"Always Be My Maybe" is a Funny and Emotionally Tuned Netflix Produced Rom-Com

By: Keaton Marcus

80/100 “sweet”

Yep, its another rom-com, a genre we have become almost too familiar with. They love each other, they don't, and then they favor each other once more--it's like a theme-park ride with these type of pictures. However, you can pull off your shades for "Always Be My Maybe", another film that has managed to pull off what only the classics have achieved. Putting that all aside, give a solid round of applause to Netflix studios, who have produced an infectious, often hilarious and touching rom-com starring stand-up comedian Ali Wong and Asian actor Randall Park. While it's familiar as hell, Nahnatchka Khan's comedy is nevertheless a massive success--injecting another set of actual concrete ideas in a genre that seems to be repeating itself. The film doesn't only work for some good fun, "Always Be My Maybe" delivers on both the laughs and the romantic jumblings of life.

Sasha (Wong) and Marcus (Park) have been friends since their childhoods, but as they grow up the two buds started to grow apart. Now, adults, Sasha is a celebrity chef and Marcus is stuck in the slums of San Francisco with a struggling rap band (Hello Peril). Ignore the slight "Notting Hill" vibes of celebrity loves the average guy. After an argument in high school after they lost their virginity, the two haven't spoken to each other since. However, Sasha is traveling back to the Golden State to open a new restaurant--setting up for a possible get together. Recently, Sasha has broken up with the cheating, rich restaurateur Brandon Choi--meanwhile, Marcus is in a relationship with the dreadlocked Jenny (an oddly energetic Vivian Bang), which is struggling (on his side at least).

Don't worry, amidst all the relationship complications--there's the wonderfully easy chemistry between the cast. Sasha and her pregnant business bestie Victoria (a brilliant Michelle Buteau) deliver the banter needed in the plot difficulties--easing audiences into the many gags the picture has to spare. With Marcus, it's watching his embarrassing rap band perform in petite night clubs--singing hysterical tunes--one dubbed "Tennis Ball". Most of the good laughs come in the incredible first act, and the slow up a little nearing the ending as the picture occasionally falls into the generic cliches of the genre--but the couple flaws seldom overcome the great achievement that is the film. The big act in the second half of the film is Sasha's newest date, "John Wick" star Keanu Reeves.

Reeves plays himself, and fresh out of both "John Wick: Chapter 3" and "Toy Story 4"-- it's awesome to see the actioner hit the screen constantly. His performance is comic preciousness and wholly saves the picture from running into the dangerous face of mediocrity. Completely jock-full of wit, and having an odd combination of both self-absorption and a good-natured touch. After Reeves' excellent cameo, "Always Be My Maybe" ends a nearly excellent rom-com with great performances, and a solid sense of romantic complications. Despite the few rumbles along the road.

The final opinion is: Netflix's "Always Be My Maybe" is an almost-perfect rom-com with superb acting by Ali Wong and Randall Park, and a good-natured story--giving the familiar genre another film worth a watch...$PLURGE IT

By: Keaton Marcus

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

85/100 “sweet”

So What’s the Story?

After the tragic events of Infinity War, the universe is in ruins, and the heroes known as the Avengers are trying to find a way to move on. However when Scott Lang/Ant-Man gives an interesting theory about his stay in the Quantum realm, they start to realize--could there be a chance of bringing it all back to normal? With the help of the remaining allies, the Avengers go on a mission to restore the universe in this Marvel epic.

Is It Worth Your While?

Before I begin, I would like to say a few words in honor of Stan Lee. Thank you for making this all possible, without you who would have made those comics? Without you there wouldn’t be an MCU. Without you there wouldn’t be an Endgame to watch, but you were there, and you achieved greatness. A thing that only people who try can get. You brought a sense of joy to the world, thank you for that. Stan Lee 1922-2018. I've seen many Marvel movies in the past couple of years, and Marvel always has little surprises in store for you in each movie they make, and it’s all led to this moment. Avengers Endgame exceeds expectations on almost all levels making it truly epic, now here are my reasons. First, the directing by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo directors of Captain America: Civil War (90% Sweet), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (84% Sweet), and Avengers: Infinity War (86% Sweet), handled this movie with care and excellence. All of the action sequences were beautifully done and well acted. Plus they had a lot of special effects to deal with, so if you ask me, they deserve an A+ for there outstanding directing. Next, I thought that the special effects were absolutely incredible, (especially in 4DX, but we’ll get to that later) and worked very well with the actors. Now of course, the final battle might have gone a little nuts with the effects, but it’s so epic, that you can’t stop watching. So for the special effects, I give an A-. Third, I thought that the script was funny, dramatic, dark, and worked very well with the cast, sometimes considering how serious the movie was meant to be it got a little ridiculous, but was overall good. So for the script, I give a B. Fourth, the story. I thought that the story was unpredictable, (most of the time) and even provided some surprises throughout, and although it may have not had as many fresh ideas as Infinity War it sure had the action and the emotional impact we’ve all been waiting for so for that I give it a B+. Fifth and finally, the soundtrack. Alan Silvestri, composer of the Avengers films has brought a more entertaining and haunting soundtrack into the mix making the film even more suspenseful than previous films, so for the soundtrack, I give an A. Overall Infinity War and Endgame come close to each other, but Endgame brings the full package of Emotion, Action, and pure entertainment you would expect from a Marvel film.

The cast of Avengers: Endgame did a phenomenal job at getting into character, and worked very well, even with all of the CGI floating around. First we have Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark/Iron Man. Ever since 2008, this man has literally become Iron Man. I have to say, he’s a genius, he invented a type of humor and emotional depth that almost no actor can copy, they could have picked anyone else to play one of the world’s most popular characters, but nope, they chose him. It might have been fate, but I think he really did whatever it takes to rock it out the past decade. Next we have Chris Evans as Steve Rogers/Captain America. Being the most serious and dramatic of the characters Chris Evans did a great job in all of the Avengers and Captain America movies always making a heroic speech on a script come to life. Third we have Mark Ruffalo as Bruce Banner/The Incredible Hulk. Although most of his screen time was under CGI, Ruffalo seemed to have a lot of fun doing it. He was funny, and overall had a solid performance even if he was green almost the whole time. Fourth we have Chris Hemsworth as Thor. His performance as Thor has always been hysterical, (especially in Thor Ragnarok, 89% Sweet) but in this he really pulled it out with as much humor that he can grasp. With almost a complete mental character changeup, Hemsworth has done it again. Fifth we have Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow. Scarlett Johansson has a truly badass performance when it comes to playing this character. She can do hard stunts perfectly while providing bits of emotion throughout the entire story, overall she had a rockstar performance in Endgame. Last but certainly not least we have Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye. Finally brought into the fight, Jeremy Renner packs a surprising amount of emotion while being a kickass action star at the same time. When the character became darker so did Renner’s performance. I think it’s safe to say these six actors have truly made there mark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Note: if you did not notice, Joe Russo had a cameo in the film, in fact he has had a cameo in all of his Marvel films. He was that guy talking about his date in the therapy session with Steve Rogers/Captain America.

Does 4DX work?

Movement, Wind, Rain, Fog, Lightning, Bubbles, Scent! The answer to that question is a kind of. In fact it made the film not as enjoyable than we wanted it to be, but w’ell get to that later, let’s start with the positives. It was almost as if you were completely apart of the movie, right next to Captain America, flying through space. A ship moved, so did we, it started to rain, water splashed on our faces, sword fights, the air blew past our face, snowing, it came from the ceiling, lightning flashed, so did the walls, smoke came, we smelled smoke, fog came, it came from the floor. With the 3D glasses also involved it almost made it perfect in every way. Now that may have been good for about the first 40 minutes, but then it became annoying, and made us get distracted from the movie. This is why 4D should have kept itself with those 15 minute shorts. When I was younger I saw a 15 minute 4D Ice Age short film, it was awesome! However when you are watching 3 hours of awesomeness you really don’t want anything distracting you from the film.

Aging ‘The Endgame’

Avengers: Endgame has sword fights, explosions, aliens, spaceships, lasers, you get the picture. There is some tearing of flesh, and a few gruesome looking faces that could disgust younger children. There is tons of emotion, and a few more characters you’ll have to say bye to. However it is also packed with humor, leadership, teamwork and a positive atmosphere to do whatever it takes to complete a task. Overall I recommend this film for younger teens and up.

By: Quinn Marcus

"Avengers: Endgame" is an Emotional, Thrilling and Long Conclusion Full of Wit and Ambition

By: Keaton Marcus

85/100 “sweet”

Disney, Marvel and the money-making Russo brothers conclude the beloved “Avengers” franchise with the fourth installment, “Endgame”—the result is an emotional wipe-out, with solid performances and a massive budget—its everything you need in a superhero movie. The film reunites the surviving heroes from the previous film, "Infinity War"--as they try once again to defeat the imminent Thanos (Josh Brolin). The latest installment to Marvel may be imperceptibly over three hours long, similar to the “Godfather” trilogy, or “Titanic” but don’t worry, less than the four-hour “Lawrence of Arabia”--but the extremely long running-time does not drag, despite not flying fast either. Disregarding the runtime, the striking eye-candy, flowing direction, and packing of enthralling performances make "Endgame" more than meriting your while. Really, you, and the remainder of the audience will be too busy crying, and yelling to be bored. The ending of the previous installment was devastating--and for the first time, the heroes lost, they screwed up badly. The finale plays like a revenge story to the events of "Infinity War". Sure, "Endgame" is extremely long, perhaps too exhausting for a superhero-themed movie--but the awaited conclusion makes for a satisfying finale injected with bits of humor and plenty of coherent superhero action.

"Avengers: Endgame" is not just a suitable end to a grand, profitable franchise in the interconnected universe--it is also the best, and most personal, and sympathetic installment. The four-part series started with a solid kick-off in 2012--when "The Avengers" debuted with massive success in the Box Office, and with the critics. Later, in 2015--a sequel, "Age of Ultron" was sprouted, to find similar profits in both areas. Then, the Russo brothers promised a two-part conclusion to the saga. "Infinity War" was released in 2018--breaking opening records and scoring with the reviewers. While it's great to see the Avengers teaming up for one last go, its also terribly sad to see the loveable team leave--every single one of them--from a tree, raccoon to a metal man.

We have been with these characters for a while, since the birth, when Robert Downey Jr. starred in 2008’s “Iron Man”—so over a decade, audiences have been sobbing and cheering for these—well, super humans. Amidst the booming “Star Wars” franchises, or even the “Harry Potter” behemoth— the Avengers and their Marvel series has been apart of our lives, a piece of people’s brains— for this generation at least. Its extremely nice to see the beloved characters return, and its also devastating to see them go. While this may be the end of the Avengers teaming up—”Spider-Man: Far from Home” and “Black Panther 2” are heading towards the cinemas in the next few years. Well, what do you know, “Wakanda Forever”.

The performances are as sharp as polished nails. The piece of cinema is lead by another well-rounded outing by franchise veteran Robert Downey Jr.--who returns to play the famed hero Iron Man. The talented, and money-making actor has been showing up here and there in the franchise since 2008--when the Marvel Cinematic Universe kicked-off its first feature film, "Iron Man"--which later sprouted two sequels--successful in the box office and with critics. The actor currently makes a massive 53 million dollars per-film--and has rarely had a bad performance--in "Endgame", Downey deserves an Oscar. Once again, his character, Tony Stark has bad-blood with Steve Rogers/Captain America--starting with their face off in "Captain America: Civil War", which opened in 2016. Still, Downey and Evans still have immaculate chemistry, and despite a couple script falters—and the running time, they were most certainly notable showcases.

Another, very noteworthy performance in "Endgame" is Chris Evans' Steve Rogers and Captain America--aforementioned earlier in the review. Evans' hero to the franchise debuted with "The First Avenger" which opened in 2011--later to launch two more successful sequels debuting in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Evans always turned out to be the serious, strong--and well, an all-American hero to the MCU. In other words, while his featured pictures met the standard--his character was always second-tier for fan favorites. However, while audiences may favor the more spunky outings such as Paul Rudd's Ant-Man or Chris Pratt's Star-Lord--it is undeniable that Evans' performance is remarkable--if not in an enjoyable way.

It's impossible to forget another truly memorable, and humorous outing from Chris Hemsworth, returning to play the god, Thor. Remember the brawny and, well ultra-muscular version in the previous installments--well ladies, you have to forget that Thor--because the famed hero has let-go literally turned into a big, fat beer-consuming Lebowski--drowning his sorrows after the events of Thanos. The fresh look, however, does not stop from Hemsworth from generating moments of signature charm in between scenes. Whether the king of Asgard is playing “Fortnite” on a gaming console, or being a jack-ass, or even laying down Thanos—we will love him the most, and its sad to see him go. The film was so dramatic, possibly too emotional--though Hemsworth's Thor--among many other wise-cracking superheroes shed light among the darkness.

"Avengers: Endgame" brings back many loveable heroes to the roster--and while the film is stuffed with a couple of too many characters--the supporting cast has more than enough to say. From Scarlett Johansson's outing once again as Black Widow, to the returns of Star-Lord, Ant-Man, Black Panther, Doctor Strange, the remainder of the Guardians of the Galaxy--heck there was even a Nick Fury cameo--and of course Spider-Man--"Endgame" juggles many characters, but the talented actors and actresses make their immensely effective marks in the final "Avengers" installment--even amidst all the visually dazzling special effects and gargantuan action sequences. The one return we cannot forget is Josh Brolin's Thanos--who once again proves to be a terrifying, powerful villain.

The premise is massive, there are so many characters to keep aboard--and a giant audience to satisfy. "Endgame" is occasionally all over the place, and a little uneven--however, the couple of flaws do not arrest the film from going straight to your heart. That's right, the film is a superhero picture and an emotional, gut-wrenching experience. Tissues are advisable. Also, besides the first, haunting ten minutes of the film--"Endgame" is really a massive time-machine packed to the brim with superheroes. The heroes travel back in time to retrieve the destroyed Infinity stones--the places they venture to are in the timelines of many previous movies-- injecting much-needed nostalgia in the audiences. Hell, as Ant-Man suggests, it's a "time heist"--with many similarities to "Back to the Future"--sure its clichèd, but the film is willing to do whatever it takes. From the time adventures of the original "Avengers" movie, "Captain America: The First Avenger"--all the way to "Guardians of the Galaxy". The many nostalgic scenes peppered with humor is more than enough.

The final verdict is: The finale is a little too long, but "Avengers: Endgame" features dazzling special effects, powerful performances by its talented cast, and a truly emotional, heart-wrenching conclusion to the quartet--along with bits and pieces of signature franchise humor and nostalgia...$PLURGE IT

By: Keaton Marcus

Box Office Info:

Opening Weekend: 357.1m

Domestic Total: 858.2m (still in release)

Worldwide Total: 2.796 billion (still in release)

"Little" is an Entertaining, but Crudely Directed Comedy With a Shining Marsai Martin

By: Keaton Marcus

55/100 “sour”

The producers of "Night School" and "Girls Trip" have decided to bring Regina Hall back to the silver screen in the body-swap comedy "Little"--for better or for worse. It's a Hollywood fueled attempt to reboot "Big", but its adult-to-child instead of child-to-adult, and well, the leads are female. Occasionally, the familiar storyline works, and audiences will likely get more than enough yuks from the picture's talented cast--but all in all, "Little" settles for only a mildly entertaining, well-acted comic trip. Sure, Regina Hall and Issa Rae give the comedic power-trip that was expected, but its child actress Marsai Martin that steals the show performance-wise. Whether audiences will get enough out of Martin's refreshing adorability will be a serious gamble--but if so, you"ll have a tolerable time at the cinema.

Jordan Sanders (Hall) is a celebrity of sorts in the tech business, a mogul in her profession. However, she hasn't quite had the time to check her self-centered attitude towards her co-workers, and especially her unknowingly knowledgeable assistant April (Rae). Currently, Collin, her biggest client is threatening to walk out on the company in search of another firm--so they are in large need of ideas. However, Jordan will not take any of her employees' concepts and will not listen to April. One day Jordan meets a little girl who insists on showing the magic tricks, she refuses to listen and comments some vulgar thoughts about the child. The girl finally wishes Jordan to arise as a kid the next day. You guessed it, the next morning she transforms into her younger, 13-year old bullied self. That's when little Jordan enters the picture (an amazing Martin) and ultimately saves the film from being a total disaster.

Furthermore, "black-ish" star Marsai Martin knows how to make the audiences laugh. Whether it's a hilarious scene in which little Jordan and April sing up a tune in a high-end restaurant, styling in expensive clothes at her droll middle school, or even flirting with her model-like teacher--it's excruciatingly hard to resist. Personally, my ideal scene is a couple of moments after April forcefully takes Jordan back to school. In the parking lot, Jordan comments on how April is too "fat" for her dress--and much to her displeasure, April then returns the favor with a "spanking". Seconds after April yells out to the middle school lot to "start spanking your kids" in front of a traffic warden who reports on his walkie that "we have a BMW situation" and "a black momma whupping". "Little" has its moments in the spotlight, and if at least a couple gags can't crack you up, go see a doctor.

It's not the performances that ruin it, that's for sure--its the direction, and the familiarity in the plot that diminishes the cast's easy talent. The whole beginning of the picture has one or two light giggles from Regina Hall and Issa Rae's considerable chemistry. However, that's not enough to distract audiences from the tiring wait for the younger Jordan to enter the picture. Once Marsai Martin gives her entrance, the picture starts to pick it up, but the first 30 minutes or so are in desperate help of an edit. Screenwriter Tina Gordan wrote and directed this feature, and to give her credit, a couple of scenes were expertly thought through, but on a large scale, I ain't feeling it.

The final opinion is: "Little" has a talented cast, including a brilliant Marsai Martin, and a couple of laughs to spare, but on the whole, the direction and the familiarity in the development require a little check-up...$KIP IT

By: Keaton Marcus

"Shazam!" is an Entertaining, Funny DC Superhero Picture

By: Keaton Marcus

75/100 “sweet”

Remember the dingy, and well, failed endeavors at angst and darkness in "Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice", "Suicide Squad"--and 2017's "Justice League"--well the DCEU promptly has a couple of solid, consecutive superhero flicks in the barrel, including the very effortlessly entertaining "Wonder Woman" and last year's "Aquaman". While the comics franchise may have come too late for competing against the MCU for "good" movies, their newest films show so much promise; too bad "Justice League 2" is coming out. Anyway, their latest production is "Shazam!", helmed by horror filmmaker David F. Sandberg--the film has a load full of charm, hilarity and brought to life by well-rounded performances--making the first comical DCEU picture the best in their very muddled blockbuster franchise. Yes, it's silly, and a tad bit long--but those couple flaws rarely stop "Shazam!" from becoming the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Remember, the original character is named Billy Batson. The boy is merely 14 years old--and played by Disney Channel's Asher Angel. Billy has been running from foster parents, getting into trouble with the police, and dropping out of school ever since his teenage mom abandoned him. Billy is ready to escape after he meets his new guardians Victor and Rosa--and the kids consisting of Mary, Eugene, and Darla--the only reason keeping him from bolting out the door is his fast-talking roommate Freddy (a scene-stealing Jack Dylan Grazer). Freddy is a boy Billy's age who is obsessed with superheroes and would kill to become one. However, soon later, Billy is abducted into a mysterious, mythical cave--which is the lair to an old wizard called Shazam (a hysterical Djimon Hounsou)--who asks Billy to "put your hands on my staff", of course kicking off the jokes of the movie, Batson replies with "Gross!" implying the private part. After Shazam's powers are transferred to Billy--it makes him a muscular, goofy "hero" in spandex. His actions, including fighting crime, make him look like an overgrown child--then, well, you have to think Tom Hanks-starring "Big" to get the joke.

Furthermore, even the most extremely demanding viewers cannot resist the pure power conveyed by Zachary Levi--who plays the title character. The middle-aged actor has made previous appearances in the "Alvin and the Chipmunks" franchise, not having enough lines to truly transfer the talent to audiences. In "Shazam!", its clearly Levi's first big break--and the actually extremely funny actor does not waste a bit. His chemistry with the surrounding cast works, and Levi's character will hopefully be used for possible sequels and other films in the interconnected superhero franchise.

Despite the over-serious beginning, depicting the origins of Dr. Sivana (Mark Strong)--the fun really starts when Billy is officially turned into Shazam, and when Zachary Levi can use his ultimate talent. While the hero's backstory is generic, and like every other one--the simple set-up works. When Freddy finds that Billy, well, is a superhero--the duo have a clever, and a very glad montage of them testing out Shazam's powers--I won't spoil them. This film really is the kid-friendly version of "Deadpool"--well, without breaking the fourth wall. Other notable things in the movie are the adorable wisecracks made by one of Billy's younger foster siblings, Darla--played by young actress Faithe Herman--who immediately outshines potentially unfavorable scenes.

Mentioned earlier, actor Mark Strong plays the iconic villain Dr. Sivana. Strong has made previous appearances in the likes of "Kingsman: The Secret Service", "Kick-Ass" and in Robert Downey Jr.-starring "Sherlock Holmes". Strong is just excellent as the antagonist to the newest installment of the DCEU--just brilliant--his voice is serious, never changing the tone and the workmanlike screenplay is so cleverly done, you forget the occasional generic role. In what could have been the worst villain in the DCEU, Mark Strong is experienced enough to save it completely.

Really, while "Shazam!" occasionally suffers from a fumble start and end--there are enough impressive visual effects, laughs and memorable performances to spare. The film not only provides a revolutionary kid-friendly film for the genre but also squeaks in a bit of horror and jokes for the older audiences--entertaining all ages. Zachary Levi and Mark Strong's performances are very well executed--the storytelling is faithful to the comics and simple enough to enjoy. "Shazam!" does not waste its precious time on a bland, dark and generic plot--and instead delivers something all audiences can enjoy.

The final verdict is: "Shazam!" has a running-time slightly too long, but the DCEU's newest comic-based film delivers consistent laughs, more than enough entertainment, and a star-turning performance by the criminally underrated Zachary Levi--the superhero-themed movie will put a smile on your face, no matter what...$PLURGE IT

By: Keaton Marcus

CAPTAIN MARVEL

80/100 “sweet”

So What’s the Story

Captain Marvel follows the story of Carol Danvers, an airship pilot of Earth who is captured by a mysterious person and is then awoken in a different world, a place called Hala land of the Kree. With nothing bring her memories of Earth back except for tiny flashbacks. Carol goes on an epic quest to discover who she really is, and what she is meant to be.

Is It Worth Your While?

Captain Marvel really uses the usual Marvel formula in such a creative way that it’s really hard not to like this film, and although producing some flaws, Captain Marvel strives as another solid Marvel achievement. Now here are my reasons. First of all directing by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck was done with not only style, but with a fun and twisty atmosphere. And the way that the actors worked together was executed so well that the chemistry just burst between the two main actors and the supporting cast as well. Furthermore, these directors have never done a Marvel film, but it seems like they have been with the MCU forever. Next I thought that the special effects were dazzling, colorful, fun to watch and an amazing experience on the big screen. Third I thought that the storyline had a few cheesy and unnecessary moments, but was emotionally affecting and provided great lead ups to Avengers: Endgame, (Opens everywhere April 26th, don’t miss it!) and unexpected twists throughout the story. Finally, I thought that the script was funny, and worked extremely well with the entire cast. Overall Captain Marvel had good directing, colorful special effects, a cheesy yet unexpectedly good storyline, and a funny script.

How Was the Cast?

The cast in Captain Marvel provided great chemistry despite some mediocre performances. First we have Brie Larson as Captain Marvel. I thought that her character was a great role model for people of all ages, but her performance was at times stiff and not that believable. In other words, she could not get into character enough even though she was fit for the role. The only thing keeping her performance afloat was her chemistry with Samuel Jackson. Second we have Samuel Jackson as Nick Fury. I thought that he gave a hysterical performance, and provided amazing chemistry with Brie Larson that truly aided her performance from hitting rock bottom. Third we have Ben Mendelsohn as Talos/Keller. I thought that his character was a solid villain, and that he did an excellent job playing that role. He could truly make you believe in his character with the level of emotion and humor that he provided. Fourth we have Jude Law as Yon-Rogg. I thought that he had an amazing comeback after playing in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald, (30% sour) and gave his all into a humorous, and serious performance joining the MCU.

Aging ‘Goose’

Captain Marvel has the usual type of superhero action to expect in a Marvel film. Explosions, Laser Fights, Sword Battles, the occasional killing, (off camera obviously) and spaceship battles. Captain Marvel is a great role model for little girls who want to look up to a superhero because she is kind, loyal strong minded, and will do anything to complete the task at hand.

By: Quinn Marcus

"Captain Marvel" Delivers on a Retro Marvel Picture With Rollicking Action

By: Keaton Marcus

75/100 “sweet”

The first female-led Marvel flick has finally arrived, "Captain Marvel", directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck--who combine entertaining humor, plenty of superhero action and solid performances to make up for its paint-by-the-numbers hero-themed plot--delivering another compact origin story. Oscar-winner Brie Larson, who plays the title character, also known as Carol Danvers--does not just take on menacing villains, the award-winning actress also gives sexist trolls a run for their money--leading an empowering, diverse film that tackles its few flaws. The special CGI effects are, as always--dazzling--along with the impressive action sequences spectacle and an origin story that really works. "Captain" may not be the best we have seen from the MCU, but unquestionably stands near the top.

The film has so far touched down successfully at the theaters, albeit, with many sexist animals putting weight on its shoulders. Rotten Tomatoes, the popular review aggregator or collector had to block the "Want to See" rating because of internet trolls--who hammered the once-anticipated film "Captain Marvel", bamming the score down to a lackluster 28%, which is highly unusual for a Marvel pic--or even a film itself. This is generally because the white-male population was startled after actress Brie Larson accused of there being a lack of diversity within the press, and movie reviewers--which is sad, but surely true--angering the certain race and gender. The things the talented actress said were not at the right time, arguably, but were not without purpose--Larson-starring "Captain Marvel" is a lot like a big clock in the face to many people who regarded the actress as racist, or sexist--as the film has its share of diversity, racial and gender alike.

Larson (mentioned before) leads the actually, A-list cast--which generally come from the supporting roles--the end result is no letdown, and as promised, Carol Danvers is one of the strongest heroes in the MCU. Normally, despite a few disappointing falters, the script is tightly executed, and (generally) bereft of cringe-worthy moments and the character actually deserves many brownie points for above-average detail for character development, and Danvers' interesting origins. There are tougher (and better) actresses who could have taken the role with a better attitude, such as Scarlett Johansson (Black Widow), but Larson is more than capable of holding her own ground. So is the entire movie.

The final verdict is: "Captain Marvel" may occasionally be faltered by the simple plotting, but the cast's solid performances--particularly Larson's, the interesting visual effects and plenty amount of superhero action make up for its few flaws--making another solid MCU-produced origin story that works...$PLURGE IT

By: Keaton Marcus

Box Office Info:

Opening Weekend: 153.4m

Domestic Total: 426.8m

Worldwide Total: 1.128 billion

"Isn't it Romantic" is Decent Comic Relief With Rebel Wilson Stealing the Show

By: Keaton Marcus

60/100 “sweet/sour”

B-movie comedy filmmaker Todd Strauss-Schulson directs Rebel Wilson-starring rom-com "Isn't it Romantic" with enough laughs to generally keep up with the generic storytelling. The film's essential purpose-- in fact is not to be like your run of the mill "Pretty Woman"--it is actually here to make fun of every romantic comedy in the business-- the result is frequently positive, despite a few dents along the way; Wilson--is the star of the show, and invests herself into the role of Natalie, an Aussie architect that despises the certain genre, and like always--gives a load amount of laughs to audiences willing to see Wilson-star power; the film might not give much else, but the performances let alone are occasionally enough to distract audiences from the overbearing amounts of clichès being thrown at you the entire span of the film.

The storyline follows an Aussie architect, Natalie (Wilson) (as mentioned), who has hated the generic clichès of rom-coms since her mother (Jennifer Saunders) told her, as a little girl that "these" types of the films are not for "girls like us"; All grown up, her only passion is work, but when on the subway--she gets mugged, before being knocked unconscious while chasing after the man; she wakes up newly concussed in an abnormally nice hospital. Later, Natalie is driven back to her apartment, which is brand new, and massive, and before, she notices that New York does not smell like "s..t" anymore; Furthermore, she realizes that she is stuck in a filtered PG-13-rated romantic comedy, and the only way out is to get someone to love her.

In terms of all the clichès "Isn't it Romantic" had to hit to be an effective film, the movie nailed them off one by one; The characters say it all, there are two boys to choose from, the "Hunger Games" hunk Blake (Liam Hemsworth), and the nice, and quiet Josh (Adam Devine). Obviously, she goes with the richer, and "sexier" Blake at first (following along the lines of "Enchanted"). Then there is the always-hysterical friend backing Natalie up, in this instance, it happens to be Gary (played by a hysterical Jay Oakerson); This certain character mocks the generic "gay" character in most rom-coms, regularly in spectacular fashion. However, to bring the difference between "Isn't it Romantic", and every other romcom made, is not just the fact that it is trying to mock the genre, the twist ending is actually clever, and is refreshment compared to the almost always "girl gets guy" ending.

While the blatantly silly direction by Schulson, the generic storytelling, and loads of clichès begin to clear up, "Isn't it Romantic" is still a solid-enough romantic comedy that is worth a watch on Valentine's Day with a date, and is clearly you're best bet this weekend at the theater, considering the other two wide releases that debuted were "Alita: Battle Angel" and "Happy Death Day 2U". While watching "Notting Hill", "Love Actually" or "Pretty Woman" on a classic DVD would most likely be much better, if you want a fair treatment on the big screen, and especially if you are a Wilson fan, "Isn't it Romantic" is more than enough.

The final verdict is: "Isn't it Romantic" features an occasionally hysterical performance by star Rebel Wilson, and the laughs are consistent enough to generally distract audiences from the familiar storytelling, and annoying clichès...$TREAM IT

By: Keaton Marcus