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Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is an epic comic book movie, way ahead of its time
Since "Batman v Superman" is a movie that literally changed my life, I wanted this review to be perfect, but I'll just be myself and express my thoughts and feelings about it.
Let's get to the good stuff, or should I say awesome stuff. First of all, Zack Snyder nailed every single casting choice, especially Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/The Batman and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (ofc Henry Cavill as Superman, but we already know that from MoS). Also, his direction is phenomenal, giving us some of the best moments in comic book movie history and the best Batman fight scene in ANY media. Almost every single shot is screenshot-worthy, thanks to Zack's amazing work and use of film instead of digital camera.
The memorable moments and quotes are so many that I won't even get into that.
The acting is superb, with Ben Affleck's Batman being the highlight of the movie, inspired by the great Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns 1986 4-issue comic series. Henry Cavill gives us the best Superman performance we've seen so far and Gal Gadot makes a great first appearance as Wonder Woman. When it comes to non-superheroes, Jesse Eisenberg delivers as a young Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane is even better than Man of Steel, Jeremy Irons is a great Alfred Pennyworth and Holly Hunter gives a solid performance as Senator Finch (a character created especially for her). Even Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan as Thomas and Martha Wayne do a very good job in just a minute of screen time, without speaking a single word, thanks to Zack Snyder's incredible visual narration.
The plot is something that we've never seen in such a comic book-y movie (not the concept, but the execution) and I'm sure it's gonna be appreciated in the years to come. Don't forget, it's called Batman "v" Superman and not Batman "vs" Superman for a reason. Also, this movie probably has the best climax in comic book movie history.
Last but not least, watch the ULTIMATE EDITION! One of the biggest (if not the biggest) reasons that this movie currently has just a 6,5/10 rating is the butchered theatrical cut.
10/10
Gotham: Legend of the Dark Knight: The Beginning... (2019)
Thank you, Gotham, for the most beautiful ride!
What a great way to end such a beautiful show! Most people say that Gotham had turned into a Batman show, but that never was the case. Even now, they pulled out a good crime/drama type episode, with the addition of the Batman.
The actors did a great job once again, while Lili Simmons was great as the adult Selina Kyle and Cameron Monaghan managed to do something amazing and unique once again.
I trusted them that they would nail Batman and they absolutely delivered. You get only a single full shot of him for a couple of seconds and the rest is good old hiding-in-the-shadows Batman.
They did the best they could with a shortened season and a typical 44 minute finale and I'm grateful. I'd really love to see more of this Gotham City with Batman being in the shadows while we keep getting the same crime show as the past 5 years, but I'm grateful that the show got a proper ending and I'm not gonna be greedy asking for more.
I cried so much after the last shot. They were both tears of sadness because Gotham is my favorite show of all time, but also of joy because I got to experience all of it since Season 1.
To the creators, producers, writers, directors, actors and everyone that worked on Gotham, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this beautiful ride!
Creed II (2018)
I expected something good, I got something AMAZING!
"Creed II" is one of the strongest contenders for "the sequel of the year" (alongside Incredibles 2 for me) and for good reason.
We all know that the "Rocky" movies are kind of a recipe. You knew that Adonis would lose his big fight in the first movie (just like the first Rocky) and we all knew that our protagonist would be the winner at the end of every other movie, but damn... The way that they deliver every time is phenomenal. If you try to guess exactly what happens in this movie from the get go, you will make a wrong guess, 100%. You didn't see Apollo's death coming in Rocky IV, right?
"Creed II" is a movie that the characters drive the plot and not vice versa, they make decisions that really matter and you care deeply about them. Michael B. Jordan owns this new franchise and, although it connects to the Rocky movies, it's also its own thing, with this fella getting the spotlight on him, although he's standing next to the great Sylvester Stallone, who's also doing an incredible job, without trying to steal his glory. Tessa Thompson's Bianca is once again lovable and she has great chemistry with Jordan's Adonis Creed.
My biggest surprise (in a good way) has to do with the character of Ivan Drago, portrayed by Dolph Lundgren, who continues to be my favorite antagonist in this franchise.
Last but not least, I gotta say that this movie has a great balance when connecting with the previous movies (mostly Rocky IV ofc) and doing its own thing and building its own future and legacy.
Rocky IV is my favorite movie of the franchise and I really wanted Creed II to succeed in everything I was expecting, but I was like "eh, it will definitely be good, but maybe not that much" and, damn, I got everything that I wanted and so much more.
What are you doing reading this review? Go watch it, already!
9/10
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)
Zack Snyder's Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is an epic comic book movie, way ahead of its time
Since "Batman v Superman" is a movie that literally changed my life, I wanted this review to be perfect, but I'll just be myself and express my thoughts and feelings about it.
Let's get to the good stuff, or should I say awesome stuff. First of all, Zack Snyder nailed every single casting choice, especially Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/The Batman and Gal Gadot as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman (ofc Henry Cavill as Superman, but we already know that from MoS). Also, his direction is phenomenal, giving us some of the best moments in comic book movie history and the best Batman fight scene in ANY media. Almost every single shot is screenshot-worthy, thanks to Zack's amazing work and use of film instead of digital camera.
The memorable moments and quotes are so many that I won't even get into that.
The acting is superb, with Ben Affleck's Batman being the highlight of the movie, inspired by the great Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns 1986 4-issue comic series. Henry Cavill gives us the best Superman performance we've seen so far and Gal Gadot makes a great first appearance as Wonder Woman. When it comes to non-superheroes, Jesse Eisenberg delivers as a young Lex Luthor, Amy Adams as Lois Lane is even better than Man of Steel, Jeremy Irons is a great Alfred Pennyworth and Holly Hunter gives a solid performance as Senator Finch (a character created especially for her). Even Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lauren Cohan as Thomas and Martha Wayne do a very good job in just a minute of screen time, without speaking a single word, thanks to Zack Snyder's incredible visual narration.
The plot is something that we've never seen in such a comic book-y movie (not the concept, but the execution) and I'm sure it's gonna be appreciated in the years to come. Don't forget, it's called Batman "v" Superman and not Batman "vs" Superman for a reason. Also, this movie probably has the best climax in comic book movie history.
Last but not least, watch the ULTIMATE EDITION! One of the biggest (if not the biggest) reasons that this movie currently has just a 6,5/10 rating is the butchered theatrical cut.
10/10
Venom (2018)
Gimme the sequel already!
First of all, I'm reviewing "Venom" after watching it for the 2nd time.
The first time I was a little bit confused. I liked everything about Eddie and Venom. Although Tom Hardy is my favorite actor, I was kinda worried about his performance from what I saw in the trailers, but he was absolutely great once again.
The problem with my first viewing was that I was expecting something else and probably for good reason, since one can clearly see that they were going for an R-rated action/horror anti-hero movie. There are elements of horror, but my guess is that there were some reshoots and/or minutes cut from the final product.
But the second viewing changed my mind, due to the fact that I can be fine with the tone changing from scene to scene, thanks to the characters. I was like "hmmm... they're showing the spaceship crashing and then a sinister symbiote getting into people and wrecking some havoc in a street. Makes sense to be horror-like" and then "oh, there's Eddie. He's just messing around, so why not have a comedic vibe?". You feel me?
Also, there are some "plot holes" that many people were complaining about that are not really there such as "why did Drake send explosive drones since he didn't want to kill Eddie?". No, he wanted Venom back, it's afterwards that he wants him alive.
And, of course, the after credit scene sets up the perfect sequel, which will probably be out in October 2020 and I guess I'm gonna rewatch the first one a few times to fulfill my appetite for Venom.... or human heads!
Sharp Objects (2018)
Good show, but misses a spot
The show was good. Very good. It is slow, but I don't mind, I liked the visual storytelling, I liked the characters, the messages, but in the end I didn't feel completely satisfied. Probably there are things in the book that didn't make it into the show. Some explanations, a little more backstory. I don't mean "give us everything with exposition", but keep that beautiful visual storytelling to show us why we have to accept the ending.
Tekken (2010)
Enjoyed it, but missed opportunity overall
What I was afraid of when I pressed 'play' was that the movie could be boring, the number one thing for me when I watch something and I can say that this one was enjoyable and kept my interest -almost- for the whole 90 minutes.
First of all, I think that the "dystopian society" idea didn't need to be there. We could have a protagonist that seeks vengeance just because he's a kid that grew up without a father and just lost his mother.
I really liked most of the characters; most of them were very accurate, with the exception of my all time favorite, Kazuya Mishima. All the others just look like their video game counterparts, they don't say much and that's completely fine. But Kazuya is the most tragic, layered and interesting character in the game. Making him Lee Chaolan with black hair and a goatee is a disgrace.
The Mishima family storyline is one of the best in video game history and they could easily use it, but for some reason they didn't. They could easily make the movie longer and give more layers to Kazuya and Heihachi (and possibly show some flashbacks with Kazuya and Jun), instead of just having them there so the world says "oh, there they are".
One of the most important thing in a movie like this, is the fight sequences and I can say that they nailed it. I was satisfied with the fact that the characters weren't just accurate in terms of appearance, but also, in terms of fighting style. Good job movie.
One of the biggest letdowns was the aftermath of Steve Fox's death. His relationship with Jin was fine, they built it ok, but his kind of mentor dies and then... nothing. No mention, no reaction.
Two more negatives. Why does Jin become a cheater for no reason? We see that he appreciates his people and for no reason he cheats on his girlfriend with Christie. I guess we can't have a non-erotic relationship with a man and a woman, right?
Lastly, Kazuya wants to kill Jin. He's beaten 1 on 1 and then the robots any everyone let's him walk? Just don't get it.
Overall, I can say I liked the movie, but they could very very easily do a better job, just by following the game and not trying to creating a different story on their own.
I.C.U. (2009)
Who paid people to write 9 and 10/10 reviews?
I checked all the reviews for this movie, just from curiosity and except a 3 and a 6, there are only 9s and 10s. HOW? This movie is absolutely terrible!
I sit and watched I.C.U. because I'm a big fan of Margot Robbie, the only actor that is actually ACTING in this "movie" (the reason I'm giving 2 instead of 1), by fast forwarding the filler moments, like the music montages.
The plot seems simple, but the director/writer wants to make it seem like it is complex, with disastrous results. The acting is over the top, Margot Robbie is used as a sex tool because of her beauty and even though almost nothing is predictable, it still feels stupid.
The "twist after twist" in the end makes absolutely no sense and shows that there were twists just for the sake of having them.
At least the movie made me wonder: do Australian people EVER close their curtains?
The Flash: We Are the Flash (2018)
Better than season 3, but still mediocre at best
I will only say this: I bet the writers were like "Thinker is gonna be such a badass villain this season" and never thought about how The Flash will eventually beat him. They made him so strong and unbeatable and then they thought "oh, the season has to end. Let's use Iris again as the tool to beat the big bad guy that seems indestructible all season". Thanks a lot! And I thank God that she didn't do it directly this time, but don't forget "We are The Flash".
Fix this show already! Supergirl is getting better and Arrow and The Flash are going down.
Arrow: Life Sentence (2018)
Are you kidding me?
The only reason I keep watching the show is because of what we've seen in the first 3 seasons and because I'm a huge DC fan, but now I really hope season 7 is gonna be the last.
The repetitive shoots, the awful fight sequences, the "boo hoo" drama that no one cares about... All of these are getting really boring and tiresome.
We won't be seeing again Quentin Lance, a character that has been around since the beginning and has a great dynamic with Oliver, and NOBODY CARED! It seemed like the CHARACTERS didn't even care so much! Act for god's sake! The only reason I felt something is because I really like the character and i'm a fan of Paul Blackthorne's performance, the only one that I've been enjoying from the first time we meet him, until his death. Rest in Peace, Quentin.
We heard that Sarah Lance is coming back for the season finale. What an awful promotion!
Also, the "big bad" with the ZERO true motive is staying around and will definitely be back for season 7. Great. Just great.
One of the show's biggest wins for the first 3 seasons were the character. Now, we went from Slade Wilson, Sarah Lance, Malcolm Merlyn etc. to "I don't have a true reason to be here except the fact that I fit in this teenage drama" Curtis Holt character.
I admit that the show took a huge risk by having Oliver reveal that he's the Green Arrow and I'm curious to see where this is going, but the show has proven to be untrustworthy in such situations.
I just really hope that, with the return of Roy Harper, we will see a last season of true "Arrow", the show I loved for the first three seasons.
Gotham: A Dark Knight: No Man's Land (2018)
Gotta wait until 2019? Really?
Man, I love this show. As a hardcore Batman fan I simply cannot describe how I feel about "Gotham" and how much I love it. I will miss it so so so so so (and a thousand more sos) much when it ends but, right now, I need to realize that I won't watch a new episode for almost 8 months.
It's not the best episode because there are a couple of things that don't work so well (we don't care about Lee and Ed, they don't work at all for me), but the foreshadowing is the greatest part of it. If you know what you're watching, then you can guess what comes next.
The heart of this show are its characters and that's the biggest win of this episode too. It might not be the best season finale of the series in terms of action and the feeling of completion, but the cliffhanger is the best we've seen and I dare you (if you're a fan) to say "I can wait".
I literally cried twice during the viewing. And when a Batman fan cries when watching this show, you know it got something very right.
Lastly, I would like to say that I can't wait to see more of a specific character, but I don't wanna spoil his fate.
See you in 2019, Gotham!
Gotham: A Dark Knight: One Bad Day (2018)
FOX, what are you waiting for?
I'm out of words. For real. It's so difficult to talk about this show and its 4th season, the best so far for me.
When you think they've given you something extraordinary, they surpass theirselves every week. After the great "Birth of The Joker" finale in episode 18, we get a great first look of what Jeremiah has in store in "That Old Corpse".
Tonight, "One Bad Day" gets it to the next level and gives us the Killing Joke episode of the series, an episode with so much emotion, so much action (without having people necessarily running and shooting) and Cameron Monaghan's absolutely brilliant performance as Jeremiah.
The ending shocked me, even though my comic book knowledge made me feel a little bit safe.
Gotham is the best DC TV Show and the least it deserves is a renewal, because the best is yet to come. I'm absolutely certain that the season finale episode "No Man's Land" will blow everyone away!
Gotham: A Dark Knight: That Old Corpse (2018)
Brilliant writing, maybe the best episode so far!
Wow... that was intense! Actor Cameron Monaghan promised us three great episodes for Season 4's finale and, heck, he meant it.
In the first minutes of the episode you're like "what?" and you are scratching your head, trying to figure how the ending of episode 18 connects with this one and Gotham gives a great answer to that!
Cameron Monaghan's acting is brilliant, he may be the most talented actor of the whole cast and he gives a brilliant two-way performance.
I don't wanna say anything else, just see for yourselves.
P.S. FOX, just renew this wonderful show already!
The Walking Dead: Wrath (2018)
Maybe the worst season finale in TV history
First of all, I gave it a 2 instead of 1 because of Lauren Cohan, the only character that made me feel ANYTHING in this episode and that's the worst part of it. There is no emotion!
I absolutely hated Carl as a character and I despised Chandler Riggs's performance and I think I'm not the only one. And now he's the base of the whole New World that Ricks wanna build? Gimme a break...
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is the best part of this show and after 33 episodes that he's been the best antagonist, the one that made Rick and his group kneel before him, Negan suddenly becomes an idiot that loses the battle like a cartoon villain!
I saw a review that says "the twist was absolutely mind-blowing and unexpected". Ha, ha! I was with a couple of friends the other day and told them "Eugene's bullets will backfire and Negan will lose, even though he has them cornered". Guess what, I was right and I'm 100% sure I wasn't the only one that predicted that (ofc I wasn't).
The only reason I will keep watching the show is the fact that probably we're gonna see something new, because the past two seasons were sooo boring and if it wasn't for Negan they would be absolutely unwatchable.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan's character deserves better, so I hope he won't be "backstage" just existing and that we will get to see him again, even if he dies. I prefer him being dead by Maggie's hand than just rotting.
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight (2018)
The DCAU nails it again!
First of all, the credits for this great animated film go to the writers of the comic book, the first Elseworlds story, Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola. The movie has to cut out some parts of the original story, put that is fine.
I really wanna say I wasn't so ambitious about this one, because some of the latest entries in the DCAU were kind of mediocre and I also miss the design and animation style of the old movies, like Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (best animated movie ever for me), Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker and TV series like Batman: TAS, Batman Beyond, Justice League etc. But after the movie presents this so raw violence and the mystery of who Jack the Ripper is, without giving away any clues, I was like "here we are, like old times".
The best thing about this film is it's twist. The villain's identity. Holy moly... I knew this was an alternate universe, but never saw that coming. We know that Harvey Dent is the well-known villain Two-Face, so we could think that in this universe he's just a different kind of bad guy with different motive. But, no. Commissioner James Gordon, one of the Dark Knight's most trusted and faithful allies, is revealed to be Jack the Ripper and I gotta say that Scott Patterson's performance was astonishing! Also, the moment we realize that Gordon is the killer is shocking and -yet again- so raw and scary for a comic book animated film.
There were some minor things I dislike a little bit, nothing serious, but enough to not let it be a perfect adaptation and get a 10 from me. I'll stick with 9, but the best taste after watching this movie is the belief that the DCAU is back on track with Batman, because most of the latest installments after The Dark Knight Returns were boring and there was nothing special (I'm mostly refering to the Damian Wayne trilogy). Can't wait for the next two films: Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay and The Death of Superman!
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Best Thor Movie!
Even though the previous two installments were mediocre, I knew Thor: Ragnarok would be superior (just after I watched the trailers) and, thank God, I was right.
I'll start with the worst part of the movie: the humor. No, the humor wasn't necessarily bad, there were some hilarious scenes and lines, but there were, also, some ridiculous ones too, in the wrong moments. It was just too much. Personally, I prefer comic book movies with humor, not comedies with superheroes, and Thor: Ragnarok was the second one. If you are not Guardians of the Galaxy, don't try it...
Thor: Ragnarok is colorful, adventurous and fun, different than the average MCU movie. It makes us feel that not all MCU films are the same and that they are evolving, that they have their own identity.
The fight sequences were great. The choreography, the directing, everything. They made me experience some of the most intense fight scenes in the MCU. Both the Thor vs Hulk and final battle scenes were extremely enjoyable.
Chris Hemsworth gives his best performance as the God of Thunder and I'll say the same thing about Tom Hiddleston as Loki (yeah, he steals the show AGAIN) and Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner.
Speaking of Hulk's alter ego, I loved the Green Giant. He was... meh in the previous movies, but this time the motion capture does a great job of showing us more expressions and emotion from Hulk and it's something that I was waiting for, for a long time.
About the villain... Cate Blanchett was absolutely superb as Hela, the Goddess of Death! From now on, she is in the list of my top MCU villains, alongside Loki and Michael Keaton's Vulture. She doesn't need a great motive, or a great character development. She is the Goddess of Death and that's it
About the ending: I think no one saw that coming.
Batman and Harley Quinn (2017)
Don't be so judgmental, it's a Harley Quinn movie!
First of all, the most important thing about this movie, its aspect. That's not a serious Batman movie, in which you gotta focus on the plot. It's a movie where the main character is Harley Quinn, a film with humour where we see the chemistry between her and the Dynamic Duo being built and we also get some very funny moments.
You gotta lay back, relax, don't take it seriously and you'll have a lot of fun. OK, there are a couple of ridiculous scenes, but for me these are the only negatives of this movie.
The movie may be related to BTAS, but also manages to have its unique tone, that differs it from the series, the other Batman movies and perhaps from any DCAU film!
It's not a special film, not a memorable one, but it's really fun and easily rewatchable, with lots of hilarious moments.
As for the performances, Melissa Rauch doesn't disappoint in her first performance as Harley Quinn, Kevin Conroy IS The Batman (so no further comments) and Loren Lester is a great Nightwing as always.
As I said before, be careful on your approach of the movie. If you expect a typical, dark Batman film, you will be disappointed. Watch it as a comedy, a movie that's focused on Harley Quinn (the movie could have easily been called Harley Quinn and Batman) and you are gonna enjoy the 75 minutes of runtime!
Wonder Woman (2017)
The best DCEU movie so far!
I'm not so good at reviews, I'm better at just having conversations about movies, but for Wonder Woman, I'll give it a shot.
The critics (and not only them) may not like the DCEU so far, but "Wonder Woman" is surely the best movie and one of the greatest comic book movies ever.
The movie is "patient". We get the chance to see in depth Diana's motives and why she "walked away from mankind" 100 years ago, and why she returned to protect this world forever.
Beautiful landscapes in Themiscyra, a great first act. Then, after Diana leaves her home, we get to see her adjusting in the outside world, and realizing what this war is really about.
Every action scene, especially those with her theme song in the background and the combination of darkness and humor are absolutely fascinating, something that makes you wanna have to try really hard to stay in your seat.
I liked every performance, but Gal Gadot was the best by far, portraying Diana Prince/Wonder Woman exceptionally. For me, she and Ben Affleck make the best performances of the DCEU and the best portrayals of their characters ever.
"Wonder Woman" made me want to see Justice League even more. Not because I love DC, but because it shows us that we can be optimistic about the DCEU.
I may didn't collect my thoughts so well, and this may be a "bad" review, but I loved this movie, and I couldn't handle myself.
The best is yet to come!
9/10