Spoiler-Free Review for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

No matter when you were introduced to Star Wars, we are all fans. The original trilogy was my introduction and since then I have been hooked on the epic space battle of good versus evil. The Force, lightsabers, spaceships, exotic planets and aliens all helped shaped my view on doing the right thing even if it is difficult. Luke Skywalker will always be my first and favorite hero. Someone who knew they wanted to do bigger and better things. Someone who did what he felt was right for friends, family and others in need. So, in a nutshell, I am a lifelong Star Wars fan.

Eight films and 42 years later, we have arrived at the ninth and final film of the saga, The Rise of Skywalker. While this review will be a spoiler-free, I will tell you that the trailers and the TV spots have done a pretty good job in not giving anything away.

J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio have crafted a script with references and sequences that cynical minds will consider "fan service" but bring back emotion and power going back all the way to the original trilogy. They have brought back the fun and the humor that feel more like the original trilogy as well. As the fun and playfulness have always been a trademark of the saga, so has the darkness and the danger of the galaxy under the rule of evil.

J.J. Abrams knows how to craft a blockbuster. While there are some amazing set-pieces, I feel he is underrated as a director when it comes to performers. Here he gets the best performance out of Daisy Ridley. She is the center of the film along with the other key principles in Finn, Poe and Kylo Ren. The best material and interactions with one another belong to these four characters.

This movie is a real roller coaster ride with twists and turns that are surprising and at times risk-taking. And just like a roller coaster the pace of the film is at times neck breaking. You will find yourself needing time to catch your breath! This makes for an exhilarating 2 hour and 23 minute movie.

With all that being said, I loved The Rise of Skywalker, but in this day and age, not everyone will be pleased with the film. The cynical minds have had very unpleasant ways of expressing their unhappiness but it comes with a total lack of perspective. These movies were made for children and we have people that feel that kid-friendly franchises need to be solely aimed at them.

Abrams and team have made a movie for those of us that love it best. The Rise of Skywalker rises to the occasion and is a fitting end to the epic saga.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker opens in theaters December 20th.

Non-Spoiler Movie Review: The Lion King (2019)

Hard to believe that it has been 25 years since the original, animated version of The Lion King first roared into theaters. Now, Jon Favreau brings us a new vision, a "live action" version if you will. The vision is so stunning that you will think this was a DisneyNature release. It seriously looks that photorealistic!

From the music, to iconic shots and most of the original dialogue will hit you with all the nostalgic feels! And we all know the story, but here is a quick recap just in case. Simba (voiced by JD McCrary and later Donald Glover) is worried about filling the paws of his father Mufasa (voiced magnificently once again by James Earl Jones). But Scar, Mufasa's evil brother (voiced by Chiwetel Ejiofor), is determined to kill them both so he can take the place as king. As Mufasa's fate is sealed, Simba grows up with the help of Pumbaa (voiced by Seth Rogen) and Timon (voiced by Billy Eichner), who are scene stealers!

There is a stand out performance by Beyonce as older Nala. Donald Glover and Beyonce deliver a phenomenal version of Can You Feel The Love Tonight. I wish there was more from Alfre Woodard who voices Sarabi, John Oliver who voices Zazu and John Kani that voices Rafiki. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a wonderfully chilling Scar. The entire voice cast is exceptional and can easily rival the original.

Han Zimmer delivers a new take on his Oscar-winning score from the original film. There are two new songs. Beyonce has a new powerfully uplifting song halfway through the movie called Spirit. Sir Elton John has a new son over the end credits. But most of the original songs are here and are done more than enough justice. The opening Circle of Life packs just as much of an emotional impact as ever. 

One of the things I loved about this vision of the story is that there was clearly a conscience effort to portray the animals as realistically as possible. Other than the fact that these animals talk, the mannerisms will make you stop and try to convince your brain that none of this is real. On the other hand, this attention to realism also means a minimum when it comes to facial expressions.

In the end, this vision of The Lion King is an astonishing visual feast for the eyes. The film is filled with heart and a rush of nostalgia. Don't walk but stampede your way to the theaters starting July 19th!

Toy Story 4: Non-Spoiler Review for the Best Toy Story Movie Yet

Back in 1995, a little known company called Pixar, released the world's first computer animated movie called Toy Story and animated films have never been the same. Now, Toy Story 4 is ready to hit theaters and this may very well be the best of the entire franchise. It is charming, poignant and follows a beautiful story arc that makes a logical progression from each of the previous movies. It is also the funniest of the four. In fact, I know I missed a lot of dialogue because of all the laughter coming from the audience.

The movie begins with a flashback to where Bo Peep went and then we get back to the present time with Bonnie and her first day of school. She created a new toy named Forky and then her family is off on a road trip. Forky doesn't understand why he exists and Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky the value of being a child's toy. Along the way Woody runs into Bo Peep and we are off on our adventure.

First time Director Josh Cooley takes the themes from the previous three films and greatly expands upon them. The ending of Toy Story 3 is expanded upon in a way that feels natural. This fourth outing takes us to a small town and we learn that there can be more than one reason for a toy's purpose and more than one reason for a toy to be happy. The difference between free will and one's own purpose is expanded upon here. The other main theme of the relationship of a toy as a child has always been the theme throughout the series as we watch children grow up before our very eyes is expanded upon as well.

The new characters fit in perfectly and we learn more about each of them. I was already a fan of both Ducky and Bunny from the teaser trailers and they continue with the laughs throughout the film. The standout additions are Forky and Duke Caboom. Forky's childlike innocence is infectious and helps advance the story and a reminder of a toy's purpose. Caboom's charm and charisma steal every scene that he is in. Gabby Gabby and her ventriloquist dummies and an element of comedic horror to the mix.

The film is visually stunning and the photorealistic quality is second to none. Wait until you see the rain sequence at night. Great new characters with our old friends out on adventure that make you laugh and make you cry. Toy Story 4 works not only as a sequel to the progression of our favorite toys but also as a wonderful stand alone movie. If this is indeed the end to this franchise then it is a perfect sendoff. I would be more than happy to see if there is a fifth chapter to this beloved franchise in a few years and I will be the first to welcome Toy Story 5 with open arms.

Non-Spoiler Review for Avengers: Endgame - A Marvel-ous End to the Infinity Saga

For the last 10 years, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has built an amazing galaxy filled with heroes, as well as villains. This galaxy has changed the film world forever. Though our heroes and villains have powers that none of us will ever have, they all have real issues and problems that we can all relate to. This made all of these characters feel believable, feel real.

Now, after last year's impactful Avengers: Infinity War, there is nothing that can prepare you for the conclusion of the Infinity Saga, Avengers: Endgame. Heeding the warning of Marvel Studios, there will be no spoilers here. But know that even if I tried to explain all that happens in this movie, we would be here all day.

The trailers truly give away nothing away and once you see the movie, I invite you to go back and see where the filmmakers made decisions to misdirect you or to not reveal certain characters or plot points. These surprises are truly special and are moments that we as fans have always wanted or never knew that we wanted. But once we see these moments, we will be talking about them for years to come.

The Russo Brothers and the screenwriters had the difficult task to top Infinity War and to stick the landing, but they have woven a story that delivers one of the most satisfying endings in film history. The combination of humor, action and emotion makes this one of the best films of the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. The time we have invested in getting to know these characters and follow their story arcs as they have grown pays off in the most amazing ways possible. By the end of the film we learn more about what we have seen over the last 21 movies and even gives hints into the future and Phase 4. All of the performances are brilliant and some of the best ever for all of these actors. As fans, we get closure to some of the storylines that started in some of the individual films.

Robert Downey Jr. brings one his finest performances as Tony Stark, bringing emotion and heart into his role. Chris Evans as Steve Rogers puts in another strong performance, delivering on heart every step of the way. Humor is provided by both Paul Rudd and Chris Hemsworth.

There is so much more to this movie but discussing it would only lead into spoiler territory. Literally every fan theory including my own were thrown out in the first minutes of the film. Avoid spoilers at all costs and please do not spoil it for others.

Whatever it takes, go see Avengers: Endgame when opens in theaters April 26th.

Avenge The Fallen.

Non-Spoiler Review of Captain Marvel - Brie Larson Takes Flight

As we make our way towards Avengers: Endgame, we take a step backwards, to 1995 to be exact, to get caught up on that mysterious page sent by Nick Fury at the very end of Infinity War.

I will do my best to keep this spoiler free and will discuss plot points that have been revealed by the trailers or TV spots.

As Marvel's 21st film and the first female-led superhero movie and the first co-directed by a woman, Captain Marvel has a lot to live up to. And trust me, it was worth the wait. Directors Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck not only shake up the timeline but also how the origin story unfolds.

Here we are introduced to Captain Marvel (played by Brie Larson) who already has her powers, though she has not truly harnessed all of them. She is a Kree soldier who is part of an elite military unit called Starforce. They are in a war with the shape shifting Skrulls. She has no idea she is Carol Danvers, as there is a huge blank spot in her memory. The Kree all-knowing Supreme Intelligence (played by Annette Bening) reminds her that there is a past that she cannot remember. Brie Larson is fierce and is perfect as Captain Marvel. Her performance stands out in an already Oscar winning career.

Mary Poppins Returns Non-Spoiler Review - Practically Perfect In Every Way

Mary Poppins Returns is practically perfect in every way. And just like the Banks family, I had no idea how much I needed Mary Poppins back in my life until I watched Mary Poppins Returns. This will be a non-spoiler review.

Now when this sequel was first announced I was concerned. Would it live up to the original? Would Emily Blunt be able to fill Julie Andrews shoes? Rest assured, the classic Disney magic is back and Mary Poppins Returns is a warm hug to the original. 

The story picks up in Depresssion-era London where we find Michael Banks, a father of three children. The family is struggling to cope with the loss of Michael's wife. His sister Jane tries to help as much as she can. Fortunately, Mary Poppins appears once again to try to bring love, laughter and life back into the house on 17 Cherry Tree Lane.

Emily Blunt is simply perfect to play Mary Poppins. She creates her own version of the character, who seems stern and quite reserved on the outside, while being warm-hearted and childlike on the inside. Emily brings both of these sides of Mary to life with warmth and sophistication. Next to Mary is a new character, Jack, played by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Jack is a lamplighter and he brings light, literally and metaphorically, when it is needed most.

Ben Whishaw plays Michael Banks and brilliantly conveys his sense of struggle and loss. Jane Banks is played by Emily Mortimer and brings a sense of family love and balance into Michael's life. Ellen the housekeeper is played by Julie Walters. Ellen has been a part of the Banks household since Michael and Jane were children. Colin Firth plays William Weatherall Wilkins the head of Fidelity Fiduciary. Meryl Streep plays Mary's cousin Topsy.

Pixie Davies plays Annabel, the precocious and strong-willed daughter of Michael. Nathanael Saleh plays John, the thoughtful and oldest son. Joel Dawson plays Georgie, the energetic and youngest son. All three children are brilliant and they had to be, for they carry a good portion of the movie on their shoulders.

Rounding up the cast are Disney Legends Angela Lansbury and Dick Van Dyke. Angela plays the balloon lady, a treasured character from the books. Dick Van Dyke plays Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank and the son of the character he played in the original movie.

The music of Mary Poppins Returns is purely magical. The team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman channeled their inner Sherman Brothers to create music and lyrics that fit not only into this sequel but sound like they could have been in the original. The team created nine original songs and every single song moves to advance the story. From lullabies to showstoppers, the songs are a pure joy to hear and to see on the big screen. 

The hand-drawn animation, yes, hand-drawn animation in the film is spectacular and made me miss this art form even more when I saw it on the big screen.

Director Rob Marshall and his team took the very challenging idea of creating a sequel to one of the most beloved Disney films of all-time and created something special. Mary Poppins Returns feels both fresh and nostalgic at the same time. The performances of Emily Blunt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Ben Whishaw, and the Banks children are powerful and emotional. The music and songs will make you dance, sing and at times even cry. You will leave the theater, not only with a huge smile on your face, but feeling like everything is possible, even the impossible. The world right now needs some hope. Mary Poppins is the person who can remind you that there is hope and wonder in the world.

Mary Poppins Returns opens in theaters December 19th.

Non-Spoiler Review for Ralph Breaks The Internet - A Worthy Sequel That You Will Want To See Over and Over Again

Ralph Breaks The Internet begins six years after the first one. We find Ralph completely content with his life, while Vanellope has grown bored with her game and yearns for more. Ralph has great intentions to help his friend but disaster strikes and her game is taken down due to a broken part. This is where the internet comes into play as both Ralph and Vanellope try to find a replacement part.

The film will appeal to kids, who have grown up all their lives with the internet and to older adults who can understand the struggle both Ralph and Vanellope face in this brave new world of the internet. We see so many different worlds within the internet from online shopping, to online gaming, to social media and even shades of the dark web.

Set between the humor and the fun visuals, the heart of the story is the relationship between Ralph and Vanellope. The ideas of selfishness, insecurities and what happens to friendships over the years all come in to play. These ideas are all powerful ones that we can all relate to in both positive and negative ways.

Then we get the much talked about Disney princess sequence with Vanellope. This scene shown to us at the D23 Expo last year brought the house down. One of the funniest sequences ever created still lives up to it's billing over a year after I first saw it. And yes, while the scene is Disney showing off, it does set up the rest of the movie.

Hopefully you have avoided anyone spoiling any of the movie for you. I hope that you avoid anyone spoiling the tag in the end credits as well as the sequence after the credits have played. There is also a musical sequence in the film that shows that this is really a princess movie.

Despite some of it's clunkiness, the movie is even more well-crafted than the first and the story arcs of both Ralph and Vanellope pay off in deep and meaningful ways. It's overriding message of friendship may leave you in tears and thinking of friends who have come and gone in your own life.