Three From Hell Review

3 From Hell
Director: Rob Zombie
Cast Headliners: Bill Moseley, Sheri Moon Zombie, Richard Brake, Sid Haig, who really knows
Original Release Date: September 16th, 2019(limited)

Musician Rob Zombie's work is hard to objectively call “good” whether its his electro-grooving metal music or his films. His body of work can certainly be called “aesthetically distinct” however. His dark twisted world of murderers and monsters has manifested in multiple forms but most famous for his early 2000's work House Of 1,000 Corpses which was a bloody niche genre piece that felt like a long form of one his music videos. The sequel The Devil's Rejects a few years later dropped almost all of the supernatural elements to gain a darker and bloodier grit in new ways while still keeping that (whether purposeful or not) shlock. Many years have passed to where this 3 From Hell acts as both a follow-up to that offering more of the same yet expanding the series in new (if still silly) ways.

In a retcon (understandably) from the end of the last film this movie takes the ridiculous outcome that the titular murderous psycho redneck anti-heroes survived their closing “Freebird” shoot-out from the last film to become incarcerated for a long period. This includes a barely minutes long appearance of ringleader Cutter “Captain Spaulding”(Sid Haig who unfortunately passed away just days after the release of this....one can tell in this his pronounced aging since the last film although it's good that he could make one last appearance at all with an attempted decent delivery of lines) as well as his Firefly family proteges Otis(Bill Moseley) and Baby(Sheri Moon Zombie). Quickly Otis finds himself freed by the third “Three” in newly introduced half-brother Foxy “Wolfman” Coltrane(Richard Brake).

In a matter unlike the last two movies(where these legacy characters where occasional villians in the first and mostly-together-dark-progtagonists in the second) they're more seperated than ever as well as having the film divided into multiple distinct parts varying in narrative and even vibe. For the first half of the film or so Otis and Wolfman terrorize the backwoods and eventually the suburban household of prison warden Harper(Jeff Daniel Phillips in a cheesily 70s mustache token villian) in sequences that feel almost carbon copy from The Devil's Rejects' gas station motel and surrounding parts. Elsewhere Baby contends with violent abuse in her prison from fellow inmates and sadistic prison guard Greta(Dee Wallace who is far better than this material also in her own stereotypical token way). Gratuitously violent torture and escape sequences follow.

One wishes Captain Spaulding was well enough to join in but the performances of the other Fireflies make up for that. Moseley's Otis and Sheri Moon's Baby are as lovably sickly insane as ever in their own cheesy way. Even moreso Otis is a bit weathered this time bringing a touch of compassion and cool leadership in with his murderous insanity. So too does Sheri Moon bring in a slight nuance especially as she finds herself ironically contained in a prison. Now this is “nuance” as they play maniacal kill happy killers but its that mix of terror and even some laughs that always drew audiences to them. Richard Brake's Wolfman is a mostly perfect addition to the titular trio. His take is very unrecognizable from his other roles as he mixes hillbilly were-wolf-ish hollering (and cleanliness) between combat skill and sly quips. This makes him especially fun when paired with Otis. Together for the brief chunk of the film where the trio is actually side by side it makes for a devilishy charming combination to the extent it can be enjoyable ( “or quality).

However for its last half or third or so the movie takes an almost drastic genre shift. However this shift is not drastic when considering director Rob Zombie's interests and backlog as a whole but the gang takes a trip to Mexico to avoid the law. There they run afoul of the luchadore mask wearing Black Satans gang who is led by Rondo(Danny Trejo who briefly shows up again although DDP is missed!)'s son Aquarius(Emilio Rivera). They also meet strange characters such as an eye-patch wearing little person and innkeeper Carlos at a Day Of The Dead festival which brings back a bit of the spookiness of the first film.

It's a genre shift because where before the movie was torture porn / a renegade recnexploitation road trip it becomes an action movie(with some exceptions). Rob Zombie's never really dealth with much gun versus gun shoot-outs before but he's able to make things enjoyable in his own way. Of course some of the camera work is still shoddy and music(some 1970s pop songs aside) / sounds are ironically and unfortunately of mixed quality but it has its fun when it does. Its fitting that if this is the end of the insane series it goes down in carnage and flames.

         As a whole this movie is recommendable only to those who know exactly what they're going for and especially who have seen the other two prior. It's bloody, gruesome, dark, and intense yet also cheesy, stupid, and ridiculous. Each one has kind of upper both of those sides of its aspects but its good it could reach this form of culmination. For its experiments one may wonder if it should be stopped now or if Rob Zombie should build on his experimentation even further. 7.1 out of 10

It: Chapter Two Review

It: Chapter Two
Director: Andy Muschietti
Cast Headliners: James McAvoy, Jessica Chastain, Bill Hader, James Ransone, Bill Skarsgard, their friends and child forms           
Original Release Date: September 6th, 2019 


      2017's It (or retroactively It: Chapter One by now) delivered mostly quite swell on remaking Stephen King's classic clown-demon-alien-ghost versus kids horror epic. It: Chapter Two both brings the main arc of the story of the kids to a close while also having the task of introducing the adult versions of the characters after the time jump. It's thus both more of the same while also being something very new so far that some results may vary. There's of course some  many scares between the drama, laughs, and feels.
After an incredibly brutal (perhaps uncomfortably so, but it is exactly in the source material) the Loser's Club is brought together again in 2016 after a 27 year time jump. Both kid and adult versions of the squad do end up appearing with some of these being more believable than others. This is everyone of brother of Georgie stuttering leader Bill( James McAvoy as an adult with Jaeden Lieberher Martell as a youth) is now a famous novelist, the dark past woman of the group Bev(Jessica Chastain as an adult and Sophia Lillis as a youth) a famous fashion designer in an unfortunate parallel of an abusive marriage, comedic relief Richie(Bill Hader as an adult and Finn Wolfhard as a youth) a fitting stand-up comedian, former shy fat new kid now strong Ben(Jay Ryan as an adult and Jeremy Ray Taylor as a youth) a successful architect, nervous hypochondriac Eddie(James Ransome as an adult and  Jack Dylan Grazer as a youth) a risk assessor of questionable success with a nagging wife much like his mother(even played by the same actress) , and the brief appearance of a fearful Stanley(Andy Bean as an adult and Wyatt Oleff as a youth) in an unknown profession. It's wise Mike(Isaiah Mustafa as an adult and Chosen Jacobs as a youth) who has become a town library historian and knowledge of the monstrous Pennywise the Dancing Clown/ It(Bill Skarsgard) who brings them back together for revenge once and for all.
That's what makes this story one of the more special Stephen King tales. It's a dark thrill ride of spookiness but it also is one of human heart and drama. Nearly all of the new casting choices carry the perfect chemistry and young-at-heart silliness of their past-set forms which makes one care for them. There's extra kudos to be given to Hader's Richie and Ransome's Eddie. They both manage to not only deliver just as many laughs as their kid counterparts but have important growth arcs and new demons(both internal and literal) to face. McAvoy's Bill and Chastain's Bev both carry the charisma and courage of their past selves as leading roles as well although the casting is just a touch off. This goes even moreso for Mustafa's Mike and to a bit further extent to Ryan's Ben and Bean's Stanley but their kindness and sincerity is felt. The script is mostly solid although at times as just the slight bit of (perhaps wanted) cheese..especially when it tries to be more romantic than funny or dramatic.   The kid counterparts are a delight to see again in the rare spots they do show up and it becomes more-number-one in a good way with them getting the slight edge overall for quality. Both eras heroes are actually mostly separated (with the past smartly taking place in a small time jump from the first film) from each other due to narrative reasons so the group dynamic only shows up in some parts more than others but strengthens when it does.
The other part of the It experience other than the laughs and human drama is of course, the scares. The movie has plenty to spare (once again aided by director Andy Muschietti's dark directing) although as a whole one would have to say that it treads some mostly familiar ground and has a slight less of a scare than the first as things become more epic action than on-the-run existential paranoia. Expect many, but not too many, jump scares and creepy trippy illusions. Skarsgard's titual villian Pennywise is once again great. His makeup and outfit look is as effective as ever along with his monstrous forms and servants in new ways although at times there's some slight CGI cheese. He carries more of a personal vengeance grudge this time which helps make him even more of a taunting jerk in the sporadic times he isn't illusion-terrifying or eating people.  Secondary antagonist insane bully Henry (Teach Grant as an adult and Nicolas Hamilton as a youth) brings his own creepiness but with an increase in insanity comes even further sliding into generic minion and a mullet that just doesn't work at all although there's some bloody satisfying showdowns.
This movie , for the most part, delivers more background on what It....is . Alot more is taken from the original novel and greater King-multiverse although it doesn't quite go fully novel-accurate but takes it in its own spin. This metacosmic lore may put off some viewers expecting pure scares or preferring not to know but it allows for more context and meaning. Some changes are disappointing but other changes make sense. It must be noted that this movie is almost 3 hours long so the length of the TV miniseries is contested although it misses a few beats along the way.  In the end it makes it worth it (aside from some odd closing scenes)
This movie is recommended with the first one as a must but that's almost an obvious given.  It delivers more of the wanted same although perhaps in direct comparison missing something from the simpler first time. Perhaps that's symbolic of being young and being older... the netherworld is scarier then but at times our world is scarier now. As a whole putting these two together its an overall modern duology that King and Tim Curry should be proud of. 8 out of 10

Blinded By The Light Review

Blinded By The Light
Director: Gurinder Chadha
Cast Headliners: Viveik Kalra, Kuvinder Ghir, Meera Ganatra, Hayley Atwell
Original Release Date: August 16th, 2019 (USA / Limited....saw bit early!)

          Who doesn't know the music of Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen. Blinded By The Light perhaps answers that question while also exploring the drama of the lives of a Muslim British-Pakistani teenager in the United Kingdom who both finds escape from his music as well as deals with the events of his life around him in 1980.
This movie is inspired by the life of BBC journalist Sarfraz Manzoor but here is given the fictional name of Javed Khan(Viveik Kalra). In the small English town of Luton he lives with the rst of the Khan family including strict traditionalist father Malik(Kuvinder Ghir), hard working mother Noor (Meera Ganatra) and his sisters Yasmeen(Tara Divina) and Shazia(Nikita Mehta). Javed struggles with the demands of a father who wants him to be more Pakistani than British and a high school (college as they call it across the pond) where he's trying to find friends and love.
He finds some solace in those outside his family in Luton including childhood white friend Matt(Dean-Charles Chapman) and his father(Rob Brydon in a nice comedic role) as well as at his school in love interest Eliza(Nell Williams),  encouraging kind teacher Ms.Clay(Hayley Atwell) and sikh music enthusiast Roops(Aaron Phagura).
It's through Roops that Javed discovers the music of Bruce Springsteen and where the film proper begins. Javed is dismissive at first but soon finds himself incredibly enthralled by the lyrics of the New Jerseyian. It inspires him as the poetic writer he is and helps him escape a stressful life.
This is the two main aspects of what makes up the entertainment of the film. There's the Bruce side of things of course. The soundtrack is rocking if one is a Bruce fan. So many of his famous songs are used in scenes very effectively (with even a new lost song in the credits). At times this can be a bit of an artsy musical approach as lyrics are shown on-screen an the characters sing the songs.  It can definitely be cheesy.  Some other choice period music is used but Bruce takes the majority. It helps inform the other side of the plot as well in a mostly interesting (if never too deep) manner. Some alright direction by Gurinder Chadha adds to the greyness of  small town life and spaces in the UK although it's typical.
          So much of the film is about Javed's relationship with his family and moreso his father. Most of the performances in the film are nothing to write home about (with just some quips and exposition) but the main pair of Kalra's Javed and Ghir's Malik have some dramatic scenes. Its a great story for anyone who's had to deal with the expectations of strict parental goals or the immigrant experience. One will be laughing or rocking at other scenes but will be feeling stressed or crying from the emotion of these two. Its a very rocky road but it tells a bit of a solid (if seen many times before) tale of the family. There's some harrowing scenes with the racist NF residents of the town as well that add further occasional terror and depression when the film isn't being heartwarmingly charming. This range is what the film does best aside the occasional melodramatic cheese.
Hardcore Bruce fans will probably be checking this film out anyways but it's recommendable for some of its acting and drama. This may be the best use of “Born To Run” on film in awhile as the teens run through the streets. Something to make us smile and inspired at times in the world of today. 7.3 out of 10

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark Review

Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark
Director: Andre Ovredal
Cast Headliners: Zoe Colletti, Michael Garza,  Gabriel Rush,  Austin Zajur,  Dean Norris
Original Release Date: August 9th, 2019



  There's two ways to look at Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark. One is as a total outsider where it appears to be an interesting teen-centric horror tale of stories coming to life. However to this writer there's the real world ties of this. This was a pretty popular novel series of childrens horror stories that were found in elementary schools. It was like R.L Stine's Goosebumps but brought to a next level of terror and gore. It's really surprising this was allowed on shelves of schools across the USA especially with their incredibly grim / grotesque artwork. This unique identity would perhaps make for a bit hard to adapt film but this manages to do it more or less.
There's a bit of a unique ambiance to the film as its set during a Halloween night in 1968 bringing in vibes both retro and fall-like spooky in the heat of the summer release season. Horror and prankster loving outsiders Stella(Zoe Collettii), Auggie(Gabriel Rush), and Chuck(Austin Zajur) mix their costumed hijinx with running from bully Tommy(Austin Abrams) and his jock friends. They soon meet outsider on the run Ramon(Michael Garza) and find themselves investigating a haunted mansion with a cursed past.  
A semi-major consideration of the film is that its rated PG-13. This makes it something that can be enjoyed by all ages but also it holds itself back just a bit in terms of gore yet depth too. The script is often juvenile but it can be funny and the leads have chemistry and humor in a play to perhaps be like IT / Stranger Things (particularly Colletti's Stella, Zajur's Chuck, and Garza's Ramon). They mainly have laughs but there's some occasional emotional depth as well especially Stella with her father Roy(Dean Norris in a rare friendly loving role next to his usual gruffness) as they discuss an absent mother. Some other roles around town include Chuck's sister Ruth(Natalie Ganzhorn) , mysterious old Lou Lou(Lorraine Toussaint), and Chief of Police Turnet(Gil Bellows) but most of these exist to just be victims of the spookiness at play. 
Which it must be noted there definitely is much terror to be had despite its rating. The film has the aforementioned effective ambiance with some nice scenery by main director Andre Ovredal. Some of the horror comes from the bit lazy jump scare or pulse pounding variety but there's some decent messed up qualities about what happens at play with the book shtick. For the curse of the mansion is that there's a book and the curse of the book is that its stories come to life. 
This format leads to what is a bit of an anthology without being a anthology. It's “monster of the week” but in “monster of the act” as various fearsome tales become true as the book's ghostly host Sarah Bellows messes with the world the teens find themselves in. It's through these creatures that the touch of producer Gueillermo Del Toro is felt. While often times in film “produced by” doesn't mean much creatively with Del Toro it very often means he has some craft and effort put into the process. The use of practical effects is his trademark and the designs of Harold the living scarecrow, the Pale Lady, and the Jangly Man all feel like both something from the original novel's illustrations as well as other works in the Del Toro repertoire. One almost wishes for a little more than what appears(ignoring some bit silly sequel setup) but there's some inventive spooky sequences aside from some occasional cheese or mundaneness.  Frequent Del Toro music friend Marco Beltrami makes a haunting and at times alrightly beautiful score alongside Anna Drubich as well that helps set the dark mood.

The plot itself and film as a whole won't be remembered in any legends of its own but it provides some simple summer, more even better for a Halloween rewatch, scares. It's a bit unique while also a bit stupid but still the good makes it better than some things out there. One intrigued by the premise should get what they want if they don't mind turning back the clock and rating a bit. Strap in for the scares. 7.74 out of 10  

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw Review

Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw
Director: David Leitch
Cast Headliners: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Idris Elba
Original Release Date: August 2nd 2019

There's perhaps an inevitability in Hollywood today that any blockbuster franchise with a big enough scope or cast of characters is going to result in a side-franchise or spinff within it. Vin Diesel's ridiculous Fast and Furious film series may as well now be a cinematic universe up there with the likes of the MCU or Jurassic Park so it makes since that something as silly as Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw exists. In essence it distills the manliest car-racing-est nonsensical franchise into its core elements.... the most tough of dues, the most straight forward of plots, and little else. It's of course not of an objective quality of recognition but oh is it sure fun.
One can pretty much jump right into this film but it helps to have seen the redemption arc of these former antagonists / anti-heroes FBI agent Luke Hobbs(Dwayne The Rock Johnson) and Deckard Shaw(Jason Statham). Events transpire(after some fun / neatly side cut together solo adventures) where these two gruff men must set aside their dislike each other and team up to save the world...for a 9th time as a whole. Expect a lot of comedic “Hey I'm not working with him!” gruff jokes through the film as the two balance their attitudes with each other.
The plot in question actually introduces some more of Shaw's family. The main part of the trio ends up being Shaw's sister Hattie(Vanessa Kirby) who has part of a secret biological super-weapon trapped within her. They're pursued in a villainous fashion by the mysterious Eteon super-criminal organization and their main cyborg-like enforcer Brixton Lore(Idris Elba) who hunts them with his team of elite armored mercenary commandos everywhere. He's about as generic as a villain as can be although he is menacing. Yes, this series was once about car racing. There's actually no car racing in this film at all which gives the film a bit of its own flair although cars do get used...in crazy ways.
That's probably the main appeal of these films anymore in that one always is surprised and wonders what comes next for how disbelief will be suspended and logic thrown out the window. New-to-the-series David Leitch is here (of John Wick and Deadpool involvement!) and he's a fair fit. There's plentiful action and admittedly it can be very gritty fun. It's at its best when there's punches or gunfights but there's some wild larger stuff. CGI is of course, and perhaps as wanted, a bit poor but adds to the crazy scale. There's actually a bit less “HAHAHHAHAHA WHAT THE HECK HOW” moments in this film than the past and most were in the trailers but they're in there especially as the end approaches. This is especially true in the  lush visualed American Samoa based finale that must be seen firsthand.
So too is the comedy not the series' best but it has its fun. As mentioned Johnson's Hobbs and Statham's Shaw are at their usual best, especially with the great chemistry with each other as well as Kirby's Hattie. They quip they argue they make plans all in typical decent if generically so sense. There's actually some more attempts to build out their characters with family and friends. Hobbs deals with not only his daughter Sam (Elliana Sua) but also his mother Sefina(Lori Pelenise Tuisano) and many brothers and cousins including Jonah(Cliff Curtis) and Mateo(Roman Reigns of the WWE too) . Former cameo superstar Shaw family mother Queenie(Hellen Mirren) shows up for Shaw who shows some cheesy backstory scenes for the siblings.  Also be on the lookout for great bit parts in CIA agent Locke(Ryan Reynolds!) and air marshal Dinkley(Kevin Hart) who's jokes are some of the films few un-covered until the last minute in press fun bits that fit so well.
None of this really sets any bars and it's all incredibly dumb but it will provide the entertainment to its target audience especially if they don't mind those two characters. It's simple dumb summer action comedy fun that perhaps purposefully is a bit less of a stride or fresh than the last few yet also having its own interesting perks. It's still fast and furious, or so, when it tries. 7.5 out of 10.

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood Review

Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Cast Headliners: Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, the Manson Family,  many many small others
Original Release Date: July 26th, 2019

When director Quentin Tarantino makes a new movie, the world listens. His cowboy phase is (well, mostly...more on that in a bit) behind him as he returns to another historical period. Once Upon A Time In Hollywood dials back the clock the retro groovy hippie-tastic 1960s. It's a unique, hilarious, retro, California-tastic, occasionally scary well shot great time. It's a long time but it's worth it for what it does so well. One can expect what it does well and this time it may help to know the context.
The year is 1969 specifically. So called by Tarantino “one of the most important years in Hollywood and the end of the Golden era”. Main protagonists are found in actor Rick Dalton(Leonardo DiCaprio) who dabbles primarily in Western television and films(there's the “cowboy era isn't over yet” shtick amongst others) who has a best friend / assassistant / stuntman in Cliff Booth(Brad Pitt).  Events transpire as they deal with the film industry as well as more sinister happenings of the day.
One must note that this movie's plotline is a bit unconventional. It's not a movie of something quite epic. Rather the scale of things is so incredibly small that it perhaps makes things better for that. Smaller disparate glimpses of life in this retro era are seen before coming together in the end. That in its way is very Tarantino and specifically older Tarantino like Pulp Fiction or Inglorious Bastards are than the heroic quest of Django Unchained or the trapped-in-a-location whodunit of The Hateful Eight or stakes of Resevoir Dogs.  Some of these parts feel almost like different films entirely but it all nearly masterful works together for those who don't mind the slight meandering.
On one hand there's the acting throughline of Dalton's career endeavors. There's some fantastic acting performances in this film but of course DiCaprio stands amongst the top. His character is so wonderfully has-been while being filled with scene-stealing splendor. Off-screen he's (at times blackly comedic-ally) depressed and prone to crying and drunken fits with a dash of swagger. In his roles from hero on the fading Bounty Law to cheesily mustachioed villain in Lancer really showcases DiCaprio's range (with shades of Django in the Westerns, Inglorious Bastards in a WW2 bit , and some more classic FBI / The Great Escape mashups in others ...more on that later). He deals with various types and ups and downs that could carry the movie on its own.
It's not on its own though as there's the plot of Pitt's Cliff. Once again this performance is absolutely wonderful with every bit Pitt having the bravado success in vibe that DiCaprio has being a form of pathetic. Cliff is heroic, tough, funny, charming and has a dark past. His main interactions end up being with the Charles Manson villainous side that help bring in the darkness to the film but he has his humor too. Every moment of his is a delight even if it is an aside. Some of the best small moments come from him hanging out at his apartment with his dog who is one of the best dogs seen in a long while... such is the skill of his performance that even when being small he's being incredibly impactful.
If alone they more or less astound then together DiCaprio and Pitt (which do feature semi-often) make a magnificent pair. It's a bromantic friendship for the ages with laughs and witty dialogue filled by a great Tarantino script. This extends to most characters in the film. It's really an all star cast even if most actors make only a momentary appearance. There's an archetypically Al Pacino as Hollywood bigwig Marvin Schwarz who has some good stuff with DiCaprio. There's charismatic legend Kurt Russell as tough stunt coordinator Randy (and sometimes Narrator) who makes for an extremely entertaining humorous side segment with his wife Janet(Zoe Bell) and the actual historic Bruce Lee(Mike Moh who brings accuracy with great choreography). Further bits in Jay Sebring(Emile Hirsch), Steve McQueen(Damian Lewis), George Spahn(Bruce Dern), Wayne Maunder(Luke Perry), Roman Polanski(Rafal Zawierucha), child promising star both in-universe and literally Trudi Fraser(Julia Butters),and more make a solid if sometimes even briefer than others impact.
Truly a tritagonist to the piece is actually successful actress Sharon Tate(Margot Robbie). For the most part her story is completely separate from those of Rick and Cliff other than being neighbors and some possible Manson Family connections that one may know and must be seen. Her scenes, brief and few and far between, are oddly happy and carefree. She attends lavish parties and enjoys the company of fans at her movie premiere. With (perhaps too little) words she expresses happiness and joy in her day to day life. It's one of the brightest characters and side-narratives to ever exist in a Tarantino movie which is surprising but also carries a bit of a message with it. Robbie does a decent job at being subtle if typical. One wishes for a bit more of her around but perhaps as mentioned that's the point.
On the other end of the spectrum are the villains. Remember, murderous cult leader Charles Manson(Damon Herriman who barely gets an appearance at all) are around. This actually mainly comes from his infamous hippie girl (and occasional male) underlings. These include whether real or fictional Pussycat(Margaret Qualley), Tex(Austin Butler), Squeaky(Dakota Fanning menacingly unrecognizable), Patricia(Madisen Beaty), Linda(Maya Hawke), Sadie(Mikey Madisen), and Catherine(Lena Dunham) amongst others. These many bit minions are greatly menacing. Any scene with them is such a creepy (rightfully so) almost horror-contrast to the funky Hollywood high life of the rest of the experience. Whether it's their Spahn Ranch HQ or the assumed events in Hollywood homes they bring menace and psychotic terror wherever they go. This contrast of bright Los Angeles with the manic under layer makes for an at times unique vibe with dark humor between the blood which ultimately is very Tarantino as ever.
With Quentin Tarantino in the director chair one might expect it looks visually great and of course it does. Some fantastic cinematography and direction is present with 1969 feeling so real as if it was a time machine to the day. Every little object seems to have a presence and there's a bit of a retro haze to things. Much credit must be given to the media-specific focuses mostly coming through Rick's plot. As mentioned the Western feels just like Django or Hateful....until “line!” calls break the fourth wall. There's the fuzzy old TV show of FBI or other such things that are meta asides from the main world. Of course there's some action handled with snapppy excitement and blood but it does take awhile. Music is mostly period pop / rock songs but pieces are used greatly with some seldom original score used to decent effect too although it's a bit sparse compared to some pieces. These are nuggets of excellence buried between at times slow stretches of (as said however likely purposefully) mundane “Reality”-ness.
One must keep that structure in mind. It's a very, very long film reaching almost three hours in length. One shouldn't go into it immediately expecting riveting twists and turns or slapstick comedy but that makes when they do show up that much better. It's almost a token staple at this point but the long haul leads up to a very bloody pulse pounding crescendo that almost makes it two different movies that's darkly hinted at at times before then. The ending may be a bit divisive as it's both satisfying yet also a bit anti-climactic. However one can't help but feel triumphant especially if one is just willing to embrace if for what it is. That's what this film is...embracing 1969 for what it was . For every glossy elegance to hippie outfit and sunny more. It's truly a look what was “once upon a time “ in the era, just one moment...with enjoyment along the way for those who are willing to take what it is. Tarantino, please don't leave us with early retirement but if you do keep it up as ever.  9.1 out of 10

Spider-Man: Far From Home Review

Spider-Man: Far From Home
Director: Jon Watts
Cast Headliners: Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Samuel L Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, etc
Original Release Date: July 2nd, 2019

  Believe it or not the Marvel Cinematic Universe's “Phase Three” / it's overall “The Infinity Saga” isn't done yet. One more round-up epilogue and Spidey adventure is already here in Spider-Man: Far From Home. This time not only is Peter's New York City world seen but literally the rest of his supporting crew and the world reaction to both the events of earlier this year's Avengers: Endgame as well as a new threat as they have a Europe class trip. It's a wild silly ride along the way even if its typical.
Watch out for some emotional feels to occasionally pop-up as the world mourns the loss of Iron Man, apparent Captain America, and more along with the disappearance off-world or elsewhere of Thor and other Avengers. Some people have also, mostly comedically, been returned from the “Snap/the Blip” including the tall handsome rival to Peter in Brad(Remy Hill). This really leaves Peter Parker/Spider-Man(Tom Holland) as the only superhero left as a truly fresh era begins in a reality that's desolate in that regard but filled with life and happiness again. However being a hero is even more the least of his concerns now as he wishes for a temporary retirement or in this case a literal vacation. Like any good high school experience, teen movie, or the early 2000s movie Eurotrip it's an adventure of wacky cities and characters aside its treacherous villain drama. 
He's joined on this trip by his usual supporting cast. This includes once again brief sassy appearances by the now-knowing-his-identity Aunt May(Marisa Tomei), the former Tony Stark's assistant Happy Hogan(Jon Favreau in much more of a funnily adventurous role than usual), and the paranoid teachers Mr.Harrington(Martin Starr) and Mr.Dell(J.B. Smoove who is slightly underused but has some great strides). Of course much of the charming heart comes once again in the likes of classmates like Peter's best friend Ned(Jacob Batalan) particularly with his new crush Betty(Angourie Rice) or perhaps in the perhaps exaggeratedly annoying jerk Flash(Tony Revolori). These all have their moments in a very funny script although it tends towards slapstick than brilliance  but it will certainly put a smile on ones face as , like many things, everything's tamped up a little more in this sequel. 
An important distinction comes from some who change up the dynamic. In lieu of his former love ( much like the likes of Liv Tyler, Natalie Portman, and Rachel McAdams never forget) Peter's main attempted romance is now the classic MJ(Zendaya). Zendaya continues her different sort of approach to the character with her edgy 1990's Daria hipster attitude to things but it's nice to see her get  a solidly more involved role this time. She has some fun stuff with Holland's Peter and Batalon's Ned truly joining the action at times. 
What may ultimately be a bit of a controversy to hardcore fans is its attachment to the larger MCU as mentioned. There's not quite an equivalent to Tony Stark's involvement last time but actually it's almost as if he was never gone due to how much his influence is felt. Perhaps the MCU will always feel his shadow although maybe that makes sense. Holland , when he isn't quipping or throwing punches or webshots, has some decent emotional depth when it comes to the past. The presence of “legacy” is here more than ever. His interruptions by this-time main Marvel guest stars of SHIELD agents Nick Fury(Samuel L Jackson) and Maria Hill(Cobie Smulders) are brief with just a few chuckles amid-st the exposition but help make things just that much more epic. 
The most major supporting character of all (not counting the monstrous Elemental fire/water/earth/air creatures that have mysteriously appeared for which Peter is recruited by SHIELD to fight) is in Quentin Beck/Mysterio(Jake Gyllenhaal). He's quite an interesting character from the moment he's on-screen. A man claiming to be from another multiverse dimensions world who packs some very Doctor Strange style magic blasts as well as an apparently advanced usage of technology in his suit and knowledge. This new hero on the block helps Spider-Man in battle and even as a bit of a mentor. Gyllenhaal has quite a range from being such a nice friendly guy with some of his own wisecracks to having his own dark past and paranoia. It's a story that has to be firsthand for how they stop the Elementals but it's an intriguing one. One wishes for just a bit more “oomph” from Gyllenhaal's performance no matter the aspect but the great news is that his powers are so incredibly comic accurate in portrayal. 
On visuals director Jon Watts has slightly upped his game from last time. The various Spider—Man suits (including a cool new black stealth one) look great. The Elemental creatures have some cool designs although the CGI overload can (perhaps purposefully as one thinks of their “other' nature) seem a bit rough but it's rarely if ever. Exciting (even more) action is aided by a fun score by Michael Giacchino filled with some fun foreign rock. This “foreign” international aspect helps it stand apart for a Spider-Man film (although the rest of the MCU is no stranger to globe trotting) since there's some gorgeous scenery outside of New York whether its in the watery Venice streets of Italy, the Czech Republic during a  Prague carnival,  London, Austria, or the Netherlands.  The absolute spectacle of highlights come from Mysterio's wizard-like powers and most of all his “illusion” abilities but that's all that will be said on that.
It's not a movie that will re-define superheroes or the MCU but it acts as a nice little summer Spider-Man adventure. There's a mix of laughs, action, and emotion that one comes to expect from this franchise and it delivers again with a few more twists if less traditional between the very traditional. One hopes for this larger stakes aspect to be handled well ahead especially after that credits scene. Come for a easy breezy time as ever. 8 out of 10