Old

M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, Old, is a supernatural horror thriller with themes relating to the concept of aging. Initially focusing on a family on vacation at a tropical resort, when they and other groups of people are brought to a secluded beach, all of them realize that the area is causing them to age rapidly. Unable to leave from where they entered due to suffering from blackouts and someone from afar spying on them, the families must figure out how to escape the beach before they die from advanced aging or any illnesses that they may be suffering from. The movie, itself based on a Swiss graphic novel called Sandcastle by Pierre Oscar Levy and Frederik Peeters, has an interesting story in it and while Shyamalan's writing does succeed in making the premise frightening as it is, some of it fails due to a lot of awkward dialogue and certain things that the characters do that make no sense. What helps in keeping you in your toes when watching is the combination of Mike Gioulakis's cinematography and the score by Trevor Gureckis. For the most part, the actors involved all give great performances despite some of the odd dialogue and Shyamalan's penchant for very subdued and quiet performances. Gael Garcia Bernal and Vicky Krieps, who play the main couple Guy and Prisca, both have fantastic chemistry and make the arguments between them and their eventual forgiveness that much believable. But the biggest standouts are Alex Wolff and Thomasin McKenzie, who play the teen versions of Guy and Prisca's children, as they make the idea of young kids forced to age up so realistic. As standard for M. Night, there is a twist to this movie, though it is small as it's less about revealing what actually causes time to move so fast and more about how this is used by the people heading the resort, which is silly but actually has some good motivations behind it. Old, while having an interesting premise and strong performances with a mysterious mood, a lot of it is bogged down due to some of Shyamalan's creative choices. Over all: 72%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. Nobody

3. Black Widow

4. A Quiet Place Part II

5. Raya and the Last Dragon

6. Cruella

7. Wrath of Man

8. F9

9. Old

10. Space Jam: A New Legacy

Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

Unlike the first FCBD comic from 2017, Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale just tells one story that is initially set during the events of the show and then through flashbacks years before the start of the series. When Betty wants to interview Pop, the owner of the local diner, for an article to celebrate the town's 75th anniversary, he tells her several stories that include his dad forming it originally as a pharmacy and soda shop, several famous figures stopping to eat, a reporter going missing after he went to look for a mythological creature, and changing his place into a diner so as to compete against a fancy Italian restaurant. But the biggest story Pop has involves a mysterious man who walks in one night and asks him for a burger due to not having a reservation at the restaurant. When the man admits how delicious the burgers were he tells Pop not to worry about the restaurant and then leaves. A week later, the restaurant was destroyed by a fire and more people came back to Pop's prompting him to add new food and menus. As Betty wonders about the man's intentions, Pop asks her to leave as he's getting ready to check on inventory. Once Betty leaves, Pop starts to make burgers and fries with the mysterious man entering and sitting in the same spot as he did before. Pop's narration reveals the man has come in contact with other people just like him and in exchange for a burger once a year he'll ensure his success, with the window reflection revealing horns. This comic has a lot of tantalizing moments helped by its smart writing and highly stylish atmospheric tone. Pop's stories are a nice departure as he rarely gets any big focus in the actual show as well as showing how Riverdale has changed in 75 years. Unlike the more realistic depictions shown in the show, this issue's focus on the more supernatural is well done and still has a bit of the eery and mysteriousness that still connects it to its origin. With a story from series creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and writing done by Will Ewing and Ross Maxwell, this FCBD issue not only has great dialogue but the use of flashbacks continues to add to the mystery of Riverdale without giving us too much or too little. What helps is Joe Eisma's artwork and the coloring from Andre Szymanowicz both give us something so brisk and beautiful while still giving us something mysterious to look at. Though if there's one complaint it would be a brief shot of Pop looking at some criminals that shows them as bullet ridden and then back to normal that's never explained. So other than that small moment, I do think that Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale is a well made comic that does an amazing job at keeping you engage with such dark mysteries. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

2. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

3. Free Comic Book Day 2018: Riverdale

4. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

5. DC Universe: Legacies #1

6. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

7. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

8. Champions (2020-) #1

9. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

10. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

11. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

12. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
13. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
14. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

15. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
16. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
17. Marvel Comics (1939) #1

Space Jam: A New Legacy

25 years after the original, Space Jam: A New Legacy is a spiritual sequel that replaces Michael Jordan with LeBron James as he and the Looney Tunes have to compete in another basketball game against an artificial intelligence that acts as Warner Bros.'s studio software. The A.I., called AI-G Rhythm and played by Don Cheadle, has kidnapped LeBron's son out of anger because the basketball player dismissed him and threatens to erase the Tunes and hold hostage other people if he wins. Having grown up with the first film and watching it so much to the point that the VHS tape eventually broke, I was really curious how this one would do. That's not to say that I think the first Space Jam was an all out masterpiece, as it does have several issues but love how bonkers it is. Right from the beginning I knew it wasn't going to hold up as while it does show James's childhood different from Jordan's, the credits sequence doesn't have a hugely memorable song and relies too much on video game graphics over images of LeBron's play footage. While one can agree that James has more experience in acting compared to Jordan when making the movie, and he does give a good performance even if at times he still seems wooden, he doesn't have the charm or charisma of his predecessor. The voice actors for the Tunes, including new addition Zendaya as Lola, all capture their characters perfectly and Cheadle makes for a really fun villain. Not only does the traditional animation work really well for the classic cartoons but the shift to CG for them is just as good. One huge credit I have to give is that while it has a similar story to the 1996 original, it's not an exact copy and goes on different directions. Unfortunately, not all those directions work as prior to the actual game LeBron and Bugs have to travel the virtual space composed entirely of Warner Bros. properties for the rest of the Tunes. In theory, this should have worked but totally falls flat on its face mainly due to simply relying on old footage of movies from say Casablanca and The Matrix without much interaction or new footage. And even when there is interaction, like in DC World or when the spectators of the game are all Warner owned characters, a lot of the time they're just standing and moving around in a way that just seems so awkward. You could cut out a lot of these cameos and references and it wouldn't really affect the movie all that much. The actual game itself is not that bad, with some new ways to play thanks to its video game aesthetic but the opposing team, the Goon Squad, not as memorable as the Monstars. Director Malcolm D. Lee does manage to make a lot of what's onscreen, between live action and huge CGI effects, feel natural. Though the biggest flaw for this movie is the ending as they make it seem like something bad has happened to Bugs and yet LeBron barely reacts to it and suddenly he's fine right out of the blue without even making us think it would stick. While the first film is a product of its time but managed to become so memorable despite that, Space Jam: A New Legacy tries so desperately to fit with its time that it looses what made the first such a classic but still can be given a lot of credit for not being just a rehash. Over all: 68%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. Nobody

3. Black Widow

4. A Quiet Place Part II

5. Raya and the Last Dragon

6. Cruella

7. Wrath of Man

8. F9

9. Space Jam: A New Legacy

Black Widow

Originally meant to be the first project in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Fourth Phase until the pandemic delay led it to be released after three Disney+ shows already aired, Black Widow had to go through a lot for it to finally be released. Set between Civil War and Infinity War, this sees Scarlett Johansson's final performance as the former KGB spy turned hero as she reunites with people from her past to take on a threat that she once was a part of. Initially just wanting to remain low from government officials due to violating the Sokovia Accords, an attack from Taskmaster leads to Natasha to reunite with her fake family, from when they were spying against the United States in the 90s, and learns that the same program that trained her when she was young has been restarted but with more sinister intentions. While yes, this movie should have been made a lot earlier and we know what happens to Natasha later on, that shouldn't take away from how well told and made it is. Despite having some of the typical aspects that the MCU is known for, much of Cate Shortland's direction does give us some unique takes on them and a few new things that let it be fresh, such as part of the opening taking place when Widow was young and using a cover of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Shortland also gives the movie a more gritty eye, a lot of that thanks to Gabriel Beristain's cinematography, than the other entries and often feels more like a spy film, a lot of that thanks to Lorne Balfe's scoring, than a superhero one. Some of that grit comes from how the fight scenes are done whether through their choreography and showing how the fights affect the characters. That's also helped by some great effects, though should be acknowledged that not all of the effects are perfect but only occur in small doses The story and its writing by Eric Pearson, Jac Schaeffer, Ned Benson are really good, especially in delving into Natasha's past without being too distracting from the main story. As usual, the comedy isn't always going to work but you know when it does and paired that with the drama you get an exceptional script. The strongest aspect, by far, is the relationship and chemistry between the spy family and how, despite pretending to be one, believable the cast make it. Johansson, Florence Pugh, David Harbour, and Rachel Weisz all work amazing together all thanks to the dialogue between them and the events that they go through. While some are angry over the reveal of who Taskmaster was and how the character was handled, I don't really mind as who's to say there won't be more development and time to flesh the character out in the future. If there was ever a sign that the MCU is slowing down and losing team, I can assure you that Black Widow is not that sign as it lets us say goodbye to a beloved character we've seen since 2010 in a wonderful way while giving us some setup for the next chapter of this universe. Over all: 99%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. Nobody

3. Black Widow

4. A Quiet Place Part II

5. Raya and the Last Dragon

6. Cruella

7. Wrath of Man

8. F9

F9

Just when you thought the Fast & Furious franchise couldn't get any crazier, after already involving tanks and submarines, F9 steps up the over the top high octane insanity while reminding us how family is important. This entry sees Dom and his team taking on his long lost brother, Jakob, who has formed his own crime organization and managed to capture Cipher, Charlize Theron's villain from the last entry. Eventually, this mission leads them to learning about the survival of a long thought dead friend, going into space to destroy a satellite, and a highway chase using powerful magnets. All throughout we get flashbacks to when Dom and Jakob were younger focusing on their father's death and their eventual fallout. As usual with this franchise, if they manage to think of a way to create the most insane of stunts involving cars then you bet they're putting in this film. The usual cast of Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and Nathalie Emmanuel return as well as Jordana Brewster, Theron, Sung Kang, and newcomer John Cena. Considering what type of movie everyone knows they're in and this being the tenth film in the franchise, the performances are always strong with great dramatic reads and well done comedic bits. That's not to say that the writing is awe-inspiring, it's the typical tough action film with lots of formulaic moments and plot holes galore. But everyone involved is so committed that often you don't really worry about that, all thanks to returning director Justin Lin's eye for awesome action sequences. Though some of them can feel either too over the top by breaking the laws of physics that it takes you out of it or may be over edited, but only a few have that specific problem. One of the strongest points is definitely the flashbacks as we get to dive deep into Dom's past and how he became the man he is today. And yes, at one point we do have a sequence set in space and while a crazy idea, is only done near the end and does feel earned. So even if F9 just another typical action film, these characters we've come to love over the years and the crazy adventures and stunts they pull off is exactly why we keep coming back. Over all: 80%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. Nobody

3. A Quiet Place Part II

4. Raya and the Last Dragon

5. Cruella

6. Wrath of Man

7. F9

Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

Serving as the first of many stories that would lead into Infinite Crisis, Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1 is a 80 page DC Comics issue that is told through various flashbacks to tell a story involving conspiracies and superhero identities. Ted Kord, billionaire and superhero Blue Beetle, investigates the theft of funds of his own company that leads him to something much larger that could threaten even the Justice League. Despite no one in the League, bar Wonder Woman, and other heroes, especially Batman, doubting his claims, and only Booster Gold giving him aid until an explosion injures him, Kord must use the remaining tools and resources he has to solve this issue. While he does manage to figure out that Maxwell Lord, a former Justice League associate, is leading the Checkmate organization with files of the secret identities to many superheroes and planning to kill all metahumans, he is killed when he rejects Max's offer to join him. If I can compare this comic to anything I'd say it plays out like a new-noir mystery through Blue Beetle's narration, the mystery sleuth story, the change of different time periods, and the conspiracies involved. The writing between Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and Judd Winick is astounding whether between the dialogue, going through the flashbacks, and especially in the relationship between Beetle and Booster. This issue's biggest accomplishment however is that it succeeds in drawing you in at what the story this is meant to be lead in to. With Ed Benes as the artist and multiple people behind the pencilling, inking, and coloring, you have a brisk and well flowing artwork that doesn't just show great action sequences and detailed emotions, but with a certain mood that adds to its new-noir story. So whether or not you have read what comes after, or were too afraid due to DC having so much history, Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1 is a great issue to read on its own or even as a prelude. Over all: 100%

Top list so far for 3rd set of comics:
1. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers FCBD 2018 Shattered Grid Special

2. Countdown to Infinite Crisis #1

3. Free Comic Book Day 2018: 2000 A.D. Regened

4. DC Universe: Legacies #1

5. Free Comic Book Day 2017 I Hate Image

6. Shang-Chi (2020-2021) #1 (of 5): Brothers & Sisters Part One

7. Champions (2020-) #1

8. Infinite Frontier (2021) #0

9. Green Lantern Vol. 2 #76

10. DC Retroactive: Green Lantern - The 70s #1

11. Star Wars: Doctor Aphra (2020-) #1
12. Showcase (1956-1978) #17
13. Werewolf By Night (2020-) #1 (of 4)

14. Free Comic Book Day: Bongo Comics Free For All 2018
15. Free Comic Book Day 2017: Riverdale
16. Marvel Comics (1939) #1

In the Heights

In the Heights is a musical drama based on the stage show created by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Quiara Alegria Hudes. Much like the stage musical, the movie looks at the lives of the predominantly Dominican Washington Heights neighborhood in Upper Manhattan particularly during a heat wave. The main story has bodega owner Usnavi de la Vega interacting with friends and family in the days leading up to his moving to the Dominican Republic to restart his father's business. Whether or not you're Hispanic, this movie is beautiful, relatable, and a blast of fresh air after over a year of the coronavirus lockdown. The cast involved, such as Anthony Romos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, and Melissa Barrera, not only give powerful acting performances but all of they're singing and dancing are just as effective. This having music and numbers that were initially created by Miranda, they are all done with so much passion, energy, and creativity that even if there were songs that you don't like you'd still find it hard to not be absorbed by them. What helps make many of the musical numbers so effective is the well done editing by Myron Kerstein and choreography from Christopher Scott, whom director Jon M. Chu had worked before in past films and shows. If there are a few negative things in this movie it's that it does tend to be a bit long and the pacing a little slow. Also, while the casting is effective at giving us actual Hispanic actors but not a lot of those with darker skin color, I don't blame it too much on the filmmakers and hopefully it will inspire others to do so in the future. For anyone who is wondering whether or not they should go out and see a movie for the first time in over a year, In the Heights is the perfect choice. Over all: 100%

2021 top list so far:

1. In the Heights

2. Nobody

3. A Quiet Place Part II

4. Raya and the Last Dragon

5. Cruella

6. Wrath of Man