Cinema Trips

I do reviews on Movies I've seen at the cinema, with the few exceptions such as Netflix, purchasable release, etc. I go to the cinema every month so expect regular posts. My Movies ratings are: 1 - Horrible 2, 3 - Bad 4, 5 - Alright 6, 7 - Good 8, 9 - Great 10 - Fantastic

[cinematrips]

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (Non Spoilers)

Ever since I was a child I have always loved the X-Men from the comics to the cartoons to the films, anything X-Men I would watch, read, play etc. The X-Men is a 56 year old property with a mass of rich history and incredible characters. So with that being said I will move onto the review.

This film is based on the famous X-Men story Dark Phoenix (hence the name). When a team of astronauts are in grave danger in space, the X-Men are sent to help them get home safely, however when on mission Jean Grey is attacked by something later known as the Phoenix Force and she absorbs it into her body. Not long later Jean starts going a bit mad and becomes a threat herself and it's up the X-Men to stop their own friend before she hurts anyone. If that sounds familiar that's because that was the plot of X-Men 3 (They took another shot at it).

I did not find this film amazing to be honest. Actually not that fun either. Which is disappointing given this is a franchise that I love and it's the finale. The action was cool but the film in general felt quite messy and wasn't sure what they were trying to do.

For example The X-Men some of them didn't feel like the characters they were presented as in previous films. Extremely limited time for certain X-Men which is greatly disappointing.

The Villains on this movie I found completely out of place. I understand that in comics and the animated series they had space adventures and ran into aliens but with how the movie franchise is constructed aliens as the baddies just feels like they don't belong.

I was quite disappointed overall but also happy to at least have this franchise in the first place because the X-Men films for the most part have always been fun to watch even if the film isn't all that good. I am thankful to the people who brought the X-Men to the big screen and I can't wait to see what Marvel Studios does with them in the future.

(I'm sorry this took a while to come out, I found this one hard to write because I generally don't like to say bad things or talk about things I don't like. I know I'm going to have to get better at that though. Thank you.)

[cinematrips]

Rocketman (Non Spoilers)

Back in 2016 a film staring Taron Egerton and directed by Dexter Fletcher was released called Eddie the Eagle, based of the life of the title character. This movie blew me away and unarguably is one of the best films I've ever seen. Shortly after the film's release it was announced that the same pair were going to create a new film based on the life of Elton John. I was instantly excited to see this. And after Dexter Fletcher took over Bohemian Rhapsody from Bryan Singer as director (But wasn't credited for it, even though basically reshot the entire film) showed me he could make a great musical biopic.

Rocketman is about the rise of superstar musical icon Elton John and his struggles before going to rehab and getting better in a musical like fashion.

This movie was such a great experience. It takes you on this journey that gives you joy, shock and all other sorts of emotions. This movie will make you feel like you have been transported inside the mind of Elton Jon himself.

On the subject of Elton Himself, Taron Egerton does a fantastic portrayal of the loved music icon. He managed to capture every aspect of the real Elton, from his dark moments to the wackiest, not to mention Taron singing all his parts himself.

It was not just Taron Egerton getting to sing either. Many actors got their chance to shine. Two that stood out in particular was Richard Madden as John Reid and Bryce Dallas Howard as Elton's mother Shelia. Richard Madden's performance I would argue was the best in the entire film. He managed to show a kind, friendly side to horribly cruel with such elegance that the movie will convince you that you hate the man. The same goes for Bryce Dallas Howard however I couldn't even recognise her. Bryce's performance is almost just as cruel as Richard's. managing to show a caring mother for one moment then turning it into a cruel unsupportive mother the next. I would argue one of her best works of acting she's ever done, possibly the best. If either of these people were nominated for a Oscar in these roles I would not me surprised.

The way Elton's music was used in this movie was extremely clever. Songs that fit the scenes as well as using them as time lapses and montages, all making you want to sing along.

I really don't have any complaints about this film other than it's hard to track how much time has pasted in between scenes. You can see it takes place the over the course of years but never shows you by how much.

Rocketman was a blast to watch and would definitely watch again. The pairing of Taron Egerton and Dexter Fletcher is a fantastic set and looking forward to what they do next, and hopefully soon. But until then, I'm a Rocketman and I'm still standing.

[cinematrips]

Pokémon Detective Pikachu (Non Spoilers)

For as long as I can remember I have been in love with the Pokémon franchise. I watched all the shows, bought all the cards and played all the games, so it shouldn't be any surprise that I was looking forward to this movie very much.

Pokémon Detective Pikachu is about a guy called Tim who has just found out that his father who worked in the Ryme City police force, had died in a car crash. Tim visits Ryme City to say his goodbyes to his father, but finds his dad's Pokémon partner and they can hear each other. Tim discovers that there may be more to his father's death, so Tim and Detective Pikachu try to solve the case.

It's no myth that Video Game movies have not done so well in the past. In fact the only one I hear that is universally loved is Mortal Combat. I've like a few myself such as Rampage, The recent Tomb Raider and Prince of Persia. However none of them are blow your socks off great.

However Detective Pikachu was such a blast of a watch. It's funny, heart warming, and keeps you engaged at every moment. A big win for this film is similar to what Black Panther and Alita: Battle Angel did, and that was build a living breathing world with interesting characters that made you believe you were there when watching it. The chemistry between the characters was well done as well, in particular the relationship between Tim and Detective Pikachu.

Ryan Reynolds as Detective Pikachu is just as amazingly brilliant as you'd think he is. As always Ryan Reynolds is able to give a fun, heartfelt performance while also being able to hit those sad and dramatic notes. You will believe that this small yellow mouse is real and talking.

This film uses Pokémon in super creative ways and doesn't keep telling you what they are and what they can do, just what you need to know. A standout scene that is partially shown in the trailers is a interrogation of Mr Mime.

The Soundtrack was a nice blend of keeping to what the games and shows sounded like and originality at the same time. The film was also filled with references that didn't feel like they were just trying to remind you that it was a Pokémon film. There was so many all over the background and front that I'm sure I have only seen the littlest amount.

It's not a perfect story, has some issues. Some jokes didn't land with me and the CGI was a tad iffy at times but for the most part it worked out.

I hope to see more instalments in the future, Possibly visiting new different characters in the world with different scenarios. Such as a film about someone trying to win the Pokémon League, could be a underdog sports type movie where our lead is using his team of Pokémon to become champion. I also hope that this means other companies will start producing better Video Game movies now.

I had a fantastic time when watching this film and had a even better time when i saw my favourite sleepy bear, Snorlax holding up traffic by sleeping in the road. and with that I give this film a 8/10

[cinematrips]

Avengers Endgame Review (Non Spoilers)

It's the end of the Infinity Saga for the MCU so how else should I start my journey on Tumblr than what is probably the biggest franchise in movie history. So with that, let's begin my review.

If all you've seen is the advertisements then you'll know this takes place after Infinity War and The Avengers are going to... do something. That's basically it. they didn't reveal anything. Which is actually a nice change because it allows you to be completely surprised by everything and making you wonder what is going to happen next and how that will happen.

The film itself is not as intense as its predecessor. Unlike Infinity War, Endgame allows you to have moments to breath and not be in a panic at all times for your favourite character to kick the bucket (Mine is Captain America by the way). The movie is full of surprises, laughs, heart felt moments and great action sequences and although it was 3 hours long, it sure didn't feel like it. It's a fine experience if your jumping into this as your first or second time in the MCU but if you're a years long fan like me it is one of the greatest experiences in your life that might just rival seeing your first born child for the first time and should definitely go out and watch this with a crowd in the cinema.

I don't usual take note in the audience reactions because most of the time when I'm in the cinema, there isn't as many people as there was and definitely not as loud as it was, which usually you'd rather want to watch a film in silence but that's not the case with a film like this. As I'm sitting there in my chair the whole audience is cheering, laughing all sorts of emotions. Everyone is feeling the same thing at the same time, so when you are having a great time you know everyone else around you is to and that can make the experience even better than if you were sitting there watching it by yourself or even just a friend. It's a true example of how creative arts can bring people together.

Although the film had me hooked in the whole time it is not a perfect film. It had things that did annoy me but that would be going into spoiler territory and I want to keep away from that.

The film left a lot open for what they could do in the future and that's very exciting. Probably going to see a whole new set of characters from all backgrounds such as Shang-Chi which is currently in development.

And with all that said I give this movie a much deserved 9/10.

As well as a desire to never sit down in one of those chairs for 3 hours again. It may not of felt like 3 hours watching it, but it sure did when I stood up.