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The Flash (2023)
The Flash (2023) - Escapism Splendor!
As The Flash (2023) graces the silver screen, fans of the DC universe are in for a treat as the film cleverly incorporates throwbacks to both greenlighted and shelved DC contents, forging surprisingly pleasant connections to the Snyder-verse, and showcasing Ezra Miller's child-like whimsies. Directed by a visionary team, this movie takes audiences on a thrilling journey filled with nostalgia, surprises, and a cameo by none other than George Clooney's Bruce Wayne.
One of the film's strongest aspects is its deep reverence for DC's rich history. Throughout the narrative, keen-eyed fans will spot numerous Easter eggs and nods to original DC contents, delighting both old-school enthusiasts and newcomers alike. These well-executed throwbacks add an extra layer of excitement and appreciation for the legacy of the DC universe.
Furthermore, the movie masterfully incorporates elements from the Snyder-verse, connecting the storyline to previously established DC films without overwhelming the audience with convoluted references. This seamless integration builds a stronger sense of cohesion within the DC cinematic universe, leaving viewers thrilled with the potential of future interconnected stories.
Ezra Miller's portrayal of Barry Allen, a.k.a. The Flash, truly steals the show. His child-like whimsies and infectious energy bring a refreshing and endearing dimension to the character. Miller manages to balance the complexities of a superhero while never losing the essence of Barry's youthful charm, making for an engaging and enjoyable performance that resonates with audiences.
The cherry on top of this already delightful movie is the surprising cameo by George Clooney's Bruce Wayne. Clooney's appearance in the end credits adds a nostalgic touch, reminding viewers of the Batman franchise's legacy and reinforcing the interconnectedness of the DC universe. The interaction between The Flash and Clooney's Wayne sparks curiosity and excitement, leaving fans eagerly speculating about potential crossovers in future films.
Speaking of end-credit scenes, the one featuring Jason Momoa's Aquaman is pure genius. The scene skillfully leaves audiences hanging, offering no concrete hints about the direction of Snyder's Flash. It keeps fans guessing, igniting excitement for future installments and opening the door for further exploration of these beloved characters' stories.
Overall, The Flash (2023) delivers what cinema was always meant to provide: escapism splendor. It entertains and thrills, blending nostalgia with contemporary storytelling in a seamless manner. The movie caters to fans and general audiences alike, capturing the essence of DC's beloved characters while forging new paths for their cinematic journeys. Whether you're a longtime DC fan or a casual moviegoer seeking a thrilling experience, The Flash is a must-watch for all who seek pure cinematic pleasure.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The Gang Goes Bowling (2023)
The best episode of the season yet
"I summon the very fact that I am a man!" Nothing made sense in this episode, yet everything did all while being satirically summarized in that hilarious quote so masterfully yelled by Dennis (Glen Howerton) near the end. Each scene and act felt like a satirical throwback to The Karate Kid, Nerds, Revenge Of The Nerds among so many others. A treat to watch and very entertaining in true It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia fashion, like so many other wonderfully funny episodes over the years. Almost 20 years and still going strong, wow! This episode proves there is still a lot more steam left in the tank.
Extraction 2 (2023)
An Intense Sequel with Shades of John Wick and Jack Reacher
Extraction II, the highly anticipated sequel to the action-packed original film, delivers on its promise of adrenaline-fueled chaos and introduces standout performances that enhance the overall cinematic experience. In addition to the remarkable protagonist Tyler Rake, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, the film showcases an outstanding performance by the actor who brings the character Nik to life.
Played by Golshifteh Farahani, Nik is a complex and enigmatic character who becomes an integral part of Tyler Rake's harrowing journey. Golshifteh Farahani gives a mesmerizing performance, fully immersing themselves in the role and commanding attention in every scene they appear in. The portrayal of Nik is reminiscent of the nuanced and captivating characters seen in both John Wick and Jack Reacher.
Golshifteh Farahani brings a magnetic presence to Nik, effortlessly capturing the character's blend of charm, ruthlessness, and unwavering loyalty. Like John Wick's allies and adversaries, Nik possesses a mysterious aura, leaving the audience guessing about their true intentions. The actor's ability to seamlessly transition between moments of intensity and vulnerability adds depth to the character, much like the supporting cast in the John Wick franchise.
Furthermore, the chemistry between Golshifteh Farahani and Chris Hemsworth's Tyler Rake is electric, elevating their on-screen dynamic to new heights. Their interactions create a palpable tension, and the shared history between their characters adds an emotional layer to the narrative. Golshifteh Farahani's performance contributes significantly to the film's overall impact, creating memorable moments that rival the captivating presence of Jack Reacher's supporting cast.
In addition to their remarkable performance, Golshifteh Farahani showcases impressive physicality and skill during the film's action sequences. Their combat prowess and ability to hold their own in intense fight scenes make them a force to be reckoned with, mirroring the capabilities seen in both John Wick and Jack Reacher's supporting characters.
Extraction II capitalizes on the success of its protagonist, Tyler Rake, and introduces a standout performance by Golshifteh Farahani as Nik. Their portrayal of the character embodies the spirit of the film, drawing parallels to the captivating supporting characters found in the John Wick and Jack Reacher franchises. Through their exceptional talent and screen presence, Golshifteh Farahani elevates Nik to a level that resonates with audiences and adds to the overall intensity and enjoyment of the film.
In conclusion, Extraction II provides an intense and thrilling cinematic experience, with Golshifteh Farahani's outstanding performance as Nik being a standout highlight. The film successfully blends elements from the John Wick and Jack Reacher franchises, delivering exhilarating action, compelling character development, and memorable performances. Fans of the genre will find themselves fully immersed in the world of Extraction II, eagerly awaiting what comes next.
Fast X (2023)
Rediculously action packed and I love it!
MAJOR SPOILERS AT THE END OF THIS REVIEW!!!
Let me start by saying that Fast X is not exactly the best installment in the franchise, Fast 5, 6, and 7 take that prize, but for all intents and purposes, Fast X sets out to entertain by trying to incorporate all the best bits of its predecessors. Grant you, perhaps they tried a bit too much in an attempt to maintain relevancy until the final curtain is dropped on the franchise, but between the always entertaining action sequences and sound score, I was nonetheless pleasantly entertained. With the prevalence of 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos at home I've found it quite difficult to stay engaged and interested in theatrical releases. With this I find myself yawning and falling asleep at the cinemas no matter the quality film. At home, it's a different story, I was thoroughly enamored with Fast X from start to finish. The Star ensemble was a bit distracting, but the main movie star, Mr. Diesel, was true to form as always. Jason Mamoa's turn as Heath Ledger's Joker was refreshing, and erasing John Cena near the end with a Jack Reacher twist was a fantastical prestige. Can hardly wait for the final installment since I'm fully vested thus far. Oh wait what? Optimus Prime... Wonder Woman... Black Adam!
This movie is lit!
*** This movie was reviewed as I typed ***
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022)
Ok, now it's getting good
Upon watching the first episode I was like "nah this ain't worthy of Tolkien." Half way into the season my skepticism started to wane. Now that I've completed the watch and with all the reveals in the season finale, I'm fully invested and am now waiting with bated breath for season 2. The Rings of Power, duh, I get it now. A slow reveal yes, but since it's an epic made for TV I can but only understand the necessity for such a machination in the plot's execution.
On the one hand, die hard Tolkien will take issue with the pace and method of the storytelling. On the other hand, casual viewers such as myself will find the journey throughout the season a slow yet pleasurable one as it becomes more of an adventure with each revelation of familiar characters of the film and books, especially when viewed with company 😉.