'Finding Dory' Review

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It's been thirteen years since Finding Nemo was released in theaters and became one of the most beloved animated films of all time. Even though I was only seven years old at the time, I remember the day I went to go see that movie. I was picked up early from school by my parents, along with my brother and cousin, and we headed off to the Muvico theater in Miami (now Cinemark). Why this particular memory has remained with me for the last thirteen years? I have no idea. Maybe because it was one of my earliest experiences in the theater, or the fact that I just had such a good time watching it, but even then I feel like I'm missing something. I think it had to do with the characters that were introduced in this film, along with the stunning animation. So many different characters with different personalities, and the way the setting sucked you into the film. You feel as if you're going on this adventure in the ocean, meeting all of these different characters and forming this bond along the way. It's a very hard balance to hit for most films, but Disney and Pixar hit the spot nearly every time. That's why, thirteen years later, I hoped they could do it again with a new story and new characters. Could they capture that magic once again?

Finding Dory centers around Dory's quest to find her parents, with the help of Marlin, Nemo and some new charming characters, whom she begins to remember. The film begins by taking us into Dory's past and we see her as a baby with her family. Very early on we see her parents explaining Dory's condition to her, trying to use different ways to help her remember certain things. We then see how they came to be separated, followed by Dory and Marlin's first meeting from the previous film, to present day. On her quest, Dory begins to remember bits and pieces of her past that help her figure out who her parents are, what they looked like and where they live. Unfortunately, as we see in the trailer, Dory gets taken, much like Nemo. Now, we have Marlin and Nemo trying to rescue Dory, while she is on her own journey to find her parents. Some of the characters we meet that aid Dory in the film are Bailey the beluga (Ty Burrell), Destiny the whale shark (Kaitlin Olson) and Hank the octopus (Ed O'Neil).

One of the things I was most worried about going into this film, as I mentioned above, was if this film would be able to capture that same fun, emotional, heartfelt vibe that Finding Nemo did. Many times, sequels that take thirteen years to develop and finally be released don't always live up to those expectations. However, Finding Dory definitely did. From the very beginning, you really cannot tell that it's been so long since the first film. Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks didn't miss a beat. It honestly felt as if they recorded this back in 2004 and just waited an extra twelve years to release the film. That charming humor was still there and didn't become to overwhelming, which meant that there was a great story to be told and they weren't just relying on laughs, and that was another worry going into this film. Was this story going to be the same thing all over again, just with Dory? The answer is a resounding NO. While there may be a couple of similar beats, Finding Dory can stand alone and brings a lot of new things to this story. Also, the new characters that we meet in the film, mainly Daisy, Bailey and Hank, are fantastic characters. Each has their heroic moments in the film, along with some great laughs. What else would you expect from the stars of Modern Family and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia? My only gripe with this film is the Fast and the Furious moment towards the end of the third act. I understand its an animated film and we're in a world in which animals can talk, but this was just a little too out there for me. With that being said, it didn't take away from the film by any means, it was just one of those moments that you would've been fine had it been taken out.

Aside from the general plot of the film, there's also a very sobering narrative about having a disability. It's felt primarily in the beginning of the film, when Dory is a baby and when she's trying to find her parents. There's a line where she says, "But...what if I forget you?" We see Dory as this funny, well-meaning and forgetful character, that we sometimes forget that she's dealing with something that makes it very hard to make it out in the world. But, throughout the film, we see that Dory has the ability to not only be useful, after a certain character says she isn't able to do certain things, but be the one that can save the day. Again, this is Disney succeeding in bringing in very real adult themes, yet presenting them in such a way that kids can understand and showing that it is possible to overcome obstacles in life.

Once again, Disney and Pixar have hit their mark and have given us a worthy sequel in Finding Dory. They were able to capture the magic from the first film and present it to a new generation that I'm sure will fall in love with it. The new characters are a perfect fit in this world and the story is one that we can all appreciate in some way. If you have yet to see Finding Dory, I highly recommend it. My only advice to you is this: DO NOT see this movie around lunchtime on a weekend, unless you want kids yelling throughout the whole film. I understand the film is for kids, but my generation has been waiting for this movie for thirteen years, so we get a pass for feeling this way, right? Maybe I'm just getting old and bitter way too early.

'Finding Dory' Remains in the Top Spot at the Box Office

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Friday saw the premiere of Independence Day: Resurgence, the sequel to 1996's blockbuster hit Independence Day. There was a lot of skeptical voices surrounding this film, first with the absence of Will Smith and then the fact that there were no advance screenings for the press. From the trailers themselves, the general public seemed to be hesitant about the film. Now, we can finally look at the opening day numbers, and its safe to say that Independence Day: Resurgence did not have the showing it was hoping for, projected to rake in an estimated $43 million. On the other hand, Finding Dory continues to dominate.

After a $136.2 million opening weekend, the sequel to 2003's Finding Nemo is projected to make an estimated $75 million. To be fair, it really hasn't had any viable opponents this weekend. The Shallows was not going to unseat Finding Dory, nor was it going to be a big draw at the box office. Matthew McConaughey's Free State of Jones actually made less than The Shallows, which is only estimated to rake in $8 million this weekend. The only film that had any chance of surpassing the animated film was going to be Independence Day: Resurgance, but that is definitely not going to happen.

Disney continues to dominate the box office, which is why the release date for Finding Dory was perfect. Kids are out of school, its summer and it'll be seeing some repeat viewings. Also, the previous generation that saw the previous film as a child will most definitely be checking this film out as well, so Disney is utilizing nostalgia as well to dominate the box office. We should see the same thing with Toy Story 4 and Incredibles 2. Both have the appeal to kids and adults, and both have had quite a few years since their last film.

Finding Dory will probably see its reign as box office champ come to an end next weekend when Steve Spielberg's The BFG hits theaters. However, that will not matter in the least to Disney since they'll be handing over the top spot to themselves once again. This is the year of the mouse and we're a long way away from it being over.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - A New Hero Featurette [HD]

A new featurette has been released for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the first stand alone film in the Harry Potter universe. Here, author J.K. Rowling discusses the story, along with Eddie Redmayne who plays the role of Newt Scamander, a "magizoologist" and author of the titular book used by Harry Potter in Hogwarts.

Taking place in New York in the year 1926, Newt Scamander arrives in the city with his case of magical creatures, which contains various habitats and creatures gathered from around the globe. Scamander then discovers that the wizarding community in the United States is fearful of the No-Maj folk (Muggles) and the consequences of exposure are even more dangerous than in the UK. I don't think a stern talking-to by a professor will suffice in this part of the world. We'll then see what happens when these creatures escape from Scamander's case and roam the streets.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them stars Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, The Danish Girl), Katherine Waterston (Steve Jobs), Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Dan Fogler (Fanboys, Kung Fu Panda), Colin Farrell (Total Recall, The Lobster), Jenn Murray (Brooklyn), Jon Voight (Heat, Mission: Impossible), Carmen Ejogo (Selma), Gemma Chan (Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit), and Faith Wood-Blagrove.

Directed by David Yates, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits theaters on November 18, 2016.

'X-Men: Apocalypse' Review

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First of all, I blame lackluster reviews for me taking so long to see this film. Sometimes, we rely too often on the Tomatometer and the reviews of our favorite critics and media personalities. This was a case in which I was fooled by both, as well as box office numbers. The two previous X-Men films (First Class, Days of Future Past) garnered praise from both audiences and critics alike, but the reception to X-Men: Apocalypse is split right down the middle. It currently sits at a 47% on Rotten Tomatoes and a 52% on Metacritic, which I really don't understand. So, without further ado, lets talk about the latest installment in the franchise.

X-Men: Apocalypse takes place in 1983, 10 years after the previous film and sees the return of the first mutant, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac), as he wreaks havoc on the world with his four followers because he feels that mankind has lost its way. One of the main things that excited fans about this film was the introduction of some iconic characters including Scott Summers (Tye Sheridan), Jean Grey (Sophie Turner), and Nightcrawler (Kodi Smit-McPhee). One of the things that this film did a great job of was organically introducing each of these new characters. It reminded me of the way Joss Whedon handled the introductions in The Avengers. Everyone was in different parts of the world, yet nothing seemed out of place, and that really helped set the tone of the film early on. In fact, the story structure early on closely resembled The Avengers with the way they introduced the villain in the first scene, followed by a battle and then the introduction of new and old characters. The most interesting being the whereabouts of Magneto, which I won't spoil, but I'll just say this: forest scene.

As the film progresses and we see the plot really begin to take hold, I think this movie hits its stride. Apocalypse has his Four Horseman in Angel, Psylocke, Storm and Magneto and is ready to begin his destruction of the planet. Once they encounter Charles, and this is a scene in one of the trailers, there's a new objective: find Charles Xavier. So, now, the team consists of Jean Grey, Scott Summers, Nightcrawler, Mystique, Beast and Quicksilver, who manages to steal every scene he's in. And yes, this film has another fantastic slow-motion sequence. There's also a cameo that left me with a huge smile on my face because it gave us a glimpse of what we can expect, as far as violence, in a future film. The middle of the film also did a great job of showcasing the powers of Jean Grey, Scott Summers and Nightcrawler. We got to see Scott Summers really become Cyclops, Jean Grey show how powerful she can be (wait for the third act) and Nightcrawler using his power to get the team out of certain situations.

Now, the third act is where I have some criticisms of this movie. I felt like there were points where certain things were too easily accomplished. In a couple of instances, there could have been a lot more tension and the stakes could've been raised exponentially. Also, I expected Apocalypse to be in the fight more than he was. Now, that's not to say that he's totally absent, because he's not. You really see the menacing and imposing figure that he is, but I think if he were present for more of the battle, things could've ended a bit differently. However, the action sequences are incredible and look great as well. I also wish the Four Horseman, especially Psylocke did more, but it really wasn't a huge letdown for me. The resolution was very effective in my opinion and we got a very cool throwback to the first X-Men film with the final scene.

X-Men: Apocalypse is a worthy sequel and much, much better than the critics would have you believe. This movie contains some of the best and heart wrenching character moments in the franchise, and it gives these characters much more depth. We see relationships continue to develop, especially between Charles Xavier and Magneto, and the new characters really elevate this film. Specifically, Sophie Turner and Tye Sheridan became their characters and turned in some incredible performances. We also see their relationship begin to develop, along with Mystique finally taking a leadership role and being the one to lead this team after she had been viewed as a heroine after the events of the previous film.

Overall, X-Men: Apocalypse is one of those films that gets a bad wrap for no reason. This film, in my opinion, delivers on all fronts. It has great character moments that really pull you in, comedy that works really well in context, and it feels like an X-Men film. Granted, the film has its problems, just like any other, but it definitely delivers. In my opinion, I enjoyed this film more than Days of Future Past. But, that being said, none of the films in this franchise are bad. Each one has its merits in terms of which is best and that's how you know its a great trilogy. A lot of the time, the first film can be great and the other two can fall off the rails. Do yourselves a favor and go see this film, especially if you're an X-Men or comic book fan. There are some treats that you'll really enjoy. If not, you can go see Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and be immersed in Michael Bay's world. But, lets be honest, you don't want that.

'Finding Dory' Has Historic Opening Weekend With $136.2 Million

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Finding Dory continues Disney's domination of the box office, making $136.2 million and setting the record for biggest domestic opening of all time for an animated film. The sequel to Finding Nemo also holds second place for the largest opening in the month of June, only behind Jurassic World. Finding Dory amassed $55 million on Friday, and then dropped an average of $10 million throughout the weekend. Performance in the international box office wasn't lacking either as the film posted a $186.2 million opening in 32% of the global market. It has since become the biggest Pixar showing in China and Australia. The film will continue to open throughout the summer and fall which only means one thing for the studio: success.

In a year of Disney dominance, which included Zootopia, The Jungle Book and Captain America: Civil War, Finding Dory will be no different. When a film as popular as Finding Nemo was back in 2003, there was no doubt that the opening weekend for this film was going to be big, but the question was, how big? Estimates from various film critics and personalities had it at just over $100 million and others even under that. This historic showing was definitely unexpected, but not surprising, given that Pixar very rarely misses the mark with its films.

The year will still have a heavy Disney presence in the fall, seeing the latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Doctor Strange, slated for release on November 4th, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on December 16th. I think these films will far exceed the $100 million threshold, Rogue One having the best chance to cross $200 million. When all is said and done, 2016 will be the year of Disney dominance.

'Finding Dory' Sets Record On Opening Night

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The long anticipated sequel to Finding Nemo has finally hit theaters and is already making some noise. Earlier this year, Disney Animation Studios struck gold with the performance of Zootopia, which recently crossed the $1 billion, Pixar is set on making Finding Dory the second biggest box office opening of 2016. I would not be surprised to see, among tons of children in the theater, a fair amount of college aged kids who have been waiting for this film for 13 years, myself included. I think that generation will have a pretty big impact on the overall performance of this film, the same way Toy Story 3 did.

Finding Dory will follow the most popular blue tang fish in the sea as she embarks on a journey, with the help of Nemo and Marlin, to find her parents. Aside from the returning cast that includes Ellen DeGeneres and Albert Brooks, we'll also be introduced to some new characters as well. Ty Burrell and Ed O'Neil of Modern Family will be playing the roles of Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the octopus. Kaitlin Oslon of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia fame is also a great addition to the cast, playing Destiny the whale shark. Already, from the comedic talent alone, this sounds like the sequel we've been waiting for. However, I hope there are still those Pixar moments that really pull at your heartstrings. No need for me to mention the ending of Toy Story 3, right?

In a report from Deadline, Finding Dory opened in 4,305 theaters in the United States and raked in $9.2 million on opening night, which sets it up for a showing of over $100 million in its opening weekend, thus breaking the record for an animated feature film. The sequel has a little more than doubled the opening night numbers of Toy Story 3 and tripled the numbers set by Inside Out. With that being said, it will most definitely be an uphill battle if they seek to unseat the opening weekend numbers set by Captain America: Civil War, and I don't think it'll reach those numbers. However, it'll certainly be sitting atop the box office this weekend, beating out its immediate competitor in Central Intelligence, only projected to make $30 million this weekend after its $1.835 million on opening night. Unfortunately, with more releases in the coming weeks, something that films earlier this year didn't have to worry about, Finding Dory won't be sitting in that top spot for long. However, I do think it'll remain in the top five for a while. I think its wide appeal to audiences of all ages, especially being a summer movie which means school is out, will add to its longevity in theaters.

If you were a kid when Finding Nemo was released back in 2003 and were picked up from school early to go see it like I was, I highly recommend going to see this film.

Steven Spielberg Assures Fans That 'Indiana Jones 5' Will Not See The End of the Titular Character

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Star Wars fans around the world said goodbye to one of the most iconic characters of all-time in Han Solo last December. While many of us felt that the end was coming, it was no less a heartbreaking moment for fans of the franchise. Aside from Han Solo, Harrison Ford has also given us another beloved character that we'll see on the big screen once again: Indiana Jones. Granted, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull wasn't too well received by fans of the films, but the fifth installment, according to The Hollywood Reporter's profile of Steven Spielberg, "is straight down the pike for the fans."

Spielberg also gave us one piece of information regarding the new film that will make fans of the character very happy. While we saw the unfortunate end of Han Solo in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Spielberg has assured us that Indiana Jones will live on after the next film. Aside from that, there are no other details regarding the film since its in its very early stages. Writer David Koepp of Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is set to write the new film. It is still unknown if George Lucas will return as a producer, but given his close relationship with Spielberg, I think he'll be involved in the picture in some capacity.

As far as the story goes, I think this film will probably be the last on in which we see Indiana Jones going off on these adventures. By the time the next film is released, Harrison Ford will be 76 years old, so I wonder how many more films he'll be physically able to do in that role. We forget how much more exhausting the role of Indiana Jones is compared to Han Solo. For fans of the these films, we obviously want to see Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones forever, but we know that someday he'll have to hang up the whip for good. 

The untitled 5th installment of Indiana Jones will hit theaters in July of 2019.

'The Conjuring 2' Opens With $16.4 Million on Friday

Madison Wolfe as Janet Hodgson

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This year has been disappointing in terms of sequels. Films such as The Huntsman: Winter's War, Alice Through The Looking Glass, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows and Now You See Me 2 have not been met with high praise. These days, many sequels have been viewed as "cash grabs" rather than necessary continuations of their predecessors. We know that sequels have a tendency to underperform, but history has shown that sequels also have the possibility of being even better than the original films. For example, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Aliens and The Godfather Part II have been viewed as the best of these franchises. So, sequels can work, and The Conjuring 2 definitely did not disappoint.

In July of 2013, The Conjuring finished its opening weekend with a domestic total of $41.8 million. It's equally as terrifying sequel finished at #1 on Friday, beating two other sequels (TMNT 2, Now You See Me 2), with a total of $16.4 million. It is on pace to finish the weekend with a total of $38 million, just $3 million shy of the original film.

Having seen this film already I can say that it is definitely a worthy sequel. I hope that the film continues to do well because James Wan, his team and the actors really do put their heart and soul into these films. I think because they've gotten so close to Lorraine Warren, they want to make sure these are quality films that do justice to these cases and the families involved. Personally, and as stated by the writers of both films, Chad and Carey Hayes, I hope these films continue to be made. The whole team involved in these films have such a hold on the subject matter and the characters of Ed and Lorraine Warren that it would be a crime to abandon their stories.

If you'd like to hear more about The Conjuring 2, check out this interview with Chad and Carey Hayes from the Schmoes Know Show and remember to subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Review Rewind: 'Hector and the Search for Happiness'

Once again, I've hit the jackpot when it comes to finding some great movies on Netflix. While some may be intrigued to watch a film based on its star rating, or because they've exhausted all other options and are fearful that their night will be a total waste, I often only need to know one thing: who's in it? When I saw Simon Pegg was the lead actor, I was immediately on board. He's slowly become one of my favorite actors working today. His comedic timing, dramatic chops and overall acting ability instantly elevates any film he's in. Not to mention Gone Girl star Rosamund Pike is also in this film, which was a huge plus. So, without further ado, let us talk about this charming and adventurous film, Hector and the Search for Happiness.

Simon Pegg plays the role of Hector, a psychiatrist who views his life as routine driven and lacking any sort of adventure. This prompts Hector to go on a journey to discover what makes people happy, feeling he's unable to help his patients, or give them any advice that will improve their lives until he discovers this for himself. Beginning his trip of self-discovery, disguised as psychiatric research, Hector begins in China and ends in Los Angeles. Along the way, he encounters certain people and places that make a profound impact on him, for better and for worse. There's a storyline of a lost love, reconnecting with old friends, and doing things you wouldn't normally do. What this film succeeds in doing so well, among other things, is sending the audience one the same journey. You really begin to think about your own life and what you've done. Its 104 minutes of self-examination.

Hector and the Search for Happiness is an incredibly fun film, although it does have some tense moments. Simon Pegg is such a likable actor, and his roles often reflect that, so when you see his characters evoke certain emotions, its much more effective. Rosamund Pike, although not in the film a whole lot, turns in a great performance as well. Don't worry, she is definitely not her character from Gone Girl, which was especially terrifying.

This is one of those films that take you on an adventure and touch on almost every emotion. If you're a fan of Simon Pegg, I highly recommend this film. In my opinion, this film is what filmmaking should be. You're inspired to tell a story that will connect with a large audience and you tell it with care and people who believe in your vision. The message of this film will resonate with a those who watch it because we've all asked ourselves this question at one time or another. So, if you're staying in this Saturday night, I highly recommend treating yourself to this film. Or, you can go out and have a life while I'm watching movies in a room surrounded by Star Wars books, Pop Vinyl's, and other memorabilia. Oh, and Star Wars pajamas. I may have said too much... Just go watch the movie!

'The Conjuring 2' Review

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Let me begin by saying that I rarely see horror movies in the theater. I think the last film I saw in the theater  that can be classified as such was a film titled The Fourth Kind, centered on alien abduction (don't see it, it's not good). For one, I'm the type of person who watches horror films with my head resting on the palm of my hand, elbow on the armrest, so in the event of a tense scene, I can quickly cover my ears to ease the effect of those damn jump scares. On the other hand, horror films haven't had a great track record in the last 10-15 years. But, when The Conjuring was released back in July of 2013, I knew I had to check it out, just not in theaters. So, I watched it on demand and loved the film. Now, with the release of The Conjuring 2, I made the decision to bite the bullet and go see it the way its meant to be seen: alone, in a pitch black auditorium, while you hear the sounds of thunder and rain outside the building.

The Conjuring 2 sees the return of paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren as they investigate the Enfield Haunting, following their involvement in the Amityville Horror case. After their investigation of the former, Lorraine Warren thinks that it is necessary for the couple to take a break from these cases for a while, citing a vision she has concerning her husband. But, as fate would have it, a family of five in Enfield, London begin to experience hauntings in their own home through 11-year old Janet Hodgson. What begins as explainable happenings quickly become sinister. As we see in the trailer, Janet becomes possessed by a demonic entity, which prompts a war of convictions between believers and non-believers.

This film is, without a doubt, terrifying. Sitting in that theater alone, I began to trick myself into hearing certain noises or feeling like things were a bit off. That is how you know you're engrossed in a film and when the story is compelling, although seeing the words "based on a true story," always helps. One thing I did notice about this film as opposed to the previous one is that there was much more disturbing imagery, from the appearances of the demonic entities to the actual events that occur in the film. In a way, this film feels much more supernatural as far as believability goes. Some of the things that happen to those involved just don't seem possible, while the events in the first film do. However, that's not to say that I don't believe the Hodgson family and they're accounts of what happened to them. The writers, director and Lorraine Warren herself have made it very clear that there is truth to this film.

Behind the camera, James Wan and the Hayes brothers knock it out of the park once again. You can tell that they really concentrate on getting these films right. On many occasions, horror movies rely on the "based on a true story" tagline just to get people in the seats, but those involved with these films have had such a personal connection to these cases now that they have to do them justice, especially for Lorraine Warren. James Wan, in my opinion, is a master of suspense. The slow, methodical camera work and tracking of these characters throughout the movie just builds so much tension that the scares become much more effective and I think that's a big part of why this film succeeds.

Madison Wolfe (left), Vera Farmiga (right)

Image via rogerebert.com

On screen, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson deliver another great performance as the famed paranormal investigators. While this is a horror film, there is a love story involved and you really see that they have an unbreakable bond. No matter what the Warren's may face, you know they're going to face it together. But, I think Madison Wolfe (Janet Hodgson) completely steals this movie. Her ability to portray a normal 11-year old girl, and then totally transform into a terrifying, demonic presence is something to marvel at. So far, both of these films have been able to cast incredible child actors, something that seldom happens in this genre. There's one scene involving Wolfe and Farmiga as they sit on a swing set that is both chilling and a tear jerker. Watch out for that one.

Overall, I thought The Conjuring 2 was an excellent horror film. It utilizes jump scares in the right way, has a compelling story that is all the more terrifying since these are based on firsthand accounts, and boasts tremendous talent. The film also succeeds in injecting some lighthearted moments in the midst of all the turmoil and it totally worked for me. So, if you're in the mood for a great horror movie and were a fan of the first film, definitely go check this out. If not, you can always go see Now You See Me 2. I mean, it does have Daniel Radcliffe, but I'd rather see him play a farting corpse in Swiss Army Man than be wasted in that unnecessary sequel. Spend your money wisely, fellow movie goers.

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Has Exited Its Final Theater

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Today, is bittersweet. My most anticipated film of 2015, resurrecting my all-time favorite franchise, has ended its theatrical run. Star Wars: The Force Awakens breathed new life into a universe that we all thought had run its course. J.J. Abrams was given the daunting task of returning this beloved world back to prominence while introducing new characters that we care about, but not forgetting about those that came before. I know the naysayers are out there in regards to the quality of this film (rehash, copy, etc.), but I will continue to defend it.


Now, to get to the main point of this topic, Star Wars: The Force Awakens finished with a domestic total of $936,662,225. It now sits atop the all-time domestic box office totals, surpassing Avatar and Titanic. Ironically, they could not accomplish the same feat in the international box office. Avatar remains at #1 and Titanic at #2. Despite those numbers, Star Wars does own two other spots on the top 10 domestic box office list (Star Wars, Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace). I find it interesting how the first installment of each trilogy are the ones to reach those numbers, yet Empire Strikes Back and Revenge of the Sith, believed to be the best of both trilogies, do not crack the top 10. I'd very much like to see if that trend continues now with Episode VIII.

Lucasfilm does not plan on this trend to stop anytime soon. This December, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, directed by Godzilla director, Gareth Edwards is slated for release on December 15. Taking place before Star Wars: A New Hope, Rogue One is centered around the mission to steal the Death Star plans, referenced in the opening crawl of the first film. Darth Vader will be in the film and will have the feel of a war film, which I am very excited about. Then, a year later, we will get the next installment in the Skywalker Saga with Episode VIII, directed by Brick and Looper director, Rian Johnson. Following that film, six months later, returning these films back to their home in late May, will be the untitled Han Solo film. Starring Alden Ehrenreich as our new Han Solo, Phil Lord and Chris Miller of 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street fame will helm the film, slated for a May 2018 release. Then, 2019 will bring an end to this trilogy with Star Wars: Episode IX, written by Rian Johnson and directed by Jurassic World director, Colin Trevorrow. An untitled anthology film is scheduled for a 2020 release, but there are no details about story or anything else for that matter.


For all of us Star Wars fans, we have a lot to look forward to. I guarantee we'll get a lot more information about Rogue One, dispelling the rumors that these reshoots mean the film is a disaster, as well as more details regarding filming for Episode VIII. Definitely something to watch next month, especially Dave Filoni's announcement that may introduce the return of a beloved Legends character. A lot of exciting developments and I'm glad I'll be a part of it next year at Star Wars Celebration Orlando!


May the Force be with you.

'The Lobster' Review

First off, thank you to Alicia Malone for recommending this film to her viewers and Twitter followers while she was covering the Cannes Film Festival (have yet to dislike a film she's recommended). Before this year, I've never paid much attention to indie films, partly because they are usually limited releases and don't have the same appeal as other, more well marketed films. Luckily, The Lobster was a wide release, and had great reviews, so I did not hesitate in buying my ticket and embarking on yet another cinematic journey.

The Lobster is set in a dystopian society where couples are the norm, and those who have yet to find their mate are sent to a hotel that gives them 45 days to meet someone, or risk being turned into an animal of their choice (guess which animal Colin Farrell picked). Following the story of David (Colin Farrell), a man who checks into this hotel after an 11 year and 1 month relationship leaves him newly single, we see the bizarre and weird unfold. It honestly feels like you're checking into a prison rather than a hotel, due to the strict regulations and guidelines that surround this place. They emphasize the need of a partner, demonstrating different scenarios that mean life or death if you're either alone or with someone. Compatibility is also used in a very superficial way, assuming that people only need to have one thing in common for them to be suitable partners. Think of the "Martha" scene in Batman v. Superman.

The characters you meet along the way in this film are never assigned a name, only a description, which makes it hard for you to really connect with them on a deeper level. For some films that could be quite detrimental, but it works tremendously well here. Character interactions in this film are unlike any I've ever seen before. Awkward conversations, blunt requests, bizarre developments and dark humor surround almost every scene. Aside from the central plot, a love story does unfold between Colin Farrell's character and Rachel Weisz's character. I honestly cannot delve deeper into that part of the story because I feel it would take away from the experience. The ending will leave you a bit speechless.

These small films really do have some of the best performances audiences will see and The Lobster is no exception. Colin Farrell's portrayal of David is extremely captivating. While we've seen him play a number of different roles in the past, his portrayal of this awkward and seemingly depressed man is probably his best yet. Rachel Weisz, Lea Seydoux, Ben Wishaw and John C. Reilly also turn in great performances and give this film a lot of variety in terms of their personalities. None of these actors are there just to earn a paycheck. Everyone in this film adds a little something different that makes it the odd, yet very entertaining and thought provoking film it is.

Before you run out and buy a ticket for The Lobster (which I know you're doing right now, obviously), this film is not for everyone. Despite a 91% critic rating, I know many people will hate this film (animals do die in this movie). But, if indie films are your thing or you're into watching these types of films with original, character driven stories, definitely see it. But, if you end up gouging your eyes out with a knife, I apologize.

"Zootopia' Crosses $1 Billion Worldwide

Zootopia follows the story of a rabbit police officer who lives in a world of talking animals, set in a modern metropolitan city. The Disney animated film currently sits at an extremely fresh 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. Since its release in early March, making $73.7 million in its opening weekend and being the biggest opening for a Disney animated film, as well as the largest opening for an animated film in the month of March, Zootopia continues to make noise. After remaining in the top 10 at the box office for three consecutive months and being named the second highest-grossing film based on an original story, the film has finally reached the $1 billion mark.

Disney has owned the first half of 2016, also benefiting from the overwhelming success of The Jungle Book and Captain America: Civil War. There should be no reason to believe that this trend will stop. We still have another Marvel film to be released in November with Doctor Strange, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story slated for release in mid-December. According to ScreenRant, of the 26 films to cross $1 billion, 11 of them are Disney products. These include: Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Frozen, Iron-Man 3, Captain America: Civil War, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. Toy Story 3, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, Alice in Wonderland, and Zootopia. I think its safe to assume that Doctor Strange and Rogue One will soon be added to that list.

Unfortunately for me, I have yet to see this film (I know, I know, I'm a terrible person). But, given that the Blu-Ray is available on June 7th, that will end very soon! Follow my lead if you have yet to see this film and go buy it! If not, then you just hate Disney.

Review Rewind: 'Whiplash'

Image via The Huffington Post

Whiplash is a film that I remember was being talked about 24/7 after its release, especially the performances by Miles Teller (who performed 90% of the visual drumming in the film according to director Damien Chazelle). Unfortunately, and regretfully, I did not experience this film at the time of its release. I actually completely forgot about this film, until I bought Chris Stuckmann's first book "The Film Buff's Bucket List," while browsing the On-Screen section in the back of my local Barnes and Noble. Whiplash was on his list and that alone made me stop whatever I was doing in order to finally watch this film. So, thank you, Chris. Now, I owe you one.

Andrew (Miles Teller) is a very ambitious and talented drummer who attends the most prestigious music school in the country. He wants to be the next great talent and doesn't want anything to stand in his way as he sets out to achieve that goal, something he makes very clear to a potential love interest. His family, on the other hand, can't quite connect with this dream of his and instead embody the idea of a more traditional career path. There's a scene at the family dinner table where this is wonderfully presented. Now, enter Terence Fletcher, the most respected music director in this institution (J.K. Simmons). Essentially, he is THE guy you have to go through if you even think you have what it takes to be great. As soon as Fletcher enters a room, everyone stops what they're doing and seem visibly intimidated, and for good reason. After Fletcher takes Andrew under his wing and gives him a core spot in the band, Fletcher's manipulative, vulgar and abusive side emerges. If you are off tempo, out of tune, or unsure of what you're doing wrong, get ready to be greeted with insane insults and flying objects to the face. This is not your traditional instructor. Andrew is the target of many of these outbursts, one of which involves a lot of red stuff on his drums, but you'll just have to see that.

The performances by J.K. Simmons and Miles Teller, along with the direction by Damien Chazelle, really succeed in elevating this film to its full potential. Their clashes in the classroom and during rehearsals succeed in placing you in the front row as if Andrew's fate was your own. There were moments in this film, thanks to Fletcher's unpredictability and explosiveness, where I was legitimately hesitant to watch their next practice or performance. That is when you know a film is truly impacting the audience. The characters and situations become real and make you feel like you're a part of the narrative. I thought Whiplash did this very, very well.

Whiplash is also a beautifully cut film. During the intense music sequences, the fast cuts and close ups of the instruments and Andrew's bloodied hands make the film much more intense. I honestly cannot explain it, you'll just have to experience it for yourself. But, if I had to sell this film based on only one thing, it is definitely Andrew's final performance. I liken it to the feeling you get when Rocky and Apollo fall to the mat, and just when you think the fight is going to end in another draw, Rocky survives the 10 count. I promise you, this performance will make you feel that same way.

I will continue to recommend this film to anyone who wants to watch a superbly acted film with a compelling story. Also, if you're a fan of music, there's definitely something for you here as well. Just don't expect any Stairway to Heaven. Now, if your reaction to this film is not the same as mine, that's cool. I mean, all film is subjective, right? No need to send death threats or accuse me of being paid off by Sierra Affinity. On second thought, if that makes this review reach more people, go for it!

Review Rewind: 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind'

Photo via schmoesknow.com

We've all spent one night (or a thousand) browsing Netflix, hoping that a certain TV show to binge watch will catch your eye, or a movie with a good rating, great cast and that people have been hounding you to watch is now available to stream. After spending close to an hour, having forgotten how to blink for about half of that time, the latter finally happened. I was finally going to watch a film that I've always heard great things about. It was finally time to watch Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

Released in 2004, this film stars Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet as a former couple who try to erase the memories they have of each other through a medical service. The supporting cast, involved in the clinic that specializes in this procedure included Kirstin Dunst, Mark Ruffalo and Tom Wilkinson, as well as Elijah Wood. From the start of the film, you really don't know what to expect as far as the tone of the film. But, what is conveyed very well are the personalities, specifically, of Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet's characters. Joel (Jim Carrey) is a quiet and sort of timid individual, while Clementine (Kate Winslet) is eccentric, witty and very impulsive. Impulse is what causes the conflict in this film. After they're breakup, Clementine decides to undergo this procedure in order to forget Joel completely and live her life free of him. Then, when Joel discovers that she is going to such extreme lengths to forget about their relationship, he decides to do the same.

The procedure is done while the subject is sleeping, carefully mapping their memories of said person and erasing them altogether. However, while Joel is under, he realizes that he doesn't want to forget Clementine at all. He tries to wake himself up and even pleads to the doctor (Tom Wilkinson) in his dream state to stop the procedure, but nothing works. So, what ensues is this Inception-like thrill sequence through his memories. In his dream state, Joel finds Clementine and they try to escape to memories that he's had that have nothing to do with their relationship, making the procedure ineffective, and hoping that some piece of her will remain in his mind. This can get a bit confusing, but I guarantee the resolution will have everything falling perfectly into place.

One thing I cannot stress enough were the fantastic performances of the entire cast. When one thinks of Jim Carrey, you immediately think of a gifted comedic actor. Yet, his portrayal of Joel in this "rodramedy" (yes, I made that word up) is probably one of his best performances to date. Kate Winslet, on the other hand, has not played a character quite like Clementine. She really does become this character with this colorful, impulsive and loud personality. You will see no shades of Rose in this performance. Also, the script written by Charlie Kaufman and the direction from Michel Gondry propels this film from "good" to "great." It's a smart film, but one that even the most casual fan can find meaning in and enjoy.

The next time you're contemplating life on a Friday night while skipping every TV show or movie that Netflix recommends, and eating Dorito crumbs off of your shirt, treat yourself to this film. I mean, you may hate it but its free. Also, you don't have to wear pants.