Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Review

"Holy gorgeous Superman, Batman!!" The latest installment in the DC universe had me like “damn!” These two are my all-time favorite super-heroes, so a movie that pairs the two together is like a childhood dream come true! 

I wasn’t expecting to like this movie as much as I did. I had my reservations, and after seeing what Rotten Tomatoes gave it – a staggering 29% – I went in with low expectations. I thought if the movie blows at least I’ll have some gorgeous eye-candy to feast upon (here's looking at you, Henry). And while there is definitely enough eye-candy to feed a small country, the story-line is surprisingly satisfying. And even though I had my doubts with Ben Affleck playing Batman, in the end, I felt he did a fine job as the Dark Knight.  

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice isn’t perfect (not by a long shot), but it’s also not nearly as bad as the critics make it out to be. I 'am' a little puzzled as to why it received such a low rating. We're taking two wildly popular and already developed stories and meshing them into one movie. With that said, there doesn't need to be major character development. It sets out to do what any movie sets out to do… entertain. Sure, the ending is a little messy, busy and rushed, but I was still actively engaged until the ending credits. 

It does an excellent job bridging the gap between its predecessor and this one. We begin our story at the end of Man of Steel, only this time it's seen through the eyes of Bruce Wayne. This is to show why Batman hates Superman - all he sees is the destruction and mayhem Superman is inflicting. Also, a senate committee is headed up to discuss the concerns of a society torn between the real need for a hero or not. This is fueled by a tragic incident in the desert where Superman saves Lois Lane (Amy Adams), which ultimately leads to several deaths. 

Affleck and Cavill work well together - both are certainly hunky enough for the beefcakes they portray. And having someone a little older playing Bruce Wayne is a clever ploy. Jeremy Irons (ahem, love him) is a welcome presence as a sarcastic, long-suffering Alfred, telling Bruce Wayne, “You’ve gotten too old to die young.” Amy Adams plays the strong-willed, heavy-hitting journalist perfectly, yet again. And even though Diana Prince/Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, isn't in the movie long, she completely shines and wows with effortless ease! She proves she can play with the big boys, if not better.  And aside from the 'delicious' shirtless Cavill scenes, Jesse Eisenberg is the one who steals the show. He plays a more menacing Lex Luthor than we're particularly used to. He's just the right amount of crazy without being too over-the-top. His performance is edgy and chilling - his witty, off-the-cuff, humorous quips are perfectly timed. 

Being a huge DC fan, I felt this movie followed the comics rather well, despite suffocating the source material a tad-bit too much. But in the end, Dawn of Justice delivers a huge, ambitious and action-packed Blockbuster. It's thrilling and exciting, it's fun and somewhat engaging. It definitely leaves enough loose ends to keep the franchise moving forward for years to come. I can not wait for Justice League!

RATING: C-

What did you think? 

Top Ten Favorite 80's Childhood Fantasy Movies

Source: IMDb

The 80's reigned supreme when it came to the dopest, most imaginative, childhood fantasy movies ever in cinematic history. If you grew up in the 80's you definitely noticed this trend. Surmise to say, the 80's were the godfather of this fantastical genre. I've compiled a list of my all-time favorite 80's childhood fantasy movies, all of which hold a special place in my heart forever and for always. So much so if I were to watch them now an over-welcoming rush of nostalgia would render me helpless with joy and laughter. A few of these fantasy films still hold up today, while others... (mmm) not so much, but who cares!

So let's hear it for the shaggy hair-dos, the bare-chested hunks and the beautiful damsels in distress! And lest we forget, the killer music and the outlandish costumes. One small caveat, these fantasy flicks are just that - PURE, unadulterated fantasies. Some movies blurred the lines between fantasies and other genres, so I discounted them - Goonies, Ghostbusters, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Flight of the Navigator, E.T. etc. With that said, sit back and wax nostalgia!

Honorable Mentions: 
Conan the Barbarian (1982)
Time Bandits (1981)
The Secret of NIMH (1982)

10. The Ewok Adventure (1984)

Plot: Wicket the Ewok and his friends agree to help two shipwrecked human children on a quest to find their parents.

Why it's a favorite: Growing up, Return of the Jedi was my favorite in the Star Wars trilogy. Why? Mainly, because of those cute, adorable Ewoks. When this made-for-TV movie aired I simply fell. in. love.  Sure, it's incredibly hokey now and maybe it was a little back then, but to a five year old's imagination it was everything. This movie gives me nostalgia realness. 


9. Batteries Not Included (1987)

Plot: Apartment block tenants seek the aid of alien mechanical life-forms to save their building form demolition.

Why it's my favorite: I was 8 when I fell in love with this off-beat love story. It had my wild imaginative mind hooked from the get-go. As a kid, I couldn't get over how cute those adorable flying mini saucers were.  They were to die! They 'truly' became the hopes and dreams for such a small-nit community. It's incredibly hokey now, but for its time it spoke volumes. How on earth was this silly fantasy such a success is beyond my grown-up comprehension, but maybe it's because we all love and hope for miracles ourselves.     

8. The Princess Bride (1989)

Plot: While home sick in bed, a young boy's grandfather reads him a story called The Princess Bride.

Why it's my favorite: No fantasy movie list will ever be complete without including this triumph! Objectively... yeah, it's a bit dated, but who cares. And anyone who grew up with this movie will beg to differ. Give me adventure and romance any day! Superb one-liners, stellar sets and designs, humorous adventure, amazing costumes, kings, pirates, true love, and lest we forget, young Fred Savage. I will 'always' love this movie. 

7. Krull (1983)

Plot: A prince and a fellowship of companions set out to rescue his bride from a fortress of alien invaders who have arrived on their home planet.

Why it's my favorite: Sure, the film is a textbook example of some evil power stealing our hero's true love and him fighting to rescue her, but who cares. We've got a magical flying glaive, fire mares, fearless and daring adventure, undying true love, and ridiculously sweet costumes (ahem, Colwyn's striped spandex, anyone?), all of which kept those kiddies in the 80's wildly entertained. I still love this movie to this day!

 

6. Clash of the Titans (1981)

Plot: A film adaption of the myth of Perseus and his quest to battle both Medusa and the Kraken monster to save the Princess Andromeda.

Why it's my favorite: "A TITAN VS A TITAN!" Oh man, I love this movie so much. Sure, it doesn't quite hold up today, but for its time it was groundbreaking. Greek mythology, fantastic one-liners, stop-motion animation, flying horses, a golden owl, Stygain witches, a gorgeous princess, a handsome demigod named Perseus who travels far and wide to rescue the woman he loves?!!! Be still my heart. To some people, Andromeda is still my nickname to this day. [Side note: Don't waste time with that foul stinky remake. Watch the original instead.]


5. Legend (1985)

Plot: A young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from both destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.

Why it's my favorite: Unicorns, fairies, a beautiful princess, insane costumes, goblins, elves, magic, good vs. evil. (sigh) It's no wonder I was drawn to this as a child.  I still love this magical fantasy even today. The music is so incredibly fantastical to this day I still swoon (Tangerine Dream). And that black, plunging neckline gown Lili wears is 'truly' what envious things are made of.  The colors, the sets... everything in this film is 'pure' fantasy genius. [Side note: It was forever until I actually knew what Tim Curry really looked like. #crushedit] 

4. Labyrinth (1986)

Plot: A selfish 16-year old girl is given 13 hours to solve a labyrinth and rescue her baby brother when her wish for him to be taken away is granted by the Goblin King.

Why it's my favorite: As a kid I often thought how cool it would be if my mirror turned into another world, which explains part of my fascination with this movie as a child. We also have puppets, pop music, awesome makeup and costumes (ahem, those tights), David Bowie, dashing adventure lurking around each corner... Need I go on?  OK, as a kid I wasn't particularly into Bowie yet, but man, I sure had a HUGE crush on him in this film. Long live the Goblin King!  This movie was prime for pure kiddo entertainment. And that soundtrack... it will live on forever. "Dance magic, dance." "You remind me of the Babe..."

3. The NeverEnding Story (1984)

Plot: A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious book.

Why it's my favorite: This movie always gets praised as a timeless fantasy classic, and for good reason.  As a kid who didn't want their books to come to life?! This is one wild and crazy fantasy adventure filled with flying dragons, a beautiful empress (I always wanted to be her), a young worrier (I had 'thee' biggest crush on Atreyu), racing snails, flying bats and a giant rock-man. Oh, say no more. Sure, that Artax swamp-of-sadness scene is utterly heart-wrenching, but the ending mends all that, so we'll let that slide. To this day, the Score is still among my favorites.  "The NeverEnding Story... Ah-uh-ah-uh-ah."

2. The Dark Crystal (1982)

Plot: On another planet in the distant past, a Gelfling embarks on a quest to find the missing shard of a magical crystal, and so restore order to his world. 

Why it's my favorite: This fantasy is particularly dear to my heart, in large part, because it's one I used to watch with my late daddy. So many incredible fond memories wrapped up in this Jim Henson puppet masterpiece. We've got Gelflings, that adorably cute, whinny dog Fizzgig, Podlings, Aughra, Mystics and Skeksis - Chamberlain is hands down the best. The music is dreamy and so fitting. The sets, the costumes, the great one-liners - "CHAMBERLAIN!" Seriously, I can't say enough good things about the wonderful world of The Dark Crystal. 

1. Willow (1988) 

Plot: A reluctant dwarf must play a critical role in protecting a special baby from an evil queen. 

Why it's my favorite: "You 'are' great!" This is one of the few fantasies from the 80's that 'still' manages to hold up today. It grabbed a hold of me tightly as a kid, and it has a firm grasp on my soul even now. I was 'literally' obsessed with this fantastic adventure growing up (ahem, still am). I loved how the underdog became our hero... "Willow, you iiiidiot." We have fairies, hilarious Brownies, an evil queen, the adorable Elora Danan, the ever so beautiful Sorsha (one of my all-time favorite alias' to this day), and lest we forget, the "greatest swordsman that ever lived," Madmartigan (so handsome). I LOVED Sorsha's stellar sword, I loved the romance, the adventure, the magic and the amazing Score. (sigh) In short, best 80's fantasy movie ever!



Being a child of the 80's absolutely RULED! So many excellent fantasy movies to choose from. So many excellent movies to build memories from. The aforementioned flicks will always remain dear to my heart and soul, for they are what dreams are made of. The floor is now yours... Feel free to share your Favorite 80's Childhood Fantasy Movies in the comment section below.

The Huntsman Winters War Trailer 3

Source: IMDb

"This is what I trained you for."

Universal has unleashed their 3rd and final trailer (at least the final trailer I'll showcase) for The Huntsman Winter's War, staring the dazzling Emily Blunt, the gorgeous Charlize Theron, fierce Jessica Chastain and hunky Chris Hemsworth as our daring Huntsman. This trailer is a lot of the same, added a few more action sequences.  And it's not quite as gripping, sleek, sexy and cool as the first two trailers, but still a valiant effort. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing this in theaters. I love fantasy type flicks, and I especially love movies with strong female leads! And the females in this epic fantasy look like they won't disappoint. Have you look-see...

The strangely whimsical world of Snow White and the Huntsman continues to  unravel to reveal just how the fates of The Huntsman, Eric (Hemsworth) and evil Queen Ravenna (Theron) are deeply and dangerously intertwined. Long before evil Queen Ravenna was thought to have been bested by Snow White's blade, she watched silently as her sister, Freya (Blunt), suffered a heart-wrenching betrayal and fled their kingdom. With Freya's ability to freeze any enemy, the young ice queen has spent decades in a remote wintry palace raising a legion of deadly huntsmen - including Eric and warrior Sara (Chastain) - only to find that her prized two warriors defied her one demand: Forever harden your hearts to love. Universal will release this epic fantasy April 22, 2016.

Are you down?... 

 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children Trailer

Source: IMDb

 "If I show you the rest you have to promise not to run away."

20th Century Fox has unleashed their first trailer for Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, with visionary director Tim Burton at the helm.  This looks like one of his greatest efforts since Edward Scissorhands. It's dark, it's weird, yet whimsical and charming, but most of all it looks fantastically magical! Based off the extremely popular novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs, comes a story of a young boy (Asa Butterfield love him!) who discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times. I am always drawn to dream-like, otherworldly type movies/stories, so it's safe to say this one had me at hello. I can't wait to see it!  It intrigues me so much I think I'll read the book first. The all star cast also includes the lovely Eva Green, Samuel L. Jackson, Judy Dench, Allison Janney, Ella Purnell, just to name a few. Have a look-see and enjoy!...

 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is directed by Tim Burton and written by Ransom Riggs and Jane Goldman. When Jacob (Asa Butterfield) discovers clues to a mystery that spans different worlds and times, he finds Miss Peregrine's (Eva Green) Home for Peculiar Children. But the mystery and danger deepens as he gets to know the residents and learns about their special powers... and their powerful enemies. Ultimately, Jacob discovers that only his own special "peculiarity" can save his new friends. Prepare for this magic to hit theaters on September 30th. 

Are you fascinated enough? 

Top Ten Best Comedies "Of All Time"

Source: IMDb
 

Feeling silly? Need something funny to help you unwind? Need to kickback and relax? Do it then!  This is 'Merica.  Forget what the critics have to say and let the laughter begin. I mean who doesn't love to laugh, "am I right, or am I right, or am I right?"

I feel the motion picture industry has trouble awarding comedies with any kind of accolade due, in large part, to the lack of storytelling, character development, and the sometimes off-the-wall, nuts-o, crazy-town plot. But should that really matter?  Comedy is not a science, it's an art. Therefore there are no rules and it can be very subjective. What one person finds hilarious the other might not. And when it comes down to it, comedies are a little like porn, if it does the job who cares if it's any "good." With that said, feel free to giggle along with my picks for the Top Ten Best Comedies "Of All Time." 

Honorable Mentions: 
Airplane! (1980)
Some Like It Hot (1959)  
Clue (1985)
Ghostbusters (1984)
Friday (1995)

10. Super Troopers (2001) 

Plot: Five Vermont state troopers, avid pranksters with a knack for screwing up, try to save their jobs and out-do the local police department by solving a crime.

9. Office Space (1999)
 

Plot: Three company workers who hate their jobs decide to rebel against their greedy boss.

8. Zoolander (2001)
 

Plot: At the end of his career, a clueless fashion model is brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia.

7. The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)
 
Plot: Incompetent cop Frank Drebin has to foil an attempt to assassinate Queen Elizabeth II. 

 
6. Spaceballs (1987)
  Plot: Planet Spaceballs' President Skroob sends Lord Dark Helmet to steal planet Druidia's abundant supply of air to replenish their own, and only Lone Starr can stop them.  


5. Happy Gilmore (1996)
 
Plot: A rejected hockey player puts his skills to the golf course to save his grandmother's house.

 
4. Rat Race (2001)
 
Plot: A Las Vegas casino magnate, determined to find a new avenue for wagering, sets up a race for money.


3. Pineapple Express (2008)
 
Plot: A process server and his marijuana dealer wind up on the run from hitmen and a corrupt police officer after he witness his dealer's boss murder a competitor while trying to serve papers on him.
 

2. Old School (2003)

Plot: Three friends attempt to recapture their glory days by opening up a fraternity near their alma mater.


1. Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)

Plot: King Arthur and his knights embark on a low-budget search for the Grail, encountering many, very silly obstacles.

Remember, the best comedies are primarily dependent upon who you are asking. Each person has a different idea of what makes something funny and, as a result, will think one comedy is better than the other. So in the end, no list of Best Comedies is ever complete as it always seems to leave out someone's favorite. But in my opinion these top ten are definitely keepers! The floor is now yours, which comedies top your list?...

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping Trailer

Source: IMDb

"I'd like to get Connor to the point where he's just like everywhere..."

Universal Studios has unveiled their latest trailer for  Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, staring the hilarious Andy Samberg as the pop/rap sensation Conner4Real. This comical pop-spoof looks absolutely, 100% ridiculous in every good way possible. I love how it pokes fun of the pop industry, and Samberg seems to play the part to perfection.  This reminds me a lot of Zoolander, only instead spoofing male models it spoofs boybands/pop music.  The rest of the cast includes Sarah Silverman, Bill Hader, Will Forte, Carrie Underwood, Joan Cusack, and Martin Sheen, alone with a large revolving door of star-studded cameos. Take a look and enjoy!

Popstar is directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, produced by Judd Apatow, and is written by Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone. Popstar tells the story of pop/rap superstar, Conner4Real. When his new album fails to sell records he goes into a major tailspin as he watches his celebrity high life slowly collapse. He will try anything to bounce back, anything except reuniting with his old rap group The Style Boyz. Uni. Studios is set to release this movie on June 3, 2016.

You in?... 

Ghostbusters Trailer

Source: YouTube

"The hat is too much, right?"

Sony Pictures has unleashed their first trailer for Ghostbusters, a new take on the beloved 80's franchise. Only this time around the cast is flipped with an all-female cast and a male receptionist. Of course I am extremely hesitant. #OhHollywood #RecyledMovies But who knows, this could end up being fairly decent. The new 2.0 cast stars the hilarious Kate McKinnon, Kristen Wiig (love), Melissa McCarthy (heart) and Leslie Jones, plus Chris Hemsworth (swoon). While I don't think it will hold a candle to the original, not by far, I do think this 'could' be fun.  I will hold all my reservations/judgments until after I see it (ahem, mostly likely in the conform of my own home). Take a look!

The upcoming Ghostbusters movie is directed by Paul Feig, from a screenplay by  Katie Dippold and Paul Feig.  Reportedly, the villain will be a "creepy mechanical genius." There's also the role of Martin Heiss, a professional debunker of the supernatural who tries to disprove the antics of the Ghostbusters after some videos of theirs go viral. The project is currently filming, with Paul Feig posting updates on Twitter - follow him @paulfeig. Sony Pictures will release this movie on July 22, 2016. 

You in?... 

Finding Dory Trailer

Source: Firstshowing

"I miss them. Do you know what that feels like?"

The wonderful world of Disney-Pixar has released their latest trailer for Finding Dory, the highly-anticipated sequel to the ever-so-charming Finding Nemo. Looks like everyone is back for round two, including Albert Brooks as Marlin, and Ellen DeGeneres as Dory.  There are plenty of new characters too, like Idris Elba (swoon), Michael Sheen (love), Dominic West, Diane Keaton and Kaitlin Olson. They are still holding back the full story about what happens with Nemo/Marlin, which is wise. No need to show the whole movie before we actually see the whole movie. With that said, check this out. Enjoy!

We already know that the story is going to follow Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) and Marlin (Albert Brooks) on a journey to find the former forgetful fish's family. Eugene Levy and Diane Keaton have already been named as Dory's parents Charlie and Jenny. Pixar president Jim Morris also revealed that a big part of the film will take place at the Marine Biology Institute of California (love Cali.!), a huge rehabilitation complex for marine and aquarium life. Dory discovers that she was born and raised there, only to be released into the ocean when she was young. Finding Dory is directed by Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton, (Finding Nemo, Wall-E (my personal fav.), John Carter), and co-directed by Angus MacLane. Finding Dory will hit theaters on June 7, 2016.

Are you excited?  

Oscar Hangover - 2016

It was an unbelievable year for movies in 2015, arguably one of the greatest years in recent cinema.  And the Oscars remind us just how good Hollywood's output really was. I certainly look forward to the Oscars every year by throwing a fantastic party.  It's so fun to anticipate who will fight for the gold and win. Despite the arguments, debates, and discussion about who did not get nominated, the selection of Academy Award nominees for 2016 was quite impressive. 

I knew with all the controversy surrounding the "lack of diversity" there would be a few jokes and jabs, and while I thought it was appropriate and funny to address the issue in the beginning, I did find it kind of annoying how they dragged it out throughout the entire show. Chris Rock's opening monologue was funny and spot on, but that's where it should have ended. We get it! And moreover, the Oscars aren't the ones the blame here. This is an award show showcasing the movies over the past year. What's done is done. The blame should fall on the movie producers, directors and studios. 

While I didn't think Chis "ROCKED" it, I did think he was OK. It certainly wasn't the best Oscars I've seen #SethMacFarlane. The pacing was a little off and the mix of awkward moments were painful - ahem, Stacey Dash anyone? I did appreciate the surprises though - Best Picture, Best Costume, Best Song, Best Visual Effects. This was definitely the first year in a long while that shocked and surprised. Louis C.K. was incredibly funny. Dave Grohl's Blackbird cover song during the In Memoriam was beautiful and touching. But when it's all said and done nothing else matters more than your dreams coming true. Leo finally wins his well deserved Oscar and with a standing ovation no less. It officially became National Celebrate Leo Day. 

For those who voted for Spotlight I applaud you. Sadly I was not one of them (and I now have to take my friend out to dinner because of it). I thought 'for sure' The Big Short would take the gold. I 'did' think Spotlight was the better story, but I feel Big Short was filmed better/more creative. 

For all those who thought Sylveter Stallone would take the gold... HA!!  No disrespect to Rocky, but to me, I felt that was a very dialed-in performance and was shocked he even got a nom.  I was happy Mark Rylance from Bridge of Spies won Best Supporting Actor, I was ecstatic Alicia Vikander won Best Supporting Actress for The Danish Girl.  I utterly adore her.  And I was thrilled and quite surprised Ex Machina won for Best Visual Effects too!
 
 

On to the fashion... Whether they are fiascoes or pieces of unbridled brilliance, the gowns are always noteworthy. Sure, the Oscars are meant for honoring the greatest achievements in film, and while it does exactly that, every fashionista knows it's all about the dresses. The fashion on this night is just as important and fun as the movies themselves. Gorgeous, couture gowns coming in left and right. Here are my picks for Best Dressed.

~Best In Show~

It's probably impossible for the Quantico starlet, Priyanka Chopra to ever look bad, right.  She stunned in this form fitting, white ornate Zuhair Murad gown.  Paired with the gunmetal belt it adds a touch of edginess that brings the whole look together, and is straight up perfection and with effortless ease. 

Runners Up (from left to right) ...

From Christian Dior (Charlize Theron, Rooney Mara) to Calvin Klein (Saoirse Ronan) to Tom Ford (Margot Robbie) these gorgeous women brought some dazzling and daring drama to the mix.  Their glamour and fierce style is to die for.  Every look is done to perfection.  All five of these bombshells ruled the red carpet.  Bow down. 

Best After Party Gown...

Kate Hudson shined at the Vanity Fair after party in this shimmery, Greek Goddess Maria Lucia Hohan gown. I'm obsessed with this edgy, sleek and sexy look. Love the high slit, love the fun cutouts.  Get it girl!

What moments did you love (or hate) at last nights Oscars?  Who would you like to host next year?  Which gown made your top favorite?