Is Neil Blomkamp The Right Fit For Robocop 2

One of my great friends who I do a lot of work with on the T3 media's YouTube channel disagrees with me on one major subject.  Neil Blomkamp is a one trick pony. Ever since district 9 my friend Sean has been saying that Neil Bluhm camp is a great director. After just 1 major release I would say he did a great job but great director is yet to be seen. I may be alone in this I know Sean disagrees with me but elysium and Chappie just did not do it. Not that they weren't good movies in their own right they just told the exact same story as district 9.

It seems to me that Neil Blomkamp can only tell a story where the government has some kind of control over a group of people and some kind of enhancement or technology gets out or away from their control and that entity then has to do everything they can to contain in recapture and reclaim the target. Is the exact same story. Should I be worried then he was set to direct a new Aliens movie? Maybe perhaps not. It was not a property that he Created himself so what do I worry that he was taken off that project and then put on the red con/reboot of the robocop sequel?

With Neil Blomkamp heading the helm for robocop to a movie that set to erase the original robocop sequels and every sequel that came after with an all new and original direction, we hope, maybe this is a new beginning. I believed more so with alien.I know the more that I think about it now Robocop is almost the exact same story as Chappie and Elysium.  Maybe having Neil play in a new sandbox that he did not come create is a good step but the sand is all too familiar for half. This could be a good thing for his type of directing and writing style or we just may see the same old things he's done for his other 3 fillings infused in a beloved universe.

Things like having the hero having to run away and escape from their creators was already set inside of the robocop universe but other things like Casting unknown rappers from other countries Playing major key roles in the film with little to no acting ability. Lest we forget he almost cast eminem to play in elysium.   I'm hopeful that robocop movie good but if it is lacking for a financial flop I will officially jump off the bandwagon for this director.

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Did Awkwafina Steal Her Acting Style From Natasha Lyonne

No you idiots, that was obviously click bait. This story isn't about pinning one actor against another. We won't be doing any trivial girl fights stuff around here. I'm just pointing out something I kind of noticed while watching Awkwafina at her finest. It can all just be in my head but its something I've been wanting to talk about.

I know very little about Awkwafina I've heard that she's in the hip hop game but I mostly know of her work on screen. First time I saw her portrayal character was in the Hulu original series future man and now she's playing in Ocean's 8 and crazy Rich Asians. She's a very funny actress her character is so far seem very similar but still uniquely original but for a while now there was something familiar about her acting style that I could not put my finger on. It took me a few times watching her work for me to finally pinpointed. I don't know if this is a little Prejudice or not but maybe being a minority this might buffer it a little bit so I will refrain from calling anyone and Asian version of another race or another race that racist version of her, if that makes sense. With that being said there is a similarity of her acting style that reminds me of Natasha Lyonne of Orange Is the New Black fame.

Now I have been watching Natasha work for many years her sarcasm is unmatched. but when I tell you that there is a unique similarity of how Awkwafina yourself sometimes I can close my eyes and I would swear to everything that I know in love that I'm listening to Natasha Leoni on film. Maybe it's just a coincidence or maybe Awkwafina was raised in the same sarcastic school as Natasha but the sarcasm is very strong with them and very similar. I could be out of line with the comparison but I can't help but notice the similarities. At the very least I feel that these two people draw from their true personalities when portraying any character on film and that these two young ladies would definitely get along.

The gamer character that she portrayed in Future Man reminded me a little bit of Natasha's character on American Pie. it's probably mostly to do with the graininess or tone and graveness in their voices. There are other similarities, both live in New York City, which could explain their takes on life and how they react. Natasha is 10 years Awkwafina’s senior. Natasha talks about being sexually assaulted coming up in Hollywood and Awkwafina is a heavy voice in the Times Up movement. Both of these women have a lot to contribute to the progression of women.

Though there backgrounds are completely different and there is very little connecting them, all film is subjective and I can not help but seeing so many similar traits. Maybe one day they will work together. I, being a fan of both, will be looking forward to seeing more come from both artist. Awkwafina has a long way to go in the business to accomplish half of what Natasha has done in the film business. I mean Natasha was apart of a huge franchise with American Pie, but if Crazy Rich Asians gets the trilogy treatment then there is another similarity checked off. Till then guess we’ll have to wait and see what other comparisons we can make.I will say that both of these ladies are like gravity pulling at our attention when they take the stage. 

Oh, one more, Awkwafina is a rapper and Natasha is dating Fred Armisen who plays music. I know that one was a stretch but its still something.

The Happytime Murders Review: Is There A Franchise Here?

I just saw The Happytime Murders and had a great time with it. If you want to know how much fun I had just check out the video link above. Go to my YouTube channel become a subscriber and behave yourselves.

Over all my idea is probably horrible and this should probably be ignored but to my point, I see a plausible franchize. The Happytime franchise could be taking to so many new levels. Horror, action, and drama with a touch of gut busting comedy. This was a style of movie that hasn't been done in a very long time. Not with this much attention to detail and heart. There were so many times I forgot the stars were puppets, if that makes sense.

With a world where puppet citizens are treated as second class, a Puppets Rights movement that imitates the struggles with class and race in the real world makes sense for a sequel as well. There are so many possibilities. I just hope enough people put in the time to see this movie that more can come to light with this team and characters. There was so much left out and could be said in the future. Lets just hope Melissa's husband doesn't try to direct any of them. A cameo was enough.

The happytime murders is a rated R puppet movie where humans and puppets live together. The reality is that puppets that we grew up with and see on television and shows such as the Muppet Show are now living breathing characters in the real world that live among us. Much like who framed Rodger rabbit this movie follows the story of Phil a former cop turn private detective who has to solve the murders of a group of people involved with a beloved TV show from the 90s called the happytime game. it turns out that a settlement from the network that ran this TV series will give the surviving cast members 10 million dollars and one by one all of the former members are being murdered. teamed up with Melissa McCarthy's character these wants partners are now at odds since Phil puppet cause the death of a puppets citizen when trying to save the life of Melissa McCarthy who was being held at gunpoint by a crazy and deranged puppet Criminal. 

This leads to believe that puppets were not fit to do police work making the field character the first and only puppet to be on the police force. As the story progresses true old-school sense of a buddy cop film period at sometimes I've even forgot that I was looking at Old World of puppets and could only see the dynamic between and her. just spoke volumes on the efforts of the late great Jim Henson son directing a solid piece of work. At some point of the movie things felt like they were going a tad too far or was pushing the envelope a little too fast but overall the movie flowed well and the comedy and humor was more funny then defensive or just observe. there was a lot of heart and charm to this movie if you can believe that. I believe a franchise lives here and there could be a sequel. I also believe that it could be a one-and-done just like the formation who framed Rodger rabbit. There's no doubt in my mind that critics will not before I move it like this but I do believe that there is a place in public opinion for this film and that it will be a 50-50 split for the most part you will either love this movie or hate this movie.

I also see potential in a new direction for Melissa McCarthy's career she is always been a hit-and-miss type of actress and this is a definite hit maker. I hope that she comes back to this world and tries to take a sequel to a whole new level. where the comedy aspect was done so well I'm curious to see what a attempt at a true drama would look like Even a horror either way because of the puppets involved in this universe the comedy would write itself but overall there should always be a comedic Element no matter what. should people go to see this movie I believe they should. you'll have a great time your laugh and see things you've never thought you would see before. The team that brought this movie together and the cast and crew were great you can tell that a lot of fun was had at the making of This film. And it translates on screen. Overall I give it a B minus in the execution but you should definitely go see it that you give it your own point of view. That being said after seeing how well this film was executed while watching I asked myself "What if the sequel, if there is one, would be treated as a serious comedy". Would it still hold up? Could it still be funny? I believe so, if the drama was campy.

Before the movie began I saw the logo for Hanson alternative and I believed it was at first a take or jab at Jim Henson I later discovered that the movie was directed by Jim Henson son which gave me a new perspective of the meaning behind the name of his development team Hansen alternative. I look forward to seeing what mr. Hanson can do next. It may not be what his father said out but in today's society I'm glad that he's not afraid to take risks. puppets and puppetry are already in great hands with things like Sesame Street for our children but if we are going to take movies like Labyrinth to the next level, this is what will  prepare fans 4 the return of new puppet films. I believe the happytime murders is the first step in bringing back the magic of Puppets in films if that makes sense. If this opens the door for Labyrinth reboot then I am sure a sequel to The happytime Murders is definitely in the talks. Let's see what the fans decide because everything. 

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Ant-Man And The Wasp Review

Ant-Man And The Wasp (7/10)

Director: Peyton Reed

Runtime: 118 Minutes

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After seeing the events that unfolded at the end of Infinity War, it’s strange to go back to the light hearted, humorous Marvel that we’re used to seeing. I was a big fan of the first Ant-Man, in fact it’s one of my favourite Marvel movies. It was more of a heist comedy and that’s what I loved about it, just like Winter Soldier is much more of a mystery thriller than a typical superhero flick.

Ant-Man And The Wasp is obviously set before Avengers: Infinity War, as well as being set two years after Civil War. Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) is under house arrest due to his actions in Civil War, until Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) need his help once more. They have a plan that could potentially bring back Hope’s mother from the quantum realm, whilst also wrangling with the movie's villain called Ghost.

I was actually a little disappointed with this movie, the issue I thought I was going to have I did end up having by the end. We know exactly what’s going to happen and because of this there never feels like there’s any true danger. But take away Infinity War and Ant-Man And The Wasp still lacks in some kind of danger. The plot is as straightforward as it gets, everything runs pretty smoothly without any implications. There’s a few plot points that don't really advance the story but there’s enough subplots to keep it from being boring. Scott is a bit of a mixed bag, I felt as though he was torn between two minds. Sometimes he behaves like a sulky child, then other times he can be a mature, responsible adult. Ant-Man And The Wasp doesn't do enough to separate these two aspects of Scott’s personality.

The storytelling in this movie isn't brilliant, there is however many other aspects that are really well done. Most noteworthy being the villian (If you can call her that) Ghost, she isn't doing what she's doing out of anger, revenge, or to conquer the world. She’s slowly dying and everything she's doing is to save her own life. I felt this added a great layer of empathy to the character. I know this is going to be a controversial thing to say that I much preferred her motives over Killmonger from Black Panther. Killmonger (Although a cool villain) did his actions out of revenge, and although lodes of people called it new and unique for the Marvel Universe I personally never saw it.

The choreography during the action scenes is really well crafted, there’s a few brief hand to hand fight scenes but the majority of them are CGI. Allowing the director much more creativity over how he wanted to showcase the action scenes. The comedy can be very hit or miss this time around, whereas I thought most of the jokes landed in the first Ant-Man, this isn't the case with its sequel. There’s a lot of call backs to similar jokes from the first movie which weren't exactly appreciated, the only one I chuckled at was Luis doing his overly long monologue flashback as he was being interrogated. Most of the jokes can out stay their welcome, such as one where Scott keeps asking questions and replies with “I knew that”. Evangeline Lilly and Paul Rudd have good chemistry and Michael Douglas is always fun to watch.

Overall, Ant-Man And The Wasp is a good entry in the Marvel Universe. Far from as good as the first, it does enough to stand on its own by delivering some impressive action sequences, fun chemistry between its main leads, and a memorable villain. Of course it lacks the sheer scale of Infinity War, but it makes for a fun distraction whilst we wait for Avengers 4.

The First Purge Review

The First Purge (5/10)

Director: Gerard McMurray

Runtime: 97 Minutes

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I'm finally able to finish writing reviews for this franchise. Some of them were a chore to sit through, whilst Anarchy was a pleasant surprise. Going into The First Purge I was thinking only one thing, will this be another Election Year or Anarchy? I'm happy to say that this was yet another pleasant surprise, being just as good Anarchy but still retaining a lot of the same issues that have been plaguing this franchise since day one.

As the title suggests this is the very beginning of the purge, showing to its audience how everything began. The New Founding Fathers set Staten Island as the first ever place for this new experimental procedure called the purge. Drug lord Dmitri seeks to protect his turf on the night of the purge, while his ex-girlfriend Nya holds up in a church and her younger brother Isaiah seeks revenge on a violent junkie who scared his face.

The films first Act is where this movie shines best, they gather all these people who have pent-up aggression and sit them down one by one. Asking if they would participate in this experiment and whether they would actively kill someone, or stay in their homes for the night. Even the beginning of the purge itself is really well done. I really liked how it wasn't a straight-up bloodbath, most people just took it as a night to steal and only a few killed, especially compared to the other movies where its pretty much all killing and no stealing. This is the first Purge movie that doesn't give us bland characters, for the most part anyway. Dmitri is someone I actually wanted to root for, he only wanted to see the night through and have none of his gang kill anyone for the sake of killing. In the end, Dmitri is forced to enter the streets of the Purge with a few of his armed men and help the people in his community. He doesn't have a selfish goal he's working towards like Leo had, for me this makes him much more likeable. He's also a badass which is entertaining to watch. The rest of the cast are pretty bland and their moments of stardom are far between.

The rest of the purge is pretty much the worst part of the movie, with only a few good moments. The jump scares are extremely thin and unscary, lack of consideration in the characters decisions. There's also a ridiculous element of the movie, where it gets its participants to wear light up contact lenses that gives everyone a glow in the dark glare. It's such a stupid looking gimmick. A lot of this movie feels very handed, we have Nazi Fetish villains, KKK members, hired mercenaries, it does become a bit much to handle.

Overall, the premise of each Purge movie never changes and still doesn't surprise me. It's never as interesting as it should be. I do enjoy how this movie tackles race issues and talks about a lot of current problems in America. Finally having a good lead and some cool action sequences makes for one of the more entertaining Purge movies. Maybe the next one should completely focus on the purgers, now that would be interesting.

Tag Review

Tag (7/10)

Director: Jeff Tomsic

Runtime: 100 Minutes

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When you watch this movie you have to keep reminding yourself that this is all based on actual events. Though the movie does stretch the facts just a little bit for entertainment value. Most of all that is the best way to describe Tag, it's extremely entertaining by being absolutely ridiculous.

For one month every year, five highly competitive friends hit the ground running in a no-holds-barred game of tag they've been playing since the first grade--risking their necks, their jobs and their relationships to take each other down with the battle cry "You're It!" This year, they're determined to tag their friend Jerry, who after 30 years has never been "It".

Everyone in this movie looks like they're having so much fun, which is great because the chemistry between these five friends is undeniably perfection. You can feel that these characters have been friends by the way their dialogue rolls off each other and has a natural flow to it. Tag takes this bond between friends, which we see in countless movies such as "The Hangover" and makes it new and interesting by basing the whole thing around a game of tag. Everyone from Jon Hamm to Ed Helms, and even Helms wife Isla Fisher all share such a great bond that brings the movie together. Speaking of Fisher, she is extremely entertaining. She plays Helms wife and is extremely competitive and takes things way to intense. As constantly referenced by Jake Johnson who is also brilliant in this movie. I really can't give the cast enough credit, they play their roles perfectly and look like they're all having the time of their lives. Which makes the audience feel the same way.

The movie is surprisingly quite stylish with the way it choreographs all the tag moments. It slows most of it down and allows us to hear the thoughts going through Jerry's head as he pinpoints everyone's actions. At times this is very unrealistic but as mentioned its so ridiculous that its downright hilarious to watch his friends go to all this effort, just to put their hand on him and say "You're it". There's a lot of humour in this movie that I loved and personally, Tag nailed the comedy. However, there is a little bit of dark humour regarding abortions that I can see upsetting a few people. It's rare when you can say that a comedy script is on point, Blockers is the best comedy this year so far because of how funny and smart its script was. Tag is much the same, nothing ever feels forced and all the set pieces have a reason for them rather than simply being a series of cliche tropes.

The only big issue Tag has is much like with many other comedies, they simply gave too much away in the trailer. As the set pieces were lining up, I sadly already knew what the final punchline was going to be because they showed it in the trailer. Thankfully, these are very far between and there is still a lot of new gags that will keep you laughing.

Overall, Tag is so utterly bizarre and ridiculous that it's incredibly entertaining. By no means is this a comedy classic, but if you're looking for a fun movie to go see in the cinema. Then you'll certainly have a fun time watching Tag.

The Only Living Boy In New York Review

The Only Living Boy In New York (4/10)

Director: Marc Webb

Runtime: 88 Minutes

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This is a coming of age movie that doesn't do much in the way of showing the character coming of age. It borrows from a slew of other cliche themed works such as The Graduate, Wonder Boys and Igby Goes Down but does nothing to separate itself from other similar works. Them movies are much more interesting and satisfying to watch, it seems as the writers were barely even trying when they wrote the screenplay for this movie as the dialogue feels so lazy and barebone.

Thomas Webb (Callum Turner), the son of a publisher and his artistic wife, has just graduated from college and is trying to find his place in the world. Moving from his parents' Upper West Side apartment to the Lower East Side, he befriends his neighbour W.F. (Jeff Bridges), a shambling alcoholic writer who dispenses worldly wisdom alongside healthy shots of whiskey. Thomas' world begins to shift when he discovers that his long-married father (Pierce Brosnan) is having an affair with a seductive younger woman (Kate Beckinsale). Determined to break up the relationship, Thomas ends up sleeping with his father's mistress, launching a chain of events that will change everything he thinks he knows about himself and his family.

Usually, in a coming of age movie, you don't really like the main character at the beginning of the movie and you slowly start to like them as they learn their wrongdoings throughout the movie. The biggest problem this movie has is making its main lead so unlikable, I hated how smug and confident he was with all of his actions. You're meant to dislike him at the beginning, but you're not meant to hate him so bad that you want to throw him out of a window. I never recovered from this feeling and unfortunately felt it throughout the whole movie. Everything seems so familiar, nothing feels original. Tone, dialogue, setting, music, plot, it all seems taken from better coming of age movies. Why does Jeff Bridges play the most cliche idea of a writer ever put to film, an alcoholic writer who seems to sit around every day waiting to give the main character some new advice. Because he plays such a cliche character, he's completely unrecognizable as a real individual. Despite all this, he is one of the few (maybe the only) characters that have a shred of emotion to them.

Clocking in at a short 88 minutes. The Only Living Boy In New York is as thin as it gets. None of the characters are developed beyond the script, and are downright lazy. The song selections don't help either, there never seems to be any real choice in using them beyond the sake of pulling at the audience's heartstrings. For example, The Graduate did this extremely well with the music starting chilly and adding layers of depth to make everything feel regretful.

"There's no such sophistication here, as confirmed when Bob Dylan's "Visions of Johanna" comes on the soundtrack after, ahem, Johanna starts seeing Thomas on the sly. That's The Only Living Boy in New York in a nutshell: high-quality parts recycled into a derivative whole that lands squarely on the nose". Quoted from The Hollywood Reporter which perfectly sums up the music in the movie perfectly. It's hard for me to really find anything good about this movie, the movie does look really nice. Although cliche, New York does make for a beautiful location to film at.

Overall, The Only Living Boy In New York isn't a good movie. It does nothing new to stand out in an already overflowing genre, barebone characters and a poor script does nothing to elevate this movie to at least average status. Jeff Bridges is entertaining but extremely unnecessary, the music feels cheap and slapped on, never truly following the flow of the movie. It does at least contain some good imagery and thankfully is only 88 minutes, so you won't be waiting long for the credits to roll.