GEMINI MAN, 11/10/19

GEMINI MAN

Trailer

Synopsis

An elite assassin, Henry Brogan suddenly finds himself a target of a mysterious operative who appears to anticipate his every move. Henry, to his horror, soon discovers that this operative that is trying to hunt him down and kill him, is in fact a younger, faster and a cloned version of himself.

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

One hour, fifty seven  minutes (1h, 57m)

Current Rating

30%

Cast

Henry Brogan – Will Smith
Danny Zakarweski – Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Clayton “Clay” Varris – Clive Owen
Baron – Benedict Wong
Janet Lassiter – Linda Emond
Kitty – Theodora Miranne
Jack Willis – Douglas Hodge
Yuri Kovacs – Ilia Volok
Marino – E.J. Bonilla
Keller - Björn Freiberg

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Review: Well, Will Smith. I grew up on Will Smith dominating my childhood with showings like Men in Black and Fresh Prince of Bel Air. There's been ups and downs, but the anticipation to watch movies starring Will Smith still remains. Adding David Benioff of Game of Thrones fame and Jerry Bruckheimer of Lucifer fame, there was bound to be great sequences, and the poor rating doesn’t do the movie justice, unless it is aimed at the editing, then maybe I understand.

However, Will Smith plays a younger version of himself. I thought he did really well through the action sequences, when he isn’t making a black suit from Men in Black "look good", in a script that has been in limbo for nearly 20 years. Benedict Wong is fast becoming a decent supporting character, having impressed alongside Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange.

It’s great to see Will Smith diversifying as he grows older. It is difficult playing your younger self, but I think Will Smith pulled it off. If you don’t mind the editing in that some of the action sequences were sped up, then the ratings definitely don't hold down.

JOKER, 04/10/19

JOKER

Trailer

Synopsis

Failed comedian Arthur Fleck seeks a connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City, forever alone in a crowd. Wearing two masks, one which acts as his day job as a clown and another as a futile attempt to feel like a part of the world around him. Feeling isolated, bullied and disgraced by society, Flecks begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind, Joker

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

Two hours, 02 minutes (2h, 02m)

Current Rating

77%

Cast

Joker / Arthur Fleck – Joaquin Phoenix
Murray Franklin – Robert De Niro
Sophie Dumond – Zazie Beetz
Penny Fleck – Frances Conroy
Thomas Wayne – Brett Cullen
Alfred Pennyworth – Douglas Hodge
Bruce Wayne – Dante Pereira-Olson
Gene Ufland – Marc Maron
GCPD Officers – Bill Camp / Shea Whigham
Randall – Glenn Fleshler
Arkham Asylum Clerk – Brian Tyree Henry
Gary – Leigh Gill
Social Worker – Sharon Washington
Guest – Justin Theroux

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Review: Heath Ledger’s take on the iconic Batman villain was always going to be hard to match, or even overcome. Joaquin Phoenix, whether people agree or not, is a success in a dark world with an R rating (15 in UK). Granted that an origin story for the iconic villain is not really needed given his popularity and as the comics (source material), have never really established his origins as canon. White Knight, an ongoing series by DC, but not canon / connected to the main DC Universe, establishes a Joker by the name of Jack Napier, similar to Jack Nicholson’s take on the character. 

With influence from The Killing Joke and The Dark Knight Returns, this movie is more a psychological thriller than simply reintroducing the villain to the wider audience (The screening I attended was full of teenagers, who abruptly, and shockingly ceased to make any noise when the movie started, which was very ominous). If you need some inspiration on how much faith is in this movie, look no further than one of its producers, THE Bradley Cooper, aka, Rocket Raccoon of Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy.

Intended as a standalone movie, there are elements that this movie could, in theory, span a sequel. It is possibly intended to kick start DC's Black Label (Formerly Vertigo) imprint, which is not linked to the main DC Universe as it is alternative story telling, but some elements could find their way through, if the story is strong enough. Arthur Fleck’s descent into becoming The Joker was very captivating. Some comments regarding the characters portrayal look as though they know nothing of the evolution of The Joker, from the 60s (Cesar Romero) to the current day. No Ace Chemicals involved, so this is more or less an imagined origin story.

AD ASTRA, 20/09/19

AD ASTRA

Trailer

Synopsis

A son journeys across the Solar System in search of his missing father, who has been branded a renegade scientist whose experiments pose a threat to humanity

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

Two hours, 03 minutes (2h, 03m)

Current Rating

82%

Cast

Roy McBride – Brad Pitt
Clifford McBride – Tommy Lee Jones
Helen Lantos – Ruth Negga
Eve McBride – Liv Tyler
Colonel Pruitt – Donald Sutherland
Peter Bello – Jamie Kennedy
General Stroud – John Finn
Lorraine Deavers – Kimberly Elise
Franklin Yoshida – Bobby Nish
Adjutant General Amelia Vogel – LisaGay Hamiliton
General Rivas – John Ortiz
Chip Games – Greg Bryk
Donald Stanford – Loren Dean
Captain Lawrence Tanner – Donnie Keshawarz
Arjun Dhariwal – Ravi Kapoor
Tanya Pincus – Natasha Lyonne

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Review: Well, the second movie I have seen starring Brad Pitt this year, except this time he was the lead character and had less humour. I generally enjoy space movies, especially those involving celestial bodies or otherworldly civilisations, much like Star Wars, Star Trek and both Guardians of The Galaxy movies. The misleading opening credits of Superman Returns had me believing the movie would take place in space in some form, but then didn’t.

Anyway, as an actor, I can hardly find fault with Brad Pitt. I generally enjoy his movies as he adds an extra dimension to them, like you are experiencing the movie with him. He can seem to be hogging scenes, like in Troy but honestly I wouldn’t complain. I thought he did really well in the movie’s far future setting. Also, Tommy Lee Jones is another actor whose dry humour I always find humorous.
But we get something a bit more serious in this movie from him.

The director, James Gray, wanted to do a different kind of space story, and he did. I enjoyed the space travelling and stunning visuals. This is not a superhero movie, more of a family reunion type, but with a twist.

It Chapter Two, 07/09/19

IT CHAPTER TWO

Trailer

Synopsis

The evil clown Pennywise returns after 27 years to continue to terrorize the town of Derry once again. Since leaving Derry and having gone their separate ways, the once young children have all grown up and moved on with their lives. But when people start disappearing, they are brought back to Derry as they had once sworn an oath to. As their scars from their past continues to haunt them, they must conquer their fears in hopes of defeating Pennywise, who is now stronger than ever...

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

Two hours, 50 minutes (2h, 50m)

Current Rating

66%

Cast

Bill Denbrough – James McAvoy / Jaeden Martell
Beverly Marsh – Jessica Chastain / Sophia Lillis
Ben Hanscom – Jay Ryan / Jeremy Ray Taylor
Richie Tozier – Bill Hader / Finn Wolfhand
Mike Hanlon – Isaiah Mustafa / Chosen Jacobs
Eddie Kaspbrak – James Ransone / Jack Dylan Grazer
Stanley Uris – Andy Bean / Wyatt Oleff
Georgie Denbrough – Jackson Robert Scott
Henry Bowers – Teach Grant / Nicholas Hamilton
Dean – Luke Roessler
Pawn Shop Owner – Stephen King
Pharmacy Customer – Andy Muschietti
IT / Pennywise – Bill Skarsgård

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Review: I am not really a fan of horror movies, however, after seeing many episodes of TV shows where a clown or many of them are mentioned, to which I wasn’t really understanding of, until I saw the first movie It. It brought thrills, had a good story and really drew me in to the point where I didn’t want to miss the next scene. In short, it is the highest grossing horror movie because it earned it.

It Chapter Two brought something different from its predecessor. Again, a good story, had a talented cast, but added an element that is not really associated with horror movies, comedy and lots of it, throughout the duration of the movie. This takes away the anticipated thrills within the movie and you expect to see / hear the next comedy scene or event.

There were times I thought to myself that some sequences were very confusing, but it turns out there is a mix of younger and older characters trying to be balanced out to give everyone a fair amount of screen time. Visual effects were quite good and there is also more of an insight into Pennywise as well. The movie didn’t inspire me as much as the first one did, but the story has been expanded upon and lots of character build-up, for just less than three hours, so you may want to slow down on the popcorn to prolong it.

ANGEL HAS FALLEN, 24/08/19

ANGEL HAS FALLEN

Trailer

Synopsis

Mike Banning, a Secret Service Agent, is taken into custody by for a failed assassination attempt of Allan Trumbull, now President of the United States. After being incarcerated, Banning manages to escape capture and evade the FBI, along with his agency (Secret Services) to find the real threat which targeted the president. In his quest to uncover the truth, Banning turns to unlikely allies in his attempts to clear his name and uncover an imminent threat to the United States

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

Two hours, 01 minute (2h, 01m)

Current Rating

40%

Cast

Mike Banning – Gerard Butler
Allan Trumbull – Morgan Freeman
Wade Jennings – Danny Huston
Sam Wilcox – Michael Landes
Martin Kirby – Tim Blake Nelson
Clay Banning – Nick Nolte
Leah Banning – Piper Perabo
Helen Thompson – Jada Pinkett Smith
David Gentry – Lance Reddick
James Haskell – Mark Arnold
Travis Cole – Frederick Schmidt
Ramirez – Joseph Millson
Murphy – Ori Pfeffer

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: No

Review: I went into this movie with an open mind. Namely because I have seen The Dark Knight (My favourite movie), the hospital scene with the Joker detonating it and walking away from the destruction, a masterpiece scene and Captain America: The Winter Soldier, my favourite Marvel movie which depicts infiltration in a manner most would only think of. It more or less felt like the movie was an extension of these.  

However, the movie itself plays out differently as this is not a sinister villain with a pre-emptive mind to plan the destruction of a hospital beforehand, or a large scale infiltration by an organisation hell bent on world domination. Rather, this movie is the continuation of two predecessors, involving Morgan Freeman (returning to a role as President of the United States since Deep Impact) and Gerard Butler racing to save America from imminent danger from the inside.

There was humour involved, from unlikely characters and quite a bit of action sequences. Now, I'm generally someone who likes a lot of action scenes, as long as they hold up and don’t drag on to the point where people will wind down after them. It has to feel like it is moving the story forward; otherwise you could find yourself wondering where the story went after those scenes. But nonetheless, they held up. A sequel was kind of teased, but it could be a means to an end.

Once Upon a Time in ... Hollywood, 16/08/19

ONCE UPON A TIME IN ... HOLLYWOOD

Trailer

*The movie was released this week, but was released last week elsewhere*

Synopsis

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood first visits Los Angeles in 1969, where TV star Rick Dalton and his stunt double, Cliff Booth make their way around an industry they hardly recognise anymore as everything seems to be changing. Includes multiple story-lines and a large ensemble cast in a tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s Golden Age

Cinema

ODEON

Run Time

Two hours, 41 minutes (2h 41m)

Current Rating

85%

Cast

Rick Dalton – Leonardo DiCaprio
Cliff Booth – Brad Pitt
Sharon Tate – Margot Robbie
Jay Sebring – Emile Hirsch
Pussycat – Margaret Qualley
James Stacy – Timothy Olyphant
Trudi Fraser – Julia Butters
Charles “Tex” Watson – Austin Butler
Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme – Dakota Fanning
George Spahn – Bruce Dern
Bruce Lee – Mike Moh
Steve McQueen – Damien Lewis
Marvin Schwarz – Al Pacino
Mary Alice Schwarz – Brenda Vaccaro
Roman Polanski – Rafal Zawierucha
Francesca Capucci – Lorenza Izzo

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: No

Review: Well, there was a large cast, but really I was there for Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio. It never ceases to amaze me how effortlessly these two manage to draw me in with their performances. They stop becoming actors and become the characters they are portraying, and they are in a movie, together. I was impressed through.

But moving on, the movie is set against the backdrop of a changing Hollywood. A lot of tributes can be spotted, with the main standout being to Adam West’s 1960s Batman TV series to basically highlight the era setting, with quite a bit of humour involved, considering it is a Quentin Tarantino movie. I can’t really comment on Bruce Lee’s portrayal in the movie as this the setting is more or less fifty years ago.

*Spoiler Alert* However, the movie heavily depicts some of the “Manson Family” members. Events have been changed for the movie, but there is some historical depictions involved. The changes are intended to make the movie more exciting, and for me, it more or less pays off in Quentin Tarantino style.Certain parts of the movie were quite suspenseful, but ended up becoming quite satisfying.

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw, 02/08/19

FAST AND FURIOUS PRESENTS: HOBBS AND SHAW

Trailer

Synopsis

Ever since Hobbs, a loyal agent of America’s DSS (Diplomatic Security Service) and lawless outcast Shaw, former British military elite operative first clashed in Furious 7 (2015), they have tried to take each other down via smack talk and body blows. But a cyber genetically enhanced anarchist, Brixton, attempts to gain control of a bio threat that could alter humanity (He also manages to get the upper hand against a fearless rogue MI6 agent who also happens to be Shaw’s sister), the duo then become unlikely partners to bring down someone more intimidating than themselves

Run Time

Two hours, sixteen minutes (2h 16m)

Current Rating

71%

Cast

Luke Hobbs – Dwayne Johnson
Decker Shaw – Jason Statham
Brixton – Idris Elba
Hattie Shaw – Vanessa Kirby
Jonah – Cliff Curtis
Queenie – Helen Mirren
Madam M – Eiza Gonzalez
Professor Andreiko – Eddie Marsan

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes, contains two scenes

End – Credits: Yes

Review: It was definitely fast and it was definitely furious. The movie is packed with action and after being concerned that all the hype of the movie was all contained within the trailers (Like some previous movies I have seen previously), I can say that much more was included in the movie to keep audiences interested as the movie developed. It was packed with Hobbs and Shaw smack talking to each other, back and forth, which was quite entertaining to watch.

As for the humour (aside from the smack talk between Hobbs and Shaw), there was quite a bit involved. We had multiple cameo appearances from someone stepping out of costume from another movie franchise into a uniform who, then went on to talk about another television series that many people may be familiar with. Hattie, Shaw’s sister also ends up with a catchphrase which she uses throughout the movie.

The main focus in the movie (aside from the bio threat) is around technology, and how people use it. The movie touches on technology being in the wrong hands and the dangers involved from being too heavily reliant on such. It was definitely not something I expected. There were moments in the movie in which I thought that certain scenes paid homage to the Dark Knight, Batman.

However, the movie does more or less end on a cliff hanger and leaves it wide open for a possible sequel opportunity. Whether they end up being recurring villains / characters from the main franchise, or going in a different direction entirely, remains to be seen but either way, for me, the current direction looks positive.

THE LION KING

Mid-Credits: No

End-Credits: No

Review: The original movie from 1994 gave me many life lessons, some of which have stayed with me to this day. The remake is a slight retelling, slightly modernised. It has humour, tradegy, original songs / soundtracks and is visually stunning, as the original was. I felt it was ground breaking, and enjoyed the movie.

Upcoming review for The Lion King, 19/07/19

Upcoming review for The Lion King


Trailer below:

Movie synopsis: Simba idolizes his father, King Mufasa and carves a path of his own royal destiny on the plains of Africa. However, not everyone celebrates the cubs arrival as Scar, King Mufasa's brother, and the now former heir to the throne, plots in the background. The pride lands is soon rocked with betrayal, tragedy and drama, leading to Simba's exile. After befriending a curious pair, Simba must now figure out how to grow up and back what is his, by right.

SPIDER-MAN: FAR FROM HOME

Mid-Credits: Yes

End-Credits: Yes

Review: Well, trust the MCU to make a story to close out Phase 3 that was quite fun to watch. It had action, emotion, humour, homages and a shocking revelation during the Mid-Credits. Also, the End-Credits tease a possible direction for the MCU for Phase 4.

Upcoming review for Spider-Man: Far From Home, 03/06/19

Upcoming review for Spider-Man: Far From Home


Trailer below:

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


This movie continues on straight after Avengers: Endgame, and is expected to close out Phase 3 of the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe).

BRIGHTBURN

Mid-Credits: Yes, Continues story, but does not tease sequel

End-Credits: No

Review: Well, this was the one horror movie I was waiting for, and I usually don't wait to watch horror movies. It is more or less an Ultraman (Superman from Earth 3) origin story, sort of. It also has the potential for a shared universe (Crime Syndicate of America or Injustice), depending on copyright issues.

Upcoming review for Brightburn, 24/06/19

Upcoming review for Brightburn

Trailer below:

Synopsis: What if a child from another world crash landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero, he becomes something more sinister? Brightburn presents a startling subversive take on a radical new genre: Superhero horror.

TOY STORY 4

Mid-Credits: Yes

End-Credits: No, but more like Keanu Reeves closing out the movie

Review: I have followed Toy Story since the very first one. And even now, for the fourth film, it still managed to draw to me in. Even watching the movie, made me feel like as young as I was when I first watched the first one. A few throwbacks, added humour and enjoyed the story.

Upcoming review for TOY STORY 4, 21/06/19

Upcoming review for TOY STORY 4

Trailer below:

Synopsis: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and the gang embark on a road trip with Bonnie and a new toy named Forky. The adventure turns into an unexpected reunion as Woody slight detour leads him to his long lost friend, Bo Peep. As the two toys discuss the old days, they start to realise that they are world's apart when it comes to what they want from life as toys.

MEN IN BLACK INTERNATIONAL

Mid-Credits: No

End-Credits: No

Review: Definitely a different direction, lots of humour, creative animation. I was quite intrigued by the not so main villains, they were quite interesting. It's always a risk when trying to keep a story fresh, and it's worth it.

Upcoming Review for MEN IN BLACK INTERNATIONAL,14/06/19

Upcoming Review for MEN IN BLACK INTERNATIONAL

Trailer below:


Official Synopsis: The Men in Black have always protected the Earth from the scum of the universe. In this new adventure, they tackle their biggest, most global threat to date; a mole in the men in Black organisation.

X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX

Mid-Credits: No

End-Credits: No

Review: A different story in an attempt to appeal to audiences, but straying a lot from the source material. Not a bad story, in trying to keep everything predominantly Earth based, but a much better direction than the predecessor, X-MEN The Last Stand, personally. One can only assume that X-Men may soon be entering the MCU, so maybe not too much needed to be divulged, lest a reboot / retelling takes place.

Upcoming Review for X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX, 07/06/19

Upcoming Review for X-MEN: DARK PHOENIX

Trailer below:

GODZILLA: KING OF THE MONSTERS

Mid-Credits: Not really a scene, more like a montage, with heavy Easter eggs for possible sequel or next (shared) movie direction.

End-Credits: Yes

Review:  Definitely not for the faint hearted. Crazy sound effects and animation. A real monster movie. Not had this much fun for a while. Lots of story and history of the "titans". Worth the watch, but child supervision is a must

JOHN WICK 3: PARABELLUM

Mid-Credits: No, but contains excerpts from the movie

End-Credits: No

Review: Well, for the most part, it was quite exhilarating. Horseback / motorcycle chases and some added humour. Lots of twists and turns, but thoroughly enjoyable. New plots introduced and movie left open for another chapter.

Upcoming review for John Wick 3: Parabellum, 17/05/19

Upcoming Review for JOHN WICK 3: PARABELLUM

Trailer below:

DETECTIVE PIKACHU

Mid-Credits: No, but a lot of throwbacks, one for the fans

End-Credits: No

Review: Honestly, this movie ended up having a decent story you could follow. Most people in the cinema look like fans, past and present. Lots of Easter eggs, so keep a watch out.

Upcoming review for DETECTIVE PIKACHU, 10/05/19

Upcoming Review for DETECTIVE PIKACHU

Trailer below:

AVENGERS ENDGAME

Mid-Credits: No, but there are tributes from some of the original Avengers

End-Credits: No

Review: A movie with a twist, and one I waited in earnest to watch, So much so that I shut down my social media. This movie was not what I expected but did enjoy various scenes. Continuation parts of the movie linked into the previous one, Avengers Infinity War, and opens up quite a few more stories going forward.

Upcoming Review for Avengers Endgame, 27/04/19

Upcoming Review for AVENGERS ENDGAME

Trailer below:

HELLBOY

Mid-Credits: Yes

End-Credits: Yes

Review: I saw the original two movies, and this one is definitely darker and more gory than them, with added humour and lots of visual effects. This movie is headed in a different direction than the originals, with characters being teased for possible sequels.

Upcoming Review for 13/04/19

Upcoming Review for HELLBOY

Trailer below:

SHAZAM!

Mid-Credits: Yes, sets up sequel

End-Credits: Yes (Throwback to DCEU)

Review: A kid who becomes a superhero after saying SHAZAM? Well it definitely captured the essence of a kid trying to be a superhero as a fully grown adult. Its not a "dark" movie and has a lot of DCEU throwbacks and possible new directions. Lots of humour and language involved.

***SPOILER ALERT***
There IS a Superman cameo at the end, but the head is removed, so there is no way to know if this is Henry Cavill or not.

Upcoming Review for 05/04/19

Upcoming review for SHAZAM!

Trailer below:

Us

Mid-Credits: No

End-Credits: No

Review: Something different and thought provoking. Reminiscent of Insidious 1 and 2 but with deeper ties to government experiments and involvement.

Voting (28/03/19)

Cast your votes below:

NEW ADDITION: POLLS / VOTING

I've added a new feature to help people determine which movie should be featured in the form of Polls or Voting. Sometimes I will ask the people and at other times, I may have a preference (For example, Shazam! or Avengers: Endgame will not be put to a vote as I myself really want to watch them). But I will give everyone a heads up.

I will try to release the polls / voting at least 48 hours before going to watch the movie. Voting will close around 24 hours before I actually watch the movie which pulls in the highest result (A deadlock will result in the movie with the higher rating by the cinema being selected) and give the update.

An example below:

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY

Mid-Credits: Yes / Sort of

End-Credits: No

Review: As a WWE fan, this movie differs from watching wrestler promos (usually 2-4 minutes) of their lives on their journey to become a champion, to nearly two hours of the most important journey in their lives (in this case, Paige). Finally, Vince Vaughn changed direction from comedy into a more serious role. A feel good vibe movie.

Evolution of THE CINEMA MATRIX

If there is any additional content / information you would like provided, let me know and I will try to include them in. At its core, the purpose of this blog is to provide everyone with information regarding whether or not they should stay until the mid / end-credits. The updates will occur predominantly on (normally early) Saturday afternoon, but if additional requests are made, I will endeavour to have them up sooner.

Thank you for your time and support!

CAPTAIN MARVEL

Mid-Credits: Yes (Avengers: Endgame tie-in)

End-Credits: Yes

Review: Well, it is always challenging bringing a comic to the big screen. I think the movie stands well on its own, with good visual effects and  if you overlook that some elements have been changed, for better or worse, time will tell. Be prepared for a different direction.

ALITA: BATTLE ANGEL

Mid-Credits: No

Mid-Credits: No

Review: Good visual effects. Lots of questions raised throughout movie, which is also set up for a sequel.

DRAGON BALL SUPER: BROLY

Mid-Credits: No

Mid-Credits: No

Review: I grew on Dragonball Z (Not so much Dragonball GT) and was eagerly awaiting this movie's release. This is a different story from the original berserk Saiyan I grew up on (Not Kale), with added humour and superb animation on the big screen, and actually leaves quite a bit open in regards for carrying on the story.
The introduction and implementation of Broly and Gogeta (Gogeta homages for long time fans) into Dragonball canon is very welcome indeed.