We are taught from a very young age, that we should ‘never judge a book by its cover’ and it’s a lesson that mankind has an interesting relationship with. Because despite the fact that it is a lesson that rings true, we tend to forget it more often than not, and we quickly judge something before giving it the opportunity it deserves. Why exactly that happens, I will never know, and truthfully, trying to explore that is something best left to the scholars of the world. But for the sake of this review, it matters, simply because, we tend to immediately judge a movie by its trailer, and I fully understand the reasons for why that happens.
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After all, the trailer is our first impression of a movie, and if it doesn’t click in our minds immediately, we are quick to write it off, or if it looks rough, we tend to deem the movie bad well before we’ve seen it. It’s something that happens time and time again and I know I’m guilty of it as well and it’s honestly a habit that I definitely need to break, because more often than not, when I’ve seen a ‘questionable’ movie on cable or streaming or Blu-Ray, I feel like quite the fool when I’m stunned by its overall quality. An element I missed due to bad marketing. If anything, this is on my mind today, simply due to the fact that I recently had the opportunity to watch a motion picture that definitely turned out to be far better than it was originally advertised, in Stuber.

Which is awesome in the end. Because I, and countless others, judged this film pretty harshly based on what the trailer presented us with. For what we were treated to initially, made it seem as though this was going to be an awkward comedy that was going to be filled with stupid jokes and weird moments that wouldn’t engender that many laughs to begin with. But clearly whomever decided to put together this marketing campaign, didn’t have a clue as to how to express what this film has to offer, because this one turned out to be a complete and utter delight when all is said and done, and that is thanks in large part to the performances of Dave Bautista and Kumail Nanjiani. 

In fact, these two are perfectly cast in their respective roles of Detective Vic Manning and Stu and by being such polar opposites and having such lovely comedic chops, the jokes work well on screen when this acting duo starts riffing and ripping on one another. Also, by setting the film in Stu’s Uber, we actually get the opportunity to learn more about these characters, and the depth present here only draws you into the story further and by the end of the film, you’re rooting for both Vic and Stu to accomplish their respective goals and you’re also trying to catch your breath and you’re wiping tears from your eyes, thanks to the many hilarious moments that play out on screen.
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Because let’s be honest, we go to comedies to laugh and laugh hard and that’s really what the trailers didn’t show us, all the off-the-wall and delightful moments that genuinely leave you in stitches and I’m hard pressed to think of a joke that didn’t work in this film. Plus, I need to give some serious props to the writer of this film, Tripper Clancy, for putting together a screenplay that actually managed to deliver a quality plot as well. Because everything in this movie works, and there’s not a moment wasted or a scene that feels out of place and that’s honestly quite the feat when you think about it, since most comedies worry about jokes over anything else.

In the end however, this is a film that I highly recommend. Due in large part to the reasons I outlined earlier, but also because this a comedy with heart. Because there are also some surprisingly moving moments present in this story, the kind that the audience can relate to, believe it or not, and that just makes this movie magical in its own right and I really do hope that you get the chance to see this in theaters with an audience, since that was quite the lively experience on my end and if by chance you miss it, catch this one as soon as you can. Because this really is a funny film, one that is also endearing, and it is just a great way to lose yourself for an hour and a half. 

It has often been said that writers tend to pour parts of themselves into their work, and there is a lot of truth to that particular saying. Because every writer out there draws from the world that surrounds them, allowing for memories both good and bad to find their way into a story, or a quirky encounter at the supermarket for that matter as well and it’s something we’ve seen from the greats time and time again. After all, Stephen King was well known for putting some of his personal battles with drugs and alcohol into his work, and George Romero once made an entire film that spoke to his thoughts on the movie business and its evolution.
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But while the reasons for why a particular moment in time is preserved within a story vary from writer to writer, the true purpose of injecting one’s soul into the work remains the same in that, there is catharsis and closure to be found by putting it onto the page. If anything, I’ve always found this to be a fascinating aspect of creativity since so much of what a writer injects about their life into their novel or screenplay or short story, remains hidden beneath the words. But sometimes, what they wish to say springs to the surface, and all of this is on my mind today, simply because it’s something that is present and prevalent in the latest offering from Writer/Director Quentin Tarantino, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Which quite frankly, is stunning to say the least since Mister Tarantino rarely puts his heart upon his sleeve when it comes to his motion pictures, and at first glance, it’s hard to spot the more personal nature of what he’s trying to say thanks to the sprawling and beautiful story that this film provides us with, something that is only further enhanced by the enriching and fascinating characters present here. Because Rick Dalton and Cliff Booth’s respective plights are entrancing to say the least and that’s thanks in large part to the earnest and powerful performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt, who chew up the scenery every single second they are on screen. But as the movie rolls on, and we learn more about these two gentlemen and the magical era they inhabit, the personal nature of the script begins to expose itself, by way of Rick’s journey in this tale. 

Because this nervous actor, one who firmly believes his career is barreling toward its end, ponders upon things that no other Tarantino character has before. For Rick spends a lot of time thinking about and vocalizing his missteps during his career, which leaves him to worry about his legacy and what his life will look like when he leaves cinema and well, considering the fact that Tarantino himself is planning to retire after his tenth film, and this is number nine, the personal parallel here is striking. After all, who doesn’t take inventory when they’ve reached the end of a long journey, and it really seems that this script was the best way for Quentin to ponder upon what the next chapter of his life is going to look like when he leaves film as well and that makes for some supremely fascinating insight into his mind and it also makes Rick perhaps his most dynamic character to date.
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Yet, what’s equally impressive about this film, is everything else that it has to offer outside of its grandiose character study. For this motion picture is also a wonderful love letter to the end of the golden age of Hollywood, and the glamour and glitz present here provides the audience with a little bit of insight into an era of film where blockbusters simply didn’t exist and the art of filmmaking was celebrated over anything else, and I especially loved how Tarantino even pays tribute to the classic tropes in the industry by way of his introduction of the Manson family into this particular tale. Which sounds odd, I know, but hear me out. Because so many classic films featured everyday people living their lives while a landmark moment in history happened around them, and this is Quentin’s wild version of that, one that features an ending for the ages, and really, all of these elements make for one interesting ride for the audience.

Because this is clearly Quentin’s earnest attempt to make a genuinely sprawling Hollywood epic, one that doesn’t involve the fantastical or the quirky, and well, he succeeds, and I think that honestly surprises the audience when all is said and done. Because I know the vibe walking out of this film was one of bewilderment, since it didn’t feature over the top characters spewing incredible dialogue. Instead, we were all treated to a film that was intimate and bleak and uncomfortable at times, because of the whole Manson aspect. If anything, this is definitely a film that is worth watching, simply because it is Tarantino’s most complex work to date, and if you’re a fan of his work, then you’ll definitely be satisfied. But if you’re not a hardcore fan of his movies, there’s still plenty to enjoy here, because this is not the everyday summer blockbuster, it’s an earnest attempt to revitalize the glamour and glitz of an era long gone and that alone, definitely makes this film worth your while. 

If there one’s thing I’ve always found to be wonderful and magnificent in regard to people as a whole, it is our ability to instantly find common ground when it comes to the things we love. Because there is something truly magical about seeing two strangers suddenly come together and form a friendship over the fact that they’re both football fans or share a fondness for a particular television series or movie franchise or are huge fans of a particular band. If anything, seeing people bond just like that over something so simple speaks to the power of the things we celebrate, especially when it comes to art in any form or fashion. Because the creative elements that flow through our world, unlock something special within us personally, and being able to share in their wonder with others and learn what it all means to someone else is truly a unique and powerful experience.
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Which is why we cry out about our love of a particular piece of art from the mountain top, so to speak, in order to bring joy to others and let them share in the wonder of what we’ve discovered as well. If anything, the art we love gives us a fascinating sense of peace and binds us to the point where we don’t quite feel alone in the world on those days when the going gets tough because it is always there for us, and there’s no way that we will ever lose the feelings of unity it sends our way. But what would happen if what we love disappeared from the face of the earth, and we were the only person who knew anything about it? Would we be able to handle being the only one out there to know of its magic, or would we find a way to share it with others somehow? Those are fascinating questions to say the least, the kind that fiction loves to explore, and it just so happens that director Danny Boyle’s latest film, Yesterday, examines a world where such a thing might happen in the most fascinating ways imaginable.

For this movie gives us a world where a freak event wipes the Beatles from the world’s collective memory and only one man, a struggling musician named Jack Malik, seems to remember them and he sees a grand opportunity to save his flailing career by giving the music of the Beatles back to the world and well, that’s a fascinating premise any way you slice it. And what originally attracted me to this film was the fact that at first glance, it really seemed as though it was going to offer up some juicy commentary on the world of music today and it definitely has something to say about that. For this movie does point out how the industry has lost its way when it comes to creativity since there are so many people involved now in putting together an album and the ‘product’ is of more concern than the music itself and while the little digs this story takes at the music biz are fascinating in their own right, they pale in comparison in regard to what this movie has to say about fame in the modern world.

Because this a story that truly encapsulates the ‘look at me’ era we are currently living within, and how everyone wants their ticket to stardom and they want it now and they want it quick and obviously for Jack, that comes about with no problem since the music of the Beatles resonates well in this alternate world. But what he is ill prepared for is the fallout of his quest for fame. For his best friend, Ellie Appleton, is deeply in love with Jack and stands by him at every turn and hopes he will wake up and see what he has in front of him. But rather than recognize her feelings, the work comes first and he hurts her by making that the only focal point in this life, and that’s a heartbreaking twist to inject into this tale and it is one that is definitely designed to reflect the journey of those who spend endless hours working to find fame on YouTube and Instagram and everything between. For these folks spend every waking moment on a platform, collecting likes and subscriptions over living their lives, which brings us to the most important analysis about art that this film has to offer.
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For this is a movie that really takes the time to examine not only the power of art, but what drives it and the hollow nature of Jack’s journey is a direct result of the fact that he ignores the most important part of music or writing, or anything in that vein in that; it requires an injection of one’s real life experiences to be truly successful. And I love how the story expresses this point by having Jack try and recapture the magic of some of these songs by visiting places the Beatles wrote about, and it’s also quite powerful how there’s a subtle lack of passion in his music until he begins to try and live his life a little bit. Which makes this entire segment of this story magnificent in its own right because it serves as an inspirational blueprint for anyone wanting to get into something creative since they can walk out of this film armed with the knowledge that living a rich life and injecting their emotion and their experiences into their work will not only make their art better, but it will also fulfill them in ways they never thought possible.

Which also speaks to the power of what the Beatles put together since their music often featured nuggets of everyday life and it was full of emotion and that’s why it makes sense to use their work as the centerpiece for this film since they are the greatest rock and roll band of all time, and their music truly transcends the human condition. But, all analysis aside, it takes a wonderful cast to engage an audience and make this wild premise work and this film succeeds in that goal as well. For Himesh Patel and Lily James are simply brilliant as Jack and Ellie respectively, and really all of these elements make Yesterday a motion picture that I highly recommend. Because this movie really is a delight to watch, and it is full of endearing moments, solid laughs and a great soundtrack and a plot that truly stays with you, long after the story has come to an end.   

After an experiment to end global warming has gone drastically wrong, the world falls into an ice age that has killed off most of the population on earth. With the only survivors finding safety on a train powered by a perpetual-motion engine, a class system has come back into effect. With the last group of survivors being pushed into the back of the train and being forced to fend for themselves, they know that life at the front of the train is much more luxurious and actually houses a standard of humanity that has been taken away from them.

After seventeen years of being stuck in their sub-par living conditions, Curtis and his good friend Edgar are planning on moving up, in life and in the train. With the back of the train's elder, Gilliam, pushing them towards a feat that has not been accomplished in several tries, Curtis has come up with a plan and will not stop until he reaches the front of the train. As a couple of revolts have failed in the past, Gilliam is sure that Curtis is the one that can fulfill his goal of getting to the front of the train and take the engine away from Mr. Wilford and bring peace and equality to the locomotive.

As Curtis and his followers are able to get through the first couple of cars with little opposition, they will need someone to help them get through the doors the rest of the way. Finding out that the man who created the locking systems on the train has been put in prison, the group sets out to free him and make it to the famed engine that has been nothing but a burden to them for most of their lives. With someone that knows the train and its systems, the group is able to move forward and is met in each car with a different set of challenges that costs several lives at each turn. As the train cannot be stopped since it is the only thing keeping them from freezing in the ice age, Curtis and his followers are looking for a way to make their current class system, just a little bit more fair.

Snowpiercer follows Curtis on his way to the front of the train to take control and make the living conditions more tolerable for everyone, especially the survivors in the back of the train. Being pushed by his longtime friend and mentor Gilliam on what needs to be done, Curtis will not allow himself to be stopped as his and his group's lives are being controlled by an unseen conductor. Moving up the train, car by car, the group of tail enders get to see what the better half on the train is accustomed to and that only drives their rage to take control of the massive locomotive. As each car shows a better way of living, it also comes with more difficult challenges that the group is forced to face, or be pushed back to their old way of living. Curtis is not detoured on his quest to the engine, but if he is able to take over the train, will he like what he has to become?

A very interesting apocalyptic movie that really does utilize the class system in a way that you would not expect, since most of the current movies and TV shows that deal with the end of the world, show people working together to survive. On the train, everyone serves a purpose, but it is only applied to the poor people that are kept at arm’s length at the back of the train. With plenty of action and violence, this movie will keep you watching, but there is one scene that will forever be lodged in my mind and that is when the train celebrates the New Year. Happy Viewing.

I’ve often approached films that are ‘based on a true story’ with a sense of detachment. Simply because of the fact that whether you like it or not, facts and events are always changed around when a film such as this arrives on the big screen, so as to provide the audience with an utterly entertaining experience, and while that’s not a bad thing, because Hollywood is Hollywood…it has prompted me to be a touch more selective when it comes to motion pictures grounded in reality.
 
Because despite the fact that glossing over the hard details is often the status quo, there are incredible movies to be found that truly encapsulate a person’s life or a series of moments and those are the stories that I seek out because the experience and power of those particular slices of life are sometimes what make cinema one of the most powerful storytelling tools out there and recently, I finally had the chance to see a film, that I originally missed in theaters, that is indeed a powerful and realistic re-telling of a dark chapter in American History in Patriots Day. 
 
Now the plot of this motion picture is in essence a grand re-telling of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing and well…truthfully speaking, the plot is immaterial since it takes a backseat to the human condition. Because it’s clear that director Peter Berg didn’t want to do a ‘by the numbers’ general re-hashing of this harrowing event, he wanted to truly take the audience into the moment itself and allow for us to experience the horror and the triumph of everything that happened when it came to this attack and when all is said and done, Mister Berg accomplished his mission. 

In fact, the push to make this story as realistic as possible is something that I truly appreciated. There’s a fair amount of the ‘mundane’ early on in the film which is in no way designed to bore or draw you out of the story. Instead this serves as a brilliant storytelling device, one that allows for the audience to instantly relate to the characters since hey, mundane is where we spend most of our time and by using such a device that early into the movie…it makes the actual bombing all the more terrifying. Suddenly you are plunged into a waking nightmare, one that holds nothing back when it comes to the injuries and the fear that people suffered through on this tragic day.
 
But what truly sets Patriots Day apart from other films in this vein, is the sheer hopefulness that comes out of the story’s darkest moments. Because once we are past the horrors of the attack, there’s real beauty to be found in seeing so many people band together to find the men responsible for this atrocity, and despite a few road bumps, there’s true unity and a sense that good triumphs over evil and it makes the finale of this film all the more satisfying as you bear witness to justice being served.
 
It’s a poignant film, one that not only chronicles a dark day in our nation’s history and the power that such events have over us, but it’s also one that reminds us that despite the worst intentions of awful people, they can never overcome the wonders we can achieve when we band together. If anything, this is truly a must-see film for all of the reasons that I’ve outlined so far, but also because it is a wonderful way to honor those who were lost on this tragic day by keeping their memory alive.

Despite the incredible wealth of motion pictures that Hollywood sends our way year after year, there are unfortunately quite a few screenplays out there that never make their way to the silver screen. This is an issue that can sometimes be related to timing for said screenplay, or the script itself needs plenty more work before it’s ready to be filmed. Or unfortunately, sometimes the story is ahead of its time and people aren’t quite ready to embrace its relevance.
 
These are the kinds of scripts that cause great debates at the big studios, as producers and executives wonder if the story in question can be presented to the masses and still be successful and alas, often times, if it cannot meet their criteria in the slightest, the studio passes and that wonderful script remains on a shelf. But a great story can never be held back for too long and when the story is powerful enough and intelligent enough, somehow, someway, it finds a way to be told and one such film that meets that criteria is the wonderfully brilliant film, Behind the Candelabra.
 
Released in 2013 on HBO, this particular tale takes us into the life and times of music sensation Liberace, and the incredible romance that he and a younger man named Scott Thorson shared from 1977-1982 and well…what makes this film so progressive and relevant to the times is the sheer fact that this is an up close and honest look at a homosexual relationship. There’s little held back in this motion picture, and we are privy to all the ups and downs of Scott and Liberace’s love and when all is said and done, this is an outright brilliant story. 

However, despite its brilliance this was not an easy story to bring to production. After all, and unfortunately, there was resistance to greenlight this film from the studios simply because the subject matter was more or less considered taboo, which is odd when one considers that this was a grand opportunity to do something bold and there was some serious star power attached to this movie as well. With Michael Douglas and Matt Damon in the lead roles and Steven Soderbergh behind the camera, and a chance to be a pioneer in the business, it should have been a no brainer to say yes to this one…and thankfully HBO did, when no one else would.
 
Because the end result of putting together this kind of talent with a quality story such as this, is an engaging tale that sucks you in by way of some dynamic characters who at their core, are flawed and broken, and really that makes this film a tragic love story when all is said and done, and it is that tragedy that is so incredibly compelling. All of the insecurities and worries that we experience in a relationship are on display here, and we are dropped right into the middle of a torrid love affair between two men who are desperate to be loved over anything else and their fear of being alone is what destroys the wonder of their love.
 
Of course, that kind of a story simply doesn’t work without incredible performances and Michael Douglas and Matt Damon are at their best here. Damon channels the naïveté of youth in wonderful fashion and Douglas, well he simply becomes Liberace to the point where there are moments when you don’t know where Douglas begins and Liberace ends. Either way, this is a wonderful motion picture, one that is clearly ahead of its time by presenting a homosexual couple as the people they are without the use of any gimmicks or stereotypes and it’s a film that needs to be seen and celebrated and if by chance you have HBO in any form or fashion, give it look, you won’t be disappointed. 

​The 1990's were a wonderful time for a pair of big time writers; Stephen King and Michael Crichton. Mister King's work was everywhere on television thanks to the incredibly popular T.V. adaptations of It and The Stand and Mister Crichton...well his ideas opened up Hollywood to all kinds of new possibilities with the 1993 big budget adaptation of Jurassic Park. 

The incredible success of that film prompted producers to snatch up the rights to more of his other works, leading to a surprise departure from action and adventure with the 1994 adaptation of Disclosure, since that film turned out to be quite the powerful drama. But it wasn't long before the industry returned to Michael's more visionary and incredible work with the 1995 release of the wild and adventurous film, Congo. 

In this film we are introduced to Doctor Karen Ross, a former employee of the CIA who left that cold life behind for a job in the private sector at a telecommunications company known as TraviCom. It's enigmatic and eccentric owner, R.B. Travis, is close to getting his hands on a rare blue diamond that will revolutionize the telecom industry. But when his son Charles, who also happens to be Karen's fiancé, goes missing in Zaire on an expedition to find those diamonds, it will be up to Karen to lead a team of soldiers, a thief and a group of scientists looking to return an ape to her home, to find the lost team and the diamond in question and what they will uncover on their journey...is the stuff of legend.

So let's get one thing out of the way. If you're looking for this particular film to be as cerebral as Jurassic Park, you've got another thing coming. This is hands down designed to be a fun romp through the jungle that is far more akin to an Indiana Jones film than a parable about playing God and let me say it now...this film definitely delivers on the fun. There's tons of exotic locales to be found, along with wonder and awe when the expedition team discover the Lost City of Zinj and let's be honest, you simply cannot go wrong with a motion picture that features killer apes that will do anything to protect their long lost master's treasure. Yet despite the fun to be had, many have pointed out, with good reason, the one real flaw in this film; its production quality.

Sure it's from Paramount, and sure it has a big budget. But at times, it truly feels like a low budget 80's flick, especially when one considers the apes in this film are people in suits and also considering some of the over the top performances from veterans Ernie Hudson and the legendary and late Tim Curry. Yet, those are elements that never were a detractor for me. It only added to the experience in my opinion, which makes Congo a must see in my eyes. It's a great popcorn flick, one that keeps the kernels flowing and one that never bores you when it comes to the story. Oh and as an added bonus, screen legend Bruce Campbell pops up in the movie as well, and his role is worth the price of admission alone. 

​Agent Sean Archer is on the man hunt once again for the man that killed his son. Castor Troy is running free on the streets and even with Archer keeping the chase alive, Troy does not give up on his aspirations of bringing death and despair to the city. With a bomb in place and knowing that there is no way that the police can find it, Castor is ready to leave on his jet plane to safety, but a little tip gives Archer the whereabouts of his greatest foe. Being able to stop Troy before he is able to escape the city, Archer now feels fulfilled in his duties to the service, and wants to make up for all of the lost time he has had with his family.

With only a few minutes to celebrate, Archer gets put back on the case after finding out that there is a bomb set to go off in the middle of the city. Being asked to join the hunt again, Archer is ashamed to see that his own agency is keeping Castor Troy alive for one reason, to use his face. Being asked to go under cover, Archer has to change everything about himself to assume the life and face of his greatest foe. Needing to protect the people of the city before the bomb goes off, Archer is put into the shoes of Castor Troy and embarks on the greatest assignment of his career.  

With his new face, Archer becomes the man he has hated for many years and has to befriend Troy’s brother. Getting the location of the bomb, Archer is ready to be taken out of his role as the criminal, but little does he know what has happened in the outside world. With Troy coming out of his coma and using the same practice that Archer did, there is a new sheriff in town, but it is not the same man behind the face. Archer has to find a way to get back to the land of the living and prove that he is the man under the mask, but with everything that Troy is changing, he will have little chance to do so.

Having to call on all of those he has been trying to lock up in the pursuit of Castor Troy, Archer has to find a way to get back in the government's good graces and get his face back. But Troy is aware of what is happening as well and turns his back on those he has loved and depended on for so many glorious years. Knowing where the hideouts are, Troy brings in task forces to bring them to the ground before Archer is able to use them for his own benefits. Refusing to fall into the full Castor Troy mold, Archer will not kill an officer that is doing his job, but when all of his new friends are killed in front of his eyes, Archer will have to change his tune to ensure his and his family’s survival throughout this body swapping ordeal that is Face/Off.  

When this movie first came out, I thought it was a silly idea. I mean, come on, who would want to change their face for any reason, but when the lives of many innocent people have been put at risk, I can see where it was going. The movie does start a little bit slow, with the exception of Castor Troy who seems to love his life, his work and everything that he can do to harm people, even a poor choir girl, but that is never enough, even for him. Sean Archer is a man of his own that will not give up at any point to make sure that his son’s life is avenged. I hate to say it but becoming the man he has hated for so many years makes him into a more dynamic character, and it seems to open his eyes to what is really in front of him. I do enjoy watching this movie whenever it is on, there are so many things you have to keep an eye on the background, and the more you find out, the better the story becomes. Happy Viewing.

There is nothing better than getting together with your friends and catching up on how life has been, especially if it has been a while since you have all seen each other. It is important to make time for your friends, especially when they are having a rough time in life, since having someone there that they can depend upon can help them get through just about anything. Spending time with your friends may not seem like something big, but when you look back on life, you will cherish those moments more than you can ever imagine.

Getting an invite for a special get together with his ex and friends, Will is not sure he really wants to attend. But with his new girlfriend Kira by his side, he knows that not much can go wrong. Driving up to his old house, Will hits a coyote and is forced to put it out of its misery. Arriving at the house, Will sees all of his old friends, but it is Eden, his ex, that he is most worried about seeing. With the way that their relationship ended, it has been hard for him to leave his feelings behind and move on with his life.

While the night is full of fun and wine, the group is curious as to why they have been invited to the house and their gracious host is ready to explain to them the reason for this little get together as David starts to tell the group about how he has started living his life. Putting in a DVD that shows a woman dying, the group’s mood drops drastically and the thought of Eden and David being in a cult has crossed the minds of all of their guests. Trying to lighten the mood, David decides to play a game that he and his group used to play after their sessions. But once again, this creates more uncomfortable feelings towards Eden and David, along with their two follower friends.

Being in the old house has Will out of sorts as he cannot erase the memories that he and Eden shared. After losing their son, Will has had a difficult time making life worth living, but seeing that Eden has forgotten all about it is driving him mad. Looking around the house, Will notices other changes since there are now bars on the windows and the doors are locked all the time. Believing that there is something more sinister in place for the night, Will is no longer able to bite his tongue and lets loose on his ex and the cult that she has joined. But when Will is proven wrong with his theory, he is forced by his friends to retract his accusation, but it might not have been so farfetched as the night moves on and the wine is poured from a sacred stash.

If you're a fan of movies that fly through the plot, or stories with a little action, you may find yourself pleasantly surprised with the thoughtfulness and slow pacing of this one. You get to see the pain that being in the old house has brought Will and when you see him try to keep Eden from committing suicide, you quickly understand that there has been a massive change in their relationship. The conversations with the group are just fantastic and when they are having a good time, you get to laugh along with them. Watching as Will is forced to deal with his inner demons is the best part of this film however, and while he shows so much distrust for his hosts David and Eden that seems unwarranted, his first impressions turn out to be right. With some preaching, a cult, one of my favorite character actors and some blood, this movie has plenty to be thankful for and shows how powerful the ‘word’ can actually be.  

If there one’s thing that I think every fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe can agree upon, it’s that Avengers: Endgame, was an outright masterpiece. Because it beautifully wove together eleven years of incredible stories and provided us with a moving ending that truly signaled the end of something special and the start of something new and it is a film that will be fawned over for generations. Yet, while this film is adored by so many, its ending leaves fans everywhere with a big question going forward, in that, is it possible for Marvel to maintain its high level of quality storytelling, now that this incredible storyline has come to a close?
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It’s a legitimate worry to have because by virtue, franchises only have so much life left in them, and while there are some dynamic movies on the horizon complete with a new guard of majestic heroes taking over for the old, we’re all dying to know if these new entries will continue to thrill and resonate with audiences. And as it turns out, the first real test of the future of the MCU came to fruition this weekend with the release of Spider-Man: Far from Home, and while Peter Parker’s new adventures in this storied franchise have already seen some big time success, this is the first MCU movie to be truly free of the guise of the Avengers, and if this closing chapter of the Infinity Saga is any indication, the future of the MCU is going to be very bright indeed.

Because this is a motion picture that doesn’t forget in the slightest what makes the MCU so great in the first place, which means that this movie this all about having fun. In fact, I have to admit that I was quite impressed with the genuine sense of adventure that this movie provides the audience with because we really do go on one heck of a ride with young Peter Parker and this grandiose journey is further enhanced by the fact that there are plenty of laughs to be found in this story, to the point where the jokes bring tears to your eyes and while those elements make this movie worth your while on their own, thankfully, the movie has far more to offer the audience than some quality chuckles. 

For this is a film that takes the time to challenge Peter Parker and everything he stands for and his journey and struggle in this story is what stood out as the best part of this movie, in my humble opinion. Because Peter is truly put to the test in this tale, and he has to figure out how to juggle grief, and his career as a superhero and his everyday life all at the same time and that’s oddly relatable since we have all been there at some point or another in our lives, fighting to keep it together when others need us. And injecting a touch of realism such as that into a story as grandiose as this was simply brilliant to say the least since it invests you in Peter’s journey like never before.
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Yet, while all of these elements speak to the future of the MCU, since this movie clearly works to try new things with big time characters, it is important to note that this is a Marvel story that also does a fine homage of paying respect to the roots of the franchise. Which quite frankly is important because this story could have worked to separate itself from the twenty-two films that came before it and head into a bold new direction immediately. But by taking the time to address the grave losses everyone endured in Endgame, the franchise hammers home the point that the MCU will forever be connected to its origins and that the contributions of these incredible characters will never be forgotten and that adds a wonderful depth to this story that I wasn’t expecting to find.

Yet, you’ve probably noticed at this point that we’ve talked little about Mysterio and his role in this story and there’s good reason for that, because doing so would bring about all kinds of spoilers and ruin the surprises that this story has to offer and that’s not something I’m willing to do because you outright need to experience this movie in theaters as soon as humanly possible. For this really is a charming and wonderful film, one that makes you laugh, and borderline makes you cry by way of the wonderful and heartfelt moments you share with these dynamic characters. And what matters most, is that Far from Home allows for you to feel comfortable and secure in the fact that the Marvel Cinematic Universe is not only going to provide us with everything we love about it going forward, it’s also going to add new depth to its stories and I cannot wait to see where the journey takes us in Phase 4 and beyond.