James' Movie Blog

  The Spider-Man universe is a vast and complex multiverse full of opportunities. With this in mind, it does open up the possibilities for many other characters to shine on through. One of these is the mysterious Madame Web, a woman with super telekinesis and can see variations on the future. So, with the massive success of the prior Spider-Man films from Marvel, it would only make sense that the character would soon follow. And the result is, it's fine. “Madame Web” is the most fine interpretation of a Spider-Man character to date. Does it have problems? Of course it does. But with the stuff that's good, is good on its own accord. “Madame Web” tries to breath new life into a big universe concerning the Spider-Man universe, but it just comes off as a tangled mess. Set in New York, the story focuses on Cassandra Webb (Dakota Johnson), a paramedic who has a near fatal accident, and can now view visions of the future. However, these little visions come at a cost: it more often th

  Bees are an integral part of our world; without them, planet Earth would not flourish. They are fighters, for sure. But what happens when you use the bee metaphor in the case or real world scenarios? You would get the feature film “The Beekeeper”, an action film starring Jason Statham, written by Kurt Wimmer, and directed by David Ayer. The movie enjoys itself with its copious amounts of action in its hour and forty five minute runtime. Although, the film does have some issues that are quite noticeable, they do not hinder the overall experience whatsoever. “The Beekeeper” is an interesting concept with its title, and a decent action film that grabs your attention to the very end. The story centers on a man named Adam Clay (Statham), who enjoys taking care of bees for an elderly lady. One day, the woman gets scammed and commits suicide, leaving Adam all alone. But he's not alone. It turns out that Adam is what's known as a Beekeeper: a special forces agent that is tasked on f

  Over 100 years, the Walt Disney company has entertained audiences for generations. More specifically, through their animated features. Founded by Walt himself, along with his brother Roy, the company has secured its place with everyone by bringing timeless stories that audiences can and will enjoy. One of their most recent attempts, is an animated feature called “Wish”, celebrating a centennial of hard work, and some magic along the way. And the result is that this new feature is quite good. Not perfect, but it is still keeping the fairy tale formula well and alive. There are some flaws that are present, but that doesn't hinder the overall experience. “Wish” is a celebration of all things Disney with a modern twist on a classic formula. The story is set on the Mediterranean Sea with the kingdom of Rosas residing over the land. This particular kingdom is important as its king, King Magnifico (Chris Pine) is also a sorcerer who grants wishes to the public. On one particular day, K

 One of the more interesting comedians that is out there is Martin Lawrence. His take on African American culture, as well as culture in general, has put him on the map as one of the most prolific actor in Hollywood. And in the 90s, he was everywhere on the comedic scene. Landing small roles in both television and film, Martin eventually made a name for himself with the TV series 'Martin'. And eventually, with his 1994 feature stand-up film “You So Crazy”. Filmed before a live audience in New York City, Martin jokes and pokes fun at a selection of topics like drugs and alcohol, and especially sex, all uncensored. That's right, harsh language, and suggestive content is all here for the adults to witness and view. However, considering that this came out in 1994, a lot of the humor as aged and has become dated. But that doesn't mean the film is bad; it's just flawed, in certain areas. While “You So Crazy” may not hold up as well among other stand-up features, it more t

  We all have been teenagers at one point in our lives. But we could never unleash our full potential. Luckily, through the power of animation, DreamWorks proves that teenage power in their latest feature, “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”. And while it doesn't fit a three act structure, it does make up for good performances, interesting characters, and good morals in the end. “Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken” is a decent portrayal of being an outcast in the water; pun intended. The plot involves Ruby Gillman (Lana Condor), a teenager who just so happens to be a descendant from the monstrous kraken that everyone fears. Along with her parents Agatha and Arthur (Toni Collette and Colman Domingo respectively), and her younger brother Sam (Blue Chapman), Ruby must blend in with the humans and try not to go into the water. That is until her crush sends Ruby into the ocean, and transforms her entire body into a giant kraken. Under the tutelage of her grandmother (Jane Fonda), Ruby must protec

  Opposites attract; quite literally here. With the new animated film from Pixar “Elemental”, we get a variation on the romance trope by using the elements that make up our world. More specifically, fire and water. And while the final product might not be up to standards with, say other Pixar feature films, “Elemental” does do its own unique thing. It may be flawed, but “Elemental” does provide that great and exclusive charm that Pixar is best known for. The story takes place in Element City, where the four major elements converge: earth, air, water, and fire. However, water and fire do not mix, and that can create some tension. That all changes when a fire spirit named Ember (Leah Lewis) suddenly meets a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie). Together, both Ember and Wade find out that there are some things that each of them have in common, and can overcome prejudice that concern the two of them in the city. “Elemental” is a rather charming animated feature courtesy of Pixar. An