Comic-Con 2019

[For a blast from the past, check out: http://sdmoviemaven.blogspot.com/p/comiccon-wondercon.html]

With Warner Bros, Sony, Universal and Fox 20th Century Studios skipping 2019 Comic-Con, the lack of feature films this year is not surprising.  Marvel's return to a prime spot Saturday evening was mostly inaccessible unless you camped overnight.

I do miss those years when Hall H was stacked with one movie after another.  Paramount made it worthwhile though, springing in one of the most talked-about surprises of the Con.  The vacancies also allowed other channels to rise, such as Amazon Prime Videos and Netflix, which might appeal to some audiences.

If last year was the pinnacle of activations, led by Amazon Prime Videos' Jack Ryan, this year's activities were more sparse.  The studio looked to repeat its success with  multiple smaller activations - The Expanse, The Boys, and Carnival Row.  Escape rooms became more popular this year, which also includes NBC Universal's Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  A ferris wheel, which was installed outside and free to all, was a nice touch, allowing people to have a bird eye's view of  the convention area.

***

"Terminator: Dark Fate" (November 1, 2019)
In attendance: director Tim Miller, stars Arnold Schwarzenegger, Linda Hamilton, Mackenzie Davis, Natalia Reyes, Diego Boneta, Gabriel Luna

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Linda Hamilton reunited in the "Terminator: Dark Fate" panel. Edward Furlong is set to reprise his character, John Connor.  Hamilton opened the panel and talked about returning to the movie after 27 years  She said that there was a richness that she could explore and rocked it as a woman of a certain age.  Sarah Connor is an outsider whose life hasn't worked out, so Hamilton had to dig into places of deepest sorrows and loss.  Schwarzenegger remarked that he was addicted to 'Terminator' and praised the movie as something that changed his career forever.

The footage looked badass.  An enhanced human and a girl are on the run on a freeway from an unkillable shape-shifting Terminator until Sarah shows up with a bazooka and a grenade.  Sarah is determined to protect her because she could relate to her; she was pursued by Terminators at her age.  Lots of chases involving cars, helicopter and plane, as well as gunshots and explosions.  It's not clear why Terminators are after the girl, but it appears that her life is a matter of human race survival.  The movie is a certified R-rating, with adult language and violence.

"Top Gun: Maverick" (June 26, 2020)
In attendance: Tom Cruise

The 'Dark Fate' panel concluded and everyone was getting ready to leave until Conan O'Brien strolled into the stage, stole the microphone, and asked if we would like to see the biggest movie star in the world.  Tom Cruise appeared, greeted by thunderous applause.  He gave a brief speech that it was 34 years ago he's in San Diego for "Top Gun," thanking everyone for being very patient, and that he's ready to show the world's premiere of the trailer.

The trailer shows Maverick as a Navy captain, when he should have been a two-star admiral.  Cruise mentioned that everything we saw was real, including him flying in certain fighter jets.  The movie, which will hit theaters on June 26, 2020, is about competition, family, sacrifice, and a love letter to aviation.

***

Marvel presented the longest lineups.  While nothing could have topped the years leading up to the "Avengers: Endgame," the studio doesn't seem to be slowing down.  It continues to have a full slate, plus the addition of Disney Plus streaming service.

Phase Four scheduled movies and shows, which I caught in the playback room, are as follows: "Black Widow" (May 1, 2020), "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" (Disney+ series, fall 2020), "Eternals" (November 6, 2020), "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" (February 12, 2021), "WandaVision" (Disney+ series, spring 2021), "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" (May 7, 2021), "Loki" (Disney+ series, spring 2021), "What If...? (Disney+ series, summer 2021),  Hawkeye (Disney+ series, fall 2021), "Thor: Love and Thunder" (November 5, 2021).

"Black Widow" was described as gritty, like "Bourne."  Angelina Jolie got the loudest cheers when she showed up for the "Eternals" lineup. The biggest surprises coming out are "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" being billed as the first MCU horror movie and "Thor: Love and Thunder"  inviting  Natalie Portman back as the female Thor.  Last but not least, Mahershala Ali was announced to be the next "Blade."

***

"nExt" (Fox; premiere date TBD, midseason)
In attendance: creator Manny Coto, executive producers and directors John Requa and Glenn Ficarra, stars John Slattery, Fernanda Andrade, Michael Mosley, Jason Butler Harner, Eve Harlow

From the creator of "24," this propulsive artificial intelligence thriller (along the lines of CBS "Person of Interest") looks promising, exploring the far-reaching impact of super advanced technology in our modern lives.  Drones and Alexa are merely the beginning.  When an FBI cybercrime agent's former college professor is murdered, the trail leads to an AI program started by the now-fired Silicon Valley's tech firm co-founder.  He butts head with his estranged brother and CEO of the firm, regarding what is being done with the program.  The program, which he thought was under lock-and-key, is continued to be developed.  His brother promises that it is self-contained and has no connection to the outside world.

As can be predicted, a rouge AI is evolving and ultimately finds a way to the internet, which has chilling repercussions.  This is the type of war that is not fought in the battlefield and most difficult to combat because it's faceless, slowly destroys from within and lives will be ruined.

"Batwoman" (CW; October 6, 2019)

The pilot was shown in preview night with no one in attendance.  Bruce Wayne/Batman has been missing from Gotham for three years.  His cousin, Kate Kane, discovers the Batcave and asks his techie to alter his costume to fit a woman.  Kate, who lost her mom and sister in a tragic car accident where Batman couldn't save them, has a complicated relationship with her father.  She was sent to a military academy school and expelled under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.  Being in the military is her father's dream for her, but never hers.

When a star agent of her father's private security firm, the Crows, is kidnapped, it's clear that there's a personal connection and Kate can't escape her past, family or otherwise.  The villain is a revelation. The first look of Batwoman soaring from a skyscraper in her sleek black costume and picking up the crime-fighting crusader mantle is pretty buzzworthy.

"Emergence" (ABC; September 24, 2019)
In attendance: creators Tara Butters and Michele Fazekas, stars Allison Tolman, Alexa Swinton, Donald Faison, Clancy Brown, Owain Yeoman, Ashley Aufderheide, Robert Bailey Jr., Zabryna Guevara

"Emergence" is an original drama with a supernatural element.  After a plane crashes on the beach, the town's police chief discovers a frightened young girl who was not aboard the plane.  The plane appears to have taken off from an isolated government research facility.

The mysterious girl appears is amnesiac and has some kind of electromagnetic powers.  She's pursued by fake NTSB officials and people who claim to be her parents.  The chief brings her home to stay with her family, at least until she could investigate what is really going and know her identity.  There may not be a safe place for her and her family though as incidents continue to occur.  The pilot closes with a scene that questions whether the girl actually knows who she is, where she comes from, and what she is capable of.

"Stumptown" (ABC; September 25, 2019)
In attendance:  producers Ruben Fleischer and David Bernad, writer Greg Rucka, stars Cobie Smulders, Jake Johnson, Michael Ealy, Camryn Manheim, Tantoo Cardinal, Cole Sibus, Adrian Martinez

Based on a graphic novel, the show is about the life of a female Marine vet working as a private investigator in Portland, Oregon.  She's a scrapper, sexually fluid, has PTSD, gambling debt, and a mentally challenged brother to care for.  It's said that Portland has a lot of character as a town as it's emphasized as a setting.

Cobie Smulders mentioned that the training for the show was more intense than the Avengers.  The fight scenes are very realistic and dirty.  The cold open is bananas; Smulders emerges from the back seat of a moving car and tries to incapacitate the driver and his passenger, ending up with the car flying through the air.

"Snowpiercer" (TBS; date TBD, 2020)
In attendance: showrunner and executive producer Graeme Manson, stars Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Alison Wright, Rowan Blanchard

An adaptation of the 2013 movie of the same name starring Chris Evans, the show takes place seven years after the world turns into a frozen wasteland and its survivors reside in a perpetually running train.  The show is a tale of the haves and have-nots in various states of living conditions, from deplorable to luxurious.  It explores class warfare, social injustice and politics of survival.  The footage and trailer have a cinematic quality to it, depicting an avalanche engulfing the train, how it breaks through the cars, and an arm-freezing punishment.

"Carnival Row" (Amazon Prime Video; August 30, 2019)
In attendance: creator and executive producer Travis Beacham, executive producer Marc Guggenheim, stars Orlando Bloom, Cara Delevingne, Tamzin Merchant, David Gyasi

A fantasy-noir show with a Victorian style where humans and immigrant creatures mingle.  Centaurs, fairies and pucks migrate to the humans' land when their land is invaded and torn from war.  The creatures are treated cruelly in the human's world, including being disemboweled on the streets.

The show portrays star-crossed lovers of a human detective and a fairy, and an uneasy relationship between a financially struggling human aristocrat and her fae wealthy neighbor.  The show parallels itself with complex issues of the real world, such as classism, racism, sexism, spiritualism, immigration and refugees.  Orlando Bloom made waves when he made a comment that the Mayor of San Diego left the activation (below) abruptly when he was told the show dealt with immigrants.  The Mayor disputed the account later on.

Amazon Prime Videos doubled down the effort to promote the show, showcasing it as one of the attractions outdoor.  Once we entered the activations set, we're given a brochure and engraved coins in a velvet pouch.  I used my coins to purchase food offered in the market; churros, pretzel, fruits and popsicle.  The set was nicely built with lounge chairs and tower in the center for performances.

To enter Carnival Row, each visitor was provided a choice between  two cards, human or creature.  After passing security check, we were whisked into a marketplace with creatures selling their wares.  A face appeared on a peep hole of the door and we entered the dimly lit Forbidden Lounge.  A cabaret singer and burlesque-type dancer performed on stage, where she revealed fancy wings underneath her robe.  The show ended when human police officers barging in and shut down the event.

That's a wrap... borrowing the words from 'Terminator,' I'll be back in 2020!

https://www.sdentertainer.com/entertainment-events/everything-you-missed-at-comic-con-2019/

[click to enlarge photos]

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2019 Fall Movies Preview

[Originally posted on 08/17/19]

Fall is around the corner... from crowd pleasers to prestige pictures, check out the synopsis and trailers of 30 movies premiering soon:

https://screenrant.com/2019-fall-movies-preview-trailers/

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Upcoming Movies: December 2019

[Originally published on 11/20/19]

[Happy Thanksgiving!  Will catch up on movie reviews in December]

December 6 
"The Aeronauts" - A pilot and a scientist find themselves in an epic fight for survival while attempting to make discoveries in a gas balloon.

"Portrait of a Lady on Fire" - On an isolated island at the end of the 18th century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.

December 13
"Jumanji: The Next Level" (https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/jumanjithenextlevel) - A team of friends return to Jumanji to rescue one of their own but discover that nothing is as they expect. The players need to brave parts unknown, from arid deserts to snowy mountains, in order to escape the world's most dangerous game.

"Uncut Gems" - A charismatic New York City jeweler always on the lookout for the next big score, makes a series of high-stakes bets that could lead to the windfall of a lifetime. He must perform a precarious high-wire act, balancing business, family, and encroaching adversaries on all sides, in his relentless pursuit of the ultimate win.

December 20
"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" (https://www.starwars.com/films/star-wars-episode-ix-the-rise-of-skywalker) - The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.

"Bombshell" - A group of women decide to take on Fox News head Roger Ailes and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network.

December 27
"Little Women" - Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.

"Spies in Disguise" (https://family.foxmovies.com/movies/spies-in-disguise) - When the world's best spy is turned into a pigeon, he must rely on his nerdy tech officer to save the world.

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"Spider-Man: Far from Home"

[From 06/27/19 Press Screening] 

Marvel's domination this year is not ending with "Avengers: Endgame."  "Spider-Man: Far from Home" is expected to have one of the highest opening weekends of the summer for any movie, not just MCU.  The best thing about it is that there couldn't have been a more perfect movie that would close out the gigantic Infinity Saga and begin anew the next phase of the superheroes universe.

'Endgame' marks the end of an era, one that begins with Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.).  His legacy continues to loom large.  Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Tom Holland, "The Impossible") returns to a world forever-changed by the aftermath of 'Endgame,' which is dubbed humorously here as the five-year blip.  When the evaporated half of the universe snapped back into existence, 'Far from Home' deals with it from a ground level, yet in a surprisingly lighthearted way.

Spider-Man is showered with adoration from high school fans.  He might have tussled with fellow Earth's Mightiest Superheroes (“Captain America: Civil War”), gone into space (“Avengers: Infinity War”), and fought Thanos (“Avengers: Endgame”), but at the end of the day, Peter is just a nerdy high school kid.

While the people who were turned to dust by Thanos returned the same age, the world was moving on without them.  Imagine if your younger brother is now older than you. Or you may be 21 on paper and can legally drink, but in reality, you're still 16.  And that scrawny little kid you knew back then has grown into a handsome and buff fella, competing for the affection of the cool girl you like.

All Peter wants to do is a break from saving the world, take a vacation to Europe with his schoolmates, and find the right opportunity to tell MJ (Zendaya, “The Greatest Showman”) how he feels about her.

Alas, it doesn't work that way.  As a matter of fact, the stern Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, "Kingsman: The Secret Service“) is hot on his trail and Peter should know better not to ghost him, as Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau, “Iron Man” series) cautions.  Happy and Aunt May (Marisa Tomei, “Spider-Man: Homecoming”) are more than happy to spend time together, which also adds a bit more complication into Peter's life.

From the start 'Far from Home' continuously pokes fun at itself and is charmingly self-aware.  The humor is nonstop and off the charts.  From the moment Peter and friends stepping on the plane, plans radically changing (read: the Fury Effect), arriving in Venice, detouring to Prague, and ending up in London; they are absolutely riotous.

The hilariously precarious situations they find themselves in and their wide-eyed interactions will have you in stitches.  There's also an adorably awkward teen romance, which is sweet and funny.  Peter's friends, Ned (Jacob Batalon) and Betty (Angourie Rice) dole out some of the goofiest scenes.

It doesn't mean 'Far from Home' is without serious superhero business though.  Nature monsters called the Elementals wrecked havoc cities.  Even as a mysterious caped figure, Mysterio/Quentin Beck (Jake Gyllenhaal, "Source Code"), swoops in and saves the day, he needs Spider-Man's aid.  From Peter's side, he finds comfort and guidance in their chats, like the dilemma of having great power and great responsibility, and also wanting an everyday life as a teenager.

There's more to Mysterio that meets the eye, however, and Gyllenhaal is killing it.  When the real villain emerges, it's a head-scratching twist.  The movie is abound with action and plenty of Spider-Man's aerial acrobatics.  Tony Stark didn't just gift Peter an upgraded suit.  An artificial intelligence glasses is front and center in the movie's high-tech plot.  In the end, Peter realizes that he must step up to the plate and be the kind of hero his mentor knew he would be.  Holland shows a range in those defining moments.

Be sure to stay through the end credits.  Game-changer is the word and it will be intriguing swinging forward.

There's so much joy to behold.  Refreshingly uproarious and smartly twisty, "Spider-Man: Far from Home" is exhilaratingly entertaining.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/spider-man-far-from-home-movie-review/

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Blu-ray: https://amzn.to/32Dwrtq

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Upcoming Movies: March 2020

[Originally posted on 03/01/20]

March 6
"Onward" (https://movies.disney.com/onward) - Set in a suburban fantasy world, two teenage elf brothers embark on a quest to discover if there is still magic out there.

"The Way Back" (https://www.thewayback-movie.com/) - A former high school basketball phenom struggling with alcoholism is offered a coaching job at his alma mater. As the team starts to win, he may have a reason to confront his old demons.

March 13
"My Spy" (http://www.stxfilms.com/myspy/) - A hardened CIA operative finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.

"Bloodshot" (https://www.bloodshot.movie/) - A slain soldier is re-animated with superpowers.

"I Still Believe" -  The true-life story of Christian music star Jeremy Camp and his journey of love and loss that looks to prove there is always hope.

March 20
"A Quiet Place Part II" - Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the path.

March 27
"Mulan" (https://movies.disney.com/mulan-2020) - A young Chinese maiden disguises herself as a male warrior in order to save her father.

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Upcoming Movies: February 2020

[Originally published on 02/01/20]

February 7
"Birds of Prey" - After splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroes Black Canary, Huntress and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.

February 14
"Sonic the Hedgehog" (https://www.sonicthehedgehogmovie.com/) - After discovering a small, blue, fast hedgehog, a small-town police officer must help it defeat an evil genius who wants to do experiments on it.

"Fantasy Island" (https://www.fantasyisland.movie/) - The enigmatic Mr. Roarke, makes the secret dreams of his lucky guests come true at a luxurious but remote tropical resort. But when the fantasies turn into nightmares, the guests have to solve the island's mystery in order to escape with their lives.

February 21
"Emma" - Jane Austen's beloved comedy about finding your equal and earning your happy ending, is reimagined.  Emma is a restless queen bee without rivals in her sleepy little town. She must adventure through misguided matches and romantic missteps to find the love that has been there all along.

"The Invisible Man" - When Cecilia's abusive ex takes his own life and leaves her his fortune, she suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of coincidences turn lethal, Cecilia works to prove that she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.

February 28
"Wendy" (http://www.searchlightpictures.com/wendy/) - Lost on a mysterious island where aging and time have come unglued, Wendy must fight to save her family, her freedom, and the joyous spirit of youth from the deadly peril of growing up.

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"Aladdin"

After “Cinderella” and “Beauty and the Beast,” another Disney princess is getting a live action makeover.  While the 2019 Guy Ritchie's directed "Aladdin” is about riff-raff Aladdin (Mena Massoud) and Genie (Will Smith), it's also a story about Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott).

In Agrabah, a society with a rigid class system, Aladdin gets by from stealing from street vendors.  A thief with a heart of gold, he takes what he needs and gives the rest to the hungry.  One day he and his thieving monkey, Abu, run into a disguised Princess Jasmine.

Jasmine is roaming outside the palace to better understand the lives of her people.  She aspires to follow in her father's footstep by becoming a Sultan herself, instead of simply being married to a foreign prince  After a couple of stolen breads and a sleight of hand exchange of bracelet, they end up on the run together.  It's a lively scene, showcasing creative parkour skills between tight walls, narrow alleys and open rooftops over bustling streets of Agrabah.

Jasmine parts way abruptly as she has to get back to the palace to greet one of her prince suitors.  Aladdin, who still has her bracelet, then attempts to return it to her at the palace.  He is spotted by Jafar's (Marwan Kenzari) smart-talking parrot, Iago, and caught by the guards.

Jafar, the Sultan's adviser and number two, has been plotting to take over the kingdom.  His path to power is a magical oil lamp inside the Cave of Wonders.  Only someone with the purest heart, a diamond in the rough, can enter the cave.  This is where Aladdin comes in.  He and Abu successfully walk into the cave and find all sorts of forbidden treasures.  Careful not to touch anything, Aladdin couldn't help but freeing a flying carpet weighed down under a rock.  A few mishaps later, Aladdin is trapped inside the cave with the Genie out of the lamp.

It may take getting used to seeing a human actor as Genie, and while it would never be the same as the animated version, Smith makes the role his own in smoothly hilarious ways.  Aladdin uses his first wish to escape from the cave and second to make him a prince, as only a prince can be with Princess Jasmine.

Prince Ali makes his entrance in an extravagant and explosion of colors.  A parade of fancifully costumed entourage singing and dancing their way into the palace, complete with exotic animals and lavish gifts.  The nighttime carpet ride with the classic tune “A Whole New World” is a highlight, taking Aladdin and Jasmine over the panoramic cityscape, countryside and coastline.

The princess finds herself strangely drawn to the unknown prince, who seems to share her values.  She's looking for a partner to wisely lead the kingdom, not a savior.  She's led to believe that the Aladdin she met earlier is actually a prince in disguise. 

Aladdin struggles with the truth.  It's not easy to give up a pretense when it gets you what you want.  A watchful Jafar seizes the opportunity and eventually gets his hand on the lamp.  The Genie, now serving him as the Master, has no choice but to grant him his wishes.  First as the Sultan and second as Sorcerer.

Amid this transformation, Jasmine finds courage to not be silenced.  This is a strong princess with her own mind and agency.  Scott has the charisma to demonstrate the princess coming into her own powers convincingly and she belts out “Speechless” with conviction.  Jasmine shows that she's worthy of being a ruler herself.

Still, Jafar becomes impossibly powerful.  His all-consuming avarice for being number one remains his weakness, however, which in the end is crucial as it's the key to beat him at his own ruthless game.

It's heartwarming to see Aladdin's third and final wish is to set his Genie free, even if it means giving up what he wants most in the world.  Massoud pulls off both the princely facade and humble commoner who finds his way back to being true to himself.

The movie's production bursts with candy colors and exquisite fabrics, moves fast with action, and delights with music. “Aladdin” maintains the energetic pace and vibrancy from start to finish.

Like a magical carpet ride, "Aladdin" will take you to a whole new world of fantasy adventures, with charm and heart fit for the whole family.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-aladdin/

DVD: https://tinyurl.com/aladdinvideo
DVD (animation): https://tinyurl.com/aladdinanimation
CD: https://tinyurl.com/aladdincd
Soundtrack: https://tinyurl.com/aladdinsoundtrack

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"Avengers: Endgame"

What's Marvel's endgame?  After 11 years and 21 movies, “Avengers: Endgame” is expected to bring an even bigger box office dollars than the "Avengers: Infinity War" last year.

A nod to Marvel's Kevin Feige for having such an imaginative vision all those years ago and being a force that has transformed the world of entertainment for millions around the world.

Hawkeye/Clint Barton (Jeremy Renner) finally makes an appearance and we know why he was missing in action in 'Infinity War.'  Same goes with Ant-Man/Scott Lang (Paul Rudd).  Along with other surviving Avengers – Iron Man/Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America/Steve Rogers (Chris Evans), Thor/God of Thunder (Chris Hemsworth), Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), Black Widow/Natasha Romanoff (Scarlet Johansson), War Machine/James Rhodes (Don Cheadle), Okoye (Danai Gurira, “Black Panther”), Nebula (Karen Gillan, "Guardians of the Galaxy") and Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper, "Guardians of the Galaxy”), and newest superheroine Captain Marvel/Carol Danvers (Brie Larson) – they are stunned and in sorrow, reeling from the horrific aftermath of Thanos' (Josh Brolin) infamous finger snap that halved the universe's population.

The opening scenes are both quietly ruminative and decisively shocking.  It's not nearly as easy as finding and defeating Thanos, and get the Infinity Stones back to undo the damage.  Thanos' madness carries a lasting impact and some things can't simply be reversed. 

At some point, lives do go on.  We see a family man in Iron Man, Captain America moving on, out of shape Thor, unified Hulk, mission-focused Black Widow, vengeful Hawkeye, vagabond Captain Marvel.

Some things can be undone though – at least that's the expectation.  Ant-Man's return from the Quantum Realm drives the plot forward.  The master plan, dealing with space and time, is multilayered and very risky.  It splits our determined heroes into individual pairs or groups, each with a specific goal.  Of course, not everything happens exactly as planned and their actions lead to unintended and unpredictable consequences.

It's not all grim, however.  The plan is inventive in its conception and execution.  Hats off to the Russo Brothers for cohesively charting the course with a twist-filled narrative that not only creatively incorporates major events and meaningful characters from previous movies, but also expands upon and pays homage to them.  Cameos and old characters emerge, and moments that unfold are surprising, touching, nostalgic, nerve-wracking, heartfelt or humorous.

The battle of all climatic battles also doesn't disappoint.  The sheer scope is utterly staggering.  At its lowest moment, the skies open up and rallying cries propel the grandest, fiercest battle ever seen in a superhero movie.

The twists last through the final scenes, concluding the movie on a powerful, emotional and bittersweet note.  It's a fitting ending for self-professed genius-billionaire-playboy-philanthropist Tony Stark, who birthed the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008.  The character has come a long way from the time he boldly introduced himself to the world as Iron Man.  Steve Rogers has his own profound and peaceful closure but not without hope for the future.  Torn apart in "Captain America: Civil War," the two men's friendship stands the most rigorous tests.  On another note, some lives are still lost, sacrifices made, and things forever changed.

Three hours plus flew by and it felt like it was half its running time.  “Avengers: Endgame” triumphs through the strength of its storytelling, characters arcs, and visual spectacle.  If there's a perfectly imperfect epic of an ending, the movie marks a closure of an era, at the same time, a continuance and beginning of the next generation of superheroes.

There may not be another movie like this, at least in the foreseeable future.  Its illustrious legacy will live on for many years to come.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-avengers-endgame/

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Soundtrack: https://amzn.to/2JF5aQB

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Upcoming Movies: January 2020

[Originally published on 12/30/19]

January 10
"1917" (https://www.1917.movie/) - Two young British soldiers during the First World War are given an impossible mission: deliver a message deep in enemy territory that will stop 1,600 men, and one of the soldier's brothers, from walking straight into a deadly trap.

"Just Mercy" (https://www.justmercyfilm.com/) - A renowned civil rights defense attorney works to free a wrongly condemned death row prisoner.

"Underwater" (https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/underwater) - A crew of aquatic researchers work to get to safety after an earthquake devastates their subterranean laboratory. But the crew has more than the ocean seabed to fear.

January 17
"Dolittle" (https://www.dolittlethemovie.com/) - A physician discovers that he can talk to animals.

"The Wave" - An opportunistic insurance lawyer, thinks he's in for the time of his life when he goes out on the town to celebrate an upcoming promotion with his co-worker. Their night takes a bizarre turn when he's dosed with a hallucinogen that slters his perception of the world.

January 24
"The Gentlemen" (https://www.thegentlemen.movie/) - A British drug lord tries to sell off his highly profitable empire to a dynasty of Oklahoma billionaires.

"The Last Full Measure" - 34 years after his death, an airman is awarded the nation's highest military honor for his actions on the battlefield.

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"Dumbo"

Director Tim Burton ("Big Eyes") stamps his brand of fantastical world into Disney's live action remake of 1941 animated classic, "Dumbo."

World War I soldier Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell; "Saving Mr. Banks," "Winter's Tale," "Total Recall")  returns to his two kids, Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins).  His wife passed away during his absence.  The family also returns to circus life, the Medici Brothers' Circus owned by Max Medici (Danny DeVito), where Holt is assigned to be an elephant caretaker.

Jumbo the elephant gives birth to a baby elephant with oversized ears, later to be called Dumbo.  The baby animal, cute as it maybe, is viewed as a freak, which stretches credibility.  He's painted as a clown and casted aside as a minor attraction.

A chaotic accident leads to a heartrending separation of Jumbo and Dumbo.  Milly and Joe strike a friendship with Dumbo.  They find that Dumbo is naturally drawn to feathers and he can flap his ears and use them as wings.  It takes a fire rig incident at the show for Dumbo to soar, much to the bewilderment of the audience.  There's a sense of wonder when Dumbo flies around the tent.

As Dumbo's star is rising, he's attracting a cutthroat circus mogul, V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton, "The Founder," "Spotlight").  He buys Medici's circus and incorporates the group into his theme park attractions, Dreamland.

The plan is to have his trapeze artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green, "Perfect Sense") rides Dumbo as he flies in the Dreamland's  show.  Dumbo and Colette eventually fly, although it doesn't go smoothly and  the show is botched.  Meanwhile, Vandevere has another plan as well, one that doesn't bode well for the Medici troupe.

The movie drags on for the first half and honestly feels rather bland, but it takes flight in the last third act with a suspenseful rescue mission adventure.  The entire crew is determined to foil Vandevere's plan.  Vandevere here becomes a caricature scoundrel, but it fits with the theme of a kids  movie. 

The theme park retro-futuristic design and Cirque-like costumes are a visual treat.  Dumbo will make you believe that an elephant can fly.  While it doesn't look exactly real, the CGI-rendered elephant goes for magical realism and looks believable enough.  He's got childlike, loveable eyes and demeanors that can elicit emotions.

The movie has a message about truly believing in oneself, especially when the situation is critical and calls for it.  This affects not only Dumbo, but also his human friend, Milly.

While "Dumbo" doesn't soar quite high, it's a delightful flight and you'll end up smiling from ear to ear.

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Upcoming Movies: November 2019

[Originally posted on 10/25/19]

November 1
"Terminator: Dark Fate" (https://tickets.terminatormovie.com/) - Sarah Connor and a hybrid cyborg human must protect a young woman from a newly modified liquid Terminator from the future.

"The Irishman" - A mob hitman recalls his possible involvement with the slaying of Jimmy Hoffa.

"Harriet" - The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

November 8
"Doctor Sleep" - Years following the events of "The Shining," a now-adult Dan Torrance meets a young girl with similar powers as his and tries to protect her from a cult known as The True Knot who prey on children with powers to remain immortal.

"Last Christmas" - A young woman subscribed to bad decisions accept to work as Santa's elf for a department store. She meets a guy that takes her life to a new turn.

November 15
"Charlie's Angels" (https://www.charliesangels.movie/) - When an engineer blows the whistle on a dangerous technology, Charlie's Angels are called into action, putting their lives on the line to protect  all.

"Ford v Ferrari" (https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/ford-v-ferrari) - American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the Le Mans in 1966.

November 22
"Frozen 2" (https://movies.disney.com/frozen-2) - Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, Olaf and Sven leave Arendelle to travel to an ancient, autumn-bound forest of an enchanted land. They set out to find the origin of Elsa's powers in order to save their kingdom.

"A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" (https://www.abeautifulday.movie/) - Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

"Dark Waters" (https://www.focusfeatures.com/dark-waters) - A corporate defense attorney takes on an environmental lawsuit against a chemical company that exposes a lengthy history of pollution.

November 29
"Knives Out" (https://knivesout.movie/) - A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

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Upcoming Movies: October 2019

[Posted on 10/02/19]

October 4
"Joker" (http://www.jokermovie.net/) - A gritty character study of Arthur Fleck, a man disregarded by society.

"Lucy in the Sky" (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/lucyinthesky/) - An astronaut returns to Earth after a transcendent experience during a mission to space and begins to lose touch with reality in a world that now seems too small.

October 11
"Gemini Man" (http://skydance.com/film/gemini-man/) - An over-the-hill hitman faces off against a younger clone of himself.

"Jexi" - A comedy about what can happen when you love your phone more than anything else in your life.

October 18
"Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" (https://movies.disney.com/maleficent-mistress-of-evil) - Maleficent and her goddaughter Aurora begin to question the complex family ties that bind them as they are pulled in different directions by impending nuptials, unexpected allies, and dark new forces at play.

"Jojo Rabit" (http://www.foxsearchlight.com/jojorabbit/) - A young boy in Hitler's army finds out his mother is hiding a Jewish girl in their home.

October 25
"Countdown" - When a nurse downloads an app that claims to predict the moment a person will die, it tells her she only has three days to live. With the clock ticking and a figure haunting her, she must find a way to save her life before time runs out.

"The Last Full Measure" - 34 years after his death,  an airman is awarded the nation's highest military honor, for his actions on the battlefield.

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"Captain Marvel"

“Captain Marvel,” one of the most anticipated movies of the year, bridges last year's “Avengers: Infinity War” with the ending of the Avengers founding members' stories, “Avengers: Endgame,” set to premiere on April 26, 2019.

Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, the first Marvel's female-led movie is curiously set in the 1990s, more than 10 years after “Iron Man” birthed the interconnected superheroes universe.  The main question is of course Captain Marvel's whereabouts.  Where has the most powerful superhero been in the last two decades, and especially when all could really use a lending superhand before Thanos decimated half of the universe's population?  MCU gives an explanation that makes sense in this origin story.

Speaking of origin story, in addition to traveling into the past, the movie adds a fresh spin by opening the story in the middle of a hero's journey.  Living in Planet Hala, Brie Larson is Vers, a noble warrior of a humanoid alien race Kree.  She's a part of an elite squad Starforce, led by Commander Yon-Rogg (Jude Law, “Sherlock Holmes”).  The Krees have been locked in battles against shape-shifting aliens, Skrulls, with Talos (Ben Mendelshon) as their leader.  The Skrulls appear to have been gallivanting across galaxies, taking the forms of native inhabitants and invading planets.

Vers has had recurring nightmares, flashes of images that she couldn't understand.  Yon-Rogg teaches her to control her emotions and impulses in order to be the best version of herself.  While escaping from a space battle with the Skrulls, Vers crash lands on Planet C-53, or Earth as we know it.  Los Angeles, 1995 is chock full of nostalgia.  Blockbuster videos, Radio Shack outlet, Pacific Bell pay phone, Alta Vista web browser, paper map, and all the retro style and music.

Vers runs into fresh-faced, two-eyed Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.S., Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson, "Kingsman: The Secret Service," "Oldboy") and Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg).  The digitized de-aging of the two are surprisingly believable.  Not the hardened agent we know, Fury here has more of a laid-back attitude and humor.  He's never seen a superpowered being prior to Vers.  The duo quickly and comfortably fall into buddy cop roles in their effort to thwart the Skrulls who follow Vers to Earth.

The Skrulls are after a light speed engine created by a Kree scientist, Mar-Vell, or also as known as Dr. Wendy Lawson (Annette Bening) of the United States Air Force.  The device is said to have a vital role in ending wars.  Dr. Lawson has a connection to Vers' past life as a USAF test pilot, Carol Danvers.

Vers and Fury trace Carol's life back to the last person who saw her alive six years ago, fellow pilot and best friend Maria Rambeau (Lashana Lynch).  Carol's close bond with Maria adds dimensions to Vers' character, reminding her of who she is, her humanity and indefatigable spirit as strength.  Carol discovers how fierily powerful she truly is when she sees the truth and frees herself from what's holding her back.  Having ties to the Air Force and the space inevitably take the action higher, further and faster into the skies. 

If the story seems straightforward, it's not.  A phenomenal twist flips everything on its head.  Larson's Carol is very low-key, defying a typical portrayal of a hotshot pilot.  She's more reserved than brash, placid than cool, wistful than cheerful.  Law's Yon-Rogg may be more than meets the eye.  Mendelshon's Talos is one-of-a-kind foe, utterly sympathetic and humorous.  The future is not black or white.  An adorable fury friend named Goose steals the scenes with her hilariously indescribable power.  The post-credits pick up where 'Infinity War' ends and a prequel to how a certain cosmic cube appears on Earth.

The movie has all the familiarity of a Marvel movie and is cleverly tied to the cohesive and expansive Marvel Universe.  Yet from a storytelling perspective, it's refreshingly different, which is quite a feat for being the 21st movie.  "Captain Marvel" is an entertaining blast from the past and marvelously empowering.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-captain-marvel/

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"On the Basis of Sex"

“The word ‘woman’ does not appear even once in the U.S. Constitution,” a judge tells Ruth Bader Ginsburg.  “Nor does the word ‘freedom,’ Your Honor,” she replies.

Director Mimi Leder opens the film with a classic contrast of a scene, a lone woman marches and steps into the esteemed institution among a sea of men in suits.  In 1959, bright-eyed Ruth (Felicity Jones, “The Theory of Everything”) is one of the nine women admitted to Harvard Law School.  Her husband, cordial Marty (Armie Hammer, “The Man for U.N.C.L.E.”), is a second-year student.  When he is stricken with cancer, Ruth steps up by attending his classes in addition to hers, and caring for him and their toddler, Jane.

The film depicts the incomprehensible discrimination that women endured at that time.  From the moment of the dean's dinner where female students are asked why they think they're worthy in place of a worthier man, ignored in class or not taken seriously by their peers or superiors, rejected by law firms for sexist reasons even after graduating the top of the class from Harvard and Columbia, taking a backseat to men in career and social circles. Women are expected to stay home and men to go to work.  If women choose to work, they can only be secretaries, teachers or nurses.  It's just a natural order of things.

Ruth ends up teaching about sex discrimination at a university whereas Marty is on a fast track to become the youngest partner of a major firm specializing in tax laws.  The relationship between Ruth and Marty is illustrated wonderfully.  Marty is admirably supportive and progressive. Their marriage is a truly egalitarian in all aspects of life – education, career, household chores, childcare and parenting – serving as role models for their growing kids, Jane and James (Callum Shoniker).  It's no surprise that, Jane (Cailee Spaeny), now in her teens, grows up to be fearless and foward-looking.

Ruth and Marty jointly take a pro-bono case about a man, Charles Moritz (Chris Mulkey), who is denied by the tax courts caregiver deductions.  He is an unmarried man paying for a nurse to care for her ailing mother at home. Caregiver deductions are handily given to women, widowers or men whose wives are incapacitated because women are presumed to be caretakers.  In an era where discrimination on the basis of sex is legal, this case has a transformational potential to topple the systemically discriminatory legal system and open the doors to gender equality.

Ruth makes an alliance with the head of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Mel Wulf  (Justin Theroux), convincing him to add ACLU's name to the legal brief, essentially backing it.  While being undermined at every turn by various parties, Ruth is undaunted.  Constant challenges and setbacks do not deter her from moving forward with conviction, even as she's not without doubt.  Armed with a brilliant legal mind and passion for doing what's right, she is an epitome of resilience, persistence and determination.  Jones turns in a formidable performance.

When the government responds with a brief that lists all the federal laws that discriminate against women, the plan is to focus on winning this one case, and then tackle these laws one by one.  Far easier than done when the law is not on your side.  Asking judges to enforce or uphold the law is not the same as making or changing it.  This case could set a legal precedent and result in a far-reaching impact that would touch generations to come.

The courtroom showdown is one of the best aspects of the film.  Dramatic oral arguments against ticking timers.  Plan to deflect probing questions and redirect into the tax deduction aspect for one man derails, Ruth doesn't yield.  When backed into a silent corner, she stands up and turns it into an impassioned speech about radical social change that resonates.  Times are changing.  In order for the country's culture and lives to change for the better, the laws have to change first.  With her utterly compelling closing argument, soft-spoken Ruth sets the future on a different course and leaves a lasting legacy towards equal rights.

Glass-shaterring figure Associate Supreme Court of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg didn't get nicknamed 'Notorious RBG' overnight.  “On the Basis of Sex” is one poignant, remarkable story on how it all began.  Full of fascinating insights, it is trailblazingly engaging and inspiring.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-on-the-basis-of-sex/

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"Escape Room"

It's no surprise that Hollywood would turn a popular interactive game, escape room, into a movie.  In real life, you pay to be locked in a room with several people and spend an hour to discover and decipher riddles and puzzles that would ultimately let you out.  If you aren't able to solve them, well, you still get out safely when the time is up.

In "Escape Room," six strangers receives a sleek black box, each containing an intriguing invitation to participate in an escape room activity with a prize of $10,000 for the winner.  They are timid physics college student Zoey (Taylor Russell), nerdy gamer Danny (Nik Dodani), hotshot businessman Jason (Jay Ellis), former miner-turned-trucker Mike (Tyler Labine), scarred war veteran Amanda (Deborah Ann Woll) and stuck-in-a-rut warehouse worker Ben (Logan Miller).

While these people seemingly have nothing in common, eventually they find that they are chosen because of something in their past that makes them who they are.  The mysterious game master seems to know the smallest details of their lives and tailor the game specifically for them.

The game begins before any of the participants realizes as they sit in the waiting room.  After the initial denial that this is real and that they are trapped, they realize they have no choice but banding together and figuring out the hidden signs and personal clues in order to survive the death traps – from being baked alive in an oven-heated waiting area, submerged in a frozen forested lake, falling down an elevator shaft in an upside down bar, poisoned to death in a hospital triage, hallucinating in a trippy room, to crushed into pieces in a study room.  Then there's also a suspicion whether the game master is one of them.

The interconnected sets are creatively designed and challenges tricky, packed with paranoia and terror.  The participants come up fatally short in each room since the game is rigged to ensure zero survival.  Every passing moment, every death rattles the survivors more and more.  The question is who would do this and why. The ending makes it clear that there's a larger entity at work and sets up for an even more preposterous sequel.

If you could believe in the total impossibility of the execution, you'll enjoy this tension-filled ride.  There is no escaping in "Escape Room."  This psychological horror thriller will keep you thrilled and at the edge-of-your seat.

https://www.sdentertainer.com/movies/movie-review-escape-room/

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Upcoming Movies: September 2019

[Originally posted on 08/25/19]

September 6
"It Chapter Two" - 27 years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.

"A Night Hunter" - A weathered Lieutenant, his police force, and a local vigilante are all caught up in a dangerous scheme involving a recently arrested, troubled man who's linked to years of female abductions and murders.

September 13
"The Goldfinch" (https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/goldfinch/) - A boy in New York is taken in by a wealthy Upper East Side family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"Hustlers" - Inspired by the viral New York Magazine article, Hustlers follows a crew of savvy former strip club employees who band together to turn the tables on their Wall Street clients.

September 20
"Ad Astra" (https://www.foxmovies.com/movies/ad-astra) - An astronaut travels to the outer edges of the solar system to find his father and unravel a mystery that threatens the survival of our planet. He uncovers secrets which challenge the nature of human existence and our place in the cosmos.

"Rambo: Last Blood" (https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/rambo-last-blood) - Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.

September 27
"21 Bridges" - A disgraced detective in the NYPD is given a shot at redemption.

"The Hunt" - Twelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don't know where they are, or how they got there. They don't know they've been chosen - for a very specific purpose.

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