Hpw to Train Your Dragon

When Dreamworks Animation released "How to Train Your Dragon" back in 2010, I actually thought it would be one film and that would be the end of it. However, it produced two sequels, and, after enough years, it was then made into a live version. This version "How to Train Your Dragon" has been so popular, a sequel of this live version is in pre production for a 2027 release.

As an ancient threat endangers both Vikings and dragons alike on the isle of Berk, the friendship between Hiccup (Mason Thames), an inventive Viking, and Toothless, a Night Fury dragon, becomes the key to both species forging a new future together. Hiccup clearly doesn't have the heart to kill a dragon, like a good Viking much to the chagrin of his forceful father, the chief of the tribe, Stoick (Gerard Butler). So, in order to attempt to convince his dad to understand him, he enlists other Vikings namely Astrid (Nico Parker) and Gobber (Nick Frost) to help convince.

Others to round out the cast are Gabriel Howell as Snotlout, Julian Dennison as Fishlegs, Brownwyn James as Ruffnut, Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut, Murray McArthur as Hoark, Peter Serafinowicz as Spitelout, Naomi Wirthner as Gothi, Ruth Codd as Phlegma and Andrea Ware as Burnheart. 

This was directed with familiarity with a  recognizable style by Dean DeBlois ("Lilo & Stitch" '02, "Sigur Ros: Heima" '07, "How to Train Your Dragon" '10,"How to Train Your Dragon 2" '14, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" '19, "Ten" '22) plus a video. I say familiarity due to the fact that this director also directed the animated version, so the similarity followed suit.This certainly was helpful in order to keep that same feel with this version which made it that much easier to follow. It was also written by Dean BeBlois ("How to Train Your Dragon" '10, "How to Train Your Dragon 2" '14, "How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World" '19, "Lilo & Stitch" '25) plus TV, video games, a video and a short, based on Dreamworks Animation's "How to Train Your Dragon" by Will Davies, Dean DeBlois and Chris Sanders, which is based on the book by Cressida Cowell. Again, the writing was, obviously, familiar, but this is positive, especially since it's been a while since the last sequel. The casting was credible, especially that of Thames as Hiccup and Butler as Stoick. The sweeping music by John Powell was engaging and captivating. And, of course, the visual effects by Framestore were seamless and truly added to the story. It was shot and presented in IMAX, but you can view it on a traditional screen as well. 

If you liked and appreciated Dreamworks Animation's version of this story, you'll love this version. It will be interesting to see the sequel of this in 2027. It's the quintessential summer flick, so grab the popcorn with this. What a Ride!

Out of 4 Stars: 4                                      Rated: PG                                          125mins.

The Phoenician Scheme

When it comes to the world of Wes Anderson, one has to conclude that a film is going to be original--unlike so many films out there. Another very original filmmaker out there is M. Night Shyamalan whereas everyone of his films are original. Original doesn't always equate with quality or likability, however original is something Hollywood has all but abandoned. We now have been handed "The Phoenician Scheme" and again, it's quirky and weird, but original.

Wealthy businessman Zsa-zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro) appoints his only daughter, Liesl, (Mia Threapleton), a nun, as sole heir to his estate. As Korda embarks on a new enterprise, they soon become the target of scheming tycoons, foreign terrorists and determined assassins. There are some that attempt in assisting him, such as Bjorn (Michael Cera), Leland (Tom Hanks) and Marty (Jeffrey Wright), but is there assistance simply a ploy in order to rid of Korda? He's constantly in plane crashes and seemingly never dies, so who, if anyone, is responsible for that? The story is laid out in particular segments showcasing all these individuals in cahoots to bring Kurda down. 

Others to round out the cast are Bryan Cranston as Reagan, Mathieu Amalric as Marseille Bob, Richard Ayoade as Segio, Scarlett Johansson as Cousin Hilda, Benedict Cumberbatch as Uncle Nubar, Rupert Friend as Excalibur, Hope Davis as Mother Superior, Bill Murray as God, Stephen Park the pilot and Willem Dafoe as Knave. 

This was directed with originality and weirdness by Wes Anderson ("Bottle Rocket" '96, "Rushmore" '98, "The Royal Tenenbaums" '01, "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou '04, "The Darjeeling Limited" '07,"Fantastic Mr. Fox" '09, "Moonrise Kingdom" '12, "The Grand Budapest Hotel" '14, "Isle of Dogs" '18, "The French Dispatch" '21, "Asteroid City" '23) plus shorts, videos and music videos. Anderson certainly has that distinct style to his films with not only the photography, but the production design and even the acting where his actors implement a 'dead pan' look to themselves as they say their lines. His staging and pacing is spot on and is again, similar from film to film. This film was also executed well by writer Wes Anderson (See above resume), based on a story by Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola. Anderson, like Shyamalan, and others, write their own films which creates more continuity and strength. I'm not expressly an Anderson fan, however I can surely respect his work in that it is fresh and original. A fair amount of his storylines are odd and bizarre, hence the originality, and they are bent with paranoid characters, but certainly I have appreciated many of his works. This had some places of slowness and inconsistencies which made it a bit difficult to wade through. 

It is evident that when these actors convene to make any Anderson film, they come across as though they are truly enjoying themselves, and this comes across to the audience in spades. Surely, Anderson has a strong following and that is encouraging, because this means that there are moviegoers that are into something different than the typical sequels, prequels, remakes, reboots, franchises, installments and the like, and that is definitively encouraging. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                      Rated: PG-13                                    101mins.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

When the first 'John Wick' waltzed into theaters back in 2014, I really thought it wouldn't ignite certainly enough to produce the many films that it did. Since then, I have been intrigued with the franchise mostly because of Keanu Reeves and its director Chad Stahelski--a well renown stunt coordinator. Now, we have "From the World of John Wick: Ballerina" to grasp a hold of.

Taking place during the events of "John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum", the film follows Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) who is beginning her training in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma. Before all this, she is protected by her father, Javier (David Castaneda) since he was entrenched in a tribe (almost a cult) of assassins. He did not want his daughter to belong to it, so he attempted to leave while being followed. The daughter, young Eve (Victoria Comte) unfortunately witnessed his death and subsequently was enlisted by Winston (Ian McHane) to be trained. She, as an adult, goes on a killing spree to avenge the death of her father only after the Director of the organization (Anjelica Huston) attempts to get her to stand down since she and the leader of the tribe she's after, the Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne) have an understanding of not interfering into each other's personal affairs. So the Director hires John Wick (Keanu Reeves) to find her and gets her to stop even if her death has to be an option. What happens now?

Others to round out the cast are Catalina Sandino Moreno as Lena, Ava McCarthy as Ella, Norman Reedus as Daniel Pine, Juliet Doherty as Tatiana, Lance Reddick as Charon, Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Nogi and Robert Maaser as Dex. 

Even though Chad Stahelski didn't direct this installment, it was still directed with intense grit by Len Wiseman ("Underworld" '03, "Underworld: Evolution" '06, "Live Free or Die Hard" '07, "Total Recall" '12) plus TV, videos and music videos. Certainly by reading this filmmaker's resume, one could come to the realization that he was in his comfort zone. Being one of the producers of this film, Stahelski certainly held on to his creative control, but it was still Wisemans' expertise to provide to his audience the similar feel of the characters that were created, and this isn't easy to do. The energy was electric and defining. It was also well written by Shay Hatten ("John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum" '19, "(Future) Cult Classic" '19, "Army of the Dead" '21, "Army of Thieves" '21, "Shift" '22, "John Wick: Chapter 4" '23, "Rebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire" '23, "Rebel Moon - Part 2: The Scargiver" '24), based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. One of the best aspects of this franchise is to implement many of the same people to produce each installment so as to create fluidity from one film to the next. Even though Wick supposedly died in the last film, this, as the plot indicates, takes place during installment three, so it makes this possible. The only issue I might have with is that it was just a bit too long-in-the-tooth. And there were a couple of places where it would've made more sense to do something another way, but then the movie would be considerably shorter, otherwise this film simply rocked. The stunts by supervising stunt coordinator Stephen Dunlevy were incredible and precise in every way. 

Certainly if you liked the previous 'John Wick' films, you'll revel with. It is fairly predictable, but so is the character of  Wick. It has it all: drama, high-adrenaline, explosiveness and even some humor to round out the story and add some comic relief. It's also offered in an IMAX format as well for that up close and personal feel. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: R                                          125mins.

Karate Kid: Legends

For a franchise that has lasted for 41 years starting with "The karate Kid" in 1984, "Karate Kid: Legends" is yet another film continuing with a new generation that is as entertaining as the original. There have been other sequel films and a TV series since, but this film was delineated with the kind of precision one would certainly hope for. 

This film unites the iconic martial arts masters of the most beloved film franchises of all time to tell a completely new story full of action and heart. When kung fu prodigy Li Fong (Ben Wang) relocates to New York City with his mother, Dr. Fong (Ming-Na Wen) to attend a prestigious new school. He finds solace in a new friendship with a classmate, Mia Lupani (Sadie Stanley) and her father, Victor Lupani (Joshua Jackson). But his newfound peace is short-lived after he attracts unwanted attention from a formidable local karate champion, Conor Day (Aramis Knight). Driven by a desire to defend himself, Li embarks on a journey to enter the ultimate karate yearly competition. Guided by the wisdom of his kung fu teacher, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) and the legendary Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), Li merges their unique styles to prepare for an epic martial arts showdown. 

Others to round out the cast are Wyatt Oleff as Alan Federman, Nicolas Carella as Fat Jerry, Shaunette Renee Wilson as Ms. Morgan, Tim Rozon as O'Shea and Yankei Ge as Bo Fong, Li's brother. 

This was directed with just the right amount of action and heart by Jonathan Entwistle ("Mulligatawny" '10) plus TV, shorts and music videos. This filmmaker certainly has the ability to stage and pace his actors well, and simply captured the same feel of Macchio's character from the other 'Karate Kid' films. With only one other feature film to his credit behind the camera, his TV and shorts experience served him well. Typically this is the mark of a smart director to hone their talent in TV, etc before taking the leap into the feature film biz. It was equally well written by Rob Lieber ("Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" (screen story) '14, "Peter Rabbit" (screen story) '18, "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" '18) plus TV, based on characters created by Robert Mark Kamen. May I start with the trailer doesn't sell this film? When I saw my first trailer, I felt that it didn't look like a movie to waste my time, however not terrible, but certainly nothing great. After reviewing this, it was far better than the trailer led on. Was it without flaws? Definitely not. It started out as just "The Karate Kid" x 2-- the next generation coupled with a yawn. However, as the film progressed, it suddenly became the film that this writer meant it to be. It wasn't a sentimental, maudlin drama, but it carried the audience to a place where different techniques were implemented that Han and Daniel found that would work instead of us presuming that everything was going to be tied up with a nice bow--it became more real, and this spoke volumes.

As with the original, this was the quintessential underdog film replete with reexamining Li's past in order to help his present and hopefully his future. It has action, heart, redemption and enough humor to give it that sense of reality. And aren't these types of films the reason why we go to the theater so as to escape?

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                    Rated: PG-13                                   104mins.

                                     

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

When I used to see the TV series of Mission: Impossible, it was considered a cutting edge show when it came to 'stinging' the bad guys by shows' end. Now that the film franchise has been in existence for 29 years, we now have been offered the eighth installment appropriately titled "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning" as the follow up to the 2023, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning". 

Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and the IMF team including Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Benji Dunn (Simon Pegg), Grace (Hayley Atwell) and Paris (Pom Klementieff) continue their search for the terrifying AI known as the Entity--which has infiltrated intelligence networks all over the globe--with the world's governments and a mysterious 'ghost', Gabriel (Esai Morales) from Ethan's past on their trail. Joined by new allies including Capt. Bledsoe (Tramell Tillman) and armed with the means to shut the Entity down for good, Hunt is in a race against time to prevent the world as we know it from changing forever. 

Others to round out the cast are Henry Czerny as Kittridge, Holt McCallany as Serling, Angela Bassett as President Erika Sloane, Janet McTeer as Walters, Nick Offerman as Gen. Sidney, Hannah Waddingham as Adm. Neely, Shea Whigham as Briggs and Greg Tarzan Davis as Deeds.

This was directed with the same precision and expertise as with the many other 'Mission Impossible' films we've all seen by Christopher McQuarrie ("The Way of the Gun" 2000, "Jack Reacher" '12, "Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" '15, "Mission: Impossible - Fallout" '18, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning" '23). McQuarrie actually got his start in writing screenplays and ultimately graduated to behind the camera with much success. He sequences well and his staging, pacing and ability to handle a large production simply is second to none. If you like his form of directing, his "The Gauntlet" is in pre production. It was well penned by seasoned writers Christopher McQuarrie ("Public Access" '93, "The Usual Suspects" '95, "The Underworld" (TV movie) '97, "The Way of the Gun" 2000, "Valkyrie" '08, "The Tourist" '10, "Jack Reacher" '12, "Jack the Giant Slayer" '13, "The Mummy" '17, "Top Gun: Maverick" '22, "Mission: Impossile - Dead Reckoning Part One" '23) plus other films and TV, and Erik Jendresen ("Deadlocked" (TV movie) 2000, "Crazy as Hell" '02, "Sublime" '07, "The Big Bang" '10, "Ithaca" '15, "Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One" '23) plus other TV movies, based on the TV series created by Bruce Geller. These writers gave an incredible send up for this films' closure--replete with a graduated story that builds slowly and then all hell breaks loose. For a film that runs almost three hours, this movie certainly moved. There was a couple of very small slow places about two-thirds the way through, but otherwise was a great popcorn flick. The visual effects predominantly designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) were seamless and the realism was off the charts. Both Cruise and McQuarrie produced this film and they certainly knew what the audiences wanted and they produced.

If you're a Mission: Impossible fan (whether the TV series or the films), this is the film for you! It has it all: drama, explosions, adrenaline, and even humor which makes for that perfect summer flick where we all can go and escape into. Grab the popcorn--this is quite the roller coaster ride!

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                       Rated: PG-13                                       170mins.

The Last Rodeo

Who doesn't like or respect a good 'underdog' film? We've seen many of them i.e. "American Underdog", "Invincible", "Rudy", "Seabuscuit", "42", plus many others. "The Last Rodeo" is certainly the quintessential underdog film if ever seen, and probably the most incredible comeback movie released in some time. 

To save his grandson, Cody Wainwright (Graham Harvey), a retired three time rodeo star, Joe Wainwright (Neal McDonough) decides to enter a high-stakes bull-riding competition in order to help finance a delicate brain surgery his grandson must endure. Along the way, through his friend Charlie Williams (Mykelti Williamson) and his daughter, Sally Wainwright (Sarah Jones), he confronts his past, discovers faith, and proves that true courage lives in family.

Others to round out the past are Christopher McDonald as Jimmy Mack, Daylon Ray Swearingen as Billy Hamilton, Irene Bedard as Agisa Williams, Matt West as Carl Thompson, Clint Adkins as commentator Bryan Buck, Gabriel Sousa as Marco Lockwood, Kamen Kasey as Cooper Duke, Ruve McDpnough as Rose Wainwright, Kaden Taylor as Dee Jones as Brook Banks as Vicky.

This was directed with compassion, passion and heart by Jon Avnet ("Between Two Women" (TV movie) '86, "Fried Green Tomatoes" '91, "The War" '94, Up Close & Personal" '96, "Red Corner" '97, "Uprising" (TV movie) '01, "Conviction" (TV movie) '05, "88 Minutes" '07, "Righteous Kill" '08, "Bunker Hill" (TV movie) '09,"Three Christs" '17) plus other TV movies, TV and a video. The way these actors came across in a way that didn't depend on sentimentality and leaned much more on realism was not only effective acting, but directing as well. It could've became maudlin and wallow in sentiment, but one felt that they had to be watching real people in real situations. It was effectively written by Jon Avnet, Neal McDonough and Derek Presley. I'm not sure why Presley was listed last in the writing billing, him having more experience, except that since Avnet directed the film and McDonough starred in it could've been a weighing factor. As with the directing, this writing didn't become bogged down with sentimentality which created realism. It was sequenced well, and paced and staged well. There were, however, a couple of places of slowness and choppiness, but not enough to detract from the intensity of the story. It was well cast, especially that of McDonough in the starring role. He came across as a character, although was obviously beyond his prime, but was still believable in convincing the audience that he could possibly pull this off. 

If you like rodeo films, you will revel with this.There are real bull riders who had roles in this. as well. Also, this being produced by Angel Studios ("Sound of Freedom", "Sight"), it simply made this viewing more real and meaningful. We need more studios like Angel that are willing to produce more wholesome, good, faith based films instead of those that are riddled with gratuitous violence, sex and 4-letter words. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3.5                                        Rated: PG                                       116mins.

Shadow Force

As many espionage films that are out there, there are, at least, as many or more of the special forces/black ops films in this particular genre. Whether these films are based in the military or are civilian run, there's something a film goer can sink their teeth into. "Shadow Force" is one of those films that pits the bad guys with ones that have branched off at total odds with each other. 

In this story, Kydah Owens (Kerry Washington) and Isaac Sarr (Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, Ky Sarr (Jahleel Kamara). they go underground. With a huge bounty on their heads by leader, Jack Cinder (Mark Strong), and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family's fight becomes an all-out war. Will they be able to keep one step ahead of Cinder in order to survive?

Others to round out the cast are Da 'Vine Joy Randolph as Marvella or 'Auntie', Cliff 'Method Man' Smith as Avery or 'Unc', Marshall Cook as Patrick, Ed Quinn as Parker, Yoson An as Varjo, Jenel Stevens as Anino, Marvin Jones III as Cysgod, Sala Baker as Scath and Natalia Reyes as Moriti.

This film was directed with grit and tenacity by seasoned Joe Carnahan ("Blood, Guts, Bullets and Octane" '98, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Faceless" (TV movie) '06, "The A-Team" '10, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Boss Level" '20, "Battle Ready" (TV movie) '20, "Copshop" '21) plus TV, shorts and a video. By his very resume, Carnahan certainly has perfected the drama and intensity of those in war and the political realm and does so unapologetically. The intensity between Sy and Washington was gritty all the while that they wholeheartedly believe in family and ultimately made that their mainstay, and this represents talented directing. If you like this filmmaker's brand, both his "Not Without Hope" and "RIP" are completed and in post production respectively for a 2025 release date. It was equally well penned by writers Joe Carnahan ("Karate Raider" '95, "Narc" '02, "Smokin' Aces" '06, "Pride and Glory" '08, "The Grey" '11, "Stretch" '14, "Death Wish" '18, "Bad Boys for Life" '20, "Copshop" '21) plus other films, TV, shorts and a video and Leon Chills (TV). This being predominantly written by a seasoned writer (Carnahan), it certainly kept the audience's attention while these two special force ops were balancing their impossible jobs while attempting to raise their child. The only issue with this was that somewhere after about a quarter the way through the film, it started to slow down and was a bit choppy in those places, otherwise it was thrilling and taught as a film of this caliber should be. The supporting cast was strong, especially Mark Strong as the baddie which he plays so well. even though Leon Chills has only TV to his credit, it must have served him well. 

If this particular genre is a favorite, this will serve you with much action, intensity and adrenaline. It has a good cast and fine filmmakers working on it. For a film that didn't receive much press like the new Jurassic World or F1: The Movie, this will certainly keep you glued to the screen while entertaining you as well. 

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                        Rated: R                                           104mins.