SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW, 13/09/20

SUPERMAN: MAN OF TOMORROW

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A young Clark Kent works as an intern at the Daily Planet, while learning how best to save the city of Metropolis from arising threats, through his superhero identity, Superman

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Six minutes (1h, 26m)

Movie Rating

100%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Fantasy / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Clark Kent / Kal El – Darren Criss
Lois Lane – Alexandra Daddario
Lex Luthor – Zachary Quinto
J’onn J’onzz / Martian Manhunter – Ike Amadi
Lobo – Ryan Hurst
Parasite / Rudy Jones – Brett Dalton
Jonathan Kent – Neil Flynn
Martha Kent – Bellamy Young
Perry White – Piotr Michael
Maya / Petey / Kaylie – Cristina Milizia
Ron Troupe – Eugene Byrd
Mrs. Ross – April Steward

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, the current list of countries added to the quarantine list for England includes Portugal, Hungary, Reunion, French Polynesia, Lesvos, Tinos, Serifos, Mykonos, Crete, Santorini, Zakynthos (Zante) and Gibraltar, the “rule of six” kicks in on Monday (14/09/20) due to cases rising and two cars (BMW and a Mercedes Benz) overtook a cyclist at 40mph in the early hours of morning into a dual carriageway, forcing an oncoming car to swerve out the way. Yikes...

Review: A somewhat retelling of the story of Superman, his origins is not retold for those thinking this is a complete reboot. It actually feels like a redirection that the production company would like to go in. Not that this is a bad thing, but reintroducing certain characters can feel like ideas have been exhausted. Lately, I have become a fan of Lobo. Whilst what I’ve seen of him in this movie and previously in the Krypton television series, which may be aimed at the more mature audience and not so much for children, your sense of humour will in a way need to be accommodating to his personality.

A few Easter eggs were dropped in the movie, in terms of characters and what to expect in future adaptations going forward, whilst there was heavy focus on Superman himself. Language and comedy is largely via Lobo himself, who is allowed room to come into his own, whilst he was heavily watered down in the earlier Superman animated cartoon series. His turn in the Krypton television series enabled me to see him differently and eagerly await his return within the DC animated movies (18 / Rated R anyone?), after seemingly becoming an anti-hero, including in the comics. Viewer discretion advised if watching with children.

TEEN TITANS: THE JUDAS CONTRACT, 30/08/20

TEEN TITANS: THE JUDAS CONTRACT

Trailer         

 

Synopsis

The Teen Titans welcome a new member who seems to have ulterior motives as they take on old foe, Deathstroke 

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Four minutes (1h, 24m)

Movie Rating

83%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Fantasy / Family / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Robin / Damian Wayne – Stuart Allan
Nightwing / Dick Grayson – Sean Maher
Kori / Koriand’r / Starfire – Kari Wahlgren
Raven / Rachel Roth – Taissa Farmiga
Gar / Garfield Logan / Beast Boy – Brandon Soo Hoo
Blue Beetle / Jaime Reyes – Jake T. Austin
Terra / Tara Markov – Christina Ricci
Bumblebee / Karen Beecher / Traci – Masasa Moyo
Wally West / Kid Flash – Jason Spisak
Speedy / Roy Harper / Arsenal – Crispin Freeman
Deathstroke / Slade Wilson – Miguel Ferrer
Brother Blood / Sebastian Blood – Gregg Henry
Mother Mayhem – Meg Foster
Titans Tower Computer / Bianca Reyes – Maria Canais-Barrera
Kevin Smith – Himself
Alberto Reyes David Zayas

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Sets up sequel)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, it was recently announced that Switzerland, Jamaica and the Czech Republic are the latest countries to be added to the UK’s quarantine list, the UK has a “traffic light system” for holiday restrictions on Spain, Croatia, Belgium, France and the Netherlands recently and it’s recently been revealed that actual traffic lights run on a “mutant algorithm, which has also been blamed for the exams fiasco as well...

Review: Sadly, no Justice League this time around, which means that the spotlight is squarely on the Teen Titans and how they handle themselves against rising threats, or in the case of the movie, several threats. Quite a bit of character building for some, others were left with unanswered questions, which will hopefully be answered in potential further releases. In the previous movie, Damian Wayne was actively trying to take charge.

However, he seems more reserved and voices his opinions to the returning Nightwing (who is not the leader of the team). The dynamic between the two throughout the movie is really good to see, almost like Robin looks up to Dick Grayson, in a similar manner to Batman. There is blood, so parents are advised before letting children watch the movie for certain scenes. There is history between Damian Wayne and Deathstroke, which is touched upon, but not in great detail (Although a previous movie has already shown this).

PROJECT POWER, 23/08/20

 PROJECT POWER

Trailer         

 Synopsis

A cop and a former soldier team up to find the source behind a drug that dangerously provides temporary superpowers.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Fifty Four minutes (1h, 54m)

Movie Rating

60%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Adventure / Drama / Mystery / Suspense / Violence / Fantasy / Science Fiction)

Cast

Art – Jamie Foxx
Frank – Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Robin – Dominique Fishback
Biggie – Rodrigo Santoro
Alex – Mohammad Tiregar
Newt – Colson Baker (“Machine Gun Kelly”)
Gardner – Amy Landecker
Landry – Allen Maldonado
Tracy – Kyanna Simone Simpson
Irene – Andrene Ward-Hammond
Captain Crane – Courtney B. Vance
 Wallace – Tait Fletcher
Knifebones – Yoshi Sudarso
Moto – Casey Neistat
Mr. Luker – Jim Klock
Deli Girl – Janet Nguyen
Bouncer – Luke Hawx
The Matriarch – Rose Bianco

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles. Moving on, bubonic plague keeps cropping up after its most deadly outbreak in the fourteenth century, the current quarantine list includes Spain, France, Malta and the Netherlands, whilst autumn seems to have come early due to global warming / climate change?

Review: It’s been a while since I’ve seen Joseph Gordon-Levitt on the big “small” screen. Actually having to share screen time with another character called “Robin” looks like it could have been very frustrating, given that the big reveal at the end of The Dark Knight Rises. There is also a cheeky "Batman and Robin" reference. And the closest I’ve seen Jamie Foxx in this capacity was in The Amazing Spiderman 2, with his turn as Electro. 

A shift in dynamic where previously you’d have mercenaries, contractors or even cartels vying for positions of authority within countries to rule but now there is state involvement in favour of the cause. How long it would last is unknown, much similar to The Akatsuki in Naruto (and Shippuden) who were used to further other villages/countries own ends.

Very familiar scene from The Guardians of the Galaxy plays out for the big reveal sequence that begins to be teased during the movie. Jamie Foxx comes across as a very seriously actor here, which makes his turn as a former soldier believable. Lots of language and violence use, and most of the comedy stems from Frank, although one interaction between Art and Robin was quite humorous.

Justice League vs Teen Titans, 16/08/20

JUSTICE LEAGUE VS TEEN TITANS

Trailer         

Synopsis

Robin (Damian Wayne) finds himself forced to join the young super team, Teen Titans, and soon has to help lead them in a fight against the Justice League after the rising of Trigon, whose minions end up possessing the premier superhero team

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Nineteen minutes (1h, 19m)

Movie Rating

65%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Comedy / Violence / Fantasy / Family / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor / Toyman – Steve Blum
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Robin / Damian Wayne – Stuart Allan
Kori / Koriand’r / Starfire – Kari Wahlgren
Raven / Rachel Roth – Taissa Farmiga
Gar / Garfield Logan / Beast Boy – Brandon Soo Hoo
Blue Beetle / Jaime Reyes – Jake T. Austin
Trigon – Jon Bernthal
Ra’s al Ghul – Terrence C. Carson
Weather Wizard / Solomon Grundy / Atomic Skull – Rick D.Wasserman

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed until the release of TENET. Moving on, it was recently announced that France, Netherlands and Turkey are the latest countries to be added to the UK’s quarantine list, the UK has entered its largest recession with GDP shrinking 20.4% and which also saw the UK heat wave come to an end, not the humidity though, paving way for more thunder storms as a result of global warming / climate change?

Review: Since Damian Wayne has been introduced as the son of Batman and the current Robin, it has been interesting watching his development as the rebel who defies his father’s moral code(s) and seeks to carve out a path of his own into the character he is now. Although his type of brooding largely reminds me of the Saiyan Prince Vegeta (From Dragonball Z / Super), and the similarities in having wealthy enablers, in this case Vegeta’s wife Bulma and Damian Wayne’s father Bruce Wayne, it seems that this Robin’s pride is somewhat misplaced for arrogance.

As you can imagine, teamwork for Damian Wayne was always going to be a chore, but within the Teen Titans, depending on which way you take it, there is room for major character development. There are aspects within the movie where he showcases why he is his father’s son; even coming into conflict with leadership who he feels are not doing enough, just like Batman. Like father, like son.

The storytelling makes room for humour, action and character growth. There are elements of disturbing storytelling which some viewers may not find suitable for children, especially one involving the dimension conquering demon, Trigon and Raven’s mother. The actual battle between the “Justice League” and the Teen Titans was fun to watch, and had more of “out of the shadow” feel to it.

CONTAGION, 09/08/20

 CONTAGION

Trailer   

 Synopsis

Returning to Minnesota from a business trip in Hong Kong, Beth Emhoff attributes the malaise she feels to jet lag. Two days later, however, she is dead, which leaves doctors to tell her shocked husband that they have no idea what killed her. Many others soon start to exhibit the same symptoms leading to a pandemic explosion. Doctors try to contain the lethal microbe, but with a blogger fanning the flames of paranoia, society begins to collapse.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Forty Six minutes (1h, 46m)

Movie Rating

85%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Drama / Mystery / Suspense / Thriller)

Cast

Dr. Ellis Cheever – Laurence Fishburne
Mitch Emhoff – Matt Damon
Dr. Leonora Orantes – Marion Cotillard
Alan Krumwiede – Jude Law
Dr. Erin Mears – Kate Winslet
Beth Emhoff – Gwyneth Paltrow
Rear Admiral Lyle Haggerty – Bryan Cranston
Dr. Ally Hextall – Jennifer Ehle
Dr. Ian Sussman – Elliott Gould
Sun Feng – Chin Han
Roger – John Hawkes
Jory Emhoff – Anna Jacoby-Heron
Li Fai – Tien You Chui
Li Fai’s Sister – Josie Ho
Aubrey Cheever – Sanaa Lathan
Dr. David Eisenberg – Demetri Martin
Damian Leopold – Armin Rohde
Dennis French – Enrico Colantoni
Dave – Larry Clarke
Lorraine Vasquez – Monique Gabriela Curnen
Clark Morrow – Griffin Kane
Irina – Daria Strokous
Aaron Barnes – Dan Aho
Andrew – Brian J. O’Donnell
Elizabeth Nygaard – Kara Zediker
Sanjay Gupta (M.D.) – As himself
Chef – Kam Tong Wong

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema still remains closed. Moving on again, due to people flouting guidelines like social distancing, there is a very real prospect of a second lock down as cases / deaths continue to rise, the UK’s quarantine list for arrivals from countries (including Belgium, Andorra and the Bahamas) have now added Spain and traffic lights really need a review during off-peak periods where, being on a timer, can actually lead to drivers becoming more frustrated at having to wait when no other vehicles are around...

Review: So here I am, trying to adapt to the “new” normal of a warmer climate change and the ever “mutating” COVID-19, that conspiracy theories are now becoming rampant. I already know how messed up our times are, but we just get on with it, albeit smartly. But then Contagion arrives in your library. I didn’t ask it to, it just appeared. Thanks Netflix. If you’ve been watching The Simpsons like I have, you would know by now that there have been predictions made within the series that were just too eerie, like the acquisition of 20^th Century Fox by Disney.

It does seem strange that predictions which turn out to be true or trying very hard to alter real life events are being made within TV shows or even movies (The Da Vinci Code?). But none more so real and really hitting home, as Contagion does, even with it's all star cast. After watching the movie, even though realised in 2011 (Captain America: The First Avenger anyone?), I’m getting a heavy dose of Déjà Vu here, along with a sense of realism. The movie is almost mirrored in the events that lead up to the outbreak of COVID-19 towards the end of 2019 (No theories, no assumptions, just almost identical with the current pandemic), obviously minus the bio weapon angle.

I mean, I’m a sensible germaphobe, but thinking that the world could have had almost 8 years to prepare for this, is staggering, given that it happened so quickly. I’m not going to make predictions or wild theories here, but everything I don’t want for what happens to humanity which is currently happening during this pandemic and can be summed up in the movie. I’d like to think we are a better, evolved people who put aside our differences and work together during this pandemic by being more considerate to one another and staying safe. Much more respect for scientists and those in the health industry for the work they do in these times. And Laurence Fishburne aka Morpheus, really sells the character in this clever movie, what more could you ask for?

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN (2019), 02/08/20

REIGN OF THE SUPERMEN (2019)

Trailer         

Synopsis

Adapted from one of 1992’s The Death of Superman arcs, the world mourns the death of the Man of Steel, while seemingly new heroes emerge who lay claim to be the true Kryptonian himself. Their powers are then put to the test as a deadly threat emerges to target the Earth in Superman’s absence.

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Seven minutes (1h, 27m)

Movie Rating

93%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Violence / Sci-Fi)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent / Hank Henshaw (voice modulation?) – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor – Rainn Wilson
Green Lantern / Hal Jordan – Nathan Fillon
Superboy / Conner Kent / Kon-El – Cameron Monaghan
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Martian Manhunter / J’onn J’onzz / John Jones / Ron Troupe? – Nyambi Nyambi
Darkseid / Uxas – Tony Todd
Jonathan “Pa” Kent / Cemetery Worker? – Paul Eiding
Martha “Ma” Kent / President Joan Dale / Watchtower Computer – Jennifer Hale
Mayor Booker – Jonathan Adams
Perry White – Rocky Carroll
John Henry Irons / Steel – Cress Williams
Dabney Donovan / G. Gordon Godfrey / Snakey Doyle – Trevor Devall
Hank Henshaw / Cyborg Superman – Patrick Fabian
Bibbo Bibbowski / Kryptonian A.I / Eradicator – Charles Halford
Mercy Graves / Becky? / Sullivan – Erica Luttrell
Jimmy Olsen / Steve Lombard? Eric? – Max Mittelman
Cat Grant – Toks Olagundoye

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Sets up sequel)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, pharmaceutical company Moderna was subjected to a cyber attack during “promising” vaccine trials, the UK continues to amend it’s exemption list of countries to quarantine from upon return as Luxembourg was recently removed as Europe is beginning to spark fears of a second wave and a borough has introduced bus lanes for some buses running upwards of every hour, causing longer traffic queues and drivers driving in the bus lane anyway... *facepalm*

Review: Well, there may have been no “Save Martha” moments here, but segments where questioning the need for a Superman definitely felt like they were taken out of Dawn of Justice. Whilst some people cried out for a “black suit” Superman within that movie, they will not be disappointed here. Although, some plot elements for me felt wildly off the mark. Without giving too much away, the story line has been altered to give it a more updated feel. 

Again, as with the previous movie, I have changed the “Age Rating” from “12A” to 12, as there is violence and language for which some people, mainly parents may find unacceptable for their children. This is DC we are talking about, which more or less, aims towards a more mature audience. As many should take note, the movie obviously involves Superman in a big way, so many other characters end up with limited screen time. Is Steel supposed to portray Marvel's Ironman?

I thought it was a decent attempt at changing the story for a better creative standpoint, whilst keeping the source material intact. Some may find the movie deviates from this (I felt some parts were out of place, primarily because DC Comics storytelling has changed quite a lot since 1992). Likewise, a lot of creative talent behind these movies should be utilised on to the big screens, even in advisory capacities as I think they have a lot more to offer. I mean, recent Superman comics still have the Kryptonian wearing red “pants” on the outside?

The Death of Superman (2018), 26/07/20

THE DEATH OF SUPERMAN (2018), 26/07/20

Trailer         

Synopsis

Adapted from 1992’s The Death of Superman, a hulking monster called Doomsday battles Superman and the rest of the Justice League, but it falls to the Man of Steel himself to ultimately save the day as the two titans square off in Metropolis.

Cinema

Online Stream

Run Time

One hour, Twenty One minutes (1h, 21m)

Movie Rating

92%

Age Rating

12A (Action / Adventure / Animation / Sci-Fi / Violence)

Cast

Superman / Kal-El / Clark Kent – Jerry O’Connell
Batman / Bruce Wayne – Jason O’Mara
Wonder Woman / Diana Prince / Princess Diana – Rosario Dawson
Lois Lane – Rebecca Romijn
Lex Luthor – Rainn Wilson
Green Lantern / Hal Jordan – Nathan Fillon
Flash / Barry Allen – Christopher Gorham
Aquaman / Arthur Curry / Orin – Matt Lanter
Cyborg / Victor Stone – Shemar Moore
Martian Manhunter / J’onn J’onzz / John Jones – Nyambi Nyambi
Jonathan “Pa” Kent / Astronaut Jim? – Paul Eiding
Martha “Ma” Kent / Dr Klyburn? / Camper? – Jennifer Hale
Mayor Booker – Jonathan Adams
Silas Stone / Perry White? – Rocky Carroll
John Henry Irons / Officer? – Cress Williams
Bruno Mannheim / Dabney Donovan – Trevor Devall
Hank Henshaw / Cyborg Superman – Patrick Fabian
Bibbo Bibbowski / Kryptonian A.I / Eradicator? – Charles Halford
Mercy Graves – Erica Luttrell
Jimmy Olsen / Steve Lombard – Max Mittelman
Cat Grant – Toks Olagundoye
Dan Turpin – Rick Pasqualone
Maggie Sawyer – Amanda Troop

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes

End – Credits: Sort of

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, experts are linking obesity with COVID 19 risks, literally as soon as pubs opened they are being urged to close as punters are being asked to isolate as many ignored social distancing measures according to news channels, news is also currently in circulation that has Synairgen recording successful drugs trials relating to COVID 19 and a BMW X5 sped past me through a red light before realising and slowed down but was already cutting off other vehicles, so carried on anyway...

Review: For those of us really put off by Batman Vs Superman: Dawn of Justice’s “Save Martha” sequences, you’ll be pleased to know that there is none of that incorporated into this movie. It is slightly different from 2007’s Superman: Doomsday in that the Justice League is added into the adaptation. This would be to show the audience just how much of a threat Doomsday is that the entire Justice League is involved.

I have added “Violence” under “Age Rating” due to the nature of the movie’s villain. Lots of blood and destruction (definitely not a 12A), with added language which is a staple with DC Animated Movie Universe. Be aware that events vary in the clash with Doomsday. In 1992 and 2007, Superman ends Doomsday by flying him into space and then crashing back down to Earth, which seemingly kills the prehistoric Kryptonian. This movie adapts scenes from Man of Steel and Dawn of Justice in a more “modernised” version (excluding "Save Martha").

Personally, I would have liked to have seen more from my favourite Justice Leaguer, Batman. With his inclusion into the movie, I expected something more from someone who is dubbed The World’s Greatest Detective and always having a plan, like in JLA: Tower of Babel. His influence within DC Comics and Entertainment has somewhat weakened, leaving me to expect the worst for Bruce Wayne. Still, I’m hopeful that the follow up movie, Reign of the Supermen, can restore this status quo. Other than this, definitely a must watch.

THE OLD GUARD, 19/07/20

THE OLD GUARD

Trailer         

Synopsis

Based on an acclaimed graphic novel, a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries, led by a warrior named Andy, have a mysterious inability to die and have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But the team suddenly finds themselves exposed when taking on an emergency mission where it is up to Andy, along with Nile, the newest recruit, to help them eliminate the threat of those seeking to replicate and monetise their power, by any means necessary.

Cinema

Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Five minutes (1h, 25m)

Movie Rating

81%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Mystery / Adventure / Suspense / Science Fiction / Fantasy)

Cast

Andy / Andromache of Scythia – Charlize Theron
Nile Freeman – KiKi Layne
Booker / Sebastian Le Livre – Matthias Schoenaerts
Joe / Yusuf Al-Kaysani – Marwan Kenzari
Nicky / Niccolò di Genova – Luca Marinelli
James Copley – Chiwetel Ejiofor
Steven Merrick – Harry Melling
Quynh – Van Veronica Ngo
Dr, Meta Kozak – Anamaria Marinca
Keane – Joey Ansah

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No (But maybe should have been)

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news, impacting people’s lifestyles and unfortunately, my local cinema remains closed. Moving on again, a vaccine for COVID-19 which has become amongst the contenders could offer “double protection” is being developed at Oxford (along with reports of hacking attempts?), some cinemas have started reopening across the UK and reckless (and entitled) drivers still think it is acceptable to cut across three lanes from the wrong side of the road (No indicators) and then demand to be left alone when the incident develops into a road rage? *facepalm*

Review: Not going to lie, I thought this was Skydance / Neflix’s attempt at Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood adaptation into a movie. Well, it is probably the closest we’ll get and they’ll most likely be non-player characters (NPCs). But in this movie, the characters are not clad in white robes and wearing hoods with hidden wrist blades, they are more modernised to the current era of the 21^st century, with advanced technology (Sorry Apple of Eden) where identities are more prone to exposure. The movie has betrayal, humour and pretty decent fight scenes.

The only thing that could have amped up the movie is the introduction of Keanu Reeves character, John Wick. The main draw of the movie for me came in the trailer when Andy (Charlize Theron) offers to take a picture of a group, and deletes one where she is accidentally snapped. The secrecy of the mercenaries becomes tantamount to their missions. The tone is more or less set from there onward. There is a disturbing scene regarding a character within the movie, which I am sure will be explored in a sequel, should there be one.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON, 11/07/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON

Trailer         

Synopsis

Being convicted of a crime he did not commit, Naruto is sent to an inescapable prison. Whilst planning his escape Naruto has to contend with his chakra being locked away by the prison warden.

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles) / Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Forty Eight minutes (1h, 48m)

Movie Rating

59%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Adventure / Comedy)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Yamato – Rikiya Koyama
Kakashi Hatake  – Kazuhiko Inoue
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shikamaru Nara – Showtaro Morikubo
Choji Akimichi – Kentarō Itō
Kiba Inuzuka – Kōsuke Toriumi
Neji Hyūga – Kōichi Tōchika
Tenten – Yukari Tamura
Might Guy – Masashi Ebara
Sai – Satoshi Hino
Rock Lee – Yoichi Masukawa
Gamabunta – Hiroshi Naka
A / Fourth Raikage – Hideaki Tezuka
Killer Bee – Hisao Egawa
Samui – Hikari Yono
Omoi – Kunihiro Kawamoto
Karui – Yuka Komatsu
Mui – Masaki Terasoma
Ryuūuzetsu – Mie Sonozaki
Muku/Satori – Yūichi Nakamura
Muku/Satori (Child) – Kengo Kawanishi
Kazan – Kōsei Hirota
Maori – Takaya Kamikawa

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Flashback to an earlier event in the movie)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, Gilead Sciences (A pharmaceutical company) will charge the United States 25% more than the rest of the world for its Coronavirus drug, Remdesivir, Oxford University has moved ahead to lead the vaccine race for COVID-19 and as lock-down easing measures continues, a large truck with a very restless driver decided to overtake at least four vehicles waiting for a van to reverse into a junction with a mini roundabout a few yards away and almost collided with an oncoming... van. Some really bad road transformations makes some drivers really anxious and frustrated?

Review:  A full cast is back, but playing a more limited role than they did in an earlier movie (Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Inheritors of the Will of Fire). The movie is a bit out there with the supernatural element, much like Naruto Shippuden The Movie: the Lost Tower. It felt very much like an Indiana Jones movie, except there is a prison break involved. A few elements at play but the most shocking of all, was Naruto actually thinking outside the box. The trailer above from 1:21 did not occur in the movie.

I really believe that Naruto actually grew in this movie. Although he is “alone” within the confines of the prison, it was somewhat controversial to see him, a 16 year old, thrown in there with grown-ups who are murderers and thieves. But he is a Jinchuriki for the Nine – Tails within him so it is expected of us, the audience, to believe that he can hold his own. A fight scene actually contained some humour, which is quite rare in Naruto Shippuden, unless he is training. Some climatic scenes made for good viewing.

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT, 28/06/20

BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT

Trailer         

Synopsis

Scouring the dark streets of Gotham City to find the elusive and infamous serial killer, Jack the Ripper, this is a Victorian era re-imagining of Batman using his brute strength, wits and steampunk-style gadgets.

Cinema

Streaming

Run Time

One hour, Eighteen minutes (1h, 18m)

Movie Rating

73%

Age Rating

15 (Action / Animation / Adventure / Fantasy /Crime / Horror / Mystery / Thriller)

Cast

Batman / Bruce Wayne – Bruce Greenwood
Selina Kyle – Jennifer Carpenter
Alfred Pennyworth – Anthony Head
Father Callahan – Chris Cox
Police Chief Bullock – John DiMaggio
Cyrus Gold – David Forseth
Sister Leslie Thompkins, Jason Todd and Selina Kyle (Singing Voice) – Grey Griffin
Mayor Tolliver – Bob Joles
Harvey Dent – Yuri Lowenthal
Dickie Grayson – Lincoln Melcher
James Gordon – Scott Patterson
Hugo Strange – William Salyers
Timmy Drake / Marlene Mahoney – Tara Strong
Arkham Radio Man – Bruce Timm
Barbara Eileen Gordon and Pamela “Ivy” Isley – Kari Wuhrer

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, the beaches were packed out on 24/06/20 – 25/06/20, sparking fears of a second Coronavirus wave, apparently the UK's “game changing” antibody tests are under scrutiny as they only test if you have had the virus but not if you’ve built up an immunity to it and a pickup truck ran a red light on a motorway exit slip roundabout and was followed by a van who joined at the next entrance without stopping whilst another, older people carrier forced its way onto and exited at its first junction. Crazy drivers...

Review: Well, there is definitely a twist on Jack the Ripper’s big identity reveal here. When you feel like you have figured it out, you are thrown a pretty big curve ball, which I feel was very well handled. The lead up to the big reveal seems a bit sinister, but given the aura of reputation surrounding Jack the Ripper, you probably wouldn’t expect anything less.

The movie does well to capture the setting of the Victorian era, where many may feel, by today's standards anyway, that this was a whole different time and in some aspects, still playing catch up. This is reflected in the movie quite well, the twists and turns making for unpredictable sequences throughout the movie. It feels like London, before you realise it is Gotham City.

Although “the Batman” is already established, the movie simply gets going when Batman is introduced to ensure that audiences know what to expect. As a Batman movie, no supporting cast of other heroes are needed, but with Alfred Pennyworth involved, sometimes you feel that he is balancing Bruce Wayne and Batman, which makes you appreciate the character a little bit more. A sequel is possibly teased as well.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER, 20/06/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER

Trailer         

Synopsis

Naruto is sent back in time to the city of Rouran, after being caught up in chakra ritual. A chance encounter in the past might send him back to his own timeline and possibly save the future.

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles) / Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Five minutes (1h, 25m)

Movie Rating

57%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Adventure / Fantasy / Moderate Violence)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Yamato – Rikiya Koyama
Young Kakashi – Mutsumi Tamura
Sai – Satoshi Hino
Minato Namikaze – Toshiyuki Morikawa
Young Guy – Mayuki Makiguchi
Young Asuma – Fujiko Takimoto
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shizune – Keiko Nemoto
Third Hokage / Hiruzen Sarutobi – Hidekatsu Shibata
Jiraiya – Hōchū Ōtsuka
Shibi Aburame – Kenji Hamada
Chōza Akimichi – Nobuaki Fukuda
Sāra – Saori Hayami
Sēramu – Yumi Tōma
Mukade / Anrokuzan – Ryūzaburō Ōtomo
Masako – Yuko Kobayashi
Sarai – Fujiko Takimoto

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Yes (Montage for movie and flashback to the anime series)

End – Credits: No

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying, but not to the news worthy levels seen during the beginning of the pandemic and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, the Coronavirus alert level for the UK has been lowered from four to three (4 à3) and is also considering a downgrade of the two metre gap to a one metre gap, the UK is also using Dexamethasone to treat COVID-19 patients which is being used in the NHS (Exercise caution though, it is not a cure / vaccine), and two joggers appeared to wantonly run across the road which forced the oncoming driver to initiate an emergency stop.

Review: Taking a break from the full cast of the previous movie, a makeshift Team Seven has their hands full. Given an element of the movie concerning some major jutsu’s of certain characters from the anime, I was disappointed to not see them show up in the movie. However, that can be excused due to the surprising maturity of one future Fourth Hokage, a younger Minato Namikaze (Although in Naruto’s timeline, he already occupied the position).

Some characters, although they made the cast, feature pretty much as extras to help push the story forward. It is sort of inspiring to see how one particular character, although a huge part of Naruto (including Shippuden) was more or less shaped by his past, which led to his development throughout the series as someone interesting in the series for audiences to enjoy their presence, even though I was more intrigued with Minato Namikaze’s on screen presence.

As expected, some humour at certain parts of the movie. There did also appear to be a possible plot-hole where Minato Namikaze speaks but it is muted and I guess we’ll have to wait and see whether this is resolved in future movies or not. This takes place during an emotional scene where once again, Minato Namikaze’s maturity but more importantly, his intelligence and skill are brought to light.

BATMAN VS TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, 13/06/20

BATMAN VS TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES

Trailer         

Synopsis

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles team up with Batman and some members of the Bat family to do battle with Shredder, Ra’s Al Ghul and The League of Assassins.

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles)

Run Time

One hour, Twenty Seven minutes (1h, 27m)

Movie Rating

100%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Violence)

Cast

Batman / Joker – Troy Baker
Leonardo – Eric Bauza
Raphael – Darren Criss
Donatello – Baron Vaughn
Michelangelo – Kyle Mooney
Damian Wayne / Robin – Ben Giroux
Barbara Gordon / Batgirl – Rachel Bloom
Alfred Pennyworth – Brian George
Commissioner Gordon and Dr. Jonathan Crane / Scarecrow – Jim Meskimen
Shredder / Oroku Saki – Andrew Kishino
Ra’s Al Ghul – Cas Anvar
Harvey Dent / Two – Face and Dr. Baxter Stockman – Keith Ferguson
Penguin / Oswald Cobblepot – Tom Kenny
Dr. Harleen Quinzel / Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy / Dr. Pamela Isley and Pizza Delivery Girl – Tara Strong
Mr Freeze / Dr. Victor Fries – John DiMaggio
Bane – Carlos Alazraqui

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes (Possible sequel teaser)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, with the easing of lock-down, you can now have people in your gardens (not inside your houses / flats / accommodation), single people can now, allegedly, stay the night with loved ones and as some popular restaurants begin to open (Drive – Thru’s only), ill tempered people are still showing how much the pandemic has not changed them for the better, at least not for the camera’s rolling... yet.

Review: So, Batman is teaming up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or is he battling them? The title seems to contradict the synopsis. But anyway, the age rating is rightfully 12 and should not be watched with young children as there is violence involved. Nickelodeon may be attached to the movie, but this is a Batman movie as well, so expect some dark scenes not suitable for young children.

It’s not a dark movie, Michelangelo has seen to that there are lots of comedic moments, including some from Batman himself. I used to watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a child and was rather sceptical about them appearing alongside Batman. On paper, it seems like a complete mismatch, as the humorous Michelangelo, scientist Donatello, body builder / always seemingly angry Raphael and leader Leonardo all work in tandem because they are brothers, on a children’s show.

But when you consider Leonardo, Raphael and Donatello are similar to Batman (It’s like watching aspects of Batman being rolled into one, minus Michelangelo for the humour), it does make for good viewing. Should there be a sequel, I believe the end – credits will play a part or maybe in possible future crossovers between Batman and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: INHERITORS OF THE WILL OF FIRE, 09/06/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: INHERITORS OF THE WILL OF FIRE

Trailer         

Synopsis

Four ninjas from the Hidden Villages of Sunagakure (Sand), Kumogakure (Cloud), Kirigakure (Mist) and Iwagakure (Stone), all possessing Kekkei Genkai (Unique Bloodline Limit abilities) suddenly go missing, sparking fears of another ninja (Shinobi) war if they are not found

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles) / Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Thirty six minutes (1h, 36m)

Movie Rating

44%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Fantasy)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Kakashi Hatake – Kazuhiko Inoue
Sai – Satoshi Hino
Neji Hyuga – Kōchi Tōchika
Shino Aburame – Shinji Kawada
Hinata Hyuga – Nana Mizuki
Shikamaru Nara – Showtaro Morikubo
Choji Akimichi – Kentarō Itō
Ino Yamanaka – Ryōka Yuzuki
Kiba Inuzuka – Kōsuke Toriumi
Rock Lee – Yōichi Masukawa
Tenten – Yukari Tamura
Gaara – Akira Ishida
Kankuro – Yasuyuki Kase
Temari – Romi Park
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shizune – Keiko Nemoto
Jiraiya – Hōchū Ōtsuka
Sasuke Uchiha – Noriaki Sugiyama
Kotetsu Hagane – Tomoyuki Kōno
Izumo Kamizuki – Tomohiro Tsuboi
Teuchi – Eisuke Asakura
Hiruzen Sarutobi – Hidekatsu Shibata
Asuma Sarutobi – Jūrōta Kosugi
Obito Uchiha – Sōsuke Komori
Rin – Haruhi Terada
Taiseki – Kanji Suzumori
Hiruko – Sōichirō Hoshi
Ichi – Yoshimitsu Shimoyama
Ni – Junko Minagawa
San – Hideo Watanabe

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Not really (A message from Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, AstraZeneca is proposing a possible mass production of a COVID-19 vaccine, mass protests broke out over the death of George Floyd after a police officer in Minneapolis knelt on his throat for eight minutes, and for the first time COVID-19 fatalities in the UK dropped to pre lock-down levels, although how long that will last given the situations taking place where people are not social distancing is anyone’s guess.

Review:

This movie was quite action packed and it’s broad cast being given a chance on the big screen was quite pleasing to see. This also is the first movie to link back to the anime series, making references to earlier points, even if they were filler episodes. Bizarrely, this felt more like a cinema worthy movie compared to most previous ones. The references made between the movie and anime help to drive the story forward.

As someone who has been watching the original serious (Shippuden), it was nice to see that finally the movies are linking back to the anime and not being standalone. It feels like I am watching a shared universe (Like the Marvel Cinematic Universe) but between the anime and movie. But as a precaution, even though the segments stand on their own, should people want to explore them more, and then perhaps refer to the filler episodes where they are located in the anime.

There is a point in the movie that perhaps inspires Orochimaru’s experimentation nature in the anime / manga. Team 7 (Consisting of Naruto, Sakura, Sai and Kakashi) are once again heavily involved, although the other teams (8, 9 and 10) also lend some support. As usual, Naruto and Sakura provide the humour. As battle lines are being drawn in the movie, you have to wonder where suddenly all those siege weapons came from?

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS, 24/05/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS

Trailer  

Synopsis

A group of mysterious ninja from the Land of the Sky suddenly make a surprise attack on Konoha, owing to the latter nearly destroying them during the last Shinobi World War. The country survived and is now targeting Konaha and their ally, the Fire Country, for revenge.

Cinema

Streaming (Japanese with English Subtitles) / Netflix

Run Time

One hour, Thirty three minutes (1h, 33m)

Movie Rating

77%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Animation / Fantasy)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Sasuke Uchiha – Noriaki Sugiyama
 Kakashi Hatake – Kazuhiko Inoue
Sai – Satoshi Hino
Neji Hyuga – Kōchi Tōchika
Shino Aburame – Shinji Kawada
Hinata Hyuga – Nana Mizuki
Shikamaru Nara – Showtaro Morikubo
Choji Akimichi – Kentarō Itō
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shizune – Keiko Nemoto
Jiraiya – Hōchū Ōtsuka
Orochimaru – Kujira
Kabuto Yakushi – Nobutoshi Canna
Yamato – Rikiya Koyama
Amaru – Motoko Kumai
Shinno – Unshō Ishizuka

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Not really

End – Credits: Yes (Non sequel related)

Before the Review: The trailer is in English as the Japanese one contained Chinese subtitles. More to the point, Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, Moderna, an American biotech company, has successfully completed “Phase 1” of human trials, whereby people developed antibodies against COVID-19, however another pharmaceutical company, Astrazeneca, is looking to “upstage” them, pending successful phases, to begin shipping the vaccine in September. Lock-down is being eased but with some governments being wary of a second wave and a burglar was caught and arrested after breaking wind from his hiding place... *Eye-roll*

Review:

This time, Sasuke Uchiha is on the cast credits because he does, in fact, appear in the movie, and does play a substantial role. He reminds me of Vegeta (of Dragonball Z / Super fame) in that he continually pushes the main character to become stronger, and even though they may be rivals, it is healthy and the endgame usually serves both interests, in a positive manner.

Shino Aburame is another character I can sometimes relate to (minus being a bug user), in terms of his over thinking personality, which given the current global situation, quite a bit of people could be doing a lot of as well. Although Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi have been around since the first Naruto series, this movie marks their first appearances, although how the events of the movie tie in to their future appearances remains to be seen.

Like you see on some television shows and movies, some characters are created exclusively for them (for example, Chloe Sullivan from Smallville), so their continuity is usually short lived and unique in itself. Quite a few characters again are reduced to "extra" status. The movie was quite confusing at times and at one point, I thought it would develop a plot hole, but this was cleared up in the end – credits. 

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: THE MOVIE, 17/05/20

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: THE MOVIE

Trailer         

Synopsis

Whilst trying to escape a prediction relating to his own death, Naruto must protect Shion, a priestess, and help her fulfil a mission to defeat an evil demon and save the world, whilst also having to contend with a mysterious group of ninja with assassination plans.

Cinema

Streaming (with English Subtitles)

Run Time

One hour, Thirty five minutes (1h, 35m)

Movie Rating

84%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Anime  / Family / Fantasy)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
 Kakashi Hatake – Kazuhiko Inoue
Rock Lee – Yōichi Masukawa
Neji Hyuga – Kōchi Tōchika
Tsunade – Masako Katsuki
Shizune – Keiko Nemoto
Might Guy – Masashi Ebara
Shikamaru Nara – Showtaro Morikubo
Temari – Romi Park
Shion – Ayumi Fujimura
Miroku – Fumiko Orikasa
Taruho – Yoshinori Fujita
Moryo – Seizō Katō
Yomi – Hidetoshi Nakamura
Gitai – Kishō Taniyama
Setsuna – Katsuyuki Konishi
Susuki – Daisuke Kishio
Kusuna – Tetsuya Kakihara
Shizuku – Miyuki Sawashiro

Movie details

Mid – Credits: No

End – Credits: Yes

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying (One customer in Lidl bulk bought UHT milk) and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, a Swiss pharmaceutical company (Roche Group) has developed a 100% accuracy antibody test to see who has developed immunity against Coronavirus, lockdown measures are easing in the UK (although if it is safe to do so, only time will tell), protests seem to be breaking out against the lockdown, Brexit talks seem to have stalled, again and The Sun (Star seen in the sky, not the newspaper) is currently in a phase of solar minimum, according to NASA...

Review: The third Naruto movie swaps Sasuke Uchiha with Neji Hyuga and Rock Lee, to round off Team 7. Contrary to other sources, Sasuke Uchiha does not make an appearance in the movie. Aside from Rock Lee and Neji Hyuga and Sakura Haruno, the other characters from Konoha who round off a much larger cast have roles akin to extras in the movie. Rock Lee's fight scene is one to watch out for.

The first movie entry in the Naruto Shippuden series starts with a bang and continues throughout. Similar themes are used in which Naruto takes issue with some characters decision making within the movie and this is then used to uplift the individual(s) to influence an outcome. There were moments which felt like Sasuke Uchiha may have made an appearance, but ultimately, he did not.

By Shippuden’s beginning, Sasuke Uchiha had already left Konoha. It is good to see other characters from Konoha finally getting some screen time. The up-tempo feel of the movie somehow manages to draw you in with some twists and turns along the way. The end credit scene seems to also hint at Naruto’s cluelessness at certain requests, much to the annoyance of others, albeit quite humorously.

NARUTO THE MOVIE: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM, 10/05/20

NARUTO THE MOVIE: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM

Trailer         

Synopsis

Naruto and a makeshift Team 7 make their way to the Land of the Moon, where the mission is to protect the prince.

Cinema

Streaming (with English Subtitles)

Run Time

One hour, Thirty five minutes (1h, 35m)

Movie Rating

76%

Age Rating

12 (Action / Adventure / Animation / Anime  / Manga)

Cast

Naruto Uzumaki – Junko Takeuchi
Sakura Haruno – Chie Nakamura
Rock Lee – Yōichi Masukawa
Kakashi Hatake – Kazuhiko Inoue
Hikaru Tsuki – Kyōsuke Ikeda
Michiru Tsuki – Akio Ōtsuka
Korega – Kenji Hamada
Amayo – Marika Hayashi
Shabadaba – Umeji Sasaki
Ishidate – Masashi Sugawara
Kongō – Hisao Egawa
Karenbana – Haruhi Terada
Kakeru Tsuki – Rokuro Naya

Movie details

Mid – Credits: Not really, just a continuation of events that were mentioned towards the end of the movie

End – Credits: Yes (Non – sequel related)

Before the Review: Coronavirus continues to dominate the news and impacting people’s lifestyles, people are still panic buying (One Tesco’s employee bulk bought about eight Dove deodorants) and unfortunately, the cinema remains closed. Moving on again, some Americans are demanding an end to lock-down, even with the highest death rate in the world, having children “chipped” to enforce social distancing is being debated and a driver ran a red at temporary traffic lights, only to stop for another red at a junction? Strange...

Review: The third Naruto movie swaps Shikamaru Nara with Rock Lee to complete Team 7, as they are known in the anime series (Sasuke Uchiha is however, absent... again). The movie starts out with the characters (not Team 7) out of sorts and develops them over the course of events taking place. And as always, it is not so much Naruto’s actions or skills as a ninja which influences others, but his beliefs to instil an empowered sense of righteousness for people to rise up to.

A feel good movie with high tempo moments and again, with flashes of the powerfully sealed Nine Tails Fox within Naruto (from the anime) seeping through inside him as he continues to learn to hone his abilities. Some of the supporting cast oftentimes have their own character developments to overcome overwhelming odds to help progress the story.