Shutter Island (2010) – REVIEW

Did you know that the word ‘trauma’ comes from the Greek for ‘wound’? And what is the German word for ‘dream’? Traum. Wounds can create monster, and you, are wounded, Marshall.

In an isolated Shutter Island, there’s a mental institution called Ashcliffe Hospital for the criminally insane. Two U.S. Marshalls approached the island by boat and the view from the boat has that feeling of doomed. Like knowing there’s no going back once you step foot on this island.

Shutter Island

Based on Dennis Lehane’s 2003 novel “Shutter Island”. Directed by Martin Scorsese. Screenplay by Laeta Kalogridis. Stars are Leonardo DiCaprio as Edward “Teddy Daniels or Andrew Laeddis, Mark Ruffalo as Chuck Aule or Lester Sheehan, Ben Kingsley as Dr. John Cawley, and Michelle Williams as Dolores Chanal.

Mark Ruffalo (Chuck/Lester) and Leonardo DiCaprio (Teddy/Andrew)

Set in 1954, two U.S. Marshalls, Teddy Daniels and Chuck Aule were called to investigate the disappearance of a child murderer, Rachel Solando (played by Emily Mortimer). We know that the escapee has nowhere to go due to the tall concrete brick walls and guards and hospital staffs everywhere, so there’s no way that she could leave this island, or anybody.

Ben Kingsley (Dr. Crawley)

I remember watching this movie for the first time, the island gave me an unsettling feeling. Teddy has no idea what’s he has gotten himself into. Even his name, Teddy, an innocent name, in a very dark and isolated place. Often gets flashbacks of his traumas from World War II. He’s emotionally and mentally wounded by the war and the aftermath of it all.

Michelle Williams (Dolores Chanal)

Slowly, I start to question everything in this movie. His reality. Secrets that this institution is not telling him. In fact, how did a woman managed to escape and disappear from her cell, full of nurses, in a locked ward, guarded and armed by guards? Why is Dr. Cawley and Dr. Naehring (played by Max von Sydow) seems to be hiding something? Even from their manner of speaking. Why does Teddy’s flashbacks starts acting up ever since he arrived? Even more often. Why are the staffs, nurses and guards so strange? Like walking on eggshells and eyes closely watched on Teddy? Then there’s a possibility that the escaped woman might be hiding in a cave or being tortured in a lighthouse.

The lighthouse on Shutter Island

It all starts to almost add up when a patient in the restricted block, named George Noyce (played by Jackie Earle Haley) says to Teddy, “This is a game. All of this is for you. You’re not investigating anything. You’re a fucking rat in a maze” and more stuffs like telling Teddy to leave the memories of his deceased wife or he’ll never get off this island. I start to have sympathy for him. I guess some places never let you go.

Different opinions has been talked about over the ending of this movie. Some were not satisfied with the unhappy ending. Personally, I liked the ending. The kind where it doesn’t show on film, but they want us to guess, draw conclusions and create theories of how it ended. This movie has one of the best plot twists that blows my mind. A cinematic masterpiece. I could watch this movie three more times and still amazed by it despite some few logical and rational thoughts.

RATING: 8/10

THE BEACH (2000) – REVIEW

Paradise found. Innocence lost. How much would you risk to protect what you love?

When Richard was staying in a cheap hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, a traveler (Robert Carlyle) tells him about an isolated island like paradise, like a diamond in the rough but worth the trip. Richard had a French couple, Etienne and Francoise, to join him. Thus, the adventure for the island begins. Arriving the island, they had to escape from armed guards in a marijuana field, jumping off into a deep pool, walking through deep in the jungle, then there it is – paradise.

Left to right: Guillaume Canet (Etienne), Leonardo DiCaprio (Richard), Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise)

Based on the 1996 novel, written by Alex Garland. Film directed by Danny Boyle. Screenplay by John Hodge. Stars are Leonardo DiCaprio as Richard, a traveler and the main character. Tilda Swinton as Sal, the leader of the beach community on the island. Virginie Ledoyen as Francoise, a French woman, girlfriend of Etienne and Richard’s love interest. Guillaume Canet as Etienne, a French man, boyfriend of Francoise.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Richard)

The movie is a little confusing at times. Most of the sequences are time wasting. Leonardo DiCaprio’s character, Richard, had to go through challenges and obstacles to show his loyalty to the community and some of the challenge can be a little out of mind. Richard and his friends arrived at the island, community full of hippies, smoke weed everyday, living their lives to the fullest and being watched by the leader, Sal. “Paradise” – as to what Richard says. Did I mention Richard’s crush towards Francoise, Etienne’s girlfriend?

Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise)

You might think there will be a love triangle between Richard, Francoise and Etienne. Well, not really. This is not a love story. After Richard had his time with Francoise, he goes on to Sal. Keep in mind, this is not a love story. Richard’s lust towards these two women are just that – lust. But their love scenes are not important to the movie. Like I said, time wasting.

The French couple – Guillaume Canet (Etienne) and Virginie Ledoyen (Francoise)

Another unimportant scene in the movie where Richard is in a video game-ish, running through the forest in computer graphics, surviving in the forest by himself, like Bear Grylls. Was there a point in this scene? Nope. But there is one important sequence. One of the hippie guys had been bit by a shark, though he’s still alive, his screams of pain seem to be disturbing to others on the island. This made Sal move him out to the jungle, alone on a stretcher, in a tent, while Etienne accompanies him.

Tilda Swinton (Sal)

Watching this movie is like being in a movie convention, watching them discuss about the movie, but never got the whole point of the discussion. There’s a hint of love triangle, man vs jungle, civilization and dictatorship. The society that Sal ruled over is like saying you can be happy if you follow the rules, but only her rules – Sal’s rules.

I’ve been talking about the unimportant ones, but, what’s really important is seeing Richard’s transformation from being a traveler to a survivor in the jungle, trained himself though a movie so ridiculous had to consists something so violent just to justify his heroic action. The conclusion of it all has a mixture of lost-in-paradise characteristics, action, and the ending’s happy nostalgia. This goes to show that no matter how much violence in a movie there is, it had to end like in a cloud nine. Get the pun?

RATING: 5/10

DEAR JOHN (2010) – REVIEW

What would you do with a letter that changed everything?

An article from Wikipedia explaining the meaning of ‘Dear John letter’. It says “A letter written to a man by his wife or romantic partner to inform him their relationship is over because she has found another lover. The man is often a soldier stationed overseas, although the letter may be used in other ways, including being left for him to discover when he returns from work to an emptied house.”

Channing Tatum (John Tyree)

Based on a 2006 novel, written by Nicholas Sparks. Directed by Lasse Hallström. Screenplay by Jamie Linden. Stars are Channing Tatum (John Tyree), Amanda Seyfried (Savannah), and Richard Jenkins (Mr. Tyree).

Amanda Seyfried (Savannah)

A story about a couple who fell in love. John Tyree, a good-looking military man and Savannah, a beautiful woman with long blonde locks, hair in the wind, spending her time at a pier with her friends. Suddenly, her purse fell underwater. Here comes the hero, he leaps into the water, grabs the bag and saved her day. Cliché.

Richard Jenkins (Mr. Tyree)

Savannah came from a rich family, lives in a big house while John and his dad, Mr. Tyree, lives in a small comfortable house. John was raised by his dad, a quiet old man, who has an obsession with collecting coins, holds the coins in a delicate manner using gloves and makes lasagna every Sunday. As Savannah meets the dad and spent many days with him, she suggested to John that she thinks his father is autistic.

I’m guessing John never had a thought that his dad was different than other people. Savannah’s suggestion angered John, there was a fight, then they stopped fighting and they’re okay. During John’s deployment, September 11 attacks happened, he decided to re-enlist, and re-enlist again, until that one fateful day where he received a letter that would change everything.

Because Savannah is a good person, she decided to marry a decent man, someone who John would be okay with. It’s not easy for me to write this review because everything from the title and the meaning of the title can be predicted. Too easy.

I know I’m being critical and maybe sounded a bit harsh but I really don’t get much enjoyment from this film. I guess romantic-comedies are not my thing. Movies like this are for dreamers who daydreams or fantasize about, while dramatically staring out the window on a bright sunny day where there’s butterflies and rainbows. The fact that John is always in a different country on a countless mission, a mission so confidential that John can never tell Savannah his exact location. This was after September 11 happened so umm, I don’t know. Hmm, where exactly do you think he is? I guess Afghanistan didn’t came to Savannah’s mind.

But that’s not the point. The movie’s main plot is war. Savannah left John during war and because of war and their time spent apart, they were able to regenerate a new relationship between them. If Savannah didn’t left John, they would probably be together anyway. Works both ways. I know I’m harsh on the plot but I have to admit that I like the casting and their chemistry. That’s pretty much it and that’s all I can say about this film. Until next time, I’ll see you soon then.

RATING: 5/10

AMERICAN PSYCHO (2000) – REVIEW

And though I can hide my cold gaze and you can shake my hand and feel flesh gripping yours and maybe you can even sense our lifestyles are probably comparable, I simply am not there.

Guinevere Turner, the writer, has said it before in a 2015 interview with Dazed, “I very much think American Psycho is a feminist film”. She continued, “It’s a satire about how men compete with each other and how in this hyper-real universe we created, women are even less important than your tan or your suit or where you summer. And to me, even though the women are all sort of tragic and killed, it’s about how men perceive and treat them”

Christian Bale (Patrick Bateman)

Based on a novel in 1991 written by Bret Easton Ellis. Directed by a female director, Mary Harron. Screenplay was written by two women, Mary Harron and Guinevere Turner. Stars are Christian Bale (Patrick Bateman), Willem Dafoe (Detective Donald Kimball), Jared Leto (Paul Allen), Reese Witherspoon (Evelyn Williams), Josh Lucas (Craig McDermott) and Justin Theroux (Timothy Bryce).

Willem Dafoe (Detective Donald Kimball)

The production of the film has gone through obstacles. From different directors to different actors. Mary Harron was confirmed to write and direct with Bale as the protagonist, Patrick Bateman. After few disagreements, Harron left and Lionsgate chose Oliver Stone to direct and Stone chose Leonardo DiCaprio as the main star. After budget troubles, Stone left, DiCaprio left for another movie, Harron and Bale returned.

Jared Leto (Paul Allen)

Ironic how in the earlier scenes, Bateman was so calm in the morning. He believes in taking care of himself, having a balanced diet and rigorous exercise routine. From body cleansing wash to body scrubs and peel-off facial masks. He went from a normal person to a psycho who would kill anyone who annoys him or anytime he’s competitive with a person.

Reese Witherspoon (Evelyn Williams)

All of the killings are either real or just fantasies. The point of the killings is to showcase how a man turns into when they’re in a rage. Face facts, we’ve seen how a man’s like when they’re angry: road traffic, or when the team they support for lose a game, not forgetting domestic violence in marriage. I won’t deny that there are also women who have a rage.I’m sure there are men out there who are sane enough, calm and civil. But I’m talking about those with an uncontrollable rage.

In one scene, a group of businessmen were comparing their business cards. Comparing everything from the fonts, engraving, finishing touch, the wording, even the thickness of the paper. Like measuring dicks. This goes to show that their envy and greed are reaching on such ridiculous levels. They’re mostly competitive on their business cards, clothing material, the amount of salary they’re paid, the size of their office, even their ability to book tables in a high-end restaurant.

In another scene, Bateman was preaching his views about equal rights for women, how he cared for the homeless. Then changed them when he’s with his misogynistic friends like “There are no girls with good personalities” or “Ugly chicks” and laughs about what a woman’s head would look like on a stick.

Compliments to Christian Bale for his performance. He performed his role as Patrick Bateman so terrifyingly good that it scares me. You see, Patrick Bateman would kill anyone or anything, anytime he wants. He turned killing into a hobby. Patrick Bateman is crazier than Joker. I guess he was a pretty sick guy. Now, if you’ll excuse him, he’s gotta return some tapes.

RATING: 7/10

GIRL, INTERRUPTED (1999) – REVIEW

In 1969, the wild ones went to Woodstock. The unlucky one went to war. But if you didn’t know where you were going, they sent you to Claymoore

During the spring of 1967, while everyone seems to be making plans for college after senior year of high school, Susanna was swallowing aspirins and chugging on vodka. After being pushed from her parents, she admitted herself to Claymoore, a psychiatric institution. Instead of spending her days in a women’s dorm in college, she’s spending her days in a women’s dorm in Claymoore. The shrink at Claymoore diagnosed her with Borderline Personality Disorder. Valerie Owens (played by Whoopi Goldberg), a nurse at Claymoore, came up with her own diagnosis as a lazy, self-indulgent little girl who is driving herself crazy.

Winona Ryder (Susanna Kaysen)

Based on a true story, a 1993 memoir by Susanna Kaysen, tells of how she lost herself for two years and her admittance to McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. Directed by James Mangold. The book was written by Susanna Kaysen, the film was written by James Mangold, Lisa Loomer and Anna Hamilton Phelan. Stars are Winona Ryder (Susanna Kaysen), Angelina Jolie (Lisa Rowe), Clea DuVall (Georgina Tuskin) and Brittany Murphy (Daisy Randone).

Angelina Jolie (Lisa Rowe)

Mental illness is real and a terrifying subject. The movie tells us that even sane people like Susanna can be institutionalized because once they’re in the system, there is an algorithm that wants us to believe that there is something wrong with them.

Brittany Murphy (Daisy Randone)

Surely Valerie has been through this with other patients and warned Susanna to not lose herself in the institution. Somehow, Susanna fits in with the other patients at Claymoore, the women squad include a rebellious sociopatch, Lisa, a pathological liar roommate Georgina, and Daisy, eighteen year old girl who was sexually abused, a bulimic, and OCD.

Whoopi Goldberg (Valerie Owens)

The film is mainly about each character, their behavior and their individual scenes with powerful acting. Susanna is not interrupted enough to go through treatment, but she was too absorbed inside Claymoore and the patients. Certainly, Lisa has been an inspiration to young women, an icon, with her cool, confidence and rebellious.

Jared Leto (Toby Jacobs)

Jared Leto made an appearance as Susanna’s boyfriend, Toby. He wanted them to run away to Canada but she has lost interest in their relationship chose to stay with her friends in Claymoore. “If they’re insane, I’m insane” Susanna says to Toby. Not entirely true. She’s not insane, but they are and that probably sums up her being in Claymoore. She’s not insane, yet she’s in an insane institution. To compare her with the other patients, I don’t think she’s close enough.

I only watch this film because of Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie and Brittany Murphy. Their characters are dark, interesting, powerful and watchable. There are scenes where I keep replaying because I couldn’t get enough of their acting and their lines. I enjoyed watching their performance.

Sometimes I forget how the late Brittany Murphy was such a good actress. She went too soon. I loved her character’s last performance in this movie. It was haunting and I was sympathetic for Daisy. Angelina Jolie have always mastered playing the badass chick. I’m always surprised how Winona Ryder was able to play as a sane person living in a psychiatric institution. I guess sometimes the only way to stay sane is to go a little crazy.

RATING: 6/10

Magnolia (1999) – Review

“We may be through with the past, but the past is not through with us”

This is a story of a boy genius, and the game show host, and a former boy genius. This is a story of a dying man, his long lost son, the dying man’s wife, and the caretaker of the dying man. This is a story of a mother, and the daughter, and a police officer. These stories are connected to each other.

Jeremy Blackman (Stanley Spector)

Phillip Baker Hall (Jimmy Gator)

Directed and written by Paul Thomas Anderson. Stars are Jeremy Blackman (Stanley Spector), Tom Cruise (Frank Mackey), Melinda Dillon (Rose Gator), Phillip Baker Hall (Jimmy Gator), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Phil Parma), William H. Macy (Donnie Smith), Julianne Moore (Linda Partridge), John C. Reilly (Officer Jim Kurring), Jason Robards (Earl Partridge), Melora Walters (Claudia Gator).

William H. Macy (Donnie Smith)

The opening scene, narrated by Ricky Jay, tell stories of phenomenal coincidences. Those stories definitely shows how human beings are so keen and so focus on our lives, mission, goals. So focused on our past, present and future. We always plan and get so caught up in our lives to a point that the universe had to step in and interrupt our plans. It’s actually mind-blowing.

Jason Robards (Earl Partridge)

All of the characters are either linked by family, coincidences, and the similarity of their lives. The concept of the movie is about their dying fathers, the grudges of their children, goals and plans compromised by unexplained phenomenon. Most of the characters are somehow involved in a television show.

Tom Cruise (Frank T.J. Mackey)

Earl Partridge, who plays a dying rich man who produces a game show. Jimmy Gator, also a dying man, is the host of the game show. Frank Mackey, popular of his technique on how to seduce women, son of Earl Partridge. Claudia Gator, consumers most her life with drugs, daughter of Jimmy Gator. Donnie Smith, a former boy genius, now an adult who’s hope to get dental braces could get the attention of a bartender he’s having a crush on. Stanley Spector, present-day boy genius on Jimmy Gator’s game show.

Julianne Moore (Linda Partridge)

Their connections mainly clicked together. Both Earl Partridge and Jimmy Gator, left their children. Stanley and his father are probably on the verge of distancing themselves between each other. Both men have cheated on their wife in the past. Both of them have always focused on their work, the television. Both has employees who care deeply for them as their own families. The former and present-day boy genius, Donnie Smith and Stanley Spector, are left uncertain of their future.

Phillip Seymour Hoffman (Phil Parma)

Then there’s minor stories with minor connections. Like the caretaker of Earl Partridge, Phil Parma and a cop who’s interested in dating Claudia Gator, Officer Jim Kurring. Both of their characteristics and career description fits well. Their need for help. Phil needed to somehow grant his dying patient’s last wish. Jim needed to emotionally help Claudia who also fell in love for her.

Melinda Dillon (Rose Gator)

Then there’s these dramatic scenes. Like when Frank broke down during an interview session. Then there’s one during the deathbed scene with his father. Julianne Moore’s character, Linda Partridge’s mental breakdown in a pharmacy is quite similar to how nervous Claudia Gator was during her encounter with a cop in her house. Both women are prone to drugs.

Melora Walters (Claudia Gator) and John C. Reilly (Officer Jim Kurring)

This is the type of movie that I would say yes to watch this film within a heartbeat. The type of movie that I would leave any logic or theories that anyone would suggest. The movie is definitely telling us that everything will only fall in the hands of God. It’s truly humbling. They plan, and God plans. Surely, God is the best of planners. But alas, we are only human, and sometimes, just maybe, our plans eventually succeeded.

RATING: 10/10

The Invisible Man (2020) – Review

Directed and written by Leigh Whannell. Produced by Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions and Kylie du Fresne. Stars are Elisabeth Moss (Cecilia Kass), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (Adrian Griffin), Harriet Dyer (Emily Kass), Aldis Hodge (James Lanier) and Storm Reid (Sydney Lanier).

Cecilia Kass (played by Elisabeth Moss)

A woman, trapped in an abusive and violent relationship with a rich and genius scientist guy named Adrian, Cecilia escaped and went into hiding with the help of her sister, Emily, friend, James and James’s teenage daughter, Sydney. When her ex killed himself, she thought his death was a fake. After many strange and mysterious coincidence becomes deadly, endangering the lives of her loved ones, she tries to prove everyone that she was being hunted and haunted by someone invisible.

Cecilia Kass (played by Elisabeth Moss)

I don’t really have that much to say about this film, no criticism from me. Credits to the cinematographer, Stefan Duscio, for smooth and spot-on camera work. From the bedrooms, to the attics, the clear message of the secluded mansion on top of a hill with ocean waves around the house. Even with the scary music that comes with it, composed by Benjamin Wallfisch. I like the fact that it doesn’t have a lot of jump scare sounds, nothing high-pitched sounds that makes the hair at the back of your neck rise, nothing too typical or cliche. The storyline didn’t have to be so elaborate and long, it was easy to understand. Elisabeth Moss‘s character was excellent and well played. Oliver Jackson-Cohen‘s character was impressive as well. Both of them gave excellent performance.

James Lanier (played by Aldis Hodge)

Sydney Lanier (played by Storm Reid)

Overall, the movie was actually kinda perfect. I would totally want to watch this movie again and probably the only satisfactory movie I’ve watched this year.

RATING: 10/10

 

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020) – Review

Okay look, you’re probably not gonna like my review about this movie and I probably will receive a few criticism and disagreements but my review is my personal opinion towards the movie and if you like the movie, then fine, if you don’t like the movie, that’s also fine too. So here goes. I love the fact that they took the time to redesign Sonic, because it looked much better than the first one. The first one was creepy-looking. But before I go on with my review, let me break it down to you about the movie.

Sonic, the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz)

Sonic, a blue hedgehog, (voiced by Ben Schwartz), who runs really fast and has lightning on his body, was brought to Earth, befriend a small-town cop, Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), eventually needed the cop’s help to find the golden teleportation ring. Which they also need to run away from an evil scientist, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). The movie is based on a video game, an action-adventure comedy genre, directed by Jeff Fowler. Written by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller. Produced by Neal H. Moritz who also produced The Fast and The Furious.

Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden)

What is it with James Marsden always playing the lead role and befriends a furry partner. He did that in the Enchanted (2007), talking to a tiny little chipmunk. Then, there’s Hop (2011), with a talking bunny. Now this. The plot is almost the same to Hop too. Furry creature enters a human world, escape from a villain, yada yada yada. I was a little annoyed with Dr. Robotnik. He yells all the time with that ridiculous mustache on his face. Dr. Robotnik is like that one friend who’s always hyped and talk really loud. Seriously, take a chill pill.

Dr. Robotnik (played by Jim Carrey)

I was hesitant at first, to watch this movie, and I was right, didn’t really enjoy watching it. I knew I was not gonna like it but I thought why not just give it a chance. Sure, there’s laugh and playful banter, but I think the storyline’s not strong enough. Since there will be sequel, who knows, maybe I’ll enjoy watching that one.

Overall, the movie was pretty bad (for me) and that’s just my opinion. I’m really sorry to fans of Sonic and please don’t hate me.

RATING: 2/10

Birds of Prey (2020) – Review

Let me start by saying that I think Harley Quinn is a very cute, crazy and fun female villain in the Batman Universe. Not going to compare with the sexy and lustful Michelle Pfeiffer‘s Catwoman and Uma Thurman‘s Poison Ivy. The 2016 movie Suicide Squad gave us an introduction of Harleen Quinzel, Joker’s girlfriend and sidekick. In that movie, they were the King and Queen of Gotham City, and God help anyone who disrespected the Queen. She was crazier than him, and more fearless. We already know she’s crazy but Birds of Prey tells us that she’s still the same crazy badass chick (maybe even crazier) without Mister J in her life. You’ve probably seen this kind of movie before: girl and guy breaks up, the movie shows us that girl can survive without guy. Like the intro of I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor.

Rosie Perez (Renee Montoya), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Huntress), Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Ella Jay Basco (Cassandra Cain), Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary)

Directed by Cathy Yan. Written by Christina Hodson. Stars are Margot Robbie (Harley Quinn), Jurnee Smollett-Bell (Black Canary), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Huntress), Ella Jay Basco (Cassandra Cain), Rosie Perez (Renee Montoya), and Ewan McGregor (Roman Sionis). A superhero genre, based on the DC Comic, Birds of Prey. Eight installment in the DC Extended Universe, sequel to Suicide Squad.

Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn

Jurnee Smollett-Bell as Black Canary

Mary Elizabeth Winstead as Huntress

Speaking of intro, I like the animated intro of this movie, fits in well with Harley’s character: cute, fun and crazy. The intro also tells us the origin of how Harleen Quinzel transformed into Harley Quinn. I also like the story of it all. The women who were wrapped around a finger, and that finger belongs to a predator, Roman Sionis, and how these women finally fights back the predator. It truly is somewhat of a feminist movie.

Ella Jay Basco as Cassandra Cain

Huge respect for every role Margot Robbie has played. Think about it: The Wolf of Wall Street, The Legend of Tarzan, I, Tonya then Suicide Squad and now this. She can definitely play a feisty character. Speaking of feisty, I’m liking Black Canary’s character: fierce character and stunt choreography. I might be wrong but I think Huntress is the DC-version of Marvel’s Black Widow: childhood problems, trained to be a fighter, no superpower. I’m not really liking Renee Montoya’s characteristics. I’m okay with Ella Jay Basco‘s character as Cassandra Cain: a normal teenager, who likes to pickpocket and stuff.

Rosie Perez as Renee Montoya

Ewan McGregor as Roman Sionis

The cinematography was impressive, the costume was really pretty, there was a lot of glitter. There’s even glitter in fighting too. Not to mention the soundtrack too, consists of amazing female singers with amazing voices. Credit goes to the writer, Christina Hodson for writing a female action-pack, butt-kicking, feminist movie.

Overall, the movie was great.

RATING: 8/10

Bad Boys for Life (2020) – Review

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, and Doug Belgrad. Reprising their roles are Will Smith as Mike Lowrey, Martin Lawrence as Marcus Burnett and Joe Pantoliano as Captain Howard. This would be the sequel to Bad Boys II (2003) and the third installment in the Bad Boys franchise.

The film tells us about two ‘Bad Boys’ police detectives, Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, reunite again to catch criminals as trouble starts to happen involving from an old case they dealt with.

Mike Lowrey (Will Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Martin Lawrence)

Captain Howard played by Joe Pantoliano

Meanwhile in Mexico, Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo) escaped from prison and assemble a plan with her son, Armando (Jacob Scipio), to murder the people who put her in jail and kill her husband. One of those people includes Detective Mike Lowrey. Personally, I like Isabel’s character: vicious and practically a badass.

Armando Aretas (Jacob Scipio) and Isabel Aretas (Kate del Castillo)

They also added new characters, young, experts in computer, drones, gadgets and gizmos, hacking, stealth, none of that old police business. These young characters, played by Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, and Charles Melton, were recruited by Rita Secada (Paola Núñez), head of AMMO (Advanced Miami Metro Operations) and happens to be Mike’s ex-girlfriend.

Rita Secada played by Paola Núñez

Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Vanessa Hudgens

I enjoyed the movie but then it all starts to look like a Spanish telenovela that you watch in the middle of the day. You might be thinking why would I say that, well because the plot is almost the same: man and woman had an affair, man left, woman got pregnant, man didn’t know about the woman’s pregnancy, a child was born, grew up, woman filled her son’s mind with hatred towards that particular man…..you know the rest. I do like those emotional moments between Marcus and Mike, their closeness, their care towards each other, how Marcus was there for Mike all those times.

There was this one moment where I kinda hate. The quote “one last time” or “one last ride” has been said a few times and I’m getting sick and tired of hearing it. That line was spoken in multiple Fast & Furious movies, yet it’s not their “last ride” or “last time” either. I suspect it’s the same goes to the Bad Boys franchise.

The movie was enjoyable and it was an okay for me.

RATING: 6/10