.

Despite The Secret Life of Pets obvious flaw of predictability it's still very much an entertaining movie. The characters are great, the performances get two thumbs up, the journey throughout the film was fun, and the animation is amazing. And while the humor is funny I really wished they did away with some of Snowball's shouting.

My final rating is Good

You know what I find really funny regrading this flick is people say it ripped off Toy Story even though you could easily say Toy Story ripped off The Brave Little Toaster. I'm just saying you shouldn't hold that against the movie because one classic film didn't necessarily invent a certain concept. Anyways that's going to do it for me, but come back on Thursday, June 6th for the final chapter of my Road to Dark Phoenix with my review of X-Men: Apocalypse. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) Review

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is a monster film and the sequel to 2014's Godzilla. The film also serves as the third installment of Legendary's MonsterVerse and is the third time a Godzilla film is produced by a Hollywood studio. The movie is produced by Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures and Wada Qingado Studios and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Godzilla: King of the Monsters is written by Michael Doughtery and Zach Shields and directed by Michael Doughtery.



The story is a crypto-zoologist agency called Monarch faces off against Godzilla. Then three more monsters named Mothra, Rodan, and Godzilla's ultimate rival "Monster Zero" aka King Ghidorah arrive. Now Monarch has no choice but to put humanity's fate in the hands of Godzilla to put a stop to this new beast.

Initial Reaction




I was fully looking forward to this film when I heared Michael Doughtery was going to direct. Why did that excite me? Because I enjoy his work. Trick r' Treat is an underrated horror film that should be shown more on television and Krampus is pretty good. Not one of my favorite horror films but still entertaining. Then came the first trailer. Hooked. I was just immediately hooked. So many gorgeous shots. Then came the trailer after that and the trailer after that one and I just wanted this film to get here already. So yeah I think it's pretty obvious that I was excited for this.








Cons




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







Middle Ground




Now the true mix bag in the film is the human characters. Now I wouldn't say their completely underdeveloped, the writers do try to give them some backstory and such. But it's clear that they were focus on the monsters (but given this franchise that's not really a bad thing).







Pros




One of my favorite things about Godzilla: King of the Monsters is the directing. Michael Doughtery gave us so many beautiful and incredible shots. Doughtery's directing made my mouth drop and my eyes up wide open. The other aspect to enjoy about the movie is the music. I could listen to this soundtrack on repeat. One of the best things about it is they put the classic Godzilla theme and a nicely done cover of Blue Öyster Cult's song "Godzilla" (yes they finally put that song in a Godzilla film. It's about time). Now onto the visual effects, they are done to perfection. The VFX team did not miss a step. The monster's design and their special attacks are quite detailed. The number one reason people went to see Godzilla: King of the Monsters is the monster's fighting and this film delivered. There are lots of fights and rampaging, and it was so beautiful. The final thing I'll give credit to the film is the credit scenes. They do a pretty good job on stepping up the next movie and leave you wondering what's going to happen next?






Godzilla: King of the Monsters is the popcorn flick of the year. Michael Doughtery's directing is astounding, the score is amazing, the visual effects are done to perfection, the monster fighting is awesome, and the credit scenes make you want the next film right now. The only gray area is the human characters.






My final rating is Good







So yes guys I definitely recommend seeing Godzilla: King of the Monsters. You'll have a great time at the movies. Alright that's going to do it for me, come back on Monday, June 3rd for my A Look Back at review for 2016's The Secret Life of Pets. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.