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.