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Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Modern, unique, and 'incredible'
This is by far the best Spider-Man movie of all of them. The art style is so incredibly unique in how it utilizes aspects from comic books. Not only that but the entire film is dotted in most scenes or textured in other ways akin to the tv show Chowder. The next thing you notice in this movie is the sound, more specifically, the music. The music is amazing and perfectly fits every scene throughout. Not only that but the fact that so much of the music is Post Malone fits perfectly with Miles Morales' life and character within the film. It also creates a very modern feeling that other movies lack. The level of absurdity is great and totally works with the animation and plot. This even allows for some great humor moments. Even throughout the absurdity and fast-paced animation style, the movie still manages to hold onto a meaningful and well thought out spiderman origin story with amazing characters that are incredibly well developed. Even the villain has a good motive with an extreme plan fueled by emotion, a good trope in any movie really. Lastly I will address the thing that most people talk about, a black Spider-Man. I will say that unlike other movies, this movie does diversity right. Miles' culture and heritage does play a role in the movie and is clearly visible to the audience, however, nothing about the plot revolves around his race and culture. He's not 'black Spider-Man' but he is Miles Morales, a character that proves to the world that anyone can be a hero with enough determination.
Arrival (2016)
Interesting take on aliens
Arrival takes a great approach to the alien contact concept. It showcases the flaws of humanity and also the intricacies of linguistics. The cast, while small, works incredibly well together and creates some awesome chemistry. The soundtrack is a crazy orchestral soundtrack that creates a duper dramatic feeling for most scenes. The end of the movie deals with some really complex conceptual sci-fi kind of stuff but instead of treating it like an actual sci-fi it instead takes on this much more serious tone. I feel like the main character deteriorates by the end of the film in comparison to her start as well. Solid but generally not quite compelling enough to draw in the audience.
Raising Arizona (1987)
Funny baby comedy
This movie puts Nicholas Cage in probably his most unique and unusual role ever. There is this weird style of redneckery, westerny, 80s moviey. The humor is alright but not really that good in my opinion. The plot focuses around the baby as a central idea which works really well in terms of the flow of the movie. It is obviously well-made and well-acted but does not have anything that stands out too much within the story in comparison to other hilarious comedy films such as Robin Hood: Men in Tights.
The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)
Harry Potter's edgy cousin
Nick Cage is so cool. It is rare to find a film with as good of magic conceptually and effects wise as Harry Potter. The magical references are great throughout, the relationship built up by our main character and love interest is pretty cheesy but still romantic. As a character, Becky actually plays a pretty meaningful role in the movie. As a whole the movie is definitely driven by the characters as well as the amazing effects and cool concepts. The villains are not the best or deep but they do provide the most entertaining action scenes in any fantastical film this century.
The Social Network (2010)
Jesse Eisenberg is smart
I love a good biographical movie and this is not too shabby. Jesse Eisenberg does a wonderful portrayal of an anti-social super nerd by the name of Mark Zuckerberg. One thing I will say is that this movie is much more educational than I would expect in regards to the history of Facebook. It is entertaining to see how the characters progress in the movie. It is a pretty standard film that I won't necessarily recommend watching but also definitely not complaining about seeing in the first place. Not too memorable overall.
Surf's Up 2: WaveMania (2016)
THIS IS BAD, JOHN CENA
I don't know why anyone ever greenlit this movie for production. At least Shia Labeouf realized that this movie was a terrible idea. How much do you have to pay the WWE to be a part of this BS. In case you were wondering, it is a movie with bad acting, very bad animation, and just centers around the characters of Surf's Up (great movie) but just kind of uses them as generic characters. There is a boring conflict and our main penguin is not at all compelling. I hate that this was made, it is a tragedy to call this movie a sequel to Surf's Up. Why are there WWE wrestlers?!?!?
The Good Dinosaur (2015)
Umm... real dinosaurs had feathers
This movie is sadly the lowest point of all the Pixar movies. Of course it is not poorly made at all considering it is Pixar, however the actual contents lacks. Our main character is not likeable and the voice acting doesn't help. He evolves over time but stays boring and lame until the credits roll. It is an adventure film so characters met asking the way are interesting but really add little to the story. It tries to be heartwarming and meaningful while having a slow and pointless trek through this alternate world.
Blockers (2018)
JOHN CENA! wait what was this movie about?
Blockers is a true throw away movie. I barely remember the plot of the film. The cast is totally fine but I don't really care about any of the characters. The plot is kind of dumb and it really has a lot of cringy jokes that never successfully land. If you want a poor throw away comedy, here you go.
WALL·E (2008)
Lovable robots
WALL-E is the only animated film that can make absolutely fall in love with a pair of inanimate objects that can only communicate through saying their names. The movie up until it goes into space is somehow extremely charming with a setting that is absolutely terrifying when compared to our own possible future. The music is amazing throughout and there are certain scenes that will make you tear up. However the 'bad guy' in the movie is not likeable and has no motive. This movie could possibly have been transformed to a higher state of film had the movie had been a pure adventure/comedy with romantic overtones in which our main character attempts to help communicate with the human population and also rekindle his relationship with a futuristic service droid, I think that the movie would have truly been a masterpiece.
Karigurashi no Arietti (2010)
Small girl meets big boy
Compared to many other Ghibli movies, Arrietty doesn't seem to have much of an actual plot. It is however equally as beautiful and wondrous as others. The simple concept of people who are small living in a house off of little scraps is done super well. Our main character creates some meaningful bonds while also avoiding danger at the same time. It's super interesting conceptually and visually but lacks depth in storytelling. Relationship films are still compelling and good in many aspects and they are only heightened by the endless charm of Ghibli.
Big Hero 6 (2014)
Disney but japan?
One of the best modern animated Disney films out there. The setting is phenomenal, it manages to be both futuristic while also staying completely feasible in our own world. It makes a sort of superhero origin story sort of thing but has it feeling like a friendship based Disney adventure instead. The 'loss of parents' hero trick is overplayed but here it is flipped on its side where our hero starts without parents and loses family in the same story. Baymax is a lovable sidekick and each of the side characters manage to leave the spotlight to Hiro while also developing interesting and unique personalities that the audience is able to find some of themselves in. The villain has a good motive and while not amazing is still good enough to hold his own in such a fun movie.
Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016)
Daddy's Home: Panda Edition
While decent, this movie really didn't need to be made. It has a central topic of fatherhood which isn't quite as well executed as it could've been. Most of the humor aims to center around the natural humor in fat pandas. This humor feels like the directors changed their target audience to be younger and also to appeal more to Happy Meal toys. They definitely ran out of interesting villains and put in an underdeveloped guy who likes green. I want to say that fighting his own team is well utilized as a battle mechanic here but it honestly doesn't make for exciting action. Decent movie in quality but one that feels pointless.
Kung Fu Panda 2 (2011)
Panda vs. machine?
This is one of those sequels that doesn't continue a story but still manages to be successful. Kung Fu Panda has a plot that is so concise and well made that you cannot continue the story. You can however create a new story within the universe and do so with wonderful development of characters you already know and create one centered around the concept of man vs machine. The cast and writing is just as good as the original but it still feels like a sequel. This franchise could have been a solo film and I think that it should have. However, after seeing the first one, the sequel is luckily an animated film worthy of attention.
Kung Fu Panda (2008)
Classic dreamworks
Kung Fu Panda is one of the animated films that defined the late 2000s outside of the Disney supergiant. It has an artistically creative opening that has a style that continues in later scenes. Jack Black is the supreme choice to play a fat panda and he does it. As a character Po is a great one track panda that brings humor to the table through his personality and through physical gags. The lesson of the film is kind of shoved in your face by the end and the characters definitely have very obvious character development. This plays to the target audience though so it is alright. The reason this movie is so great is purely because it is one of the most well-made and pure in nature animated films.
Surf's Up (2007)
Almost a masterpiece, stylistically great
Surf's Up is the most underrated animated film of all time. It is stylistically the most creative animated film thanks to its reality tv/documentary style. The voice cast is not noticeable but yet is a huge part of the quality of the movie. The story itself is a well thought out story following a character who evolves throughout the movie with the help of others. It is family friendly and funny in nearly every scene. The scenes that aren't as funny are the emotional scenes that add a surprising amount of depth to the story. An absurd premise mixed with great execution make for a surprisingly awesome film.
Romancing the Stone (1984)
I like to be swept off my feet by these guys
Romancing the Stone is a pretty cookie cutter but very well done adventure film. Its style is akin to that of Indiana Jones or The Mummy but this time without the supernatural aspects. It has a nice premise of an adventure romance writer being thrown into a story similar to one that she would write herself. The plot is fun and action filled with little depth overall. Good acting all around with a setting that seems highly exotic. Generally a great movie to watch with young kids.
National Treasure (2004)
CLASSIC Cage
Here we have a classical Nicholas Cage film that will carry into the future. It is the peak of 'follow the clues' type of adventure film. The premise is just obscene enough to create this funny air over the movie and has enough twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. The villain is a very standard villain but it is nice that they nearly mirror our heroes in treasure hunting prowess. It is simple and not necessarily the most impressive but overall I would have to consider it one of the quintessential Nick Cage films.
American Ultra (2015)
Only in the 2010s
American Ultra is a good, sci-fi, Jumper esc movie. I love to see movies that feature characters dealing with mental health issues that affect their daily lives. Jesse Eisenberg does a great job portraying such a depressed chill character. Our protagonists' relationship is really sweet because it isn't outlandishly romantic but calming instead. The plot itself is creative and features some cool fights. Mike dealing with his new found abilities allows for funny moments when he turns into another person to a degree. The actions scenes are fun and the lighting gives the whole movie this gloomy but warm feel. Good movie to watch with an SO without being a rom-com.
Rent (2005)
It's literally Rent
Rent really is Rent. It truly is just a film adaptation of the musical. The fact that it is film allows for moments that are definitely made more dramatic or more impressive thanks to the magic of cameras. The cast is well picked and have good chemistry together and the filmmaker provides for interesting situations. The music is truly what you would expect from a high quality version of a musical. Generally good musical that fans of Rent should enjoy.
Nerve (2016)
Fun fast adventure
Nerve is really one of those movies that has a plot centered around such a cool concept that the movie is fun but not necessarily good. Our main character is not very interesting or fun but it is good to see her be turned into more of a rebel by our other main protagonist who is a really interesting and fun character. The side characters are good but the plot around the hackers was pretty silly. Very entertaining scenes with a very good soundtrack makes this movie honestly pretty entertaining.
The Circle (2017)
I think they missed the point
This movie got a lot of hate when it was released and I really couldn't understand why. UNTIL THE SECOND HALF. In terms of execution the movie is fine. The acting is good, there is some great cinematography, and the movie's pacing is fine. The problem really is the plot. The problem comes in the lessons learned, the people that Mae interacts with, and the fact that in general Mae is just a very unlikable person. This is a movie that sets up a classic "skeptic enters system, gets brainwashed, gets unbrainwashed, and destroys the system. But instead it just doo doos all over itself for the last part of the movie.
Sayonara no asa ni yakusoku no hana o kazarô (2018)
So dramatic and sad
Maquia is a wonderful anime that obviously did not get much attention in America. The themes of family and love and death are all wonderful and dramatic. This movie is so moving and dramatic that it brought tears to my eyes. It has a fantastical theme to it while not feeling like any sort of weird rpg world. It transitions from fantasy to reality but still in a fantastical steampunk esc. Style. Definitely similar to a Ghibli film in style but not in setting as much. Orchestral/piano soundtrack is both dramatic and calming. Beautiful in story and pretty darn good in every other aspect.
Batman Begins (2005)
Incredible origin story
This is a gritty Batman. Origin stories are difficult to pull off and I think it is done great. The villain is not a very concrete single body but takes more of the sort of form that a bad guy of a detective show would take. The plan is both convoluted and impactful, it really presents a challenge to our hero. The starting origins are, in my opinion, somewhat overdone and the relationships he builds are meh. I truly think that this movie is the perfect setup for the rest of the Dark Knight series and think that it provides the most concise origin story & superhero plot in one movie.
Blazing Saddles (1974)
Kind of crude but still charming
As a comically exaggerated western about a black sheriff it does well. It seems to have a lot of slapstick and vulgar humor but that isn't necessarily bad. It really feels like a comedy with not much special in regards to...everything. It is comedic but really doesn't have any of the 90s charm that most comedies like this have. I hate to say it but I definitely think people remember this movie too fondly and do not think that it really holds up in comparison to movies now.
Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
Funny and underrated
Compare this movie to The Princess Bride or Monty Python. That is that it is funny. This movie totally takes the classic story of Robin Hood that you know and makes it into a well thought out comedy. It consistently breaks the fourth wall and is overall a well written comedy. You really do not need to even think about the plot but instead your entire attention is purely devoted to the bits within. Watch it, it's funny and is one of the better Robin Hoods.