thor ragnarok

This November, Thor: Ragnarok. Watch the teaser trailer now! ► Subscribe to Marvel: http://bit.ly/WeO3YJ Follow Marvel on Twitter: ‪https://twitter.com/marvel‬‬ Like Marvel on FaceBook: ‪http://www.facebook.com/Marvel‬‬ For even more news, stay tuned to: Tumblr: ‪http://marvelentertainment.tumblr.com/‬‬ Instagram: ‪http://instagram.com/marvel‬‬ Google+: ‪https://plus.google.com/+marvel/‬‬ Pinterest: ‪http://pinterest.com/marvelofficial/‬‬

By now it should be expected that Marvel Studios movies tends to pepper comedy bits into their superhero films. This one in particular however, takes it up a notch quite a bit. Although I wouldn't call this third installment of Thor to be a full blown comedy, this one definitely embraces it a lot more than the others. So did they make the right call in going that direction? I would say, yes and no. Yes, in the sense that the jokes do add a lot to the entertainment value of the movie. No, in the sense that it makes the overall tone lop sided when it focuses on the more serious moments. Of course like everything with comedy, the jokes are hit or miss. I did like most of the jokes at least. 

Besides the comedy bits, another thing that makes this movie quite entertaining is the sense of adventure in the story. Jumping from one different location to another different location, meeting different characters to more different characters, works really well for our protagonist's journey. It brings a little bit of unpredictability to the story, and allows us to appreciate a variety of creativity by the film makers. From a land where random objects fall from the sky, a gladiator ring, magic users, to army of warriors, this movie has a lot to offer. 

With that said however, I felt like the movie still could have gone further with the premise. The main relationship plot between the siblings of Thor and Loki is still the greatest strength of this franchise, and this installment thankfully capitalizes on that still. The whole story surrounding Thor, his responsibilities to Asgard, and the shadow of his father Odin, are still just a bit on the more simpler side. It's all just fine, but it's getting repetitive. Those plot threads simply could be more interesting than it actually is, which still keeps these movies from becoming a great series, as opposed to just a good one. 

What that leaves us with are the action sequences. They're good. Fast paced. Lots of flashy stuff. Especially when Hela is involved. Speaking of which, Cate Blanchett as Hela is great whenever she is on screen. Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie is also great to watch here, and her interactions with Thor are very enjoyable. Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner / Hulk is also a lot of fun to watch here, and they are all excellent additions to the cast of characters. 

As an adventure film with a diverse group of characters, under the direction of Taika Waititi, "Thor: Ragnarok" is definitely a crowd-pleaser. It's enjoyable in all the right ways, even if it doesn't necessarily reach for new great heights in terms of story telling. Either way, I like my Thor and Loki to do funny things, and going on adventures together. More of that please. 

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the killing of a sacred deer

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/A24subscribe From writer/director Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Colin Farrell, Nicole Kidman, Barry Keoghan, and Alicia Silverstone. The Killing of a Sacred Deer - Now Playing.

If you're familiar with the work of Yorgos Lanthimos, then you know that his movies can be pretty divisive, and are definitely not for everybody's enjoyment. In fact, on my screening, at the beginning of the end credits, a lady behind me proclaims "well that's 2 hours I want back!." I on the other hand was still reeling a bit from what Lanthimos just showed me on screen; especially that final act. I myself felt like that was a unique 2 hours of my time that I'm appreciative to have been able to experience. Needless to say, that was definitely a revenge film like I've never seen before, and that's as much as I want to divulge about the plot, without dangerously getting close to spoiler territory. 

"Odd" is definitely a word that easily describes this movie, but that is to be expected from Yorgos Lanthimos. He really has a unique style to capture that oddness on screen. The stilted emotionless dialogue is still one of his signature styles, but for the uninitiated it might just seem like the actors are reading their lines horribly. That's going to be a turn off for many people, while others will find that style to be more along the lines of a dark comedy. It's almost amusing to hear a character proclaim that somebody is dying in a matter-of-fact way. There's also a scene where a character has to announce their intentions of revenge in a rushed manner, because the other person is in a hurry and needs to leave. How courteous... 

Considering the premise of this revenge flick, the tone of this movie can be unnerving and menacing. There's a sense of helplessness and desperation that occurs in the second half of the story, that leads to a series of scenes that come off like a fascinating social study of what people are willing to do when faced with the notion that they will die. Some of what the characters are willing to do come off as ironically hypocritical and dementedly outrageous. It all just gets twisted and off-putting, and there are those who will be captivated with what they are seeing on screen, while some others are going to find it all too disturbing for their tastes. Either way, both camps will find themselves unable to keep their eyes off the screen. 

While I appreciated the intricate themes and plot progression of "The Killing Of A Sacred Deer," the subject matter is actually simpler than meets the eye. The story and characters go many places, but in the end the movie's messaging isn't as confusing as some might think it is. Even so, I liked the story, and I also have to give kudos to the actors like Colin Farrell, Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman, Raffey Cassidy, and Sunny Suljic, for embracing this material and putting it all out there on screen. 

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suburbicon

There goes the neighborhood. Matt Damon, Julianne Moore and Oscar Isaac star in #Suburbicon, directed by George Clooney. Watch the new trailer now, and see it in theatres October 27th. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuburbiconMovie Twitter: https://twitter.com/SuburbiconMovie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SuburbiconMovie Suburbicon is a peaceful, idyllic suburban community with affordable homes and manicured lawns...the perfect place to raise a family, and in the summer of 1959, the Lodge family is doing just that.

When you watch the marketing trailer for this movie, you immediately get the impression that this is a quirky film. Yes, it does have quirky qualities. You get the impression that it's a bit offbeat with it's story. Yes, the premise can definitely be considered offbeat. You also get the impression that this is going to be a fun romp of a movie watching experience. As an experience watching this movie, I can honestly and personally say that this wasn't a fun movie. Some of the first opening scenes for this movie covers the topic of racism, and another topic about home invasion, for crying out loud. Just in case you're wondering, NO they weren't done in a quirky or humorous way either. 

For a movie that's filled with big name talented actors, and big name talented film makers, how did it become such a mess? I suppose I can blame the directing by George Clooney, in how bland the whole thing feels. This movie has violence, and cursing, and plot surprises, and yet it all somehow still felt so boring. Where's the energy and excitement?! The story itself actually has a uniqueness to it, was technically intriguing, and genuinely had some important themes to tell us, but all that seems to be more of a "looks good on paper" kind of deal. Seemed like such a waste of several good story ideas, that could have been used on a better movie. 

The actors themselves are technically good in this, although Matt Damon's character is sorely underwritten. Didn't much care for Gardner Lodge at all. Julianne Moore's part in this is good, although I wished they went even further than they did with her here. I liked the character progression of Nicky, played excellently well by Noah Jupe. I especially liked Oscar Isaac as Bud Cooper, who genuinely brought this movie to life, and looked like he was having fun with his role. 

With an off-putting tone, the poor attempt at dark humor, and misguided directions, "Suburbicon" is unfortunately not a movie I would recommend. It did have potential to be good too, but they just couldn't stick the landing. 

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the florida project

SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/A24subscribe From writer/director Sean Baker and starring Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, Valeria Cotto and Bria Vinaite. THE FLORIDA PROJECT - Now Playing.

If you are looking for a movie that has a straightforward story that has a clear beginning, middle, and end, then this might not be the movie for you. It does however actually have a story, but it just doesn't have the traditional narrative structure that you normally see in movies. Think of it more like a stream of consciousness slice of life tale, in the summer months, about a community of people who are trying to live to the fullest as much as they can, despite their financial station in life. 

There are three primary characters to follow in this story. Moonee, the trouble making girl who loves to go on some adventures around the city of Kissimmee, Florida, and who manages to annoy people in the process. Brooklynn Prince is amazing as Moonee by playing her in such a naturalistic way as a young kid, that it's captivating seeing her light up the screen with her energy. Halley is Moonee's Mom who acts like she has no care in the world and does as she please, who also manages to annoy people in the process because of that. Bria Vinaite is also amazing here as Halley, who has to balance that care free caustic attitude with the fact that she still has to make us want to root for her.

Co-Writer / Director Sean Baker successfully gives us a fantastic contrast between the things you hate and like about Moonee and Halley, and it's that kind of complicated characterization that compliments the themes of this movie. One of the themes being that these are people just trying to make ends meet, who are constantly reminded at how well off some other people are just across from them in the luxury resort that is Walt Disney World. The juxtaposition of having scenes of a little girl who has to con her way into getting free ice cream, and seeing some wealthy person in a helicopter flying away everyday from her motel room, is showing us that stark divide that exists in our world. 

Less you think I forgot to finish my earlier point, there is that other third character of the movie that we follow here. That character is Bobby, the manager of the Magic Castle motel; which is a real life place by the way. There will be those who say that Moonee is the true heart of this movie, but I would argue that it is Bobby. Willem Dafoe does a remarkable job as Bobby, in a way that deserves recognition. As the thankless manager, he has to balance being the person in charge of the place that has to give rules and regulations to everybody there, and yet still finds it in his heart to care enough about those people even though he doesn't have to. It's a moving character piece that once again feeds into the theme of this movie about the contrasts between the haves and have nots. 

Although "The Florida Project" can sometimes act like it's just home made videos that are just stitched together into a full length feature, it is still a cinematic experience that should resonate with you. The awareness it brings to people like Moonee, Halley, and Bobby, is an admirable thing for this movie to do. This isn't exactly a documentary, but it may as well be. 

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only the brave

They're the heroes that represent the best of America. #OnlyTheBrave, Based on the True Story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots - only in theaters October 20th. Subscribe to Sony Pictures for exclusive video updates: http://bit.ly/SonyPicsSubscribe Follow Us on Social: https://www.facebook.com/OnlyTheBraveMovie https://www.instagram.com/OnlyTheBraveMovie/ To learn more about how you can support the wildland firefighter communities through THE GRANITE MOUNTAIN FUND, go to WWW.ONLYTHEBRAVE-MOVIE.COM All men are created equal...

You can tell that this movie; that is based on a true story, has a lot of reverence for the Granite Mountain Hotshots. They are in fact heroes after all, and the movie doesn't make us forget that. There are scenes where characters literally proclaim out loud how they are heroes, just in case you suddenly forgot. It's a little bit too on the nose to the point of being over indulgent, but hey they make it work. The movie also goes out of it's way of hitting us over the head about how much these group of fire fighters and their families are such a tight knit-group of people, that they are able to overcome their differences and flaws, and came together as one family. Like I said, a bit too on the nose, but hey they make it work. 

As much as I said that this movie shows a lot of respect for the Granite Mountain Hotshots, this unfortunately only focuses on a few of them. Josh Brolin as the "supe" Eric Marsh, his wife Amanda as played by Jennifer Connelly, and Miles Teller as Brendan McDonough. All three actors are amazing in this though, and they hit the drama really well. Taylor Kitsch does get a good amount of attention as Christopher Mackenzie as well, but the rest of the hotshots are really just background characters. Kinda wished it was more of a true ensemble cast, but it would have been a completely different movie if they did that.

This story that features Marsh and McDonough is really good though, as it plays on the underdog themes of the characters and for the hotshots. They are the true heart of this movie, and it is very compelling, emotional, and inspirational. There's a lot to like about this story, from the aforementioned character arcs, the fire fighting scenes, and the incredible final acts. With that said, the plot progression is admittedly very familiar, predictable, and kinda emotionally manipulative. However, it was easy to just get sucked into this tale, and get wrapped up in all the reverence. I guess that's what really counts in this movie experience. 

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the snowman

The Snowman - In Theaters October 20 http://www.thesnowmanmovie.com Michael Fassbender (X-Men series), Rebecca Ferguson (Mission: Impossible-Rogue Nation), Charlotte Gainsbourg (Independence Day: Resurgence), Val Kilmer (Heat) and Academy Award® winner J.K. Simmons (Whiplash) star in The Snowman, a terrifying thriller from director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), based on Jo Nesbø's global bestseller.

When watching a creepy crime mystery, there's a general expectation that you want to be able to play along. You want to uncover and solve the clues at the same time as the protagonist of this story. This movie does not really let you do that, which then becomes a frustrating mess of an experience seeing this story play out on screen. I'm sure it can be argued that the clues are being revealed to us since the first opening scene, but the way the narrative is being told here definitely does not help. 

I don't know why Tomas Alfredson directed the movie the way he did, but he really didn't do us any favors. Maybe the original novel that this is an adaptation of, was too complicated of a story to be put on film. Maybe it should have been done differently, or as a multi-episode series, because wow was this a slog of a movie. The way this film tells it's story, it's like it's purposefully being cryptic, obtuse, and inexplicable, just for the sake of wanting to confuse us.

I get that it's a mystery and all, but stringing us along through this mess of a narrative just felt obnoxious. There were moments when I was complaining about the movie having too much exposition. Then there were moments when I was complaining that there simply wasn't enough exposition. There were scenes that knew how to build up tension, with proper pacing, and good editing. Then there were scenes that didn't show any restraints, moved by too quickly, and was edited haphazardly. It was all just so infuriating to put up with this movie yanking our chain. 

Even the talents of Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, and Charlotte Gainsbourg, were generally wasted on this movie. Fassbender's character at least had some sort of proper character growth as the main protagonist, but the characters of Ferguson and Gainsbourg just felt like they were making things up as the story goes. There were actually a lot of other characters that were important to the overall story, but the movie sure as heck made me not care about what happens to them. 

"The Snowman" should have been more compelling than it actually is. Such a huge disappointment. At least the visuals and cinematography were great, but not enough to truly recommend this film. 

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professor marston and the wonder women

Now Playing Get your tickets now: http://tickets.marston.movie In a superhero origin tale unlike any other, PROFESSOR MARSTON & THE WONDER WOMEN is the incredible true story of what inspired Harvard psychologist Dr. William Moulton Marston to create the iconic Wonder Woman character in the 1940's.

Apparently this movie seems targeted for an audience of sociologists, feminists, anthropologists, psychologists, and dare I say perverts. Oh, and yes this is also targeted for comic book fans of the Wonder Woman character. Let's not forget about mentioning that. 

For now, I say never mind all the other target audiences I mentioned, because this movie kinda does go out of it's way to hit us over the head with the Wonder Woman fan service references. There were multiple scenes that attempts to parallel it's real life events with what is found on the pages of the comic books. It was cute of the movie to do that at first, but it got a little annoying by how overboard it got. We get it, the glass toy airplane in the movie represents Wonder Woman's invisible jet. We get it, the Greek stage play fits in with Wonder Woman's origins on Paradise Island. We get it, that burlesque outfit looks like Wonder Woman's costume. Tell me something I don't get. 

With all that said, the promotional trailer does say that we "would never look at Wonder Woman the same way" after seeing this movie. Going into this film, I was aware about the whole mythos regarding the origin story of Wonder Woman's creation. The bondage thing. The whole lie detector thing. The whole polyamory thing. Even knowing about those things, I honestly now won't be able to look at Wonder Woman the same way again after seeing this movie. There is apparently more to who the character represents, and the narrative of the original comic books. So much so that I'm second guessing how well represented the Wonder Woman movie starring Gal Gadot truly is. 

Wonder Woman is only a part of what makes this story work though. You really go into this movie for the three main leads, Luke Evans as Professor William Moulton Marston, Rebecca Hall as Elizabeth Marston, and Bella Heathcote as Olive Byrne. The chemistry that these three actors displayed on screen is palpable. The conversations and observations they had with each other were fascinating. The trials and tribulations they faced together in life were engrossing. They are the real reason to watch this movie, and wow did they have an incredible story to tell us. From their innocent beginnings, to the very complicated end, it was hard not to get caught up with what's happening with William, Elizabeth, and Olive. 

Although this is based on a true story, it should be pointed out that Writer-Director Angela Robinson apparently took a lot of liberties with the actual true story. Or so we are told. Fact vs fiction aside, the story as it was shown to us on screen is still a really good one. It also shared some very important social commentaries and themes that are worth the time to be exposed to. I did have some issues with certain plot points that seemed a little too convenient, but overall I liked most everything I saw here. 

The mere presence of Wonder Woman might make one think that "Professor Marston and the Wonder Women" is a simple biographical movie about the character's creator. It's really not that simple, and this film is really not for everybody. I can see this rubbing some people the wrong way. If people can avoid automatically dismissing this movie with some misguided preconceptions, they might come off it appreciating the message this film is trying to relay to all of us. 

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victoria and abdul

The extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria's (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself.

It's easy for me to recommend this movie just for the simple fact that Dame Judi Dench is playing the role of Queen Victoria here. As the cantankerous Queen of the United Kingdom and the Empress of India, Dench is absolutely a delight to watch on screen. There is quite a bit of fun to see Judi Dench exert her authority over everybody, but at the same time look somewhat bored in doing so. She's not always angry and yelling at people here though, as there are brilliant quiet scenes where she gets to show her more gentler side, that should hit you on the emotional level. 

If Dame Judi Dench is not enough, then let me introduce you to Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim. A general nobody in India, to accidentally becoming a teacher for the Queen. Fazal absolutely owns the role, and is quite the scene-stealer. He is charming in many ways, and also in how he seems to be genuinely happy at being able to stay at the Royal palace, and to serve the Queen. There is that certain innocence that Al Fazal is able to relay to us that is just enjoyable to see. Abdul Karim does share the narrative of this story with Queen Victoria, but the moments we see the story play out through his eyes are pretty entertaining. 

As for the story itself, although it is based on historical facts, the movie itself admits that it takes a lot of liberties. Some movie goers will take issue with how the Queen is portrayed in certain aspects, as well as Abdul Karim for that matter. As Directed by Stephen Frears, there is a specific type of story that he wants to tell here, and he isn't afraid to distort the truth a little bit in service of the movie, and of the characters. I admit that I myself had issues with certain plot points and character portrayals in the story, but I was able to look past the faults for the strength of what I was being shown. 

The movie tackles the friendship between the Queen and Abdul in a very nice way, and is at the heart of this story. I liked how the movie touched on the topics about the cultural differences, the systematic ways of how people are suppose to behave around the Queen, the push and pull between the Royal household and the Queen, plus of course the topic of racism. This movie covers a good amount of themes, and while it wasn't all perfect, I will have to say that it was to the betterment of the movie. It's also highly amusing in many different ways, and that also helps makes it really entertaining to watch "Victoria and Abdul." 

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the foreigner

THE FOREIGNER, starring Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, is a timely action thriller from the director of "Casino Royale." The film tells the story of humble London businessman Quan (Chan), whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta when the only person left for him to love -- his teenage daughter -- is taken from him in a senseless act of politically-motivated terrorism.

If you're looking for the usual light-heartedness and humor found in a Jackie Chan movie, you're not going to find it here. This is pretty much a straight up serious thriller, involving terrorist bombings, and about people with loved ones that have been taken away in tragically violent ways. There are also some political aspects to the story, as well as some commentary on strained relations between different cultures, that gives this movie that extra bit more depth. 

Of course besides all the underlying themes and messages that this movie covers, you're really watching this movie for the action sequences. There are action scenes in this Jackie Chan movie that are exciting to see, but they are a little bit more grounded, not as over the top, and not as choreographically elaborate as some of his other works. I should point out that this is not exactly a non-stop action movie, but they are peppered throughout to keep things lively. Those fight scenes are still entertaining to watch at least, and Jackie Chan is always good at playing the underdog and underestimated hero against huge odds really well, which I really like.

Admittedly, just based on the premise alone, this sounds like it's just another throwaway action thriller. In many ways it really is. However as directed by Martin Campbell, he was able to elevate the movie a little bit above just being another throwaway action thriller, by giving it some dramatic weight. I also appreciated that this movie actually makes some effort to acknowledge that these are not just nameless people who die in these movie explosions, and that resonates well to the urgency of the characters.

Watching Pierce Brosnan and Jackie Chan in the same movie is a delight. While Jackie Chan is good at what he does in the action category, Pierce Brosnan carries the movie really well in the more dramatic parts. “The Foreigner” isn't the most original film around and is generally a conventional entree into the action thriller genre, but see it for the two strong leads, and for its condemnation against terrorist acts. 

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happy death day

Happy Death Day - In Theaters Friday The 13th October https://www.happydeathday.com Blumhouse (Split, Get Out, Whiplash) produces an original and inventive rewinding thriller in HAPPY DEATH DAY, in which a college student (Jessica Rothe, La La Land) relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer's identity.

What do you get when you mash-up a slasher film, a mean girl as the main character, and a fantasy element a la 1993's "Groundhog Day?" You get "Happy Death Day." Quick aside... I know it sounds corny, but I have to admit that it's a clever word play movie title. Now, just from the trailer alone, you can already tell where the movie is going. Multiple death scenes. The mean and horrible girl learns a lesson about being a mean and horrible girl. The expected tropes involving our main character reliving the same day, over and over again. You basically should know what to expect when watching this movie. 

As a legitimate slasher film, this is just serviceable. While there are a couple of acceptably constructed tense scenes that leads to a jump scare, the whole movie isn't exactly scary. Nor does it have a lot of jump scares in the first place. In fact, I rather liked the tameness of it all. Half of the scenes involving the attacker also contains humorous moments, which I appreciated. The whole mystery of who the attacker could be, is also a big chunk of the entertainment factor with this movie. 

The mean girl of this story is Tree Gelbman; yes her name is actually "Tree," and as predictable as it instantly is, you can guess what her story arc is going to be in this movie. That part of the story is probably my least favorite aspect, because it's a plot trope that I'm frankly a little tired of already. Luckily and surprisingly, Tree is played by Jessica Rothe who does a terrific job in the role! She has to go through a lot of emotions here, but where I think she really shines is when she shows us a little bit of self-awareness to how crazy the premise of the movie is. 

Now combine Jessica Rothe and the "Groundhog Day" idea, and we've got a winning formula for me here. The whole "repeat the same day over and over again" is a story premise that I'm a huge fan of. While it's been done many different times, and many different ways, I'll never get tired of it. So yes that in itself gives this movie an edge to gain my favor already. It's not as creative or as ambitious as other films who have also used this idea, but it gets the job done. 

What kinda puts a damper on "Happy Death Day" for me is that, while I liked the premise and the lead actress, this film doesn't really offer anything truly substantial to make it really stand out among a huge crowd of similar movies. There are also moments of plot conveniences that took me out of the movie, which I wished wasn't the case. Overall, it's more or less just a diversion of a genre film that isn't as memorable as it should be. 

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