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Category: Adventure

  • Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

    Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]On a budget of around $90-110 million, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 grossed over $400 million worldwide. Before its release, Sega and Paramount announced a third installment and a spin-off series at ViacomCBS’s investor event. The filmmakers took inspiration from the video games Sonic Adventure 2 and Shadow the Hedgehog for the story. Jim Carrey announced that he was possibly retiring from acting but agreed to return because he liked the script. Due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, principal photography got delayed from August to November 2023 in Farhman, Surrey, England. Along with Carrey, James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, Lee Majdoub, and Tom Butler all returned. Filming wrapped in March 2024, with Keanu Reeves announced as the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog in April. After premiering at the Empire Leicester Square, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 opened worldwide in December 2024.

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    Synopsis

    Sonic (Ben Schwartz) is partying with Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tom (James Marsden), and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). Suddenly, G.U.N. Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) drops by requesting Team Sonic’s aid in dealing with a disturbance in Tokyo. Upon arrival, they meet the source of the chaos: a black hedgehog named Shadow (Keanu Reeves), who easily overpowers them. Later, the three meet with Commander Walters (Tom Butler), who explains that Shadow was part of a failed government project. Unfortunately, drones mortally wound him, but not before entrusting Sonic with a keycard, though G.U.N. falsely thinks Sonic killed Walters. With few options left, Sonic agrees to work with Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to stop Shadow. Soon, they discover that Shadow is working with Ivo’s long-lost grandfather, Gerald (Jim Carrey), who recruits Ivo to his side. Will Team Sonic stop the Robotnik’s ultimate plan, or will their fractured friendship spell doom?

     

    Review

    In a series of surprisingly decent movies, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the best one by far. Like the other films, this one strikes a good balance of action, comedy, and drama without feeling tonally inconsistent. Admittedly, some jokes don’t land, and most humor centers on slapstick, but there are some chuckle-worthy moments. Thankfully, there’s none of the over-the-top humor introduced in the second movie with Maddie’s sister. There are surprisingly more pun-filled jokes, especially from Sonic, though that’s in keeping with the character. There are also a few attempts at breaking the fourth wall jokes, but they don’t land as well as hoped. Still, the humor works, and the dramatic scenes feel earned rather than coming from nowhere and feeling forced. The filmmakers seem to have listened to the audience’s feedback and deliberately made changes to improve the movie.

    Like the previous installments, everyone in the cast, including Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Idris Elba, does a fantastic job. Jim Carrey does an excellent job playing both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik, providing plenty of humor and some complexity. However, the actual standout performance is by Keanu Reeves, who provides the voice of Shadow the Hedgehog. He brings a level of gravitas and seriousness that perfectly contrasts with Carrey’s wackiness and Sonic’s affable personality. You can tell that Reeves takes the role as seriously as any of the John Wick movies, and it’s appreciated. Marsden and Sumpter do a decent job, though their screen time is reduced to make way for Sonic and friends. Krysten Ritter also works as the stern Director Rockwell, and Lee Majdoub always delivers as Agent Stone. Alyla Browne is another standout as Maria, who brings out the humanity in Shadow, making his backstory more tragic.

    Like in the past entries, the action is fast-paced and exciting, though it can be somewhat disorienting. It helps that cinematographer Brandon Trost does a great job of framing the action so you can see what’s happening. Jeff Fowler took advantage of the larger budget to create grandiose set pieces. Many sequences are straight out of the games, even using songs by Crush 40, like Live and Learn. Fans will appreciate all the game references, but they’re not so distracting that general audiences will get confused. At an hour and fifty minutes, the film goes appropriately quick, though some portions could’ve been excised here and there. Whether you liked the first two movies or disliked one over the other, this one will satisfy you. Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is one of those rare instances of the third installment being the strongest entry.

     

    Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is currently in theaters.

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  • The Primevals (2023)

    The Primevals (2023)

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    In the late 1960s, stop-motion animator David Allen shot a short promo called Raiders of the Stone Ring. While the promo caught the attention of Hammer Films, the project fell through, and Allen continued working out the treatment. Allen recruited fellow effects artist Randall William Cook to co-write a first draft that became the basis for The Primevals. While working on 1978’s Laserblast, Allen showed his promo reel to producer Charles Band, who agreed to finance the project. Unfortunately, production stalled for another decade until Band started Full Moon Features and acquired funding from Paramount. Allen filmed the live-action sequences and started working on the stop-motion in 1994, but production halted after Paramount pulled out. The film was shelved after Allen’s passing in 1999 until Band and Chris Endicott decided to revive it decades later. After years of development hell, David Allen’s The Primevals was finally finished in 2023.

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    Synopsis

    A group of Nepalese natives fends off a Yeti when an avalanche crushes the creature and kills it. Months later, Dr. Claire Collier (Juliet Mills) displays the beast’s body at a university, which stuns the audience. After the presentation, fellow scientist Matthew Connor (Richard Joseph Paul) asks Collier to accompany her on an expedition to Nepal. They travel to Calcutta to recruit rugged tracker Rondo Montana (Leon Russom) to lead them through The Himalayas. Once in Nepal, Connor, Collier, and Montana meet with scientist Kathleen Reidel (Walker Brandt) and local Siku (Tai Thai). As they travel further into the mountains, they encounter a hidden world with primordial hominids and other secrets. Soon, they discover a race of alien/human hybrids who have enslaved a Yeti to do their bidding. Mysteries will be uncovered, and our world will never be the same when our heroes face off with The Primevals!

     

    Review

    Given its production history, it’s wild to think that The Primevals is available to watch, let alone review. Over almost half a century, this film went through financiers pulling out, companies going bankrupt, and its director dying. The efforts of Charles Band, Chris Endicott, the IndieGoGo backers, and the Full Moon team resurrected this nearly lost film. Thankfully, unlike Last Foxtrot in Burbank, which was a bit of a slog, David Allen’s dream project is fantastic. It’s nothing groundbreaking or innovative, but it’s a fun, old-school adventure film that’s cheesy in the best way. While the characters aren’t fully three-dimensional or nuanced, the actors play their roles well, and there are some standouts. Character actor Leon Russom shines as the rugged Rondo Montana, and classic actress Juliet Mills excels as Dr. Collier. Richard Joseph Paul from Oblivion is similarly bland, but he does a decent job.

    Of course, this movie’s real star is the fantastic stop-motion animation, which is impressive and adds to the charm. It’s very striking, from the rampaging Yeti at the beginning to the lizard men in the climax. Though sparse, the stop-motion is jaw-dropping and on par with the best of Ray Harryhausen’s work. Also, I’m impressed at how Chris Endicott and his team seamlessly blended the new animation with the original effects. It helps that the stop-motion is integral to the plot rather than feeling like breaks in between the talking parts. Adding to the old-school charm is the rich score by composer Richard Band, which gives the film a majestic feel. The music has a similar flair to Bernard Hermann’s scores while including some of Richard’s trademark beats. In a world dominated by cartoonish-looking CGI, this movie is a time capsule of classic cinema.

    Though some of the production designs look cheap, you can tell that Full Moon spent plenty of money back then. In 1994, this must’ve looked like something that could’ve played in theaters instead of getting a direct-to-video release. Sadly, the high quality of this early Full Moon effort highlights how much the company fell by the wayside. While there have been surprises like Subspecies V: Blood Rise, those are few and far between. I mean no disrespect to Charles Band and Full Moon, but I wish they’d make more movies like this. Then again, that might be a pipe dream, considering they don’t have nearly the budgets they had in the 90s. It’s impossible to say how David Allen would feel about what’s happened, but I’d like to think he’s happy. Overall, The Primevals is a testament to the power of perseverance and a damn good adventure movie to boot.

     

    Watch The Primevals on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4clW31o.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

    Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.21.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Against a $185 million budget, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull grossed over $790 million worldwide. While the film received decent critical reviews, audiences weren’t as kind to it, with many longtime fans feeling disappointed. Since Spielberg and Lucas’ original deal with Paramount was for five films, they started brainstorming potential ideas in 2008. Harrison Ford was entirely on board to return to the iconic role, feeling the last movie wasn’t a definitive conclusion. Unfortunately, the project languished in development hell until Disney purchased Lucasfilm in 2012, acquiring Star Wars and Indiana Jones. Spielberg was initially set to direct but stepped down in 2020 and was replaced by James Mongold. The movie was shot in the UK, Italy, and Morocco from June 2021 to February 2022 for $295 million. After premiering at Cannes, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hit worldwide theaters in June 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Set in 1969, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) lives in New York City and has recently retired from teaching. He’s visited by his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who wants him to help her find Archimedes’ Dial. Her father, Basil (Toby Jones), had been studying it since he and Indy took it from the Nazis in 1944. Unfortunately, his obsession drove him mad, so he wanted Indy to destroy it, but Indy instead kept it hidden. It turns out that a former Nazi scientist named Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) is after the Dial. Since Indy and Basil only found half of it, Voller and his men are hunting for the other half. Through some mishaps, Indy and Helena team up to search for the second half of the Dial. It’s a race against time to retrieve the Dial before the Nazis can use it to rewrite history.

     

    Review

    Compared to his previous adventure, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is better but not without flaws. For one, this film is unnecessarily long at over two and a half hours, longer than the other installments. Several chase sequences dragged out too long and could’ve been trimmed considerably, and not much would’ve been missed. Also, while she has her moments, Phoebe Waller-Bridge comes off as smug and egotistical in an annoying way. Willie Scott was annoying in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, but that was played for laughs. The filmmakers wanted something similar to Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark, but it didn’t quite work. Speaking of characters, several side characters are introduced only to be quickly tossed aside, such as Antonio Banderas’ Renaldo. Plus, without going into spoilers, some plot elements don’t mesh as well as the filmmakers may have intended.

    While this installment doesn’t match the quality of Raiders or Last Crusade, it’s still a fun ride. Right from the opening sequence, you can tell that James Mangold understands what makes Indiana Jones work. Aside from some distracting de-aging effects, the first 20 minutes perfectly set up what to expect from the movie. Like before, Harrison Ford still delivers a solid performance as the aging, globe-trotting archaeologist, adding some humanity to the character. Mads Mikkelsen is an excellent villain, with Boyd Holbrook and Olivier Richters giving similarly solid performances as his henchmen. Unlike the last film, which had an artificial sheen, this one has a more cinematic look. Even if this doesn’t live up to earlier installments, this is a fun adventure film that shouldn’t be missed. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny isn’t groundbreaking, but it’ll provide plenty of thrills for fans.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Yv3u0U.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

    Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

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    Upon its initial release, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a massive success, grossing over $470 million worldwide. The sequel became 1989’s highest-grossing film, narrowly beating Batman, Back to the Future Part II, and Ghostbusters 2. The film received critical praise and won the Best Sound Effects Editing Oscar and several Saturn and BAFTA Award nominations. While Paramount’s original deal was for five movies, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas wanted to end on a trilogy. Over the years, fans wondered if there would ever be a fourth film and what it would be about. Several screenwriters were attached at some point, including Jeb Stuart, Jeffrey Boam, M. Night Shyamalan, and Frank Darabont. Ultimately, writers Jeff Nathanson and David Koepp were brought on, with Spielberg directing and Harrison Ford donning the fedora. Nineteen years later, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull landed in May 2008.

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    Synopsis

    Set in 1957, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is kidnapped by Russian soldiers led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). She’s brought him to Area 51 to find an alien corpse, but he escapes and survives a nuclear bomb blast. Upon returning home, Jones is put on indefinite leave when he’s visited by greaser Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Mutt wants Jones to help him find his mother, who was kidnapped along with an old colleague of Indy’s. Their travels take them to Peru, where they find a crystal skull hidden for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, the Russians capture and bring them to their camp, where they also have Indy’s colleague, Harold Oxley (John Hurt). Spalko believes the skull is alien and forces Indy to help by revealing she also kidnapped Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). With the Russians in pursuit, Indy, Marion, Mutt, and Oxley will discover the secrets of the crystal skull.

     

    Review

    To say Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is divisive would be a vast understatement. Since its 2008 release, the movie has been mocked, ridiculed, battered, and torn to shreds by critics and fans alike. While I think it’s the weakest film in the series, I don’t believe it deserved all the flack it got. For starters, seeing Harrison Ford donning the iconic fedora, carrying the whip, and narrowly escaping death is always a treat. He loves playing the part and gives it his all, even if the material isn’t the greatest. Also, Cate Blanchett makes for a great villain as Irina Spalko, coming off as chill and commanding without going insane. Plus, it’s great to see Karen Allen return as Marion Ravenwood, especially since she’s given plenty to do. There are also some fun action sequences and a fantastic score from John Williams.

    While it’s easy to criticize Sha LaBeouf’s acting, it’s not that he’s terrible but rather that he’s just there. He’s not as annoying or unlikable as in the Michael Bay Transformers movies, but he’s pretty forgettable. As exciting as the action is, it’s hampered by an overreliance on CGI that’s distracting and makes everything seem artificial. It’s hard to enjoy some of the film’s chase scenes when you can tell it’s shot on a green screen. As for the movie’s most infamous scene – Indiana Jones withstanding a nuclear bomb by hiding in a fridge – it’s okay. Sure, it’s ridiculous and unrealistic, but no more so than surviving a drop from a plane in a life raft. While this isn’t a terrible film, it’s a huge disappointment considering how the series initially ended. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is more mediocre than awful.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46u9DNZ.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

    Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

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    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom was a financial hit, making over $330 million against a $28 million budget. Unfortunately, while the first was universally liked, the follow-up received mixed reviews, most criticizing the film’s darker tone. Over time, the film gained a newfound appreciation, but at the time, Steven Spielberg decided to go back to basics. He wanted something more lighthearted that harkened back to Raiders of the Lost Ark to end the planned trilogy. After reviewing numerous scripts, Spielberg and George Lucas hired Jeffrey Boam, who previously wrote The Lost Boys. In addition to Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliot, and John Rhys-Davies returning, Sean Connery joined the cast as Indy’s father. The movie was shot between May and September 1988 in Spain, West Germany, England, and the US for $48 million. Five years after the last installment, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade hit theaters in May 1989.

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    Synopsis

    After retrieving Coronado’s prized crucifix, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) learns that his father disappeared while trying to find The Holy Grail. American businessman Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), who financed the expedition, asks Indy to find his father and the grail. Indy and Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliot) meet art professor Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), who worked with Indy’s father. Using his father’s diary, Indy finds a map of where the grail is hidden, which he gives Marcus for safekeeping. Meanwhile, Indy gets a tip that his father is being held captive in a castle in Austria by the Nazis. While he rescues his father, Henry Jones (Sean Connery), Indy learns that Elsa and Donovan are working with the Nazis. With some help from Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Indy and his father must find the grail before the Nazis do. Along the journey, Indiana learns to forgive his father and discover his faith.

     

    Review

    Coming off of the last film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a return to form for the series. Sure, it doesn’t quite get as dark as the first film, but it still has the same sense of fun. What also makes this film stand out is how Indy’s character is further developed, and we learn more about him. The movie opens with a flashback to Indy as a young man, played by the late River Phoenix. On top of being entertaining, the sequence helps to set up the film’s central conflict: Indy reconnecting with his father. Like before, Harrison Ford is still great as the professor/archaeologist Indiana Jones, who’s given much more humanity. The late Sean Connery is phenomenal as Indy’s father, playing off Harrison Ford’s sly wit with a gruff charm. The film’s best scenes are any of the moments they share together.

    Denholm Elliot and John Rhys-Davies are welcome comebacks as their characters from Raiders, with both given more to do. Alison Doody has an excellent femme fatale quality, playing the first Indy girl who turns out to be a villain. Speaking of villains, Julian Glover is delightfully smug as the conniving businessman consumed by greed and desire for power. As with the other movies, the action sequences are spectacular, with the highlight being the scene with the WWI tank. This might be the funniest of the three films, punctuated by some great lines and physical comedy. Some audiences might be disappointed that this film plays things a bit too safe, but it works here. While lacking the edge of the first two films, it makes up for it with tons of heart. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade would’ve been a fitting end to the iconic series.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade from Amazon: https://amzn.to/46sdU4f.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

    Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

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    On a $20 million budget, Raiders of the Lost Ark grossed over $380 million worldwide and was 1981’s highest-grossing film. The film also got universally positive reviews and won 5 Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Picture nominations. Naturally, with all that success, Paramount wanted a sequel, so Steven Spielberg and George Lucas went to work. However, rather than using Nazis as the villains, Lucas decided to make the next film a prequel set in India. Lucas and Spielberg also made this entry darker, much like The Empire Strikes Back, the second Star Wars movie. In place of Lawrence Kasdan and Philip Kaufman, Lucas hired Willard Huyck and Gloria Katz to write the screenplay. Harrison Ford returned to the iconic role, accompanied by a relatively-unknown Kate Capshaw and a 12-year-old Ke Huy Quan. After a five-month shoot, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom hit theaters in May 1984.

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    Synopsis

    Taking place in 1935, Indian Jones (Harrison Ford) narrowly escapes a group of thugs in Shanghai who nearly poisoned him. Accompanied by lounge singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and his sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), Indy lands in India. They arrive at the village of Mayapore, where the children are gone, and the people are dying. The villagers beg Indy to retrieve a stolen sacred stone and rescue their children, and he agrees. Indy believes the stone is one of the five Sankara stones, so he, Shorty, and Willie travel to Pankot Palace. They stumble across an ancient cult known as the Thuggee, led by the high priest Mola Ram (Amrish Puri). The cult has three Sankara stones, and they’ve enslaved the children to find the other two in the caves below. It’s up to Indiana Jones to stop the cult, save the kids, and bring back the stone.

     

    Review

    Since its release, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has been the subject of much criticism and controversy. The film was so dark and macabre that the MPAA created the PG-13 rating at Spielberg’s request. On the one hand, it’s commendable that Spielberg and Lucas made this entry so dark and twisted. On the other hand, they might’ve lost sight of what they were doing in trying to make it so dark. Part of the issue is that the tone is wildly inconsistent, going from dark to light-hearted without a moment’s notice. It also doesn’t help that some of its darker material, especially in the second half, unintentionally depicted Indian people negatively. To the filmmakers’ credit, most of the criticized stuff was meant to be a joke that subverted expectations. Plus, the only Indians who do this are meant to be villains, so you’re not supposed to like them.

    Aside from that, this is still an entertaining adventure film, even if it lacks the original’s freshness. Harrison Ford is excellent as always as the fearless archaeologist, and we see him turn dark at one point. Future Oscar winner Ke Huy Quan is fun as Indy’s sidekick, and he has fantastic chemistry with Harrison Ford. Despite the criticisms she’s been unfairly given, Kate Capshaw is hilarious as Willie Scott, the polar opposite of Karen Allen. Her whining and complaining are so over-the-top that, while it can get annoying, it’s often more funny than bothersome. The action sequences are great, the villains are just as menacing, and John Williams’ score is phenomenal. Admittedly, some blue screen compositing shots stick out negatively, but it’s not enough to deter the movie. Overall, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is an imperfect but entertaining thrill ride that might traumatize your kids.

     

    Buy Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XvRMSO.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

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  • Super Mario Bros. (1993)

    Super Mario Bros. (1993)

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    Following the video game crash of 1983, Nintendo brought new life to the industry with the NES in 1985. The console launched with 17 games, including the side-scroller classic Super Mario Bros., which sold over 58 million copies. Around this time, producer/director Roland Joffé gained much attention for his Oscar-nominated films The Killing Fields and The Mission. Seeing the rising popularity of the Mario franchise, Joffé met with Nintendo to discuss adapting the game to film. Through his studio, Lightmotive, Joffé promised Nintendo complete creative control, but they felt the franchise was strong enough for experimentation. The studio hired Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel, the creators of Max Headroom, to direct, though this led to problems. With a cast featuring Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, and Dennis Hopper, and a $48 million budget, Lightmotive had total confidence. In May 1993, Super Mario Bros. went from the TV to the silver screen.

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    Synopsis

    Mario (Bob Hoskins) and Luigi (John Leguizamo) are struggling plumbers in Brooklyn who are close to going out of business. One day, the brothers meet Daisy (Samantha Mathis), an NYU student digging for dinosaur bones under the Brooklyn Bridge. While Mario and Luigi help her with a leak, Daisy is kidnapped by Iggy (Fisher Stevens) and Spike (Richard Edson). The brothers follow her and land in Dinohattan, a parallel version of Manhattan, where humans have evolved from dinosaurs. Iggy and Spike bring Daisy to King Koopa (Dennis Hopper), who wants a meteorite piece she keeps around her neck. Koopa wants the fragment to restore the meteor that struck Earth millions of years ago to merge the dimensions. It’s up to Mario and Luigi to rescue Daisy, retrieve the meteorite piece, and stop Koopa from ruling the dimensions. But this ain’t no game, as the universe hangs in the balance.

     

    Review

    Since its disastrous 1993 release, almost everyone has called Super Mario Bros. one of the worst movies ever. While I wouldn’t call this a good movie, I don’t think it’s as bad as its reputation would suggest. Morton and Jankel might’ve been slightly over their heads, but they certainly had some ambitious ideas. The weird, dystopian, sci-fi setting of Dinohattan is unique and has some interesting details, like baby carriages with eggs. Sure, the Blade Runner-like setting is as far removed from the games as possible, but it’s still fascinatingly weird. Also, even if he hated making the movie, Bob Hoskins was a solid casting choice for a live-action Mario. Like Hoskins, Dennis Hopper may have hated the experience, but he’s entertaining as the over-the-top villain, King Koopa. On the other hand, John Leguizamo was an odd choice for Luigi, but he’s likable enough.

    Aside from how different the film is from the games, the biggest problem is how inconsistent the tone is. While Alan Silvestri is a legendary composer, his lively music doesn’t fit with the grimy, grungy setting of Dinohattan. Given how the dark setting clashes with some of the goofier moments, it’s evident this ran into many production problems. The digital effects range from looking outdated to decent, but they’re better than some late 90s CGI. The film’s best effect is the fully animatronic Yoshi, which looks on par with the dinosaurs from Jurassic Park. At an hour and 44 minutes, the film often forgets specific plot points and drags considerably toward the middle. While it wasn’t the Mario movie audiences wanted, I’m glad it exists as this weird artifact of unhinged 90s filmmaking. Overall, Super Mario Bros. isn’t a good movie, but it’s earned its cult status.

     

    Buy Super Mario Bros. from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3TZyN0Z.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Super Mario Bros. (1993)

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  • The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

    The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)

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    In 1844, Alexandre Dumas published the novel Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, which became an instant hit in Europe. Dumas and Auguste Maquet first adapted the book to the stage in four parts between 1848 and 1851. With the invention of film, it wouldn’t be long until Dumas’ novel got its first big screen adaptation. The earliest movie version was a silent film in 1908, a filmed version of the stage play. The first sound version, directed by Rowland V. Lee and starring Robert Donat, was released in 1934, spawning two sequels. Between 1942 and 1986, several movie adaptations from around the world were made, including Mexico, Egypt, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. In the early 2000s, Disney acquired the rights under their Touchstone Pictures label and hired Kevin Reynolds for an adaptation. His film version, titled simply The Count of Monte Cristo, hit theaters in January 2002.

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    Synopsis

    In 1815 France, sailor Edmond Dantès (Jim Caviezel) becomes captain and plans on marrying his girlfriend Mercédès (Dagmara Domińczyk). However, his old friend Fernand Mondego (Guy Pearce), fueled by jealousy, frames Edmond for treason and has him imprisoned. Six years later, Edmond meets fellow prisoner Abbé Faria (Richard Harris), who has been imprisoned for eleven years. Faria has been digging an escape tunnel, and Edmond agrees to help if he teaches him how to read/write. Over the next seven years, Edmond becomes more intelligent and a gifted swordsman as he helps Faria escape. Unfortunately, Faria dies, so Edmond escapes on his own and joins a group of smugglers. Using a map Faria gave him, Edmond and fellow smuggler Jacopo (Luis Guzmán) find tons of treasure and become aristocrats. Having declared himself “The Count of Monte Cristo,” Edmond seeks revenge against Fernand and hopes to win Mercédès back.

     

    Review

    I’m not sure how accurate this movie is to the book, but The Count of Monte Cristo is still fantastic. This movie is the sort of old-fashioned, swashbuckling adventure film that we don’t see very often anymore. Considering this movie cost roughly $35 million to produce, this looks way more expensive than the budget would suggest. Most of the filming was in Malta, with some in Ireland, and the filmmakers took full advantage of these locations. After directing huge adventure films like Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Waterworld, Kevin Reynolds was a perfect choice. He keeps the plot moving at a crisp pace and never bogs the story down with pointless filler scenes. It helps that everyone in the cast does a great job, particularly Caviezel, Pearce, Harris, and Guzmán. In addition, a pre-Man of Steel Henry Cavill makes an appearance as the son of Mondego and Mercédès.

    Caviezel makes for a likable protagonist that grows from a humble sailor into a confident count on his revenge quest. Pearce does a great job as a hateable antagonist that you enjoy seeing get his comeuppance. Even though his screentime is short, Richard Harris brings a lot as the sage-like Faria that trains Edmond. Similarly, Luis Guzmán stands out as Edmond’s right-hand man, who sticks by his side no matter what. The sword-fighting sequences, particularly the final battle between Edmond and Fernand, are expertly choreographed and well-staged. Admittedly, the first act drags in quite a few spots as it’s mostly exposition leading up to Edmond’s framing. Aside from that, this is an enjoyable swashbuckling adventure that’s still entertaining, even if it doesn’t do anything revolutionary. Overall, The Count of Monte Cristo is an exciting adventure film with a great cast, thrilling action, and fantastic locations.

     

    Buy The Count of Monte Cristo from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bjcpO9.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • The Northman (2022)

    The Northman (2022)

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    Having been born in Sweden, actor Alexander Skarsgård was fascinated by Viking history and wanted to make a Viking-themed movie. Warner Bros attached him to a 2011 film called The Vanguard, which unfortunately never came to fruition. Fast forward to 2016, when filmmaker Robert Eggers went on vacation to Iceland with his wife, Alexandra Shaker. During the trip, Eggers met singer/songwriter Björk, who introduced him to writer/collaborator Sjón, who Eggers would reach out to later. In 2017, Eggers met Skarsgård to discuss future projects when the idea of a Viking-themed movie came up. Eggers announced the film in 2019, with Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, and Willem Dafoe in the cast. Filming was supposed to start in March 2020 but got delayed to August due to COVID-19. After lengthy post-production, The Northman premiered at the Rigoletto Cinema in March 2022 before a wide release that April.

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    Synopsis

    In AD 895, Prince Amleth (Oscar Novak) witnesses his uncle Fjölnir (Claes Bang) kill his father, King Aurvandill (Ethan Hawke). In a state of panic, Amleth grabs a boat and rows away, swearing vengeance on his uncle. Years later, an adult Amleth (Alexander Skarsgård) is part of a band of Vikings, pillaging and ravaging local towns. During a raid, Amleth encounters a Seeress (Björk), who tells Amleth that he’ll find vengeance and where to find Fjölnir. Amleth, posing as a slave, is taken to Fjölnir’s farm, where he sees his mother Gudrún (Nicole Kidman) married him. He also meets Olga (Anya Taylor-Joy), a Slavic witch who becomes his lover and works with him to escape. Over time, they slowly pick off Fjölnir’s men and create paranoia around the farm, while Amleth gains favor with Fjölnir. Soon enough, he learns who Amleth is, and the final battle commences.

     

    Review

    People expecting something like Robert Eggers’ other work, The Witch or The Lighthouse, might be somewhat disappointed. Sure, The Northman doesn’t have the horror elements of those two movies, but it’s nonetheless a remarkable film. With a budget of around $70-$90 million, this is easily Eggers’ largest and most ambitious movie to date. Thankfully, the bigger budget doesn’t mean the qualities that made Eggers famous are diluted or dialed back. Like his two previous films, this one has an extraordinary, almost dreamlike quality that makes it feel other-worldly. Some people have compared this movie to Conan The Barbarian, but it’s not quite as bombastic as the 1982 epic. Sure, there’s plenty of action and brutal violence, but the film has a much slower pace and takes its time. This movie isn’t a straight-up action/adventure film but a methodical, suspenseful epic emphasizing story and character.

    Like his previous efforts, Eggers’ direction is top-notch, and he makes excellent use of the Irish filming locations. Alexander Skarsgård is an absolute powerhouse playing Prince Amleth, bringing a quiet intensity to the role. While he doesn’t have much dialogue, his physique and glowering stare tell you he means business. Anya Taylor-Joy is captivating as a forest witch who seems inexplicably drawn to Amleth but is nonetheless loyal to him. Claes Bang works as the central antagonist, though there are moments of humanity where you almost sympathize with him. Perhaps the biggest stand-out is Nicole Kidman, who plays her part very deviously like she’s ready to betray her husband. While the story is a fairly simple revenge story, the acting, pacing, style, and action make it compelling. Overall, The Northman is another great film from Robert Eggers and easily one of the best movies of 2022.

     

    Buy The Northman from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3RCowX5.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

    Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

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    On a budget of $85 million, Sonic the Hedgehog grossed over $300 million worldwide, becoming the sixth-highest-grossing movie of 2020. While it received mixed reviews from critics, hardcore fans and general audiences embraced the blue blur hero’s live-action debut. Following its success, Paramount announced a sequel in May 2020, with many of the original cast and crew returning. Jeff Fowler would be directing alongside returning writers Pat Casey and Josh Miller, with newcomer John Whittington added as co-writer. To expand the Sonic universe further, long-time characters Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles the Echidna would be introduced. Jason Momoa was initially in talks to voice Knuckles before the studio announced Idris Elba in August 2021. With a $90 million budget, filming began in Vancouver in March 2021 and concluded in Hawaii in June that year. On April 8, 2022, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 spin dashed its way into theaters.

    [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_circle_counter title=”Rating” number=”70″ bar_bg_color=”#EDF000″ _builder_version=”4.17.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_circle_counter][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

    Synopsis

    After the last movie, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is stranded on the mushroom planet, searching for a way back home. Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has become a vigilante back on Earth, but he accidentally does more harm than good. His friend Tom (James Marsden) tells him that he will have his day, but he’s still too young. While Tom and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) go to Hawaii for her sister’s wedding, Sonic is left to watch the house. Suddenly, Robotnik arrives with his new ally, Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba), who’s searching for the Master Emerald. Before long, Sonic meets Miles “Tails” Prower (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), a two-tailed fox who becomes his new sidekick. Together, they journey to find the Master Emerald before Knuckles and Robotnik, who plans to steal the emerald for himself. It’s a race against time as Sonic and Tails venture forth to prevent Robotnik from obtaining ultimate power.

     

    Review

    The first film was a pleasant surprise when it came out, especially considering what could have been. Going into this, I was excited to see how the filmmakers could expand the story established in the last movie. On the one hand, this movie successfully provides a fun and exciting globe-trotting adventure with Sonic characters. On the other, this film falls into the trap many sequels do: doubling what worked before but making it worse. The Sonic lore is expanded upon further, but it comes at the cost of the human characters being pushed aside. The first film balanced the action sequences with the character development, whereas this film emphasizes the set pieces more. While there are moments of bonding between Sonic and Tom like before, they’re few and far between. Sonic and Tails spend enough time together to justify their friendship in defense of the filmmakers.

    Like the previous film, Ben Schwartz is spot-on as the voice of Sonic and has excellent chemistry with James Marsden. Colleen O’Shaughnessey, who voiced Tails since 2014, does a good job here and works well off Schwartz. Idris Elba is perfect chemistry as the voice of Knuckles, playing the character seriously with no humor. Jim Carrey is entertaining as Dr. Robotnik, though he somehow manages to be more over-the-top than in the previous movie. As mentioned before, this movie emphasizes the action, and the set pieces are thrilling to watch. In particular, the fights between Sonic and Knuckles and the ending fight with Robotnik are the highlight of the movie. Unfortunately, most human scenes go for low-brow comedy, though it’s not as bad as the Michael Bay Transformers movies. Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will not show up on anyone’s Top 10 list, but it’s a decent watch.

     

    Buy Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4iQGUZE.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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