Quick Movie Review

Power Rangers (2017, USA) | Rating: 3/5
Let’s all have a collective millennial groan for Hollywood trying to revive and capitalize on our nostalgia. I’m sure I could go on and on about Hollywood running out of original ideas, but that’s a whole separate post for another time. I wasn’t up in arms about this movie like a lot of hardcore Rangers fans, but I totally understand the annoyance of it, since the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers was a big chunk of my childhood. I didn’t rush to the theaters to see it, but I heard some alright comments towards it. I think my only big concern about the movie was Rita Repulsa being played by Elizabeth Banks. I was skeptical with her new look as I remember Rita having a big personality and really being a stand out villain. In short, I wasn’t offended in this movie at all. It was fun and the updates to it made it palatable for new fans who want a sleek origin story with a hint of cheesiness we had in the 90s. It doesn’t take away from the original Rangers, because they even have a cameo in the movie, but it might intrigue newer fans and a younger generation to check out the older shows and movie.



The LEGO Batman Movie (2017, USA) | Rating: 4/5
After seeing The Lego Movie and loving it, I had high hopes that this would be pretty entertaining as well. Since the debut of Batfleck, some people wanted to say that this is the best Batman we've had in a while and...I kinda want to agree. Ben Affleck is an alright Batman, but this one is just too true to the comical parts of the source. The movie is very aware of its silliness and the amusing parts of the Cape Crusader. It doesn't take itself too seriously, but isn't too silly that it loses its purpose. Yes, there's a story and it works for fans of the Batman franchise as we get a glimpse of a wide variety of villains in the Batman universe. Of course, one of the shining parts of the movie is super enthusiastic Robin! If you enjoyed The Lego Movie and want a more colorful, less broody Batman, this movie is for you.



War for the Planet of the Apes (2017, USA) | Rating: 3.5/5
I’ve really enjoyed this prequel trilogy quite a bit to the point that its increased my interest in checking out the original Planet of the Apes. This installment challenges our group of apes (and other primates) against not only humans, but each other at times once more. A lot is at stake and apparently, a disease is spreading among the humans which further bridges the gap between the new and old movies. Once again, I really enjoyed the character development and the bond between each being. The visuals match the mood of serious, somber, triumph, and fury. One complaint that I can agree on from the masses is the lack of “war” happening. Sure, there is a climax of physical conflict, but it’s far from a war, which is disappointing. A possible unpopular opinion, but I kinda want one more prequel before jumping into the storyline of Planet of the Apes.



The Boss Baby (2017, USA) | Rating: 3/5
When I first saw the previews for this movie, all I could see was Trump Baby. That’s it. It doesn’t help that Alec Baldwin voices him and does impressions of Donald Trump on Saturday Night Live either. In the beginning, it was hard to separate the man in the White House from the character, but as the movie went on, I saw less and less of Trump. The movie ended up being quite amusing, a little cute, and true to life for an only child dealing with this mysterious and odd baby. Sure, the story was nothing new, but the jokes were fresh and timely, especially the whole part about people wanting puppies over babies. This is a good animated movie for both kids and adults with less Trumpisms than I expected.



A Girl Like Grace (2015, USA) | Rating: 3/5
Reading the back of the DVD cover, I saw an interesting premise about a young girl trying to navigate through life after the loss of her best friend. Sure, this story has been told before, but this stood out to me because it featured an all black cast. Obviously, we follow a girl name Grace as she copes with loss and trying to figure out her identity. While the movie could provide some good representation for those who are struggling in the stereotypical “bad neighbor” or just stereotypical “bad situations”, especially for lgbt+ teens, the movie’s plot does strangely stray from the story when Grace decides to turn to the wild nightlife of alcohol and parties. It really throws off the whole point of the movie. Aside from that, I think this movie has some good ideas.