Top 10 Films of 2010

Whoa, man. It's been awhile since I've written any sort of film review or commentary. My Top 10 Films of 2018 is late…I mean normally my "Top 10 Films of the Year" lists come out around the Oscars so technically they're always late. But for me, this really, really late.

But I have an idea, gang. I've been writing/posting film reviews and commentaries since, like, 2011. The better part of this decade. But I didn't do a "Top 10 Films of the Year" list until 2013. So if I do Top 10 lists for those missing years first ('cause they're really, really, really late), and then I'll post my Top 10 Films of 2018, it won't look as late compared to those others lists!!

Cool? Cool…here's my Top 10 Films of 2010.

10. Black Swan
Directed by Darren Aronofsky
Starring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Vincent Cassell

I recently rewatched this, and I almost took it out of the Top 10 but...GOD, what a chilling, suspenseful mindf**k of a film. It's not the type of film I normally go for but this left a hell of an impression on me. Not only does it keep you on the edge of your seat, constantly asking "What the hell is going on??" it's actually a very intelligent film. The journey of protagonist Nina (Played amazingly by Portman) speaks a lot to the fickle nature of the arts, what one must sacrifice to achieve perfection in the arts, and the duality of man. I'm surprised this didn't win Best Picture at the Oscars this year, but the Academy have never been big horror fans, and this is very horror in nature. If you can get squeamish like me, there are a lot of uncomfortable, taboo…one might even see gross, moments. Somehow that doesn't stop me from watching though. Black Swan leaves its mark on the viewer.


9. The Fighter
Directed by David O. Russell
Starring Mark Whalberg, Christian Bale, and Melissa Leo

I might hold this film (and another one on the list) in higher regard just because they're Massachusetts set…The Fighter doesn't turn a spotlight on the best section of Massachusetts, or said section's troubled past but…anyway. The Fighter is a wonderful story, not so much about boxing, but about family and the conflicts and dynamics within family, specifically the Ward-Eklund family. What I love about David O. Russell films, is he always seems to bring out the very best in his cast. This is probably one of Mark Whalberg's best roles. Christian Bale, again, completely transforming mind and body for his character. Melissa Leo, hilarious, tough but heartwarming. Seriously it's always gold when Hollywood attempts some Boston/Massachusetts accents. The Fighter's a really enjoyable film.


8. Despicable Me
Directed by Pierre Coffin & Chris Renaud
Starring Steve Carrell, Jason Segel, and Miranda Cosgrove

So like Shrek, Despicable Me probably hasn't aged too well in the eyes of the public, due to the savage nature of pop culture, and the studio's (Illumination Entertainment's) own greed to franchise the hell out of it. I mean, the Minions are just annoying nowadays. But the original Despicable Me is still a very good film. It does have a lot of funny moments (not all of them coming from Minons) and it's a creative, heartwarming story. It's just a shame they franchise'd the hell out of it. Steve Carrell is wonderful as Gru, really all the voice cast is, from Russell Brand as Dr. Nefario, to Julie Andrews as Gru's mother. Despicable Me is a sweet, charming film that has stood the test the time, wether you want it to or not.

Also I find it weird that two animated films about super villains turning good for personal reasons came out in 2010 but only one of them got any real traction…any MegaMind fans out there? Did the right one win the hearts of Hollywood? A question for another day perhaps...


7. Kick Ass
Directed by Matthew Vaughn
Starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Nicolas Cage, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse

I guess you could say I've grown to enjoy Kick-Ass more since I first publicized my opinions on it years ago. Is Kick-Ass himself still not the greatest protagonist? Yeah, kinda. Is Nic Cage still freaking amazing? Yes of course. Does Vaughn know how to do action scenes? You bet he does. There's cliche' bits but there's plenty to enjoy here. When it comes to shock value, Matthew Vaughn has more restraint here than he does in say, the sequel* or the second Kingsman, and I appreciate that. Kick-Ass takes everyone's fantasy of wanting to become a superhero, and slaps it in the face with a cold-towel of reality. I've still yet to read the graphic novel but it's an interesting concept to watch on screen. I've become a much bigger superhero fan since 2010, so that could partially be why I've come to enjoy Kick-Ass more these days.

*I was really nice to the sequel back in the day…but wasn't it crap? Do I have to rewatch Kick-Ass 2? I don't want to.

6. Inception
Directed by Christopher Nolan
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Inception is one of the most original heist/action films to come out in recent years. Its blend with science-fiction (can we consider this science fiction?) makes it so. The concept is truly inspired, which should come as no surprise when Christopher Nolan's writing and directing. The set-pieces are awesome, the world-building is top-notch, and there's a lot of heart in the heist. Cobb (DiCaprio, this is probably one of his best roles) has a lot at stake personally in making sure this job goes well, and many other characters do as well, but not as much as Cobb. This is his story. Also, this is a great cast, particularly Tom Hardy, Ken Watanabe, and Marion Cotillard. Hey, remember that this film is also where we got the typical, iconic Han Zimmer-type score (You know what I mean)? Inception is a prime example of Christopher Nolan at his very best, as far as filmmaking and storytelling.


Alright it's going to start to get hard, here…there's like two really great dramas and three awesome animated films in the top 5. Let's forge ahead...

5. The Social Network
Directed by David Fincher
Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, and Justin Timberlake

I'm not sure there's a more important drama to today's generation than The Social Network. Does that make sense? Is it even an agreeable statement? Oh well. It is super-compelling to learn the story behind literally the biggest social media platform in existence, which has become so ingrained in our day-to-day culture. What could just be a simple "rise/fall of a company" tale is elevated by themes of friendship, partnership, and betrayal. Facebook itself isn't taking center stage, it's the people who made it and their relationships, which makes for a more interesting watch. There's a lot at play here. The film turns a lens on how we value social media as a society, how people work with or hide behind it, and the inner-workings of college community or "youth culture". Jesse Eisenberg gave a career-defining performance in this film, removing himself from the "Diet Michael Cera" shackles society had placed upon him. Andrew Garfield is a real standout, and who knew Justin Timberlake could act so well?
Heh, a film about social media destroying friendships, wonder if there's more meaning to that…


4. The Town
Directed by Ben Affleck
Starring Ben Affleck, Jeremy Renner, and Rebecca Hall

Once again, Boston-set film, Hollywood attempting Boston accents, and I can't get enough of it. I'm going to say it. I miss the old days of Ben Affleck. Before being Batman in the DCEU broke him (I'll always mourn the loss of an Affleck-led Batman film). The Town is some of Affleck's best work, because he's working in his turf. A heist film set in the geography of Boston is really fun to watch, even if you're not from here. A car chase through the North End and a robbery at Fenway are some of the film's highlights. Affleck's joined by some of the most talented character actors in the business (Is it fair to call them that?) like Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, and Chris Cooper, and watching them all do a Boston accent is pure perfection. The film is also like a modern-day, Boston-set Robin Hood, which just sounds fun, right? There's real emotional stakes for Doug (Affleck), so audiences can invest beyond "Will they pull the job off?" The Town is a cornerstone of Ben Affleck's career, and it's shame it went through the awards season mostly unnoticed.

Alright…I'm going to start pissing people off now...

3. Toy Story 3
Directed by Lee Unkrich
Starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack

Toy Story 3 is a really great film and a perfect conclusion to the trilogy (I know what's coming in June! Leave me alone, I'm focusing on what we got right now!) There's a lot of heart, and it's a great story about growing up, the changes we face as a result, and how it affects us and those around us. At the center of it are a cast of characters audiences have loved and grown up with for years, which makes it a much more emotional watch. Pixar has always known to tackle mature themes in their films, and Toy Story 3 is like, the gold standard.
Nine years later, I find myself not enjoying the sections of the film where the toys are at Sunnyside as much. The escape sequence is top-notch, and Lotso is superb, but everything else is just ok to me. I don't want to say it's filler, because it does hold narrative value, but it just doesn't land as well as the rest of the film. Overall the film still packs a punch, because it aims for the nostalgia factor. I myself had just finished my first year in college when this came out so this did hit a little close to home. Toy Story 3 caps off the original Toy Story trilogy in a masterful way that will resonate with kids and adults for years to come.


2. Tangled
Directed by Byron Howard & Nathon Greno
Starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, and Donna Murphy

What makes Tangled so great is it's classic Disney updated for modern times…and it did that before Frozen. Maybe we give Frozen too much credit, and forget to remember Tangled paved the way for Frozen-but I digress. All the elements of a great Disney film are here: superb animation, wonderful music and lyrics from Alan Menken, and wonderful characters. There's also plenty of action and slapstick humor. Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi have wonderful chemistry as Rapunzel and Flynn (also Zachary Levi is my hero and because he's in Tangled that makes it one of Disney's best films), Donna Murphy is another great Disney villain, and Pascal and Maximus are some of the best Disney sidekicks in years. At a time where many people thought the classic Disney formula wouldn't work anymore, Tangled dared to prove them wrong, and prove them wrong it did. If not for Tangled, films like Frozen and Moana, films that stay true to Disney but also tweak their classic formula, probably wouldn't have been made…and you know what? Tangled deserves more than a fancied up restroom area in DisneyWorld, dammit…also why was it nominated for Best Animated Feature???


1. How To Train Your Dragon
Directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois
Starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Craig Ferguson 

I've grown to love the How To Train Your Dragon films more and more as time goes on. The animation has always been breathtaking. The voice cast is low-key one of the best ever assembled. The music...do I even need to say it? But I love the story and messages this entire trilogy tells. It's a coming-of-age story that deals with growing up, sacrifice, loss, and staying true to yourself. Most importantly though the friendships, the relationships that define us. All of this is on display right in the first film, where Hiccup (Baruchel) and Toothless' journey begins. It's well-told from beginning to end, and really what's so great is much of their bonding is told without dialogue. The filmmakers just let them interact and let the animation and the music do the storytelling. Its' not just a bunch of Hiccup talking to someone who won't talk back. It's actually brilliant. And the father/son dynamic between Hiccup and Stoick (Butler) is also very touching, and both Baruchel and Butler are giving it their all. Anyway, have I convinced you enough why this is my Top Film of 2010? Because I could keep going…

Revisiting all these films from 2010 made me realize what a strong year for animated films it was, and probably one of the strongest we've had in recent years. It's why I confidently put three of them as my top 3. I enjoyed revisiting a lot of these films. It made me realize a lot of patterns in my taste of films, and how much my tastes have and haven't changed. Next up is The Top 10 Films of 2011.

Also I really need to do a review of How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World...

Film Review - "A Star Is Born"

A Star Is Born
Directed by Bradley Cooper
Starring Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, & Sam Elliot

This is the time of year when studios start releasing the films they believe can win Oscar Gold, and achieve awards season glory. These are the films you'll be hearing audiences and critics talk a lot about for the next few months. One of those films is sure to be A Star Is Born.
The third remake of the 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor,  A Star Is Born tells a timeless tale anew that is sure to leave a lasting emotional impression on a new generation of movie-theater audiences.

The film tells the story of Jackson Maine (Cooper, also in his directorial debut) a famous country singer battling tinnitus, as well as drug and alcohol addiction. While on tour, Jack drops into a drag-bar for a drink, where he discovers waitress and singer-songwriter Ally (Gaga). They soon strike up a relationship, and at one concert Jack brings her on stage to sing with him. From there her star starts to rise, while Jack's starts to fall…

The film does a wonderful job illustrating the themes of fame and the affects it has not just on a person, but their loved ones and their own creative aspirations. Like I said before, it's a timeless message, and you can understand why this film has been remade over and over. I've never seen the other versions of A Star Is Born, but this story is beautifully, masterfully told.

Part of that lies in the undeniable chemistry between our two leads. Bradley Cooper has always been one of my favorite actors, and it's nice to see him back on the screen, and not just hearing his voice come out of Rocket Raccoon. As far as a directorial debut, he knocks it out of the park. He has a great understanding of how to to bring a story to life through the camera. As far as acting, this is probably one of his greatest performances. It is both heartfelt and heartbreaking.

What more can be said about Lady Gaga? She is amazing. Her performance is incredible. Obviously we all knew she can sing, but as Ally she is clever and passionate, commanding every moment she's on screen. Together, her and Cooper make a wonderful pair. You feel the love their characters have for each other, the pain that they go through, and the joy that they share in.

Legendary Sam Elliot plays a Jack's older brother/manager Bobby. He is both loving and stern in this supporting role while maintaining his iconic suaveness. Andrew Dice Clay is literally unrecognizable as Ally's father, and adds some nice little moments of levity. Dave Chapelle makes a brief appearance as an old friend of Jack's. It's not a major part of the film, but it's a poignant performance.

This is a musical so we got to talk about some of the music. It's awesome. You won't be walking out of the theater humming a lot of these songs but they will definitely leave an impact. "Shallow" is definitely the best of the songs, followed closely by the final number, where Gaga brings down the house. Again, we all knew Lady Gaga can sing like nobody's business, but  Cooper is also a great singer in his own right.

Expect A Star Is Born to bring home plenty of trophies in the coming months, most likely for Gaga and Cooper. It is easily one of the best films of the year. A resonating tale of fame, love, and sacrifice, brought to life by two of (in my opinion) the most talented artists working in Hollywood right now. Even though it's the fourth version of A Star Is Born, the response it has has gotten makes it hard to believe anyone will attempt a fifth for the foreseeable future. One might say, this film's star isn't going to fade anytime soon…

Film Review - "Venom"

Venom
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
Starring Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, and Riz Ahmed

Hey all you 21+ readers out there. You ever been at a party, and see someone completely plastered, making a total, trashy spectacle of themselves? You ever get the feeling to step in and put a stop to it, but you can't because what you're watching is somewhat entertaining? That's Venom.

The first film in an Anti-Marvel Cinematic Universe from Sony, Venom tells the origin of one of Spider-Man's most infamous foes (Just without Spider-Man, because of the whole shared custody thing. That's okay, you know Venom's origin is only like, totally linked to Spider-Man..).

Genius-but-sinister millionaire Carlton Drake (Ahmed) is searching for new habitable planets for humanity out in space. One of his rockets returns to Earth in a fiery wreck, with alien symbiotes for testing. Drake begins less than humane-tests to merge symbiotes with humans. Meanwhile, disgraced journalist Eddie Brock (Hardy) investigates Drake and his company. While breaking into Drake's laboratory with concerned scientist Dora Skirth (Jenny Slate), Eddie merges with one of the symbiotes.

The symbiote begins to manipulate Eddie, but soon they realize they will both need each other to get what they want, and to survive. Together, they will become Venom.

Venom is hot trash. There's no disputing that. The script is rushed and as flimsy as the paper it was probably printed on. The film blows through key plot points in the beginning to get Eddie to hit rock bottom and into a position where he will break into the lab to expose Carlton Drake and bond with Venom. But at the same time, the actual Venom doesn't show up until halfway through the film. So pacing's a bit of an issue.

There's no emotional investment to have in what any of the characters are doing, because there's no time left for real plot or character development. We don't fret about what Carlton Drake is doing because we don't really know him or his motivations. We don't worry over Eddie and Anne (Michelle Williams)'s relationship because we hardly see them together as a couple.

If you're a character in this film and your name is not Eddie Brock or Venom you're pretty much a plot device and nothing more. Michelle Williams gives a nice performance, but it's undeserving of a generic "concerned ex-girlfriend" role. Riz Ahmed, also a very talented actor, is just playing the bland, CEO villain. Poor Jenny Slate is all but wasted in her small and insignificant role.

The saving grace of Venom…is Venom. Tom Hardy gives an amazing performance both as Eddie Brock and Venom. The relationship dynamic between human and symbiote characters is truly a delight to watch, and the CGI on Venom is great (Not so much on his nemesis Riot, but that's beside the point). It probably wasn't the intention of the filmmakers, but Eddie & Venom's relationship provide a lot of laugh out loud moments. It turns the film into a very awkward buddy-comedy. Again, probably not what they wanted, but I'd be more than willing to see Hardy reprise this role in a much better film.

Venom houses a truly great performance from its lead actor. Unfortunately it's trapped within the center of a poorly made and poorly written film. Sort of like Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn in Suicide Squad, I'd like to see Hardy's Venom back in a film more worthy of his time and effort. The box office returns suggests a Venom 2 will happen, but with Sony at the wheel, the quality is in question.

Then there's the whole question of "Is this connected to the MCU?" The answer changes depends on who you ask, and wether it's a question of film quality or profit. Then you also have to wonder if the success of Venom will give Sony the hubris to say to Marvel, "You know what? We don't need you to make Spider-Man films anymore."…

…Hey let's review A Star Is Born next!

Film Review - "Christopher Robin"

Christopher Robin
Directed by Marc Forster
Starring Ewan McGregor, Hayley Atwell, and Jim Cummings

Winnie The Pooh was one Disney property I spent a lot of time with in my youth. I had all the original shorts and The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh tv series on VHS, and getting the chance to rent Welcome to Pooh Corner from the local Blockbuster, or just watch it on the Disney Channel while home sick from school was a treat. A set of rubber figurines from the Disney Store (the old school Disney Store, not what it is today) was one of my prized possessions. When I met Jim Cummings at a Comic Con a few years ago, I asked if he could say my name in Tigger's voice, which he replied, in Tigger's voice, "Chris Flaherty?? Don't be ridicurous!!". I wish I recorded that...

Anyway, so when Christopher Robin was announced amidst several of Disney's other live-action remakes, sequels, and "re-imaginings" of their animated classics, it was one I had more interest in over others. It was easily one of the more original films in development, and the concept sounded really intriguing, like a Winnie The Pooh version of Ted with a splash of Hook. Christopher Robin finally hit theaters this weekend, and it is a very simple, wonderful little film.

Acting as sort of a sequel to 1977's The Many Adventures of Winnie The Pooh, the film opens on a Goodbye Party for Christopher Robin (played in this sequence by child actor Orton O'Brie, very stiffly I might add.) who is preparing to go away to school. It plays out as a live-action recreation of that film's final scene, and it is rather nice (Despite poor child acting). We then flash-forward through Christopher Robin's life and glimpse the many ups and down he faces, from getting married and becoming a father, to losing his own father at a young age, and serving in World War II.

In the present day we now find Christopher (McGregor) a workaholic at a luggage company, and neglectful of his wife Evelyn (Atwell) and daughter Madelyn (Bronte Charmichael), whom he's sending off to boarding school by the end of the summer. When his superiors task him with cutting 20% of expenditures, Christopher must stay home and work the weekend, when he promised to travel with Evelyn and Madelyn to their countryside cottage.

Not soon after he's left alone does Winnie The Pooh (Cummings) appear at his home in London, asking Christopher Robin to help find his missing friends. Christopher reluctantly returns to the Hundred Acre Wood with Pooh to look for Piglet (Nick Mohammed), Eeyore (Brad Garrett), Tigger (Cummings) and the rest of the gang, rediscovering his youth, and who he used to be.

It is very similar to Hook, in which the main character returns to his childhood fantasies, thus getting a reminder of who they are and what's important to life. Christopher Robin doesn't go super in-depth to the themes of growing up, and staying true to yourself, but it's a Winnie The Pooh film, it's going to keep it simple. The story-line is fairly predictable and you could surely guess the resolution. Their's no real sense of urgency to the story, save for a "race against time" motif in third act, but even then it's tame. Again though, this is a Winnie The Pooh film, and we shouldn't expect loads of drama.

Christopher Robin's strengths lie in the heart and humor of its characters. Pooh and company are just as the same as they were years ago. They haven't been modernized or updated for today's audiences. Their brand of humor ensures plenty of smiles throughout the film. Pooh's fish-out-of-water antics and Eeyore's gloominess definitely steal the show. The film definitely has some bleaker moments, but they're heavily balanced out with the jovial, innocent nature of its cast and overall message.

Ewan McGregor does a fantastic job playing off his imaginary co-stars. He brings a lot of heart and charm to the role, and he's clearly having fun with it. Hayley Atwell is radiant and shines every moment she's on screen as Evelyn, but sadly is used sparingly. Bronte Charmichael is adorable as little Madleyn, as does more to hold her own with her human and non-human co-stars.

Disney/voice-acting legend Jim Cummings hasn't missed a beat as Pooh, or Tigger. He flawlessly brings these characters to life once again. Obviously his Pooh is the one that stands out the most here, with a lot of funny and emotional moments, but Tigger has plenty of fun here. Brad Garrett gives a great performance at Eeyore. It's perfect casting. Nick Mohammed also makes a perfect Piglet, capturing his sweetness and cowardice. Finally, Mark Gatiss plays Christopher Robin's boss, and he's fine, but he's just playing Mycroft from Sherlock again.

The look of the film is pretty spot-on. Instead of trying to recreate the look of the animated films, it harks back to the original illustrations from the A.A. Milne books, and the scenery does in fact look like a storybook come to life. The music is very sweet, and it's also nice to hear some new songs from legendary composer Richard Sherman through the end credits.

If you grew up with these characters like I did, you'll find it hard to take issue with Christopher Robin. It doesn't go for the emotional jugular like say Toy Story 3, but it doesn't really have to. The Winnie The Pooh stories are very simple, and this a very simple film. There will still be plenty of moments for you to reach for tissues. Trust me. Christopher Robin is a very fun, kind-hearted, film that will resonate with adults and children. It's sure to become another Disney classic.

That's the end of this review. TTFN. Ta-Ta For Now.

Film Review - "Incredibles 2"

Incredibles 2
Directed by Brad Bird
Starring Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, and Samuel L. Jackson

At long last, the Pixar sequel the public has spent years asking for has hit theaters, and Incredibles 2 has proven to be worth the wait. It's an extremely worthy sequel that is practically equal in quality to its predecessor.

Incredibles 2 begins seconds after the original concluded, with the family taking on The Underminer (John Ratzenberger). Unfortunately this doesn't go as well as they had hoped, thus angering the public and the government, who are still not keen on superheroes. This does however attract the attention of sibling-business tycoons Winston and Evelyn Deavor (Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Kenner).

The Deavors approach Mr. Incredible/Bob Parr (Nelson), Elastigirl/Helen Parr (Hunter), and Frozone/Lucius Best (Jackson) with a plan to bring superheroes back into a positive spotlight, with Elastigirl at center stage. While Helen goes off to fight crime, Bob struggles to be a stay-at-home dad, just as Jack-Jack's (Eli Fucile) multitude of powers start to develop and wreak havoc.

It's a of role reversal of the first film, where this time Helen's off on the clandestine mission for the mysterious company and Bob's at home with the family, but what Brad Bird & his team do with the premise make it so much more than that. The film tackles a lot of interesting topics: gender & family roles, superhero culture, and through the villain, society's attachment to technology and media. The first two definitely get more script time. I do sort of wish the film tackled more of superhero culture, seeing as we are in the height of the Superhero Film Era, but Incredibles is a family film first and a superhero film second.

I must say, I did sort of find Bob's characterization at the beginning of the film a little off-putting, but as the film progresses it works a lot better. It's not about him feeling he deserves to be out there being super more than his wife, it's about him desperate to get back to the only thing he knows how to do, and his insecurity in this new role. It's a very sweet, mature storyline, which you should expect from Bird and Pixar. At the same time Elastigirl's story is equally great, and continues to be one of Pixar's best characters put to screen.

In fact it goes without saying this entire cast of characters is wonderful, and a lot of them get more to do in this sequel. Everyone's been saying Jack-Jack steals the show, and that is 100% true, and when him and Edna Mode share some scenes? Gold. The voice cast hasn't missed a beat either. Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson are leading the way with their Grade-A voice work. Huck Finn takes over the role of Dash from Spencer Fox, and the change is barely noticeable, if at all. Bob Odenkirk & Catherine Keener are also fine additions as The Deavors.

The animation is incredible (oops), the action is stellar, and the folks behind the Fantastic Four films should look at how the animators handled the stretch powers of Elastigirl for her fights. Michael Giacchino's music is again wonderful, and it's awesome to hear that iconic theme in the theaters again. If I had one issue with the film it's the villain. This film's villain is sadly no Syndrome, and beyond predictable, and that's probably the one thing that keeps Incredibles 2 from matching The Incredibles.

This is probably one of my shorter reviews but honestly there's not much to say beyond that. Incredibles 2 is an incredible sequel, and easily Pixar's best non-Toy Story sequel. The characters, tone, and humor of the film are all point, and the story is the next logical chapter for this super family.

Now all the early Pixar films have sequels, so I think the studio can stop making sequels now. I mean, what are they going to make sequels to some of their newer stuff?
The Good Dinosaur Returns? Wall-E: Part 2? Up 2?...Oh...Oh God…

Film Review - "Solo: A Star Wars Story"

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Directed by Phil Lord & Chris Miller Ron Howard
Starring Alden Ehreneich, Emilia Clarke, and Donald Glover

The untold origins of Han Solo finally came to theaters last Memorial Day weekend, and after months of production troubles and rumors of it being a s**show, it turned out…okay. Not great. Not bad. Okay…kinda good maybe.

This story begins on the planet Corellia, where young Han (Ehreneich) and his love Qi'ra (Clarke) scheme to get out of town and start a life of adventure. Unfortunately things go south and Han is separated from Qi'ra.  Making it his life mission to return for her, he joins up with the Imperial Army, and shortly after that joins up with a band of criminals led by Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson). A job to steal a large amount of the rare mineral coaxium for the crime lord Dryden Vos (Paul Bettany) sets off a chain of events that will shape his future and transform him into the Han Solo we all know and love.

Oddly this film does not tell us much about the early life of Han Solo. It's more of a glimpse into one chapter of his past. At the same time though, it does check off a lot of boxes on a metaphorical origin-story checklist. We see how he got his name (Quite stupidly if I might mention.), we see how he met Chewbacca and Lando, and other things that some might consider spoilers. The pacing of the film is a bit off. There are parts of the story rushed through in the beginning that I wish they explored more but that's just me. It isn't until the second act where things really start to pick up, and strangely the climax of the film is rather tame, which isn't something one would expect from a Star Wars film. This is one of the Star Wars Story spinoffs so liberties can be taken.

This next part is where I get a little subjective. The whole film feels very average. It's a standard adventure film. Sort of predictable, and paint by-the-numbers. It's still quite enjoyable though, and I have no regrets seeing it. Yet, I still can't help but wonder what the final product would have looked like if Lord & Miller weren't fired...

The film is elevated by the characters and the actors that play them. Alden Ehreneich makes a great Han. Never once does it feel like he's doing a Harrison Ford impression. He brings a lot of charm, wit, and passion to the table and makes the character his own. Donald Glover is fantastic as Lando Calrissian. He does slip into a Billy Dee Williams impression once in awhile but he's still so suave and so cool. Emilia Clarke as Qi'ra, is lovely and equally charming as Ehreneich and she has great chemistry with him. Woody Harrelson turns in another solid performance as Tobias Beckett. His personality melded into this type of character fits almost perfectly into this side of the Star Wars universe. Paul Bettany grabs all the spotlight he can as the stable but not stable Dryden Voss. Also, Phoebe Waller-Bridge as "woke" droid L3-37 is an incredible scene-stealer. There I said it.

Solo is a fine Star Wars film, but it adds very little to the lore and universe. It's a harmless good time and I can easily recommend it to any Star Wars fan or adventure film fans, but you will not miss out on much if you don't see it. Considering all the production troubles, it could have turned out a lot worse. As it stands though Solo turned out to be an alright ride...for about twelve or so parsecs.

Film Review - "Deadpool 2"

Deadpool 2
Directed by David Leitch
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, and Zazie Beetz

There's a time in every man's life, when he sees a major feature-film, and he finds himself in the minority as far as his thoughts and opinions on said film. For me, this is one of those times. Deadpool 2 is a lackluster sequel. It isn't a bad film per say, but it fails to live up to hype or the standards set by the first film.

Deadpool 2 begins with Wade Wilson (Reynolds) in a bit of a personal crisis after a recent mission goes south in the worst way. Under the persistent persuasion of Colossus (Stefan Kapicic), he finally joins up with the X-Men. It is through working with him and Negasonic Teenage Warhead (Brianna Hildebrand), Wade comes across the troubled mutant-youth Russell (Julian Dennison).

Russell soon becomes the target of time-traveling cybernetic soldier Cable (Brolin). Russell apparently becomes a real problem in the future, and Cable has come to put a stop to him. Wade, believing Russell isn't beyond saving, makes it his mission to protect the boy from Cable. He forms a team known as X-Force, featuring the uber-lucky mutant-mercenary Domino (Beetz), to help him save Russell and stop Cable.

So…time to be the bad guy. I haven't ready any Deadpool comics but I understand he is a very raunchy, rule-breaking, comedic character. The original Deadpool got that across, but the film also had a lot of heart behind it. This film tells you in the beginning this is a "family film" so you suspect there's going to be a lot more heart and emotion driving the story. Well…I just didn't see it that way.

The inciting incident that sets Deadpool on his personal journey in this film feels like a cheap, unearned shot. I understand what it sets up and what it's trying to do. The film is about Wade getting to a point where he's not just fighting for himself, and becoming a part of something bigger i.e. a family. But it falls flat because the connection between him and Russell felt rushed and hollow from this viewer's perspective. Wade just sort of non-chalantly decides saving Russell is what can save him.

Russell's character arc is really no better. We don't really get the full extent of what's pushing him towards this dark path, and we don't necessarily feel what's at risk if he goes down said path. Spoilers withheld, there's personal stakes for one of the characters, but this character gets an average amount of development so we don't really connect with them.

So I guess if I were to sum up all of my gripes with Deadpool 2, it just felt very hollow to me. The original was humor induced with heart, and the heart was just lacking. As for the humor, there were definitely plenty of laughs throughout the film, but I'm sorry to say I wasn't laughing out loud as much as I was with the original. There are however, plenty of fourth-wall breaks and pop-culture references to shake a stick at, which is welcome and par-the-course for Deadpool.

Ryan Reynolds continues to give career-defining work as the titular anti-hero. Josh Brolin is a welcome new-addition as Cable and plays off Reynold's Deadpool well. Zazie Beetz is very cool and very charming as Domino. I would love to see more of her and Brolin in a potential third film. Dennison stands out as Russell, being such a young talent he really holds his own against the likes of Reynolds and Brolin. The rest of the supporting crew are giving the same quality work they did in the first film, but all of them get a little bit more to do.

There was definitely some real effort and passion behind Deadpool 2, I can see that on a surface level, but it just didn't hit home for me. You could chop it up to a lot things. Deadpool was a comedy and it's hard to make a successful comedy sequel. The surprise and uniqueness of the original just didn't strike twice. Deadpool's stories are rooted within the X-Men universe, and I have always had an indifference to X-Men films. This film went heavier on the X-Men material, so maybe that's part of why I didn't go for it. Or perhaps it's just as I said, and the lack of emotional depth that elevated the original is where they lost me. Maybe I'm expecting too much out a film where the main character is ripped in half and grows back baby legs...

Whatever the case, I left the theater with a very "ok" feeling towards Deadpool 2.

Now excuse me while I go hide from the enraged fans…