jonconnormustlive-46298 Reviews

Black Panther (2018)

Ok, but overrated

[6/10 · 7 May 2019]

The Good: The story was good, the visuals were good, the world building was cool. The supporting cast was great, Especially Jordan.

The Bad: It's boring, there are so few action scenes, this one feels so slow. Boseman's performance was weak, in one scene he is joking with his sister, his delivery of jokes was just terrible. There are some really cliched moments.

Overall Black Panther is cool mostly for it's world, but it is really overrated, it's definitely not the best film in the MCU

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Thor is finally awesome!

[9/10 · 7 May 2019]

The Good: CG is good, action scenes are AWESOME! Characters were very likeable, (this movie basically propelled Thor to being a fan favorite of the Avengers) Most jokes are funny. It's just a blast of entertainment for it's entire run time.

The Bad: Some jokes are cringeworthy, Loki's antics are feeling a little old now.

Overall Thor: Ragnarok is a blast of fun and action, it's easily one of the best MCU films. Thumbs up!

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Pretty good solo film for Spidey in the MCU

[7/10 · 7 May 2019]

The Good: action scenes are fun. jokes are good. Cast is god all around. Connections to other MCU films are great!

The Bad: Pace is slow, this felt like it was longer then it was. It's villain characters had good stories but were barely in the film.

Spider-Man: Homecoming was a nice superhero outing, it felt more aimed at a younger audience, but that's ok. Not the best MCU film, not the worst. It's worth the watch overall.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Excellent! A big step up from the first Guardians

[9/10 · 7 May 2019]

The Good: CG is excellent, acting is good, jokes are great. The story was excellent, it actually developed characters further from their previous one-dimensional caricatures.

The Bad: Pace is a little slow at times. Nebula was a rather unlikeable character.

Overall Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was a huge step for this super crew and one of the better entries in the MCU! Thumbs up!

Doctor Strange (2016)

Fantastic visuals, but overall a let down

[4/10 · 7 May 2019]

The Good: The CG is a big step up, its visually arresting. The way he beats the villain in the end was smart and interesting.

The Bad: Characters are unlikeable, the villain feels like he's barely in this one. Pace is slow, this was one of the most boring MCU films.

Though Doctor Strange is could've felt fantastic and high-concept. It instead was dull and unenthusiastic. One of the weaker MCU outings.

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

One of the MCU's best, brilliant

[9/10 · 7 May 2019]

I wanna start off saying that the editors for the trailers should be fired as they featured non of the good and just focused on lots of whining. But the movies REALLY surprised me.

The Good: Acting is great, the best performances in the MCU by far. Tension actually exists here, some fight scenes are intense, and the story is GREAT!

The Bad: There's an annoying forced romance, a couple of action scenes had weak CG.

Overall Captain America: Civil War is excellent, propelling the MCU in a direction it should of been going all along. Thumbs up!

Ant-Man (2015)

A minor MCU film, but loads of fun!

[8/10 · 6 May 2019]

The Good: The cast is excellent, Rudd is likeable and Pena steals the screen. Action scenes are creative and fun, jokes are mostly good, and the ties to other MCU films are fun.

The Bad: Pace was a little slow at points, villain was ok, but needed more screen time and some CGI was bad.

Overall Ant-Man is a great example of how to make a simple superhero origin story. Thumbs up!

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

The best of MCU's Phase II

[9/10 · 6 May 2019]

The Good: Avengers: Age of Ultron balances lots, introducing a new villain which is probably the best villain in the MCU so far. beginning the Infinity War plot line (which was very interesting) and introducing new characters, (which were quite likeable) but it never gets dizzying, it all fits together perfectly. Action scenes are awesome and jokes are funny! Also Hawkeye stole the show!

The Bad: Some bad CGI here and there, and Tony Stark got aggravating in this one.

Overall, Age of Ultron was an awesome entry in the MCU (the best since the first Captain America) A must see!

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

One of the most lackluster MCU entries

[1/10 · 6 May 2019]

The Good: Guardians of the Galaxy features an occasional good joke. Rocket steals the show whenever he's on screen.

The Bad: The majority of jokes are cringeworthy, the action scenes are dull and forgettable, the villain is barely there and not at all memorable. Most of the characters are annoying (non more son then Pratt's Star Lord).

Honestly, Guardians of the Galaxy was just boring. Skip it.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

One of the better MCU entries, but still flawed

[7/10 · 6 May 2019]

The Good: Captain America: The Winter Soldier features a good story, it's fittingly dramatic and more intense. The scenery is great, the CGI is good. The fight scenes are tense. and Occasionally there's a good joke.

The Bad: Scarlett Johansson is awkward in this one, she's unneeded, not to mention there's this weird, sort of romance, but no chemistry. She's bad. Also some the villains' goons are irritatingly dumb.

Overall The Winter Soldier is good, better then the past few MCU entries. But it still has it's issues.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

A step up for Thor, but forgettable

[6/10 · 6 May 2019]

Thor: The Dark World smartly focuses on fantasy worlds as opposed to taking place on Earth, this gives us plenty of great visuals. The story is quite interesting as well. I like the direction they took with the characters Thor & Loki.

The Bad: Pace is slow, this in turn makes the film feel forgettable, the villain is much to small a character to stand out. The film lacks much humor (though I do like serious movies) which makes the pace suffer more.

Overall Thor: The Dark World is still worth your watch, it's a step up for Thor and for the MCU as a whole.

Iron Man Three (2013)

The worst entry in the MCU

[1/10 · 6 May 2019]

Following the Avengers Marvel continued it's cinematic universe with Iron Man 3. which showed Iron Man facing off with a terrorist called the Mandarin.

Iron Man 3 had some surprising and intense trailers that showed what seemed to be a dark gritty drama. Unfortunately it all was a lie. First the villain, They use some horrible jokes to undo the character played by Ben Kingsley, the film instead follows a different villain which is lame and not forgettable. The jokes are cringeworthy. The action scenes are not exciting. And worst of all, the plot doesn't fit at all into the rest of the MCU.

I suggest you skip Iron Man 3

The Avengers (2012)

Disappointing

[1/10 · 16 April 2019]

The Avengers unites Iron Man (Downey Jr.) Thor (Hemsworth) Cap. America (Evans) and Bruce Banner AKA Hulk (Ruffalo) along with Black Widow (Johansson) and Hawkeye (Renner) to stop Loki (Hiddleston).

The Good: Effects are good, there are a couple of actually funny jokes. The Bad: Characters are flat and just spend time joking or arguing rather then actually developing. Action sequences are tedious, monotonous and unexciting. Most jokes are cringe-worthy, one even made me consider walking out. I didn't but I wish I had. By the end it feels like it didn't really do much of anything.

I don't understand how The Avengers has such high ratings. Thumbs down!

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

The best of the MCU's Phase 1!

[10/10 · 16 April 2019]

Captain America: The First Avenger introduces Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) and explores the origin of how he became the titular hero.

The sets are amazing, the way they recreated the WWII era is dazzling. Evans gives a great performance as the Cap. He's supported by an excellent cast! Hugo Weaving portrays the villainous Red Skull and while I do wish he had more screen time, he's still the best villain in the MCU Phase 1.

I don't understand how this one is rated lower then Thor and Iron Man 2. It's way better then either of them.

Two Thumbs up!

Thor (2011)

Good start, then it gets TERRIBLE!

[1/10 · 16 April 2019]

Thor introduces the God of Thunder and his mischievous brother Loki to the MCU.

The Good: Chris Hemsworth gives a likeable performance as Thor. The opening scenes set in Thor's homeworld are visually dazzling and entertaining.

The Bad: Natalie Portman gives a HORRIBLE performance here (and I usually like Portman as an actress). The supporting cast is forgettable. The jokes are dreadful. The romance is forced and just bad. This film also introduces Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) but doesn't do anything with him. It was so pointless. Loki was an idiot. The only reason his plot fails is because of his own idiocrasy.

Thor delivers us the worst entry in the MCU's Phase 1, thumbs down.

Iron Man 2 (2010)

Underwhelming Sequel

[6/10 · 16 April 2019]

Iron man 2 brings back the hero to stop a new threat, while also introducing Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson)

Unlike the first film, Iron Man 2 lacks the likeable humor and exciting action sequences. It felt boring and uninteresting. The cast should have been great! Rockwell and Rourke were excellent choices for the films villains. But, just as Marvel is known for, they leave their villains underdone and forgettable. Scarlett Johansson also leaves you wanting a much better actress for Black Widow.

I do still enjoy Iron Man 2 an entry in the MCU, but it was definitely disappointing.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Short, but one a really entertaining flick!

[10/10 · 16 April 2019]

The Incredible Hulk introduces the green behemoth to the MCU (though many argue it isn't really in the MCU) as he prepares to face off with the deadly Abomination!

The cast is excellent! Edward Norton plays Banner likably, he's funny and enjoyable. Liv Tyler acts well, Tyler and Norton have great chemistry! Tim Roth steals the show whenever he's on screen (a rarity for Marvel!)

While The Incredible Hulk is the shortest entry in the MCU it uses it's time smartly, delivering awesome action sequences, funny references, and great special effects!

I give it two thumbs up!

Iron Man (2008)

Still stands as one of the best in the MCU

[8/10 · 16 April 2019]

Iron Man was the first film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it introduced Tony Stark(Robert Downey Jr.) the egotistical millionaire who became Iron Man.

The movie is fun, it has plenty of humor and dazzling action sequences. To me the one main downfall is the villain, he feels thrown in last minute so we can have a big finale. Thus starting Marvel's notoriety for underdoing their villains. It also doesn't feel like anything more then your average action flick. It is fun but it can't compete with the likes of the Dark Knight trilogy.

It's still worth a watch though.

Cars 3 (2017)

A big step for the Cars franchise, Cars 3 is great!

[9/10 · 10 December 2018]

Cars 3 follows Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), amidst all of his former racing pals retirements, McQueen feels himself being pushed in that direction, but he doesn't want to retire yet. He begins training with a much younger trainer to get his groove back so he can take on the new young racers.

Cars 3 smartly has it's aim on achieving what Cars 2 couldn't. Character development and dramatic heft.

While it isn't as comedic as past Pixar outings, it still has several fun moments.

Additionally there are some truly touching moments, in particular there is a beautiful homage to the late Paul Newman.

While Cars 3 may not fast paced enough for the youngest viewers, it's plot which is surprisingly aimed at an older audience, will definitely please adults.

Two thumbs up!

Cars 2 (2011)

While weak for Pixar standards, it's still super fun action adventure.

[6/10 · 10 December 2018]

In Cars 2 we find Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) heading to Europe for a huge international race series. He brings along his loyal best friend Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy) who stumbles across spies on a mission to stop a villain who aims to pick off the racers.

Pixar Studios has been known for it's extremely good development, dramatic depth and emotional storytelling, mixed that humor, action and beautiful animation.

Cars 2 is largely considered Pixar's weakest outing, while it is action packed, funny and gorgeously animated. Cars 2 is short of the dramatic heft, developed characters and emotional moments.

That being said Cars 2 is still extremely entertaining. The kids will have fun, as should older audiences. Animated movies don't need to be amazing classics to be worthwhile.

Cars 2 is all around worth your watch.

Cars (2006)

An excellent piece of animation from Pixar Studios

[9/10 · 10 December 2018]

Cars follows Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson), an arrogant racecar, he is waylaid and arrested in a small town, He meets a former racecar champ and learns a little something about humility and respect.

Cars is such a charming animated adventure, the cast of characters is loveable, in particular Mater (voiced by Larry the Cable Guy), he is funny, energetic, and has some of the most quotable lines from the film.

Pixar continues their line of classics with a film that while feeling lighter and more aimed at a younger audience then the other more actiony films.

But Cars has a much more significant story and message. It's an extremely fun piece of animation that everyone can enjoy.

Two thumbs up!

Brother Bear (2003)

A nice little film, but nowhere near Disney classic level

[6/10 · 3 December 2018]

Brother Bear follows a young Native man who hunts a bear and magically transformed into one himself, he must work together with a young cub to find a way to return to normal.

Brother Bear doesn't really do anything new, there're some good jokes, entertaining action scenes, and some emotional moments as well. But in between the scenes are slow and uninteresting. In the opening scenes I also found the acting to feel bad, I didn't really believe any characters, they just felt fake.

Disney tries to rely on their usual formula, but the scenes aren't compelling or memorable enough to successfully create another classic.

Another noteworthy plus is Phil Collins great songs!

Kids will definitely enjoy Brother Bear, just don't expect another Walt Disney Animated Studios classic.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

A beuatiful, emotional family drama.

[10/10 · 3 December 2018]

Bridge to Terabithia follows a young boy who's a loner, he befriends the new girl in town and discover a beautiful world of imagination, but tragedy lies ahead.

Bridge to Terabithia is an excellently made family film! Josh Hutcherson leads the cast with an excellent performance! Annasophia Robb also does a great job! Robert Patrick acts out screen time, he definitely brings some powerful emotion to the film.

This movie might feel a little mature for young children, not that it's an unsettling story, but some scenes could upset them. This features themes of bullying, parental issues, and death. For those that can understand the plot and characters will absolutely love it!

Two thumbs up for Bridge to Terabithia!

Brave (2012)

A beautiful, entertaining film from Pixar studios

[7/10 · 3 December 2018]

Brave follows young Merida as she rebels against her parents wishes for her to marry, she meets a witch who casts a spell on Merida's mother, now she must race to find a cure.

Brave is gorgeously animated, Pixar definitely stepped up there editing here. The supporting characters are very funny, though you may feel like they need more screen time. Brave also features some very thrilling action scenes, the kids will definitely enjoy them.

Unfortunately Brave just can't quite keep up with previous Pixar outing's in terms of emotion, depth and charm.

Brave is entertaining, just don't expect the usual gem that Pixar is known for producing.

Bolt (2008)

A fun action packed Disney adventure

[7/10 · 3 December 2018]

Bolt follows a canine actor known for playing a super hero on a TV show, he is supported from his owner and must find his way back to her, all while believing he truly has super powers.

Bolt is loads of fun! There are lots of creative action scenes, plenty of funny jokes, and even some emotional scenes. Bolt has the makings of a Disney classic, but it does come up a little short of the usual Disney magic.

Firstly, the story lacks depth, the story basically tells itself in the first 30 minutes, then fuels the rest with action, comedy and drama. Secondly Miley Cyrus proved to be an annoying choice for voicing one of the main characters, not only is she an ear-sore, but she struggles to express different emotions vocally, her voice feels fake and just detracts from the overall film.

Luckily there's still plenty good in Bolt, it's definitely a great choice for a family friendly action comedy!