JASMINE's THOUGHTS on The Sandman (2022)

Genre:

Adult

Dark Fantasy/Horror/Drama

Rating:

TV-MA

Release Date:

August 5, 2022

Season:

1

Episodes:

10

Run Time:

37-54 minutes

Network:

Netflix

Based on:

The Sandman graphic novels by Neil Gaiman

Production Co.:

Netflix

Warner Bros. Productions

DC Entertainment

DC Comics

Distribution Co.:

Netflix

Social Media:

     

Cast:

Tom Sturridge, Boyd Holbrook, Patton Oswalt, Vivienne Acheampong, Charles Dance, Gwendoline Christie, Jenna Coleman, Mason Alexander Park, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Stephen Fry, David Thewlis, Ann Ogbomo, and more

(For full cast and crew on IMDB)

Plot Summary:

There is another world that waits for all of us when we close our eyes and sleep — a place called the Dreaming, where The Sandman, Master of Dreams (Tom Sturridge), gives shape to all of our deepest fears and fantasies. But when Dream is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century, his absence sets off a series of events that will change both the dreaming and waking worlds forever. To restore order, Dream must journey across different worlds and timelines to mend the mistakes he’s made during his vast existence, revisiting old friends and foes, and meeting new entities — both cosmic and human — along the way.

Based on the beloved award-winning DC comic series written by Neil Gaiman, THE SANDMAN is a rich, character-driven blend of myth and dark fantasy woven together over the course of ten epic chapters following Dream’s many adventures. Developed and executive produced by Gaiman, showrunner Allan Heinberg, and David S. Goyer.

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~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Note: This Review contains NO spoilers

Although I haven't read the graphic novels, I was already enticed to watch this new series after watching the trailer and reading the synopsis. Now, after watching this first season, I am absolutely mesmerized with it! I enjoyed each and all of 10 episodes. The casting is great! The cinematography is stunning! The storytelling flowed seamlessly from episode to episode.

This is definitely a must watch for fans of dark fantasy and mythology. This contemporary adaptation of mythology and fantasy is mind-blowing and captivating. Each episode will take viewers on Dream's journey and struggle to adjust to the changes in time and history while he was imprisoned. This first season introduced viewers to the various characters and their connections to each other in the waking world and the dream world... and then some.

I was completely absorbed into the storytelling of this new Netflix series. I found it to be dark, fascinating, and dramatic. I also found myself having to watch scenes over again to understand the flow of the story better. Don't get me wrong, it is not a bad thing. I would say that even the smallest intriguing detail can make a difference in following the story.

After binge watching all 10 episodes, I am even more excited to see this series to continue on. Season 1 is just a tease of what to expect more of in the next season(s) to follow. I so hope The Sandman series continues with more seasons... with more stories to tell.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Zack Snyder's Justice League 2021

Genre:

Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Science Fiction

Drama

Rating:

R

Release Date:

March 18, 2021

Run Time:

4 hrs 2 mins

Based on the Characters by:

DC Comics

Directed by:

Zack Snyder

Story by:

Zack Snyder, Chris Terrio, Will Beall

Screenplay by:

Chris Terrio

Producers:

Deborah Snyder, Charles Roven

Production Co.:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Distribution Co.:

HBO Max

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Ezra Miller, Ray Fisher, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jeremy Irons, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane 

(For full cast and crew on IMDB)

Plot Summary:

Determined to ensure Superman’s sacrifice was not in vain, Batman and Wonder Woman recruit Aquaman, Cyborg, and The Flash to form an unprecedented league of heroes to save the planet from the catastrophic threat of Darkseid, Steppenwolf & DeSaad.

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~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Note: This Review contains NO spoilers

So... It has been a few days since watching Zack Snyder's Justice League. And now, after taking a few days to mull over what I had watched, I think I can put my thoughts on this movie down in this review. But, one thing I will not do is compare it to the 2017 Justice League theatrical release.

I really enjoyed this "version" of Justice League. It felt whole. Each of these superheroes stories were told which further built that character development. It just made the story tie and flow together. What I also liked was that this 4 hour 2 minute film was broken into parts or chapters. The break up made for a flow of the storyline that made sense. It was like each "chapter" was telling and setting up for the next. It was visually magnificent masterpiece!

Of course, the length of the film made for a long movie night. At least, we were able to pause for intermission... Haha! But, this was the story that I was waiting for in continuing the story of these superheroes. Be it 4 hours long or 2 hours long, the movie should satisfy viewers/fans. And, I was definitely satisfied with Zack Snyder's Justice League in telling the story for each of them: Cyborg, Flash, Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman. Oh... Can't forget we got our first look at another soon-to-be Justice League member, too. 

It was so worth the wait to get this version out. And, it was so worth the 4 hours 2 minutes. 😁Thank you to all the fans for fighting for this. Thank you to Zack Snyder for completing this and allowing fans to see his vision of the Justice League.

Bottom line... I really enjoyed this amazing and stunning film. So, yeah, I am so fan gushing on this movie. Zack Snyder's Justice League told so much with it's well developed characters and narratives. There is so much more to tell, too. And... This is just the beginning for the Justice League! This was just beautiful! So damn worth the 4 hours 2 minutes of it!

My rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Wonder Woman 1984 (WW84) 2020

Genre:

Action/Adventure/Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date in theaters and HBO Max:

December 25 2020

Run Time:

2 hrs 31 mins

Directed by:

Patty Jenkins

Based on the Characters by:

DC Comics

Screenplay Writtten by:

Patty Jenkins, Geoff Johns, David Callaham

Story by:

Patty Jenkins & Geoff Johns

Executive Producers:

Rebecca Steel Roven Oakley, Richard Suckle, Marianne Jenkins, Geoff Johns, Walter Hamada, Chantal Nong Vo and Wesley Coller 

Producers:

Charles Roven, Deborah Snyder, Zack Snyder, Patty Jenkins, Gal Gadot and Stephen Jones

Production Co.:

Atlas Entertainment

DC Comics

DC Entertainment

Stone Quarry Production

Warner Bros.

Distribution Co.:

Warner Bros.

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Kristen Wiig, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielson, Robin Wright

(For full cast and crew on IMDB)

Plot Summary:

Fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.

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*My Thoughts*

“The 80’s never dies,” is what I would like to say.

 

Wonder Woman 1984 is an action, adventure movie based upon the poplar DC comics character, Diana Prince. This movie is phenomenal in which it contains multiple character inner conflicts that tie together. It didn’t feel like a traditional or linear story line. To start, a glimpse of Diana Prince’s childhood is played in the form of an athletic competition. Here Diana is taught a lesson about truth and sincerity. Skip ahead and Diana lives a normal life. She lives in solitude until she meets coworker Dr. Barbara Minerva, a rather awkward but warm and friendly woman. Through her, the movie begins to build suspense when Maxwell "Max Lord" Lorenzano decides to enter their workplace at the Smithsonian and become friendly with Dr. Minerva. He steals the Dreamstone which connects these three characters and acts as the catalyst of the movie. It is a gift from the gods that grants the holder any one wish, but like every tale in mythology and lore, all magic comes with a price.

 

Wonder Woman 1984 packs a lot of information into its one hundred and one-minute run time. Each of the three aforementioned characters wishes for something deeply rooted in their insecurities and pasts; three simple wishes turn into a worldwide catastrophe. Diana, who is still grieving the loss of Steve Trevor, wishes for more time with him. Dr. Minerva wishes to feel less inadequate and to be more amazing, to be special. Which brings us down to Max Lord who is a rather predictable con artist and antagonist. Throw in the dream of becoming important and respectable, these three wishes create a domino effect that involves the wish of every person on the planet. Even with these different stories playing together, they can be intertwined into one final showdown.

 

The fallacy of WW84 would have to be that the deuteragonists, also antagonists, seem shallow. They don’t hold a candle to their comic book counterparts. A younger Max Lord came from an abusive father, poverty, and he was often bullied for it; hence, his desire for riches and greatness. Barbara is intelligent and sweet but desires more strength and beauty. She is timid and cannot even garner the attention of her male coworkers but will get the attention of a drunkard in the middle of the night. In the end, they are defeated and their loss leaves much to be desired. Max and Dr. Minerva are skimmed over, like they won’t be seen again.

 

WW84 is also an interesting movie because of the subtle messages it places into the plot. Dr. Minerva and Max represents feelings of self-consciousness and loathing, the desire to take the easy way out of a difficult situation. Diana represents a knowledgeable, courageous, but not infallible woman that anyone can aspire to become. She is a creation of Zeus and raised to be a warrior, but she is still susceptible to grief and loneliness and it shows. Her wish costs her godly powers, diminishing her strength throughout the movie until she realizes that she needs to let go and the lesson her aunt Antiope had taught her years ago comes circling back. Truth and sincerity play a major role in the climax and final fight. The world’s people may wish for something that they desire, but everyone simply can’t get what they want without causing more pain and chaos. Diana brings this lesson from her past into the present and teaches it to the world. How she does it exactly should be left for the viewer to find out.

My rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Justice League (2017)

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Fantasy/Science Fiction

Release Date:

November 17, 2017

DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:

March 13, 2018

Run Time:

1 hr 59 mins

Rating:

PG-13

Directed by:

Zack Snyder

Screenplay by:

Chris Terrio, Joss Whedon

Production Co.:

Atlas Entertainment, Cruel and Unsual

Distribution Co.:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Social Media:

   

Cast:

Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Ezra Miller, Jason Momoa, Henry Cavill, Jeremy Irons, Amy Adams, Ray Fisher, Ciarán Hinds

See Full Cast List on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy. Together, Batman and Wonder Woman work quickly to find and recruit a team of metahumans to stand against this newly awakened threat.  But despite the formation of this unprecedented league of heroes—Batman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg and The Flash—it may already be too late to save the planet from an assault of catastrophic proportions.

source

~~~~~

*My Thoughts*

Well, it has been a while for me to be posting reviews. So... okay... I am finally getting to this review.

I enjoyed this! Sure, there was a lot of mixed reviews, mostly not-so-good ones. But, I enjoyed watching this. At different points of the movie, I thought it felt clipped. The CGI effects were good. The story was was okay, not outstanding. The humor and drama was balanced. Casting of these iconic superheroes, I would say, is on point (of course, that's just me). The cast chemistry worked. The characters were likeable and developed enough for this movie. The action was not lacklustered. It did get the "blood pumping." Yah, action was not disappointing. Otherwise, Justice League was very entertaining and fun to watch.

Sure... Justice League fell short in a lot of critics' reviews, but as a fan, I enjoy watching favorite/iconic superheros come to life in live-action films. I like the casting. I like that these films are entertaining, funny, with the right amount of drama and action. I am looking forward to watching all the character solo films and the next Justice League films.

My Rating:

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Supergirl Season 2

Photo from Supergirl

About the Show

Supergirl is an action-adventure drama based on the DC character Kara Zor-El, Superman's (Kal-El) cousin who, after 12 years of keeping her powers a secret on Earth, decides to finally embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be.

Twelve-year-old Kara escaped the doomed planet Krypton with her parents' help at the same time as the infant Kal-El. Protected and raised on Earth by her foster family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to conceal the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin in order to keep her identity a secret.

Years later at 24, Kara lives in National City assisting media mogul and fierce taskmaster Cat Grant. She works alongside her friend and IT tehcnician Winn Schott and famous photographer James Olsen, who Grant just hired away from the Daily Planet to serve as her new art director. However Kara's days of keeping her talents a secret are over when Hank Henshaw, head of a super-secret agency where her sister also works, enlists her to help them protect the citizens of National City from sinister threats.

Though Kara will need to find a way to manage her newfound empowerment with her very human relationships, her heart soars as she takes to the skies as Supergirl to fight crime.

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Television Network:

The CW

Stay connected:

    

Based on the comic book series by:

DC Comics

Genre:

Action/Adventure Drama

Rating:

TV-14, V

Cast:

Melissa Benoist as Kara Danvers/Supergirl

Chris Wood as Mon-El

Chyler Leigh as Alex Danvers

Mehcad Brooks as James Olsen

Jeremy Jordan as Winslow "Winn" Schott

David Harewood as Hank Henshaw

Floriana Lima as Maggie Sawyer

Katie McGrath as Lena Luthor

Brenda Strong as Lillian Luthor

Tyler Hoechlin as Clark Kent/Superman

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

~~~

*My Thoughts*

Ok... This second season was amazing! So much more has developed since Season 1! Season 1 set up the world and its characters and all the ups and downs that Kara dealt with as she figured out who Supergirl is while protecting National City, but now, this Season 2 they have gone beyond the stars! Yup! Melissa Benoist does an amazing job at bringing this comic book hero to life! I love how much all these characters have evolved after all that has happened since Season 1. Anyways, I really loved Superman's introduction into the series! It was great! It was about time that these cousins got together, even helped each other out.

So, in Season 1, Supergirl/Kara dealt mostly with villains of earth while dealing with her confusion of who she is and wants to be. Moreover, this Season 2 has expanded this world to beyond the stars. Familiar characters, heroes and villains, are revealed into the series...even those from beyond the stars. I loved the development of the romances with a few of these characters. A lot of these relationships incorporated many real life relationship issues people deal with all the time. Not only that, the show tackled very real and hard issues in the world... They just added the science fiction and fantasy elements to it. 

The series is just getting better and better. Plus, it is pretty cool to see some crossovers with other DC shows! The show has definitely progressed since Season 1.  All the plots and subplots flow and are intertwined with each other bringing the story together... Well, that's what I think. I'm no expert...haha!!! And, that finale was action-packed and emotional. Whoa! So, yeah, I am squee-ing like a fangirl... Well, I am! 😊 Other than that, the series has continued to entertain me and has brought a cool comic book superhero to life. And, of course, I love the casting! I am so looking forward to Season 3. So, for now, take a look at the Season 3 Comic-Con 2017 trailer!

Missed San Diego Comic Con 2017!?! We did... totally bummed about that, but it happens. Anyways, check out the Supergirl panel coverage by Flicks and the City!

JASMINE's THOUGHTS on Wonder Woman (2017)

Genre:

Action/Adventure

Fantasy

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

2 hrs 21 minutes

Release Date:

June 2, 2017

Distributor:

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Production Company:

Constantin Film

Directed by:

Patty Jenkins

Screenplay by:

Allan Heinberg

Written by:

Allan Heinberg, Zach Snyder, & Jason Fuchs

Based on Characters from DC Comics

Social Media:

   

Synopsis:

Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.

source

Cast:

Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Connie Nielsen, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Elena Anaya, Saïd Taghmaoui, Ewen Bremner, Lucy Davis, Eugene Brave Rock...

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMBD

~~~

*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

Well, hmmm... How do I start? Where do I start? Thinking back, the film felt like a feel good movie, especially for women. I enjoyed Gal Gadot's portrayal of DC's superhero. This film blended various elements, such as: romance, humor, history, and action, together that worked well and brought an enjoyable "origins" story. However, I couldn't help but feel that the movie was a bit slow, except for all those action scenes...haha! Anyways, all together the story unraveled fluidly giving me a full rounded story. There was a brief introduction of Diana's childhood and growing years that gave me a bit of a background on who Diana is. Of course, being raised apart from the world, she did display a good amount of naiveté that Gal Gadot expressed well throughout the film.

The character development was beautiful. The cast portrayed their characters well. I did enjoy Chris Pine's portrayal of his character, and the humor that went along with the character. The world building.... Wow! There was a good amount of realism. Now that Gal Gadot has done an incredible job in bringing Wonder Woman to life, it is hard to picture anyone else playing that role. Of course, Linda Carter was also a favorite Wonder Woman. So, there's no way I am going to compare these amazing actors! Haha!! And, that twist in the storyline....Really!?! Now, that was somewhat a surprise. Who would have thought...that he was the one!?!

Anyways, the cast was definitely on point throughout the film... Well, I thought so. I loved that the romance between Diana and Steve Trevor was subtle, and it worked well on how it unraveled. I can watch this film over again...even maybe a few more times...haha!! Oh, and it is great that this film is female-led, too!

It's no wonder that the film is so successful! Wonder Woman is a fresh and entertaining film that all the elements that made it so interesting.

My rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition Blu-Ray/DVD 2016

Genre:

Action, Adventure, Sci-fi, Drama

Rating:

PG-13

Run Time:

Theatrical Version: 151 minutes

Ultimate Edition: 182 minutes

Theatrical Release Date:

March 25, 2016

Distributed by:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Format:

Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD Ultraviolet

Release Date:

July 19, 2016

Bonus Features:

Uniting The World's Finest: Glimpse the future of DC's bold new cinematic super heroes.

Gods and Men: A Meeting of Giants: Justice meets vengeance when two icons clash on-screen for the first time ever.

The Warrior, The Myth, The Wonder: Explore the origin, evolution and impact of the Amazonian Wonder Woman.

Accelerating Design: The New Batmobile: Hit the road hard with Batman's newest high-performance ride.

And more!

Directed by:

Zack Snyder

Plot Summary:

 Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City's own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis's most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of here it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with each other, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it has ever known before.

Cast:

Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg, Holly Hunter, Jeremy Irons, Diane Lane

See Full List of Cast & Crew on IMDB

Social Media:

   

*My Thoughts*

Yet another super hero movie, but it’s not just another remake. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a cinematic splendor that pits two comic book titans into short lived combat. Not great but not horrible. It was highly anticipated but I didn’t see the appeal. With the extra 30 minutes from the Ultimate edition, it made certain plot points through the movie make more sense. But it overall felt rushed as a movie that is trying to introduce the entire Justice League, no matter how little it does that, but slow in trying to resolve the actual conflict in the movie.

Lex Luthor (as played by Jesse Eisenberg) uses deception to increase the strain and conflict. Mr. Luthor, who should be put into an asylum, proves his place as Superman’s nemesis, very much in a fashion that is Joker-like to Batman. A decently executed plan that could have been solved by communication, less prejudice, and preconceptions still ends in failure. And introducing the Justice League… What was this movie about again? Oh right, Batman v Superman. Are you sure you really wanted to give us the beginning of the Justice League here? You could have cleaned that up or added more of that plot into this movie.

Despite forcefully introducing the Justice League to the cinematic world and cramming Batman v Superman, it does make you think, “Can humanity protect itself from it’s Savior?” I enjoyed that message. In any other circumstance, I would’ve picked Batman’s side. But still, Superman is more a human than Kryptonian. I guess compassion is more important in this movie?

The general acting had it’s good and bad moments. Bad moments: scenes that required sad or hardened emotions of agony. Good moments: poker faced characters all trying to hide their secret plans and close ups during fight scenes. Ben Affleck’s portrayal of Batman was spot on from Batman’s rage, rhetoric, and trauma. Other than the main cast many of the character didn’t seem to have a proper place in the movie, even for plot purposes, Lois Lane (as played by Amy Adams) and Diana Prince (as played by Gal Gadot), could have one or two scenes cut… Oh wait, they were, hence the theater versus ultimate edition.

My Rating: