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December 31, 2018

A-X-L (2018) --- "Man's Best Friend Has Evolved."

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Plot Summary
A.X.L. is a top-secret, robotic dog that has advanced artificial intelligence created by the military. After an experiment gone wrong, A.X.L. is discovered hiding in the desert by Alex, a kindhearted outsider who finds a way to connect with the robot. The two soon develop a special friendship based on trust, loyalty, and compassion. Helping Miles gain confidence, A.X.L. goes to any length to protect his new companion, including facing off against the scientists who want their creation back. (1)




Review
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     The bond between man and dog is sacred, and it goes back to the beginning of time. Directed and written by Oliver Daly (Miles), A-X-L (2018) is a charming sci-fi drama about Miles (Alex Neustaedter - Colony), a young motor-cross racer down on his luck, and the advanced robot dog, A-X-L, that he stumbles across after it escapes a government facility.

December 28, 2018

Mary Poppins Returns (2018) --- “In A Place We Hold Dear, Where Wonder Once Lived, A New Story Begins.”

Now an adult with three children, bank teller Michael Banks learns that his house will be repossessed in five days unless he can pay back a loan. His only hope is to find a missing certificate that shows proof of valuable shares that his father left him years earlier. Just as all seems lost, Michael and his sister receive the surprise of a lifetime when Mary Poppins -- the beloved nanny from their childhood -- arrives to save the day and take the Banks family on a magical, fun-filled adventure. (1)


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     In 1964 the classic Disney film Mary Poppins was released and it is just as timeless and beloved as ever before. The film won 5 Oscars out of 13 nominations, the most noteworthy going to Julie Andrews for Best Actress. Mary Poppins is the nanny that changed everything by charming her way into our hearts with catchy songs and fun dance numbers. Cinematically she was a landmark achievement and her unforgettable teachings sculpted our very outlook on life. When Saving Mr. Banks came out in2013 I re-watched Mary Poppins and found a level of depth to the story that I didn’t notice as a child. Now decades later, the mysterious and mystical nanny makes a practically perfect and glorious return that reawakens the magic she instilled in our hearts all those years ago as well as touches the hearts of a new generation. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) tells a new adventure that follows the same formula of the original film but with enough differences – innovative visual effects, catchy new songs, and well-rounded performances – to stand on its own. Rarely do reboots or sequels, especially those based on classic films, make a dent with moviegoers, yet I believe that this film will be an exception.

December 26, 2018

Bumblebee (2018) --- "Every Hero's Story Has A Beginning."

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Plot Summary
On the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee the Autobot seeks refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. Charlie, on the brink of turning 18 years old and trying to find her place in the world, soon discovers the battle-scarred and broken Bumblebee. When Charlie revives him, she quickly learns that this is no ordinary yellow Volkswagen. (1)



Review
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     Directed by Travis Knight (Kubo and the Two Strings) and written by Christina Hodson (Unforgettable), Bumblebee (2018) is an entertaining and action-packed film that is probably one of the best in the Transformers franchise. Bumblebee uses much of the same formula that its predecessors use but also differs from the previous five Michael Bay films. This film succeeds because the story and characters are well-written and have depth Bay’s heavy-handed machismo script is replaced with a more feminine sensibility. Of course, don’t expect there to be big surprises or ground-breaking discovers because that is not what this film set out to do. Instead, Bumblebee rekindles the spirit of the original cartoon, while adding an unexpected dose of warmth and humor that is familiar and skillfully accomplished.

December 25, 2018

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) --- “Inside A Snowflake, Like The One On Your Sleeve, There Happened A Story You Must See To Believe.”

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Plot Summary
In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss, the reclusive green Grinch (Jim Carrey) decides to ruin Christmas for the cheery citizens of Whoville. Reluctantly joined by his hapless dog, Max, the Grinch comes down from his mountaintop home and sneaks into town to swipe everything holiday-related from the Whos. However, the bitter grump finds a hitch in his plans when he encounters the endearing Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen). (1)


Review
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    Directed by Ron Howard (Apollo 13. Solo: A Star Wars Story), and written by Jefferey Price (Shrek the Third) and Peter S. Seaman (Shrek the Third), Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) is a delightful family film that can entertain all ages. Howard is a genius in family film entertainment, and this film is probably the most creative vision since The Wizard of OZ (1939) and the most heart-warming film since It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). He uses a gent touch with the film by letting the humor work on its own rather than feel forced and ends on a feel-good note that is not overly emotional like many films of its kind. In a way this film demonstrates the versatility of Howard’s skills as a director, he proves here that he can tack you to outer space or to Whoville with equal levels of alacrity and expertise.

December 24, 2018

Aquaman (2018) --- "The Tide Is Coming...Home Is Calling."

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Plot Summary
Once home to the most advanced civilization on Earth, the city of Atlantis is now an underwater kingdom ruled by the power-hungry King Orm. With a vast army at his disposal, Orm plans to conquer the remaining oceanic people -- and then the surface world. Standing in his way is Aquaman, Orm's half-human, half-Atlantean brother and true heir to the throne. With help from royal counselor Vulko, Aquaman must retrieve the legendary Trident of Atlan and embrace his destiny as protector of the deep. (1)


Review
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     In the world of comic book-to-film adaptations, DCEU once ruled the stage as the fan’s favorite provider of live-action films that bring our favorite paper bound heroes to life. In 2008 Marvel introduces Iron Man as the first film of Phase One in the MCU and with each new film, Marvel has secured its spot as a worthy contender for the throne. However, the same cannot be said for DCEU, which has been limping from film to film in its struggled to consistently deliver exceeding quality for one reason or another. The release of Wonder Woman (2017) brought hope and renewed life back to the franchise, but things started to take a step back with the less than desired release of Justice League Part 1 (2017) later on in the same year. This year DCEU once again provides hope to fans and moviegoers alike with Jason Momoa taking on the role of the legendary king of Atlantis Aquaman/Arthur Curry in his first solo film titled Aquaman (2018). With the coming of highly anticipated Marvel films coming to theaters in 2019 – Captain Marvel (March), Avengers: Endgame (April), and Spider-Man: Far From Home (July) – can Aquaman bring life back to the DCEU franchise or will it fall short like so many of its predecessors?