{"id":84045,"date":"2026-10-21T22:11:49","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T05:11:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/?page_id=84045"},"modified":"2026-10-22T02:51:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-22T09:51:30","slug":"reviews","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/?page_id=84045","title":{"rendered":"Reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Film Reviewer: Anthony R. Lacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Excellent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Good<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u2b50 Just Okay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Bad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udf7f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83c\udfa5 Street Fighter \u2b50\u2b50 1\/2<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Was it cheesy? Yes. Was it funny? Yes. Was the cast good? Yes. Did some of them overact? Yes. Favorites: Noah Centineo\u2019s Ken, David Dastmalchian\u2018s M. Bison, Vidyut Jammwal\u2019s Dhalsim and Jason Mamoa\u2019s Blanka\u2014minus a couple lines of dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Avengers Endgame: Encore \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Buddy \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Horror chaos in the form of a children\u2019s television show. Buddy tried something new, and landed the mark. Incredibly funny and often disturbing, this is one to watch\u2014particularly if you grew up in the eras of Barney and Teletubbies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Spider-Man: Brand New Day \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spider-Man: Brand New Day<\/em> is my favorite Tom Holland Spider-Man film next Spider-Man: No Way Home<\/em>. What surprised me most is just how much I enjoyed the film\u2019s ground-level approach. After everything Peter Parker has experienced, there\u2019s something refreshing about seeing Spider-Man operating closer to the streets again, dealing with threats and problems that feel more personal and immediate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Holland continues to prove why he\u2019s such a great Peter Parker. There\u2019s a maturity to his performance here that reflects everything the character has been through, while still keeping the humor and heart that has defined his version of Spider-Man.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Holland is also surrounded by a fantastic ensemble. Sadie Sink\u2019s character is one of the film\u2019s biggest emotional surprises. Her presence gives the story another interesting layer that really works. Her character feels important beyond just one movie, and I\u2019m genuinely excited to see what Marvel does with her moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zendaya and Jacob Batalon as MJ and Ned deserve a lot of credit as well. They contribute something meaningful to the overall story, and that ensemble chemistry in front and behind the camera helps carry the film through its emotional and action-heavy moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the film\u2019s biggest strengths is Destin Daniel Cretton\u2019s direction. You can feel the same energy and confidence he brought to Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings<\/em>, particularly when the action kicks in. Cretton understands how to stage superhero combat in a way that feels dynamic, and he brings that same skill to Spider-Man. The action feels appropriately spectacular without losing the street-level flavor that makes this movie stand out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also really enjoyed how Brand New Day<\/em> takes elements that Marvel has established on Disney+ and successfully elevates them for the big screen. The use of The Punisher and The Hand are great examples of this. Rather than feeling like a simple crossover for the sake of fan service, the film finds a way to make that corner of the MCU feel bigger and more cinematic. It shows how the theatrical and Disney+ sides of Marvel can complement each other when the integration is handled properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And then there\u2019s the future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brand New Day<\/em> leaves you with thoughts about where things are going next, and that\u2019s a good thing. There are larger implications that make you want to immediately start speculating about what comes next. It feels like Marvel is planting seeds for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I hope Tom Holland sticks around for multiple more Spider-Man<\/em> films. There\u2019s still so much potential with his Peter Parker, and I\u2019d love to see Holland eventually help usher in Miles Morales when the time is right. Having Holland\u2019s Peter grow into an even more experienced Spider-Man before crossing paths with Miles could be an incredibly rewarding direction for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, Spider-Man: Brand New Day<\/em> is a surprisingly refreshing chapter for the MCU that fires on all cylinders. It brings Spider-Man back down to street level while still feeling connected to the much larger Marvel universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is the kind of Spider-Man movie that makes me excited about what comes next!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Odyssey \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Resident Evil \u2b50\u2b50 1\/2<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Outside of a couple of well-crafted jump scares, Resident Evil<\/em> isn\u2019t particularly scary or unsettling. The protagonist is likable, but doesn\u2019t seem scared enough and acts silly throughout. That silliness makes this film funnier than scary. Not bad, but not great either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Hope \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first half of Hope<\/em> is tense, edge-of-your-seat entertainment . Well directed. Second half drags a bit, but introduces interesting elements. Nice creature designs with \u201cpretty good\u201d VFX. The ending is disappointingly abrupt. Sets up lore that needs exploration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Fantastic Four: First Steps \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Fantastic Four: First Steps<\/em> is a successful reintroduction of Marvel\u2019s first family into the MCU, it\u2019s also a visually bold and confidently performed ensemble film that lays a promising foundation for future entries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director Matt Shakman brings a clear sense of style and visual identity to the film, crafting a world that feels distinct within the broader Marvel landscape. There\u2019s a crispness to the direction that elevates key action sequences and quieter character moments alike, and the film manages to balance its grand cosmic scale with grounded emotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The casting is uniformly strong, with no weak links in the ensemble. Pedro Pascal delivers a standout performance as Reed Richards, bringing intellectual gravitas and nuance to the role. It’s a performance that doesn\u2019t feel like a movie star in a superhero suit; Pascal disappears into the character and sets exactly the right tone for the team’s reluctant, cerebral leader.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the film\u2019s biggest triumphs is its depiction of Galactus. Long considered a challenging character to bring to live-action, Galactus is both visually stunning and imposing. Ralph Ineson\u2019s voice performance adds a chilling, commanding presence throughout the film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Julia Garner\u2019s take on Silver Surfer is another highlight. While her scenes are memorable and beautifully executed, a few additional moments with her character could have deepened her arc and connection to the narrative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The costume design is another area where First Steps<\/em> excels, delivering faithful yet modernized interpretations that feel both functional and stylish. They look right at home within the universe the film builds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a confident, well-crafted entry into the Marvel canon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Superman \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

James Gunn\u2019s Superman<\/em> arrives with the monumental task of redefining the Man of Steel for a new era, and for the most part, it soars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Corenswet is a revelation as Superman and Clark Kent. He brings the heart that defines the character, delivering a performance that feels fresh. He\u2019s the Superman many fans have been waiting for. Rachel Brosnahan matches him perfectly as Lois Lane, bringing intelligence and authenticity to the role. Their chemistry makes their partnership, which is both romantic and professional, entirely believable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nicholas Hoult plays an interesting, if slightly underdeveloped, Lex Luthor. Hoult brings energy to the role, but the film never fully explores Lex\u2019s motivations, leaving his vendetta against Superman feeling somewhat hollow. A more seasoned or visually older actor may have also brought added weight to the character\u2019s menace, but Hoult does fine with what he\u2019s given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the supporting heroes, Edi Gathegi stands out as Mr. Terrific. His performance is strong, offering a form of superhero redemption after his mishandling as Darwin in X-Men: First Class<\/em>. Other characters like Green Lantern (Guy Gardner), Hawkgirl, and Metamorpho serve their purpose but don\u2019t leave much impact. Krypto the Superdog is fun at times, though perhaps feels a bit out of place at times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The emotional heart of the film comes through in Clark\u2019s connection to his adoptive parents. One touching scene between Pa Kent and Clark hits all the right notes; it\u2019s simple, heartfelt, and grounded in what makes Superman human at heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Visually, the film is impressive. The VFX are well-crafted and the action sequences are thrilling without being overwhelming. Gunn captures the majesty of Superman\u2019s flight with breathtaking cinematography and thoughtful framing that lets those moments shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While Gunn\u2019s direction is assured, and his track record with Guardians of the Galaxy<\/em> speaks for itself, some of his trademark humor feels a bit mismatched here. The film leans more heavily into profanity than one might expect for a Superman story, which slightly undercuts the hopeful, all-ages tone often associated with the character.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, Superman<\/em> is a strong reboot with a lot of heart, which lays a promising foundation for the DC Universe. It doesn\u2019t hit every note perfectly, but with Corenswet\u2019s pitch-perfect performance and Gunn\u2019s confident direction, it delivers a Superman worth believing in again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Thunderbolts* \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thunderbolts* is like a good therapy session. It deals with past traumas, and rising above them. Great cast chemistry; there are no weak links here. Sentry looks cool and translates well. Good direction. This gave me old school MCU feels, while also feeling like a fresh start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Sinners \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ryan Coogler has made a special film and executed it in a way that’s palatable to general audiences. Without losing his unique flare, this film plays like a period piece drama that shifts midway into an entirely different beast. The cast is A+ and the world-building makes me want to see more. Some good scares and creepy visuals too – an all around good time at the movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 A Minecraft Movie \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong>\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A fun time at the movies. The cast and overall humor makes it worth a watch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Ash \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s not a ton of originality in Flying Lotus’ sci-fi horror film, but he’s still a director to keep an eye on. Nice visuals (and one particular kill) compliment the barely there plot and wooden acting. I would’ve preferred to watch this story play out in real time with the supporting cast fully involved, but it plays through flashbacks\/memories. With a better script, this could’ve been something special. Positive: Great practical effects with well-executed visual effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 In The Lost Lands \u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This feels like a film that was shot entirely in a studio against a green screen. Director Paul W.S. Anderson seems to be doing a lot with a low budget. Dave Bautista (in particular) and Milla Jovovich do well in their roles, with the rest of the cast leaving a lot to be desired. While the direction is competent enough, the overall film feels quite bland. Plot is loose and nothing compelling. The VFX are hit or miss, but I can appreciate the efforts made for what appears to be a lower budgeted film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Ne Zah 2 \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Impressive animation. Runtime could be a lot shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX – Beginning \u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I fell asleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Captain America: Brave New World \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just okay, but not great. Anthony Mackie did well and carried the movie with Harrison Ford, Carl Lumbly and Danny Ramirez. The remaining supporting cast did not come off strong. Julius Onah’s direction was fine, although not very cinematic. My issue with this film and The Marvels<\/em> is that major pieces of development are covered in Disney Plus shows and not on the big screen. Falcon and the Winter Soldie<\/em>r should’ve been Sam Wilson’s first film officially becoming Captain America, with the introductions of Isaiah Bradley and Joaquin Torres. The important stuff is happening off screen for a percentage of the audience. Moving on, Red Hulk looked awesome. Sam’s fight with him was believable enough, and had some thrilling parts, although it was a bit anti-climatic. Even with the introduction of legendary metal alloy, the plot of this movie in itself isn’t very interesting. The after-credits scene was a waste of time, especially for being at the very end of the film. What happened to leaving the theater with goosebumps? That said, Sam Wilson is a capable Captain America, and I’m invested as his journey throughout Avengers: Doomsday<\/em> and Secret Wars<\/em>. I’m just not sure if more sequels are necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Wolf Man\u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Has a nice atmosphere and creepiness to it. Not the biggest fan of the Wolf Man design. Good cast, good direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Wicked \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande make a powerful duo in director Jon M. Chu’s Broadway musical adaption. Nothing to critique here, it’s top tier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Nosferatu \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boring, but filmed well. Robert Eggers’ The Northman<\/em> is one of my favorite films of all time, but Nosferatu<\/em> didn’t connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Kraven the Hunter<\/strong> \u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boring, uninspired, lame use of R rating. Aaron Taylor-Johnson is a strong point, and that’s about it. Comic book elements are appreciated, but also feel out of place with the rest of the film. Directing is standard with no visual flare. Cast seems bored out of their minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Too long, too slow, too boring. Animation is just okay. Watch the more enjoyable The Lord of the Rings<\/em> (1978) animated movie instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Gladiator II<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A worthy sequel. ‘Nuff said!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Elevation<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few cool moments and visuals. The monstrous antagonists are visually interesting and well conceptualized. Simple and straight-forward plot which sets up questions that’ll never be answered. Pacing could be better, especially in the middle section – I fell asleep. Anthony Mackie and Morena Baccarin do well as leads. Worth a trip to the theater? I’d wait for streaming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> My Hero Academia: You’re Next<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Venom: The Last Dance<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’m not a an of the trilogy overall, but The Last Dance<\/em> is probably my favorite amongst the three, if not tied with the first (I really disliked Let There Be Carnage<\/em>). Some fun moments, particularly those involving other symbiotes. The cast were okay, but nothing spectacular. Direction was fine, with some cool visuals and eye-catching character moments. Mrs. Chen is always fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Wild Robot<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Deadpool & Wolverine \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A love letter to Marvel Comic and the 20th Century Fox era, Deadpool & Wolverine<\/em> from director Shawn Levy has a lot of laughs, heart & charm. Ryan Reynolds continues his hysterical run as the merc with a mouth and Hugh Jackman brings a lot of gravitas with his eXcellent portrayal as Logan across the multiverse. The plot could’ve been stronger. While it didn’t give me everything<\/em> I wanted (the X-Men), the comic book references, cameos, and surprise supporting characters made it a fun experience and worthy of four stars. The credits sequence was also very moving – nostalgia definitely tugs at the heart. This is fan-service done (mostly) right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I watched English dub and thought voice cast did well, particularly the lead character. Good animation with thrilling and intense game sequences. Reminds you what being part of a team involves: dedication and hard work. Some portions lag and could be edited tighter, but not a big issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes \u2b50\u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right up there with one of the better Planet of the Apes films. Storyline kept me engaged, I really connected with the characters and their relationships with each other. The film is structured in a classic way that feels like comfort entertainment. Excellent voice cast and VFX to match. A beautiful film. I want to see where the story goes. I didn’t feel any particular way about the human lead initially, but found myself being interested in what she represents by the end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Furiosa: A Max Max Saga \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anya Taylor-Joy handles the fury well, and is able to slide into the different sides of her character. Chris Hemsworth is a highlight, putting in one of his best performances. Director George Miller once again delivers a solid looking film with intense action sequences. Young Furiosa actor didn’t get equal billing – she was great and carried a chunk of the film. Also, Charlize Theron should’ve portrayed Furiosa in the 3rd act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Mars Express \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Excellent animation compliments a thrilling story. You forget you’re watching animation, easily immersed in this interesting world and its characters. The ending left me somewhat unsatisfied and I was left wanting more …aka I need a sequel, pronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Fall Guy \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nice chemistry between stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt. A few laughs, and a thrilling third act. I was bored during a lot of this movie. I am facinated by the art of filmmaking, but the premise here wasn’t too intriguing at all. Needed a different plot point entirely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Spy x Family Code: White \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well directed and edited. A great ensemble cast that has chemistry to match. No weak links here, everyone pulls their weight. I liked spending time with these characters and seeing them enact their mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> X-Men ’97 (Disney+) \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As with the original series, X-Men ’97<\/em> is an eXcellent adaption of the comics, from Claremont era and beyond. Beau DeMayo has crafted a compelling series that brings character drama, emotion, and kinetic action that every mutant fan craves. Lenore Zann (Rogue), Alison Sealy-Smith (Storm), and Cal Dodd (Wolverine) are standouts in voicework. Major stories are adapted in quick succession which could create confusion for the casual viewer, but for a fan who’s familiar with the comic book storylines, it works. It’s like a Cliff’s Notes version that hits major points without resting with it for too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Arcadian \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cast commits to their roles and have good chemistry. The creature designs are scary, unique and very intriguing. They carry a physical trait that makes them absolutely terrifying and deadly. I have many questions about what they and where they came from. Hard to see clearly during many scenes with the creatures. Likely due to lower budget and needing to hide VFX. Opening scenes with running cameraman were hard on the eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Dune: Part Two \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Expertly shot and well crafted. This is quality on the screen in epic scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Monkey Man \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A well-directed debut from Dev Patel, Monkey Man tells a simple, well-executed story. By the end I was wanting a comic book series or continuing streaming series. Personally, I see potential in the Monkey Man IP, even if it didn’t make a big splash at the box office. A good time at the movies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Argylle<\/strong> \u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cast and their chemistry was good. Matthew Vaughn’s overall vibe is fun. There was an effect used throughout the film of blinking eyes from the perspective of the lead character. While interesting to begin with, it was used so often throughout the film that it became annoying and visually jarring at times. The film would’ve benefited from a lot of editing, pairing it down and cutting away at scenes that didn’t progress the story forward. This felt long, like a chore to get through.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Beekeeper<\/strong> \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Madame Web \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Patrick Wilson is easily the best part. While Momoa did great in the first film as Arthur Curry, here he’s left to his own devices and essentially plays himself. Black Manta serves as a good enough villain, but is paired with a crew of henchmen I found to be silly. Mera is kinda just there, nothing more than an extended cameo, but she gets a couple nice action scenes. Aquaman 2 would\u2019ve benefited from a better script and better acting (with the exception of Wilson). Director James Wan brings the great visuals once again, but the heart of the first film is lacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Godzilla Minus One \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unexpectedly my favorite Godzilla film! The film takes itself seriously, offering some truly thrilling sequences. The cast bring their A game, working well together, and effectively displaying the terror Godzilla can bring. The visual effects on the title Kaiju were well realized. It was powerful seeing how Godzilla amps up to unleash their atomic breath. Things got particularly emotional when viewing the after effects of such immense power. When it clicks, it clicks. The visuals, and big, booming score worked in harmony, with an excellent sound design pulling the entire thing together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> The Marvels \u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not terrible by any means, but not particularly amazing either. It’s simply a “fine” entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I’d rate it above Ant-Man and the Wasp Quantumania<\/em> and Thor: Love & Thunder<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cast do what they can with a lacking script. Iman Vellani is a standout as Kamala Kahn, Ms. Marvel. Her energy was infectious and she has great comedic timing. Brie Larson was fine as Captain Marvel, but she would’ve benefited from a better written role. Teyonah Parris makes an effort to be the middle grounded, level-headed person of the group as Monica Rambeau. How she uses her powers in the film are visually interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, I didn’t get a sense of Nia DaCosta’s visual flare. This felt like a pretty standard MCU entry. Relying so much on Disney+ characters will hurt this film with general audiences who don’t watch the shows. The film attempts to fill us in on Kamala and Monica’s situations, but it’s so rushed, it seems disjointed for those not already familiar with every MCU event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zawe Ashton’s villainous Dar-Benn came off as quite generic, and sometimes her acting was not the best. But I appreciate that we’re given some backstory on why she’s the antagonist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The credits scene was super cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did this version of a Captain Marvel<\/em> sequel need to exist? I’m not sure, but at least it opens the door for exciting stories down the line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Blue Beetle \u2b50\u2b50\u2b501\/2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A well-made and refreshing cinematic entry for DC. Director Angel Manuel Soto really brought his A-game with this, including Xolo Maridue\u00f1a as Jaime Reyes and the eXcellent cast portraying his familia. The film is well balanced with comedy and drama, and when the drama hits, it’s effective. The silly moments in the film are just that, and you’ll probably get a laugh or chuckle out of them. Susan Sarandon seemed to be having fun as Victoria Kord, the villain. Raoul Max Trujillo as Carapax was well-realized, and I appreciate the director for taking the time to show his backstory. This film feels like it was handled with care, providing emotion, and lots of laughs. Jaime Reyes should definitely stick around in James Gunn’s DCU!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Classic Ninja Turtles with some added layers. This film was handled very well, from the stunning animation to the effective voicework. We get to take a deep dive into how the Turtles feel about living in the sewers, and not being part of society. These scenes are when the film really soars, bringing a new layer of emotion of the characters. The soundtrack was great – particularly in the beginning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> The Flash \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A well-made film packed with emotion and action. There are no weak links in this cast; Ezra Miller handles the comedy as well as the drama. Michael Keaton and Sacha Calle provide excelent backup as Batman and Supergirl, respectively. Director Andy Muschietti handles the topics of mental health, loss, and grieving with expert skill. Speaking of Muschietti, it’s a well-directed film. The creative choices for the visual effects were interesting, and most of it<\/em> looked fine. Highlights: Ben Affleck’s always great as Batman, and I think he bowed out (for now) with a great action-sequence and important character-building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I consider the first ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ as one of the best animated films ever, so its sequel, ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ had a high bar to reach. Did it? It did! While it’s not as good as the first, imo, it’s right behind it – it’s so good and visually entertaining! Love seeing all the different Spider-People; my favorites were Spider-Punk and Spider-Byte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5<\/strong> Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Director James Gunn elevates the Marvel Cinematic Universe experience with an emotional conclusion to his cosmic trilogy. A tale about family, friends, and dealing with loss, it effortlessly blends dramatic elements with the comedy we come to expect from this series. Every character gets to shine here, including having at least one cool action scene moment. I thought Dave Bautista was funny and charming as Drax. Adam Warlock was sort of just there, but Will Poulter did well with what he was given, and the opening fight scene with him packed a punch. Rocket Racoon is at the heart of this story, and every single scene involving him was pure cinematic magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 The Super Mario Bros. Movie \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is fan-service done right! There is so much fun to be had with this film, including all the easter eggs and references. I suppose it’s understandable how this might not have much of a plot for people who’ve never played the games, but if you did play them, and are a fan, it’s definitely a good time. Had a smile on my face throughout the entire thing – my childhood! The voice cast did a great job, with my favorite being Jack Black as Bowser. The animation was epic and handled perfectly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visual effects and world-building are top-notch, but the cast is where this film truly shines. Chris Pratt and Michelle Rodriguez share great chemistry and are a joy to watch. Justice Smith and Reg\u00e9-Jean Page are fun standouts. Criticisms: I wish there were more scenes with dragons. The action sequences themselves aren’t very memorable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 John Wick 4 \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some of the action scenes go on for a bit too long, John Wick 4 is an epic display of martial arts and stunt work. Keanu Reeves returns to form with an engaging supporting cast of characters you actually care about. Expertly filmed with stunning choreographed sequences, it keeps you on the edge of your seat!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Shazam! Fury of the Gods \u2b50\u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On-par with the first film. Most of the cast did well, although Lucy Liu seemed to phone-in her performance. The visual effects were great, and there were some nice action scenes. Sadly felt the “surprise cameo” at the end felt uneven, rushed, and like a cheap SNL sketch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfa5 Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania \u2b50<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoyed the first Ant-Man, but the sequel and this film get a thumbs down from me. The Quantum realm never felt real. Kang wasn’t that compelling, if we’re being honest. Some of the dialogue was way too silly. On a positive note, I did like the sequence where multiple Scott Langs work together like ants. William Jackson Harper and Katy M. O’Brian were also nice additions to the film – I wouldn’t mind seeing more from their characters in the MCU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Ratings Scale<\/strong> \u2705<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Excellent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Good<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50\u2b50 Just Okay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2b50 Bad<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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Film Reviewer: Anthony R. Lacy \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Excellent \u2b50\u2b50\u2b50 Good \u2b50\u2b50 Just Okay \u2b50 Bad \ud83c\udf7f…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-84045","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/84045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=84045"}],"version-history":[{"count":29,"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/84045\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":84112,"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/84045\/revisions\/84112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/x-menfilms.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=84045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}