Movie review: Shazam!

Hey everyone, im Annie and welcome back to the movie review.

Ever since Marvel Cinematic Universe became a huge franchise for fun actions and likable characters, but what the heck is wrong with "DC Extended Universe"? DCEU is totally gotten worse as time went, not just of disappointing films what we have, but also nearly everyone are walking away such as Ben Affleck, Erza Miller and maybe Henry Cavill (since he's probably gonna get replaced by Michael B. Jordan). And so, we're very unclear if DCEU will still going, or maybe they're seriously need to be rebooted. However, since we have our next standalone film after Aquaman, we're hoping if DC could make something lighter than before, but it definitely does.

"Shazam!" is a 2019 DC superhero film directed by David F. Sandberg, produced by Peter Safran, then written by Henry Gayden and Darren Lemke.

Like i said, we've lost our hope and respect for DCEU for their disappointing films what we've seen (except for Wonder Woman), we would think if its gonna get bad right? Well, since we saw the trailer, it got a lot of attention that it looks like fun and going in lighter tone what it should've been. Not to mention, this project had a hell development back in 2000 and the film was supposed to include The Rock as "Black Adam", but that didn't happen, which Black Adam has to wait for either a sequel or maybe his own standalone film, since the project has been changed until what we have here.

So, with all that said, will this movie holds up if Shazam will rise in the light, or is Carol Danvers overshadowing him when he used to be named "Captain  Marvel" for infringing reason?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

With a movie about Shazam, you'll think that they've learn their lesson to know about our hero and something lighter? Well surprisingly, they've done right.

It started back in 1974, where a young boy name Thaddeus Sivana who's unexpectedly being transported into a different dimension known as "Rock of Eternity", where he met a old man wizard name "Shazam" who's the last wizard of the council of seven wizards. However, Thaddeus didn't know and curiously wanted to get an orb called "Eye of  Sin", but he was banished back to Earth, because he was deemed worthless. Fast-forward to present time, we introduce Billy Batson, a kid who's adopted by the foster family when he was being lost from his mother. After attempt to save his disabled best friend/brother Freddie from the bullies, he ran away to the subway, but not before he was also transported to Rock of Eternity where he meets a dying Shazam, saying that "Eye of Sin" was stolen from grew up Thaddeus Sivana where he not gain his powers, but also summoning seven deadly sins, the wizard gives his own power to Billy by calling the name into a superhero known as "Shazam". Its up to Billy to not only testing himself as a superhero, but also dealing against Thaddeus once and for all.

Even though its just another typical superhero story as usual, but the origin of Billy was started from sad to enjoyable as the movie went on. Especially for the Shazam's testing montage, it is quite fun and nice to showcase his powers. But what it makes this film good is that it has a lighter tone and a sense of humor, even though its odd that it takes place on Christmas(?), but it has better light tone than "Justice League" and of course, this film is funny as heck, especially when it comes to a montage, the jokes and even a silly nicknames to avoiding transformation (for obviously avoiding secret identity). Even if it should've been on the first place.

Even though the story is much like any typical superhero movies, but the execution are  much better for better light tone, nice direction and a fun sense of humor.

The Presentation
With a lighter tone, we expect the presentation of this movie looks fun with action and entertaining, well yeah.

The filming location is pretty nice, especially that it takes place on Philadelphia, with the poor village and the scene where Shazam and Billy sits together on the steps in front of Art Museum, i can't help but think "I sense the similar location of "Rocky" movie.". Aside Philadelphia, they also filmed in Ontario with the school, the shopping center and a generating station. In other words, this movie is 50% taking place in Philadelphia. Even though its the same location for taking place in DCEU.

As for the action scenes and the CG, it looks much more better than "Justice League" for the graphic detail, fight scenes and power effects. Even if some say it was the cheapest DCEU film ever made between 80 to 100 million dollars of estimated budget. The action scenes with montage and fighting are fun and entertaining in the same time, especially for the powers, they looks great, even if the smoke (which it summons the seven deadly sins) are a bit cheap. As for the designs of the seven deadly sins, despite they look pretty average what they appeared, but they they look pretty scary, especially with red eyes, geez they looks rather terrifying, even though they're appeared from either motion capture or even CGI.

And  finally, you're probably wondering my though of Shazam's suit? Well, it looks pretty simple what he appears, but it looks pretty good and kinda look faithful from the comic, especially with light of his logo on the chest and on his wrists, which obviously the suit has a battery on its back.

Despite it was considered as a "cheapest budget" of DCEU film, but i find the presentation looks pretty good for actions, the creepy seven deadly sins designs, Shazam's suit and probably a better detail of CG.

The Characters
Since this is a movie about Shazam, we expected that the characters are gonna be likable for their development? Well, they've done it better what we expected like Aquaman.

First is our titular hero Billy Batson, aka Shazam (played by Asher Angel for Billy and Zachary Levi for Shazam). As a Billy kid, i find him to be good, despite he's a bit emotionless, but at least Asher's acting is better than the kids from Tim Burton's Dumbo. But when he transformed into Shazam, Levi's easily steals the show for his fun and cocky role, you can tell Zachary have to playing as our titular hero. And for his abilities, he has powers based on immortal elders (along with combination of his name), "Wisdom of Solomon" represents intelligence, "Strength of Hercules" is obviously super strength, "Stamina of Atlas" means superhuman ability, likely invulnerability, "Power of Zeus" is of course, lightning power, "Courage of Achilles" means the power of will, and "Speed of Mercury" means super speed. Even though in my old time, i didn't care pretty much about Shazam, but as time goes, im started to liking him, he's not like my number one favorite hero in DC, but at least its the first time i learned about him.

Then we have Billy's best friend/brother Freddie (played by Jack Dylan Grazer), he;s also a likable character in this movie, despite being disabled, but he's a fan of superheroes, which we can see he collected various stuff from either Batman (like Batarang) and a crushed bullets from Superman's indestructible. And of course, since he first meet Shazam, he sorta act like a mentor to write down the list what abilities Shazam has and possibly teaching him for how to be a superhero. Even though he's a fan of superhero, Grazer is also did a great work of his role. Which obviously makes us wishing he could also become a superhero, right?

While the rest of the foster kids, they're not much else to say, but more likely the kids on token list, there's Darla Dudley (played by young Faithe Herman) is a energetic playful girl, Mary Bromfield (played by Grace Fulton) who's a den mother for the kids,  Eugene Choi (played by Ian Chen) is a gaming boy with the brain and Pedro Peña (played by Jovan Armand) a shy kid who doesn't want to be in trouble, but more best way to describe him in the words of Scott Steiner: "He's FAT!!" (Sorry...)

As for the foster parents like Rosa and Victor Vasquez (played by Marta Milans and Cooper Andrews), they're basically a parents for adopting five kids for... Plot development for Billy?

And there's the old wizard named "Shazam" (played by Djimon Hounsou, who previously played as Ricou in Aquaman), who's only shown in the first act as a plot device to Billy to becoming a hero as a last wizard of the council. Even though there's not much else about him, but Djimon did a nice work of his role.

And finally, we have the main antagonist Thaddeus Savina (played by Mark Strong), he's a bad guy wants revenge against Wizard Shazam for stealing the Eye of Sin for not only has give him powers, but also summons the seven deadly sins. Though he has a great power, but he's a typical ruthless bad who wants to taking over humanities with monsters. Even though he's pretty average for his personality, but Mark did a great work of his role, he has cool powers and probably a somewhat better villain than Carlton Drake from Venom.

The characters in the movie are easily better for their development, their personality and their fun acting.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, Shazam is easily one of the best DCEU film ever done, with good execution for the story, great actions and presentation and the characters are likable, including Zachary's main role of Shazam. Even though Wonder Woman did good, but Shazam easily topped over for better light tone, fun acting and it was also funny to watch. This is the film that again, what it should've been on the first place after all the disappointing films what we have. So, if you're a fan of DC superhero movie, i highly recommend to watch it, its a film that it won't disappoints. Go see it, my friend...!

Though, i wanted to give 10 for a perfect DCEU film, but it has some flaws with an ok villain and some of CG could be a bit of problem. So for that, i give this movie a 9/10.

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 Annie, signing ou--

*review ends with a phone ringing*

Annie: *grabs her phone* Yeah-hello?

??? (on phone): Are you Annie from other universe?

Annie: Yeah its me? What do you want?

???: Come to our universe, we need to talk...

To be Continued...

Movie review: Dumbo 2019

???: *grabs a phone* Hello? Yes, i just want to call to tell me what's happening here? You noticed too? Good god, i've never though that i saw one of my friend is like disintegrated of non-existence for like no reason what so ever and even everyone are in the verge of panic from the occurrence. Yeah... There's gotta be the way to bring nearly everyone back, but i don't know how we can figure out what to do. Ok, call me later when we found the plan. *hangs out and sighs* Well, i guess im gonna be replacement of movie review's host...!

Hi everyone, my name is Annie and welcome back to movie review.

From before, 2018 had a lot of superhero movies that some are great to watch, but others are either ok to bellow. But when we're in 2019, im might be concerned to say that Hollywood are going to releasing plenty of remakes of previous movies in order to appeal for modern viewers, which it might be an easy sign that they're definitely running out of ideas with their budgets, but Disney is one of them that they're bringing not one, but four remakes and i gotta review them, along with some others outside of Disney.

"Dumbo 2019" is... Well, a 2019 live action fantasy adventure film directed by Tim Burton, produced by Justin Springer, Katterli Frauenfelder and Derek Frey, then written by Ehren Kruger (also producing).

This was Tim Burton's revision of the 1941 animated film with the same name by Walt Disney, which this film was made when Walt had a financial problem following the release of Fantasia, since it was the time before WWII. So for some reason, Tim and crew members decided to cashing in that when we first heard about it, we're very skeptical for Tim's announcement, but it got a lot of attention from the trailer that maybe this could be original than being copycat from the 1941 version?

So, with all that said, will this remake will able to fly high, or is this film really humiliating with name calling like "Dumbo"?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

With this remake, its actually quite different what we've expected for the story and the setting.

It takes place in 1919, where a amputee of WWI and an equestrian performer names Holt Farrier return with his kids and his buddy ringmaster Max Medici after the war, but the reunion was too soon that Max's circus is having a financial trouble, which he was forced to sell horses and Holt's wife Annie sadly died from the outbreak of "Spanish Flu", which Holt was forced to taking care a female elephant that they gave her a name "Mrs. Jumbo". But one day, Hold, his fellow members and his kids Joe and Milly noticed that Miss Jumbo has a baby with strangely big ears, which they originally calling him as "Jumbo Jr". But when they brought for the performance of his debut, the debut went embarrassing that after an accident and his reveal, the crowd start mocking him as "Dumbo", causing Miss Jumbo went aggressive for his humiliation and ruined the circus, causing her to be taking away for dangerous reason, leaving Dumbo all alone with Farrier's family. But little did the kids know, they noticed when Dumbo sucks a feather, it gives him the ability to fly with ears. Its up to the Farrier's family and Max find out whether Dumbo is worth of performance or not.

Personally, im rather glad that they don't do a copycat of the original version to focusing with talking animals, because it will be considered as an abomination remake, which they mainly focus with the main humans to rooting for Dumbo, which im glad that they made the story different. Unfortunately, having a completely different story would've been better for the execution, likely it has an extra plot with an entrepreneur to bringing Max Medici and Dumbo to "Dreamland" for money, which it may sounds good idea, but its obviously predictable that we've seen or heard it before when entrepreneur is bad to make money, in the most cliche element of any films out there. But another problem about the movie is the lack of heart moment. Well sure, we do have some heart felt moment where Jumbo is being sold away from her aggressive nature and with the kids comforting Dumbo, but as the movie went, the heart element just ended lackluster. Though yes, we do have "Baby mine" moment, but it was short and it was on the first act.

The story is a good change, but most of the execution just comes off as a lackluster and probably predictable.

The Presentation
Since this is a Tim Burton's movie, you think the presentation itself will look great for art direction? Well, i'd say yes and no.

For starter, the story taking place in 1919 is actually good how it takes place, the filming location is wonderful shot and some of the setting of the circus and the attraction park called "Dreamland" are amazing and yet colorful, since this is a movie all about circus.

Another good presentation is the performances in the circus or even marching, whenever there's the play without Dumbo (perhaps),  it always enjoy to see, especially for the costumes, the way they shows and or even the tricks are quite fun and entertaining, i know sometimes some are done in CG, but some could be practical, even though they don't something cartoony way.

Speaking of CG, Dumbo himself looks rather cute, though i get they wanted to make him look as a real elephant for the detail, but sometimes it feels like they're trying to make him cute, but not for a big adorable eyes, which i find him a bit cartoony. And of course, they do brought back the infamous "Pink Elephant" scene, but the good thing about it as that at least they didn't make Dumbo being drunk, it was done by the performers with bubbles, but geez, the Pink Elephants are completely desperate to be like the original, but not for the modern CG that they look awfully cartoony, since they obviously using the element of squash and stretch and the detail is soo video game-lish. But sorry Burton, i stick the original Pink Elephant.

The the art direction is pretty good for Tim Burton with suits, performances and the setting, but some of the CGs are bellow average.

The Characters
Since the movie mainly focus with humans, you'll think that the humans will have a purpose and likable in the remake? Once again, yes and no.

First is Holt Farrier (played by Collin Farrell), at first, i though that he's gonna be the main human for the story and maybe helping Dumbo. But no, Holt is pretty much have no purpose but just came back from WWI, but missing his arm and caring about his kids and Max and thats it. Though Collin did a nice job of his acting, but his role is pretty much as a cardboard cutout.

Then we have Farrier's kids, Joe and Milly (played by Finley Hobbins and Nico Parker), even though they're replacing Timothy Q. Mouse, but im ok to having kids comforting Dumbo which in order to rooting for him and have a sympathy to relate. Even though the kids are rather 25% likable, but their development are underdeveloped, where Joe is an enthusiastic boy and Milly likes to be a smart scientist. but of course, their acting bellow they one are either annoying or even emotionless. Though im fine for kids with Dumbo, but the execution would've done better for extra development and maybe re-shoot.

Next there's Max Medici (played by Danny DeVito), he's ringmaster who's not only being boisterous, but also have a good heart to our main heroes. Even though he's also a character to struggling from financial of his own circus, which i think i like his development more than the original. But like Holt, he have not purpose for the plot. But to be fair, Danny DeVito did a great work of his role, since he's pretty much as being Danny DeVito.

Then we have Colette Marchant (played by Eva Green), a trapeze artist that despite being with Vandevere, but like the kids, she's also rooting for Dumbo at the time. Though despite she looks beautiful and Eva's nice acting, but again, like Holt, she has nothing to do with the plot.

And finally there's V.A. Vandevere (played by Batman himself, Michael Keaton), an entrepreneur and owner of Dreamland to exploit Dumbo and Medici's circus. Even though he's typcally depicted as ruthless and enigmatic bad guy, but Keaton's role is also pretty good for his delightfully evil. But il easily stick to his role of Vulture from "Spider-Man Homecoming", because i find V.A.'s character is despite being delightfully evil, but his goal of exploiting Dumbo for money feels like a tiring villain role list.

As for the rest of the characters, there's not much else to say, though sure it has some for the jokes and maybe a sympathy for Dumbo, but again, they're not much any specials what so ever. But hey, at least there's no crows for their controversial racial stereotypes of Afro-Americans.

Despite the acting are great at the times, but its the characters are trying so hard to have a purpose with Dumbo, but ended up as lack of development or even plain as a character left on the shelf.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, Tim Burton's Dumbo may have a potential for a different way, but ended up being tripped with some problems. The story is nice for the changed, but not for the lack of heart and the typical exploiting for money, the presentation looks pretty good for the settings, but not for some of bad CG and the characters that they have some interesting casts and acting (most of), but not for underdeveloped and waste of space.

Like i said before, it may have a potential, but ended up into problems when it comes to their execution of the humans or a different story. But since this is a Tim Burton's movie, i don't think its not bad or good, its rather pretty average. Its not the best remake like "The Jungle Book 2016" or the worst like "Ghostbusters 2016" Its just "Ok" level like "Death Wish 2018". So, i don't know if i recommend to watch this if you never heard of "Dumbo", otherwise, stick to the 1941 classic one by Walt Disney.

So, i give this movie is 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 Annie, signing out.

*review ends*

Annie: Huh, this is the first time im doing a review, but, im not sure if im gonna be a full on replacement from a man who's like me or something...

To be Continued...

Movie Review: Captain Marvel

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

For over 10 years, we have a lot of MCU films that they're introducing us for their origins and teaming up together to save the world and the universe. However, most of them are male as a main protagonist, though sure we have Black Widow, Gamora and Scarlet Witch, but they're like sidekicks. However, it was time to have main female protagonist with energy power that we've been waiting for before Endgame. And not to be confused with Shazam from DC comic.

"Captain Marvel" is a 2019 21th MCU film directed by directed/written by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, produced by Kevin Feige (like every previous MCU films), and co-written by Geneva Robertson-Dworet Nicole Perlman (for story) and Meg LeFauve (also for story).

Aside of Iron Man, Spider-Man, Deadpool, Venom or several others that i like, Captain Marvel is also my favorite hero, due to her flight skilled and her powerful energy, which some might say she's the most powerful heroine in Marvel, which it explained that she got shared by Mar-Vell before he died from cancer (man, even aliens can also diagnosed with cancers).

Unfortunately, the potential turned into concern, mainly because it was released theatrical, RottenTomaotoes.com had thousands of so-called review (known as "Review-Bomb") that they give a lower rating, which its almost like they're sabotaging the official website critic in order to make this movie look bad including harassing Brie Larson's performance, which is a total embarrassment from these toxic users on the internet, not to mention, RottenTomatoes.com has to do a clean up by removing every review-bomb from the toxic users. Like when i heard that, not only it made me concerned, but it also pissing me off from these man-child for their poor excuse for "Feminism". Absolute disgusting for their attentions, horrible...!

Enough of controversies, will this movie holds up for her grand power, is it suffers with memory loss to know who Carol Danvers is?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

Before we get started with our familiar heroes of Avengers, we're gonna started all the way back to the past in 1995.

It started where our main hero who's strangely named as "Vers" has a nightmare. Despite that, she's with her mentor name "Yon-Rogg" for training and also keeping her emotion safe from an organic A.I. name Supreme Intelligence. However, during the mission to saving Kree, Vers was kidnapped by the alien shapeshifters known as Skrulls with the commander name Talos, where they checking Vers's memory, but she managed to escaped, but ended up landing on old rental store "Blockbuster", meaning she landed on Earth. But when she landed on Earth, she meets members of S.H.I.E.L.D such as Phil Coulson and Nick Fury, which it got a lot of attention to her, but little did she knows, she finds something familiar that if she's an alien or a human name "Carol Danvers", its up to her to figure out who she is and whether is good or bad.

Though its a nice story development with my favorite hero, but the downside is the same plot element about a main hero who suffered an amnesia, though in fairness, maybe its kinda good story of suffering amnesia in superhero theme. Though it also tries to have a plot element about Captain Marvel's emotion based on her power, but the emotion weren't matter, since its all about the truth of her past for who she is. The movie as has a subplot about the Skrulls that they need their home, but i won't spoil whether they're good or bad. Since this is MCU film, it has a humor part, but once again, they're either funny to "Um, yeah...", which its more likely the funny dialogue that i like.

Though the plot is not bad that i can say, even if its a bit cliche about our main hero with amnesia. But the execution as a superhero movie and the prequel of MCU is nice for where we started.

The Presentation
Since this is MCU film, its no secret that the presentation will be a pretty cool for the actions, suits and setting, right? Well, i'd say yeah.

First, the filming location is pretty nice, even though its pretty tricky, since it takes place in the mid 90's, notably, bringing the old cars, trains and even old stores. Speaking of stores, its no secret it has product placements, despite its unnecessary, but at least its nice to have a nostalgia for anyone are familiar from the past like Blockbuster and RadioShack (Though im more familiar with Videotron than blockbuster). As for fictional like the ships and the planet Hala, they looks pretty cool as a futuristic world, even though its likely done in CG. The notable filming location is on Edwards Air Force Base, which i have to admit, its a nice place to show and an action scenes, even if filming in Air Force Base could be expensive.

Speaking of action scenes, its not secret that like we to see those, but the action scenes are only showing from the first and third act, since the second act is only about character development, which i understand for the story, but even though it kinda drags on as a 2 hours film.Anyway, the action scenes are pretty cool, with fighting in the train, car chases, the shooting against the Skrulls or even dogfight from either the sky or in space. and the effects of Captain Marvel's power are impressive for any action scenes, which like i said, it might be make sense that she's the most powerful heroine in Marvel Universe.

for the appearance, i find them are a bit mixed. First off, the suits are impressive for Captain Marvel and Starforce. The looks of Skrulls are pretty cool looking, especially they're also tricky for the effects where they shapeshifting. And lastly, they even de-aging the look of Phil Coulson and Nick Fury, which they look not bad at the time, like i though it was done on makeup, but in reality, it was done in computer which im not sure if it helped with the quality, but hey, at least they don't do something horribly cheap like "Justice League". Speaking of quality, they also using CG and puppet for a cat name "Goose", though it may looks nice, but other times it feels fake-ish, the reason for that, its because Brie is allergic from cats (Yikes...).

The presentation are pretty like any MCU films, though some CG are flat out forced like the de-aged characters.

The characters
Speaking of the characters, you'll think that they'll be another likable fellows in MCU? Well, i think so.

First is our titular hero Captain Marvel, aka Carol Denvers or Vers, ugh... (played by Brie Larson). Even she's my favorite heroine on Marvel, i find her to be pretty fascinating one, where we though she's started alone and being an alien from Hala for taking over the galaxy. Though she's considered to be believable for her truth and justice (not in America way, more like universe way), with her flaws about controlling her emotion. Despite her flaws, but she's an interesting character and Brie did an impressive role.

Next, we have young Nick Fury (played by Samuel L. Jackson), before becoming the director of S.H.I.E.L.D, he started as a  low level bureaucrat and without his signature eye-patch, which it sounds reasonable in 1995, despite his look was done in CG for his young age. Before becoming a badass and cool leader, he's a desk jockey and rather believer of superheroes when he first saw Captain Marvel. Despite his sub-par digital look, but at least Sam is always doing his best performance.

Then, we have Talos, the leader of Skrulls (played by Ben Mendelsohn), at first, you'll think that he might be the main antagonist of this movie, well, i'd hate to spoil it, he may not be the villain, but he's rather a fascinating shapeshifting alien being, he's somewhat buttoned up and laid back, though he may have a sympathy, due to the fact he and his race needs home. Though me may not be the best villain or not, but he's a not a bad shapeshifting being.

Next up is Yon-Rogg (played by Jude Law), though at first, he maybe a nice humanoid alien for helping our main hero, but he takes seriously on his way with Starforce, even though he's one of those good guy that we're easily predicting what he's done with. He's like Orm from Aquaman, but in reverse (kinda). Though Jude did a good role, but i find him to the forgettable as Carlton Drake.

And lastly, we have Mar-Vell/Dr. Wendy Lawson and Supreme Intelligence (played by Annette Bening). At first, i was wondering who's gonna be for Mar-Vell, but it was a female one in MCU than being a man in the comic, i find it to be bellow idea, but im kinda ok with it. Mar-Vell is sorta like a mother figure to Captain Marvel from the past that we're curious in the flashback, but unlike in the comic where Mar-Vell died from cancer, she died from a fatal flight crash. Although Yon got a lot of attention to making a Supreme Intelligence look after Mar-Vell/Wendy, which i though she was played by different actress, but no, its the same character based on her look. i'd say Annette did a nice work of her role.

While the rest are kinda important for the future, for plot development or perhaps for more members of Starforce, there's young Phil Coulson (played by Clark Gregg) who started as a rookie of S.H.I.E.L.D. before becoming high-rank member, Maria Rambeau (played by Lashana Lynch) is a long lost old friend of Carol, Korath (played by Djimon Hounsou ) is second-in-command mercenary of Starforce and Minn-Erva (played by Gemma Chan) who's a sniper of Starforce.

And like any Marvel films, Stan Lee appeared in cameo, which in fun fact, before the movie starts, it shows the logo of Marvel Studio with many clips and picture of Stan Lee, since its obviously a dedication when he died last year. Though again, this won't be his last time in his movie cameo.

While some characters are average for bad to good or even predictable, but some of them are likable that we're rooting for before the beginning of Avengers.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Captain Marvel" is a pretty good film as an origin of MCU, with good story, the presentation are fun with actions and suits and the characters are nice to see on the big screen, especially for our main hero. Though the plot could be cliche for amnesia element, some awkward CG moment and some predictable character, which i understand they're trying, but some executions are off.

If you're curious to see the origin or like to know about our main hero Captain Marvel, i'd say check this out.

I give this movie an 8/10. I would've give this 9, but i dropped to 8 for some flaws.

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, sig--

*review ends, but crash noise hearing by*

Anthony: Huh? *gets up to leave his house to notice that there's a car crash on the other car, upon investigating, the driver seat is empty* What's going on here?

Citizen 1: I... I don't know how i feel or something, sir?

Anthony:What do you mean? *sees a citizen was disintegrated* What the?? *sees a a cargo aircraft flies down and crashes with citizens in panic from explosion* you've gotta be kidding me...! *grabs his phone to call for help, but too late, sees his hand is disintegrated* Oh no...! What the F-- *completely disintegrated into dust of death*

To be continued...

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.