Top Ten Films, Video Games, and Music Albums Of 2020

Top Ten Films, Video Games, and Music Albums Of 2020

Time to look back at the movies, games, and music highlights of the year.  Thank goodness this year is almost over...what a journey. While the future is unknown and not guaranteed, and it's been a ruckus, there was some great media buried within it..sometimes overwhelmingly so whether in quantity or quality. This was tough to make! Maybe because it was best to stay at home and enjoy.... if next year can truly deliver on what was delayed from this one, oh my. Without further ado:

Top Films Of 2020: 

1 and Movie Of The Year.) Da 5 Bloods (for its impeccable mix of Vietnam flashbacks and a twist filled modern day, incredible Spike Lee direction and acting performances, laughs, and actions....RIP Chadwick Boseman truly fits with the plot it will always be hard for us to move on... edge of your seat the whole time) 

2.) Soul (For showing Pixar still knows how to make us feel...and trip out , laugh,  and dance while thinking of the meaning of life) 

3.) I'm Thinking Of Ending Things (As with many on this list, melting our minds with many meta-layers of reality and dark drama with fantastic Jessie Buckley / Jesse Plemmons performances) 

4.) Tenet (For attempting to bring back the blockbuster...and being a great one wherever it's viewed with Christopher Nolan at his nolan-est action)

5.) The Devil All The Time (For managing to squeeze together years of timelines of performances effetively with incredible Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Sebastian Stan and more what a Southern crossover)  

6.) The King Of Staten Island (for making one laugh just as often as it makes one cry with shenangins and surprises along the way with quite a soundtrack...great Pete Davidson, Marisa Tomei, and Bill Burr who between this and Mandalorian proves he should act in more things) 

7.) The Trial Of The Chicago 7 (for having an all star cast lineup and intense drama from Mark Rylance, Sacha Baron Cohen, Eddie Redmayne, Michael Keaton and more)

8.) The Invisible Man (for surprising with the fact that the Universal Monster universe can still have something fresh with scares and electro thrills backed by a stellar Elizabeth Moss take) 

9.) Train To Busan (2) Presents: Peninsula (for being almost as good as the first if not quite there with wild ridiclous set-pieces and emotional feels) 

10.) Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (for bringing a fittingly great two part punch of Chadwick Boseman's final performances as well as those around him in a dark drama with just a bit of music) 

Honorable Mentions #'s 11-13:

11.) The Hunt (for mixing action and laughs in that wonderful bloody/funny type of hybrid along with some crisp direction and smart political points) 

12.) Palm Springs (for actually making a great spin on the Groundhog Day formula with Andy Samberg / Cristin Miloti laughs as well as a fun sunny vibe and surpriseS) 

13.) Borat (2): Subsequent Moviefilm : Delivery of Prodigious Bribe to American Regime for Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (for existing and the stuns Sacha Baron Cohen was able to pull off with that Tutar daughter haha...timely for the moment)


Overall: In terms of theaters, horrible times so many periods of closing for business or total closures as chains... blockbusters were few and far between. However a paradigm shift occured for the ages with paid home releases or free surprises on Netflix (they make up most this list) , Hulu , Disney Plus, HBO Max etc...it made sense the streaming cold wars went hot. There was so much not listed here that was decent too...at least, if we were bored, we had stuff to watch ...a surprising year indeed. 




Top 10 Games Of 2020:

(0 and Game Of The Future Metaphysical Cultural Moment.) Astro's Playroom(this is a free game pre-installed onto every PS5 that's absolutely incredible for being key at showing the future of technology with the haptic feedback of the controller with charming level design, music, playstation history...it represents what the Sony of tomorrow can do across its short burst...its' highlights are heavenly)

1 and basically Game Of The Year>=.) Ghost of Tsushima (for being nearly perfect with its incredible immersive Japanese open world as well as its intense stance combat and sneaking...with a story packed with twists and feels of its own especially in sidequests. The Assassin's creed japan, red dead redemption japan, everything samurai japan we always wanted...accomplishing nearly all of what all the below was trying to do even better...if typical. But its efforts must be commended !) 

2 but almost tied for Game Of The Year<=.) The Last Of Us Part II (for justifying that yes there should be a sequel to one of the other best games of all time...for its emotional feels, surprising twists amongst perspectives for really the first time since MGS2, intense action setpieces and crafted moments...the pinnacle of cinematic inspired games even if it had its leak drama around story letdowns...almost perfect also where's multiplayer) 

3.) Cyberpunk 2077 (For finally coming out and trying so hard. For its amazing conversations , side quests, and open world options and scope. Yet less so for its bugs on some platforms or some failed expectations...but cant deny its special and distinct...this is for the game it will someday be. ) 

4.) Spider-Man: Miles Morales (for bringing more of a good thing to the next level . For out-Arkhamming the Arkham series' combat and stealth....for christmas vibes and venomized electro moves that seem its past feel like an infant in comparision to the hype, short but sweet) 

5.) Animal Crossing : New Horizons (for giving us an island getwaway in the first dark winter...a place to relax and see friends safely and calmly. For having such a cool live update / holiday plan for its lifetime so far ...and onwards. Endless content the best yet)  

6.) Dreams' full release ( For truly having the most endless content of this whole list. For taking the idea of LittleBigPlanet to a next surreal level...for having any game be possible the best fan made creations on a console to date along with a solid but short story) 

7.) Paper Mario: The Origami King (For almost bringing back the classic gameplay (hey there's occasional partners!) along with hilarious humor , gorgeous visuals, and unique gameplay ideas that work) 

8.) Hades' full release  (for getting right to the gameplay point even if it's from 2018. For creating satisfying room-by-room roguelike gameplay with upgrade surprises. For having a distinct aesthetic of its version of Greek myths). 

9.) Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout (for being free to many people. For mixing royales and 3d platformers / Wipeout obstacle ideas so well. For being addictively simple and bringing fun new content ).   

10.) Immortals: Fenyx Rising ( For wonderfully mixing Zelda BOTW, Greek myths, and a family fun cartoony tone. For even improving on ideas of its peers and being funny along the way . For being beautifully colored in vibe). 

Honorable Mentions # 11-13:

11.) Gears Tactics (for making turn based Gears XCOM work great in a nice simple way. For having a main game level story and cutscenes)

12.) Star Wars Squadrons (For being the best, and only , Star Wars flight focused game in a long time. For being so immersive in VR even with a short but sweet story) 

13.) Final Fantasy VII Remake (For finally coming out , for looking and sounding so amazing. For adding even more than ever and having new possibilities for future parts in terms of storyline) 

Overall: Like many things this faced ruckus in the corona year for events and other delays. It had problems, perhaps related or not, for fan expectations and hype in things competing with crunch for the likes of those like Naughty Dog, CD Projekt RED, and even Square Enix (Avengers...)...there was also the launch of a new console generation too with its own gems mentioned here and otherwise. It felt like the end of one era and the beginning of a new one in many ways...and it mostly ended in some style evne if it was quality over quantity. Sony Sony Sony SONY did so amazing with playstation games one of their finest yet, keep it up them and all. 

(New for this year and onwards in the absence of Facebook Notes):

Top 10 Music Albums Of 2020:

1 and album of the year.) Childish Gambino - 3.15.20 (For sending off a career in style at a surprising moment..funky, feels, deep. Favorite Song:  53.49) 

2.) Lady Gaga - Chromatica  (For being exactly what the fans have wanted best in years electro jams and a orcheastral grandoiseness. Favorite Song: Sine From Above) 

3.) Oliver Tree - Ugly Is Beautiful  (For collecting a career in one place and adding a little more through feels and jams. Favorite Song:  Again and Again) 

4.) Gorillaz - Song Machine Vol.1: Strange Timez (For being a fresh format of release as well as providing a perfect balance of the old and new. Favorite Song: Chalk Tablet Towers)

5.) Run The Jewels - RTJ4 (For having hard hitting beats and lyrical themes for their catchiest and most varied yet. Favorite Song: A Few Words For The Firing Squad (Radiation) 

6.) Mac Miller - Circles ( For being amazing even after he's gone with its dreamy vibes and sadness. Favorite Song: Blue World) 

7.) Donny Benet - Mr.Experience (For being oh so smooth and relaxing between some jams. Favorite Song: One Night In Paradise) 

8.) Thundercat - It Is What It is (For being groov-tastic with incredible bass riffs and funk. Favorite Song: How I Feel) 

9.) Marilyn Manson - WE ARE CHAOS (For mixing old-school fan wants of industrial heaviness / darkness with a bit of his calmer, countryesque modern vibes. Favorite Song: Infinite Darkness) 

10.) Jaden Smith - CTV3: Cool Tape Vol.3  (For being chill , dreamy, and thought-provoking in its simplicity. Favorite Song: Cabin Fever) 

Honorable 11-13: 

11.) Joji - Nectar (For finally releasing and having jams and feels. Favorite Song: Reanimator) 

12.) The Aquabats - Kooky Spooky .... In Stereo  (For finally coming out and being a fan want...for being hilarious and jamming.  Favorite Song Aliens and Monsters!) 

13.) Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets To My Downfall  (For being a surprisingly perfect retro punk tribute. For being oh so catchy. Favorite Song: Bloody Valentine) 

Overall: Amazing one of the best years ever for me at least. Maybe it's because I had more time on my hands to check out the release charts but seriously there was so mcuh... at one point I had a top 56 best out of hundreds more! I think I transformed and matured my music taste this year into a new varied direction...the chiller, the better because we all need to dream.  Now if only concerts will return.... for all this there'll be a win.

Enjoy all and may the new year be a better one at some point, it's gotta! 

Tenet Review

Tenet
Director: Christopher Nolan
Cast Headliners: John David Washington, Robert Pattinson, Elizabeth Debicki, Kenneth Branagh
Original Release Date (It's complicated but we're back!): August 26th Most Worldwide, August 31st Most USA, September 3-4th Even More USA 

(NOTE: Hello, hello, HELLO! I’ve missed doing this and hope everyone’s ok…been a terrible year, eh? Stay safe…hasn’t really been well, theaters in existence for a large portion of the year at all much less new releases…much less new releases of substance. Want some good stuff? Go see Da 5 Bloods or Extraction on Netflix, Palm Springs on Hulu, or The King of Staten Island, Bill and Ted 3, or Train To Busan 2: Peninsula  ..worth the waits. The New Mutants, not the wait. Anyways Well how about this tune in and find out)

    Little did we know when Christopher Nolan’s next project was announced awhile back that it would have so much importance to the film industry as a whole. Tenet doesn’t tread incredibly new ground for the filmmaker as it covers tropes of espionage, action, and time. It represents a return to the major films of our lives when they were more normal. There’s some incredible stuff within that’s even better if one manages to see it on a big screen but yet one can also imagine what it is. Because it’s the Nolan touch in both the best and most typical of ways. 

An exciting, gritty intro that feels right out of something like Nolan’s prior Batman / Dark Knight films introduces us to our world and hero. An unnamed CIA agent known only as “the Protagonist” (John David Washington) takes part in a battle with an apparent terrorist cell in Ukraine in the modern day. The aftermath of this conflict, that was filled with uncertain enemies and allies, is just a small spark beginning a much larger conflict across Earth as well as possibly time and space. 

Therein lies the primary shtick of Tenet’s universe: “Inversion” technology. This mysterious substance or machinery which created it allows objects, people, and more to be on a different time scale than the rest of the world around them. It’s coming from somewhere in the future and means something far more than it appears to be if in fact it can be interpreted as anything at all in this at times confusing vague film. A conflict ensues as the source and plans of this technology is sought out.  Some of the best action and visual spectacle occurs from this unique facet but a but more on that later. 

Our Protagonist meets a wide ensemble (no surprise considering its Nolan) cast of characters in his journey.  A primary ally is the suave and intriguing Neil (Robert Pattinson) who acts as a bit of a handler and strategist for the hero. The performances of both men are great especially when it comes to their comradery with each other. Washington’s Protagonist is a mainly badass tough guy extremely skilled in combat and negotiation but he also has a bit of occasional humorous charm in moments or emotional depth faced with torture or tough choices. This goes nicely with the slightly more subdued Pattinson than has been expected lately who is even more of a comedic “buddy / sidekick” role in the algorithm although he has his fair share of combat aptitude and drama as well.  Smaller parts exist in allies of some regard whether CIA-based or otherwise like fellow field operative Mahir (Himesh Patel), arms dealer Priya (Dimple Kapadia), scientist Laura (Clemence Posey), or soldier commander Ives (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) although aside some solid scripting no one does much other than deliver exposition. Of course, being a Nolan film there’s the token small role Michael Caine-portrayed character of Sir Michael Crosby doing exactly what he does every time he shows up in one of these but it’s a welcome return as ever. 

Aside from the CIA duo a key part of the plot is the complex relationship between arms dealing apparently potentially mastermind of a villain in Andrei Sator (Kenneth Branagh) and his often-separated wife Kat (Elizabeth Debicki). In a classic James Bond-esque the Protagonist finds himself torn between loyalties as he attempts to infiltrate the criminal underworld of both figures. Branagh goes for a bit of a stereotypically hammy Russian performance as Sator but he is definitely often menacing with a slight bit of a melancholy purpose. Debicki gives a solid turn as Kat with her own complex dramas who ends up doing some key things to the path to victory.  The plot is full of plenty of twists and surprises as a whole but especially with these characters.

While of course Nolan films are about characters and drama they’re best at marrying these with exciting sequences relevant the genre they’re attempting. It’s that “Nolan touch” for visuals, action, directing which gives every one of his past films a special feeling of fine craftsmanship unlike most other blockbusters in the medium.  It can be happily said that that artistic touch is present here. There’s incredible directing close and afar, beautiful scenery and cinematography, practical effects, intense action etc. For music, while the presence of usual ally Hans Zimmer is missed, Ludwig Goransson does a fantastic score which veers more into the realms of a dark electronic / sci-fi influence not often seen in Nolan’s works which adds to the unique ominous tone. 

     As mentioned earlier there’s this technology which allows for things to go “backwards in time” instead of forward. Once again it can be said that this tech is never fully or appropriately explained which leads to some narrative or even within-scene confusion as to why things are happening. However, this excuse of a concept does lead to some absolutely incredible visuals and action. Soldiers and vehicles often flip “backwards” in surreally unnatural ways adding excitement and even a bit of terror to every spot it happens.  Buildings explode and re-assemble themselves. Air, water, bullets “suck” themselves back to their origin point. It has an impressively realistic beauty to it amidst the excitement or bewilderment due to that mentioned Nolan skill.  In some ways it’s visual techniques that have been done before but it’s nice to see WB give Nolan the budget to do it in bigger and crazier ways with some seriously crazy if at times non-sensical vague sequences.  One can suppose it’s all supposed to be a bit non-sensical. 

There’s really not much wrong with the film at all which is a welcome return to blockbusters in general not just from Nolan’s trademark bombastically shiny unique style. In moments it’s been done before, has some simple twists seen a mile away, can have some odd dialogue audio mixing, or has it’s time mechanics hurt the brain to think. In most other moments it’s a thrilling gorgeous ride as ever.  8.7 out of 10

Pre-Coronapocalypse Reviews: Onward / The Hunt

(Special note!: well call this the Last Keviews Before The Apocalypse (?) with the theaters closing and movies being delayed...but that question mark is because surely, eventually, things will be back to normal. Not really a way to see this YET but hopefully those home releases are soon and not too pricey...a little briefer on each mashup mania due to the situation)


Onward
Director: Dan Scanlon
Cast Headliners: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt,  Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, Octavia Spencer, Matt Rodriguez
Original Release Date: March 6th, 2020

      Pixar's original CGI animated ideas can often be just as exciting as their more famous sequels and licenses. It's these fresh ideas that gave us the whimsical unique worlds of such things as A Bug's Life, Up, Inside Out, Coco, and more. With sequels seemingly behind them from now on, what's ahead is fresh... and even if Onward is something totally new in a good way it has familiar elements used in good ways.
The world of Onward is a “What if” fairy tale fantasy societies progressed past the time of swords and magic. In a time roughly equivalent to modern day (or perhaps a 1960s/70s/80s/90s idealized  white picket fence retro tone) species such as elves, trolls, sprites, centaurs, and others live in peace and harmony with modern conveniences. This setting is one of the films absolute best highlights visually and conceptually with locations such as “Burger Shire” or castle-shaped skyscrapers mashing up various archetypes.  Magical spells are forgotten but not forever lost.
In this there's the perfectly cast Lightfoot brother duo of younger Ian (Tom Holland) and older Barley(Chris Pratt). Their connection is not always the best as Ian is trying to be cool while Barley is a geeky troublemaker. However in the absence of a late father Wilden(Kyle Bornheimer) they're raised by a caring if possibly overbearing mother Laurel(Julia Louis-Dreyfuss) and her partner cop Officer Bronco (Mel Rodriguez).  One special day gives the boys the chance to bring back at least their father's pants as they race against the sunset of the next day to get the rest of him back in a wacky journey across the city and lands beyond.
This is a movie packed with a ton of heart whether its silly laughs or emotional feels. A great script propels the performances. This is especially true of Holland's ever-shy Ian or Pratt's goofster Barley...they bicker in fun ways and grew in important ones. Anyone who's been a sibling, especially a brother, will totally relate to the vibes. No one else gives anything less than a good job either in the otherwise slightly small supporting cast as both their parents have a mix of laughs and love with Louis-Dreyfuss going through some growth of her own and Rodriguez's Bronco having some of the biggest laughs. There's also the Manticore(Octavia Spencer) who is solid too as a once-hero turned peaceful.
It helps that the movie looks very gorgeous aside the fun mashup of genres. Some of the color details may trend towards generic but everything is fluid. Some fun tropes of fantasy such as Dungeons and Dragons give it a very “RPG” influence which is unique and there's actually some cool exciting action in parts. A folksy soundtrack by  the Danna siblings just mostly gets the job done however its extra memorable when there's rock and roll being used. This is a classic rock lover's movie fitting of an old fantasy album cover.
There's not much else to say with this which is its ups and downs. It's short, snappily feeling and goes just about as expected as one would without going too much further. However that's a great thing with the laughs and charms along the way. 8 out of 10 

(the could not be more different lol..)

The Hunt
Director: Craig Zobel
Cast Headliners: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, many other momentary cameos
Original Release Date: March 13th, 2020

    It's ironic that a film once delayed for its politically and violently controversial content may be one of the last movies people had the chance to see becoming very much a part of the conversation.  However in its defense it pokes fun at all sides involved showcasing perhaps the truest message of all. Really most of all its a simple bloody comedy-horror combo enjoyable in a dumb way.
The stupidly ridiculous premise that's either great or lame because of its context is that a secret society of far left wing rich people “aka the Manorgate” have kidnapped a group of far right wing conservative victims to slaughter in a bit of a battle royale/Hunger Games / the Most Dangerous Game living being slaughter fest. The victims are not given many weapons to defend themselves with in an area that surreal blends the line between what is part of it or not. It appears to be Arkansas or maybe its Vermont or maybe its Eastern Europe...nothing is ever fully explained.
Its sickly satirical tone is helped by the ultra-stereotypical cast that's involved on both factions. There's actually a relatively all-star large ensemble cast. Amongst the “rednecks” is the likes of “Staten Island”(Neighbor's Ike Barinholtz),  “Yoga Pants”(American Horror Story's Emma Roberts),  “Gary”(My Name Is Earl's Ethan Supplee), and more. They're as racist and jerks as can bit but an interesting thing is accomplished by making them sympathetic in the face of their hunters.
On the opposing side are those such as “Richard”(It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia's Glenn Howerton), “Crisis Mike” (A Series Of Unfortunate Events' Usman Ally), and more. The backstories of all the participants are slightly touched on in background scenes but its a good thing that things remain surreal and unexplored. This may also be due to the fact that its a quickly-dying cast on both sides leaving its true heroes and villains unknown.
Those who stand out most are protagonist Crystal(Betty Gilpin) and antagonist Athena(Hillary Swank). Each is remorselessly cold and effective in their own ways. Gilpin has a fierce attitude that manages to have some heart. Swank has a polite exterior which hides a vile heart. Some of their dialogues and fights are actually really good if still in a cheesy way.
“Good in a cheesy way” extends to Zobel's directing. Some objectively cool tricks are tried and land at times but other times there's a low budget feel drowning them out. Action and gore is plentiful with some extreme effects. The level of extreme-ness actually adds to the film's darkly comedic tone and helps it stand out like the likes of Cabin In The Woods and Tucker and Dale Vs Evil.
Those in that mindset will enjoy this film most. Get ready to be both scared and laughing of and at everything around them. It's no masterpiece but its a way to pass the time....while making us think about things in moments. 7.53 out of 10


(See you all someday.... who knows when...)

The Invisible Man Review

The Invisible Man
Director: Leigh Whannell
Cast Headliners: Elizabeth Moss, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, technically others
Original Release Date: February 28th, 2020

  The Invisible Man is interesting when viewed in its content of a dual heritage. On one hand, it's yet another take on the classic H.G Wells idea of one who can become invisible delivered through a bit more of a realistic modern lense. On the other hand it also marks the first Universal Monsters movie post-Dark Universe (their attempted mashup of creatures in the fashionable  sense of the superheroes at the time). This is a film devoid of any connections to a larger horror world which makes it feel very fresh and distinct amidst its typical tropes.
The firstmost unique thing about this reboot is that it places much more emphasis on its main character Cee(Elizabeth Moss) and her situation. A darkly intense opening shows her escape from insane abusive ex-boyfriend Adrian(Oliver Jackson-Cohen). Cee finds relief in her sister Emily(Harriet Dyer) alongside her old friend James(Aldis Hodge) and his daughter Sydney(Storm Reid).
However of course this being a horror, or more accuratelya  sci-fi psychological thriller, peace does not last long. Even with Adrian's apparent death she feels an unseen , invisible presence of him in her life haunting her and manipulating those around her into hate. There's also Adrian's jerk of a  brother Tom(Michael Dorman) who pressures Cee in various ways to maintain the late inventor's fortune.
There are of course thrills and chills but an unique highlight of this piece is the lead performance by Moss as Cee. It deals with darkly important themes considering her state as an abuse survivor haunted by PTSD in addition to literal threads.  One will feel very bad for her with powerful emotional takes. However she has some warmth and momentary humor which eventually evolves into fierceness as she fights back.
Unfortunately the supporting cast is very generic. There's really nothing much of note from the friends and family around her especially with an at times mixed quality of a script. On the more villainous side,  Jackson-Cohen's living scenes as Adrian are few and far between but are menacing enough with Dorman's Tom also making for some uncomfortable drama scenes if a bit hammy.
The film's best on-screen star is the complete absence of one. The titular Invisible Man itself, whoever or whatever it may be, is handled very well. Director Leigh Whannell  crafts some chilling sequences. A variety of moods are used whether atmospheric slow burns(some of the best moments of the film being through subtle things in the background), pulse-pounding action, or yes a few jump scares. His overall direction / cinematography is also effective as well whether in up close dialogue or more sweeping landscape or action shots.  Some of the effects are a bit rough yet also some of the effects are quite fascinating to look at .  A sci-fi-tastic score by Benjamin Wallfisch adds to things from electro beats to chilling, horror-typical sctrings.
There isn't that much more to the film aside what it appears to be on the package but that's a fine thing. The scares are spooky and the drama scares in its own way. It's a long two hour plus burn but by its end it becomes most exciting of all. One has optimistic hope for the rebirth of Universal's monster future if they're all like this. 7.95 out of 10

Triple February Cheese Reviews : Birds Of Prey, Sonic The Hedgehog, Fantasy Island

Triple February Cheese  : Birds Of Prey, Sonic The Hedgehog, Fantasy Island Reviews

With not much of anything going on this Q1 saw several films of similiar quality and in some vengeful ways similiar so to simplify summarize and score  :

Birds Of Prey( and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn:
Director : Cathy Yan
Cast Headliners : Margot Robbie , Ewan McGregor, Jurnee Smollet-Bell, Rosie Perez, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ella Jay Basco
Original Release Date : February 7th, 2020

   It seems that ties to the past DCEU aren't done just yet nor will be ahead forgetting not only it's lore and characterizations on-screen but also it's trend towards brighter sillier fun. It's also a smart choice for the focus of a spin-off to be Harley Quinn who is so distinct.  As a whole decent if flawed ... Margot Robbie is as humorously insane as ever this time as punk clown Harley bringing  in some of her own quirks and past and she doesn't need anyone else . Her fellow antiheroine peers are a really mixed bag from an alright Smollet-Bell as a suave edgy Black  Canary , MEW as seldom seen yet badass Huntress , with Perez copy Montoya and Basco pickpocket Cain being very stereotypically cheesy. Ewan McGregor's antagonist Roman Sionis / Black Mask varies between flamboyantly insanely evil to the overly hammy kind ...so to does  little more than thug minion Zzsaz ( Chris Messina ) . Director Yan makes some exciting neon soaked action scenes at times however even if not enough powers or hyena or jokes attempted or  hinted at ...silly cheesy fun 7.7 outta 10

Sonic The Hedgehog
Director : Jeff Fowler
Cast Headliners : Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrry, James Marsden
Original Release Date : February 14th, 2020

   Real talk one of the best video game based movies ever despite the questionable existence and delays to be closer to the long running icon. Ben Schwartz is spot on as Sanic even if a bit ridiculously powerful and fast and overly cheesy meme or CGI effects  dropping ( at least he's accurate the whole time). Jim Carrry as villian Dr Robotnik is very good literally moustache twirling evil with some fun writing at times that gets more accurate as he gets more mad and insane. Human elements, including Marsden's cop Tom, are not the good kind of cheesy nor is the basic plot S a whole however it's easy breezy approach is enjoyable  for the fast and or slowmo speed of cameo references for the whole family. 7.8 outta 10

Fantasy Island
Director : Jeff Wadlow
Cast Headliners : Maggie Q, Michael Pena, Michael Rooker , Lucy Hale, arguably no others
Original Release Date : February 14th, 2020

   This attempted reboot of the old television series has almost nothing to do with it aside an admittedally gorgeous tropical setting and wish granting core conceit. Otherwise what's found is one of the worst movies in recent memory that wastes a cool concept on repeated lackluster ideas and scares that aren't even cheesy enough to be fun....and comedy that is scary how fun it isn't . Unlikeable characters, confusing contexts , hollow action , boredom ... it's best not to waste time describing or seeing it.  4.66 outta 10

Oscar Awards 2020 Predictions / Dreams

The Academy Oscar Awards 2020 Predictions / Dreams

It's finally that time again seemingly already of final battles of cinematic achievement. It can easily be said that this is some of the finest batches of films / components with in them so it'll be a really close, and understandable, call within a few...and happy with most. And a season where I've seen the most too which makes it that much understandable. Without further ado what they are, who I think will, and who I would want to win for most major:

Best Picture:

- “Ford v Ferrari”
- “The Irishman”
- “Jojo Rabbit”
- “Joker”
- “Little Women”
- “Marriage Story”
- “1917”
- “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
- “Parasite”

Who Will: This is an extremely tight one, as most of the show will be , between Joker vs 1917 vs Once Upon A Time In Hollywood clean sweeping in most awards with some dark horse potential of Parasite, The Irishman, and Little Women. I still think that,of the sweep, it'll either be 1917 with the strongest lead and either Joker or Once Hollywood second...should be interesting.

Who Should: As said a close one but of the bunch I'd have to go with Hollywood or Joker kudos to Irish, Marriage, or Parasite however

Lead Actor:

- Antonio Banderas, “Pain and Glory”
- Leonardo DiCaprio, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
- Adam Driver, “Marriage Story”
- Joaquin Phoenix, “Joker”
- Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes”

Who Will: Real talk there's been so many wins to date that it's probably a thing where another Joker will win for Phoenix...however if that's viewed as typical DiCaprio or Driver make strong cases too.

Who Should: For all that is society please, Phoenix the Joker although I wouldn't be upset with either...

Lead Actress:

- Cynthia Erivo, “Harriet”
- Scarlett Johansson, “Marriage Story”
- Saoirse Ronan, “Little Women”
- Charlize Theron, “Bombshell”
- Renee Zellweger, “Judy”

Who Will: This one's tricky... statistics would show it's Zellweger but almost close for Johansson or Ronan too. A bit of dark horse Theron.

Who Should: Actually probably Theron impressed me the most although after that, Johansson or even Erivo.

Supporting Actor:

- Tom Hanks, “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”
- Anthony Hopkins, “The Two Popes”
- Al Pacino, “The Irishman”
- Joe Pesci, “The Irishman”
- Brad Pitt, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”

Who Will: Without much doubts at all, Pitt for his powerhouse turn in Hollywood. However if not that anyone from The Irishman.

Who Should: Exactly as said above!! Wouldn't be too upset with Hanks Rogers either.

Supporting Actress:

- Kathy Bates, “Richard Jewell”
- Laura Dern, “Marriage Story”
- Scarlett Johansson, “Jojo Rabbit”
- Florence Pugh, “Little Women”
- Margot Robbie, “Bombshell”

Who Will: This one's a bit trickier but things have been seeming Dern is the favorite. Possibly Pugh or Robbie.... or Johansson although her up for main category may make this an instant no.

Who Should: I would be totally happy with Dern too or Johansson...some I definitely don't think should be up there at all.

Director:

- Martin Scorsese, “The Irishman”
- Todd Phillips, “Joker”
- Sam Mendes, “1917”
- Quentin Tarantino, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”
- Bong Joon Ho, “Parasite”

Who Will: This one's as tightly close as the rest ...it may trend towards best picture also does so Mendes or Phillips but really its hard to say .

Who Should: Tarantino or Scorsese were easily the most impressive but also it feels like this is something for Joon Ho .
Animated Feature:

- “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World,” Dean DeBlois
- “I Lost My Body,” Jeremy Clapin
- “Klaus,” Sergio Pablos
- “Missing Link,” Chris Butler
- “Toy Story 4,”  Josh Cooley

Who Will: Pixar or Disney usually has this on lock, especially the Toy Stories, although Klaus and I Lost My Body have been getting some traction.

Who Should: As a fan, Toy Story of course although How To Train Your Dragon and Klaus were damn good too.

Adapted Screenplay:

- “The Irishman,” Steven Zaillian
- “Jojo Rabbit,” Taika Waititi
- “Joker,” Todd Phillips, Scott Silver
- “Little Women,” Greta Gerwig
- “The Two Popes,” Anthony McCarten

Who Will: Once again a best picture thing especially Joker / Irishman / Women...however Jojo Rabbit's been popular in the undercard

Who Should: Joker without a doubt for its inventiveness

Original Screenplay:

- “Knives Out,” Rian Johnson
- “Marriage Story,” Noah Baumbach
- “1917,” Sam Mendes and Krysty Wilson-Cairns
- “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Quentin Tarantino
- “Parasite,” Bong Joon-ho, Jin Won Han

Who Will: See above... best picture spilloff 1917 vs Once Hollywood vs Joker vs even moreso Parasite here.

Who Should: This seems like a great place to honor the originality of Parasite but really Knives Out should get it for that regard too to honor Johnson.

Cinematography:

- “The Irishman,” Rodrigo Prieto
- “Joker,” Lawrence Sher
- “The Lighthouse,” Jarin Blaschke
- “1917,” Roger Deakins
- “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Robert Richardson

Who Will: This one seems more clearly narrowed in on Irishman or 1917 but sure Once Hollywood and Joker are possible too.

Who Should: The Lighthouse for its only nom!! Btu would be happy with either of those... Once Hollywood or Joker most of al

Visual Effects:

- “Avengers Endgame”
- “The Irishman”
- “1917”
- “The Lion King”
- “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”

Who Will: It's hard to say.... traditional thinking would give this to The Lion King for their love of Favreau or Irishman or 1917 for other, here a bit trolly, praises...however maybe they'll honor the end of a saga.

Who Should: While would be happy with Star Wars of course(more apt for not-listed-sound), this is the place for Endgame give the MCU what it deserves!!

Let's see how it all goes gonna be interesting!

Color Out Of Space Review

Color Out Of Space
Director: Richard Stanley
Cast Headliners: Nicolas Cage, Joely Richardson, Elliot Knight, Madeleine Arthur, Tommy Chong, SPACE
Original Release Date: January 22nd, 2020(limited)

  One can just look at the formula of  the Color Out OF Space and expect something that's some kind of entertaining.... the unique cult horror writer H.P Lovecraft adapted into a piece starring the sometimes manically amazing Nicolas Cage with lost-since-the-90s director Richard Stanley making a proper return to feature length material. Some aspects work well and some aspects very much do not however it's identity is felt when it needs to be.
In what feels both a bit clever yet also a bit archaic (drawn directly from the early 20th century original novella) premise a water surveyor Ward Phillips (Elliot Knight)  has to come to a mysterious forested area where he meets the equally oddball Gardner family. This includes Wiccan-practicing teenage daughter Lavinia(Madeleine Arthur), stoner teenage son Benny(Brendan Meyer), curious youngest son Jack(Julian Hillard), cancer-remisssioned business-addict mother Theresa(Joely Richardson), and wackiest of all but kind-hearted alpaca farming-and-cuisine enthusiast father Nathan(Nicolas Cage). There's also an adjacent squatter on the large property in paranoid hippie Ezra(Tommy Chong who's delightfully silly in the few scenes he does get). 
Their lives are soon changed by the impact of an ominous meteorite from space which draws lightning into it then releasing flashes of the titular “color” energy into its surroundings as its corrupts the plants, minds of the Gardners and others, and maybe more into something bizarre and alien before it somehow vanishes. This descent into various forms of madnesses is the main throughline of the film.
It's narrative conceit with its small set of locations and the mundane turned terrifying definitely brings to mind classic influences such as The Shining, The Thing, and even the contemporary Annihilation (especially in regards to the visuals mixing some picturesque beauty in with the mutations).  These themes may seem like mundane tropes but one may wonder if its perhaps instead that these works were in part influenced by Lovecraft's work. It can be a slow burn at times but by the end it becomes overwhelmingly horrific and even exciting if held back by budget. 
The small main cast, Cage aside, is nothing quite to write home about. Knight, Arthur, and Meyer do alright if slightly cheesily as teenagers facing the adversities that come.  Richardson has some drama but the occasionally subpar script leaves these aspects feeling hollow so things work best when there's fear compared to emotion. There's various other smaller townspeople and civic service parts that are cheesy as well.
However where cheese mostly works is Nicolas Cage as Nathan. On a scale from “actually objectively amazing” to “So bad or weird he's amazing” he lands somewhere in the middle. Some wonderful bursts of his trademark manic-delivery do occur but they're not always used in the right ways. One will laugh often times on purpose actually which is surprising in the sci-fi horror at play but other times one will also awkwardly laugh at what the point of the thing they just witnessed which perhaps fits the unexplainable Lovecraftian nature of things. He is able to deliver some bits of caring emotion at rare times or otherwise fierce toughness.
One can't help but think of a recent Cage genre piece in 2018's Mandy which shares not only the rage of Cage but also some producers and a general ambiance. This film is inferior to that one  due to slightly less “hell yeah” appeal and a more generic plot / aesthetic but it is shared in its use of colors, blood, and a synthy-score  here by Colin Stetson. Both are set in dark backwoods and have things be more and more trippy although as mentioned its less purposefully crafted or filled with metaphor here due to the shallowness of its characters and no clear villains. 
Director Richard Stanley's approach helps that ambiance although one can maybe see why he doesn't get a ton of work. He's best at the general vagueness of forests or mountains or the “Color”filled skies. Some up close work is shaky feeling . The CGI can be ….quite poor at times which is understandable due to its relatively lower budget. This takes away from some sequences which could be truly nightmare-inducing but perhaps its on purpose that things are seldom scene. However things improve by the climax with some final scenes that are truly beautiful. 

It's a movie plagued by some crafting flaws aside from just its cosmic radiation. However fans of Cage or these vein of sci-fi will find some enjoyment to be sure if they understand the kind of approach its going for . 7.45 out of 10 .