Reviews

When I review movies, I genuinely try to look for the positive and try not to mock the filmmakers' efforts. Any criticism that I have is to educate and to elevate storytelling, not to poke holes or nitpick. With that in mind, there are not a lot of positives about "Madame Web".

The film boasts a well-known cast with actors like Dakota Johnson ("Fifty Shades of Grey"), Sydney Sweeney ("Euphoria") and Adam Scott ("Parks and Recreation"). Similarly, there are some characters in this movie who have genuinely interesting backstories, like Ben Parker. The moments which explore those backgrounds are the highlight of the film.

I can honestly say that "Madame Web" is one of the worst movies that I have ever seen. There were multiple times that the audience audibly laughed at moments which were not meant to be funny. The acting is poor, the script doesn't do the actors any favors and the story takes too long to develop. Not only that, but for a movie advertised as an "action film", there is little to no action.

In filmmaking, there is a common practice called Automated Dialogue Replacement (ADR). Simply put, the actors will record replacement lines in a sound booth after a scene has been shot. Filmmakers use this technique to change dialogue when a line is muffled or when the script is altered in post-production. There is a surprising amount of ADR used in this film, specifically with the villain, Ezekiel Sims. Not only is his replacement dialogue off-putting and unnatural, but often it doesn't match the actor's mouth. This is one of the contributing factors which makes Ezekiel the worst comic book villain that I have ever seen on the big screen, and I have reviewed over 90 comic book films.

"With great power comes great responsibility." That line from the original "Spider-Man" film is one of the most well-known and respected pieces of dialogue in comic book history. There is a line in this movie when Madame Web is told "When you take on the responsibility, power will come." This insulting change of a beloved quote perfectly explains this film. There is no vision, no heart, and no real purpose. If you are going to see the movie, I would suggest going to see it in theaters, because watching it with a laughing audience makes for an enjoyable theater experience.

Best Character: Anya Best Quote: Not "I've never said this before, but you're a really good teacher." Best Scene: Not the CPR scene.

Best Piece of Score: "Forgiveness"

"Treasure Planet" is an underrated gem of a film. At it's core, the story of James Hawkins is one of the best in all of Disney animation. Jim's character arc going from what he *wants* to what he *needs* is up there with Hercules.

Visually, the film is stunning. Though there are some sloppy moments going from 2D to 3D animation, there are more breathtaking scenes than broken ones.

B. E. N. Is annoying and there are some slower moments once they reach Treasure Planet, but this film is just brilliant. The relationship between Jim and Silver is top tier. The moment when Silver comforts Jim after the lifeline incident makes me cry every time and the quote from Silver might be my favorite Disney quote of all time.

Finally, the montage with John Rzeznik's "I'm Still Here" is phenomenal. The symbolism of Jim's dad leaving and Silver coming back (back to back) is absolutely brilliant. Growing up, I wanted to be Jim. Now that I'm an adult, I find so much joy in watching his character grow.

Best Character: Jim and Mr. Silver Best Quote: "Now you listen to me, James Hawkins. You got the makings of greatness in you, but you got to take the helm and chart your own course. Stick to it, no matter the squalls. And when the time comes you get the chance to really test the cut of your sails, and show what you're made of... well, I hope I'm there, catching some of the light coming off you that day." - Silver

• Honorable mention to "Look at you! Glowing like a solar fire. You're something special, Jim. You're gonna rattle the stars, you are." - Silver

Best Scene: "I'm Still Here". Strong honorable mention to the finale (Saving the Crew).

Best Song: "I'm Still Here" (Jim's Theme) Best Piece of Score: "Silver Comforts Jim"

"Lilo and Stitch" falls in a strange place in Disney's history. It's post-renaissance, but the character of Stitch has a cult following. You can't walk about Disneyland or the Disney section of any store without being bombarded with Stitch t-shirts, backpacks and other swag.

The film itself is average at best. The space elements are incredibly boring and some of the characters aren't fully fleshed out. That being said, the human characters have depth and the moments focused on the culture of Hawaii are brilliant.

If you can get past the first ten minutes, the rest of the movie is a fun watch. There is a slight emotional pull and everyone now knows what "ohana" means.

Best Character: David Best Quote: "This is my family" - Stitch Best Scene: Surfing Scene Best Song: Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride.

What a disappointment. "Haunted Mansion" isn't my favorite ride at Disneyland, but these film adaptations of rides have not hit since the first "Pirates" film.

The story isn't bad, but I couldn't tell you the order that the scenes took place. It was a lot of "and then" scenes rather than allowing them to build on one another.

The dialogue and the cast also made this movie almost unwatchable. On their own, I am a fan of most of the cast of this film. As a group, there was zero chemistry and every performance felt phoned in. This was my first introduction to LaKeith Stanfield (other than Knives Out) and I could not believe how stiff his acting felt. Watching Tiffany Haddish was like watching any recent Awkwafina project, she was just playing herself, which did not fit the character.

The score was solid (with some nice nods to the ride), the little twist at the end was nice and there was a touch of an emotional pull. Unfortunately, that was not enough to save this movie from being completely forgettable.

Best Character: Father Kent Best Quote: "Nowhere feels right without him" - Travis Best Scene: Alyssa's Cholesterol Best Piece of Score: "She Was the Best"

Note: I started a stopped this film (due to boredom) more than any other film in 2023.

The two movies are incredibly similar (almost copy + paste), but I think that Home Alone 2 is the stronger of the two. While there was a chaotic energy when Kevin was left home alone, everything is elevated when he is alone in New York. The Plaza Hotel, Duncan's Toy Chest, the taxi ride over the Manhattan Bridge, standing atop the World Trade Center, the list goes on and on about Kevin's adventure in this film.

While you have to suspend belief at the convenience of Harry & Marv running into Kevin again, their beatdown is absolutely marvelous. The thumping that Kevin gives to Marv specifically is legendary. The amount of brain damage or near death experiences given to that man in this film is too much to count.

The pigeon lady is a bit rough around the edges, but the turtle love moment gives me the feels. The hotel staff, led by Tim Curry, is ridiculous and makes for some fantastic moments. At the end of the day, this movie is one of my favorite Christmas flicks of all time.

Best Character: Marv Best Quote: "Merry Christmas, you filthy animal." - Johnny Best Scene: Running in the Plaza and grabbing cookies from the minibar.

Best Piece of Score: "Finale" Song: "All Alone on Christmas"

Oh, Home Alone. It's' a Christmas classic and for good reason. This film is a tale of two halves: the first is about a naughty boy who thinks his family disappeared, the second is the brutal beatdown that he gives to a couple of burglars. I find a lot of enjoyment during both parts of the narrative. Kevin's gradual regret about his "Christmas wish" is tender to watch, specifically when it comes to the relationship with his mother.

The humor in this movie is phenomenal. From the destruction of Buzz's room to Kevin's quippy remarks at the grocery store, Macaulay Culkin crushes his performance. Across the board, one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time, even though I like the 2nd one more.

Best Character: Kevin Best Quote: "I'm gonna give you to the count of 10, to get your ugly, yella, no-good keister off my property before I pump your guts full of lead!" - Johnny Best Scene: Facing Harry and Marv Best Piece of Score: "Somewhere in my Memory"

What a blast! I went into this movie without knowing anything about it and left super jazzed. I want to call this film "quirky" but that's not the right word for it. "Absurd", "strange" and "unique" are all more appropriate, but in the best way.

While the story isn't anything remarkable, the characters and self-awareness of this film elevate it. The quick cuts and editing are excellently done and add to the humor. The action is strong, while also giving Nacho Libre vibes. Ria's friends are a highlight and Nimra Bucha is a perfect mother-in-law character.

Best Character: Clara and Alba Best Quote: "Heavenly Father, give me strength" - Alba Best Scene: Sister Fight Best Piece of Score: "I am the Fury"

Elf is full to the brim with Christmas spirit. It would not be the Christmas season without watching it multiple times. Will Ferrell gives 100% to the role of Buddy and the supporting cast is excellent. The filmmakers could have gone real raunchy with the movie and I'm so glad that they didn't. Rather than rely on cheap humor, the bits in this movie are quick, witty and hilarious.

Along with Home Alone and a few other family favorites, this is one of the most quoted movies in my house. I haven't even mentioned the brilliance of the score by John Debney... Perfect! Take the nostalgia out of it and this movie is still, pure magic. It's a story of hope, belonging and having a positive outlook on life.

Best Character: Buddy Best Quote: "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." - Buddy Best Scene: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" Best Piece of Score: "Main Title"

This movie is warm and magical. Studio Ghibli usually thrives in the outlandish and strange, and this movie only dabbles in both. The story is simple, the characters are relatable and the animation is beautiful (as always).

The relationship between the sisters (and their parents) is at the center of the story, which I love. That being said, I wanted more adventures with the titular character. I was hoping for a little more closure in the end, but it is still a fantastic movie. It's a pure comfort film to watch on a rainy day.

Best Character: Totoro Best Scene: Flying Best Piece of Score: "The Path of the Wind"

Arthur Christmas is an average holiday film with a few memorable moments. Unfortunately, it lacks the nostalgia and charm of some of the more "classic" Christmas movies. I don't know if it is because of the giant "UFO" sleigh, the business-like (icy and cold) nature of the North Pole or the politics of becoming Santa, but there is a certain magical element that is missing. I also don't love the animation style (i.e., the over-exaggeration of the nose)

All complaints aside, the finale with Arthur looking through the crack in the door is superb. Unfortunately, that one piece of magic does not make up for the other 90 minutes.

Best Character: Arthur Best Quote: "As long as it gets there." - Arthur Best Scene: Christmas Morning Best Piece of Score: "Christmas Morning"

As someone who enjoyed the original "Hunger Games" films, this movie was a trip back to a world I fondly remember. The direction, the score and the set/costume design are all reminiscent of the original movies. There was an anxious energy pulsing throughout the film, which made me think of Katniss, Peeta and the events that unfold 64 years in the future.

The bond between the two leads in palpable, with both Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) and Lucy Gray (Rachel Zegler) mirroring each other. Across the board, the characters were fascinating and had a depth to their motivations. This film is the origin story of a villain, and the filmmakers do not shy away from that fact.

As is the case with many film adaptations of movies, some of the dialogue was a little stiff and "book-ish". Like the original books/movies, a lot of the names are outlandish and hard to remember; Coriolanus, Volumnia and Sejanus to name a few. While this doesn't detract from the film, it does take a minute to get used to some of the verbiage.

A lot happens in the 2-hour 37-minute runtime of this movie. I'm not usually an advocate for breaking a film into two parts, but it might have been appropriate in this case. By the end of the second act, it felt like the story was wrapping up, only to have 53 minutes left to go. Wisely, the film uses title cards to break up the story into three acts (i.e., Part I: The Mentor) which helps with the pacing.

Recently, there have been many attempts by big studios to revitalize beloved franchises. Most of these attempts have not met much critical acclaim (i.e., "Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them"). This film is an outlier to that negative trend and feels like a story that needed to be told, rather than a cash-grab. The plot is thought-provoking and well-conceived, the characters are intriguing, and I left the theater wanting to re-watch the franchise again.

Best Character: Coriolanus Best Quote: "Smile, it's why we have teeth" Best Scene: The Zoo Best Song: "Can't Catch Me Now"

Written for the Gunnison Gazette.

A fascinating dive into the tragedy that happened to David Holmes. The documentary is well-produced and packed with interesting information. It's also full of hope and optimism, especially from David.

The story is especially sad when you look at Greg and others on the set. The fact that they carried on, is a feat in itself. What Marc and Tolga have been able to do after the completion of the films is incredibly admirable.

Seeing the support of everyone in the Harry Potter cast, especially those like Tom Felton and the Weasleys, is something to marvel at.

Well worth the watch, even with the 20+ F-bombs.

Over the course of the year, the Disney 100 anniversary has been in full swing. This film is the peak of this celebration, with everything building to its release. A lot of careful thought was put into this movie with intentional references to many of the Disney classics. These small easter eggs are fun for both kids and adults to find scattered throughout the film.

While there is a lot to love about "Wish", the best part of this movie is the music. The soundtrack is full of powerful songs written by Grammy-nominated songwriter Julia Michaels. "This Wish" has quickly become a favorite in our house, with my daughters singing it on repeat.

Disney has been at the forefront of cutting-edge animation since their first release. Unfortunately, the animation in this film is a bit half-baked and seems cheap. There were moments where the movie felt like a Disney Channel cartoon (i.e., "Sofia the First" or "Elena of Avalor") rather than a centennial celebration.

While the lead character, Asha, has a strong identity and purpose, the rest of the characters fall flat. The scenes with her group of friends are uninteresting and their attempts at humor do not land. Even the animal sidekick, a goat named Valentino, is forgettable and unamusing.

"Wish" does an admirable job at paying homage to the 61 Disney movies that came before it. While it does not quite live up to the high expectations, the movie is a fun adventure for the whole family. Asha is a powerful protagonist, the music is top-tier and the climactic third act does not disappoint.

Best Character: Asha Best Scene: The Reprise Best Song: "This Wish". Honorable mention to "At All Costs"

Written for the Gunnison Gazette.

I guess I'm in a mood of grading movies higher than critical consensus. Real Steel is a fantastic movie. Yes, it is full of cliches. Yes, it is incredibly melodramatic ("You sound like your dad", "Your secret's safe with me", etc.). Yes, it is extremely predictable. Toss that all aside and you have a movie with a ton of heart.

The underdog story of Atom makes you jump out of your seat and cheer. Dakota Goyo and Hugh Jackman have a great rapport with each other. On top of that, this is one of Danny Elfman's best scores. Real Steel is a comfort film that makes me feel good.

Best Character: Max Best Quote: "You deserve better than me." - Charlie Best Scene: Shadowboxing Best Piece of Score: "Charlie Trains Atom"

Note: The scene where Charlie gets into bed with Kate is super off. I get what they're trying to do, but still a bit creepy.

Unashamed that I absolutely love this movie. Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore are fantastic, but the real star of the show is Eileen Essell's Mrs. Connelly. Her line delivery is brilliant ("He was named after my late husband, Richard.") and she perfectly fits the role.

This movie has been a family favorite since I was a kid. My siblings and I can quote this movie forwards and backwards, like it's "The Princess Bride" or "Anchorman". Yes, the plot is dumb and the story is stretched over 89 minutes, but they are 89 minutes of dumb comfort.

Best Character: Mrs. Connelly Best Quote: If I had to pick one, it would be "Oh, blueberries!" but honorable mentions to the following:

• "It went bang-bang-bangety-bang-bang-BANG-BANG!"
• "That was the weirdest seven minutes of my life."
• "He died drunk and penniless."
• "Kenneth..."
• "It's pissing down out there!"
• "I don't drink meself, it's a sin."
• "She was holding me down, and he was having his way."

Best Scene: Installing the Clapper.

That opening scene in Yosemite (for some reason) is one of the most peaceful credit scrolls that I have ever seen. No lie (just ask my wife), I fell asleep watching that scene at least a dozen times before persevering and finishing the movie. I would start it and get lulled to sleep by the beautiful piece of score, "The Mountain".

Peaceful drifting aside, this movie has a lot of gaps. I heard that there was a writers strike going on at the time, which makes a lot of sense. The story jumps all over the place and I constantly hit the rewind button to see if I missed something.

There are some formulaic elements, like repeating lines in the third act which were said in the first (i.e., "I thought I was going to die."). A lot goes on, but the meat in the middle of the story sandwich is missing.

Ultimately, this movie will be remembered in my mind as three old men singing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" on shore leave.

Best Character: McCoy Best Quote: "What does God need with a starship?" - Kirk Best Scene: I have to say "The Mountain" Best Piece of Score: "The Mountain"

What's not to love about Monsters, Inc.? The animation is excellent (just look at Sulley's fur), the voice acting is immaculate (Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, James Coburn, etc.) and the concept itself is brilliant.

Many modern animated films (i.e., TMNT Mutant Mayhem) are packed full with 2023 slang and references which will date the movie. Monsters, Inc. Does not have this problem. The story is timeless and endlessly rewatchable.

The evolution that the characters go through is masterclass. Their changes ultimately culminate in one of the most tear-jerking final moments in film history (honestly, think about it). I adore Monsters, Inc. And it is in strong contention for my favorite animated film of all time.

Best Character: Sulley (and Boo) Best Quote:

• Randall: "What happens when the whistle blows in five minutes?"
• Mike: "Ah, I get a time-out?"
• Randall: "Everyone goes to lunch! Which means: the scare floor will be...?"
• Mike: "...Painted?"

Best Scene: The final moment. "Kitty!" Best Piece of Score: "Monsters, Inc." (honorable mention to "Boo's Going Home")

With over 40 projects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe canon, it can be a bit of a headache trying to keep up with all the characters. This film does a great job reminding the audience of the main three protagonists' backstories without missing a beat. The chemistry between the three women is strong, with Captain Marvel finally feeling human.

Though the stakes are high, the film is surprisingly grounded. Each character has their moment to shine, even with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. The film does not take itself too seriously, and there are many carefree moments reminiscent of "Thor: Ragnarok" and "Guardians of the Galaxy". These humorous flashes are a staple of the MCU and work for the most part in "The Marvels".

The villain, Dar-Benn, is as bland as they come. Her character was so forgettable that I had to look up the name of the character as I was writing this. Her motivations are strong, but the character itself is frustratingly weak.

As I mentioned before, the film is packed full of humor. I would estimate that 80% of these jokes landed with the audience, with a small portion feeling out of place. Most of the comedy comes from Ms. Marvel's starstruck and overwhelmed persona, which lost its appeal very quickly. In the first 15 minutes, I cannot count how many times she screams.

When the end credits rolled, I wanted to watch this movie again. Though it is not a top tier entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the film is much better than "Captain Marvel", "Ms. Marvel" and other recent projects. The strength of the film is the relationship between the three leads. While I complain about Iman Vellani's over-the-top enthusiasm, her character (Ms. Marvel) was the heart and soul of the film.

This might be the first series I have ever watched that truly felt like a chore to get through, even more than She-Hulk and Ms. Marvel. I can honestly say that I did not enjoy a single episode of Secret Invasion.

Olivia Coleman and Kingsley Ben-Adir were standouts, but both characters were underused. I liked seeing more of Ben Mendelsohn's Talos, but I didn't care about the rest of the story.

The entire concept of this series is interesting, but underdeveloped. The whole "Who is a Skrull?" thing really undermines these characters and left me frustrated. During the final episode, I was curious how Nick Fury was going to pull everything off. The result (no spoilers) was underwhelming.

Best Character: Sonya Best Scene: The Meat Locker Best Piece of Score: "Beloved"

Oh, Ms. Marvel. When the show first aired, I watched about 10 minutes before turning it off. At face value, this series was too juvenile and cringey for me to get into. In preparation for "The Marvels", I figured that Ms. Marvel was necessary viewing. On my second attempt, I liked this series much more than I thought I would.

The dive into Pakistani culture was fascinating, Iman Vellani (Kamala) was fairly likable and some of the action sequences (without CGI) were good. The series, specifically the pilot, was uniquely shot and made for some fascinating storytelling elements.

Trust between characters in this series is like a yo-yo. One second someone is evil and the next second they're good, and then evil again. I had a difficult time following the motivations of the antagonists and didn't really care about the final episode. Necessary viewing, but not one that I care to revisit anytime soon.

Best Character: Aamir Best Quote: "Good isn't a thing you are. It's a thing you do." Best Scene: Aisha's Home Best Piece of Score: "On a Lamp Post"

From what I have read, this film did a great job of sticking to the facts and following the "true story" source material. A double edged sword, this made "Zodiac" fascinating and upsetting at the same time. There were moments when I couldn't take my eyes off the screen, which were then followed by the anti-climactic "6 Months Later" or "One Year Later" title cards.

The film is creepy, intriguing and compelling. As someone who went into the movie with minimal exposure to the true story, I found myself enveloped in the case just like Graysmith. A little more closure would have been nice, but who am I to rewrite history?

Best Character: Paul Avery Best Quote: "Not many people have basements in California." - Robert Best Scene: "The Basement" (clearly) Best Piece of Score: "Dare to Dream"

Who knew that Michael Giacchino was so cool? He's a phenomenal composer and a pretty decent first-time director.

This "special presentation" has a unique personality unlike anything we have seen in the MCU. The story is fairly basic and the characters are forgettable, but it thrives in its homage to the classics. While some of the Disney+ projects have been good, there have been a couple of misfires recently. Hopefully, Kevin Feige and team keep making projects along this vein of creative freedom.

Best Character: Jack Best Scene: In the Cage Best Piece of Score: "Werewolf By Night: Mane Theme (Piano)"

Steven Spielberg took all the futuristic ideas that didn't fit in "A. I." and packed them into this film. While some of them work (eyeball recognition), many of them just date the film (jet packs from "The Santa Clause"). While the core of this film is interesting, there is a bit too much fluff for me to rate the film higher.

The whole concept of future crime, Tom Cruise's unique predicament and "the echo" is fascinating. The film is a bit of a convoluted snooze, but still a fun sci-fi adventure.

Best Character: Danny Best Quote: "The fact that you prevented it from happening doesn't change the fact that it was going to happen." - John Best Scene: Piecing it all Together Best Piece of Score: "A New Beginning"

"Are you not entertained?"

Gladiator is a phenomenal achievement in cinema. The execution is near-flawless, with excellent storytelling, directing, acting and everything in between.

The first act is full of exposition, which can get tiresome. However, once you hit the 45 minute mark, it is full steam ahead. The story of redemption is incredibly captivating and leaves a mark. Maximus is a powerful character and his foil, Commodus, is despicable. To cap it all off, the finale of this film is one of the best in modern film history.

I don't think of the Roman Empire often, but when I do, it is because of Gladiator.

Best Character: Maximus Best Quote: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius..." Best Scene: Elysium Best Piece of Score: "Now We Are Free"

Note: I love Hans Zimmer, but the Pirates of the Caribbean score is a little too close to this.

To follow the core story of "Five Nights at Freddy's", you do not need to have played the game. I have never picked up a copy of "FNAF" and went into the movie somewhat blind, only knowing bits and pieces of the lore. As events unfolded, there was never a moment when the main plot felt confusing. As a mildly creepy, jump-scare filled thriller, the film delivered.

The main character, Mike, has a strong backstory with clear motives and reasoning. His character has a strong focus on a concept called "Dream Theory", which is fascinating. The performance by Josh Hutcherson is admirable and I truly cared about what happened to him and his sister.

Apart from big blockbuster superhero films, I have never seen a crowd so excited and invested in a movie. On more than one occasion, the majority of the crowd went berserk with enthusiastic applause, and I had no clue the reason. While the story was simple to follow, the deeper pieces of "FNAF" lore left a portion of the audience on the outside of an inside joke.

Rather than keep the film a tight 90 minutes, there is about 20 minutes of fluff that unnecessarily dragged on. The side-plot of the movie was dull and half-baked, with some of the characters falling into stereotypes. Similarly, though Mike's backstory is interesting, the end of his narrative lacks closure.

As the end credits rolled, I leaned over to talk to some of the patrons who cheered the loudest during the "inside joke" moments. The two audience members had this to say: "It was a cinematic masterpiece. We know everything about "FNAF", having played all the games, and it stayed true to about 75% of the source material."

If you are familiar with "Five Nights at Freddy's", this film will not disappoint. However, as someone with minimal exposure to the source material, the result was a bit lackluster.

Best Character - Mike Best Scene - The Dreams Best Piece of Score - "Five Nights at Freddy's"