X-Men: Dark Phoenix Movie Review

 

“X-Men: Dark Phoenix” is, well – of course – an X-Men movie. That brings with it all excitement (or baggage) that you think of for an X-Men movie. It is part of the new-ish iteration of X-Men, begun in 2011 with “X-Men: First Class”. These are the younger versions of the special Mutant superheroes, including Professor X, Magneto, Beast, Raven, Storm, Cyclops and others. If you are not enamored with X-Men, then your interest level might have already peaked. But since X-Men might perhaps now have a better future integrated with other Marvel superheroes, the outcome may not be “Dark” after all…

 

Professor X is Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) run a school for the special children in the Mutant community. The Mutants are now well-respected and a big part of the world’s crisis management. Since the ‘bad’ Mutants, led by Magneto (Michael Fassbender) have been self-isolated, there is a peace between the Mutant groups. But when a space rescue mission goes really bad, Mutant Jean Grey (Sophie Turner) takes on some uncontrollable powers. There is concern that Jean is not doing that well. Her fellow Mutants are really upset, including Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), Hank McCoy/Beast (Nicholas Hoult), Scott Summers/Cyclops (Tye Sheridan) and Ororo Munroe/Storm (Alexandra Shipp). Jean Grey finds out some things that Professor X has hidden from her since she was a child. She leaves the school and wanders aimlessly.

 

 

Jean Grey is being watched by an alien being who has taken over a human form. Vuk (Jessica Chastain) knows that Jean Grey’s new powers are what her race needs to survive, so they will be able take over the Earth. So, the human-looking Vuk and her followers are traipsing around to get Grey and take over her special powers. Jean Grey leaves Professor X but she soon tracks down Magneto. He and his group of hardened Mutants live alone on a deserted island. She finds out that her powers overpower even Magneto, so she leaves him. The military and government agents are after all the Mutants now that Jean has fought and killed a fellow Mutant. Jean Grey has left a path of destruction in her path.

 

 

The Mutants are all captured in New York. They are placed in confinement on a train to a Colorado holding facility. But the alien forces, led by Vuk, are ready to attack the train and take over the Mutants. When they get to Jean Grey, they plan on draining all her special powers and destroying all the Mutants. Then they will be free to take over the Earth and wipe out mankind. But will the Mutants still have enough Mutant powers to make “The Last Stand” and avoid an “Apocalypse”? When the “Days of Future Past” are gone by, will the X-Men still be up in the “First Class”? Even when the train is attacked, and many people are killed – will it still be a statistical fact that train travel is by far the safest mode of transportation?

 

This group of X-Men Mutants has produced some very enjoyable movies lately. Staring with “First Class”, and then “Days of Future Past” – the writing and acting was very enjoyable. The next one was “Apocalypse”, and that one dropped a little in quality. But X-Men has returned to the upswing with “Dark Phoenix”. Of course, being a Superhero/Mutant type movie, it might not be your cup of darjeeling. But the ensemble cast is up to speed, and the production values are really good. There are some really creative fight sequences, and the movie moves along at a quick pace. There a few high points: the acting of Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, the acting of James McAvoy as Professor X, and the acting of Michael Fassbender as Magneto. Some points not as well-developed: Jessica Chastain as the alien Vuk is off-putting, the tragic death of a very popular Mutant is quickly passed over, the choppy editing of the fight sequences. Also, the most glaring missing item – Wolverine!

 

 

“X-Men: Dark Phoenix” is ready to establish a new common ground for all of the Marvel characters into a more fully-integrated Marvel Universe.

 

SNEAK PEEK OF DISNEY’S “THE LION KING” FEATURING BEYONCÉ KNOWLES-CARTER

Watch Simba take his place as king in this new sneak peek of Disney’s “The Lion King,” featuring the voice of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala.

Cast: Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Alfre Woodard, Billy Eichner, John Kani, John Oliver, Florence Kasumba, Eric André, Keegan-Michael Key, JD McCrary, Shahadi Wright Joseph, with Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and James Earl Jones.

Director: Jon Favreau

Producers: Jon Favreau, Jeffrey Silver, Karen Gilchrist

Screenplay by: Jeff Nathanson

Disney’s “The Lion King,” directed by Jon Favreau (“The Jungle Book”), journeys to the African savanna where a future king is born. Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa, and takes to heart his own royal destiny. But not everyone in the kingdom celebrates the new cub’s arrival. Scar, Mufasa’s brother—and former heir to the throne—has plans of his own. The battle for Pride Rock is ravaged with betrayal, tragedy and drama, ultimately resulting in Simba’s exile. With help from a curious pair of newfound friends, Simba will have to figure out how to grow up and take back what is rightfully his.

Staying true to the classic story, director Jon Favreau utilizes pioneering filmmaking techniques to bring the iconic characters to the big screen in a whole new way. Featuring the voices of Donald Glover as Simba, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter as Nala, James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa and Billy Eichner as Timon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLionKing/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyLionKing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionking

Website: https://disney.com/lionking

Hashtag: #TheLionKing

In Theaters July 19, 2019

http://www.fandango.com

TERMINATOR: DARK FATE Official Trailer

Terminator: Dark Fate

 

DIRECTED BY:

Tim Miller

 

PRODUCED BY:

James Cameron, David Ellison

 

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY:

Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Edward Cheng, Tim Miller, John J. Kelly, Bonnie Curtis, Julie Lynn

STORY BY:

James Cameron & Charles Eglee & Josh Friedman and David Goyer & Justin Rhodes

 
SCREENPLAY BY:

David Goyer & Justin Rhodes and Billy Ray

STARRING:

Linda Hamilton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Gabriel Luna, Diego Boneta

*CREDITS ARE NOT FINAL AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE*

 

#TERMINATOR

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Terminator/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Terminator
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/terminator/

In Theaters November 1, 2019

http://www.fandango.com

Godzilla-movie-poster

Godzilla: King of the Monsters Advance Movie Screening

Movie Screening Summary

The new story follows the heroic efforts of the crypto-zoological agency Monarch as its members face off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah. Read more

Netflix’ RIM OF THE WORLD Trailer Releasing 5/24

Directed by: McG

Written by: Zack Stentz

Starring: Jack Gore, Miya Cech, Benjamin Flores Jr., Alessio Scalzotto and Andrew Bachelor

Summer camp at Rim of the World has barely begun when four misfit teenagers — Alex, ZhenZhen, Dariush, and Gabriel — find they’ve got bigger problems to face than learning how to canoe and climb ropes when aliens suddenly invade the planet. Alone in a campground once teeming with people, the kids are unexpectedly entrusted with a key that carries the secret to stopping the invasion. Without any adults or electronics to help guide the way,  it’s clear what they must do: band together, conquer their fears, and save the world. An epic action-adventure directed by McG (Charlie’s Angels).

Produced by McG, Mary Viola, Susan Solomon-Shapiro and Matt Smith

Executive Produced by Steven Bello, Corey Marsh, Zack Stentz and Brad Mendelsohn

Coming to Netflix 5/24

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME Trailer

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Following the events of Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man must step up to take on new threats in a world that has changed forever.

Directed by:                                                                                       Jon Watts

Written by:                                                                                         Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers

Based on the MARVEL Comic Book by:                                      Stan Lee and Steve Ditko

Produced by:                                                                                      Kevin Feige

                                                                                                              Amy Pascal

Executive Producers:                                                                        Louis D’Esposito

                                                                                                               Victoria Alonso

                                                                                                               Thomas M. Hammel

                                                                                                               Eric Hauserman Carroll

                                                                                                               Rachel O’Connor

                                                                                                               Stan Lee

                                                                                                               Avi Arad

                                                                                                               Matt Tolmach

Cast:                                                                                                      Tom Holland

                                                                                                                Samuel L. Jackson

                                                                                                                Zendaya

                                                                                                                Cobie Smulders

                                                                                                                Jon Favreau

                                                                                                                JB Smoove

                                                                                                                Jacob Batalon

                                                                                                                Martin Starr

                                                                                                                with Marisa Tomei and Jake Gyllenhaal

*WARNING: There are spoilers for Avengers: Endgame in this trailer.*

In Theaters July

http://www.fandango.com

Warner Bros. Pictures has announced the release date for the third “Fantastic Beasts” film

THE WIZARDING WORLD JOURNEY CONTINUES AS

THE THIRD FANTASTIC BEASTS FILM IS SLATED FOR NOVEMBER 12, 2021

BURBANK, CA – April 29, 2019 – Warner Bros. Pictures has announced the release date for the third “Fantastic Beasts” film—inviting audiences to return to the cinematic Wizarding World on November 12, 2021.  The release date marks the opening of the next installment of one of the Studio’s key properties.  The announcement was made today by Ron Sanders, President, Worldwide Theatrical Distribution and Home Entertainment.

Sanders said, “J.K. Rowling created an awe-inspiring universe that has captivated people of all ages, taking us on an extraordinary magical journey.  Warner Bros. is so proud to be the cinematic home of the Wizarding World and is excited about the future of the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ franchise.  We look forward to bringing the third chapter of the five-film series to audiences around the globe in November 2021.”


Production on the new film is expected to begin in Spring 2020.


“We are incredibly excited about and have confidence in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ series,” Toby Emmerich, Chairman, Warner Bros. Pictures Group, stated.  “We all believe this release date will give the filmmakers time and space to allow their artistry to truly flourish and deliver the best possible film to our fans.”

Dark Phoenix Final Trailer

Dark Phoenix

When she loses control, bad things happen.

20th Century Fox has released the final trailer for DARK PHOENIX. To honor the passion of X-Men superfans, some of the biggest X-Men fans around the world were selected to experience the final trailer first. Now that they have received it, we can share it with you!

The film stars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Evan Peters, and Jessica Chastain, and is scored by composer Hans Zimmer.

DARK PHOENIX Official Channels

OFFICIAL SITE: www.DarkPhoenix.com  

FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/XMenMovies  

TWITTER: www.Twitter.com/XMenMovies  

INSTAGRAM: www.Instagram.com/XMenMovies  

HASHTAG: #DarkPhoenix

In Theaters June 7!

http://www.fandango.com

Shazam! Movie Review

“Shazam!” is a magical treat from the DC Comics Universe, because it takes a totally different approach to this version of a Superhero. It goes back to echo the 1988 film “Big”. Take a young kid about fifteen years old, and transform him, but not into Tom Hanks as an adult. Instead this movie will infuse him with Superhero posers that come from Ancient Gods and Warriors. Turn him into the “Champion of Eternity” – with all these powers: the wisdom of Solomon, the strength of Hercules, the stamina of Atlas, powers from Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury. Hey, doesn’t that spell out “SHAZAM”?

An orphan in Philadelphia named Billy Batson (Asher Angel) gets into trouble with the police, again. His last chance is with a foster family who has a few other kids in their home. Billy meets his foster-brother Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer) who has crutches and gets bullied at school. Billy defends his friend and needs to flee from the bully’s rage. Escaping onto a subway car, it turns into a magical entrance to a Hall of Champions. There is an ancient Wizard named Shazam (Djimon Hounsou). He is the last of the Champions. He had tried to find a human with a pure heart in the past, but he failed to find the right one. Billy is the best one to take control, only thing he needs to do is say the word.

Billy says the magic word, and the Ancient Wizard is gone. Billy has now become the (much older) superpowered one named Shazam (Zachary Levi). He can use the name to transform back and forth into the Billy (the Kid), or back into the Eternal Champion – Shazam. All in all, a pretty good day! Shazam makes it back and convinces Freddy that the massively super-powered person named Shazam is really still Billy on the inside. Freddy is well-versed in all Super-powers, since he reads all the DC Comics. Billy needs to become Shazam when there are people he can save, so they can both make a little money on the side.

However, there is another person in the city who was once tested by the Ancient Wizard. Years ago, Thaddeus Sivana (Mark Strong) was taken but he proved himself unworthy of the honor to Eternal Champion. Sivana finds a way back to the Wizard and steals an energy ball power by the Seven Deadly Sins. He takes the ball to become a Super-powered villain. Now, Sivana finds that the Wizard has given his powers away to a young boy. He sets out to find young Billy Batson, so he can be destroyed. Perhaps along with his new foster family. Silvia has many of the same type of powers that Shazam possesses, but he will use them for evil and for destruction.

So far, the DC Universe films have been awfully sketchy in the past years. However, they had started getting back on the right track with “Wonder Woman”. They followed that up with the very popular “Aquaman”. And now, they reach for an out-of-left-field wonder by bringing us “Shazam!”. The fun and entertainment level is maxed out with this movie. It is funny and clever and it gets the tone just right. Credit a good story and script and a Director who brings out the sheer joy of being a Superhero to the screen. Plus the casting choices are also Super. Zachary Levi and Jack Dylan Grazer really stand out, and Mark Strong and Asher Angel do a superb job. 

You can let the DC Extended Universe people know that movies like “Shazam!” are better than many of the other bleak and joyless movies that have come before. Vote with your pocketbook and see a great Superhero movie. Let the DCEU know with your support of “Shazam!”. Just Say The Word.