Movie Review: The Lion King (2019)

Twenty-five years after the original animated family classic took the world by storm, Disney under the tutelage of Jon Favreau has released a new “Live-action” animated version.  A polarizing decision without a doubt (I’ve had numerous friends and coworkers ask why? What’s the point? And poo poos the idea of eschewing traditional cartoon animation for realistic animation).  I’m not sure how to respond to all that and I don’t really want to, so I’m not.  For me, loved the original, curious to see what they did this time around and how I’d respond to it.

First and foremost, the cinematography and CGI work in The Lion King (2019) is stunning.  An absolutely amazing job has been done to painstakingly bring the cartoon animated world of The Lion King (1994) to “real” life.  This not only includes the overall look of the film but also frame by frame recreations of key scenes.  Simply amazing.  Th packed audience, both kids and adults (I, included) were all smiling and nodding with approval.

That brings me to the second point, yes, The Lion King (2019) does largely follow the original tale exactly.  However, as noted from the expanded running time of just under two hours, it also expands upon the story.  The film does a wonderful job fleshing out additional character beats, themes, and messaging beyond the original.  Enriching the story with the added layers. 

Thirdly, the music is just as powerful and moving and then some.  With Tim Rice, Elton John, Hans Zimmer, and Pharrell Williams all involved that’s to be expected.  What is an unexpected bonus is the new takes on some of the original along with the new music taking the original soundtrack to the next level.  Yes, you can still sing along and annoy your seat mates in the process, but updated versions of Be Prepared and The Lion Sleeps Tonight also add an entertaining and biting freshness to the soundtrack.

Speaking of bite, The Lion King (2019) certainly contains more than its G-rated predecessor.  The photorealism of the film also brings with it a starker/darker/grittier less kid friendly reality of the story that packs a punch.   The hyenas this time around aren’t cute in anyway, shape, or form.  They’re menacing, vicious, and can be a bit intense/scary for younger/sensitive kids.  I won’t lie, a few times during the initial hyena encounter as well as during the battle for Pride Rock, I was pushing back in my seat and uttering a few “damns” at the intensity of the violence.  While not gory, there’s also a little blood in a scene as Scar happily chomps on an antelope. 

The cast.  It pretty much goes without saying that having James Earl Jones back as the voice of Mufasa is pure awesomeness.  Once again, he doesn’t disappoint.  Seth Rogen and Billy Eichner did admirable jobs as Pumbaa and Timon truly making the characters their own to the extent I got lost in their performances not thinking about Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella.  Eichner really took me by surprised, I usually find him a bit much and can only take him in small doses, but here…nailed it!  John Kani’s Rafiki holds his own with the late, great Robert Guillamume.  Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Scar while lacking the punch of Jeremy Irons tone and sarcasm, more than makes up for it with his straight up obsessive, frustrated, rage.  The lack of subtly goes a long way. 

All told, I found The Lion King (2019) a well done, worthwhile, entertaining remake.  Yes, the original will always have a special place in my heart and memories, but this one certainly didn’t fall from the original’s tree.  In fact, I don’t know if it’s just my advancing age, the photorealistic CGI, the modernized music or what, but I found this version more emotionally impactful than the original.  A couple of times I was fighting back tears.  TLK(2019) is definitely made with a new audience in mind (I ended up next to a young girl that never saw the original and she was going crazy for this version), but also has plenty of appeal for us “older” original viewers as well.  Worth a trip to the theater.  Money and time well spent.  

Hakuna Matata. I’m giving this one a 9.

Movie Review: Spider-Man: Far From Home 

So far, the 2019 crop of movies has been very hit and miss. And the summer box office has sadly been continuing the trend.  I can’t say that I’m desperate, yet, but I certainly need one in the win column.  Spider-Man: Far From Home, In what concludes Marvel’s phase III, seemed like a good bet to turn things around.  While Peter Parker tries to cope in world that has been changed forever post snap or “blip”, I tagged along for the ride.

Going in, I admittedly was worried about Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio.  Something about the character in the trailers was off putting and cheesy, so it took me by surprise that within the first couple of minutes it was actually the soundtrack that had me rolling my eyes and groaning out loud.  No worries peeps, that was a pure kneejerk reaction from me for being exposed to Whitney Houston crooning I Will Always Love You.  I can’t begin to express how much I loathe that song.  Anywho, moving on, it didn’t last long, and I was able to settle in, get into the film, and enjoy myself.  No small feat given that I was feeling sick to the stomach and fighting the urge to spew the entire time.  Insert gripe here: Quick note on etiquette and/or common courtesy, when attending a public event like a movie where you will be in close proximity to others for extended periods of time: basic hygiene is greatly appreciated be it severe b.o.  and/or reeking of pot. I’m just saying.

After End Game there was real risk of the next Marvel film being a bit of a letdown, so while I expected good, I wasn’t necessarily expecting great.  Good thing too, because Far From Home is spectacular.  Marvel in general and Tom Holland in particular hit every chord perfectly in this film.  Having been through the $@#! And then some, the shine of being a superhero has faded, the longing to be a “normal” kid resonates, and the reality of responsibility and choices hits hard.

 

As far as Jake Gyllenhaal’s role, whew!  I’m beyond relieved that Mysterio is masterfully done/played as a fully three dimensional, complex, and more nuanced character than he came across in the trailers.  No spoilers, but damn!  While I did figure out what’s what prior to the “big reveal” it in no way detracted from the story or my enjoyment.

As for the usual suspects: Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Marisa Tomei, Jacob Batalon and Jon Favreau, etc. a pure delight having them reprise their roles.

 

Emotionally engaging, thrilling, action packed, humorous, thought provoking, killer CGI, great script, amazing cinematography, and entertaining from start to finish Spider-Man: Far From Home checks all the boxes and is the prefect shot in the arm to cure what ails the summer box office.  The interweaving of previous films/bits and characters is handled beautifully and seamlessly.

I could go on and on about what a great film Spider-Man: Far From Home is, but you’d be better off and happier for hauling yourself off to the movie theater and checking it out for yourself.  A must see in the theater film (the final battle alone is worth the price of admission, flaming Spidey anyone?) that’s not to be missed on the big screen.  A perfect ending for phase III and ooh the possibilities for phase IV.  Speaking of possibilities, once again, I must reiterate, don’t bolt when the credits roll.  You need to stay all the way through for there’s a mid-credit scene and an end credit scene to get the old juices flowing.

It's a 9.5 from me!

Movie Review: Toy Story 4

In 1995 Pixar took us to infinity and beyond with the animated hit Toy Story, now 24 years later they’re not only bringing the successful franchise to an end but ending sequels altogether.  With this in mind along with the declaration of former studio head John Lasseter that a fourth film would only be made if it is as good or better than its predecessors there are some big expectations for getting Toy Story 4 right.

As expected with Pixar, the animation is spectacular, amazing attention to detail, the voice casting top notch (including all possible original cast members), and a Randy Newman soundtrack.  So far, so good.  Sadly, Toy Story 4 doesn’t go much beyond that and falls short of the mark of being “as good or better” than its predecessors.

While not a bad film, I did enjoy it, I didn’t love it. Honestly, I didn’t really “feel” this one.  After each prior film had me fully invested in the characters and stories, Toy Story 3 had me sobbing on three occasions alone, Toy Story 4 doesn’t pack much of an emotional punch.  I wanted it to, but there’s an underlying “meh”ness about it. 

Having no less than 8 different credited writers may be the beginning of the problem.  There are numerous plots/themes, so the story is pulled in too many different directions without one true unifying focus.  Also, with the multiple storylines none of them get completely fleshed out given the limited running time and you feel a bit cheated on each account.

Also adding to my disappointment is the very limited screen time given to most of the old gang, especially given that this is their last outing.  Buzz, Jessie, Hamm, Rex, etc. are regulated to background characters that with the exception of Buzz don’t even make it out of the RV for the film.  Even the return of Bo Peep largely takes a back seat.  As for the new characters, Gabby Gabby is a so-so villain and Forky quickly became Pixar’s Jar Jar Binks for me.  Okay in small doses, but not really adding anything to the overall storyline. 

Speaking of storyline, there’s a lack of heart and soul in this go ‘round, no doubt due to the lack of cohesiveness with the characters as well as the story.  There’s also a lack of fun and humor.  There are some cute moments and even a few laugh-out-loud ones, but they’re few and far between.  This is the first Toy Story film I’ve watched in a crowded theater where there were long periods of absolute silence, even from the kids.  The stakes aren’t very high either, tempering the tension making an underwhelming viewing experience.

All told, and as much as I hate to say it, Toy Story 4 is a disappointment.  The lack of charm, magic, heart, and soul is actually depressing.  So much so, I put off writing this review for several hours in hopes I might find the silver lining.  Well, two loads of laundry later, I admit defeat.  I heard someone say they’re going to pretend Toy Story 4  doesn’t exist, while I’m not willing to go that far, I’m not going to recommend you make any great effort to see it in the theater (unless you have a kid that won’t be denied).  Toy Story 4 is an unnecessary addition/sequel in the franchise.  Easily my least favorite of the Toy Story films.  I’m giving this one a 5 and I’m probably being a bit generous with that.

Oh, yeah, if you do go to this one, there's an additional scene during the credits.

Movie Review: Men In Black International   

It’s been 22 years (yes 22 years!) since Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith kicked off our summer movie season by introducing us to the world of Men In Black, and their mission to protect the Earth from the intergalactic scum of the universe.  Today, it’s Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson turn in this, the fourth film in the franchise.  This time around our intrepid MIB agents simultaneously narrow and expand the agency’s scope by taking things international as they search for a mole within the organization.

Sounds like a pretty good storyline.  And it is.  Unfortunately, writers Matt Holloway, Art Marcum, and Lowell Cunningham didn’t bother going beyond the “idea” for a storyline.  Instead of a fully fleshed out script, complete with story/character arcs/development Men in Black International comes across as a first or second pass outline against the background of a couple of key plot points.  In other words, MiBI is all sizzle, no steak.

The first half hour or so just lays there as what serves as the film’s setup plays out.  They’ve managed to strike the very unusual balance of the movie dragging (as you wait for something to happen) and flying by too fast (actually give us some details about the who, what, where, when, and why instead of glossing over them).  The lack of character development leaves you watching “pretty people” you don’t care about or have any vested interested in (beyond eye candy), doing stuff for some vague reason, and lots of cool gadgets and tech.  Results? A standard franchise sequel that looks to cash in on its predecessor(s) success/nostalgia instead of truly developing, expanding, and elevating both the film in general and the franchise as a whole. 

Even with that being the case, I gotta say, I enjoyed MiBI a helluva lot more than Dark Phoenix. 

Hemsworth and Thompson do the best they can, but as mentioned previously, without anything for them to sink their teeth into the film just lays there.  Especially between action sequences.  The chemistry between them just isn’t there and the dialogue feels stiff and awkward to forced.  Not much for Thor/Valkyrie moments here.  Too bad. As for Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson they aren’t given much of an opportunity to have an impact on the film.  They’re largely reduced to bookends this go around.

The sparseness of the plot also serves to make the film’s “twists” less than twisty with their predictability.  Even having missed out on my nap, I’d figured out who the mole is as well as a couple other key points within the first ten to fifteen minutes. I’d probably would’ve figured them out sooner if I wasn’t so tired.

So, is Men in Black International a complete dud?  Complete?  No.

I’d say MiBI is standard big budget, Hollywood fare. 

Not great, but not bad. Mindless, easily digestible entertainment wrapped heavily in CGI goodness.  Not as humorous as expected, but one true gem is in Kumail Nanjiani’s voiceover work as Pawny.  This summers’ equivalent of baby Groot (with a more extensive vocabulary).  Pawny’s adorable as all get out (yes, I want one).  Sassy and funny as hell, he makes the movie for me.

Was I disappointed with Men in Black International? That’s a definite yes.  The film has the potential to being so much more, but it feels like no one really wanted to put much effort into the endeavor.  Was I sorry I went? No, it was a couple of hours of air-conditioned comfort, looking at Chris Hemsworth, hanging out with my sister and niece (hi guys!).  I had fun and, on that front, MiBI was a winner for me.  Do I recommend you rush to the theater to check it out?  Since I wasn’t neuralized to think otherwise… Nope.  

This is a Redbox, stream, premium channel kinda film that gives you something to look at when there’s nothing else on.  It’s a 5 from me.

Movie Review: Godzilla: King of Monsters 

I’ve had an affinity for Godzilla movies and their like since I was a kid watching them on Saturday afternoon television matinees.  I’m talking the good old fashion b-rated, low production quality/budget, bad Japanese sci-fi, preferably badly dubbed versions.  Can’t say why exactly, just can’t deny/resist their appeal.  As such, I was elated back in 2014 when Warner Bros. released their newest take on the classic.  That quickly faded when I actually saw the film and I was left feeling bitterly disappointed.  Coming off the success of 2017’s Kong: Skull Island I’m hoping the second time’s the charm for the oversized reptile.

Godzilla: King of Monsters picks up following the aftermath of the 2014 film.  It also starts off slow and at first blush I simply wasn’t feeling “it.”  Instead, what I was feeling was a sinking feeling that I was in for another 2-hour missed opportunity to course correct all the issues with the previous film.  I was also feeling great annoyance about being stuck in the middle of one of the rudest and most inconsiderate family.  Seriously people, if you’ve got a huge group and expect/want to sit together especially if there isn’t reserve seating, don’t frakking show up halfway through the trailers.  Anyway, back to my original point and what you want to hear about.  Fortunately, GKoM is a film that actually gets better and more enjoyable as you get deeper into the story.  Thank you, Jay-sus!

The story premise continues the same ideas set forth in both Godzilla (2014) and Kong: Skull Island.  This time around with the help of some returning characters the action is based around a new family’s drama.  Why said family, the Russell’s, did in fact get on my nerves, (I really wanted more done with Millie Bobby Brown overall and the Vera Farmiga/Kyle Chandler wore thin) once the storyline gets going and you see what’s what, you’re in for a solid movie experience.  Yes, as in all monster films of this genre (just like in horror) you have to accept the fact that the people are a bunch of dumb@$$es making some incredibly stupid decisions, but once you get on board with that, you’re fine.  I found it funny to the point of absurdity how many times, all hell is breaking loose and people stopped to watch the carnage only remembering to run once it was headed their way.  Survival instincts?  Not!

A shout out to someone finally giving Ken Wantanabe something to do besides stare into space/or a video screen looking pensive and dropping some fortune cookie based insights/platitudes.  He actually had a character arc this time around.  Noice!  Props also go to Aisha Hinds, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Elizabeth Ludlow for kicking butt, taking names, and fueling the action.  As for Bradley Whitford, perfect comedy relief.

The visual effects swing between amazing and cheesy CGI, but somehow works either way.  Combined with the great audio mixing they bring the monsters to life in glorious fashion. Ghidorah is particularly stunning (like a three-headed Smaug), ferocious, and a blast to watch on the big screen.  There some really amazing shots that really capture your attention.  Lots of fun action sequences and killer (no pun intended) monster on monster fighting. 

In terms of course correction, while I still feel they take longer than they should getting around to your first glimpse of the big guy himself, but not nearly as long a wait the last go around.  Godzilla also has a better grip on what his powers are and how to utilize them from the get.  No, “Why the hell didn’t he just do that an hour ago?” moments.  Yea! I’m pretty sure that like all the monsters, Godzilla is CGI, but they captured that OG guy in a rubber suit action that’s cheesy, nostalgic, and endearing and it made me smile EVERY time.  And for the last course correction for missing opportunity, yes people, this time we get a remix version of Blue Oyster Cult’s Godzilla during the end credits and how sweet it is!  Speaking of end credits, don’t jump up and book out of the theater after the film.  Once again, there’s a bonus scene that sets up the next film after the end credits. 

Godzilla: King of Monsters isn’t perfect, but it is a huge step up and in the right direction on the way.  Definitely worth a trip to the theater. GKoM at its best is an entertaining, thrilling, joyful movie experience.  At its worse, still a helluva lot better than Godzilla (2014) or heavens forbid the fall from grace that is Dark Phoenix. I don’t recommend it for really young kids (like the two I got stuck by), but everyone else in the theater had a blast and left happy.  This Kaiju king is back and worthy once again of our attention.

 It’s a 7.5 from me.

Movie Review: Dark Phoenix

I’ve never particularly liked the character of Jean Grey.  Granted, Famke Janssen warmed me up to the character in the original films, I still find for all her power and ability she’s always been a bit “meh” as far as X-Men go.   Between the trailers and the high that Marvel films are currently riding I nonetheless was excited to see Dark Phoenix…right up until a few hours before movie time when a coworker, without provocation, decided to crap all over the film sight unseen (after all it’s written by Simon Kinberg of X-Men: The Last Stand (my least favorite X-Men film)) in addition to dropping some major spoilers.  With my expectations tempered and my enthusiasm waning I headed to the theater and hit the fan event for Dark Phoenix.

I’m not even going to try and sugar coat it, Dark Phoenix is a definite disappointment. 

It’s one of those films where all the elements seem to be there: decent storyline, good cast, big budget, great visuals, good soundtrack, beloved characters etc. yet it weirdly simply doesn’t gel into anything cohesive or remotely entertaining.  Everything about the film just falls flat, has no heart or soul, and left me completely disinterested and uninvested in the characters or events. 

Dark Phoenix makes X-Men: The Last Stand look like Infinity War by comparison.

The pacing and narrative are disjointed.  The dialogue eye rolling-ly dreadful.  The characterization nonexistent and/or unbelievable.  Weak/unexplained/undeveloped villains. So on and so forth.

The acting with the exceptions of Fassbender and McAvoy (doing their bests buy even they can only do so much) are wooden, phoned in, unimaginative, and forced.  Then there’s Sophie Turner fresh off her Game of Thrones stint.  I dunno what the hell happened with her.  Her performance is largely reduced to beauty close ups/extreme close ups of her crying in between shots of her looking like someone suffering from extreme constipation trying to pinch one out every time she loses control of her powers.  I’d rather have watched Summer Fontana as 8-year old Jean for the entire two hours. 

Dark Phoenix at its core has the worse thing going for it.  It’s boring.  For all the action sequences and cool visuals, the film as a whole just sits there, washes over you with little affect.  When you’re thinking “that’s cool” or “whoa, that’s exciting/intense” instead of feeling or experiencing those things, something has gone horribly wrong.  In this instance I had 113 minutes to contemplate what that was…

…I just didn’t care. 

You probably won’t either.  So, save your time and your money.  This one will be available for home viewing soon enough.  And when it is, I’m sure that perfect opportunity of there being “nothing else on” will appear.  Check it out then.  I’m giving this one an overly generous 4 and thanking my lucky stars I’ll be cleansing my palate with another viewing of Avengers: Endgame tomorrow.

Movie Review: Rocketman

Ahh, summertime and the new movie releases are starting to come fast and furiously now.  So much to pick from, so little time. Rocketman is a bit of a no brainer for me.  While I wasn’t sure about Taron Egerton (mostly for the singing aspect of the film) the movie itself was too enticing to pass by.  Elton John has been a music/entertainment icon for as long as I can remember. His music catalog playing a major part in the soundtrack of my life.  Even so, it wasn’t until I saw the first trailers that I realized as prolific as Elton John has been, I really know very little about the man himself let alone his musical process (apart from all the headlining news about sex, drugs, and rock and roll).  The bonus of Elton John himself being an executive producer and not wanting to whitewash his story, seemed like the perfect time to go deep, getting some background on the man, the myth, the legend that is the one and only: Elton John.

First and foremost (and not surprisingly given the subject matter) the soundtrack for this biopic is incredible and worthy of a trip to the theater for that reason alone.  And while I was a bit concerned about Egerton singing, there really was no need to worry. Happily not only did he do a solid job, with John’s blessings and encouragement Egerton delivers some cool twists on some iconic Elton John classics.  None of which would have surprised me if I had remembered Egerton previously played the teenage gorilla Johnny in the animated movie Sing. A fun bit of trivia here, the pivotal song he sings in Sing is…wait for it…is none other than Elton John’s I’m Still Standing. Mind blown?!  And yes, he does also play some bits on the piano.

Jamie Bell (Billy Elliot) shines as lyricists Bernie Taupin. The chemistry with Egerton captures and captivates as we delve into their pairs 50 year collaboration and friendship.  The quintessential brother from another mother pairing is as endearing as it is lasting.

Richard Madden’s John Reid is a far cry from his Robb Stark days, but no less impactful on the film.  

Steven Mackintosh and Bryce Dallas Howard, while having smaller roles as John’s parents are spectacular with their brutal less is indeed more performances.  The specters of their characters not only give understanding of who Elton John was, who he became, and how he’s lived, but hangs over the entire film even when absent.  Much like they have in John’s actual life. Brutal and sometimes hard to watch, their work is beautiful nonetheless.

The narrative style of Rocketman like its accompanying visuals and choreography are truly musical, fantastical, and skewed, not unlike the man himself.  And it all works wonderfully. Rocketman is a retelling of a twenty year period in Elton John’s life.  All the trials, tribulations, ups, and downs using some of his best known music and fantasy to personalize, humanize, and bring a better, even deeper understanding to viewers about the demons one man has faced.  

A huge shout out to the set designers and especially the costumers.  And a bang up job recreating some of Elton John’s most famous and outrageous looks from head to toe.  I’m dating myself, but there were quite a few I actually remember and that added to my enjoyment. I also got a huge kick out of the recreation of Elton John’s music video for “I’m Still Standing.” I remember watching the original when it came out, and seeing it done again for the film is nothing short of joyous.  Brilliant! Put a huge smile on my face.

If you’re looking for a straight forward, straight up documentary style musical, Rocketman is certainly not for you.  If you’re ready to embrace the fantastic, absurd, and heart wrenching with a beat you can dance to, put on your platform shoes and strut to the theater to check this one out.  It’s weird, it’s wonderful, it’s worth a trip to the theater. It’s also a 9 from me.