Have a Happy New Year + Big News

Hey guys. So it's finally here, the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020. In all honesty this has probably been my best year yet. Because my views are high (yes I know I'm not getting a million views but hey they make me happy) and I got a follower. Not to mention but I got to review a lot of great movies, well expect Captain Marvel, Godzilla (1998), and Star Wars: Holiday Special but other than those everything else ranged from okay to good to great to a must watch. So yes I enjoyed my 2019 especially since you guys enjoyed them as well. Have a Happy New Year folks and I hope to see all of you in 2020.



Oh, I almost forgot beginning on Feb 10th and for what I'm hoping will end on Dec 28th, I'll have a band new segment for this blog titled Looking Back at the Films of 2019. These segment will have me reviewing films of well 2019. I'm mainly doing this to see if there was anything good I missed out on or in the case of Rambo: Last Blood, review movies I promised you guys but sadly couldn't because of various reasons. So look out for that.

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker Review

Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (or simply Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker) is a epic space opera, the final installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy following 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and 2017's Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the final chapter in "The Skywalker Saga". The movie is produced by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Bad Robot Productions and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker is written by J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio and directed by J.J. Abrams.




The story is it's been a year since the events of The Last Jedi, Now both the Resistance and the First Order are going to settle this war once and for all. While that's going another conflict is reaching it's climax and that one is the long standing battle between the Jedi and the Sith. In the final chapter of "The Skywalker Saga" which side will stand victorious?

Initial Reaction



After The Last Jedi, I was fully ready for the next film in the sequel trilogy. Then my excitement sky rocketed when I heard Chris Terrio was going to write the film and he's written some great movies such Argo, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, I'm not counting the theatrical cut of Justice League because it's clear he didn't write that. So first we have a great director (J.J. Abrams) and then a great writer, so I was all set and ready to go see Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.






Cons



One of my biggest gripes with The Rise of Skywalker is there doesn't really seem to be any room to breath. Like there are barely any moments in the movie where I felt like I could really take in what I was seeing because it's like they wanted the next scenes to arrive as fast as possible. It really makes me hope that Disney will release an extended cut of The Rise of Skywalker because some of those scenes feel like they should be longer/probably would have give us that breathing space we needed. Wouldn't be the first time one of Terrio's scripts got an extended cut (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice - Ultimate Edition anyone?)







Middle Ground



The only thing that was a mixed bag for was what was going with Leia's half of the story. Now I wasn't expecting much especially since Carrie Fisher sadly passed away (that still hurts saying it) but I don't know it really didn't feel like her story didn't receive the ending it should have gotten. I don't if they had something to do with Carrie's untimely death or the writers just didn't know what they really wanted to do with her character?








Pros



One thing I enjoyed from this movie was how we got this whole quest adventure of it. Yeah, throughout the movie our characters are looking for special devices that help them get to their exact location to stop the film's big threat. I really dug that because we've never seen that in a Star Wars movie. I know we got them in the cartoons, video games, comics, and books but not the films. Another thing I loved about The Rise of Skywalker is our main bad guy himself, Palpatine. He was awesome and it so great to see him back, and I think what also made his return epic was his scenes were creepy and disturbing. Which I have no problems with because like I said before he was great. The other aspect that makes the movie great is Kylo Ren. Throughout the whole sequel trilogy his character and the arc that came with him has been brilliant and I think it's one of things everyone can agree within the Star Wars fandom. Which leads me to my next praise for the movie in my review that praise being the performances. All of the actors did I fantastic job in this movie, especially our three big leads those being Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, and Oscar Issac. They still do a fantastic job playing there respected characters. But of course I still feel the need to give credit to Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine. Much like he was in the prequels he can still play this sinister character and his performance will definitely be one of the highlights in the movie. The final thing I'll praise The Rise of Skywalker for is the action...mainly the final battle. I mean seriously that ending was a really great way to end this "Skywalker Saga" and I'm gonna say it, I like it more than the ending the battle in Avengers: Endgame.








While I don't think Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker is the absolute perfect ending to the Skywalker Saga, I still think it's a really good movie. What with the quest our characters go on, Emperor Palpatine, Kylo's whole story, the acting (especially Ian McDiarmid), and of course the action (mainly the climatic battle). The only grey area is the Leia side of things. The bad thing about the movie is the lack of breathing room for the audience.








My final rating is Good








So yeah that's all for me. Come back on Dec 30th, Thursday for a special message for you, my readers. Also that message will contain big news regrading this blog. Until then enjoy the rest of your day, maybe see The Rise of Skywalker while your at it.

Bad Santa 2 Review

Bad Santa 2 is a 2016 Christmas dark comedy and the sequel to 2003's Bad Santa. The movie was produced by Ingenious, Media Talent Group, and Gunn Films and distributed by Broad Green Pictures and Miramax. Bad Santa 2 was written by Johnny Rosenthal and Shauna Cross and directed by Mark Waters.




The story is Willie and his partner in crime Marcus are planning to steal from a Chicago charity. But just when the thought they have everything under control and things look like they could go smoothly Willie's nightmare of a mother, Sunny shows up. Now Willie must work through his mommy issues, make sure this heist goes off without a hitch, and deal with Thurman.

• Negatives

Now despite me putting this in the negative category I don't want you to take this one too seriously. One of the most bad things about this movie is it will sadly be forgettable. Because I don't think this movie will be as well remembered as the first movie. I mean it's been two years since this film was released on nothing has really been brought up about it. I haven't seen people talk about it nor have there been any showtimes for TV, it's still the first movie getting all the attention.



The only truly bad thing about Bad Santa 2 is this subplot involving Regent. His subplot in the movie doesn't go anywhere. First it's brought up, then talked just a tiny bit in here and there, and then it just goes away all together. If the writers didn't care so much about Regent then really shouldn't have given him a plot.

• Mix

Now I'm going to make this short and sweet, much like the previous film I still find the movie's humor to be a bit of a mix bag. Some things got me to laugh others things not so much.

• Positives

Now much like the first movie Billy Bob Thornton has a great performance. He has not lost one beat playing Willie and he was great from beginning to middle to end. The other great performance came from Kathy Bates, and what's so great is she goes from playing this sweet old lady to being more of this biker woman. She was also pretty good.



Because this is a sequel then you'd probably think it's going to be a train-wreck like many other comedy sequels such as Son of the Mask, Teen Wolf Too, Caddyshack II, Blues Brothers 2000, and so many others but in Bad Santa 2's case it's pretty decent. It's one of those few comedy sequels that I think fans will like and not have any problem with unlike the previous films I just mentioned.








Bad Santa 2 is an okay sequel to the first movie. The performances are really good and there wasn't a single time when I said "Nope, this movie is an insult to the first flick". The humor in my opinion is just as mixed as the first movie. The only bad things are I don't think many people will remember it as the first movie and the pointless Regent subplot.








My final rating is Okay.








So that's all for me. Come back on Monday, Dec 23rd for my review of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Elf Review

Elf is a 2003 Christmas comedy film based on William Hobbs' book. The movie was produced by New Line Cinema and Guy Walks Into a Bar Productions and distributed by New Line Distribution. Elf was written by David Berenabaum and directed by Jon Favreau.





The story is when Buddy was a baby he was accidentally sent to the North Pole, despite not being an elf he was raised there as one of their own. Now as an adult Buddy doesn't feel like he fits in, so he decides to travel to New York to find his real father.

• Negatives

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

• Mix

Now are there funny moments in Elf? Yes there are, plenty of funny moments but once in awhile you'll get a joke that doesn't land or just doesn't work. But for the most part jokes do work.

• Positives

One thing I found enjoyable about the film is despite it being a Will Ferrell it's a film the whole family can enjoy. Which I found surprising because I'm more familiar with his more adult-oriented films such as Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, and Step Brothers. So I was quite surprised to enjoy a Will Ferrell movie that didn't have those kind of jokes from the films I just listed.

Another thing I liked about the movie is how quotable it is. I never expected a movie simply titled Elf to have so much memorable quotes. Like you hasn't heard and/or said "You sit on a throne of lies" line? Or anything line from this movie.



The other aspect of Elf that makes it good is despite it's Christmas feel you do have kind of a sad story in there as well. Mainly revolving around Buddy. I mean that scene where his real Dad tells him to get out of his life is just a dagger to your heart.

The other thing I liked about Elf was the performances. Every single actor/actress does a great job playing these characters. Of course the best was Will Ferrell, he does such a great job playing the lovable character of Buddy and after watching the movie I really couldn't see another actor playing this character.

Elf is a great Christmas movie. Despite starring Will Ferrell who's more known for his rated R comedies it's a film the entire family can watch, memorable lines, a little bit of dark side to it's story and the performances are really good. The only mix bag is sometimes the jokes don't always work (for me anyhow).

My final rating is Great.

So that's going to do it for me. Come back on Thursday, Dec 19th for my review of Bad Santa 2. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Cinematic Disasters - Star Wars Holiday Special

With Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker arriving in only 15 days I thought it's time I review the darkest chapter in the Star Wars franchise. That being the Star Wars Holiday Special.

Star Wars Holiday Special is a 1978 musical science-fiction television film set in the Star Wars galaxy. It's also the first official Star Wars spin-off (yes this is the spin-off's starting point...just let that sink it) and set in-between the first movie and The Empire Strikes Back. Star Wars Holiday Special was written by Pat Proft, Leonard Ripps, Bruce Vilanch, Rod Warren, and Mitzie Welch and directed by Steve Binder.





The story is after the events of the first movie, Han Solo is taking his best friend Chewbecca to his home world to celebrate "Life Day". However the Empire has captured them and are demanding them to tell where other Rebels are. Now it's up to Luke and Leia to rescue and celebrate "Life Day".

My Thoughts




So our holiday special is already off to a good start by showing us stock footage of the previous movie. Yeah, because when people back in 1978 wanted something new from Star Wars the first thing that came to their minds was stock footage. Like I said brilliant start.



Now during this chase between the Empire and Solo and Chewbecca, Han brings up how he'll bring Chewie home just in time to celebrate "Life Day" with his family. Two things to take from this 1) Chewbecca has a family? When did that happen? Do they know about his smuggling with Han or him fighting alongside the Rebels? and 2) What's Life Day? That second question kept going through my mind throughout this whole movie. And guess what...It's never explained. We're never told what Life Day is.



Then after the credits we seen Chewbecca's family, and enjoy not understanding what they're saying because all of their dialogue is just grunts, groans, roars, growls, and more grunts. We never know what there talking about or anything, the people that made this forgot to put subtitles underneath them!



Also do you like bad acid trips? Cause I've got a bad acid trip for you to watch.

After that bit of insanity we see a familiar face and that face is Luke Skywalker or I think it's Luke? I mean I don't know what Mark Hamill was doing before filming this but man does his face look so weird in this. Seriously just look at him.

Then we get a some random shop owner guy (I don't know if he has a name or not) about Chewbecca's whereabouts to his wife and also talking to an Imperial guard. 1) Who is this guy? Seriously who is he? Also how does he know Chewbecca and Han Solo are missing? We never saw him communicate with them before both in the is special and A New Hope. 2) Why is this Imperial guard wasting his time at some random shop? Doesn't he have a schedule to keep or something?

After that we get some stock footage from the A New Hope. Only this time it includes Darth Vader and I hope you enjoyed seeing Vader because other than the cartoon that pops up (yeah this special also includes a cartoon, as if you didn't have enough padding) this is the only time we see him.

Then this scene.

Don't ask me what this is all about because I'm just as confused as you are.

So after.....that! We finally get an action scene...but it's just more stock footage from the movie so it's not really all that exciting. But during this Han brings up Life Day once again. Around this time we are 25 minutes and 3 seconds in and we still don't know what this holiday is. Can we please just get a slim explanation of what it is?!

Then that shop owner comes to visit Chewbecca's family to drop by to give them presents and dear lord does he act like a dick. First he ask them why they all have long faces as if he doesn't already know that Chewbecca's missing and when their still sad he ask "is this all the hello I get?" Seriously what is his damage?

After that we see the old man wookiee get his rocks off by watching Diahann Carroll (or whatever her Star Wars character name is in this) sing to him. No I'm serious! We are watching a wookiee watch some sort of VR porn experience and you well not convince me or anyone else other wise!

So when we're all though with that disturbing bit of imaginary we get a scene with Leia and C-3PO talking to Chewbecca's wife and there discussing things we already know. We know Chewie's not home, we know him and Han are being chased by the Empire, and we know that neither Chewie or his family have been talking to each other. Again this scene like so many others are just here to pad out the runtime and nothing else.

Then an Imperial guard and stormtrooper come to Chewbecca's family and we suppose to be scared because well someone from the Empire is in their house but I don't care. Because prior to the first film we never meet these people thus we don't become attach to them. We just suppose to feel something because "Hey there Chewbecca's family so care about them". Oh and during this scene we get another musical number (the first one was during the wookiee's masturbating scene). Which I don't get. Why do we have this? During the writing for this special who sat down and thought "You know what this Star Wars special needs...musical numbers."

When the song finally stops playing, Chewbecca's son goes to somewhere else to watch a Star Wars cartoon?! Yeah apparently the Rebels and the Empire's adventures get turned into cartoons in this universe. Also the cartoon is horrible! Other than C-3PO, R2-D2, Darth Vader, Chewbecca, and Boba Fett all of the other characters look horrible. Luke and Leia have these lifeless eyes on them and well...just look at Han Solo.

Who looked at that and said "Oh yeah, that looks just like Harrison Ford. Good job dude." Oh and just to add more to shock to this special, this was Boba Fett's debut before The Empire Strikes Back. Yep, this is where it all started for the guy.

When the cartoon finally ends, Chewbecca's kid the watches some instructional video for a mini-transmitter, and when we get to this scene are a total of 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 35 seconds into this special and nothing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING OF IMPORTANCE HAS HAPPENED! So far we've been wasting time by talking about things we already know, some LSD circus performance, stir whip stir whip whip, a wookiee enjoying porn (again you can't convince me otherwise), an ugly cartoon featuring Boba Fett's debut, and now this! Oh throughout that instructional video the guy is malfunctioning...because comedy.

Then just to waste more time we get a "Life on Tatooine" segment, which yet again is using stock footage from the first movie. Was the budget so small they couldn't filming a bunch of people walking around a Tatoonie set? Oh and just to make this segment more painful we get a musical number with...Bea Arthur. I didn't make that up...that really happened. I swear the people would made this were on the biggest cocaine bender imaginable.

So finally after all of this madness and/or pointlessness Chewie and Han arrive at Chewbecca's home and fight off a stormtrooper (the trooper's alone because the other Empire guys left and he was told to stay behind just in case). And the fight's both short and hilarious, the fight goes for like less than a minute and Han didn't even beat him...the stormtrooper was just clumsy. Seriously, this is all that happened.

This was really the only funny part in the entire special.

After that "fight scene" we finally celebrate Life Day...which we still know nothing about. This is a holiday special and they never once tell us what Life Day is. Then during the ending Leia sings a song about Life Day and I know I've done nothing but complain about the songs in this special but this one I feel like you can sit through because Carrie Fisher has a great singing voice.

So that was the Star Wars Holiday Special and WOW! This was...this was...I don't know what this was, all I do know is it is awful. The sets look cheap, some scenes were just footage taken from the first movie, no explanation to what Life Day is, it has horrible writing, and just so much else that's just wrong. Hell this special is so bad, Harrison Ford refuses to believe it even happened. Yeah that's how much he hated it and in all honestly you can blame him.

My final rating is Destroy It!

Yeah, Star Wars Holiday Special is just an abomination in matter of fact next time if someone you know says the prequels and The Last Jedi are awful Star Wars films just so them this. Hell you can watch it on YouTube for free. So that's going to do it for me, come back on Monday, Dec 16th for my review of Elf. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

The Polar Express Review

The Polar Express is a 2004 computer-animated Christmas adventure film and based on the 1985's children's book of the same name. The movie was produced by Castle Rock Entertainment, Shangri-La Entertainment, ImageMovers, Playtone, and Golden Mean Productions and distributed by Warner Bros. The Polar Express was written by Robert Zemeckis and William Broyles Jr. and directed by Robert Zemeckis.





The story is a young boy is having doubts about the existence of Santa Claus. Then on Christmas Eve, a train arrives at the boy's house, he then boards this train called The Polar Express which is heading to the North Pole. The boy is hoping to finally get his answers.

• Negatives

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

• Mix

One thing that's a mix bag for me is "The Suite from The Polar Express". Now no I'm not gonna say the song itself is a max bag because it's not it's a very good piece of music, the mix bag comes from the fact that the movie has a habit of overplaying it. I mean almost felt like everytime something whimsical happened that song plays. Like I said it's by no means I bad song I just felt like it was just overused.

My other gray area with the movie is while the message is good there are times when it's just slightly preachy. With some scenes the message to the movie is just fine but then you have those others scenes where we're like "okay I get it, you don't need to hammer it in anymore."

• Positives

Now I'm going to be quite honest...I like the animation to The Polar Express. Now I do fully admit you'll most likely not love the moment you watch the movie but the more and more times you watch it the more you'll enjoy it. It really makes me laugh when people say "the animation is creepy". Come on folks, there are far worse and scarier pieces of animation out there (looking at you Foodfight and The Christmas Tree).



The other thing I enjoyed about the movie is the performances. The cast does a great job playing the children (although I do admit Know-It-All's voice can get very annoying), but the greatest performance comes from Tom Hanks. He's playing not one, not two, not three, not four but seven characters in the film and he plays all of them to perfection. Seriously, he's acting in the movie is quite possibility the biggest highlight of the movie.



The final thing I'll give the film credit is the amazing train scenes. When I first saw this movie as a kid I didn't expect so much action from this film. Those scenes where the train is going uncontrollably fast down a hill and when the train is sliding/drifting on ice that's breaking was awesome. It kind of felt like you were watching a roller coaster ride.








The Polar Express is by no means a perfect Christmas but there's just something about it you just can't help but watch and enjoy. The animation is good, the performances are great (especially from Tom Hanks), and those scenes where the train is in danger are definitely a thrill ride. The only mix bags are the music, mostly "The Suite from The Polar Express" being overused and the message being just a bit forced.








My final rating is Good








So that's all for me today. Come back on Dec 5th, Thursday for my Cinematic Disaster review of the Star Wars Holiday Special. Oh that one's going to be painful. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.