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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    The Adam Project

    PG - Action Sci-fi, Comedy | March 11, 2022 Storyline:

    Adam Reed, a time-traveling pilot, accidentally crash-lands in 2022 and teams up with his 12-year-old self to save the future.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Those who know Ryan Reynolds should know what to expect from any movie he appears in. Here, he continues his tradition of playing basically the same character with snide remarks, unending jokes, and sarcastic quips. But that doesn't stop The Adam Project from being a totally enjoyable film.

    Reynolds plays Adam Reed who meets his younger self while on a mission to find a loved one and alter the future. While bonding, the two learn the importance of cherishing every second spent with family members.

    The lead star does what he does best; crack jokes while bringing his charm and charisma to bear as the protagonist whose connections to those he loves make him a loveable character.

    Unlike some other films where those jokes are mostly not needed, the actor's humourous lines here are essential to the establishment of his character as someone who hides his pain under those jokes.

    While Reynolds is compelling as the lead, the young actor who plays his 12-year-old self, Alex Mallari Jr., is equally amazing. He definitely measures up to the older actor, dishing out his endless verbal comments and almost outshining his older self in the process.

    Zoe Saldana appears for a shorter time than I expected but the impression her character makes is one that reverberates for the entirety of the film. She is a great actress and I loved seeing her kick some ass.

    Mark Ruffalo plays Louis Reed, the hero's father in a part that very much reminded me of his role as Bruce Banner in the MCU. While he doesn't really do anything outstanding, the short time he shows vulnerability towards the end is a testament to his dexterity as a thespian.

    I won't leave out the lovable Jennifer Garner whose performance as Adam's mother is convincing and impressive. Her part, though small, also adds to the plot development and character arc of the hero.

    The action is good for the most part (a few sequences were subpar), the special effects are not bad, and the humour is not out of place.

    The Adam Project has its flaws but that is okay because it does everything an action comedy film sets out to do; entertain outrageously.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 4.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 4.0
    • Visuals 4.0

    Turning Red

    PG - Animation, Comedy | March 11, 2022 Storyline:

    Meilin 'Mei' Lee is a 13-year-old Chinese-Canadian whose life is changed when she discovers that she turns into a giant red panda whenever she becomes too excited or stressed.

    • 3.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Not a lot of films take on the subject matter of adolescence with such heart, humour, and dazzlement like Turning Red does. The trailers definitely do not do justice to this unforgettable roller coaster of a ride.

    From Disney and Pixar comes the tale of a girl who must find a way to reverse her condition when she begins turning into a giant panda shortly after clocking 13.

    The protagonist Mei finds out that her predicament runs within her family and her quest for a lasting solution leads to a clash with her overbearing and doting mother who is bent on raising the perfect daughter.

    Over the years, Disney has made very good animated films but with Pixar, they always strike gold. Here, they bring their Midas touch to bear, creating a whole new experience for fans of the animation genre.

    While I won't really heap praise on the character designs, I would say the animation is bright and colourful; the vibrance seems to leap off the screen, especially in the visual effects sequences.

    I have a lot of positive words to say about this film but at the heart of all the glitter is a story we can all relate to; a child who wants nothing more than to grow up and experience life for herself.

    One of the best things about Turning Red is the humour. I laughed most of the time and was sober during the film's touching moments.

    The characters are memorable, the plot is engaging, and the third act is epic in every sense of the word.

    It's been a while since an animated movie brought out a wide range of emotions in me, and I say a big kudos to the Mouse House and Pixar for this wonderful feature.

    Turning Red is an amazing film, one of Disney/Pixar's best in recent memory and I guarantee that fans of the genre will not be disappointed. 

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    The Batman

    PG - Superhero, Action Drama, Thriller | March 4, 2022 Storyline:

    Robert Pattinson steps into the role of the Caped Crusader who joins forces with officer Jim Gordon and Selina Kyle to solve a string of murders by The Riddler.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Easily one of the most anticipated films of 2022, The Batman delivers when it comes to storyline, drama, and acting. Those expecting something outstanding will be a bit disappointed.

    Being familiar with director Matt Reeves' earlier works made me prepare myself for a film that would focus more on the plot than other aspects like action, stunts, and special effects. While this is a good thing, it is not enough when it comes to the superhero genre.

    I won't delve into the story as fans of the Dark Knight know basically what it entails. Be that as it may, the plot progression is commendable and the bits and pieces fit in realistically, with a unique twist at the end.

    Robert Pattinson is convincing as the nocturnal superhero; there is charisma, poise, and even the scowling behind the mask. But as Bruce Wayne, he doesn't impress much.

    Zoe Kravitz equally shines as Selina Kyle/Catwoman but I feel she was underutilized. Her chemistry with Pattinson is smothering but her character isn't given much to work with.

    Jeffrey Wright is a talented actor who plays Detective Jim Gordon well but doesn't really bring anything new to the role.

    As Alfred Pennyworth, Andy Serkis is more of a grumpy foster dad/mentor than the capable butler I expected him to be. 

    I enjoyed the score as I feel it was well-suited for the film, especially in the scenes where the eponymous character shows up.

    Also, this is where Batman really puts his detective skills to work. The way he unravels the mysteries behind the riddles and murders is portrayed in a way never before seen onscreen.

    While this is definitely not the best Batman film, it does manage to stir something more positive than what we saw with Ben Affleck's previous outings.

     

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Uncharted

    PG - Action, Adventure | February 11, 2022 Storyline:

    Based on the popular video game franchise, this film sees a young Nathan Drake join Victor 'Sully' Sullivan on an adventure to locate the greatest treasure never found.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Adapting a video game to the big screen has always been a tricky task. Most of the ones before have failed to meet up with the lofty expectations of fans so I went into the cinema with a little bit of skepticism for this one.

    Spider-Man star Tom Holland stars as a younger version of Nathan Drake who is approached by Sully (Mark Wahlberg) to assist him to find some treasure that may lead to the former's long-lost brother.

    The duo is joined by Chloe Frazer (Sophia Ali) who constantly walks the line between friend and foe. Also hunting for the treasure is the ruthless Santiago Moncada (Antonio Banderas) who is bent on restoring glory to his family name.

    As Nathan and Sully begin the quest that sees them journey to exotic locations around the world, the cat-and-mouse game turns deadly, and the inevitable betrayals that ensue test their fragile bond.

    Uncharted is full of the expected cliches and cheesy one-liners for the first half of its runtime but Holland and Wahlberg's great chemistry more than make up for that.

    Holland is perfect as Nathan Drake; his charm, charisma, and daredevil persona is quite the contrast from his Peter Parker role but there were times I felt like I was watching his MCU character.

    Wahlberg plays the reluctant mentor part quite well. He has been appearing in action films for a long time but doesn't eclipse his younger co-star as both of them shine in the lead roles.

    Banderas doesn't bring anything special in the antagonist area and I was pleasantly surprised when it was revealed that he was only the secondary villain.

    The dialogue is interesting (the never-ending quips and banter between the hero and Sully is fun), the cinematography is pretty cool (especially in the action scenes), and the direction while not sublime, is far beyond mediocre.

    I was disappointed by the fight scenes early on until they became glorious and epic in the third act, featuring one breathtaking sequence after another; a good homage to what we have seen in the source material.

    If I had to summarize Uncharted in one sentence, it would be this; Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg kick ass and make this film more fun than expected with their bromance.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Kimi

    PG - Sci-fi Thriller, Drama | February 10, 2022 Storyline:

    An agoraphobic tech worker hears what she presumes to be a prelude to murder and in her quest to unmask those involved ends up pitting herself against a powerful corporation whose leadership will stop at nothing to silence her.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Zoe Kravitz plays the protagonist, Angela Childs, a tech genius with a mental and behavioural disorder whose normal day becomes interesting when she hears what she assumes is a recording of a woman being killed.

    I started watching this movie without any prior knowledge of what to expect since I knew nothing about it and didn't see the trailer.

    The first 20 minutes or so were a test on my nerves as I was tempted to stop watching at a point, no thanks to the slow pacing and director Steven Soderbergh taking his time to flesh out the character of Angela, her insecurities, desires, and isolation.

    Things became interesting when Angela begins her quest to find out who murdered the woman in the recording. It's a path that leads her to the higher powers in her own company and before she knows it, she finds herself on the run as her pursuers close in from every direction.

    We live in a world of technology. While that has greatly aided us in a lot of ways, it could also prove to become our undoing as is portrayed here.

    Kravitz stuns with her acting skills; I can't fault her in any way as she perfectly embodied everything you come to expect from an agoraphobic person.

    The editing (especially the sound editing) is flawless (I was reminded yet again how much of a professional Soderbergh is in making the irrelevant and uninteresting appealing).

    The attention to detail in the scenes where Angela navigates her way on her computer while doing her job is as naturalistic as it is convincing.

    When things begin to build up for the climax where the heroine must fight to live or die trying, the viewer is thrust straight into the events unfolding on screen and with bated breath can only hope that the story ends well for Angela.

    Kimi is one of those movies that can't really be called outstanding but grows on you, making you realize that a film doesn't have to be to be enjoyed. 

    From the dialogue, Soderbergh's interpretation, and Kravitz's riveting outing, this is a unique film I found interesting and recommend to those patient enough for the reward it brings eventually.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    The Matrix Resurrections

    PG - Sci-fi, Action | December 22, 2021 Storyline:

    Thomas Anderson is a man who struggles daily with his own existence. He has flashes of memories he thinks were never real. Everything changes when he meets the legendary Morpheus and his band of rebels, resulting in a return to The Matrix and a quest to reunite with the love of his life, Trinity.

    • 3.0
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    Lana Wachowski has managed to make something worthwhile where most thought she would fail monumentally.

    Even though it lacks the visual grandeur and the spellbinding nature of the original, The Matrix Resurrections has enough to entertain, delight, and give fans a little bit of nostalgia along the way.

    The original trilogy are among my all-time greatest films and I wasn't pleased when I heard about a fourth chapter being made.

    Like many fans, I formulated a lot of possibilities and theories about the plot and was shocked that none of them was seen here.

    The long and short of the story is this; Neo has been brainwashed into thinking that the events of the Matrix never happened and when he stumbles on the truth (yet again), there are new threats waiting and an old flame ready to be rekindled.

    I have learned not to be fooled by trailers and I'm glad I decided not to depend on the trailers for this one because they show very little about the plot.

    Keanu Reeves is my favourite actor but even I was scared that his return wouldn't be able to save this film from being a huge mess. Though his performance here pales in comparison to the first three movies, I'm happy to say he didn't let me down.

    Carrie-Anne Moss as Trinity doesn't really kick ass as I expected her to but what her character accomplishes by the third act left me dumbfounded.

    I was pumped to see a few cameos and the supporting cast weren't too bad in their respective roles. The stand out for me was Jessica Henwick. I so loved seeing her and couldn't get enough of her character interacting with Neo.

    Abdul Yayha-Mateen II as Morpheus was not too remarkable and I missed Laurence Fishburne greatly. Thankfully, there were a lot of distractions to make me forget that.

    The plot is ingenious and I commend the director for her efforts; a lot of questions are answered by the end of the film but there are still some unsolved riddles as well.

    One of the main things I looked forward to the most was the action. While it is as good as I wanted it to be in some ways, there was never anything that was groundbreaking about any of the sequences. 

    Those hoping to see Reeves do those amazing things he did as Neo (flying and the rest) will have to be patient and understanding as not everything will play out the way they want.

    In all, The Matrix Resurrections won me over because it is actually a love story masquerading as an action sci-fi.

    The chemistry between Reeves and Moss was great to see and I look forward to further exploration of this new chapter with endless possibilities.

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 4.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 4.0
    • Visuals 4.0

    Spider-Man: No Way Home

    PG - Sci-fi, Action, Comedy | December 17, 2021 Storyline:

    The web-slinging superhero faces his toughest test yet when a botched spell opens up the multiverse and leads to supervillains showing up to take their pound of flesh.

    While fighting to right the wrong with the help of Doctor Strange, Spider-Man/Peter Parker must learn what it truly means to be a hero and ultimately embrace his destiny.

    • 3.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    For me, this was the most anticipated film of 2021 and it was unfortunate that I didn't get to see it on time. Now, that I have, I would say that it wasn't the superhero bits that impressed me the most but the gut-wrenching drama.

    There is no need to delve into the multiple fan theories and speculations. Marvel fans who haven't seen the movie but who have filled their heads with all sorts of stuff about what happens in the film only have to know that they will see both what they expect and what they never bargained for.

    Tom Holland gives what is without a doubt his most powerful performance as Spidey. For the first 30 minutes or so, we see the normal, cheerful, and carefree dude but as the plot goes into darker territory, the protagonist goes through some of his worst experiences yet and the impact is both cathartic and reality-altering (pun intended!).

    As many expect, things really get interesting when the villains from other universes show up; Alfred Molina and Willem Dafoe as Doc Ock and Green Goblin particularly impressed me. Having seen all the other Spider-Man movies, I was really pumped to witness their cinematic return.

    Before now, Zendaya and Jacob Batalon as MJ and Ned weren't really given much to do other than be Peter Parker's friends. Here, their roles become more important and their acting rises spectacularly to the occasion. 

    The plot is a work of genius and I daresay that this is both the funniest and darkest Marvel movie yet. Every funny line seems to have significance and the humour doesn't ever feel out of place.

    The action is the only thing that didn't really live up to my expectations. But that is not to say that it wasn't good (I think my favourite action sequence was the mirror dimension fight).

    As for the special effects, they do not disappoint (this is a Marvel movie, why would they?). Doctor Strange doing his magic stuff added to the overall visual appeal.

    The third act resonated so well with me and the drama was so touching that I almost teared up at some point. I commend the director Jon Watts for his homage to all other Spider-man films (you only have to see this film to understand that!).

    Many reviews are hailing Spider-Man: No Way Home as the best Marvel movie. I disagree with that. In my opinion, it isn't the best but it definitely ranks up there as one of the best. 

    As a Marvel fan and a superhero geek, I really enjoyed this one. 

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 4.0
    • Acting 4.0
    • Dialogue 3.0
    • Screen Play 3.0
    • Visuals 4.0

    King Richard

    PG - Drama | November 19, 2021 Storyline:

    The inspirational true story of Richard Williams, a determined father who raises two extraordinary girls to become the legendary tennis players known all over the globe.

    • 3.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    This biographical film hits all the right notes, with Will Smith delivering a captivating and mesmerizing performance as the eponymous character.

    Just to be clear, King Richard isn't about the legendary Venus and Serena Williams; it's a story focusing on their father who went the extra mile to make sure that his two daughters etched their names in the history books.

    When I got wind of the project months ago, I was a bit skeptical, especially with Smith playing the lead role. He is a good actor (everyone knows that) but I asked myself why another better actor wasn't chosen for the part as I hadn't seen Smith do some impressive acting in a while. Well, the dude has shown that he was born for the part.

    Directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, this film captures the struggles of the Williams family long before Venus and Serena became household names.

    Richard Williams, the patriarch of the family, is determined to keep his five daughters off the streets, and his fierce determination to see two of them become world-class tennis stars finally pays off when he meets Paul Cohen (Tony Goldwyn).

    The road to greatness is a rough one and along the way, nerves are touched, bonds are tested but in all this, Richard never loses faith. 

    Everything gets to a climax when Venus (Saniyya Sidney) gets a chance to prove herself by going toe to toe with the number one female tennis player in the world.

    The story is compelling, the acting is convincing, the pacing is perfect, and the plot progression is apt, leading to a final act that will leave you at the edge of your seat.

    As the protagonist, Will Smith is a force of nature; his accent, mannerisms, and poise all point to his dedication to playing a remarkable real-life character. It's not often you are moved to tears by his performance and here he almost made me shed a few.

    The tennis-playing sisters are portrayed by young actors who also impress in their respective roles. While Venus is calculating, Serena (Demi Singleton) is a ferocious fighter.

    I can't forget to mention the equally talented Aunjanue Ellis whose role as Oracene 'Brandy' Price, Richard Williams'wife, is also instrumental in the film being exceptional. Her character keeps Richard grounded and she is the one who has to constantly remind him that he doesn't have to prove anything more than the sacrifice he is making.

    King Richard is a touching and inspiring story about a man who gave it his all to ensure that his daughters become two of the greatest sporting stars on the planet. Thanks to Will Smith, it's worth every damn second.

    Two thumbs way up!

     

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 3.0
    • Acting 3.0
    • Dialogue 2.0
    • Screen Play 2.0
    • Visuals 3.0

    Red Notice

    PG - Action Comedy | November 12, 2021 Storyline:

    An FBI profiler must work with the world's most wanted art thief to catch an elusive crook who always appears to be one step ahead of her pursuers.

    • 2.6
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    This is a film that thrives on the star power of three of Hollywood's most desirable actors. As the leads, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot use sheer magnetism to distract you from what is undoubtedly a rehash of what we have seen many times.

    Red Notice is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and sees Johnson play John Hartley, an FBI agent whose hunt for famous crook Nolan Booth (Reynolds) leads him to international thief Sarah Black/The Bishop (Gadot).

    After being framed, arrested, and incarcerated, Hartley must find a way to work with Booth to capture The Bishop and clear his name.

    From the get-go, I knew this wouldn't be unique in any way. The director and producers solely rely on the three leads to make an unremarkable story remarkable, and for what it's worth, it works.

    Dwayne Johnson once again shows why he is Mr. Charismatic, Reynolds does what he does best, and Gadot shines as the typical femme fatale but with an ingenious brain.

    The pros: the cinematography is very good, the action will please fans of the genre, and the lackluster story gets a boost via a major twist no one could have anticipated towards the end.

    The cons: The plot is very predictable and Ryan Reynolds' unending jokes and comic depiction of a character we have seen him play in virtually every movie he has appeared in after Deadpool is becoming a drag. Also, the dialogue is mostly a combination of comic one-liners and unending banter between Johnson and Reynolds. 

    Conclusion: Johnson, Reynolds, and Gadot light up the screen and it's hard to deny that they make Red Notice watchable but it's not in any way comparable to some of the best action movies made in recent times.

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    Rating Breakdown

    • Direction 1.0
    • Acting 2.0
    • Dialogue 1.0
    • Screen Play 1.0
    • Visuals 2.0

    Home Sweet Home Alone

    PG - Comedy | November 12, 2021 Storyline:

    A remake of the original classic revolving Max Mercer, a young boy left by his family during a holiday trip. He is forced to contend with two thieves hellbent on stealing a priceless heirloom from his home.

    • 1.4
    • Users Rating 0 ( 0 Votes )
    AllNews Review
    Reviewed by Sydney Elike - 2 years ago

    This remake was both unnecessary and bland, bereft of the charm and magical comedy that made the original an instant classic.

    For whatever reason, the producers deemed it fit to helm this movie, only this time making the protagonist and his mother British and the two thieves husband and wife.

    Archie Yates stars as Max Mercer, a ten-year-old boy whose sleeping inside a car throughout the night leads to his pea-brained mother leaving him behind when she and the rest of his annoying cousins and relations travel for the Christmas holidays.

    Home Sweet Home Alone is dead on arrival; the comedy falls flat, the characters are unmemorable, and the little hero is as insignificant as this pointless remake.

    There is a scene where a character makes a joke about a film he is watching is a remake that shouldn't have been made; that pretty much sums up this film.

    The acting is terrible (the two thieves make the clueless duo in the original look like geniuses) and the traps laid out for them could have been easily avoided.

    The film is so bad that the director includes the soundtrack from the original and even features an actor from the first two films but these don't help in any way.

    I knew that Home Sweet Home Alone wasn't going to be able to evoke the same feeling as the original film but I never expected it to be this bad.

    There is no need to waste more words on the film as viewers would have to see for themselves how terrible the entire thing is.

    A total and absolute disaster.

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