Sonic the Hedgehog 2

 

Admittedly Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a bit of an outlier for me given my non-gamer status.  Yes, I have a vague awareness of the game/character but that’s about it.  So, why did I feel a need to go to the theater to see this film?  

When 2020's original Sonic the Hedgehog was being promoted, I did some major eye rolling to outright scoffing on why it was being made as well as why folks were up in arms about the character’s original first look.  The movie dropped, people seemed to like it, but pfft, whatever.  Then a couple months back I had one of those nights when I was looking for something to watch and just wasn’t in the mood for anything I already had in various queues.  Completely dissatisfied with my options when I ran across StH and possessing zero knowledge of what was in store, I decided what the heck and watched the “stupid looking movie”.  Yep, I was drawn in, surprisingly, and thoroughly entertained by the film and was left wanting more.  Hence my interest in seeing the sequel on the big screen this time around.

First, I enjoyed the heck out of this film.  It’s 2 hours and 2 minutes of pure fun, heart, and entertainment.  The soundtrack alone is enough to make you happy (yep, seat dancing alert).  But, that’s not even the best part.  Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is bigger, louder, sillier, more heartwarming, and more engaging than the original.  A gem of a sequel that does the rare trick of giving you all the things you loved in the original, expands and improves on them and delivers an even better movie going experience.

With that being said, the second thing you need to know, S2 picks up right where the first film ends and continues the story, so you really need to see the first movie to have a clue on what’s going on.

Third, the return of all the key cast members is a delight and really grounds the continuation of the story.  Natasha Rothwell’s Rachel slays me once again, hard.  And Lee Majdoub’s sycophant Agent Stone best brown noser ever.  Of course, Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Robotnik is a blast. James Marsden’s Tom and Tika Sumpter’s Maddie are as adorable, loving, patient, and understanding as ever. Shout out to Shemar Moore cause damn, it's Shemar Moore.

While the humans are great, S2 places the spotlight squarely on the CGI game characters this go round.  Sonic is still Sonic. New cast/characters of Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) are a great addition and kick things up a notch or two in this adventurous, goofy tale of friendship, family fleshing the story out and going deeper and a bit darker. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is action packed fun and entertainment from start to finish.  If the audience I saw it with is any indication it slaps hard with kids and adults, gamers and non-gamers alike.  A family film that the entire family will actually enjoy.  And why not enjoy it on the big screen? Definitely worth a trip to the theater.  As always, a warning, don’t bolt right away and miss the credit scene, it had kids literally screaming with excitement. Definitely a film to watch again and again.

I’ve gotta give Sonic the Hedgehog 2 props.  

It’s a 9.5 from this non-gamer. 

  

Morbius

After countless delays and pushed back premiere dates, Morbius has finally hit the big screen, sadly without much interest or fanfare.  Even worse, without many favorable reviews from critics.  I was having second thoughts about going, but I had purchased my ticket a few weeks back.  After all, for me an opportunity to take in a new Marvel film in the theater isn’t something to bypass lightly.  Not really knowing what I was in for, I grabbed my movie bag and venture to my favorite theater to see what’s what.

Other than the few trailers I’d seen beforehand, I went into Morbius cold, never having read any of the comics and being completely unfamiliar with the character. I can’t say anything about how the film holds up to “canon” as a result.  I can say that Morbius the film is a straight up origins film and for my time and money a fairly solid one at that.  I’ve definitely seen much worse.

While there’s no deep dive into the character of Michael Morbius but we’re given enough info (though some of it’s vague) as to who he is, his motivations, and the type of person he is to make the film work.  Morbius is heavily CGI, most of it well executed and effective, there is some overuse as well that becomes campy, but again nothing that’s a detriment to the overall film viewing experience.  The same holds true with the prosthetics as well, particularly in the case of Matt Smith’s Milo (there a couple of scenes that made me laugh-out-loud when I shouldn’t have).  

Morbius is stunningly atmospheric and has plenty of good action, nice touches of humor, and humanity.  A strong cast does there best and gives it there all to their credit.  Due to the runtime of an hour fort-four minutes the character development is limited but leaves enough of an impression to want to see where they go next. The ending is also anticlimactic as a result as well. Quite abrupt to say the least.

Predictability/formulaic is also present, yet the film remains interesting and entertaining nonetheless.  It’s also clear that given the subject/plot that an R-Rated film would’ve been a better choice for this one than going the PG-13 route.  Tempering the blood and violence to get the more kid friendly rating definitely impacted the handling of the film and toning it down didn’t do anyone any favors.

From my viewpoint, Morbius isn’t the greatest but it most certainly isn’t the worse either.  I was intrigued, never bored, an entertained the entire film.  Yes, there are questions I have and holes that I want filled but I’m glad I went and saw it on the big screen.  I most certainly want to see what’s next for the characters/franchise as well. Do you NEED to see this one at the theater?  No, waiting for a home viewing will probably work just as well.  But, if you WANT to see it on the big screen, I say go for it.  It’s a fun little popcorn flick that doesn’t deserve the haterade being thrown at it in my opinion.  

Morbius gets a 7 from me.  

Oh, don’t bolt right away, you get a couple of credit scenes.

 

 Thank you!

The Lost City (2022)

I’ve mentioned before I’m not a big “chick flick” rom com kinda gal by nature.  In terms of romance novels, pfft even less so (the few I’ve read I’ve done so as comedies through and through). However, I am a big Sandra Bullock fan, have been for ages, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see my girl back up on the big screen where she belongs.  Yes, I’ve enjoyed seeing her tear it up the last few years in various streaming endeavors (personally I don’t buy into her whole Netflix is the only reason she still has a career thing) but.. anywho, Bullock + Big Screen = 4evr for me!

Moving on.

In The Lost City (2022) Bullock plays a reclusive, broken-hearted romance novelist that gets kidnaped during a book tour and swept up in a jungle adventure with her cover model Channing Tatum.  TLC is part Raiders of the Lost Ark, Romancing the Stone, and Baywatch to name a few all mixed together with an over-the-top sense of self-awareness and a banging soundtrack.  Yep, there will be seat dancing.

In short, The Lost City is good stupid fun. 

While not as hilarious as The Proposal or endearing as While You Were Sleeping, The Lost City is funny, sweet, and charming in its own right.  I snickered, giggled, and laughed-out-loud start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed the characters, Tatum’s plays the clueless but loveable idiot brilliantly. Daniel Radcliffe’s unhinged, billionaire baddie is pure over-the-top fun.  Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s put upon, stressed out, BFF delights.  And then there’s Brad Pitt’s Jack Trainer. OMG, I can’t even with this one.  The proverbial cherry on top is of course Bullock’s doing what she does best.  That special blend of sweetness, awkwardness, sarcasm, charm, and je ne sais quoi, *chef’s kiss*.

The Lost City is a solid, throwback rom-com, action adventure that’s comforting and nostalgic in its familiarity, has enough twists and surprises to keep it fresh and engaging, and offers up an entertaining movie experience.  Be it at the theater now or watching at home later, The Lost City is a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.  

As always, your heads up not to bolt at the start of the credits, there’s a bonus scene that’s sure to bring a smile to your face and tops off the film wonderfully.

The Lost City is a 7.5

The Adam Project (Netflix)

Streaming Edition

The new dynamic duo of Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds have struck gold for the second time in a row with their new film, The Adam Project.  A heartwarming/heartbreaking character driven film about love, loss, and family wrapped neatly in a sci-fi time travel adventure bun.

Reynolds once again brings his sardonic, quick-witted comedic chops to the fore to great effect. Adding to the fun is Walker Scobell who plays the obnoxious 12-year-old version of Big Adam (Reynolds) to perfection.  Swinging between moments where you want to punch this kid in the face, HARD, and repeatedly, and wrap him in a warm embrace effortlessly, Scobell shines.  Bravo on the balance. Rounding out the cast and pulling on the old heartstrings are the incomparable Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, and Zoe Saldana as Adam’s family with a delightfully wicked Catherine Keener as our “big bad”.  

My one complaint is with a running time of an hour forty-six minutes we don’t get to spend enough time with this wonderful cast of characters and the overall catalyst of the things in 2050 are vague to say the least.   But focusing on the Big Adam/Young Adam dynamic isn’t a bad trade off.  I’m just being greedy and wanted more.  Not a bad thing in a movie.

The Adam Project is humorous and gut wrenching with a fair amount of action to round things out. The music bumps, the CGI solid, direction and cinematography clear and on point.  For those not really into sci-fi (gasp, swoon) no worries, The Adam Project is more sci-fi lite with more focus on character than a deep dive into understanding time travel theories. You’ll definitely laugh and just as likely to cry so have some tissues at the ready.  

Entertaining, emotional, and relatable The Adam Project is definitely worth giving a watch.  Or two...

The Adam Project gets a 9 from me. 

Turning Red

 Streaming Edition

I initially wasn’t planning on writing a review for this one (feeling lazy) but hours after watching it’s still on my mind, so I figured I need to jot a few things down.

Turning Red is the latest animated coming of age Disney/Pixar film about 13-year-old Meilin who turns into a giant red panda when she gets too excited.  An unexpected trait that proves more than a little inconvenient during puberty.  The trailers looked cute and being an animation fan, I was really excited to see this one on the big screen.  So, I was more than disappointed when Disney pulled it from theaters and decided on a streaming only release.  Nonetheless, I had to check it out.

I admit going the streaming route may have been the right choice for this one, at least for me.  Home viewing meant I was free to spend the hour forty minutes screaming at the television at each “oh $#@!” moment (of which there are quite a few), groaning in horror, and absolutely roaring with laughter without disturbing anyone else. Seriously, this film pulled me in and had me fully invested.

I’m well on the other side of 13, but Turning Red captures all the anguish, mess, and general mayhem of that time in life, especially a girl’s, perfectly.  Emotionally it took me back in the most delightful way imaginable, tears and all.  And that’s really saying something.  

Turning Red is a tad clunky at the beginning, but quickly finds it’s groove and fires on all cylinders after the ten to 15 minutes and never stops.  Depending on your views Turning Red may not be as universal as other Disney/Pixar films as far as appeal.  Younger kids may get bored quickly and depending on their sensitivity level even scared.  There are some rather intense scenes in the film particularly during the finale.  Boys may not really care for this one as much either given the female focus of the film but who’s to say.  The mother/daughter dynamic may also trigger some as well. Ahh, mothers and daughters!

Heartwarming, funny, poignant, beautiful, meaningful and entertaining. Turning Red strikes all the right chords figuratively as well as literally.  Wonderful voice acting, beautiful animation, and strong messaging make this another winner in my book. 

I'll definitely be watching this one again and again.

Turning Red is a 9.5 for me.

The Batman (2022)

I’ve made no secret to the fact that DC films have been extremely hit and miss with me over the last decade plus.  2016's Batman vs Superman: The Dawn of Justice to this day remains the superhero/comic book film nadir.  As for Robert Pattinson, until his turns in 2020's The Devil All the Time and Tenet, ambivalence is the most accurate feeling I’ve had about him as an actor. The mixture of these elements in my mind didn’t bode well for The Batman yet hope springs eternal so I still found myself excited enough to jump at the chance to see the movie early at a fan event. Swag in hand, properly bundled up, and with a solid plan for pacing my drink consumption, I settled in for the 2-hour 56-minute Matt Reeves (writer/director) reimagined/rebooted Batman saga.

Bottom line.  Yes.  

The Batman is far superior to the most recent Batman films and does a fantastic job taking the Affleck stank off the character.  Sorry Ben, you’re awesome, but your take on Batman did nothing but hurt me in ways I have yet to recover from.

Pattinson, however, nails this version of Batman wonderfully.  You get the dark, brooding, anger as well as the serious butt kicking, but you also get the gullibility, naivety, desperation and even dare I say?  Touch of stupidity of the Caped Crusader a mere two years into his journey.  This stripped down, back to basics, DIY Batman/Bruce Wayne goes deeper, brings more to the character, and happily brings back the “oomph” missing since Christian Bale vacated the role.  Batman is once again a flawed, tortured human being that engages, entertains, and even amuses instead of some chronically constipated animatronic suit. Thank you, Robert Pattinson, for making me give a damn about Batman once again.

Not for nothing, but the casting throughout the film is great.  Zoe Kravitz’s Selina Kyle is smart, brash, sexy, and complete badass without the cheese factor that’s commonly attached to the character.  A modern-day Cat Woman please and thank you.  Jeffrey Wright (a bit underused perhaps) makes an honorable James Gordon. Andy Serkis establishes himself as a proper heir to the Alfred throne.  Colin Farrell is as unrecognizable as he is delightful as Oz.  Paul Dano?  Crazy, creepy, excellence. John Turturro thank you for reminding me how much I like you as an actor.

Another relief this go around is not only NOT having to watch poor Thomas and Martha Wayne bite the dust again (hmmm, a little Marvel influence perhaps?), but an interesting twist to their overall story serves as the catalyst for the film’s plot.  Also having Wayne Manor actually in Gotham proper adds a nice touch and works well.  

The Batman score/soundtrack is terrific. Nirvana’s Something in the Way, absolute perfection every time.  The cinematography is stunning.  There are several scenes that are beyond gorgeous and not only brought a smile to my face just witnessing them but a tear to my eye.  And yes, the film is dark (shocking, not) tonally as well as literally, but for once I never felt I was suddenly listening to a radio program instead of watching a movie!  Huzzah!  Also having some light to even amusing moments keeps The Batman from being an epic depressive episode.  A blessing for sure.

A near three hour run time is a bit too long.  The pacing, especially the first half lags on and off. As for the last half of the film, there are a couple of moments you think you’re done, but you’re not. Fortunately, neither of these are a complete detriment to the film.  I never got bored or pulled out of the film completely, but felt the drags, nonetheless.

Bottom line?  The Batman has come through and delivered a widely engaging and entertaining film that has me once again excited about DC and the prospects of their upcoming films.  Well worth the trip to your local theater and the price of admission from my standpoint.  Glad I went, look forward to seeing it again, and seeing where the franchise goes next. Also yes, there’s one tiny little post credit scene at the very end of the film.  It’s nothing crucial and pretty predictable so stay or don’t.  The choice is really up to you and your bladder.

The Batman 9.5