MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Genre:

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Action/Adventure

Comedy

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

May 5, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

August 22, 2017

Run Time:

2 hrs 15 minutes

Directed by:

James Gunn

Screenplay by:

James Gunn

Production Co:

Marvel Studios

Distributor:

Walt Disney

Social Media:

   

Plot Synopsis:

Set to the all-new sonic backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, Marvel Studios' Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 continues the team's adventures as they traverse the outer reaches of the cosmos. The Guardians must fight to keep their newfound family together as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill's true parentage. Old foes become new allies and fan-favorite characters from the classic comics will come to our heroes' aid as the Marvel Cinematic Universe continues to expand.

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Cast:

Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel as Baby Groot, Bradley Cooper as Rocket, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullilvan, Sea Gunn, Tommy Flanagan, Laura Haddock, Sylvester Stallone, Kurt Russell

Find the full cast & crew on IMDB

**My Thoughts**

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a bit deeper in terms of character development and unlike its predecessor, the main antagonists come with twists and turns. We think the story is straightforward because of Rocket or Peter Quill’s snarky and quirky attitudes getting on someone’s nerves in which case we wouldn’t be wrong. But Yondu, Ego, Nebula, and various new characters continue to create a colorful galaxy of stories and ideals. Quill searches for his birth father, sisters Gamora and Nebula continue their family feud, Drax meets Mantis and the two begin to bond, Yondu displays himself as more than a space pirate.

Not only is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 entertaining because of its comedy, different character designs, and adorable baby Groot, it continues to expand the Marvel universe and character’s relationships. The Guardians have become heroes for hire and remain a dysfunctional family. The movie begins where the Guardians are working for the Sovereign, a golden skinned alien race obsessed with perfection. Rocket being a technical genius, but not necessarily a saint, decides to steal from the Sovereign causing our Guardian’s first dilemma in the movie. The Sovereign target the Guardians for Rocket’s poor judgment and hire Yondu to search for the Guardians. And then Quill finally meets his birth father after having been born on Earth, watching his mother die, and being kidnapped by Yondu as a child. It’s all fun and games when you first meet someone as jovial and enthusiastic as Ego but it begins to create a rift between the Guardians. Gamora and her astute instincts tell her that Ego is not all that he seems to be. Nebula continues an antagonistic role to defeat Gamora and destroy her father but as mentioned before, the antagonists come with twists and turns. Yondu, Nebula, and Ego change the antagonist role and become father figures, new comrades, and a destroyer of worlds.

I remove half a star because of the video game-like visuals and bits of comedy. It added a youthful and energetic nuance of the movie to give it its PG-13 rating but it’s not personally attractive because it jumped over intense battle scenes or moments. If I had to comment on the movie's comedy aspect, I would say that it was there but not wholly memorable. I appreciate the comedy because it makes this a movie for the whole family but it didn't add to the story. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 receives the same rating as its predecessor at 4.5.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

144 minutes

Release Date:

May 27, 2016

Directed by:

Bryan Singer

Social Media:

    

Plot Summary:

Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X-Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants, becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto to cleanse mankind and create a new world order, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven with the help of Professor X must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

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Cast:

James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne, Tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Hosh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy.

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

I was absolutely stunned at how much I enjoyed this film! Since X-Men: Days of Future Past, this is another enjoyable film. Given that the previous film gave us the concept of "change the past, change the future," pretty much opened the door for this current X-Men installment.

This was mind-blowing! The action was cool and exciting...and constant. We were introduced to the young '80s version of our favorite characters. Yay! Casting was great! Never fails... James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender reprises their roles as Professor X and Magneto, respectively! They give their characters depth and realism...just like Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellan. Of course, Jennifer Lawrence totally impresses as Mystique. OMG! Then there's Sophie Turner! What more needs to be said!?! She embodies the character of a young Jean Grey.

We get a glimpse of who or what Apocalypse is in the beginning, giving us an idea of what our mutants will be up against. Again...like the previous installments, we see our mutants come together to battle a greater evil. Crazy to see Storm on the other side of the cause...haha! And, to see Magneto lose his way...again.

Granted that theses films veers away from the comic book source, but that's just it!!! Adaptations... can take a source content and create more stories from it. However, my only thing is that... keeping true to that source content... capturing the heart of what these comic books are all about. I'm no expert, but I did grow up reading these comic books (whenever I went to the stores with my parents), then watching the animated series on Saturday mornings...haha! BUT... Thank goodness they got Jean Grey/Phoenix...close to true form. Whoa! Very impressive.

In the end, not including the post-credits scene, we can expect more X-Men adventures to come following the events in this film. I'd say that this, like X-Men: Days of Future Past, has captured what fans expect from the X-Men! But then again...that's just me! Go see it...and find out for yourselves!

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Marvel's Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Science Fiction/Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

147 minutes

Release Date:

May 6, 2016

Directed by:
Anthony Russo & Joe Russo

Social Media:

  

Plot Summary:

Marvel's Captain America: Civil War finds Steve Rogers leading the newly-formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity, but after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team.

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Cast:

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, Chadwick Boseman, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Paul Rudd, Tom Holland, Emily VanCamp

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

So...I finally watched third Captain America film!?! It definitely was explosive. The camaraderie of these superheroes...or as they were called "enhanced individuals"... were pulled apart. With all their to safeguard humanity and the world, a horrifically large amount of collateral damage tends to follow. Therefore, the world reacts by imposing rules on our Avengers, and they all disagree with their own reasoning. To each of them, their reasoning has its good points...and bad points. More chaos ensues to further aggravate the already 

growing adversity of these Avengers.

In the center of these disagreements, Captain America, Steve Rogers, is in the middle of this mess of friend(s) and must decide on what "truth(s)" he must tackle...and which friend he has to protect. Steve isn't the only one struggling with taking sides between friends. Lines are drawn and the fighting ensues. Plus, out of the chaos, another hero is introduced to the audience...Black Panther. In addition to Black Panther, an all new and re-imagined Spiderman joins the mix.

The script/story is cohensive, even with all the various character background stories included in the mix. We do find out about the troubled past our heroes live with...and how they deal with it, especially Iron Man. The story, in itself, had a dramatic flair when pitting friends against each other over some truths...or was it lies!?! The truth always hurts...doesn't it!?! They all have their reasons for doing what they do...for the love of their friends. The action is pretty repetitive, but always pumped up to a new level. Well, isn't it what fans expect...haha! What is a Marvel film without its moments of humor...and, of course, Stan Lee's cameos. Very enjoyable and laugh out loud fun.

In the end, there was so much of character stories left open that there has to be more films coming. The end scene and the after credits scene just further confirmed that there will be more films to look forward to.

My rating:

JASMINE's REACTION on X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) Trailer

Genre:
Action/Adventure

Rating:
Not yet rated

Release Date:
May 27, 2016

Synopsis:
Since the dawn of civilization, he was worshipped as a god. Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant from Marvel's X'Men universe, amassed the powers of many other mutants becoming immortal and invincible. Upon awakening after thousands of years, he is disillusioned with the world as he finds it and recruits a team of powerful mutants, including a disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender), to cleanse mankind and create a new world ord, over which he will reign. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) with the help of Professor X (James McAvoy) must lead a team of young X-Men to stop their greatest nemesis and save mankind from complete destruction.

Directed by:
Bryan Singer

Cast:
James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Oscar Isaac, Rose Byrne, tye Sheridan, Sophie Turner, Olivia Munn, Lucas Till, Evan Peters, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alexandra Shipp, Josh Helman, Lana Condor, Ben Hardy

See full cast on IMDB

   

 

~~~

*My Reaction*

Oh yeah! These X-Men films have a life of its own! Of course, these films are based on the beloved Marvel comic book series, this next installment definitely packs a punch! Yes, I know, that there has been some deviation from the comic books...even from the animated series. But, these films can absolutely stand on its own. Yes, I am such a fangirl for all things X-Men...haha!

This trailer has given us a glimpse on what to expect in this upcoming film. I absolutely love that many of the cast has returned to reprise their roles. Just like the previous films, they have upped the ante on action and effects. Although we just got brief glimpses of various characters, I wonder what part they play in the whole storyline. With that said...Whoa! We now got to see a glimpse of Professor X (James McAvoy) as we have come to recognize and love.

I am so excited to watch this! Is it 2016...yet!?!

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Genre:
Action/Adventure/Science Fiction
Rating:
PG-13
Run Time:
2 hrs 21 min
Release Date:
May 1, 2015
Distributor:
Disney

Official Site:
http://marvel.com/avengers

Based on comic book series:
Marvel's The Avengers

Written & Directed by:
Joss Whedon

Produced by:
Kevin Feige

Plot Summary:
When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth's Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow, and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the plantet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to the Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for an epic and unique global adventure.

The team must reassemble to defeat Ultron, a terrifying technological villain hell-bent on human extinction. Along the way, they confront two mysterious and powerful newcomers, Wanda and PIetro Maximoff, and a meet an old friend in a new form in the Vision.

Cast:
Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Elizabeth Olsen, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Paul Bettany, Cobie Smulders, Samuel L. Jackson, Don Cheadle, Anthony Mackie, Claudia Kim, James Spader

Find the full list of cast & crew on IMDB



~~~~~

*My Thoughts*
Note: This review contains NO spoilers

We finally watched it last night. Whoa! This epic follow-up to the first film was absolutely filled with action-packed scenes from beginning to end. And, boy, the action was intense. There was so much going on that even the subplots could easily be missed... So, you definitely have to pay attention...haha! Despite all the so-so reviews, I still enjoyed this film. I love the comaradarie the cast has in character; it makes their interactions with each other in the movie all the more believable. The characters' angst and banter worked well, and even the humor carried well at the right moments. We definitely got some laughs in. And...wow...James Spader brought Ultron to life! Plus, the introduction of new characters as well was...just awesome! To go any detail would spoil it for those who haven't watched it yet...haha! But, the film was filled with hints of another film...lol! I know...I'm gushing like a fangirl...but, then again, I am! So I will gush!

Avengers: Age of Ultron is yet another epic installment of The Avengers franchise that is action-packed and adventure-filled with a touch of drama and humor.

My rating:

    

  

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MARIAH'S THOUGHTS on Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

Genre:

Science Fiction, Action/Adventure

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

August 1, 2014

Run Time:

2 hours 2 minutes

Studio:

Marvel Studios

Directed/Written by:

James Gunn

Produced by:

Kevin Feige

Cast:

Chris Pratt as Peter Quill

Zoe Saldana as Gamora

Vin Diesel as Groot (voice)

Bradley Cooper as Rocket (voice)

Dave Bautista as Drax

Lee Pace as Ronan

Karen Gillan as Nebula

Michael Rooker as Yondu Udonta

Find the full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Synopsis:

From Marvel, the studio that brought you the global blockbuster franchises of Iron Man, Thor, Captain America and The Avengers, comes a new team--the Guardians of the Galaxy. An action-packed, epic space adventure. Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy expands the Marvel Cinematic Universe into the cosmos, where brash adventurer Peter Quill finds himself the object of an unrelenting bounty hunt after stealing a mysterious orb coveted by Ronan, a powerful villain with ambitions that threaten the entire universe. To evade the ever-persistent Ronan, Quill is forced into an uneasy truce with a quartet of disparate misfits--Rocket, a gun-toting raccoon, Groot, a tree-like humanoid, the deadly and enigmatic Gamora and the revenge-driven Drax the Destroyer. But when Quill discovers the true power of the orb and the menace it poses to the cosmos, he must do his best to rally his ragtag rivals for a last, desperate stand--with the galaxy's fate in the balance.

http://marvel.com/guardians

https://www.facebook.com/guardiansofthegalaxy

*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains no spoilers

Fun, adventurous, and witty; Guardians of the Galaxy is the best production I’ve seen this year. A band of oddball criminals and misfits save the day in a journey that brings them close together from their primal origins. Quill our acknowledged leader, Gamora a top class assassin, Groot sweet heart plant creature of few words, Rocket a scrappy genius of a raccoon, and Drax simple minded, literal muscle make up the team. Watch as they fight through space; a movie for everyone to watch.~ And as Marvel loves it, watch out hidden Easter eggs, those bits of the movie that reference other Marvel features.

Guardians of the Galaxy is a life or death scenario, as in saving a planet but it didn’t seem at all that overused as an overall plot. Good versus evil never seems to be boring as long as your characters make you love them without even trying. Each character was lacking in qualities that made them a dysfunctional family member to each other but a functional team. There was never a dull moment because of Rocket’s snarky remarks, Quill’s quirky attitude, or Gamora’s attentiveness. Our movie’s antagonist was overdramatic and very loud and very believable… and needed some serious therapy. Ronan the Accuser poses a threat to the Xandarians in an effort to obtain a foreign orb and uses brute tactics to get it. Seems legit… when you’re an all-powerful being who almost everyone in the galaxy fears, you know. For a modern day movie, our writers could have given Ronan a more comprehensive backstory other than “I have a grudge,” but I suppose for time management’s sake that’ll have to do.

It’s not predictable in the sense everyone gets their happy ending or everyone gets to keep their hide, even the villain but in shackles. There are sacrifices for the greater good, good byes that don’t need to be said. Our actors portrayed their parts well, there wasn’t a single moment of hesitation. The visuals were all extraordinarily out of this world, metaphorically and literally *wink, wink*. With what could be considered oldies music, futuristic battle sequences, and modern, witty humor; Guardians of the Galaxy earns a strong four plus point five rating.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Genre:

Action, Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

112 minutes

Release Date:

November 8, 2013

Synopsis:

Thor: The Dark World continues the big screen adventures of Thor, the Mighty Avenger, as he battles to save Earth and all the Nine Realms from a shadowy enemy that predates the universe itself. In the aftermath of Marvel's Thor and Marvel's The Avengers, Thor fights to restore order across the cosmos...but an ancient race led by the vengeful Malekith returns to plunge the universe back into darkness. Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.

Cast:

Chirs Hemsworth as Thor

Tom Hiddleston as Loki

Natalie Portman as Jane Foster

Anthony Hopkins as Odin

Rene Russo as Frigga

Idris Elba as Heimdall

Christopher Eccleston as Malekith

Jaime Alexander as Sif

Kat Dennings as Darcy Lewis

Stellan Skarsgard as Eric Selvig

Zachary Levi as Fandral

Ray Stevenson as Volstagg

Tadanobu Asano as Hugon

Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Algrim

Directed by:

Alan Taylor

Produced by:

Kevin Feige

Screenplay by:

Christopher Yost

Christopher Markus

Stephen McFeely

Based on:

Marvel's classic Super Hero Thor, who first appeared in the comic book "Journey into Mystery" #83 in August, 1962

Asgard

My Thoughts

It was a family movie night last night, and we decided to watch Thor: The Dark World. We decided to watch it in 3D. Although watching it in 3D was not necessary, Thor: The Dark World was entertaining with some humor. 

I loved it! The cinematography of the Nine Realms were amazing...especially the majestic Asgard! Wow! The way it was portrayed in this movie was breathtaking! They did an amazing job in creating the various Nine Realms, including Earth, and how they intersect in the universe. I just loved the historical aspect of the story. It gave the film more depth as to the plot and storyline. This definitely had its fair share of twists in its storyline and characters. It made the characters feel "real." The cast were amazing at portraying their characters. Just gotta love Anthony Hopkins as Odin! And...whoa! How about Rene Russo as Frigga...the warrior mother. Dayum! She was badass! And, of course, when it comes to Chris Hemsworth...oh yeah, he Is Thor! As for Tom Hiddleston...hmmm! Yes, there is no doubt that he has brought Loki to life in these films...from the first Thor movie to Marvel's The Avengers and, now, in Thor: The Dark World. One just never know where Loki's alliances lie...trusting Loki is definitely risky, but he does still have a heart. Oh Loki! Tom Hiddleston has definitely outdone himself in this movie. Loki is definitely a character to be reckoned with....just don't turn your back on him...hahaha!! Although the role of Fandral was portrayed by Zachary Levi, who replaced Josh Dallas who was in the first film, did a great job of portraying his part. He is such a great actor and all around awesome guy! Just gotta love Zachary Levi! But, oh my goodness, Christopher Eccleston portraying Malekith...WHOA! Talk about evil and darkness. He was amazing at bringing this evil dark elf to life. Can't forget the all too funny cameo of Stan Lee! Yes, he always has cameo moment...this time, it was all too funny! All in all, the cast's chemistry worked..and I loved it!

I really don't want to get into specifics, especially for those who haven't watched the movie yet. But, what can I say...I'm such a fan of comic book heroes that I am just so amazed at how these characters are brought to life on the big screen. Sure...there's heroics and humor with some drama in the movie, but it works! Yes, there was a moment that I had tears in my eyes. But, for sure, keep watching until the very end...and, I mean all the way to the end. Yes, I mean through the credits! Never fails...Marvel always has something of a "cliffhanger" to give us more of what to expect next...in another movie!?!

One thing I would say is....it isn't necessary to watch it in 3D. Save those extra few dollars for popcorn and/or nachos...hahaha!! Watching it in 3D was no different from watching it in 2D...but then again, that's just me. 

I would definitely go see it again...haha!

My rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars