Movie Review: Aquaman

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to my final movie review of 2018.

Well, looks like we're in last superhero film, but its time to going back to DC.

But as far as we all know, DC Extended Universe are always in shape for weak stories, some very bad effects and lack of character development. Except for Wonder Woman, that movie was done pretty good. Not just about about Ben Affleck's stepping down as Batman, but also the delayed of Wonder Woman 1984 and the concerns of cheap effects since Justice League, like Superman's ugly mouth.

So, they made their second standalone film, this time, its about the king of Atlantis since we saw at Justice League.

"Aquaman" is a 2018 DC superhero film directed by James Wan (also a writer for the story), produced by Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, then written by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick,Will Beall and Geoff Johns.

Aquaman may or may not be considered as a best DC superhero in many years, he was basically described as the king of Atlantis, summons the sea animals and even communicating with them. But sometimes, DC can make him look badass for new designs in the old days, like where he uses his own weapon after his arm being cut off. But for DCEU, they made him somewhat badass that he's currently played by Jason Momoa.

So, with all that said, will this movie could be another good DC's standalone film, or is this film deserved to be drowned or polluted?

Well, lets find out.

The Story
For the story, we expected if they made focus about the setting, the development and the plot of this movie? Well, it kinda works.

It started the origin for how Aquaman was born, a man who lives in the lighthouse from Maine name "Thomas Curry" who witnessed at a woman from the storm name "Atlanna". Despite being rescued, she decided to stay on the surface and falling in love with Thomas to have a hybrid baby name Arthur Curry, which we all know he's gonna be Aquaman. Unfortunately, she was being attacked by the army from Atlantis, demanding her to stay in her homeland and later claimed that she was being sacrificed while returning to her home. Twentey years later and picking up one year after "Justice League", Aquaman is outside of Atlantis, which he wasn't prepare to be in there, or perhaps he's born as a hybrid. After saving the Russian Naval, he was confronted by David Kane after killing his father Jesse. After escaped, Arthur was interrupted by the daughter of King Nereus named Mera, who asks him to going in Atlantis for help to avoiding pollution from the upcoming war of Atlantis. According to Aquaman's mentor name Nuidis Vulko, he said about a powerful weapon Trident of Atlan was used to be king of Atlantis in order to keep in peace. So its up to Aquaman and Mera to finding the Trident before the war from a selfish king name Orm.

I find the story is actually quiet nice to have a big journey to finding a powerful weapon in order bring peace in the ocean like Atlantis without making a war, which is no wonder why we like to routing for Arthur in order to becoming the new king. But the downside is that the story gets messed up from transition to transition, mainly because it focused on character development about Aquaman's training and the truth, or even the history about the powerful Trident. Like it feels like it was mixing up that plot just goes whatever it does. Not to mention, they also including the element of environment, i know it was used to pointing out about the humanity, but the problem is that the environment part has nothing to do with the main plot. Whats the point if they mixing up the plot elements, it just doesn't work that it ended up messing up the plot. Plus, i find the movie is like a combination between Wonder Woman and Thor Ragnarok, due to the fact it has an adventurous plot and some sense of humor. Which i have to admit, i did chuckle at some moments, even though some jokes are head scratching of question. Not to mention, this movie drags on, very long, due to the fact that this movie's runtime is nearly 2 hours in half.

The story is quietly good than some of disappointed DCEU films that they gave us, but it feels messy for how we're follow and know the meaning.

The Production
With this movie with Aquaman, you'll think if that they've done a better presentation than Justice League with a terrifying Superman's mouth? Well, this one is wonderful and colorful. Most of...

At first, the background and the filming location is fantastic since they have the big budget about 160–200 million dollars estimate. They film in Australia for the coast, Morocco for the desert, Sicily for mini village and few others in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Talk about a big deal for filming in four locations, especially in Canada. And then there's the fictional backgrounds like Atlantis, the ocean in CG looks pretty cool, its almost like we're in the submarine with some nice CG effect. And for Atlantis, it looks amazing and colorful with all the corals, the buildings, the vehicles and more. Thats a pretty cool imagination for the lost city Atlantis.

As for the suits of superheroes, they look nice and almost in comic to life, which they made a suits to be rather faithful from the comics, but with some details like Aquaman and Mera. Even though the outfits for our two main heroes, but i also like the battle armor of Atlanteans and the suits of Black Manta.

As for the action scenes, they're always pretty cool in the ocean like Aquaman fights against Orm or even on surface against Black Manta. As well with Mera fighting against Atlantean marines, it is quiet of fun to watch, which i guess its likely the highlights. Not to mention, some fights could be violent with stabbings from Black Manta's sword stab to chasing away from the creepy creatures called "The Trench".

Despite they effort for the imaginations, the filming and the supersuits. But it doesn't mean that its perfect, because like Justice League, some part is video game-ish what i looked at. Such as the sea creatures, which i know they wanted to make some sea animals like seahorses, crabs and others for what they look of moves, but some details could be botchy a bit. But hey, its not as cheap than "Justice League" like Superman's creepy mouth.

Despite some errors what i've seen, but at least its a nice presentation for imagination what Atlantis look like and the colorful.

The Characters
You'll also think if they can make some likable characters for their development and their personality? Well, i'd say it works, for about like 70%.

For starter is our titular hero Aquaman, aka Arthur Curry (played by Jason Momoa). I find him to be an interesting one, he's like a DC aquatic version of Thor, but not as perfect. He's rather a hybrid hero that he likes to spend time in surface, sometimes kinda losing when anyone mention about his lost mother and other times he might be a D*** at Atlanteans. As a hybrid, he has the ability to swim faster, super strength, creating tides and even communicating sea creatures for team up and peace. He may not be better like Wonder Woman, but he's rather likable and Jason likes to have fun for his character.

Next, we have Aquaman's sidekick/love interest named Mera (played by Amber Heard), though she may have a beautiful look, her outfit and her powers, her portrayal is rather ok. She's just a female character who cared so much of our main hero than Orm from the start, because she's like a rebel against Orm's power and believe if the Trident is out there. Her ability is pretty cool too with manipulation of water and telepathic powers for aquatic environment and communication. Though Amber did a nice role, but she maybe a likable one for her belief and her ability.

Then we have Nuidis Vulko (played by Willem Dafoe, aka Norman Osborn and Green Goblin from Sam Raimi's Spider-Man). He's basically a counselor of Atlantis that he's given plot development about how to be the king of sea and also a mentor to our main hero. He's more of a teller about the history and teacher to Arthur before denied him based on our hero's origin. Even though im always familiar about Willem as the Green Goblin, his role in this movie is not bad that i can say.

And then we have our main villain name Orm, aka Ocean Master (played by Patrick Wilson), though despite he's a half brother of Arthur, but he's easily the arrogant douchebag in the movie, which he's basically a villain who wants to taking over the kingdom for war and believing the humanities are evil for making pollution. In other words, he's one that you love to hate this guy, like we want to see him being taken in prison for his manipulation and his genocide towards to the kingdoms for war and the blame of human kinds. But in fairness, Patrick did a nice work of his role and probably better than Jesse Eisenberg's Lex Luthor.

Btw, you're probably wondering the villain Black Manta, aka David Kane (played by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)? We expected that he's gonna be the second villain for targeting Aquaman, right? Nope, he's a throw away villain that he has no purpose of the main plot. He's basically a bad guy with vengeance over he dead father (how cliche) and he's pretty much like Jared Leto's Joker, a bad guy who appeared as a villain in filler that he interrupts the main plot from the first act. Though Yahya may have a badass performance as Black Manta, but with a poor potential that i like to see an epic battle between Aquaman and Black Manta.

They're few other characters like Nereus (played by Dolph Lundgren, aka Ivan Drago from Rocky 4 and recently Creed 2), who's basically Orm's henchman from Xebel, Atlanna (played by Nicole Kidman) who's a mother of Arthur Curry, but being sacrificed as a crime and Thomas Curry (played by Temuera Morrison, even though i thought he's played by Alec Baldwin), the father of our main hero for... Plot development?

The characters are rather nice to see what they do, their portrayal and their powers. But Aquaman and Mera are likely the main focus for their adventurous story.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, Aquaman is rather a good film that i might say, the premise is good, the presentation is fantastic and the characters are not bad, but we can agree that Aquaman and Mera are the main focus for their adventure and love relation. Even though the story is messy that it got interrupted for Arthur's childhood training and the truth, some CG effects would've been better a bit and Black Manta is like Jared Leto's Joker for the waste of potential. And not to mention, with nearly 2 in a half hours aren't helping for how long the movie goes for the story.

So, does that mean its better like Wonder Woman? Its rather "yes and no". Which in Wonder Woman, it has a better story (for the most part), a nice setting, cool presentation and some likable characters. Which Aquaman has some good moments for the characters and the action scenes although its pretty cool, but other times a bit violent.

So, this is rather another good standalone film ,but not as better than Wonder Woman. So, i guess i can say that i recommend to watch this one, whether like to see for your anticipation of curiosity.

So, i give this movie with 6.5/10.

Well, i guess thats the end of my movie review of 2018, which means im preparing to do the top lists. And if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, Merry Christmas, and im Anthony, signing out to 2019.

Movie Review: Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to my semi final movie review of 2018.

As a kid, they're only three superheros that i remembered in my childhood, such as Superman, Power Rangers and of course, Spider-Man.

I grew up with our favorite web-crawler from New York, thanks for his ability, look, his personality and his tragic past of his lovable uncle was shot death from the gunman. Especially that i remembered watching Sam Raimi's Spider-Man (even though its a PG rated film that i watched it when i was young). As time goes when i grew up, i noticed that Peter Parker isn't the only one who's Spider-Man, the ones i kinda know is Spider-Man 2099, Ben Reilly, Mayday Parker and my favorite anti-hero, Venom.

Since we're in the new era of Spider-Man known as "Web Warriors" or "Spider-Verse", its probably surprise that there's gonna be an adaptation by... Sony Pictures Animation?

"Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" is a 2018 animated Spider-Man film directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey and Rodney Rothman (also a writer for screenplay) and produced by Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Phil Lord (also a writer for screenplay and story), Christopher Miller and Christina Steinberg.

When i first heard of "Spider-Verse", i have never heard of it, which my guess is something have to do with Peter Parker was sucked into various dimensions to see different versions of Spider-Man like Spider-Man 2099, Spider-Man Noir or maybe Ben Reilly. But i went further for research, it appears there's more that i found something interesting and questionable, such as Gwen Stacy which i though she was brought back from the dead, but it was the other world that she's the opposite of Spider-Man as "Spider-Gwen" that we all know and love. And some are pretty odd like "Spider-Ham", which i guess it was aim for the kids for pig humor, something like that.

So with all that said, will this movie holds up for expanding the Spider-Verse, or is this another horrible work from Sony Pictures Animation?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

Even though i never read the comic of "Spider-Verse", but this one is actually interesting for the first time.

It tells about our main teenager name Miles Morales, a student in Brooklyn whos' struggling for adjust to his new elite in school for his parents, despite he was fascinated about Spider-Man, when his father thinks he's a vigilante. However, reported came in tragic where Peter Parker/Spider-Man was tragically killed by Kingpin (aka Wilson Fisk) in the secret laboratory with particle accelerator for parallel universe. Devastated for the loss of spider-Man, Miles was wishing to be like him, but not before he meets five other kinds of Spider-Man, such as  Peter B. Parker (aka the the bad version of Spider-Man for breaking up Mary-Jane for difficulty decision to having kids), Gwen Stacy (the opposite version of Spider-Man), Spider-Man Noir (the version in the vintage era, or Marvel Noir), Peni Parker (a Japanese student with her mecha after her father) and Spider-Ham (a pig version of Spider-Man.). Which five of them are being transferred to Miles's universe from parallel chaos, its up to Miles and five versions of Spider-Man to bring back where they belong before their risk of death of corruption.

I honestly find it pretty fascinated to seeing other forms of Spider-Man from other universes since the comics or even the shows. Though before that, we have some from the past we expected to have like Spider-Man 2099 or Ben Reilly. Instead, they focus with some modern versions of Spider-Man, but il talk about the characters later. While the story about the universes are fascinated, but another good thing about it, is the plot element of the heart. Which from before, it started where Miles and his father Jefferson that it wasn't as easy, since they're in opposite about Spider-Man, but as the movie goes after Spider-Man's death, they might have a changing feeling as Jefferson might have a sympathy for his son from the tragedy or the whereabouts of Aaron Davis, but i don't wanna spoil about Miles's uncle. I find them pretty sweet, touching and probably well written than "Cloudy with a chance of Meatball", since its more likely a filler. But one part that its rather pretty weak is the mysterious about "Gwanda", but in reality, it was Gwen Stacy all along, over obvious much for building up?

Despite a tiny botch, the story is actually well written for what's about Spider-Man, the parallel universe swaps and even a heart moment. Oh and the jokes are actually good for laugh.

The Animation

When we first heard it was done by Sony Pictures Animation, we though its gonna be the same style of very bad comedic animation for fast paste and poorly character designs, right? Surprisingly, they've done better than before.

Upon research, it turns out it was co-operation with "Sony Pictures Imageworks", in order to make combination styles of animation and comic book visuals like hand-drawn, which it actually worked good for their presentation.

The animation is an impressive looking for the background design of the city in New York, a village or even the forest. Then there's the effect with the use of comic elements of from sound effects, comic panels and thought bubbles, i really like what they included for their execution. Its almost like the comic book comes to life. And not to mention, its pretty colorful with the effects for not only comics, but also some action moments. But the downside is that sometimes it gets too much with flashy imagery, which is not suitable for viewer with photosensitive epilepsy, im not kidding. Like seriously, this is the second time that i saw a warning message about photosensitive epilepsy since Incredibles 2. But don't worry, im all fine while watching.

But the best part of animation, happens to the characters styles, its easily the best one i've ever seen. For starter, the normal characters like Miles, Peter or Gwen are pretty standard and better design than what Sony Animation did for they questionably bad cartoony design or even absolutely lazy. Its almost like they hired a REAL professional animators and artists, instead of hiring someone got fired for their cheap design. But then it shows a true color for other versions of Spider-Man, like Spider-Man Noir looks is actually a style of Marvel Noir with monochrome, Peni Parker's style is based on anime and Spider-Ham is like in "Looney Tunes" style. I mean, im very impressed to have their combination styles in the blender. I guess its no wonder why this film was done by 140 animators, making it the largest crew ever used for Sony's animated film.

Despite some warning message, the animation is outstanding for what they've done with well done design, the way of the animation and the combination styles.

The Characters

Its no surprise that the stars of this movie is six versions of Spider-Man, eh? Obvious aside, i find the characters are fascinated.

We're started with six Spider-Mans.

Our main hero is Miles Morales (voiced by Shameik Moore), i find him to be a rather interesting written character. He may have a great power from the start, but he doesn't want to have a responsibility. Being nervous and confused for how he's gonna be the next Spider-Man after being bitten by a radioactive spider. But of of course, despite the death of Spider-Man, he wanted to be like him, but rather a difficult start for risking his ability, not before he'll get better through out the film, especially for his signature suit. Even though i never heard of Miles Morales, but again, i find him to be a fascinated character.

Next, we have Peter B. Parker (voiced by Jake Johnson), he's basically a downfall version of Spider-Man, with difficulty relation with MJ due to a complicated preparation to have a baby and his bad luck. As he's with Miles, he's kinda like Spider-Man version of Mr. Miyagi from "Karate Kid", according to Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Even though he could be a D*** at the time, but he's also cool character.

Then we have Gwen Stacy (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld), as we all know, she's basically the opposite version of Spider-Man. and she's a free-spirited and spunky girl from her own universe. Even though i was questioned about her, but i find her also a pretty cool version of Spider-Man, for her outfit, her direction and her free spirited personality as "Spider-Gwen" that we like to call her. And i think Hailee's role actually fit nicely as Gwen.

As for three others, they're rather not much else to say, but at least its nice to seem them on the big screen (for the time), such as Spider-Man Noir (ironically voiced by Nicolas Cage) who's a badass hero from the 30's, Peni Parker (voiced by Kimiko Glenn) is a cute Japanese girl with her mecha version of Spider-Man after her father and Spider-Ham (voiced by John Mulaney) who's obviously a comic relief version of Spider-Man, Looney Tunes style.

As for the others like side characters and the villains, i find them are also fascinated, but others times aren't as interesting.

First, we have Jefferson Davis-Morales (voiced by Brian Tyree Henry), whos' the father of Miles and the police officer. But like i said, he wan't as a fan of Spider-Man at first, but he has changing heart from the tragic and probably respectful to Miles. Like i said, its sorta like in "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs", but it was used for character development for changing feeling.

Then we have Aaron Davis (voiced by Mahershala Ali), he's Miles fun uncle that he likes to do a tag with him for... Inspiration from the drawing book? Despite aren't as special, but i find Mahershala is also suit nicely for his role.

We have the main villain name Kingpin, aka Wilson Fisk (voiced by Liev Schreiber), the crime lord and the creator of "Super Collider" (which is the particle accelerator). Although he looks big and rather cool, but i felt his development wasn't as great, which his goal is to open parallel dimension in order to bring back his wife and his son. I mean, he may have potential as a main antagonist, but fall flat for his goal.

As for the other villains, they're rather interesting, but aren't give more appearance if we care or not, like Scorpion (voiced by Joaquín Cosío) who appeared as half human and half robotic for his legs and tails, Olivia Octavius (voiced by Kathryn Hahn) is the female version of Dr. Octopus with inflatable mechanical arms and Tombstone aka Lonnie Lincoln (voiced by Marvin "Krondon" Jones III) who's... Well, a henchman that i never heard of.

As for the rest, il give some extras like Miles's universe version of Spider-Man (surprisingly voiced by Chris Pine) who's supposed to be a combination of previous roles of Spider-Man, even though it was just for show for the story. 

And of course, Stan Lee is in the movie, but they extended his cameo in order to give a respect to our old friend for "extra meaningful" following his tragic death. Thats pretty tear jerking to see or hear him, as he claimed "He's a friend of mine" in his big cameo. I love that moment. But of course, this won't be the last cameo until "Avengers: Endgame".

The characters are likable for some good reason that we like to rooting for Miles or even other versions of Spider-Man, even if the main villain would've been better.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, "Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse" is... Surprisingly Sony Animation's best film they ever made...!

But, what are you, Sony Pictures Animation? From before, you've made some bellow average film that i kinda like, then you made some worst film such as "The Emoji Movie" for all the wrong reasons and then all the sudden you made an animated Spider-Man film that its actually good despite if your bad reputation?

Im... Im quiet surprised you kinda learned from our criticism by making an impressive story, wonderful animation and some lovable characters? I... I like this movie by Sony's animation studio, im very impressed for they've done. So Sony, thank you. Thank you for making a well done animated film after what you've done after crappy movies.

And btw everyone, do i think its the best film in this year? Well, its close. Though i like some films that i considered as number 1 or 2 like Avengers Infinity War or even Pixar's Incredibles 2. So, Spider-Man into the Spider-Verse is like my number 3 or 4 of best film. I'd say check this out if you're overly curious to see if you're a fan of Spider-Man.

So for that, i give this movie 9/10. Go watch it, its easily Sony's better animated film.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

So til next time, lets go back to DC for my final review. Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review: Ralph breaks the internet

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review.

From six years, ago, Disney made "Wreck-It Ralph", a movie about the titular villain from "Fix-It Felix" where he wants to be a hero, not before accidentally travel to other arcade games, including "Sugar Rush" where he meets a glitch racer name Vanellope. Also figure out what's the danger of "going Turbo".

I remembered saw it as a teenager and it was a fun movie, because i wanted to have a good movie with video game content, because from many years ago, Hollywood tried so hard to having movie based on video games and they're pretty bad for all the wrong reasons since the 1993 "Super Mario Bros the movie". After several years, Disney brought us "Wreck-It Ralph", and it was a major success and everyone loved it, because it was actually pretty original (instead of cash-in based on video games) and crossover feeling like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit", but with video games. And ever since the movie was succeed, its no wonder that they want to make a sequel. Even though Disney felt that making sequels in feature film is maybe too much since their dead company "DisneyToon Studio".

"Ralph breaks the internet" is a 2018 Disney animated film directed by written/directed by Rich Moore and Phil Johnston, produced by Clark Spencer, then written by Jim Reardon, Pamela Ribon and Josie Trinidad.

When the sequel was announced, i was believing to see more arcade games where we like to see something new or even reunion in "Sugar Rush". Instead, rather than going back to the world of video game, they brought us to another digital world called "The Internet". Yup, we're jumping in the internet for an adventure to this big world, especially with more crossover in the internet with Disney's content like Marvel, Star Wars and more. I mean it had a big potential and a lot of attention for us. Though last year, we had one called "The Emojis Movie" by Sony Pictures Animation, but it was easily the worst film ever made that we'd rather moving on and pretend it didn't exist.

So, with all that said, will this movie holds up for fun adventure of the internet, or is this film was infested from the virus?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

Since this is the movie about the internet, we expected to hear how our heroes do their goal in the digital world? Well, its rather a delayed and possible a changed plot.

Six years after dealing with Turbo, Ralph became friends with Vanellope von Schweetz since before as they're in conversation in various arcade world. But one day, they heard the Wi-Fi was connected to extended plug and Ralph made a huge mistake that he created a shortcut for bonus to Vanellope, which she was distracted and causing to losing control in the game, causing the steering wheels of the arcade breaks. Because of the damage, the world "Sugar Rush" is unplugged to leaving Vanellope and the citizens of her home world all homeless. Its up to Ralph for helping Vanellope to going in the internet in order to bring back her world.

The story itself is almost like the first movie, but unlike where Ralph is in Sugar Rush, its about find the way for bring back her land to get a new steering wheel, likely on eBay, even though it feels rather cliche about getting the money for important item. But the downside is that the main story was stopped that it focused of travelling around the internet like "Buzztube" "Oh My Disney" (and yes, its real) and few others. There's a subplot where Ralph and Vanellope visits to a mixed between battle-royal and a racing called "Slaughter Race", which it got a lot of intention to her for going back to racing, which it has a friend triangle of her with either Ralph and Shank., which they wanted to have a heart element in the movie, which i kinda understand what they add in. There's also another a subplot of already married of Fix-It Felix and Tamora Jean Calhoun, but this one is rather unnecessary, which its just a small character development.

Though the main story is rather good, with a cliche of getting money, but its setting and the subplot is probably interesting for friendship relation and a heart.

The Animation

Since this is a Disney animated film, il easily say the animation is always pretty good. But this time, its bigger, colorful and a nicely work of animations.

For starter, the its no secret that they brought back the previous casts from the first film, but with some update, especially in extended plus and show us another world of arcade during the conversation of Ralph and Vanellope, which is pretty nice to see more arcade in the first act. And like before, we always like to play a game that i like to call "Peek the cameos", which we like to look around the background to see the characters in crossover in video game, like Pac-Man, Pong and several others. With some that we know they appeared like Sonic, Zangief and Qbert. And yes, like before, it was originally to have a cameo of Mario from Nintendo, but didn't make it, whether its the copyright infringement or not.

And what about the world of internet? Damn...!! This is huge to describing it.

This world looks amazing that its like a city in our imagination of digital world of internet. Some sites fits nicely what we expected, like eBay is basically a typical shop, but with bidding, "Oh My Disney" is the site with Disney's culture like Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Disney films. And there's BuzzzTube, which the best way to describing it, its like Youtube, but with old roots for mainly focus on fun viral videos than the current time of Youtube where its all about broken rules with "Where's the Fair Use" and Youtubers beef, but i digress. Not to mention, it has a lot of placements of websites that we like to see like Amazon, Google, Twitter, Pinterest and Youtube, at least they don't use for awkward purpose. But my nitpick of the internet world is the users design, which they're basically human with scare head and tiny torso and limbs, but at least they're not as bad than many of Emoji characters from "The Emoji Movie".

As for the animation and the characters design, aside of brought back the old casts, the other characters design are rather cool and yet simple, whether a somewhat look realistic like characters of Slaughter Race or even the people in real world. And some are using for energetic like internet users, Venallope and few others. And of course, it has a coolest detail in the film for how it feels several places, whether is post-apocalyptic land of "Slaughter Race", the fun culture lan like "Oh My Disney", the future like city of internet hub or even something disturbing bellow like "Dark web".

The animation is likely the highlight that we like to see for how imaginative the internet world looks like, but hey, at least its not as plain sellout for showing us the social medias.

The Characters

Im sure some of you are familiar of the main heroes like Ralph and Vanellope. But this time, along with the new casts, they are surprisingly interesting, except for some that we forget about.

First is "Wreck-It Ralph" himself (voiced by John C. Reilly ), unlike before where he depicted as a villain that he wishes to be a hero, in this movie, he's has more parallel for helping Vanellope for the message and he's rather more useful as the story went on and also have more sympathy for the friendship triangle And with the return of John Reilly as Ralph is always a great role.

And we have Vanellope von Schweetz (voiced by Sarah Silverman), at first, she started as a cute annoying girl in Sugar Rush, before she became likable at the end. Here, she's more of adventurous for searching around the internet, which as i mentioned, she started for looking help when she's homeless before she gets a lot attention what she needs, rather than wanting to going back her land for racing, she's basically likes to try something new that its unpredictable and she's easily in my opinion, a relatable character in the movie, i mean we can feel for her that we want to try something new in racing. Like getting tired of same game like Mario Kart, why not try something new and maybe realistic like Gran Turismo or even Forza series. And Silverman is always did a nice work of her role of the glitch princess in Sugar Rush.

As for the previous casts like Fix-it Felix jr (voiced by Jack McBrayer) and Tamora Jean Calhoun (voiced Jane Lynch), they don't have any purpose in the movie, they're basically in relationship in order to adopting the other racers in Sugar Rush and thats it.  Talk about a waste of potential of the old side characters...

As for the new casts? Well, they're rather more likable than Felix and Tamora Calhoun, thanks for the purpose of the plot.

First is Shank (voiced by Gal Gadot, aka Wonder Woman), she's the new main character in the movie and the leader of her own gang in "Slaughter Race". Though despite she's a typical badass girl, but she's also given a plot development for Vanellope for the changing feeling for racing. At first, i though she's gonna be the main villain for manipulating poor Vanellope, but in reality, she's just a girl who's impressed for her and becoming her new friend. And im quiet surprised for Gal's role in Wreck-It Ralph film, what's next, Gal Gadot in MCU?

Next is KnowsMore (voiced by Alan Tudyk, who previously played as King Candy/Turbo), who's basically a living search engine with a same name, but with over aggressive autofill. He's likely a plot device for the direction for our heroes. Even though im surprised Alan returned from "Wreck-it Ralph", but at least he's not the villain again.

Then there's J.P. Spamley (voiced by Bill Hader, aka Fear from "Inside out"), who's a clickbait user with annoying pop-up. However, he seems to be somewhat opposite than an annoying pop-up, though he maybe helpful for our heroes, but he has a shady background. Though i have no comment for Bill's role, he's always did a nice work of his role, but i prefer his role of Fear.

And finally there's Yesss (voiced by Taraji P. Henson) an algorithm superstar of Buzzztube for determining videos. Like before i thogh she's a main villain for manipulating Ralph for making videos, but in reality, she's more likely a helper to Ralph for viral videos with hearts. By hearts, it means profit instead of views, interesting concept. Though she looks somewhat  similar to "Cruella de Vil" from 101 Dalmatians, but unlike Cruella that we love to hate, Yesss is likely a motivator and a beautiful star in the fictional site.

As for the rest, there aren't much else like Double Dan (voiced by Alfred Molina, aka Dr. Octopus in Spider-Man 2) who's a creator of virus and  Mr. Litwak (voiced by Ed O'Neill) who's the owner of arcade club.

And like i mentioned before, it also have cameos, especially in "Oh My Disney" where you can spotted many characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. But the biggest cameo is obviously the Disney Princesses, like when i saw them, i was surprised that its first time that all of them appear in the feature film together. Even though some them reprise their roles since before (get ready for a big list), like Jodi Benson as Ariel, Paige O'Hara as Belle, Linda Larkin as Jasmine, Irene Bedard as Pocahontas, Ming-Na Wen as Fa Mulan, as well with recent (2009 to 2016) such as Anika Noni Rose as Tiana, Mandy Moore as Rapunzel, Kelly Macdonald as Merida, Auliʻi Cravalho as Moana and Kristen Bell and Idina Menzel as my favorite sisters Anna and Elsa. And some of them are replacing from the past casts, such as Jennifer Hale as Cinderella, Kate Higgins as Aurora and screenwriter Pamela Ribon was provided to playing as Snow White.

Despite Felix and Tamora Calhoun appeared in waste of time, the rest of the characters are easily likable for fun times for viewers and given an interesting developments for our heroes.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Ralph breaks the internet" is fun sequel to watch after the first Wreck-It Ralph, with a good story (despite some writing could be botchy from cliche or the main plot was kinda stopped for bring back "Sugar Rush") with nice message of friendship (even though the friendship element is also cliche, kinda) a very cool animation with the presentation of digital world and the characters are rather fun, despite some of them are limited.

I have to agree with some viewers by saying it was a "worthy successor" from the first film. Don't give me wrong, i like the first one that i enjoyed the crossover of video games and original story than cash-in. But for the sequel, its also a crossover, but with a new level that it makes this film even more enjoyable to watch.

But do i think this film is a better sequel then "Incredibles 2"? I hate to say, No. Because in my debate, "Ralph breaks the internet" came out six years after the first one, that it has a cool concept, but it has some flaws for the writing and some of my nitpick of animation design. While "Incredibles 2" came out 14 years after the first one and it was a welcome return since my childhood, meaning this sequel came out older. Yes it may have some flaws, but this film is always my favorite animated film of this year.

So if you like to see another crossover film with the internet, this one is definitely for you, it may have some problems, but its fun film to watching it.

So, i give this movie 8/10.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review: Dr. Seuss's The Grinch

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review.

Well, Christmas is upon us already, since we're like in mid-late November, and i guess im might as well doing a Christmas movie review. But this time, we're taking a look of one the most famous kid's story in our childhood called "How The Grinch stole Christmas". Published in 1957 and written by Dr. Seuss, this story is like our favorite story telling only on Christmas in our childhood memory. Its about a mean green creature named "The Grinch" who lives all alone, far away from The Whoville, due to his hatred of Christmas from his heart is two sized too small, his goal is to steal all the Christmas decorations to ruining the holiday.

When the book became popular, its no secret that has to be an adaptation. There's the TV animated short by Chuck Jones and narrated by Boris Karloff in 1966, which despite it had a divided reaction, but it became a classic when it was re-aired. Fast forward to 2000, Ron Howard directed an live action adaptation with Jim Carrey as The Grinch, with despite the box-office success, but it got even more mixed reaction, some say its rather a pretty good story for the origin, but others felt Jim Carrey's depiction of The Grinch comes off as questionable, which im one of those people that im not a huge fan of this live action cash in.

Several years later, Illumination decided to making their own adaptation of The Grinch which i was anticipated to see it, even though many people was questioning since we already got Ron Howard's version.

"Dr. Seuss's The Grinch" is a 2018 animated Illumination film directed by Scott Mosier and Yarrow Cheney, produced by Chris Meledandri and Janet Heal and written by Michael LeSieur and Tommy Swerdlow.

Though i may not considered myself to grew up with Dr. Seuss stories, because i was more of comics and Disney films. But when i grew to learn about Dr. Seuss, i find all them are fascinated, from The Grinch to "The cat in a hat". But of course, this is not the first time Illumination done the adaptation of Dr. Seuss's story, the first time they've done is "The Lorax", which is easily the most weakest film ever made by the same company with Minions, so they made their second try with the most familiar character in the Christmas story.

So, with all that said, will this movie holds up for changing heart, or is it really make too much noise?

Well, lets find out.

The Story.

you expected that this movie could have original story like Ron Howard's version, right?  Well, it doesn't have anything special for this movie.

The plot begins where The Grinch travels to Whoville to gets his breakfast and humiliating the Whos and not before he's getting to much from Christmas that he's going to setting up his goal by stealing Christmas stuff and thats it. It feels like an extended version from the book, but with some unnecessary filler. But they did have a subplot, where little Cindy Lou Who and her friends working together to set up the trap to catching Santa Claus, mainly because she really wants to see him, like any kids believing. Plus, it also has a plot development to know why The Grinch hated Christmas, which happens when he was young in orphanage that he has no Christmas for him, but execution is vague that we asked so many question for why he's left abandoned or where are his parents, are they did or left to another world? Despite the major flaws, the most common meaning about this movie, was the heart for holiday, which it make sense that if we hated back then, maybe it could change our feeling, especially some moments are touching.

As for the jokes, although some of them did made us chuckle, but others aren't as funny that we have never expected, especially the one that they obviously took the joke of goat scream. Come on, Black Panther did a better meme joke than what we have here!

The story itself is unfortunately nothing special, just add some filler and some small subplot and vague backstory to making an extended version of the book. Even though it has an interesting meaning, but nothing new.

The Animation

Though im not considered myself as a fan of Illumination, but i have to give a credit like "Sing", the animation itself is actually pretty good.

The backgrounds are nice work with the mountains surrounding with snows or even decorative and colorful place of Whoville that it looks like it was done in gingerbread house, since its obviously made in Christmas, especially the color pallets, textures and the quality looks impressive.

As for the character designs, despite some criticized they looks like a typical concept of Illumination, but i don't think its that bad, i find the designs are above average, sure Max's design looks like something straight out of "The Secret Life of Pets", but i digress. The Grinch design looks pretty cool that he might looks similar from the book version, but im not sure if i called it better than Chuck Jones's version. And there's the Whos, although i find some of them are rather mixed, the designs themselves are nice, but i don't like they give them a random hairstyles, its good at first, but other times some of them are running out of ideas.

But probably the best part of the animation, it has to be the climatic stealing Christmas decorations, this one is easily the memorable part, but far more creative, thanks to The Grinch's gadgets to stealing all the stuff, and some of the choreograph is also pretty good. I guess its no wonder why we like to see the climatic scene in movie.

While Illuminations's animation of The Grinch looks outstanding, but sometimes they have some lower ideas.

The Characters.

Im sure you guys are familiar with characters in the book like The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Max the dog and... Thats all there is. But with this movie, you expected to have a new casts for new development? Sadly no.

Lets started with The Grinch himself (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch, aka Dr. Strange in MCU), he's basically a neutral in the story, he started as a grumpy and mean at the Who's for the humiliations, but he may also has a sympathetic figure due to his tragic origins, but then again, i was questioning why he's left all alone. I have to admitted, its a nice extra character development in this version, but at least its better thanks to the nicely fitting voice from Benedict and even better than being an over-the-top depiction from the live action version.

As for his pet Max, he's just... Well, a dog, but more of a loyal dog. But they also including Fred the fat reindeer, who's just a generic fatty character for a small appearance. Yeah, i think Max is more likable than Fred...

Then we have Cindy Lou Who (voiced by the young Cameron Seely), unlike in the book or the TV short who's just a curious girl. Here, she's basically kind-heart little Who girl that she cares about her mom, since she's overly busy. I find her to be rather cute when she shows up, despite of her goal of capture Santa in the night. Though i understand that they wanted to make more of her, because of her pointless filler and her generic kid who likes to see Santa, she's rather an ok little girl. But of course, Cameron did a nice work of her role.

As the other Whos? Well, they're rather limited than Cindy, like Donna (voiced by Rashida Jones) who's an overworked mother, but at least she's not as dumb as "Lou Lou Who", and Bricklebaum (voiced by Kenan Thompson), who's like a next door neighbor with big decorations. But sometimes some characters has a questionable names, including some of Cindy's friends such as Axl (like Axl Rose?), Ozzy (like Ozzy Osbourne?) or even Izzy (like Izzy Bizu??).

And you're probably wondering who's the narrator of the movie? Well, surprisingly it was Pharrell Williams, the same music artist with "Get Lucky" with Daft Punk, his single "Happy" and as a judge in "The Voice", not bad.

The characters in this movie are obviously limited, though they have some new developments, but would've give us some new casts to extending the movie.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, Dr. Seuss's The Grinch is rather an ok film. The story feels like an extension film from book, the animation looks pretty nice and the characters, despite some are good, but they're probably limited, since it mainly focus out titular character. This is the film that its ok to show it for kids and im pretty sure they'll easily like this movie. For my recommendation, its a mixed bag, i mean you can see it if you're openly curious that you haven't heard of Dr. Seuss or a fan of his work, if not, well, i'd say stick to the book or even Chuck Jones's version.

And do i think its better than "The Lorax"? I'd say yes, where "The Lorax" although it had a nice animation, but the story is waste of space, a song with nice beat but with bad lyrics and the characters are either obnoxious or forgettable. While The Grinch is an alright film to adapting from the book. Its not bad, but nothing special.

I give this movie a 5.5/10.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review: Bohemian Rhapsody

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review.

As a kid to a teenagers, i enjoyed listening some old school rocks from late 60's through early 90's, the most notable that i remembered is ACDC, its like my childhood favorite band that i though they're from USA, but in reality, they're from Australia. But there's another group that i also remembered is Queen.

Queen is one of the most famous British band we've ever heard from the 70's to the 80's for their ground breaking song that we heard a lot in the radio, especially for the lovable signer named Freddie Mercury for his wonderful vocal voice and even wrote his famous songs like "We are the champions", "Don't stop me now", "Somebody to love" and the most recognizable one "Bohemian Rhapsody". He's been his group since 1970 and he sometimes doing his own solo career with his own songs right before his tragic death from AIDS in 1991, which he was tested positive or negative to reveal he was diagnosed with AIDS, but he kept in secret, but his long reveal til he died too late. It is no wonder how anyone from the past will always remember about Freddie and even creating a charity to fighting against AIDS/HIV.

And so, it is no wonder il talking about a movie based on the true story of the origin of the band Queen and Freddie Mercury's life.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" is a 2018 Biographical film directed by Bryan Singer (but replaced by Dexter Fletcher), produced by Graham King and Jim Beach and written by Anthony McCarten and Peter Morgan (for story).

At first, when i noticed that they're gonna make a movie based on real life about Queen caught a lot of surprise for me and Queen fans as well that we like to see how it goes. But during the development, it had a difficult time where Bryan Singer wasn't so nice at fellow members and casts with arguments and absence, as a result, he got fired for the problem and got replaced by Dexter Fletcher in order to finish the project before the deadline. Which it might be concerned how the movie goes after Singer's controversy.

So, with all that said, will this movie live up of real life, or its just fantasy?

Well, lets find out (Just to give a warning, they're might be a spoiler, so Spoiler Alert)

The Story

For the story if you like to how it looks like in the origin and life Freddie, i find it to be not bad, but it has a probably for the history.

It begins where Freddie was born as Farrokh Bulsara (since he's a Indian-British), he was working in the airport baggage from the college, when he went to a nightclub with a short-lived group called "Smile". After a former member Tim Staffell left the group for decline, Farrokh meets fellow members Brian May and Roger Taylor that he wants to join group with an extra member name John Deacon to forming their group called "Queen" and he legally changed his name to "Freddie Mercury" that we all know and love. Freddie meets a girl name Mary Austin that they're dating together, and Queen's first album was the first success. As time goes, Freddie wrote a song in six minutes known as "Bohemian Rhapsody", which despite it had a divided reception from the lyric, but it was a smash hit. Unfortunately, the relationship of Freddie and Mary won't last very long with a break up, due to the fact that he's gay when he had affair with his man name Paul Prenter. So Freddie while in solo career, he's gonna make his decision whether he's going back to his group or probably fallen from the grace of his business.

I find the story itself it quiet interesting to show us the origin of our favorite British band and the life of our favorite late singer for newcomers of old school rocks. The downside i kinda have is that the movie mainly not focus about the group, it mainly focuses about Freddie's life of his writing songs and a love triangle between Mary Austin and his manager Paul Prenter, which i find the subplot of love triangle is easily reasonable for why Freddie is gay.

However, since they're trying to follow the history, but it ended up with a tripping down by shoe laces from an inaccuracies.  For example, the formation of the group was not simple, but as presented, which is pretty vague, but in reality, he created regal and gay connotations in order to make a strong name for British audiences. Then there's after Freddie doing his own solo in the 80's, he wanted to have a reunion with his bandmates and his friends Mary Austin and Jim Hutton in Live Aid, when in reality, the reunion has nothing to do in Live Aid, they joined in for the audiences to fighting against AIDS in Wembley Stadium. And last but definitely not the least, was Freddie's diagnose of AIDS. In the movie, he learns that he was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 (before Live Aid), but it really never happen until 1986 when he was reported for a blood test until Jim reported about it one year later, but Freddie denied by saying it was tested negatively and kept secret from rumors.

Despite the problem of inaccurate moments, but the story is not bad that for introducing us for the formation of Queen and Freddie Mercury.

The Production

Though we expected to see some beautiful work of the movie, and they did a pretty good job.

For starter, the filming location  is actually accurate to see where we're follow, especially where Queen started in the old house then bought the mansion, thanks to their hits, which is a nice evolving of their popularity. Plus, i like their recording studio in their old house, during the recording of "Bohemian Rhapsody", especially it had some funny moments like the tone from a signing to be high pitch.

But what it makes it beautiful work is the cinematography, it looks so good for a shots in many places from the conversation of the studio or in the party to the concert. The concert scenes are amazing and colorful in the same time, and the filming of Live Aid is so good and it feels like a highlight of this movie, just like in real life "Live Aid" that the Queen's concert is the best part in 1985.

And of course, lets not forget about the songs, its no surprise that it was like a remake songs in order to be like the original ones, and i think they did a good job, since Brian May and Roger Taylor are working as creative and musical consultants. But the issue is that Rami Malek (who played Freddie Mercury) is an actor, not a singer, the only to solving it is the inserted vocal stems from Queen and brought a Canadian version of Freddie name Marc Martel. Though i never heard of Marc Martel, but he's easily surprised us for his beautiful voice of singing and i think he did a good job for his covers.

But like i said before, the movie had a difficulty development from Bryan Singer that he was absent many times from after Thanksgiving or "personal health matter", and it got a lot worse that he was clashing at Malek for his horrible attitude while filming and it is no wonder he got fired and replaced by Dexter Fletcher in order to finish the project positively. I guess it explained the reason why Bryan Singer was hated for not just his mistreatment in filming, but also the sexual abuse as well.

Despite the controversy, they did a good job for the presentation of filming and musicals as well. Especially the Live Aid scene really touches me that i was close about to cry emotionally.

The Characters

Im sure some of you fans of Queen are familiar of the members themselves, but it also add more characters for the true story. But i find the casts are quiet interesting.

First up as we all know is Freddie Mercury (played by Rami Malek), i find his role and his look is a nice casting for him, he's depicted as flamboyant lead member in the stage for how cool and handsome he is for his style, when in reality, he's a very shy and retiring that he didn't like to know at anyone, especially for the interview that he was considered a "different person", which we all know that his secret that he's gay. Despite his shy personality that we might understand, but we can all agree Rami did a great job of his leading role.

Then we have Freddie's former girlfriend and a true friend name Mary Austin (played by Lucy Boynton), as we all know, she's a love interest of Freddie in the story that they're developing together for their relationship. And like we all know, the relationship between her and Mercury wasn't that easy, due to his sexuality that resulting a break up. Despite the drama, she also have a sympathetic figure that she wants to see him again when she's pregnant, which it sadly understandable for Freddie, that he wants her as a friend. But to be fair, i can say Lucy did a nice work of her role.

As for the members, though i may not familiar with some of them, they're pretty cool look and a nice cast for Ben Hardy as Roger Taylor and Joseph Mazzello as John Deacon. But one i think who's also likable is Brian May (played by Gwilym Lee), not only he has a unique look, but also pretty good personality that he's calm, somewhat charming and well-respective guitarist of the band, which i think Gwilym is also did a good job of his role.

As for the rest, they're used for the story for Freddie's relationship like Paul Prenter (played by Allen Leech), who's not only a manger, but also Freddie's gay friend for affair, Ray Foster (played by a fallen comedic actor Mike Myers) who's an EMI executive, but loosely based on the real life EMI chief name Roy Featherstone and Jim Hutton (played by Aaron McCusker), who's Freddie's next love interest, but the downside is that he was hairdresser who met him in the nightclub in reality.

Despite some characters are also have inaccuracies, but the characters are quiet good for not just the look or the depiction, but its the casting whether they fitting nicely. Especially with Rami, he kicks ass of his main role.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, since "Rush" is my favorite film based on true story, but Bohemian Rhapsody is a pretty good film with an ok story, a wonderful presentation and the characters are pretty nice to see on the big screen. Even though the movie was suffered of incorrect history for Queen fans, especially the AIDS scene, which is an easily point out of criticism.

Despite the botched writing and a nightmare development with Bryan Singer, it had a mixed reaction when it came out. For me, i don't think its not that bad, inaccurate aside, but its really nice to see the movie about Queen in the big screen, especially my father and i watched the movie together and we had a great time. This is the film that i recommend to watch it if you're a fan of Queen or even your curiosity. If not, well, just stick to the documentary about the group and Freddie himself.

So for that, i give this movie a 7/10. Go watch it if you want.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review: Halloween 2018

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to the final part of my movie review of Halloween special.

Well, i've done talking about a ventriloquist gone mad for haunting Halloween and a former reporter became a host from the Symbiote, we're reaching one genre that i haven't covered, Slasher movie.

Over decades, we're familiar of horror films with classic monsters, as time goes, many people in Hollywood or in indie films are making horror films in violence level, like Psycho in 1960, Night of the living dead in 1968 and few more in the old days. But then we have Halloween in 1978, this is the film that it gave birth of slasher genre and it is no wonder why it became a horror classic. But like we all know, its rather debatable that there's Black Christmas in 1974 that it may considered as the first slasher, but i digress.

For Halloween, not only it became the most successful horror film (since it was done in low-budget about $300,00 or $325,000), but also made an inspirational slasher films like "Friday the 13th", "Nightmare on Elm Street" or sometimes make fun of cliches like "Scream". Though if you ask me about the Halloween sequels, well, it went alright to S***. But don't worry, im not talking about those crappy sequels, there had been a reboot sequels like H20 in 1998 and the one that il talking about today.

"Halloween 2018" is... Well, a 2018 slasher film that was written/directed by David Gordon Green, produced by Malek Akkad, Jason Blum and Bill Block, and written by Jeff Fradley and Danny McBride.

Like i said before, when it comes to sequels, its a different story that most of them are alright to god awful that we don't wanna talking about. Unless you counted "Halloween 3: Season of the witch", it had nothing to do with the series, since it was poor attempt of anthology series. After Halloween 6 that it killed off the franchise, it was rebooted with sequels like the mentioned H20, but ended up badly which it also killed off after "Halloween Resurrection" (aka "Halloween: Busta Rhymes vs Michael Myers"). Except for Rob Zombie's Halloween, because they're also a different story.

So now we have a second sequel reboot, will this movie holds up to bringing slasher back, or is this film really deserve to be watched in sanitarium?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

After 40 years when Laurie Strode was saved by Sam Loomis from Michael Myers, Michael was taken to a new facility and Sam Loomis had passed away. The podcasters Aaron Korey and Dana Haines entered the facility for the interview of Dr. Ranbir Sartain for what happened and then they attempt to talking at Michael about the past, but refuses to talk. Later on, they also going to interviewing with Laurie Strode, but failed for bribing that she kicked out, since she's suffering PTSD after 40 years that she wants revenge over Michael. Meanwhile after the bus was sabotaged, Michael is escaped and murdered podcasters and some clerks in gas station, he wears back his classic outfit and going back to Haddonfielf, Illinois for killing spree and even targeting the Strode family, its up to Laurie has to save her family before the shape kills them.

Though its rather an interesting way to make a sequel of the first Halloween, ignoring all previous installments (especially without the mention of Michael Myers's survive from the fire, which is ridiculous that its more deader than gun shots.), i find the story feels more of a typical vengeful from the past, its like have we heard it before? Not only that, the movie also goes to a subplot to introducing Karen and Allyson, it may sounds interesting for them, if they could've give more development. Accept for Karen, but we'll got the characters later. And you're probably wondering about the plot element of babysit? Well, it has that, but it was only use for second act and thats about it, which it kinda feels like a filler. But the most unnecessary part is the party scene for a Allyson and her boyfriend, i know it supposed to give a character development, but does this have to do witht he plot? Nothing, its probably an obvious filler.

The story itself is nice for sequel of the first Halloween, but it would've been better for good development for maybe more backstory and possibly avoiding cliches. 

The Production

Since this is a horror slasher film with between 10 or 15 million dollars of budget, i find the presentation of this film is actually pretty nice.

At first, when i watched it, i was expected that it was filmed in California, but in reality, it was filmed in Charleston, South California. Kinda disappointed, but not a bad filming location of small town, gas station, woods and even Laurie's guard house. Speaking of Laurie's home, i find it to be pretty cool, like it has a secret room underground with guns and other stuff, the other room has a module of Myers's house and even trap doors. Its almost like she's putting traps, but not an actual traps, but more of trap doors.

Since this is a horror slasher film, you're probably wondering about the body counts? Well, the body counts are kinda similar from before, but probably brutal. Especially some body counts shown whats happening, such as the scene where the shape smashes a victim to the wall, stabbing a victim through the throat or even where he opens his hands that he drops several teeth, which my only guess he brutally killed one victim by tearing off teeth, right?  And for the mask, its pretty obvious his mask remains the same as we all know and love. The mask was done in life cast to make it looks aged and weathered, i find the mask itself is nice way for continuation after 40 years to make it looks dirtier and maybe more disturbing.

However, since the presentation of cinematography looks pretty nice and slightly disturbing, but sometimes it gets too dark. I know it was supposed to have more suspenseful in the dark, but its just that sometimes we may barely see anything for whats happening, especially through the night. I know it maybe unnecessary for nitpicking about dark cinematography, but thats just my own problem since i watched Godzilla 2014. But probably the most annoying part of the movie (for obvious cliche) is the use of fake jumpscares, i mean we're building up to see what's going on next like the attack or even the reveal body count, but sometimes it used out of nowhere like some characters randomly appears in front of main characters or even cheap pranks.

The production of this movie is pretty good and kinda nostalgia, even if some parts of presentation might have some flaws.

The Characters

After 40 years, we expected to see how our old characters have a new development and the new casts?

For starter, we have our famous protagonist Laurie Strode (played by Jamie Lee Curtis), from before she's student and being called for babysitting Tommy that we all know, she's somewhat independent and nervous. In this year's sequel, she's suffering PTSD over Michael Myers after decades, which it droves her very mad that she wants to kill him. I find her changing persona actually works that we're rooting for her that we like see her beating up at the shape, its like H20, but at least she didn't change her name.

As for Michael Myers (played by Nick Castle for minimal of acting and James Jude Courtney for stunts), there's not much else to say, he's a silent murderer who's targeting at Strode family his reason of pure evil. Unlike in final act what we see the villain's face, you can see his face a bit from the first act. when we saw his face (don't miss it if you blink), he looks terribly aged since he's been in sanitarium. Though there's some subplot that he said one word, but that didn't happen, which totally unfair that we like to hear it, but then again, he's a silent killer.

And you're probably wondering about Sam Loomis that most characters mentioned? Sadly, he didn't make appearance, which we all know he's famously played by Donald Pleasence. However, he was written off as a mentioned character, because Donald was passed away in 1995 (the year of my birth).

As for the new casts? Well, they're rather bellow average to describe them.

For starter, we have a new psychiatrist named Ranbir Sartain (played by Haluk Bilginer), he's a replacement from Sam Loomis, though i find him to be not bad, but he's not as great than Loomis for interesting lines and his appearance slightly small. Though Haluk did a nice job, but again, Ranbir wasn't feel believable as Loomis.

Then we have Karen Nelson (played by Judy Greer) though she's rather a typical mother, but she did gave her character development from the past that she was dealing with bullies and trained herself, its a nice development, but why can't she joined her mother Laurie for a fist fight against Michael, i guess she's been aged that she doesn't want to break her wrists. But to be fair, i might say Judy did a nice work of her role.

As for Karen's daughter, Allyson (played by Andi Matichak), though im assuming that she's supposed to be the next Laurie Strode in the movie, but she's rather a lame character. She's just a generic girl who sees a boy to fell in love, before walked away from early cheat. Talk about the most cliche development ever. Though Andi did alright, but her development is forgettable.

As for the rest, there's aren't anything to say, which if you've seen most of slasher film, most of characters has a typical personalities and do like any teenagers do, smoking pot, drinking and sexing. But those are like golden rules that if anyone does that, they'll be killed off.

Unless there's one kid that i think he's smart is Julian Morrisey (played by young Jibrail Nantambu), despite a typical kid, but he's probably knew the babysitter Vicky (played by Virginia Gardner, and not to be confused with the one with a same name from "The Fairly Odd Parents" show.) does like any teenagers do. Which Spoiler Alert, Vick is obviously a body count from the shape.

The characters are rather bellow average with some characters is nice to see them again (like Laurie and Michael), while the new casts had some nice development (like Karen), but others are forgettable or even ditsy as the first Halloween, but at least some characters didn't overusing the word "Totally" for drinking game, otherwise il be dead from alcohol poiso-- Oh wait, im not into a alcohol drinker.

And now for my final opinion of this film
Overall, "Halloween 2018" is a welcome return to celebrating 40th anniversary, but i don't think i would call it a best sequel, with the story is interesting, but done before, the presentation is pretty nice, despite of darkness cinematography and an annoying jumpscares and the characters are fifty-fifty with reprising role and some new characters aren't as interesting.

Though some say is a pretty good film for bringing back the old slasher since 1978, but others believe its a chasing in of the franchise. For me, again, its a nice return, but would've been better what we like to see. If you're a fan of slasher or Halloween series, i'd say give this one a watch, if not, just stick to the original one. But to be fair, the box-office was success that it was already announced to make a sequel and there's a rumor about the return of "Friday the 13th", thanks to the success.

I give this movie 6.5/10.

So this concludes of my Halloween special of movie review,  if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out and Happy Halloween everyone.

Movie Review: Goosebumps 2 Haunted Halloween

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review in Halloween Special.

From three years ago, i talked about Goosebumps the movie, which the horror children stories is considered famous for some scary story and some bizarre one. When they adapted to the movie, it was pretty original and i liked it.

Looking back, i find it rather not bad, its rather above average that despite originality concept, but would've been better for some characters and a quality effects. Ever since it was successful, its no surprising that they're gonna make a sequel Mr. Stine has to dealing cursed books again.

"Goosebumps 2 Haunted Halloween" is a 2018 horror comedy film directed by Ari Sandel, produced by Deborah Forte and Neal H. Moritz, and written by Rob Lieber and Darren Lemke (for story).

Like i said, i wasn't grew up with these books as a kid, but i remembered saw these from my old school that i picked a random books of Goosebumps for my curiosity read. And after three years, Columbia came in to taking over for a sequel after Village Roadshow Pictures made a first one.

So, with all that said, will this movie will make a fun spooky sequel, or is it deserves to be banished to the book?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

It started with a girl named Sarah who's on attempting to going into Columbia University for her short story, while her young brother Sonny was doing a science project about Nicolas Tesla's tower. But one day, Sonny and his best friend Sam going on for a treasure hunting from the abandoned house after their phone call, once they're picking up trash in their box, Sam founds a chest that it only has a book, once he and Sonny opened the book, they unexpectedly notice a dummy name "Slappy" is out of the book secretly comes alive and his goal is to bring Halloween to alive for rampaging the village, its up to Sonny, Sam and Sarah to stop Slappy with a book once and for all.

Although its a not bad story for Halloween, but the biggest problem is that the story is recycled from the first movie for the same story, but slightly different. In the first film, its about the creatures from the book comes alive, here its Halloween theme. From before, we expected that the sequel should be even more original like maybe about a another new story for the book, but nope, they ended up being unoriginal by suing the same story element from before. But it may home some subplots, like where our heroes has to save Sarah and Sonny's mother from Slappy or even calling R.L. Stine for help.

Though the subplot are slightly good, but it just that the story is just unoriginal, it feels like the first film, but with Halloween theme.

The Production
For the presentation itself of the movie, its like you borrowed the same work from the first film with of course, Halloween.

Obvious aside, at least its rather nice looking. The location is like before with village, small town and forest briefly. Not only them, but also an abandoned tower from Nicolas Tesla, not bad, even though its like a typical mad scientist castle, but more modern. And like before, it takes place in a very long night, even though its a one in a half hour film.

As for the monsters, though Slappy was done in traditional puppet, which is pretty cool and the design looks always great like the previous film or even the book. While the rest was all done in CGI by Sony Pictures Animation. some of monster designs looks pretty cool like living jack-o-lantern, a witch or Walter which im pretty he was done in motion capture. And some are over the top, like a giant spider made out of balloons. And the quality that some times are nice looking, but others feels rather video game-ish. But hey, at least their CG effect is a lot better than Hotel Transylvanian 3.

The production of this film is like before, but with some are creative design, but other wasn't as good looking.

The Characters
However, this movie didn't brought back some previous cast, it goes with new casts, but they're probably cliche.

First is Sonny (played by Jeremy Ray Taylor) is even though a main hero, but he's more like a nerd for a science project based on Tesla's story. But to be fair, i find that he's rather interesting than the previous main hero who's rather lame.

Next there's Sam (played by Caleel Harris), he's simply Sonny's best friend, but i felt that he's an under-developed sidekick. Though Caleel seems to be older to playing as a kid, but i did a not a bad job of his acting.

Then we have Sarah, Sonny's older sister (played by Madison Iseman), i find her to be rather ok, she started a typical sister who didn't care much, before she gets better, since she's getting started for her own story. Even though i find that despite nice development, but also a flawed character.

And finally, we have a main antagonist, Slappy the dummy (voiced by Mick Wingert). I find him a pretty cool character, he's like Goosebumps version of Chucky with supernatural power and plan to taking over with monsters. Sadly, Jack Black didn't reprise his voice of Slappy, instead it was Mick Wingert, which i find his role isn't that great than Jack.

Speaking of Jack, fictional R.L. Stine (played by Jack Black) returns in the movie, but sadly, he's a throw away character who appeared from second to third act, i mean he's rather a pretty cool fictional character based on real life R.L. Stine, but instead, he barely show up until he comes for a help, damn shame.

And the rest aren't much else to say, because most of them are pretty cliche, like Sarah and Sonny's mother Kathy (played by Wendi McLendon-Covey) who's a mother that she didn't know or care anything whats going on (typical mothers in various films...), Tommy (played by Peyton Wich) who's a generic bully that he has no purpose of the plot (sorta), Mr. Chu (played by Ken Jeong) is not only a typical neighbor, but he's also decorative (to be honest, i think he's rather a cool character, despite of lame name) and Walter (played by Chris Parnell) who's a love interest of Kathy, but being victimized to become an enemy.

The characters are slightly better than before, but they could've make a better development to avoiding cliche.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween" is a bellow average film, with recycled story, a nice presentation and rather a bellow average characters. This movie feels like they running out of ideas by using the same story then adding Halloween theme as an extra ingredient in order to make money. Though some of monsters and some characters are nice to see or rooting for, but i have like no other ways to say for positive note. I don't really recommend to watch this movie, but i'd say stick to the first movie or maybe stick to the book series. But if you're a fan of Goosebumps or even a fun Halloween film, i'd say its for you with pre teens.

I give this movie a 4.5/10. I don't recommend it, but at least this isn't a film that it made me wanna pull my hairs out.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

But tune it next time, we're reaching at the final part of my Halloween Special, involving a man in sanitarium who seeks revenge over a former babysitter who happens to be a lost sister...

Til next time.

Movie Review: First man

Warning: The following Review contains Spoiler. Readers discretion is advised.

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review. But this is not part of Halloween Special, but il promise that il going back at next Monday.

Anyway, when you're a kid, are you fascinated about science going to space, a planets or even a station? Well, im one of those since my childhood. Because ever since you like some cultures like Star Wars, Star Trek, Transformers and more. But in a very old days, there was real thing that they we can go to space for the first time since 1961 with the late Soviet name Yuri Gagarin. Though it made a big deal to going in space, but none can compare one of the most famous and the most talk about true story we've ever heard.

"First Man" is a 2018 biographical film directed/produced by Damien Chazelle, produced by Wyck Godfrey, Marty Bowen and Isaac Klausne, and written by Josh Singer.

Even though it said to be based on the book of "First Man: The Life of Neil A. Armstrong"

by James R. Hansen, but we're always believe this film was based on the true story about our late astronaut named Neil Armstrong who's the very first man for going to the moon. Although this is not the only film about a plan to the moon, such as "Apollo 13", nut in opposite direction where they wanted going to the moon, but didn't make it due to the broken oxygen supply and electric power as they struggling to going back to Earth.

So now we got this film that we ask our question, where did it began about the first man on the moon, is accurate or perhaps a poorly written film for cash-in?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

It started in 1961 where Neil Armstrong worked as a test pilot of  X-15 flights, but failed several times, causing him to be temporarily grounded, and his daughter Karen is sadly died shortly from brain tumor. However, Neil decided to joining NASA Astronaut Group 2 with his pal Elliot See, but four years later (1965), it went down again where not only the Soviet  Alexey Leonov done the first EVA Voskhod 2, but Neil lost his friend Elliot from T-38 crash. After the devastation, Neil and his pilot David Scott working together with Gemini 8 and it was successful, even though it had a divided reception, including his wife Janet. And finally the mission to the moon where Apollo 1 was supposed to be the first time, but failed from the electrical wire causes to light on fire and explosion in the cockpit, resulting a plan B for Apollo 11 with Neil and Buzz Aldrin and the rest is history.

Though il apologize for the spoiler, but come on, its simply predictable for the story to follow from real event. Anyway, i find the story itself is rather interesting to see where did Neil began before to the moon. The movie mainly focus on Neil's mission in NASA with Gemini 8 to Apollo 11. The direction of the movie is pretty nice for how it goes. Even though its a 2 hours film. But my nitpick of the film is a subplot of the Neil's family about his drama from the past and semi separation from his wife, which i know they want to see the reception of Neil's wife and the kids about the mission, but i felt that its kinda unnecessary and probably dragged on.

The story is how it goes that we like to know Neil's pre-mission of the moon, its simply good, but sometimes the subplot could be a bit too much.

The Production
Before we get the presentation, but we're going to take a little bit of origin. The development was started back in 2003 that it was originally to be directed by the legendary badass actor/director Clint Eastwood with Warner Bros, though this is not the first time he made a space mission called "Space Cowboys" in 2000. Unfortunately, that idea won't happened with Eastwood, that is until it was taken over by Universal and DreamWorks, especially with Josh Singer came in to rewrite the script of the story.

For the presentation, it looks pretty cool for how it takes place in 1960's, i mean it looks really nice with the 60's stuff around, especially with a recreation of Armstrong's home, even though the house is feels a bit modern-ish. The space scene like Gemini 8 is pretty intense which it might be obvious for the use of CGI, which it looks pretty cool for represent, even if its not a fan with some scene with Armstrong's training or even the spinning Gemini 8 scene for a motion sickness, like when i saw them, i was a bit dizzy from a lot of shaky stuff. Speaking of it, another nitpick of the film for me is the shacking camera, which is a pretty cliche development, which makes it even more annoying to watch. As for the moon landing, it was filmed on local rock quarry at night, which it is pretty hard to filming to pretend the characters are in space, but its a nice filming for a tricky effect. One last thing to say, the music of this movie is very nice.

Though the production is nice and beautiful looking, sometimes some of stuff feels like a rollercoaster of intensity in space.

The Characters
Though i like to give the info and my thought of the characters in various movies, but its rather a difficult story for this one.

First is Neil Armstrong (played by Ryan Gosling), he's likely the main focus of the movie that we're routing for his mission, especially he's famously know as the first man in the moon in history with NASA. For Ryan's role, i find he did a nice job and probably nice fit for his look. But hey, at least he deserves better than Blade Runner 2049.

Then we have Neil's wife named Janet Shearon (played by Claire Foy), though Claire might have a nice look and a not bad acting, but i felt that they use her a bit much for her reaction about the mission and the argument for what's happening, especially where she didn't realized about Armstrong's traumatic loss of his best friend and his dead daughter.

As for the rest, there aren't much else to say, they're a lot of characters, which like i said before, the movie mainly focus on Neil Armstrong, though it may have some characters for a team work, like Buzz Aldrin (played by Corey Stoll) for Apollo 11 and David Scott (played by Christopher Abbott) for Gemini 8.

To be fair, the acting is pretty good, despite for some moment with pause before the line, which i know its a dramatic biographical film, which they could've be a little bit realistic than slowing down, even for 2 hours long movie.

The characters aren't as much important for more info. But like i said, the movie is mainly focus on Neil himself that we can't wait to see.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "First Man" is good movie that i can say and its nice to see how it goes before the famous Apollo 11. The story is nice, the presentation is beautifully done, the direction is interesting and the casts are not bad. Even though the movie takes a lot of time before the moon mission, like Gemini 8 which it is pretty intense to see. Even if the subplot is a bit too much for the family and the shaky camera is probably annoying for intensity from plane incident to space mission. don't give me wrong, its pretty cool how it looks, but i don't want it too much for anyone with motion sickness.

If you're pretty curious where did Neil Armstrong began before Apollo 11, maybe this one is for you.

Il give this movie a 7/10. It may not be my favorite film based on true story, but its really nice to see how it depicts.

So this ends of my movie review, if you guys have your opinion or any suggestions, let me know at comment bellow and support me on KO-FI.com/blackevil.

Thanks for reading, and im Anthony, signing out.