Movie Review: Sonic the hedgehog The movie

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

You know, ever since after my review of "Pokemon: Detective Pikachu", i was surprised that Hollywood will eventually learn their lesson for making a movie based on video, which there will maybe a new hope for their knowledge, right? Well, only time will tell for some if they're smart enough, but i digress. Anyway, after that, it was time leave Nintendo to their rival that we all know and love (or perhaps hate for which side you're in), Sega with their famous blue blur.

"Sonic the hedgehog" is a 2020 movie based game that was directed by Jeff Fowler, produced by Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara and Takeshi Ito, then written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller.

From very beginning, we used to have Nintendo's mascot Mario on the big screen, which it was anything but fun and faithful from Mario series that we all know and love, though today, it kinda has a cult following with some are ok for different universe or even a familiar late casts. But when it comes to Sonic, its been decades that we've been waiting to see the fastest blue hedgehog on the big screen, either an animated movie or even a live action film. But of course, when we saw the trailer or the leak, we witnessed that something went wrong before it was fixed, which il get the presentation later.

So, with all that said, will Sonic will rise for the best comeback after the bad Sonic games, or this film makes "Sonic 06" looks like a masterpiece?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

When it comes to the story, we expected to be something fascinating and maybe following somewhat similar plot of from the original games or something? Well, it feels like a typical category that we've seen before.

The plot is that Sonic was being exposed by the tribe of echidnas thanks to his energy of supersonic speed, which his teacher Lonclaw the owl forces him to going to Earth to be safe without causing trouble. Fast forward to 10 years later, Sonic grew up to enjoying his life on Earth, but couldn't help that he's all alone (despite can't stop looking at Tom Wachowski), he causes his own speed power that ended up creating EMP at  Pacific Northwest for power outage. Because of his horrific accident, Sonic was being targeted by US Department of Defense that they brought roboticist and genius scientist Dr. Robotnik. When Tom Wachowski first witnessed Sonic he's trying to keep him safe against Robotnik, but Tom was also being targeted as domestic terrorist. Its up to our heroes to not only save their lives, but also dealing with Robotnik.

Although its nice to have Sonic in the movie, but it fell flat due to the story itself is just plain unoriginal, its basically another movie with a different being enters Earth, causing trouble, becoming friend with a human, saving the land to solve the problem and thats it, like we've seen several times from plenty of films out there. Not to mention, the writing is a little mix, sometimes its nicely written that it has a reference of video games, like the location's name, Sonic favorite dish and some others, but the game's reference are rather limited. But sometimes the writing feels like it belongs to the outsiders of Sonic for the use of pop culture references. No offense for anyone who likes pop culture references, but its just a poor use and excuse for comedic moments, but if it works for nerdy films. Despite the humor is there with mixed bad, but the downside is it didn't focus on developments what we like to know, but at least it has a nice add of elements, like using a golden ring for portals and an average chemistry between Tom and Sonic for the most part.

Even though the writing is ok for the most part, but the story feels its been done before like we've heard before.

The Presentation

Despite the story isn't as perfectly written, but at least the presentation is looking nice and probably the main deal when we saw the trailers for comparison.

For obvious starter, when we first saw the early trailer, it's no secret that when we saw the early design of Sonic from leak to trailer,its one of the worst character design we've ever seen, which i kinda understand to make him realistic, but in reality, it just came off as a nightmare image of abomination and even very loose design what we like in video game. In fact it was so bad, they have to push the film on this year's Valentine's day for not just re-write and reshoot, but also redesigning Sonic to make him looks like he belongs into video game, and the result is a lot better what we've seen, like its as if they knew they've done this badly and accepting to listening our negative reception. At least they have acknowledge, unlike any films out them when some them cry like a baby for box-office like Hellboy or Charlie's Angels, but i digress.

Another fascinating part of presentation, its the action scenes and the concepts of Dr. Robotnik's technologies with robots and vehicles. They're also fun to watch, even though the use of Sonic's speed is use for the gags, but it works for the execution that it also use for his action with his special ability with energy. Then there's Robotnik's technology, although they look pretty cool what he came up with like drones, tank and other vehicles, but he would've add more ideas like creating robots from animals, but just that my nit-pick. The action between Sonic and Robotnik's robots are pretty impressive with fast pace and rather run to watch.

Lastly, the location of the film is not bad, it basically taken place in Pacific Northwest like San Francisco and a fictional location on Montana called "Green Hills", though i wish if the name should've been belong to Sonic's home world in the beginning than in US, but then again, that's just me.

Even though it has some flaws of presentation, but it looks pretty good and feels like a video game patch than what we saw before.

The Characters

However, some characters in the movies are very limited, but it does have some good acting and somewhat nice casting.

First is our titular hero Sonic the Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), I find him to be rather cool and somewhat cute in the movie. He's basically hip, curious, cocky and fun to live in Earth. Though despite he's the star in the movie, but my downside is that sometimes he could be annoying at the time with the obvious use of pop culture reference. Though Ben did a not bad role of Sonic, but he's not as memorable as Roger Craig Smith.

Speaking of big star, we have Dr. Robotnik (played by great comedian actor since the 90's, Jim Carrey), Even though i like Sonic for the most part, but Robotnik is easily the most likable villain of the movie, he's being genius, mad, genius and of course, he's funny as hell. Which is no secret we like to give a credit for Jim Carrey, he always love being a silly goofball actor, sure he had some films he had a good role in a bad movie, but with this, its pretty fun for him.

Then we have Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden), who's basically a policeman in Green Hills where he wishes to be in SFPD outside of small-town and a typical caretaker of Sonic. I find him also ok, even if he couldn't avoid of being a token caretaker of alien being in various films. Not to mention, is it just me or is this the second film where he's helping a CG character since the 2011 film called "Hop"?

and finally we have Maddie (played by Tika Sumpter), who's the obvious love interest of Tom that she's a veterinarian for taking care animals and...   Thats pretty much it. Even though Tika did a not bad role, but she's pretty much used as Tom's development for his girlfriend and again, thats pretty much it.

The rest aren't as much detail to describe, Stone (played by an unknown actr Lee Majdoub) who's Robotnik's agent, Rachel (played by Natasha Rothwell) who's Maddie's nagging sister, Wade Whipple (played by Adam Pally) who's GHPD's police officer and Tom's best friend and  Crazy Carl (played by Frank C. Turner) who's a conspiracy theorist about Sonic.

The characters are rather ok at the times with humans, but its pretty obvious that Sonic and Robotnik are the highlights of the movie, while sonic is good for the time, but Carrey's mad scientist role easily steal the show.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, "Sonic the hedgehog the movie" is rather a good movie based on the video game that i can say, some writing is ok, the presentation looks fantastic that it feels like a video game patch and the protagonist and antagonist are good to watch. However, its just that sometimes, the other human characters are either average to unnecessary and some writing and the story feels unoriginal that we wishes to be something creative.

Even though its not one of the worst movie based on video game, but it has a potential and its good like Pokemon: Detective Pikachu. If you're hardcore fan of Sonic series, i'd say give this one a look, otherwise, you'll be a little bit disappointed if it doesn't have plenty of video game elements that we all know, but at least Paramount tried.

For that, im gonna give this one a 6.5/10

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: Birds of Prey

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to the very first movie review of 2020.

We're in the new decade that after we had a rollercoaster of 2010 with some fun things and BS moments out there. So lets hope that the 2020 will be more positive than what we had in last decade, or perhaps in January 2020. So for my first movie review of 2020, its time to going back in DCEU where we reuniting a female former member of Suicide Squad.

"Birds of Prey" (also known as "Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn". Over titled much, guys??) is a 2020 DC superhero/Anti-Hero film that was directed by Cathy Yan, produced by Margot Robbie (Yup, not only she acts in the movie, but also producing the movie), Bryan Unkeless and Sue Kroll, then written by Christina Hodson.

Like i always said, DCEU feels like a desperation to competing against MCU for their universe and their characters with so much under-developed, some stupidity moments and focus on action than telling us. But as time went on, it seems that DCEU is about to be recovered with a good film like Shazam. Even though Suicide Squad is a bad film for several reasons, but the one that we like is Margot Robbie's performance of Harley Quinn, which is no wonder that she's gonna be a main role in this movie and got us so much attention when we saw the trailers.

So, with all that said, will this movie is gonna better than Suicide Squad, or is this film that Harley is driven mad in not the good kind?

Well lets find out.

The Story

With this movie starring Harley Quinn and some members of Birds of prey, you think that the story is gonna be an insane rollercoaster ride? Well, i'd say yes, most of.

The plot begins where did Harley Quinn started, where she started as a daughter who got abused by her father, later being adopted by the nun, graduate from the school working on Arkham Asylum that she fell in love with the Joker, not before he broke up on her, leaving her not only being taken by good elder Doc, but she's also driven psychotic that not only the break up from the Joker is still haunts her, but also turning into an anti-hero. So after that, Harley meets a girl named Cassandra Cain, who's been targeted by the club owner Roman Sionis (aka Black Mask) when she secretly pick-pocketing anyone in the public, including a serial killed Victor Zsasz's pocket, thus resulting everyone are scrambling for either get Cassandra or killing Harley Quinn with extras like Huntress, Black Canary and Renee Montoya.

Its a pretty fascinating story, even if its a little bit of a mess. Its just a typical escort mission for Harley to keeping Cassandra safe in order to asking her for the diamond from Black Mask without death threat. But of course, one thing that very surprised and kinda interested, is that film is sorta like a DC version of Deadpool, since Harley always to explain and even steals the show, which il get to her in characters subject later on, the writing is despite it has some fun humor moments, though sometimes it feels like it jumps back and forth what ever it does in case if we forgot to know or not. Which i know it tries to be like movie for being aware, but its rather messy to go. Though the movie may have a subplot with some members of Birds of prey, like the struggling business for Renee Montoya, a relationship between Dinah Lance (aka Black Canary) and Victor Zsasz for working with Roman and mysterious about Helena Bertinelli (aka Huntress), though its nice to having some of their original, but then again, its kinda all over the place.

The story might be good and fun, but its kinda messy for its execution.

The Presentation

Since this is DCEU's first R-Rated film, you think its gonna have a same thing as Suicide Squad, but more colorful and more violent? Well, its yes and no.

For starter, the location is pretty nice Gotham City, with small village, a party club and a marketplace, an abandoned theme park and a road. Though it may not as dark and Gothic what we like, but il admit, it looks pretty nice.

The costumes in the movies are a mixed bag in my opinion, some of the suits look pretty cool such as Huntress and Black Mask, while others are not as good that i expected, such as Harley Quinn, which for occasional times, she's doing a costume changes, sounds like she's a mix between Deadpool and Lady Gaga, eh? Though i think i agree that some characters deserve to wear the outfits that we all know from the comic like Black Canary, which she wears waay to casual.

But of course, since this is a superhero/anti-hero movie, what can i say for the action scenes, they're pretty cool to watch, but man it is a brutal fights with so many broken limbs, bloods and Dick shots. Though im impressed for the actions, but im kinda disappointed that they could've adding ultra violent with more blood and gore like Deadpool had, i know that im a sick person and nitpicking the tone when it comes to the violence, but i like action scenes with more blood.

Lastly, i like the point out that i love the effects with some hand drawn animation for a semi comic style and even an animation sequence of Harley's origin, but at least her origin's animation looks nice, cute and a lot better look than the cancerous TTG. (Come after and fight me for a controversial statement, guys!)

Even though the presentation may look impressive for the locations, effects and actions, but would've been better what we like to see for more violent or even the characters's costumes from the comic.

The Characters

After the Suicide Squad, you think that the characters will be likable what we like to care for? Well, it was rather above average at the times.

First is the return of Harley Quinn (once again, played by Margot Robbie), she has an interesting change from before, she's ranging from a beautiful member to downright insane in order to recover from Mister J's break up. Like she's basically goes into Deadpool mode for not just a brutal action or what she likes to do whatever she wants, but also a big deal as anti-hero protagonist for her actions and narrative. Aside of her wardrobe change that im not a fan, but man she has an interesting change, but i've nothing problem with, its no secret that we love Margot Robbie's role of Harley Quinn, she's done a great job of her role. Though i wonder what if Death Battle make a match/analyzing between Harley Quinn and Deadpool for their similarities.

Next we have Cassandra Cain (played by Ella Jay Basco), she's basically a character who has to be protected from the evil gang of Black Mask. I find her to be pretty average, she's sorta like Rey from Star Wars, she's a lonely girl who always like to pick-pocketing someone on her own way with a diamond. Though i know that she's the girl who's gonna be the future Batgirl, but with her in the movie, i find her pretty average.

Then we have the Birds of Prey themselves, but since Harley Quinn is the main focus, they're pretty much used as Harley's sidekick for working together,  Renee Montoya (played by Rosie Perez), who's detective in Gotham City Police Department in order to going after Harley and her struggle to stay in GCPD for being a good cop, Dinah Lance, aka Black Canary (played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell), who's pretty different than we all know from the comic, this time, she's a vigilante with supersonic scream ability from her mother and a singer of Roman's club with being divided feeling for either working and hanging out with Victor or befriend with Harley, and there's Helena Bertinelli, aka Huntress and not "Killer Crossbow" (played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead), who's an assassin for seeking revenge over the death of her parents from the gangsters.

If you ask me which one that i like, it will be Huntress and Renee for the time, cause i find them to be pretty cool and well-written, while Black Canary herself is not that good.

Next is the main antagonist of the film, Roman Sionis, aka Black Mask (played by Ewan McGregor, aka Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars). I find him to be a likable villain in this movie and i think i gotta say is, he's better than Jared Leto's Joker role. He's eccentric, sometimes flamboyant and narcissist. He's a one helluva villain for being an evil party club owner to somewhat murderous if it doesn't have conformation for his valuable diamond. I mean, what else to say since he's played by a Jedi with a high ground, eh?

And lastly there's Victor Zsasz (played by Chris Messina), who's Black Mask's henchman and a serial killer that whenever he killed people, he puts a scar for his body counts. He's also a very fascinated villain in the movie, though we can all agree that the focus of bad guy is Black Mask, so i think il consider Zsasz as an underrated bad guy thanks to his disturbing presentation.

The rest are not much else to say, Doc (played by Dana Lee) who's Harley Quinn's friend from his Chinese restaurant, Captain Patrick Erickson (played by Steven Williams) who's a superior officer of GCPD and Ellen Yee (played by Ali Wong) who's Montoya's ex-lover.

Even if some characters aren't have an interesting development, but rest like Harley and Black Mask are more fascinating for their action, acting and their written.

And now for my final opinion of this film.

Overall, "Birds of Prey" is a good start for my movie review, the story is nice, the presentation is pretty good with violence and some characters and acting are enjoyable. However, it has some problems with some writing, some characters wasn't as likable for small development and some presentation would've gone better.

Im not considered as perfect like Shazam, but at least its better than Suicide Squad since we enjoyed Harley Quinn in DCEU. It feels like they're having fun in a superhero/anti-hero film with dark comedy and violence. So if you're a fan of Harley Quinn or a DC, i'd say check this out if you want. Even though its not a perfect sequel, but at least they tried better than before.

For my rating, im gonna give this one a 7/10.

So this ends of my very first movie review of 2020, if you have your opinion or even a random suggestions like Formula 1 or others, let me know in the comments bellow, and make sure you support on my ko-fi.com/blackevil

Thanks for reading and im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review: Die Hard

Notice: This review has no connection to the Movie Review 2019 story. Readers discretion is advised.

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to my movie review with Christmas edition.

For celebrating Christmas, i felt like il do another old movies to revewing, but with Christmas theme. Was is gonna be like "Christmas Carol", "A Christmas Story", "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" or...  "Black Christmas"? Well not really, because not only we have a movie with Christmas theme, but we're gonna have an action movie with NYPD to the tower.

"Die Hard" is a 1988 action thriller and maybe Christmas theme movie that was directed by John McTiernan, produced by Lawrence Gordon and Joel Silver, then written by Jeb Stuart and Steven E. de Souza.

Ever since in the 80's to the 90's, we always have plenty of action films with badass actors like Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tom Cruise, Kurt Russell, Al Pacino and few others out there. Even though they're mixed bag if its an good action film for the execution, or others just come off as an excuse for money at the box-office. but with Die Hard, this one may considered as a fan-favorite in the old action films. Surprisingly, it was loosely based on the novel called "Nothing Lasts Forever" by Roderick Thorp. It was originally to be a sequel from the 1968 film simply called "The Detective" starring the late Frank Sinatra as Joe Leland. But Sinatra refused to be in the sequel and the project was changing into a Standalone film with Bruce Willis as our favorite badass Policeman "John McClane". When the film first came out, it has a mixed reputation, including Roger Ebert gave the movie 2 starts out of four for quote "all by himself he successfully undermines the last half of the movie". Despite this, it was beloved from fans and critics to this day and Die Hard became a series from either good to not as worthy.

So, with all that said, will this movie holds up for its legacy of action in the plaza, or is this film deserved to be shot down like a dead hostage?

Well, lets find out.

The Story
Just to give a notice by saying that im not gonna do a comparison between the book and the film, because i never read nor own the book, but il give a credit for the story of this movie, its a one roller coaster ride where we follow through the floors after floors.

It begins where John McClane arrives on Los Angeles, California to celebrating Christmas Eve with his wife Holly in Nakatomi Corporation (though he had a lift in Limo with his fellow driver Argyle), but the celebration was too soon, when after the mysterious truck arrive where Hans Gruber and his terrorist members and his hacker Theo to crashing the party and hold hostages at innocent bystanders (including Holy), where Hans is demanding to get the money and his power to taking over the tower, its up to John to kill the terrorist in order to not only find the way to call the cops and save the hostages and his wife once and for all in the night.

Though its a pretty standard story to this day, but back then, it is an interesting and intense story where follow through the movie. Its no secret that the story is also being inspired for many other films out there, since its basically where the main hero goes into a single building to take care the terrorist, where they're plenty other films has a same plot, but in different location, like say "Speed", where it nicknamed as "Die Hard in the bus", but i digress. Of course, the movie is also well-written for not just the story, but for fun dialogue and other ways, its as if they like to having some sense of humor with actions. But of course, the pacing is pretty standard where get some action and then wait for a while for the set up and even a conversation between John and Sgt. Al Powell or even mind game between McClane and Gruber. Though the movie also has a plot element where either the cop or the terrorist are calling the FBI for the different plans like electric decision, a rescue with helicopters or even a questionable decision to having an Armored vehicle to breaking in the building before exploding the detonator. However, one thing that i don't like, its the plot element with the new report, especially where Richard Thornburg is soo much in attention for the report about the attack in Nakatomi Corp, but il talk about the characters later on.

Even though its pretty standard for the story, but it is quite fun for the writing and some good plot elements, at the time.


The Presentation
With a film that was made in late 80's, i find also standard and nicely filmed.

For started, its no secret that it was filmed in "Fox Plaza" in LA, but different was the name change, it was filmed inside and outside of the building in the night time, and not to mention, it was also filmed when the place was under-construction before it was completed and opened in 1987, one year before the film's release.

Not to mention, the movie has an impressive setting from both in and out of building with Christmas decorations and damaged properties over the place, to giving the feel of a disastrous incident on building. Plus, they had a near risk to have the building's logo that looks like a Nazi logo, which they had to replacing it with a Samurai warrior's helmet and im pretty they said the painting logo is still in the 30th floor to this day. And the filming in the way it goes looks pretty good in cinematography.

But of course, who could forget the action scenes, it was pretty cool moments with gun shootings (even if the gun flashes get too close in front of screen, so for those of you suffer an epileptic seizure, this won't be watchable for your sensitive health), blood bath (And yes, the movie has blood from gunshot wounds and McClane's forced stepping on shattered glasses) and of course, good'ol explosions.

But sometimes, i was wondering if the actors could be in risk, for example, there's a scene where John McClane is jumping out of a roof with fire hose wrapped around before the explosion, which for the fact that Brice Willis is literally jumping off from the roof in five-story parking garage onto an airbag, because otherwise for the danger, Bruce would've been replace by a stuntman, but thankfully, he's ok from the shooting. Speaking of stuntman, there's a scene where John is hanging on ventilation shaft for his own life and catch into a lower opening, but it ended up in a painful accident when the stuntman fell off and probably got hurt. With a movie taking place in a high tower, it might be pretty scary, especially for anyone with a fear of height (sadly, myself included).

Despite the movie had some dangerous risk, but at least the presentation of this film looks pretty good for 1988.


The Characters
Its safe to say there're a lot of characters that they're fascinated for their development or who they are.

First is our badass protagonist John McClane (played by of course, Bruce Willis), he's easily the most memorable protagonist on this movie, a New York cop with streetwise and cocky persona for his action, especially that he likes to play mind game at the terrorists and conversation with police Sargent, and it is no secret that Bruce is enjoyable for his acting, since back then he used to be in comedy films before became famous actor for action movies.

Next is the main antagonist is Hans Gruber (played by the late Alan Rickman), a West German leader of his terrorist for the money and the power taking over the building. He's charming, manipulative, sometimes brutal and even neutral at the time. Like i said, having a chemistry confrontation between McClane and Gruber is memorable for the mind game and even the final confrontation. Like McClane, he's also memerobable character for not just his goal or personality, but also a great performance from Alan Rickman.

Then we have Holly Gennero/McClane (played by Bonnie Bedelia ), Even though she's just a typical damsel in distress, but i find her to be somewhat interesting, which at first, we thought that she started to losing her interest to John when he arrived in Nakatomi Corp in the conversation and in the end, while he's on the mission to kill the terrorist, it seems that she changed her heart that she wants to be with him again before being hostile by Gruber. But to give a credit, at least Bonnie did an interesting role in the film.

Next, we have Sgt Al Powell (played by Reginald VelJohnson, aka Carl Winslow from "Family Matters"), he's also a likable side character, a policeman who's laidback and probably John's best pal on their radio conversation. I like him too, i mean where else that he's the same guy who played as Carl Winslow, i mean be surprise if Steve Urkel is involvement of throwing dead body out of the building and go "Did i do that...? :3". All kidding aside, i like this guy for not just a chemistry, but a performance from Reginald.

Then we have Karl Vreski (played by the late Alexander Godunov), he's a one brutal and serious member of the group of terrorist, mainly because when his brother Tony being shot down by John, he took his bloody revenge on him. Even though i didn't care about him, but man he's rather taking himself seriously for his task of vengeance.

Next is Harry Ellis (played by Hart Bochner ), he's a sleazy and messed up executive of the corporation, which is pretty obvious that he's rather a party man, again like Holly, he's being hostile from the terrorist, but he was manipulated for his threat at our main hero, right before he deserves to be a body count by Gruber. Even though i find him fascinating and good performance from Hart, but man he's rather a messy man get on his way before being demised.

Speaking of messed up, the last one is Richard Thornburg (played by William Atherton), he's easily the reporter that we love to hate, because he's way too desperate to get anyone's attention for the story, especially for sharing to exposing the secret truth during the terrorist attack. This guy is not just arrogant, but kinda creepy towards anyone in the public in order to know the truth. Even though William did a nice role, but then again, he's just a guy that we love to hate.

The rest of them are not much else to give for me, but to its credit, they'r rather good at the times, there's Theo (played by Clarence Gilyard) who's a hacker of the terrorist, Argyle (played by De'voreaux White) who's a likable limo driver for being a party kid for Christmas, Dwayne T. Robinson (played by the late Paul Gleason) who's a deputy take his decision seriously like a typical serious boss and Joseph Yoshinobu Takagi (played by the late James Shigeta) who's the head executive of his corporation and easily the first body count for not bringing the code.

The characters are enjoyable for the movie, with personalities, delivery and the acting, although the reporter guy deserves to be despised.

Spoiler Alert, for those who haven't seen this movie or if you don't care!
The final act of this movie is rather goosebumping.

After the detonator was activated with a massive explosion from the roof with hostages and John McClane survive the explosion (minus the rescue helicopter), Theo summons the ambulance for the money, not before he gets punished from Argyle to knocking the hacker down. After that, John (along with knocking down one member unconscious), he's confronting at Hans Gruber one last time with Holly being in hostage, resulting two of them in rematch with standoff, then McClane shots down one member down and wounded Gruber off the building and holding Holly for their lives, but McClane saves Holly by snaps out of her wristwatch to leaving Gruber falls all the way down to death. After its all done, John and Holly are finally leaving the damaged building, but not before they got interrupted from Karl (who strangely survived from being hanging) where he's attempt to murdering john, but he's saved by Al Powell by shooting at Karl to finish him off. And in the end, the madness is all done, Richard get punched in the face by Holly (for what he deserved and i love that final punch), John and Holly are given a ride from Argyle, they lived happily ever after for Christmas Eve, roll the credits.

I gotta say, it was a one fun ride at the final act for the final confrontation to killing one last member before leaving in the mourning sunset. Even though john barely survived and limping, but at least he's saved, along with his wife.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, "Die Hard" is a classic action film of the 80's and i enjoyed it during Christmas, the story is fascinating and yet simple, the actions are fun, the presentation looks incredible, the humor is fun with a chuckle for the delivery, the characters are likable and the acting entertaining with our favorite stars. Even though it has some tiny flaws like some dangerous stunt and some characters that i either careless and one who's easily love to be hated from viewers like me. The movie has its legacy for the top list of best action films, best Christmas movie and it has a memorable phrases like "Yippee-ki-yay, mother F***er!". and as i know, it became a franchise to having sequel and i haven't seen them, if they're either good or disappointed, but il easily stick to the original.

So, if you love an action film with Christmas them in it, go watch it, and you'll never forget it for your Holly Jolly Christmas.

For my rating, il give this one 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, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year of 2020. And as always, im Anthony, signing out.

Movie Review 2019: Conclusion

Team Blast and the Gems are fighting against the multiple clones of Rose de France Amethysts in 30 minutes, but the heroes are nothing but defeating clones and getting knock down by them based on their stones and tricks they pulled.

Marian Blakron: There's too many of them, i don't know how to defeat these clones!!

Red Diamond: *swings her sword around at any clones* I know, this is like a new difficulty level from every Amethysts...!

Real Amethysts: *hides from her clones and punching hard at Bryan Emmerich's face* Good luck to find me, weaklings... *glows her gauntlet to raise more energy to knocking down everyone as she's about to win the battle in the city*

As they're in the struggle to dealing with them, but not before an unexpected explosion occurred to destroy one of the clones, when the clones and heroes looks around, they found another group from the rooftop, its the extra heroes with Anthony (with his blue lightsaber and his invented Infinity Gauntlet), Tylerson, Super-Soldier Daniel, Robert Markenson, The Young Bloods (Michelle Kaine, Donny "Cuprite" Tosh, Nadia Uckberg, Drake Strauwm and Erika Janette), Ana-Chi, Katsura-2099, Kathia Nigel, Sniping Jackson, Mighty Lady, Flying Bomb-Girl, Miss Rubber, Shadow Kinetic, Rastle Larg and Yvon Norman.

Anthony: Alright, we better help them before we don't wanna make another disaster...! Lets get them...!! *jumps down to the ground with his partners to not just helping the Gems and Team Blast, but also taking care the clones easily with more weapons and powers.

As Anthony easily helping them with new fellows, he's looking around at the real Amethyst for his getting his stones back. After the clones are knocked down, he sees the real one with Reality Stone glows, he runs after her for a rematch. As he swings his blue lightsaber, Amethyst uses her Reality Stone as a shield from his swing and summons her purple sword from her gemstone from her chest and proceeds to a sword fight between to two.

Just then, Bryan Emmerich flies down at Amethyst to knocking her down and attempts to taking off the gauntlet, but she back-stabbed him by using her Power Stone to punching at his face again, leaving his face bleeding with blood, badly. Eric Blakron charges his fiery nuclear power to charging at her with his fire punch at her. Despite being punched in the face, Amethyst picks Eric and holding him in the air in attempt to breaking his spine, but she's being dropkick'd in her gut by Ana-Chi to let Eric free, Amethyst picks Ana-Chi, slams her on the ground in attempt to crushing her. But her crush is interrupted by Shadow Kinetic's power by using telekinesis at her foot and Rastle Larg and Yvon Norman are aiming at her with with their guns, but Amethyst blasts them off with Power Stone's energy, but then she gets shot in the back Anthony's double-barreled shotgun.

Amethyst: *looks behind at Anthony after being shot* You...!!

Anthony: That's enough already, give me back my stone...!! *reloads his shells of his shotgun* Its either this or i will break you...!

Amethyst runs at him with her punch with her Infinity Gauntlet, but Anthony blocks it with his bare hands, but he's also attempts to get the stones from her Gauntlet in desperation. But amethyst pushes him away to knocking him down, as she's preparing her own blow.

Amethyst: I am... completed...!

As she snaps, but then... Nothing Happened! 

She looks her gauntlet that its empty, it turns out Anthony took all the stones in his own gauntlet that he's glowing from the stones, and due to titanium from his gauntlet, the stones barely gives him the pain.

Anthony: *his gauntlet starts to glowing with light* Sorry Amethyst...  You've lost your goal... These stones... Will belong to me...!!

He blasts with the hyper beam at her chest to making him impact finish at her. From his powerful beam, Amethyst has been defeated and she's being poof'd into a gemstone, Anthony's hyper beam is finishes, falls on the ground and feeling exhausted and in pain from the Infinity Stones's energy that he blasted, revealing his right arm being burnt and nearly losing his skin to revealing his muscles.

After a big battle, the heroes are relief that its already over.

Red Diamond: *grabs the gemstone of Rose de France Amethyst* Now its all take care, lets hope she'll never break free ever again. *she bubbles the gemstone and teleports it to her home to be safe and looks at Anthony to see him* Anthony, are you ok?

Anthony: *still in pain, takes off his gauntlet and revealing his right arm's damaged from the power that he uses* God... It huurts...!!

Red Diamond: Its ok there, boy... It happens on me too, when i used the Infinity Stones to bring the half of livings in our universe...

Anthony: Thats good... I... I need to go home now...!

Marian Blakron: *walks with Sally Ukrone to see him* Um... Im not that you'll go home, lets bring him at the hospital to recover your arm.

Sally Ukrone: She's right, sir. We can't let yourself free in your home without having band-aids on your arm, that will be like taking a nearly a year. Come one, kiddo, lets go to the hospital. *picks him up with Marian for his help*

Anthony was bringing to the hospital for his emergency to recovering his burnt arm and the doctor tells them that it will took about a month in order to healing him.

After that, Team Blast and Gems authority are in to say goodbye after saving the universe.

Bryan Emmerich: Nancy, i just want to say, thank you so much for our help saving the universe from involving either Thanos or Amethyst. Im very appreciated what we've done to get the stones to bring everyone back to life, especially for my members of Team Blast.

Red Diamond (Nancy): Np, thank you too for saving my world too, especially that nearly lost my members of my authority. We will thank you, as always. *bows down to be thankful at Team Blast, along with his gems members*

Annie: *giggles* You're welcome, my Diamond, we'll see you again if we're in danger again.

Red Diamond: We will...

With a thankful message finish it was time to say goodbye, the gems are walking through the portal to going back to their world and Annie going back to her universe. Team Blast has Anthony's Infinity Gauntlet with the stones that he left on the ground before taken to the hospital.

Marian Blakron: I found his gauntlet on the ground, should we give him back to his home, or should we give him back?

Blackonne: Well, i think we gotta talk to him, right?

Sally Ukrone: Im not sure, because he's in the hospital in order to healing his arm, i'd say we should keep it to our home before he's recovered, what do you think, guys?

As they accepted, they decided to keep the gauntlet to bring it to their home Bryan Emmerich picks his phone to give a voice message at Anthony at the hospital.

Bryan Emmerich: *grabs a phone to call him as a voice message* Hey there, its Bryan Emmerich from Team, we're just want to tell you that we got your Infinity Gauntlet with the stones and we'll keep it safe in hour home, but don't worry, we will bring it back home once you're recovered. But in the mean time, i wanna give a huge thank you to save not just our universe, but also the gems and the female version of you named "Annie", not sure if you'll meet Annie, but still. We understand that you want the Infinity stones for your home, but Red Diamond should've warn you about amethyst, which she also wants the stones to wiping out our universe in half, but of course, you fought back that you nearly sacrificed yourself, but you got very lucky to be survived and as always we will thank you so much as a hero of our world. Thats all we have to give and say to you, hope you'll be recovered and we'll see you next time.

*Meanwhile, in Corporate Driver's headquarter that ended up overgrown by the plants.

Corporate Driver: *sigh* Its about freakin time that im finally got my employees back since im nearly shutting my place down for unknown reason...!!

Secretary Driver: I know, im very sorry about this--

Corporate Driver: I don't care!! I don't Fucking care!! I just really want to get my money and even ruining Anthony down for good and made him ending his review career!!

Secretary Driver: Well, since we're back from the dead, he's still alive.

Corporate Driver: ...   You said that... He's still there....?!

Secretary Driver: Yes.

Corporate Driver: ......!! *starts exploded in anger by dropping his looong F-bomb over the top of his lung*

The End

Movie Review: Star Wars The rise of Skywalker

*As Anthony and Rose de France Amethyst (aka the Gem version of Thanos) are confronting each other for their fight, not before when two portals from the side opens to reveal not just the remains of gems and members of Team Blast, but also the resurrected gems and members like  Smasher, Marian Blakron, TBag and Mystica*

Amethyst: What the--?!

Red Diamond: Looking for missing people like mine?

Anthony: *looks at everyone behind the portals* The hell...?!

Amethyst: You like to play mind game? Very well then...! *uses her Reality Stone to creating clones of herself*

Red Diamond: Oh my stars...! Everyone, for the authority and justice!! *runs after many clones of Amethysts along with gems and all the members of Team Blast*

Anthony: Oh my god...! *difficult for what to do, he runs away, but get caught by one of Amethyst's clone and get smash at his back and crashes at the wall to wall into the another room of the next movie (and probably the last one)* Oh my god...! My back...! *looks up the big screen, which happens to the last installment of Star Wars's sequel trilogy* Hmm... Maybe i need my energy after watching this movie, and hopefully they don't F***ed it up since "The Last Jedi"...! *sits on the seat and crosses his fingers for his hope*

*Almost two in a half hours later*

Anthony: ...  What the hell just happened...?!

(Review Starts)

Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome to the last movie review of 2019.

As far as we all know, the sequel trilogy of Star Wars is rather a roller coaster ride, we started with "The Force Awakens", which it had a great start, but then all the sudden it tripped like a shoe laces from "The last Jedi", which we're in concern and possibly in rage for what they did for the second chapter of the trilogy. As we reached to last one, we've expected to be redemption, right...??

"Star Wars: The rise of Skywalker" is a 2019 epic space-opera film that was written/produced/directed by J.J. Abrams, co-produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Michelle Rejwan, then co-written by Chris Terrio, Derek Connolly and Colin Trevorrow.

With this film, this was not just the final chapter of the trilogy, but also marked as a conclusion of "Skywalker saga", kinda like the ending MCU's "Infinity saga", which i guess Disney wanted to making it as a celebration of the ending, especially that they kinda focus on their own expansion world of Star Wars like "Rogue One", "Solo" and the recent show on Disney+ "The Mandalorian". But like i said, we were not sure to be prepared that aside of some characters were killed off (SPOILERS!!!), but also some people involved the movie are passed away, like Carrie Fisher.

One more thing to say before we get started, looking back of "The Last Jedi", i felt regretful to calling it a good movie, which i changed my feeling that its not the best chapter for how it turns out, specially with bad directions and some characters were killed off, way too early.

So, with all that said, will the force is strong for the epic conclusion, is this film belongs to the dark side?

Well, lets find out.


The Story
With this story after "The Last Jedi", you think we're just gonna building to our heroes for plans and explanation about First Order's new goal? Well, yeah, but this is where it gets too complicated.

It quickly starts with a bang, where Kylo Ren/Ben Solo was on his search from the mysterious message, he found a Wayfinder device to going into the dark planet called "Exegol", where turns out, he meets Lord Palpatine (aka Darth Sidious), which turns out he was involvement of Snoke as his clone and he also demand Kylo to find Rey for his main target. Speaking of Rey, after practicing the force with General Leia, she reunites her partners Finn, Poe, Chewbacca and R2-D2, which they found the secret information about a spy from First Order that Palpatine has return from the dead and creating "The Last Order", its up to our heroes find another Wayfinder, but also planning to stop The Last Order.

Even though the story is rather interesting build up, but the problem is that its they did the same thing as "The Force Awakens"., but with new elements and pacing, but not the good kind. The problem about the story is that its not just unoriginal, but its just that it has too many plotholes that when something happened, we have no idea how did that or how did this happened, i've asked so much questions like "How did Palpatine survived?", "When do we have a Force healing?", "When do we have a Force communication with grabbing things?", "Why do we have an evil Rey?" and "How does this make any sense?!". But almost all of them doesn't have any answers! That's too much plotholes that leaving them unknown that we still questioned!! And don't even give me started with the twists, these are getting even worse, but i won't give more details from spoilers...!! It feels like the writing just want us to find out some interesting developments, but it just comes off as "off the wall" with so many things that just coming out of nowhere that with no answers, plus the pacing is just all over the place too with too much rush that we need to calm down, especially for the first to second act, which il get to that later about the actions. Speaking of the writing, the written dialogue is rather nice at the time, though it does give a sense of humor, but at least its better than the GodAwful Jar Jar (At least i hope he's dead in the original and sequel trilogy).

Even though its ok, but the story is messy with so much plotholes that are unanswered, questionable pacing and not so original story, like who also work with the story, M. Night Shyamalan??


The Presentation
Despite the story is all over the place, but at least the presentation looks great, because as always, its Star Wars.

For starter, the location is rather nice to see with the forest, dark village, the inside of the ships and few others, but sometimes the locations could get tiring quickly that ended up being "Running out of ideas", such as the location depiction of Pasaana, which happens to be yet another planet of desert, i mean come on, you have a planet with cities and other stuff around after six movies before the sequel trilogy. I mean i get they budget that they don't wanna get too much, but come on, be creative and maybe original. Well, sure it has a scene with warp speed from planets after planets, but again, it got all over the place.

The designs of the weapons, vehicles and wardrobes are pretty good too, with the vehicles, its pretty nice to see them again with Star Destroyers, X-Wings, the good'ol Millennium Falcon, though it only has a new ones, like Ochi's ship and a new Star Destroyer that it looks like what if you make a classic SD and StarKiller base. For the weapons, they're looks nice and simple as a star wars standard with familiar sounds and new ones, especially with the famous lightsabers. And as for wardrobes, they're a pretty good costume designs with stormtroopers, the Resistance pilots and even Kylo Ren's outfit. Though it kinda strange that Rey has costume change for the third time differently.

As for the action scenes, its no secret that they're the highlight of this movie, they're pretty cool and fun to watch from shootings, space dogfight and even the good'ol duel of lightsabers. But the downside is that because of pacing, the action gets all over the place with the aforementioned Millennium Falcon's warp speed into planet after planet, its almost like they put too much sugar for changing locations.

Though there's not much else to say, it has some nice setting, cool weapons and vehicles, unforgettable duel lightsabers and actions are good at the times. Though sometimes the locations could be typical with another planet with desert or even the forest.

The Characters
I guess its no secret we always having the return of the characters from previous films, but of course, they have several upgrades. But if anyone one of you never heard or seen the sequel and original trilogy, il make a reminder of the characters.

First is Rey (once again Daisy Ridley), she started as a scavenger in Jakku and learned that she has a force sensitive ever since she's left alone in her home planet. In the movie, she became much more focus to learning about the force and we finally her reveal who she is, but again, i won't give more details without spoiling the movie. However, despite she's always sensing and nearly strong as a last Jedi, but i felt thst she's nearly not as interesting, sure Daisy did a good job and Rey is somewhat fascinating, but its just that she's like too close to be a Mary Sue, yeah im sadly one of those people who're pointing out. no offense, but i always have nothing against main lady from movies, video games, shows and others.

Next we have Finn and Poe Dameron (played by John Boyega and Oscar Isaac). these guys are the main sidekicks of Rey, where they become friends and working together for the mission with the Resistance, whether is Finn being former Stormtrooper or Poe being high ranking pilot of X-Wing. There's not much else to say about them, even if they're originally to be a main deal for them in Bromance, but got toned down. But as always, Boyega and Isaac did a nice work and a fun chemistry between of two.

Then we have General Leia Organa (played by the late Carrie Fisher) a former princess of Rebel Alliance to the Resistance with Force sensitive. However, because of Fisher's death, they had to using  never-before-seen footages of her from "The Force Awakens", even though they have more footages of "The Last Jedi" with her, but they got cut. It feels like they wanted to keeping the character alive, but it was too late from her death. Even though "The Last Jedi" is supposed to be the final role, but this one probably is kinda cheating to using the footages of her while being alive. But as always, she's always the legendary actress for her famous role. R.I.P. Carrie Fisher...

Next is Luke Skywalker (played by my favorite legendary actor Mark Hamill), from before, he's a farm boy from Tatooine before becoming a Jedi like his father Darth Vader until left alone in secret before his unfair death from his so-called student Kylo Ren/Ben Solo. However unlike "The Last Jedi", he's pretty much less in this movie, he's probably being used as a plot device about the truth to Rey, kinda like Obi-Wan's explanation in "Return of the Jedi". Although still, Mark is always did a great work of his classic role.

But the one character who came back without death is Lando Calrissian (played by Billy Dee Williams), from before, he used to be a gambler for the bet with his Millennium Falcon, and an old friend of Han Solo. Even though we haven't seen him since "Return of the Jedi", but it is nice to see him again, especially going back to his trusty ship. With this movie, he comes back as a disguise in Pasaana to helping our heroes based on Last Order, man, Lando really like to disguising as a different race since "Return of the Jedi", he's pretty clever eh?

Then we have Kylo Ren/Ben Solo (played by Adam Driver), as we know, he's the chosen one from the First Order who used to be Luke's student and finally becoming a vengeful supreme leader over Rey. Even though he's somewhat remains the same, but i find him to be more fascinating than Rey, even though sometimes like "The Last Jedi", he could be neutral at the time, since he's always looking for Rey. Even though he may not as big as Darth Vader, but he's a pretty cool villain/neutral character of the sequel trilogy.

And finally we have Lord Palpatine (played by of course, Ian McDiarmid), who's the dark lord of the Sith and the main antagonist for not just this movie, but the entire saga. In this movie, he came back from the dead that we had no idea for how did he survived from the second Death Star after being thrown out by Darth Vader. This is the biggest plothole i've ever watch for how or when he faked his death or even being a puppet master of Snoke...!! Despite our biggest problem about him, but of course, Ian did a pretty good and creepy work to playing as a sinister lord with dark power.

The rest are not much else to say, there's BB-8, who's the new R2-D2, along with another new droid D-O (with a voice by J.J. Abrams himself), C-3PO (played by Anthony Daniels after 9 movies of the saga), R2-D2's famous companion droid and C-3PO's best pal, General Hux (played by Domhnall Gleeson) who's a second-in-command of First Order, Rose Tico (played by Kelly Marie Tran) who's a mechanic and friend of Finn, Maz Katana (played by Lupita Nyong'o) who's former space pirate who's aware about the Jedi, and Chewbacca (played by a former basketball player Joonas Suotamo) who's a Wookie's longtime pilot of Millennium Falcon.

As for the new characters, its nice to have some new ones, but once again, not much else to give, like General Pryde (played by Richard E. Grant) who's a new general of First Order, but in high-rank, Jannah (played by Naomi Ackie) who's basically the female version of Finn, and probably my new favorite Zorii Bliss (played by Keri Russell) who's a crime leader of Kijimi and a childhood friend of Poe, and i gotta say, she looks pretty cool with her outfit.

The characters are mixed bag that even though some of them are likable what we care, but others just fell flat for end up being under-develop or even one of those characters being left on the shelf before he/she appears.


And now for my conclusion of this film.
Overall, "Star Wars: The rise of Skywalker" is um...   Yeah, this movie is all over the place and i don't know if i considered a perfect ending of the saga. The story is a mess and unoriginal, there's too much plotholes that remains unknown, the pacing is all over and most of the characters could've make more or even being unlikable. Granted, the presentation and 50% of characters are good for the time to see them again, but even if they didn't save themselves over this movie.

For the recommendation, its very very debatable if its either good or bad, based on the reception of fans/viewers and the critics. When it comes to me, its too hard to tell to calling it a "Good movie", its just comes off as a major disappointment how this movie would've been. I know Abrams is trying to make a celebration of the end of the saga, but it failed for how it turns out. Though my father was a fan of Star Wars, which he liked it, but with this, not for me for the disappointment.

For my final rating of this movie, i hate to say for all you Star Wars fans out there, il give this one 4.5/10.

Well, thats he end of my movie review of 2019, 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.

(Review ends)

Anthony: Hmm... Such a disappointed way to end my review in the final decade, but i just want to having my own happy ending...! *but notices that he sees a rusted gauntlet and an old lightsaber on the floor, despite he has his green lightsaber, he grabs the old one that happens to be a classic blue lightsaber and looks behind about a big battle of Gems and Team Blast against many of amethyst clones, he needs to be prepared for joining the battle...!*

To be concluded...!

Movie Review: Playmobil The Movie

Rose de France Amethyst (aka the Gem version of Thanos) is succeed to get the briefcase to open it up to have the Infinity Gauntlet. But little did she knows, she was followed by Anthony all by himself to gets his gauntlet back.

Anthony: Stop right there! You better give my valuable item back to my house,or i will destroy you in millions of pieces!

Amethyst: *sees him holding his shotgun and his lightsaber* Heh, how pathetic you are, you're too weak to fight me with my important stones...! You see, i had a hatred for not just the gems, but also the other species like Earthlings, they're vile and weak like you. Which is why my goal is to collecting these stones for my ultimate finish...!

Anthony: You wanna do this since i died a few months ago? I don't think so, cause if i do using it, you might as well be dead like other bad guys outside of my world. Besides, you're doing it all by yourself, are you with partner like the one that i used to work with named "Obsidian"?

Amethyst: Heh, i used to be with him, before i poof'd him that i deserve better than see this freak with his mask!

Anthony: So... You work with him, but you betrayed him for your selfishness?

Amethyst: *wears the Infinity Gauntlet and gets full powered from the stones* Of course i do, cause i want this for my power!

Anthony: That is the stupidest excuse i've ever heard in my-- *gets smacked and crashes at the wall of another theater, but with multiple of Playmobil sets to promote the movie* Owww... *looks around what it has in front of entrance* What the...??

Amethyst: *jumps up and lands in front of him* Do you wanna fight for--?! *stops and see toy boxes in front of movie theater* What kind of junk are these with his temple...?!

Anthony: *gets up and hurting his back from the launch* Ohhh...! I've no idea, but maybe il just want to talk about this movie by watching it?

Amethyst: Are you gonna beat me up by forcing me to see this?! You have the stupidest excuses i've ever hea--

Anthony: *opens a door and going inside to see the movie* I've got Sh!t to do!

*One in a half hour later*

Anthony: *walks out in a very disappointed feeling* ...  They F***ed it up...!

(Review starts)

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

You know, from many years ago, we usually to make a movie or even a TV show based on the toys like Hot Wheels, Lego, Barbie, My Little Pony, Trolls and a whole lot more, its easily work for the TV shows or even in direct-to-videos, but in theatrical movies, it depends for the execution. From five years ago, we had "The Lego Movie", which we can all agree that its easily a good one, since a lot of people (like myself included) wishing to see our favorite toy on the big screen, we even had a sequel in this year, but it was rather good at the time. But after several years, we another toy-line that i used to remember when i was young.

"Playmobil The Movie" is a 2019 animated adventure comedy film that was written/directed by Lino DiSalvo, produced by Aton Soumache, Dimitri Rassam, Moritz Borman and Alexis Vonarb, then written (on screenplay) by Blaise Hemingway. Greg Erb and Jason Oremland.

When it comes to Playmobil, i remember that i had two sets as a kid, i used to liking it, but as time went on, i was more into Hot wheels and occasionally Lego. Playmobil is no wonder that it became another famous toy-line that it came from Germany. As time went, the French movie company with animation studio decided to cashing in to making a movie based on Playmobil that we got very skeptical since we had "The Lego Movie".

So, with all that said, will this movie will be worth of playing with sets and figurines, or is this film feels more like an advertisement?

Well, lets find out.

The Story

When it comes to a movie about Playmobil, you think this has meaning what its about, right? Well, no, not only they probably copying the previous movie that i mentioned, but it feels poor and unoriginal.

The story begins where in real world, Marla and Charlie are disconnected based on their parents's death from the fatal car crash, mainly because Marla wants to move on and protecting her brother, while he's stuck in the passed to play with Playmobil. After Charlie ran away to the toy museum, Marla going after her brother to scolding him for trespassing, that is until the lighthouse of Playmobil is glowing that the sibling are sucked away to the Playmobil world. Where Marla is left alone while Charlie (who strangely turned into barbaric Viking) ends up being kidnapped by the minions (aka the evil pirates) of Emperor Maximus, Its up to Marla to save her brother with Del once and for all.

I mean honestly, i felt the story itself is boringly formulaic for how simple it is, despite for the fact that its a movie with Playmobil in it, it feels like it missed the identity about the story itself. Not to mention, the pacing is nearly all over the place for the action scenes and then stop with and humor moment, which is rather underwhelming like we've seen before like either "The Lego Movie" or even various MCU films (at the time). And the mention, the humors just comes off as downright unfunny, it tries so hard to have some funny lines and gags, but it was poorly executed that i can barely chuckle, with bad puns and even the audacity for the use of culture reference lines. Plus, it barely what the world of Playmobil is all about, it just bring us to generic places in toy world and thats it, again, the movie just miss the identity for what it is.

The story is very bland, the humor is not there, its easily predictable and the world-building feels like its unnecessary. I know they're trying to bring us to see a movie about Playmobil, but its just doesn't work when it comes to a poor writing.

The Animation

Despite the biggest problem of this movie, at least the animation itself looks rather good at the time.

For starter, the live action scene from beginning to end is rather ok, even its unnecessary to talk about, but the only good thing about the live action, is the showcase of Playmobil sets are pretty damn huge.

And when it comes to the animation, the setting that despite its generic, at least they look nice for the details, the colors and even the environment. Especially for bringing us to the world of Playmobil.

Not to mention, the plastic details are easily nice fit where it looks and taken place, for its movements and the character designs with some lines from the figures of the toys, although it also has a 2D facial animation (except for some with 3D facial) which i guess im fine with it. It looks accurate and good looking, for the most parts

However my main problem of the animation is the movements of the Playmobil figures. When it comes to Lego, the movements are limited based on its design and even done a stopmotion style in a CG film, which is accurately impressive, but in this movie, it feels like the illusions and the laws of physics just been thrown out to make the figures sometimes acting like humans, which it definitely ruins the physic of the toy and the illusion. I also like to notice that they even including Rex's car that it appears to be a Porsche Taycan, which im pretty sure that sorta bring it as a small product placement.

I should also mentioned that the  movie also has a musical numbers, but they're all boring and forgettable that we might as well skip ahead.

Even though the animation may look good for the setting and the details, but its just that the characters's animation just doesn't fitting in for breaking the laws of physics.

The Characters

Speaking of characters, i think that we can all agree that the characters in this movie doesn't have a likable and a charm from The Lego Movie. Though i maybe noticed that there two characters who's a copycat from the movie that i mentioned a lot.

First, we have Marla Brenner (played/voiced by Anya Taylor-Joy), she's a typical older sister who used to be free-spirited and protective to her brother. However, she feels rather too desperate to making in arc for the plot, but instead it makes her feel bland and unlikable what we're rooting for, its as if she doesn't know how she lives in the world in first place.

Second one of sibling is Charlie (played/voiced by Gabriel Bateman), unlike Marla, he's just comes off as obnoxious who believes that everything is real and like to be adventurous with her older sister like a spoiled little brat who can't stop believing in imagination. Though i have nothing against the young actor like Gabe Bateman, its just the character himself is not only poorly written, but also irritating. Not to mention, it is said that he's a copycat of Emmet Brickowski for his fun adventurous persona.

Then we have Del (voiced by Jim Gaffigan), who's an obvious comic relief for his bad luck and Marla's best pal. But honestly, he's just as annoying for his poorly attempt humor to make us laugh. I mean, it feels he tries so hard to be either Genie from Aladdin or even Olaf from Frozen, but it just doesn't work what he's trying for his depiction for the execution.

Next we have Rex Dasher (voiced by Daniel Radcliffe, aka Harry Potter), a typical spy hero in the city with his gadgets and his ego. Aside from Charlie who's similar to Emmet, but its pretty obvious that Rex is copying "The Lego Movie" version of Batman, based on his action and personality. I mean sure he maybe have some cool stuff, but its just that he's pretty much in typical arrogant hero and not even Harry Potter is safe from this movie.

And we have Emperor Maximus (voiced by Adam Lambert), the main villain who's the host of coliseum and an over-the-top evil ruler. Like Charlie, he's easily not just annoying, but he's rather another one of those worst villain's motivation as a crazy ruler for killing prisoners for his power.But like Daniel, not even Adam is safe from this movie, especially for his lame villain song.

While the rest of the characters are not much else to say, but on a single persona, like The Fairy Godmother (voiced by Meghan Trainor) and Robotitron (voiced by the writer/director Lino DiSalvo) who're used as a helper for Marla, Glinara (voiced by Wendi McLendon-Covey) who's a Playmobil version of Jabba the Hutt, plenty other prisoners like the caveman, an amazon and a pirate captain.

Its no secret that the characters are bland and unlikable based on their single traits, forgettable and annoying.

And now for my final opinion of this time.

Overall, "Playmobil The Movie" just comes off is not just a ripoff, but its a complete waste of time and doesn't know what it supposed to be. With poorly and formulaic story, dumb writing, bad humors, the animation's physic is broken and the characters aren't as memorable as either Emmet or Lucy Wildstyle. Even though the animation and having a movie with Playmobil may have been good, but it just fell apart how this film is all about Playmobil for the lack of acknowledge and the explanation. In fact, i don't think it feels like a movie, instead, its an advertisement that it makes you wanna by the toys of Playmobil. While The Lego Movie is good meaning what it supposed to be like building stuff whatever you want and be nice and adventurous in the world, but in this movie, it means "Buy your Sh!t!".

Like i said, even though the animation aren't as bad as unwatchable like an animated anomaly film like "Teen Titans Go!" movie or even the out-of-nowhere recent film like "Arctic Dogs" (and no, il never watch the movie). I think its only for die-hard fans of Playmobil, but for the rest like me, just stick to The Lego Movie, its not worth of time and a buying tickets to see this movie, which surprisingly, the box-office is barely reach over the budget of 40 million dollars, making it an easy flop for obvious reason.

For that, im gonna give this movie a 3/10. Or perhaps for my first creative rating, il giving it a "Stepping on Lego bricks"/10. It may look fun to play, but its painfully obvious that its an advertisement to make you buy the toys.

Jeez, we're close to end 2019, but lets hope one last film of my movie review like "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" doesn't get any worst to end this year, which i will talk about it next time.

Anyway, 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.

(Review Ends)

Amethyst: Wow, that bad, right?

Anthony: Definitely, so give me back the gauntlet before il blow your gemstone out.

Amethyst: I don't think so, little brat...!! *raises her hand to charging her power to attack him*

*But the one-on-one battle gets interrupted when the portal from left and right are opened for a big surprised...!*

Anthony: What the...?!

To be continued...!

Movie Review: Frozen II

(As Anthony opens the door, he gets punched on the face really hard that he splattered at the wall)

Anthony: Gaahhh!!

???: *enters his home and picks him*

Anthony: What... What the hell are you doing here?!

???: *approaches at him with her yellow gauntlet on her right hand* I want you to give me the stones...!

Anthony: The... What...!?

???: The Infinity Stones you little bastard! Where is it?!

Anthony: I...! I will never give you the answer!

???: Oh really? Can't you tell based on my scanner? *shows her phone as a scanner that she's in the right location*

Anthony: You kidding me...?! I wanted to keeping mine safe, but for no reason you're following it...?!

???: *drops him down, walking to his chamber to found a briefcase underneath his bed* Pleasure for your business, little brat...

Anthony: But Who are you...?!

???: *looks behind at him, revealing herself that she happens to be a Gemsona of Thanos* The name is "Rose de France Amethyst"... *walks away*

Anthony: Uuurgh...!

(Review starts)

*take a seat after being hurt, ahem* Hey everyone, my name is Anthony and welcome back to my movie review.

From six years ago, we remembered the one Disney animated feature film that became the fan-favorite among the community, which is "Frozen". when it came out in 2013, it was beloved from not just the critics, but the viewers and the Disney fans that many people considered as one the best Disney animated feature film or even best Disney princess film ever. For me, i remembered seeing this movie and i loved it so much for the great story, beautiful animation, fun songs (minus the trolls song, because no thank you) and lovable characters with Elsa who's easily my favorite Disney princesses, which it became a franchise with two shorts, merchandise and even fanarts (including a questionable shipping with Elsa and Jack Frost from Rise of the Guardians). But of course, thanks to its popularity, its no wonder what we have a sequel.

"Frozen II" is a 2019 animated musical fantasy film that was written/directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, produced by Peter Del Vecho, then co-written (for story) by Marc E. Smith, Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez.

Ever since Frozen is so popular, we always like to see more with Anna and Elsa. But of course, most people like me are asking the question, how did Elsa was born with ice power or even more location outside of Arendelle. But when the trailer came out, it got so much attention that not only it looks promising for the return, but things about to get a little bit dark, specially the truth for how did she got the power.

So, with all that said, will this movie is worth of magical sequel, or is this film isn't as cold enough for her secret truth.

Well, lets find out.

The Story

For the sequel's story, you think this is gonna be rather original along with expanded world outside of Arendelle?  Well, yes and no.

The movie begins on once again, a flashback where Anna and Elsa were young, this time, their late father King Agnarr told the story where he used to going in the Enchanted Forest with his grandfather to meet up tribe of Northuldra, so fascinating that they build a dam. But didn't work out that not only it causes the spirits of elements in chaos, but also a war that not only his grandfather was killed, but he ended up being locked up from the spirits in the forest, but he does get rescued by someone mysterious. Fast forward to present time (though it takes place three years after the first film) and during the celebration of autumn, Queen Elsa hears a mysterious voice from the north that she's searching, but resulting a chaos in Arendelle from an unexpected spirits. Its up to Elsa, her sister Anna, Olaf the snowman, Kristoff and Sven are working together to follow the voice from the Enchanted Forest to not just a whereabouts of voice, but also the secret of the fifth element.

Though it was rather an interesting to go, but im not considering a perfect story, since i find it to be rather cliche, which is all about our heroes goes to the adventure with the forest contains the spirits of elements and also the secret truth about the fifth element, i mean gee, where did we heard of it before? Don't give me wrong, it is pretty nice for expanding the world in Frozen, but its just that they couldn't avoiding from the obvious cliche. Though the movie also has a subplot that they want us to building up for the relation between Anna and Kristoff, even though it sounds like its been done  since we've seen before, but its all about the attempt of marrying, at least the relationship is more nicer than we had Hans. But of course, it also has a subplot where our heroes meets the remaining of the tribe of Northuldra and the remaining of Arendelle, which is nice to see that they're alive (most of them from the mentioned late Agnarr).
I also mention even though it has a fun and colorful tone, but it also has a dark tone with some moments that made us in goosebumps, specially the scene where our heroes are surrounded from the spirits or even Elsa's struggle to going at the mysterious land called "Ahtohallan" from the waves of water spirits called "Nokk".
Aside of the interesting tone changes, as for the humor of this movie, its pretty fun and entertaining too, although its fun from dialogue or even the image gag, though sometimes the joke is little bit risky for some use of culture reference.

Though its not the most perfect story that we expected, but its nice for expending the world, some fun humors and an interesting changing tone.


The Animation
Its pretty obvious to say that its another Disney film with another best looking animation film, which we can all agree.

For this movie, it has a nice upgrade after the previous film with new details and occasionally a new looks. The world itself that although its nice to see Arendelle again, but its pretty impressive for a new locations like Enchanted Forest, even though it looks typical, but it looks pretty good for the execution with the colors and the effects.

Speaking of the effects, man, it looks amazing from the ice powers, mist, the spirits and even the water, which im pretty sure that they wanted to make the water effects to be more and more realistic than Moana, especially for the mentioned spirits. The spirits effects are easily the best part where it goes for not just the water, but also the winds of the leaves (though somewhat similar from Pocahontas), the ground details the rise of fires with interesting colors of the flame and so much more.

As for the character designs and the animation, its pretty obvious they use the same characters look from before, but with an upgrade for our protagonists, which is pretty nice to see them again. But of course, with the new characters's design, they looks standard and good though. For the animation for their movement, its pretty much the same for move like a human being smoothly.

And of course, lets forget the musicals on this movie. The musicals are also pretty good, im sure lot of people are enjoyed the song "Reindeer(s) Are Better Than People" to "Lost in the woods", and i have to admitted, it is pretty good, its about where Kristoff is so destined to be marrying with Anna despite he likes to be in the woods with reindeer, including his best pal Sven, even though its gonna be like a male version of "Let it go", based on the popularity that most people loves it, but for me, its not my favorite.
My favorite is gonna be "Into the Unknown", this one is in my opinion, probably not only to great one, but possibly the next gen of "Let it go", this one is easily the main plot where Elsa hears the mysterious voice outside of Arendelle and wanting to know about it. Though its not just the aware about the voice, it was of course, an excellent singing performance of my favorite star Idina Menzel, plus it has surprisingly good with the artist Aurora joins in. Another favorite is "When i am older", its about where Olaf was isn't alone, but something noticing around him the forest, but in funny way, its fun and a pretty good performance with Josh Gad.
The rest of the songs are not much else to say, they're pretty good, even though it may or may not as magical as "Let it go", but hey, thats life.

As always, the animation is outstanding for its presentation, the effects, the design and even the musicals.


The Characters
Im sure lot of you guys are familiar with our protagonists from the first Frozen. If not when you're, allow me to present them if you wanna know.

First is easily my favorite princess/queen, Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel), when it comes to Disney Princesses, i like several of them like Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Snow White or even Moana. But none can top than Elsa. She's calm, reserved, elegant and other times playful. Even though sometimes she's feared if it doesn't going on the way, specially if Anna is in danger or even risking herself from her power. In this sequel, despite aware the mysterious voice, she's up to herself to find out about not just the voice, but also the secret of the fifth element. Like i said, i love Elsa for not just the personality, but its her new development and as always, an A+ performance of Menzel.

Next is the young sister Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell), she's another lovable princess in two movies, she's more playful, more energy, optimistic, sometimes awkward and always like to attaching to her older sister. Though she may not as my number one favorite, but i love her too for not just her fun personality, but also another great performance from Kristen. I guess its no wonder why many people in the community love Anna and Elsa, eh?

Then we have Olaf the snowman (voiced by Josh Gad), for many Disney films, we always love the comedic sidekicks like Genie (my favorite), Pumbaa and Timon and few others. But with Olaf, despite being goofy, but he's outgoing, optimistic too and kind-hearted snowman, specially with a friendship between him and Anna since her childhood. As always, Josh is always did a nice work and fun with his playful snowman.

And we have Kristoff and Sven (voiced by Jonathan Groff), i find him to be a fascinating love interest of Anna, even though its just that he's so connective to her, but he always like to have a conversation with his good reindeer pal Sven in impression on his mind, which i find it funny and and fascinating as cute friends together. Bot of course, Jonathan did a good work of his role.

Though they did brough Anna and Elsa's dead parents from the flashback like King Agnarr (voiced by Alfred Molina, aka Doc Ock from Spider-Man 2) and Queen Iduna (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood). And of course, they brought the trolls back a bit, like Pabbie (voiced by Ciarán Hinds) for hinting about the Enchanted Forest before the adventure started, but at least the trolls made a small appearance, instead of reprising the whole "fixer-upper" thing...!

So now we got the characters that we all know from the first movie, what about the new characters?
Well, i find them to be rather ok at the time.

There's Lieutenant Destin Mattias (voiced by Sterling K. Brown) who's the leader of the lost soldiers of Arendelle, who's a serious and determined boss that the dam in Enchanted Forest is all protected and Yelana (voiced by Martha Plimpton) the leader of Northuldra tribe, for not just giving plot device for Elsa about the secret fifth element, but also wanted to bring piece on the forest with the spirits.

As for the spirits, i find them to be rather fascinating. Though im aware they're doing for the show for the animation, but then again, i like what they brought us, like the magical salamander named "Bruni" who has the ability to running fast with fire and it looks sooo cute, a Nokk, who're water spirit that appears to be a horse (kinda like Kelpie, but without kidnapping anyone for drowning), the Earth giants are a threatening giant sized Golem in Earth element, and Gale, who's basically appears in various wind with leaves or even a freakin tornado (though it is said that the effects of Gale is the hardest part of developing animation).

Though its nice to see our fellow protagonists from the first film again, though the new guys aren't as memorable, they're just showing if they're left alive while being trapped in Enchanted forest. Though the spirits are rather fascinating, despite the cliches in the story.

And now for my final opinion of this film.
Overall, Frozen II is a rather a pretty good sequel, although its not as better than the first or not as perfect as Avengers Endgame. The animation is outstanding as always, the musicals are good, the expanded world in the franchise is impressive at the time and the characters, while its good to see Anna, Elsa, Olaf, Kristoff and Sven again, but the new characters are rather mixed bag. Even though the story is rather good, but its just the execution aren't as creative when it comes to the cliche that its like "Gee, a movie that's about the secret of the fifth element, i've never heard that one before.", again, the writing might be good for the dialogue, the setting and the humor, but its just that they could've avoid from the obstacle of cliche.

Even though its not the best, but at least they tried when we like to see. So if you're a fan of Frozen, maybe this one is for you. Or otherwise, maybe stick to the first one that started all.

For my rating, il give this one about...  8/10. Though several people give it seven, but since i like Frozen, il high up a little bit.

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.

(Review Ends)

Anthony: *sighs* Good god...! I cannot believe that i lost my valuable collection...! *grabs his shotgun and his lightsaber for his revenge* Looks like its time to go commit homicide...! *walks out of his home for his revenge*

???: *sees him walking away while hiding behind the tree* He should've been warned by the fellow gems and his friends...!

To be continued...