Minions: The Rise of Gru

Ever since they made their film debut back in 2010s Despicable Me, I’ve been a big Minions fan and have looked forward to every iteration with great anticipation and delight. In the follow-up to Minions, Minions: Rise of Gru set in the mid 70s a now 11 3/4-year-old Gru attempts to join the ultimate group of baddies, the Vicious 6, on his quest to become the worlds’ greatest supervillain. I couldn’t wait to be front and center for this latest adventure.

Even with the absence of Pharell Williams, Heitor Pereira goes it alone this outing, the soundtrack is once again bumping, pulls you in from the jump and has you bopping along the entire film.  Yes, plenty of smiles, seat dancing and singing along was done.  I don’t apologize and regret nothing. A note of caution, while not as catchy as say Happy, Diana Ross’ Turn Up the Sunshine encapsulates the 70s vibe perfectly and will get stuck in your head.  

Minions: Rise of Gru is chock-full of call backs, reference, and familiar characters that serve the film well.  Many new characters, save for Otto and Wild Knuckles, sadly get short shrift, consequently, don’t pack much of a punch.  Having the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Dolph Lundgren, Lucy Lawless, Danny Trejo, and RZA is all well and good, but disappointments that they don’t figure more into the film.  With only an hour twenty-seven-minute runtime, fleshing out these characters for an additional 10 - 15 minutes would really strengthen the overall film.  It would also help tighten up the multiple subplots of the film into a more cohesive whole.

Overall, Minions: Rise of Gru is pretty much what’s to be expected from the franchise.  90 minutes of silly, fun that will get you out of the heat and entertain you.  There’s more nudity (yes, I said nudity) this time around and some of the action may be a tad intense for younger kids, but as long as you go in not expecting a heartfelt, life altering movie experience (Hello? It’s the Minions!) You will be entertained and will leave the theater (only after one small scene at the top of the end credits) with a smile on your face.  

Minions: Rise of Gru is a fun summer ride and gets a 7.5 from me.

Lightyear

 

Twenty-seven years, yes, twenty-seven, after the release of Toy Story, Disney/Pixar has brought Buzz Lightyear back to the big screen in the “real life” story of the man, the myth, the legend himself in Lightyear. To be clear, this is NOT your childhood’s version of the popular character.  In fact, if you haven’t already checked out the Beyond Infinity Buzz and the Journey to Lightyear thirty-six-minute documentary on Disney+, I highly recommend you do so. I feel it important to emphasize this as it has a major impact on the film. 

Lightyear is a darker, more mature, grittier film than any of the Toy Story films. Think more along the lines of Up in terms of tone and content.  Less whimsical and more realistic. Something to keep in mind when viewing, so much so, while billed as the movie that Andy watched that made him want the Buzz toy so badly, Lightyear comes across more like the documentary of the man that inspired the film Andy loved more than the actual film he saw.  Got it?  If you do than you’ll be in the correct mind set for what takes place in Lightyear.

On to the actual film.

Disney/Pixar once again out does itself with the visuals.  Absolutely stunning and a treat for the eyes. Attention to detail, textured, and the lighting is off the charts with this one as well. Good action sequences, some get a bit intense, but the kiddos in the audience didn’t seem to have issue with them.

The story itself is rather simple and straightforward, pacing is good, and the voice acting, again, top notch. Chris Evans’ Buzz works perfectly in this iteration of the character and while yes, I missed Tim Allen, I had no problems overall buying in and enjoying his performance. That’s not to say that I was also frustrated and annoyed with the character (I didn’t have an outburst but yeah, Buzz was pissing me off) as well.  That’s more of a writing/characterization issue than an acting one.   While Keke Palmer, Taika Waititi, Dale Soules, and Uzo Aduba bring their A games as well their characters didn’t quite light up the screen. They’re fine, but don't pack much of a punch.

Not gonna lie, for me, when all is said and done, Lightyear is all about Peter Sohn’s SOX.  Think Rhino from Bolt. This scene stealer brings the joy, humor, and relatability/likeability that’s largely missing from the film.  I’m going to tell you right now, parents, go ahead and get your SOX toys now for Christmas.

Did Lightyear knock my socks (no pun intended)?  Not entirely, but it’s definitely a solid and enjoyable film. I was never bored, but never "wowed" either. It’s charming, emotional, and entertaining, but falls a bit flat overall.  There’s a certain lack of spark or “magic” to really stick the landing.  This goes back to the disconnect between what’s actually on the screen and the action/adventure Space Ranger that would make a 9-year-old (let alone the rest of the world) want a Buzz Lightyear.  A divide I’m sure will be closed in a sequel. I'm sure there will be a sequel and I'm down for it.

Lightyear gets a 7 from me.

Oh, yes.  Again, I warn you not to leave the theater immediately.  There are 3 credit scenes (top, mid, and post) in this one.  

Jurassic World Dominion

 

The summer box office continues to heat up with this weeks’ release of Jurassic World Dominion, the sixth and final installment of the popular movie franchise based on Michael Crichton’s novels.  Twenty-nine years after Jurassic Park, dinosaurs are living and hunting alongside humans taxing the fragile balance of nature all over the world.  Well, that’s what we’re led to believe is the setup for Jurassic World Dominion, however, the movie we actually get is an altogether different beast.

Jurassic World Dominion is essentially two different films with the original trio of Sam Neil (Alan Grant), Ellie Sattler (Laura Dern), and Jeff Goldblum (Ian Malcolm) reuniting in one story (the more interesting of the two in my opinion) and Chris Pratt (Owen Grady) and Bryce Dallas Howard (Claire Dearing) picking up and continuing their story from Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom.  Eventually the two stories meet and everything is brought to a conclusion.  

Sadly, the conclusion, as well as the ride leading up to it is far from spectacular or overall satisfying.

The pacing in Jurassic World Dominion is clunky and uneven, particularly in the beginning.  Many of the themes are heavy handed and preachy to the point of making you feel you’re sitting in a lecture hall.  Oddly enough, Ian’s actual lecture in the film is more entertaining and thought provoking than the bludgeoning messaging throughout the rest of the film.  The call backs to previous films in many cases are stale.  With the exception of the original Big Three, the returning characters are lifeless (in Pratt’s case the film plays more like a contractual obligation) and uninspired.  BD Wong’s Dr. Wu takes an unexpected turn and the resolution of his story line feels unearned. New characters aren’t fleshed out and act more as props to get from point a to point b than characters.   

Worse still, Jurassic World Dominion, is a dinosaur movie that has little to do with dinosaurs.  Again, Goldblum’s Ian says it best when he goes off on the seduction of dinos excusing what’s going on.  A note that the writers should of taken when sussing out the story.  Dinosaurs are freely living among humans, what’s that like?  Dunno, it’s glossed over save for a few references. I mean at one point in this 2 hour 26 minute film you go a good half hour to forty minutes without seeing or hearing ANYTHING about the dinosaurs.  

Serious bait and switch as well as a major disappointment.

The biggest saving grace of Dominion is the legacy characters, especially Goldblum’s Ian. The wit, charm, and humor is classic. All three actors seem to be having a blast and it shows and you feel it ever time they’re on screen.  When you get the dinosaurs they look amazing.  These bad boys never fail to delight. 

All told Jurassic World Dominion looks great, has some shining moments, but ultimately is lifeless.  If this is what the franchise has to offer, it’s time to let it go the way of actual dinosaurs. 

Jurassic World Dominion gets a disappointing 5 from me.

The Bob's Burger Movie

The Belchers clan has joined the ranks of The Simpsons and the South Park gang and made the leap from the small to the big screen. As a Bob’s Burgers fan, I’ve been looking forward to this latest adventure and was a bit surprised, yet not disappointed.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a glorified extended episode of the popular television series and that’s what makes it work. The gang doesn’t fall into typical television to big screen gimmicks. Staying true to its television roots in every way that matters, but the expanded scope allows this musical, murder, mystery to breathe and entertain organically. 

Staying largely with the main characters and locations from the show we’re treated to an entertaining Bob’s Burgers experience that is sure to delight fans.  

On that note, I can’t really say how non-fans will react to this one.  It may play well, or it may not. Lack of familiarity may possibly detract from the viewing experience.  I can’t say for sure though.  With the film being as well written and acted, that may not even be an issue.

 The Bob’s Burgers Movie is exciting, funny, thrilling, quirky and one-hour forty-two minutes well spent. Escapism at its best.  

But, once again, don’t leave too soon.  There’s a cute bonus scene after the credits.

The Bob’s Burgers Movie is a solid 9 from me.

 

Top Gun: Maverick

 

After 36 years, Tom Cruise returns in one of his most iconic rolls in an effort to satiate our need for speed. Straight to the point. It’s hard enough to get a hit film, putting together a sequel that equals let alone surpasses the original is harder still. Cruise and company (Jerry Bruckheimer produces again but also credits former partner Don Simpson who died in 1996)  have done precisely that in Top Gun: Maverick.

Want nostalgia? Got it!  

Well timed humor? Check! 

Amazing practical visual effects? Double check! The submersive cockpit camera is over the top. Tossing aside the green screen pays major dividends.

Top Gun: Maverick is a perfect blending of the original, from music, characters, and various call back/parallels and the next generation of Naval aviators.  From beginning to end this film is a heart pumping thrill ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat combined with a high stakes storyline filled with surprisingly emotional depth, heart, and relevance.  

Incredible direction, stellar pacing, fantastic acting, extraordinary cinematography and sound, TGM is a 2-hour 11-minute triumph.  Top Gun: Maverick  has enough heart and soul for two films and satisfies in EVERY possible aspect.  So, dust off your Ray Ban Aviators, hit the highway to the danger zone and check out Top Gun: Maverick on the big screen the way it’s intended.  You won’t be disappointed.

Top Gun: Maverick is a full throttle mach10 film experience not to be missed.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

 

Let’s start with a little bookkeeping as it were.  I don’t know about other countries, but here in the US do yourself a favor and make sure you’re in your seat and settled down by the time the trailers start (never ceases to amaze me the number of people that miss the trailers coming in late).  Why? Going by Cinemark’s showings, trust me.  You DON’T want to miss the exclusive first look on the big screen of Top Gun Maverick.  My need for speed watching it took every ounce of restraint I could muster not to scream with excitement and stay in my seat.  So glad I’ve already got my ticket.  Second, in addition to many of the trailers you can currently see on my page we get to see the official first trailer for Avatar: The Way of Water.  Not a great deal of info in terms of story, but visually it looks stunning.  

Moving on.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness doesn’t mess around.  You’re thrown into the story as soon as the Marvel open finishes playing.  So it’s an immediate snap to attention with the who, what, where, and whys of the film.  A bit of a shock, but thankfully so.  Given the magnitude of what the film is supposed to do both in and of itself as well as the MCU overall, I’ve been anxious about the mere two-hour and six-minute running time.  It seems like a short time to accomplish its goals and also be entertaining.  I admit sitting in the theater, DSitMoM  feels longer than a couple of hours.   Happily in this case that’s a good thing.  The film felt neither rushed nor lagged.  

Good pacing throughout. 

Lots of action-packed moments from start to finish expertly interwoven with character development and exposition keeps the film moving and engaging.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness also does something that Marvel does best.  Bringing back actors/characters from previous outings (love seeing not only primaries but also second and even third tier folks return) for continuity but also in new and exciting ways as well. Plus bringing in new characters that serve/enrich the story and get to shine even if they don’t last long. I do feel a bit short changed on Xochitl Gomez’s American Chavez character/back story although I’m sure moving forward that will be rectified. And of course there are also others that I’m excited will no doubt be seen again as well. Again, an impressive balancing act of making sure characters film don’t come off as throwaways and nothing more.

Another thumbs up for rewarding those of us that are current in our Marvel viewings without making the inaccessible to those that aren’t.  So yes, if you’ve seen WandaVision, What If..., Loki, and Spider-Man: No Way Home in addition to the Phase I - III Marvel films, you’re definitely going to be rewarded.  If you haven’t, why not?  Seriously, why?  But still, no worries, you won’t be left in the dark.

Speaking of dark, for those that feel Marvel films aren’t dark enough, here ya go.  Having Sam Raimi as director pays off in my book.  Marvel has done a wonderful job letting its films/shows have their own individual style, tone, and “feel”.  One of the strongest aspects in their productions.  Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness definitely feels like a Sam Raimi production and has its own unique flavor. Heavy on the horror and easily one of the most violent of the MCU films, it’s The Evil Dead meets Doctor Strange, and it works.  While this won’t play for some, meaning Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness won’t necessarily be a fan favorite, I’m glad to say I was one of the many in the theater cheering, ooohing, aaaahing, and ewwwwing.  

Dark, creepy, and fun with a superhero twist!

Not surprisingly fantastic visual effects, wonderful acting, terrific Danny Elfman score, a nice smattering of humor.  There’s a ton of stuff to unpack in this film so I’m sure that future repeat viewings as well as time to “sit” with the film will color my perceptions, but as of now Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness does an amazing job thrilling, entertaining, and packs an emotional punch I found lacking in Spider-Man: No Way Home for instance.  

Sam Raimi and company hit their mark.

It’s a 9.5 from me.

And yes, there are two credit scenes in the film.  For those with small bladders or didn’t pace yourself for the trailers and credits, hold it long enough to see the first scene at least.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent

 

Nicolas Cage is back, not that he went anywhere, in the new film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.  I don’t feel I can say much about this one without spoiling the fun, so I’ll keep it short and sweet.

The more familiar you are with Cage’s work specifically and pop culture in general, the more over-the-top and joyful the ride.  Not as familiar or a big fan?  No worries, you’re still in for a treat.  TUWoMT  Is laugh-out-loud funny. Downright ridiculous at times. Sweet and endearing. Highly entertaining. Watching Cage do “his thang” in this one is a joy to behold.   

Not for nothing having Pedro Pascal in the mix kicks things up a level.  Pascal is more than capable of going toe to toe with Cage, more than holds his own in every scene and the two of them together create the dynamic duo that I didn’t know I needed and left me wanting more. Their chemistry is fire.

Tiffany Haddish, Ike Barinholtz, and Neil Patrick Harris make notable appearances but it’s Cage/Pascal that drive this one all the way.  As such, the beginning of the movie is a little slow but once Pascal enters the picture the story hits the gas and doesn’t let up.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is one of those films that I enjoyed from the jump but will no doubt enjoy even more the longer I sit with it (and with repeated viewings).

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent is a solid 8.