Movie Review: Fighting with my family

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

Let me start off by saying that, i love Pro-wrestling, for over decades, we've seen a lot of wrestling shows that we like to see our familiar faces in the history, like Hulk Hogan, Sting, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, John Cena, Trish Stratus, Becky Lynch and so much more in wrestling businesses.

For movies about wrestling, its not easy to make a plot, which most of them about the obvious underdog or even difference between fiction and reality. They're some good like "The Wrestler" starring Mickey Rourke or some that are mediocre like "Ready to Rumble", a movie during the dying era of WCW (World Championship Wrestling) with an F minus grade jokes. However, there's one film that happens to be an adaptation of true story. Yup, we're doing another one.

"Fighting with my family" is a 2019 biographical sport comedy film written/directed by Stephen Merchant (yup, Wheatley from Portal 2 is also writing and directing) and produced by Kevin Misher and Michael J. Luis.

Even though this the film based on the true story about a recognizable female wrestler name "Paige", but it also said that it was on the documentary called "The Wrestlers: Fighting with My Family", though i never watched the documentary, but i was quiet curious and interested to see of our familiar former Divas wrestler for where did she began and her wrestling debut.

So, with all that said, will this movie will building up that you wish to be a pro-wrestler, or is it really a "Shoot" for a poor excuse to the fans?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

Since we've heard about wrestlers origin, we expected to have a nice and clean backstory, unlike some wrestler who used to wrestle in backyard. But for Paige, she has a nice and yet difficulty time before joining the main roster.

It tells where Paige started as "Britani Knight" in indie wrestling with her parents and her brother Zak Zodiac in order to bring more wrestlers to train for their promotion. Despite the promotion, they always calling WWE trainer Hutch Morgan to have Britani and Zak for tryouts, until he accepted before taping the episode of SmackDown on O2 Arena. In the tryouts with various wrestlers, Morgan chooses Britani as "Paige" (due to someone who already have a same name), leaving her prepared for going in US at Florida without her brother, causing her difficulty goal that she can't stop thinking about her family while training in NXT training. Its up to her whether she keeps training to WWE or giving up to stay with her family.

I find the story itself is was fascinating and rather too real, since we always like to training to be a wrestler, its not easy for doing by herself with the help of her brother or even the family, which she has no choice to find some new friend who's in training of wrestling like Jeri-Lynn, Kirsten, & Maddison (despite that they didn't have wrestling experience since some of them are used to be a model or a cheerleader). It also has a subplot that without Paige, we Zak went desperate to be in WWE, leaving him in depression with alcohol and probably went far for wrestling, which is rather understandable whether the company will ruining him or perhaps refuses to bring some random stranger. But the one thing that i like as a wrestling fan, is the plot element to be a pro-wrestler, i since i enjoy seeing some wrestling shows or even seeing indie wrestling, it is pretty tough to be an entertaining athlete that we're rooting for to be in either bigger indie wrestling or even wrestling shows like either WWE, TNA or even NJPW, it always got the attention for the dream that we like to be a wrestler, whether playing babyface or heel personality. Like in true story, i enjoyed watching wrestling shows like WWE or even indie wrestling on Christmas, i wanted to be a wrestler, but failed quickly due to my laziness, but i digress. One thing that they wanted to include is have some comedy, i find them to be pretty low brow and unnecessary for a biographical film, i did chuckle at time, but in the end, the comedy element is a waste of time since "The Chaperone". (Zing!)

But i have some problems, which is the setting, some inaccurate and missing parts, for example, the movie somewhat taking place in nowadays, due to the current stage of the shows like RAW and SmackDown Live, because her past taking place in 2005 to 2014, where she wrestled in independent with her family, then she went to "Shimmer Women Athletes" and finally picked up in development-territory called "Florida Championship Wrestling" in 2011. But the one im not proud for missing element is they didn't include her NXT women's championship reign in NXT before going to the main roster, which it would've been awesome that we rooting her, instead it changed to NXT live even with her and three female wrestlers. But some moment that im fine is the inclusion of The Rock himself, which in reality, he never met her before saw the documentary.

The story is pretty good and relate-able when it comes to be a pro-wrestler, but it had a problem with some inaccuracies and the missing elements.

The Presentation
Since this is a wrestling movie, you think that the production is rather simple and nice cinematography. But i find this movie looks pretty cool.

For starter, the filming location around in UK and in US. Though my guess is where they try to find the location for where did she began. The setting of wrestling show in indie are rather fascinated since most moments taking place on WAW (World Association of Wrestling) and indie wrestling school. But of course there's the WWE stage like RAW and SmackDown Live look rather fascinating, even though il miss the old times that they have a screen (called Titantron) above the entrance, but the downside is that as i mentioned, they kept the current logo and stages than borrow the old stages, since in 2014. But of course, the cinematography are beautiful show for showing the arena, the park and the action scene of wrestling and training.

As for the wrestlings, i always enjoy seeing some choreograph to show us some wrestling moves and some finishing moves, its entertaining and challenging if anyone likes to trying it in training, especially Paige's wrestling was performed by Tessa Blanchard.

The presentation are pretty good for say the least, since the budget was over $11 million, which it may sounds like low budget, but hey, at least they did a nice work.

The Characters
Since we follow the story, i can say the characters are fascinated and rather emotional for again, related for similar reasons.

Lets starts with Saraya Bevis, aka Paige (played by Florence Pugh), its is no secret that she's the main focus in the movie, despite of typical underdog, but pretty common that she started as a wrestling with stage freeze when it comes to her promo for the first time in NXT/WWE. But at least she does get better to be comfortable for her action, since as i mentioned, she can't stop thinking about her family, which her biggest weakness that we can relate for. But at least Florence did a nice work of her role, even if she may or may not look like Paige in real life.

Then we have Zak Bevis, aka Zak Zodiac (played by Jack Lowden), he's Paige's brother with flaws that he wanted to be in WWE, but ended up stuck on her own indie wrestling with his parents and married with his baby. Its understandable that he wants to wrestle with his sister, but didn't picked up after the tryout. Though Jack did a nice work for his role, but i careless about him, since Paige was my favorite Divas for the most part.

Then we have WWE trainer Hutch Morgan (played by Vince Vaughn), even though he's a fictional trainer in the movie, but i find him to be rather an ok character, even if he may have a sympathy to Paige, but he's more of a typical serious coach in wrestling. Though Vince did a nice work of his role, but like Zak, i felt careless that he's sorta like a main antagonist for his seriousness.

As for Paige's family, they're shown for not only their wrestling promotion, but also rooting for her, even if they're rather limited. Rowdy Ricky Knight (played by Nick Frost) is Paige's father that i can'\t help but looks kinda like "Giant Haystacks", and there's Sweet Saraya (played by Lena Headey) who's Paige's mother with messed up passed, though she has a nice hair style.

But the most notable one who's in the movie is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson himself, though he appeared as cameo, but his execution are pretty good, he's basically a semi-wrestler to giving the advice and gave a respect to Paige and he always "The most electrifying man of all of entertainment" that he uses his catchphrase that we all know in the "Attitude Era". They even brought some wrestlers like Sheamus and Big show, but they basically showing up on backstage purpose.

The characters are rather interesting, even if most of them that are rather average and careless. But at least The Rock's cameo is more fascinating.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall "Fighting with my family" is rather a pretty good film that i can say, the story is pretty good and feels real that, the presentation is very nice for the location and wrestling moments and some characters are rather good. Even if the story that despite its good, but it has an inaccuracies with WWE stage and missing plot element to follow her origin of her timeline and well some characters are limited and rather forgettable. But at least some wrestling moments are a lot fun and entertaining, which is exactly what WWE is all about.

If you're curious about Paige's origin or a fan of wrestling, i'd say check this out, for the most part. Otherwise, stick to 2008 movie "The Wrestler".

For my rating, i give this movie 7/10. I wanted to give it 8 if without the comedy and maybe an accurate moment, but its seven out of ten for me.

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: The Lego movie 2: The Second Part

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome everyone to my very first movie review of 2019! So after done talking about some movies in 2018 (which is a heck of a roller coaster), it is time to checking the first film of 2019, especially avoiding movies in January, but i digress.

From five years ago, i remembered watching "The Lego Movie", which i liked this movie for a fun adventure story, the setting, colorful presentation and some likable characters, since not only i love Hot Wheels, but i love Lego too since my childhood, its like my childhood dream come true after many years, but with a good execution. And so, they decided to bring it back for a sequel.

"The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" is a 2019 animated sci-fi adventure Lego movie directed by Mike Mitchell, produced by Dan Lin, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller (both of them also as a writers), Roy Lee and Jinko Gotoh, then co-written by Matthew Fogel (specifically story).

This is the film that i really like to see to figure out after the cliffhanging ending of the first movie (Spoiler Alert), and with a box-office success, it spawned into a franchise with spin-off movies (like Batman and Ninjago) a spin-off show with Unikitty and even an upcoming spin-off 4D film called "The Billion Brick Race" (which sounds like the answer of "Lego Racers" spiritual success). and this film came out closely the same time of the the release of the first movie, which it sounds like a 5th anniversary.

So, with all that said, will this movie holds up for bringing back the positive for "Everything is Awesome", or is this film deserved to be in disaster by Duplo?

Well, lets find out.

The Story
After the battle against the authority for freedom, you'll think that the story is gonna be different? Actually, yeah. Instead of fighting for freedom, its about trying to share together from different sides.

It picks up right after the cliffhanging ending from the first movie where a baby Lego brand called "Duplo" from Finn's sister Bianca wants to play it, causing Duplo went invading the city "Bricksburg" and probably ruining Lego universe. Five years later, the city turned post-apocalyptic wasteland "Apocalypseburg", where anyone went hardened and serious, but except for Emmet, where he always like to cheering up everyone, however, he has a nightmare about the end of the universe known as Our-Mom-Ageddon, but pretending it will never happen. But then, an unidentified ship came from other world of Lego universe named "Sweet Mayhem" who;s looking for the leader of master builder (specifically Batman, but not either Lucy or Emmet) in order to have a wedding with Princess Watevra Wa'Nabi from Systar System, by kidnapping Lucy Wyldstyle, Batman, MetalBeard, Benny the spaceman and Unikitty to Systar System. Its up to Emmet travels to the galaxy to teaming up with Rex Dangervest to rescuing his friends, once and for all.

I technically find it an interesting story, i like the idea to expanding the universe of Lego for which they belong, likely Finn's world "Bricksburg/Apocalypseburg and Bianca's world "Systar System", even if there's a subplot about dealing siblings went wrong that they need to share, rather than blaming each other, but i don't wanna spoil the rest for what's happening. Speaking of Subplot, they even give a backstory about Rex for why he turned into a badass hero and why he has an army of raptors, its pretty cool character development what he has. As for the jokes, they're rather 50/50, which i did laugh some jokes that they work, but others didn't work for same old gag and probably some obvious pop-culture reference.

The story has a pretty good setting and some expanding universe, even though it may or may not as fresh than the first one.

The Animation
As a fourth animated Lego movie, its no secret that the animation remains the same and it still looks good.

For starter, the animation is obviously done in CG for stopmotion style in Lego for the movements and the effects, its tricky that we though it was done in traditional stopmotion like Laika, but the stopmotion is done on CG. And of course, the animation of facials was done in 2D, which it nicely done how it feels, but again, pretty tricky with CG stopmotion. But unlike the first movie, this one is brighter and more colorful what they show us, including Systar System, it looks stunning, colorful and probably cute, since this world is like gear towards girls, i mean Lego was already made their theme for little girls, eh? Speaking of theme, the designs are pretty simple and even pretty cool, since this is Lego movie.

Not to mention, they even adding live action scene, but this time, they add more through out the movie from beginning to third act, which i find the live action sequence that despite it has to be on purpose for the story, but i kinda didn't care pretty much, unless it has a heart moment in the live action sequence.

And lastly, they also add more musical moments in the movie, while the first one only has "Everything is Awesome" which is my favorite song of the film, this one has more than one, there's "Not Evil" is about where Watevra Wa'Nabi isn't posing a threat, but wanting to change the world, thanks to the wedding, "Catchy Song" is about a song that its too much upbeat that its gonna stuck in our head, i like this song that it feels more of self-aware that we can't stop thinking about it or even head-pumping, and then there's "Everything's Not Awesome" is the polar opposite that without Lego universe, it won't be the same, which i like this song too, because i like that they want to have emotional that we want more for fun and sharing, i mean when i heard it, i was nearly about to cry if we're losing the universe of Lego. And no, i didn't cry while watching a movie, i was just calm.

The presentation of animation is pretty good like before and the music are quiet fun and entertaining. Even though the live action are "meh".

The Characters
Though im sure some of you are familiar of characters in the first movie. If not, not only il give an explanation about them, but also my thoughts. but of course, the old casts may changed a bit and also introducing the new ones.

Lets start with the old casts, such as  Emmet Brickowski (voiced by my favorite actor Chris Pratt) is an everyday construction worker that he likes to have fun, building and the rookie of master builder. I find him to be a fun character for not just the personality, but also his humor and fun voice acting from Star-Lord himself.

The second main hero is Lucy Wyldstyle (voiced by Elizabeth Banks) is a female badass master builder thanks to her "tough as nails" personality and probably nearly steal the show for her actions and building plan. Even though i like Emmet, but i like her too, which i guess it explained why she's rather more likable than Emmet from the fans.

Batman (voiced by Will Arnett) is a DC hero turned into a master builder and probably a former love interest of Lucy. Although he maybe cool, which i guess it explained why he has his own spin-off movie.

Unikitty (voiced by Allison Brie) is a hybrid of cat and unicorn who likes cute and fun stuff from her playful personality, unless that she turns red in raging killing machine, especially growing bigger. I like her too for how cute she is, which like Batman, i guess it explained that she has her own show in Cartoon Network (but her voiced was changed to my favorite voice actress Tara Strong.)

Benny (voiced by Charlie Day) is an 80's spaceman that he wants to build a spaceship. Even though he's rather fun one, but not sure he's using as a hero for spaceship purpose, cause he seems to be out of place for only with jokes.

And lastly MetalBeard (voiced by Nick Offerman) is a robotic pirate who lost his body from Lord Business. Like Benny, not sure he's there for purpose. I don't know, maybe they like to show off the character to see how cool he is, i like the design, but not sure whether he's there for purpose.

As for the new casts, i find them to be rather fascinated, even if some are typical.

First is Watevra Wa-Nabi (voiced by Tiffany Haddish), a shapeshifter queen of Systar System for the love of Batman for wedding to change everything. I find her to be rather fascinated that not just her shapeshifting appearance, its where she wants to change the universe by brainwashing with songs and and her songs for her truth. Although she's a cool villain, but she's not as great than Lord Business from the first film.

Next there's Sweet Mayhem (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz) is a general mini-doll (probably Watevra's henchwoman) for the orders and i find her to be an interesting side villain. I mean i though she's gonna be the main villain, but 50%. I like her design that instead of typical cute mini-doll figures of Lego, they made her as a badass intergalactic mini-doll figure. But here's an ironic fact (spoiler warning!!!), when i bought the set with Wyldstyle, Sweet Mayhem and Watevra, the box clearly shows Mayhem's face, Lego totally spoiled her face reveal, which her face didn't shown until the third act. Aw well, at least she looks cool.

And there's Rex Dangervest (also voiced by Chris Pratt) is a typical badass hero to working with Emmet to save our main hero's friends. He's self-declared, tough and rather a cool guy. Here's another fact about Rex, he's actually a combination of Chris Pratt's characters like Star-Lord from MCU, Owen Grady from Jurassic Park series, Burt Macklin from the show  Parks and Recreation and Joshua Faraday from the 2016 remake of The Magnificent Seven. Even though he reference about Pratt's rumored role of Indiana Jones, not sure why he referencing it. Even though he maybe an interesting badass hero, but il easily stick to Emmet his fun personality.

As for the rest, there's aren't much else to say that they shown for purpose or even the gags like the derpy jester banana named Banarnar (voiced by Ben Schwartz) and Balthazar (voiced by Noel Fielding) who's basically a sparkled teen vampire, but i think he looks a lot cooler than the lame vampire hero named "Edward Cullen" from Twilight. Even though they may like to show more characters like Superman, three types of Wonder woman, Abraham Lincoln, Harley Quinn, Aquaman and a lot more on the list.

The previous characters are a welcome return that they've been changed a bit, while the new ones are either fascinated or even typical badass one.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "The Lego movie 2: The Second Part" is a good sequel i might say, it has an interesting story, some fun characters, catchy songs, a fascinating expending universe and the animation is outstanding like before. But does that mean its better than the first one, sadly no, because even though its a nice sequel, but we can all agree that its not as fresh than the first movie for some mixed bag jokes and the villain aren't as better than President Business.

But in fairness, if you're a fan of Lego and curious to see after watching the first movie, i'd say check this out if you want or not. Man, talk about a positive start for my 2019 movie review.

For my rating, i give this movie an 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: 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.