The Incredibles 2 is a good superhero movie... but a less than incredible sequel.

The Incredibles holds a special place in my heart.  It opened during my first year of living in New York City (14 years ago!), and my sister and I stumbled upon a screening of it in the basement of the Virgin Megastore (RIP).  There just happened to be a Loews theater in there and nobody really knew about it.  We saw it opening weekend with about 5 other people, and it was love at first sight.  The Incredibles is my favorite Pixar movie and one of the best superhero movies ever made.  It was entertaining as hell, while at the same time, a subversive look at the "traditional" American family and our obsession with traditional gender norms.  The Incredibles 2 is more of the same... and that's my biggest issue with it.  I hate to use the word "problem" because it's a wholly exciting film with amazing action sequences with my favorite Super family.  However, it's not much more than a continuation of the first movie with the roles reversed.

The Incredibles 2 picks up right where the first one left off.  The Underminer (voiced by John Ratzengberger, keeping his Pixar streak alive) has taken over the city.  After 14 years, we finally get to see what happened next.  And what happens next is that society still views supers as a problem... with one exception.  The rich and philanthropic Deavor siblings (Bob Odenkirk and Catherine Keener) want to bring the supers back.  They lead a PR campaign to gain public favor and want Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) as the face of their campaign.  Mr. Incredible is hurt that they don't want him, but after a funny bit about a cost benefit analysis telling him that he's too much of a financial risk, he goes home to play Mr. Mom (no relation to one of my favorite Michael Keaton movies).  Elastigirl gets to have all the super fun, and Mr. Incredible goes nuts watching the kids.  Herein lies my issue with the film.  It basically takes the plot of the first film and flips it over.  I expected more and what I got were some "parenting is hard, amirite?" jokes featuring Mr. Incredible.  I kind of felt like we've seen it all before... only the first one had more to say about societal norms, and in a better way. 

That's not to say that this is a bad film.  It isn't!  In fact, it's pretty damn entertaining.  But, like most sequels, it struggles when it tries to say something new.  It's weird to me that the once powerful Pixar has basically become a sequel factory, while Disney's other animation house is churning out original hits like Zootopia, Wreck-It-Ralph, and Big Hero 6.  Pixar's had a few quality original films in the last 5-10 years (like the brilliant Inside Out), but seems to favor sequels and profits over originality.  Hell, there's a FOURTH Toy Story on the horizon even though the third one perfectly ended the series.

I'm giving the second Incredibles 2.75 stars out of 4.  It's a hell of an action movie... just not an Incredible sequel.  Kids will love it, and I'm sure I'll grow to love it more.  But for right now, I'm wishing there was more to The Incredibles 2 than just action.

Ron Howard Deserves A Lot Of Credit For Making Solo Into A Serviceable Star Wars Story

For the second week in a row, I'm reviewing a movie with horrible pre-release buzz.  In this case, Solo: A Star Wars Story, received almost toxic levels of bad buzz.  They fired the directors 3/4 of the way through production.  The lead actor was so bad that they had to bring in an acting coach to help him.  Initial screenings called the film "unwatchable."  And the list went on and on and on.  Disney had to bring in veteran director Ron Howard to help salvage something from this almost certain wreck.  I'm happy to report that he did a great job and that Solo is a completely serviceable entry into the Star Wars universe.

As we learn during the initial title cards of the movie, Solo takes place during a lawless time.  Ruthless crime lords rule the territories and enlist homeless youngsters to steal and salvage valuable elements for them.  This is where we first meet a young Han, an outlaw with dreams of becoming a pilot and escaping his miserable life with his love interest, Qi-Ra (played by Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke).  We don't get to dig too much into this part of Han's life before he's escaping to join the empire.  From there, the story quickly jumps three years to Han's involvement (and abandonment) of the Empire.  Han doesn't want to play by anyone's rules, including the Empire, which gets him throw to "The Monster."  But this monster turns out to be everyone's favorite intergalactic fuzzball, Chewbacca.  There is a really cute and fun scene of their first encounter, and this is where the film shines.  Ron Howard said he only took this job because he felt it was a love story between Solo and Chewbacca... Best buds until the end.  Solo does a great job at showcasing how this bond was formed and blossomed.

From this moment, Han joins up with a band of thieves (played by the always reliable Woody Harrelson and Westworld's Thandie Newton), and the film essentially boils down to a series of robbery jobs.  Each sequence is pretty entertaining summer popcorn blockbuster fun.  We meet Lando Calrissian (in a scene-stealing performance by Donald Glover), and his robot liberation obsessed droid, L3.  Each of these characters bring life into this film, where it was lacking.  We learn how Han comes into ownership of the Millenium Falcon.  The film culminates in the infamous Kessel run that was first talked about in Episode IV.  I found myself full engaged throughout each action sequence, but the movie sputters a little bit to a close.  After having a few hours to think about it, I can fully see the film's flaws.  However, in the moment, I was fully entertained.  Solo is not the best Star Wars story in the world, but it's a capable summer popcorn flick that will have you smiling.  And, really, that's all we could hope for.

I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of Alden Ehrenreich in the titular role.  He does a really good Harrison Ford impersonation, but lacks some of Ford's natural charisma.  I fully expected that he would weigh down the movie, but he does a decent job.  I was disappointed in a few of the characters, most notably Clarke's Qi-Ra.  Her motivations are never quite clear, and the film seems to set her up for something bigger in a potential sequel.  I  felt like they could have done more with her character, especially if they never visit this world again.  Another wasted character is Thandi Newton's character.  She shines, but in a limited role.  I think she could have contributed more to this film

I'm giving this Star Wars Story 2.75 stars out of 4.  It was an enjoyable popcorn flick, but not much more.  Glover steals the show as Lando, and I hope the rumors of his stand alone film come to fruition.  This film is a more traditional Star Wars film, so if you hated the Last Jedi, you'll probably like this film's return to form.  I can't speak highly of the job Ron Howard did putting this thing together.  Sure, there are parts that don't quite make sense, but in the end, there is a story that flows nicely throughout this one.

Bad pre-release buzz be damned, Deadpool 2 might just be the best comedy sequel of all-time.

Test audiences hated it!  The jokes aren't funny!  All the creative talent left with the original director!  Deadpool 2 is going to bomb at the box office!  These were just some of the pre-release worries surrounding Deadpool 2.  Maybe they lowered my expectations a little bit, but hot damn were they wrong!  Deadpool 2 is a hell of a lot of fun and I enjoyed it more than the original.  It's the rare comedy sequel that improves upon the original.  Granted, I thought the original was slightly overrated, but still, this one was better in most ways... except one.  I'll get into that in a little bit.

Deadpool 2 picks up right where the original left off.  Deadpool (aka Wade Wilson) has gone global.  He's cracking wise and kicking ass all over the world.  And at home, he's settling into married life.  That is, until a kill that got away comes back to bite him and (spoiler) kills his wife.  Deadpool goes into a funk and this is the only real part where I thought the movie struggled.  It took its sweet time trying to humanize Wade Wilson to the point of slowing down the movie.  I get why they did it, but I felt it took its sweet ass time getting there.  He's forced to seek refuge (and friendship) with the X-Men... in particular Negasonic Teenage Warhead and Colossus (there's a funny bit addressing where the other X-Men are that I won't ruin).  Not long after joining their ranks as a trainee, do we meet a troubled mutant youth... who brings the time traveling Cable to this world.  Cable (played gruffly by, who else, Josh Brolin), is from the future and is hell bent on killing this mutant kid before he can inflict damage on the future.  Deadpool, always a loner, is forced to create a team to take down Cable.  The best of the bunch is Domino (whose superpower is luck... something that plays out hysterically).

This is the moment that the movie really picks up steam.  Giving Deadpool characters to riff off of makes up for the poor attempt at humanizing Wade Wilson.  He's quick-witted and really lives up to his "Merc With A Mouth" billing.  I won't ruin it, but their attempt at jumping into battle is probably the highlight of the movie.

Deadpool 2 thrives because it gives its title character more to do than spew one-liners.  Whereas the original was probably a little too self-reflexive for its own good, DP2 doesn't get buried under the pressure of living up to an "out of nowhere" hit.  There's enough of a plot and enough characters to keep this film from getting too stale.  I'm not sure if you'll like this one if you were a critic of the original, but its better than it has any right to be.  There are a lot of pop culture references, but they never feel like they're drowning the script.  Usually, they're a witty one-liner to help lighten the mood.

I think my only squabble with this one is that it takes a little too much time trying to pull at your heart strings in the first act.  I found that I was taken out of the comedy any time that Deadpool took off the mask.  However, by the time the movie kicks into gear in the second act, all is forgiven.  Ryan Reynolds plays this role as if it's a part of him.  He's so passionate about the character, and so good at being Deadpool that you forgive the boring parts.  He has a way of pulling you back into the movie with his sheer will and charm.

If I had to pick another thing to quibble with, it would be that Josh Brolin doesn't really bring much to the character of Cable (a personal favorite of mine) that it's hard to imagine they couldn't have found somebody better.  I get the allure of getting a big name to play the character, but he's already Thanos in The Avengers (something that gets called out in the film), so I'm not sure it shouldn't have gone to someone else.  Maybe I'm just feeling the Brolin overload (he also stars in the Sicario sequel this summer).  He struggled at times with his comedic lines.

Other than that, I'd highly recommend Deadpool 2.  3 out of 4 stars.  There are 2 mid-credit scenes that are absolutely hilarious.  Don't stay until the end as there are no post-credit scenes.

Avengers: Infinity War Lives Up To The Hype

 "I'd like to talk to you about The Avengers initiative."  With one simple phrase, the face of Hollywood entertainment changed forever.  It launched the most intricate, well-thought out, series of interconnected films in cinematic history.  The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has become the gold standard that all other franchises try (and fail) to live up to.  A decade (and 16 films) later, it all boils down to this.  The fate of the universe is at stake, so assemble your group of Avengers and head to your local theater... you're in for a hell of a ride.

The MCU is coming to the end of its third phase.  Phase 1 was the set up.  Phase 2 was the expansion.  And Phase 3 has been spiraling towards this moment.  The moment our favorite heroes (well, except for 2... no spoilers, though!) team up to face the Mad Titan, Thanos, as he attempts to destroy half of the universe.  I'm not going to spoil any plot points or give any hints at who may or may not be with us after this film, but I will discuss why this film works.

Contrary to other cinematic universes (looking at you DC), the MCU took its time.  It developed characters and stories with the intention of creating a sense of familiarity with the movie going audience.  Every time there was a team up, the MCU didn't waste time developing pre-developed characters.  Instead, it took the time to develop any new characters who may appear.  For instance, in the first Avengers film, it was the Hawkeye show.  In Age Of Ultron, we get to know the Scarlet Witch and Quick Silver.  Since we had already met the main Avengers, they could do their thing in these team up films without needing to waste time on showcasing another side of their characters.  The same holds true for Infinity War.  Its Thanos' movie.  As the mayhem rapidly expands, we are treated to bits and pieces of what makes the Mad Titan tick.  I really liked that this film took the time to develop its villain... almost to the point of making us sympathize with him.  Contrary to the generic CGI villains of the DC universe (some of whom I can't even remember the names of), this film unravels the layers and intentions of Thanos before our eyes.  It creates a fully realized character over the course of two and a half hours.

Going in, I was worried that Infinity War would crumble under the weight of its many, many characters.  However, I'm pleased to report that it never felt like any character was being neglected.  Each Avenger was given time to shine as the many moving pieces seamlessly moved around the puzzle board.  This film moves at a break neck pace, but the Russo Brothers do their best to direct each scene so that nothing feels too quick or forced.

The final battle also didn't feel too fast or forced.  It wasn't filled with eight gazillion Michael Bay like edits.  I was quietly refreshed that it took its time to develop top notch action and adventure.

I don't want to ruin or spoil anything more.  Needless to say, there are shocking deaths and surprise returns.  Get out and see it!

I'm giving it 3.5 stars out of 4.  I had a couple bones to pick with it.  Namely, The Scarlet Witch just dropping her Russian accent without explanation.  Thanos' goon squad are a little underdeveloped for my tastes, but I understand why they did that.  There's only so much room to work with, and Thanos was definitely the most important.  It also feels like only part of a larger movie, but it definitely has a stopping point.  We will see the continuation of this story in next year's Avengers conclusion.  I can't wait!

There's one scene after the credits that sets up further adventures of Earth's mightiest heroes.

Super Troopers 2 is a worthy successor to its cult comedy brother

I'm fully on record as hating most comedy sequels.  In fact, there's only a handful of them that I'd qualify as decent.  Most, like Anchorman 2 or Zoolander 2, are made about a couple years too late, and just re-hash the original to diminishing returns.  I think I went in to Super Troopers 2 with pretty low expectations.  I'm happy to report that I laughed way more than I thought I would, and Super Trooper 2 was a decent follow-up to the original film.

Like most people, I missed the original Super Troopers' theatrical run.  It came and went with little to no fanfare during its brief, forgettable run.  I caught it on home video when I rented it randomly at my local Blockbuster Video (remember those?).  I laughed my ass off that night, and it's been in regular rotation ever since.  It was infinitely quotable (littering and..., meow, liter of cola, etc.) , and its stature only grew over the years.  However, for some reason, it never spawned a sequel... until now.  After one of the more memorable crowd funding campaigns, we're here.

I'll skip the plot of Super Troopers 2 (essentially the same as the first, only set in Canada), and get right to what I liked about it... namely the cast.  Broken Lizard hasn't changed their style of humor much in the past 16 years, but they have a chemistry with one another that makes me laugh again and again.  I guess my comedy tastes haven't changed much either since I graduated college.  I found myself laughing out loud more than I care to admit.  The guys are still goofing on each other throughout this film, and it was just what I needed.  Kevin Heffernan's Farva is still the butt of the joke, but he plays a douchebag better than most comedians.  All the gags you enjoyed in the first one are all present here, but they don't feel like cheap knockoffs.  They appear, but are never distracting.  The Broken Lizard gang genuinely feel like cherish these characters and it shows in this film.  They had to beg and borrow to get this one made, and they made sure to do it right.

I'm giving this one 2.5 stars out of 4.  There's not much in the way of plot, and this film basically boils down to a series of skits strung together.  However, it's a joy to be back in their world.  If you're a fan of the first one, definitely see it right meow!  If not, I'd probably skip it.

A Quiet Place Is A Must See Film

 For those complaining that Hollywood is nothing but a sequel/remake/reboot machine, the new film A Quiet Place is here to cure your retread blues.  Directed by John Krasinski (Jim from TV's The Office), it tells the story of a family struggling to fend off an alien invasion that has wiped out most of the world's population.  At least that's what I can glean from the subtle clues sprinkled throughout the background of the movie.  Like any good "end of the world" monster movie, the origins of these beasts are not explained.  You see snippets of newspaper clippings on walls.  And, since this film is mostly silent, you're not given any unnecessary voiceover work to explain things as you go along for the ride.  The only thing we know is that these monsters will kill you if they hear you.  The family at the center of this film goes to extraordinary lengths to keep quiet.  Oh, and did I mention that Emily Blunt's character is pregnant?  This creates a nice sense of upcoming doom throughout the first two acts.

Speaking of rides, this film is one hell of a scary-yet-fun adventure.  I was surprised that John Krasinski directed this, since he's best known for his comedic chops.  However, he delivers on both fronts on this film.  He strongly plays a father struggling to keep his family together without veering into cliches.  He also does a hell of a job directing this film.  It comes in at a brisk 90 minutes, and not once did it feel like the pacing was off, or that there were many unnecessary scenes in it.  Yes, there are a few horror blunders by the cast (knocking things over to create noise, for example), but they are mostly forgiven as necessary moments to bring in the baddies.  Without spoiling anything, I will say that the very ending is a little too "Hollywood" for my tastes, but the journey to that moment is totally worth it.

A Quiet Place is a very well-done original piece of horror.   It's well-acted, shot, and directed.  I see big things for Krasinski in the future.  I'm giving it 3 out of 4 stars.  Go see it!

Ready Player One Is Pure Nostalgic Fun

As Mugatu in Zoolander would say... "The 80's are so hot right now."  From the runaway success of Stranger Things to the recent return of sitcom titan Roseanne, the decade of Ronald Reagan is very much in demand.  So it's almost appropriate that 1980's titan, Steven Spielberg, is directing the film adaption of Ready Player One.  He delivered some of the biggest hits of that decade, and for better or worse, created the blockbuster genre.

Ready Player One tells the story of 2040's America, where the major world currency is the virtual reality universe called The Oasis.  The Oasis is a place where anything can happen (as is told to the audience through our protagonist Wade Watts), and imagination is key.  If you can think it, you can do it.  It's the only place where people can escape from their crappy lives and dire living situations.  The creator of The Oasis (played by recent Spielberg muse, Mark Rylance) has died, but before he died he created a contest that would give full ownership of The Oasis to the winner.  Three keys were hidden deep within The Oasis and can only be unlocked by completing the tasks attached to them.  These keys were so hard to find that most people have given up trying to find them.  A small group of Gunters (short for Easter egg hunters) continue the search along with the evil IOI corporation, who seek to monetize The Oasis.  The group of Gunters are led by Parzival (The avatar name of the lead character), and have essentially formed a resistance group to fight against the IOI corporation.

This film strips away a lot of the social commentary from the book and gets the audience straight into the chase, and the results are a thrilling albeit slightly flawed film.  There are some genuinely exciting sequences (the street race in particular) with incredible visual effects.  Spielberg does his best to film an unfilmable book, resulting in a piece of pure popcorn movie fun.  He had to switch some things from the book, but the sequences he changed totally work (there's a sequence involving a horror classic that is hands down the best part of the entire movie.).  Ready Player One was pure escapist fun, and I had a great time sitting through it.

That being said, I feel like there was a better movie buried in there.  The horror movie sequence gave us a glimpse of its great potential.  There was also a tacked on ending that tried to make a statement about disconnecting from our electronic devices that felt forced.  Had Spielberg tried to establish that earlier, it would have been a more effective ending.  In a movie about people escaping their daily lives and living vicariously through their digital avatars, I couldn't help but think that Spielberg was playing a role in his direction.  This film felt like a Michael Bay film with better characters and direction.  Some of the sequences were so frenetic that I had a hard time focusing on what was on screen.  The third act, like a lot of modern action films, dragged a bit. 

I'm giving Ready Player One 2.75 stars out of 4.  It's a good movie that had the potential of being great.  I'd recommend it to anyone hoping to escape to the movies for 2+ hours.

On a final note, there's a lot of pop culture Easter eggs sprinkled throughout.  Some are obvious (Jurassic Park & King Kong), but others (Robocop, Street Fighter and countless others) appear in a blink and you'll miss it sense.  I spent the first quarter of the movie trying to find them all, and I found it distracting to the story.  I'd recommend just focusing on the story and letting the Easter Eggs happen naturally.  I also wonder if younger audiences will get half of these pop culture references since the 80s happened 30+ years ago.  The 80's are so hot right now, so your guess is as good as mine.