Movie Review - Black Adam

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Aldis Hodge, Pierce Brosnan, Sarah Shahi, Noah Centineo, Quientessa Swindell, Marwan Kenzari, Bodhi Sabongui, Mohammed Amer, Viola Davis
 
Description: Nearly 5000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods and imprisoned just as quickly, Black Adam (Dwayne Johnson) is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice of the modern world.  

Review: Teth Adam (later Black Adam) received magical powers from the wizard Shazam thousands of years ago. He has used these powers for evil purposes, they imprisoned him for centuries. Now he is about to be set free.

“Black Adam” is the latest film in the DC Extended Universe, which seems to be revived. But is this becomes the new standard, there’s not much improvement in it for the studio.

“Black Adam” is a very messy film. The story goes down thanks to the script. The structure is way off. In many films, story technical flaws are forgivable. But in this case, it distracted tremendously from the pacing, and thus the entire movie experience.

It takes very long for the story to get going. The introduction of Black Adam himself is well done and pretty cool. But until near the end of the film, our main character has completely no motivation. He has no needs, no purpose, he just exists in the film. And the plot itself jumps back and forth. Initially they have to stop Black Adam, but soon they choose a completely different route, which does not really work. This is why the eventual ‘plot twist’ feels confusing and cheap, and why the film does not flow nicely. The entire film just feels like a collection of events.

Dwayne Johnson, always an entertaining actor, seems like a good choice for the role, but he doesn’t really feel comfortable in his role. He plays a very emotionless character. Which seems logical, with the backstory he has. This also gives the film a very serious tone. And there is nothing wrong with that, but when characters like Atom Smasher and Karim, purely in the movie for comic relief, are trying to break this tone with their jokes, it feels out of place.

There is also the introduction of a new superhero group called the Justice Society, consisting of Cyclone, Hawkman, Dr. Fate and the aforementioned Atom Smasher. Among them, it’s only Dr. Fate who really leaves an impression and is interesting enough to actually care about. That’s mostly due to actor Pierce Brosnan and his experience. We are supposed to feel something for Cyclone and Atom Smasher, who have no chemistry, when we are clearly looking at potential love interests. And Hawkman’s character was anything but original, but his costume was really cool though.

The film is entertaining enough, because of the high quality of action, something to be expected from the DCEU. Maybe an overkill of slow-motion scenes, but that’s something I could forgive.

Unfortunately,  the technical feats do not save “Black Adam”. The poor structure, lack of interesting characters and weak editing, make this for a very “meh” experience. Kudos to DC for shining the light on a lesser known superhero, sadly not very well executed. I went in with no expectations, came out feeling I could have also just watched it at home.

Rating: 2/ 5

20s Movie Review - Jungle Cruise

Director: Jaume Collett-Serra

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Comedy

Runtime: 127 minutes

Year: 2021

Starring: Emily Blulnt, Dwayne Johnson, Jack Whitehall, Jesse Plemons, Paul Giamatti, Edgar Ramirez

Description: Based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals, but with a supernatural element.

Review: The Amazon is no place for wimps. In “Jungle Cruise”, Dwayne Johnson plays Frank, a captain on an old steamship who rganizes dauly excursions through the jungle for tourists. In the process, Frank likes to scare people and also tries to make them laugh with his lame puns. The introduction of his characters is quite successful in itself.

“Jungle Cruise” is based on a Disney ride, just like “Pirates of the Caribbean” is. It forms the start of an enjoyable family adventure.

Frank meets Lily, a scientist played by Emily Blunt, who is looking for a magical tree that everyone says is just a myth. But she believes it. Of course the two bicker a lot at first, but eventually have to work together.

And that’s the driving force behind “Jungle Cruise”: leads Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. Lily is a smart, decisive archeologist who has a say. And that of course results in quite a few clashes with Frank, who has a different world view. The chemistry between Johnson and Blunt is amazing, I love them together.

The supporting roles are also filled in well. Jack Whitehall plays Lily’s brother MacGregor, a well-dressed gentleman who seems quite out of place in the jungle. And Jesse Plemons is in great form as Prince Joachim, a German villain. His character could have gone way over the top, which it is sometimes, but he manages to not overdo it.

As an adventure movie, “Jungle Cruise” is the perfect film for a movie night. It has a good pace, has likeable characters, great visuals and fun action scenes combined with humor. I loved “Jungle Cruise”, such a fun and entertaining movie.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Review - Red Notice

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Comedy
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2021
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, Rita Arya, Chris Diamantopoulos

Description: An interpol agent (Dwayne Johnson) tracks the world’s most wanted art thief (Ryan Reynolds).

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2021 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 48: AN ADVENTURE MOVIE
 
Review: “Red Notice” is not only an action comedy starring big stars Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, but it also has the signature renowned comedy director Rawson Marshall Thurber. Add to the fact that the budget for this film is insanely high for a production from a streaming platform. And sky-high expectations were created. Sadly, it didn’t meet those expectations.
The central heist story has many recognizable elements. There is an ancient mythical work of art: the third golden egg of Cleopatra. No one knows exactly where it is, let alone whether it is entirely certain to exist at all. Some wealthy underworld figure must and will have this shiny gem and has put a ridiculous price tag on it. For master thieves such as the extremely sarcastic Nolan Booth, played by the ever sarcastic Ryan Reynolds, a prime opportunity to score a treasure of reputation.
Although Booth is successful enough in his job to have his entire Balinese home filled with world-famous art, he is constantly trounced in his greatest moments by an archenemy. This is a thief who regularly outsmarts him and is considered the most wanted art thief in the world: The Bishop. The hunt for the golden egg naturally degenerates into a spectacular quest, in which Booth finds an unlikely accomplice in FBI agent John Hartley. Indeed, the two share a desire to see The Bishop disappear from the scene. Exactly how this works in policy or legal terms, the film covers with the cloak of comedy.
More importantly, the pairing of this unusual twosome should make for a funny dynamic. Set against the backdrop of a Roman museum, a Russian prison or a Spanish bull-fighting arena, this makes for lighthearted jokes and witty one-liners. That this works with these tow actors can hardly be a surprise. Unfortunately, this premise, Ryan Reynolds forming an unlikely duo with a gruff antagonist and constantly being buffoonish, sarcastic and bland, does feel familiar by now. Recent comedies like “The Hitman’s Bodyguard” and of course “Deadpool” are examples of this. In “Red Notice” it’s getting old. At first funny, but it quickly becomes too routine and overused.
“Red Notice” has a great cast, but the movie is kind of bland. It’s all been done before, much before too. The film tries to be surprising by adding a plot twist at the end, which an average moviegoer already could have expected earlier on the movie. Which didn’t make the movie better. There are much better films on Netflix you can check out right now. A perfect popcorn flick, but very forgettable.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

10s Movie Review - Jumanji: The Next Level

Director: Jake Kasdan
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 123 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina, Nick Jonas, Danny DeVito, Danny Glover, Rhys Darby, Colin Hanks, Rory McCann, Marin Hinkle, Alex Wolff, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman, Ser’Darius Blain

Description: The gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world’s most dangerous game.

Review: After their adventure in the world of Jumanji, the students Spencer, Martha, Bethany and Fridge try to pick up their lives again. However, Spencer is struggling with his life as a student in new York and longs for a new adventure in which he can take on the form of the tough professor Bravestone. When Spencer goes missing, his friends soon know what happened. Especially when they discover that Spencer has never thrown away the videogame Jumanji. All they can do to save their friend is venture into the world of Jumanji again. But this time, not only the students get sucked in, also Spencer’s grandfather and his elderly friend join the adventure, and Bethany is left behind. Once again, they have to join forces as their old avatars in order to return from the world of Jumanji.
“Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was one of the biggest surprises. A movie I thought I would hate, but actually came to love. So to repeat that success, Sony Pictures (of course) created a sequel. And although it’s much of the same, “Jumanji: The Next Level” still offers a lot of fun-filled and action packed scenes.
With the same game, the same avatars and the same students its more of the same. But the creators made a few adjustments to make it a bit fresher. Danny DeVito and Danny Glover are added and they end up in the avatars that Dwayne Johnson and Kevin hart embody. I’m not the world’s biggest Kevin Hart fan and he was my least favorite in the first film. Because he was being his loud an annoying self, instead of another character. Here his character is taken over by an elderly, slow-talking man that over-explains things. And I loved that! He actually outshines Dwayne Johnson for once.
“Jumanji: The Next Level” is not a necessary sequel, but a welcome one. Because I had tons of fun watching it. Even though it was much of the same, I enjoyed this film.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Fighting with My Family

Director: Stephen Merchant
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 108 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Florence Pugh, Nick Frost, Lena Heady, Dwayne Johnson, Vince Vaughn, Stephen Merchant, Jack Lowden

Description: A former wrestler and his family make a living performing at small venues around the country while his kids dream of joining World Wrestling Entertainment.

Review: There are families where all the member devote themselves to the same passion or hobby and the entire family will be dedicated to this activity. For Rick Knight, his wife Julia and kids Zak and Saraya, it’s wrestling. They run a wrestling school in Norwich and both kids are big fans of the WWE.
The real Saraya managed to become the youngest Diva-champion for the WWE, as her alter ego Paige. She was only 21 when she won. And she didn’t only grow to become a phenomenon, she managed to make the sport popular with women.
The story of a simple girl growing up in a warm, working class family is gold for film makers. Especially when it’s based on a true story and they can add Dwayne Johnson to it. It forms the base for “Fighting with My Family”, which is directed by comedian Stephen Merchant.
The life of the Knight family is fully focused on show wrestling. Rick and Julia wrestled themselves and now have all hopes for their children Zak and Saraya. When they get a call from the WWE, after they saw a video of them in action, Zak and Saraya are invited for try-outs. It’s a dream come true. But for one this dream ends quickly, because only Saraya manages to go on to the next round and travel to Florida for a training camp.
That wrestling is based on mutual trust and agreements isn’t enough. Merchant shows that wrestling is a very complex sport. When former models, dancers and actors enter the ring, Saraya judges them, because they never wrestled. But Saraya herself has a lot to learn about showmanship and learns that these ‘pretty faces’ have more to it than just that.
Because this ‘American world’ is showed from the perspective of a down-to-earth British family, the film has a lot more heart and humor to it. It could have easily become a typical Hollywood film with juvenile slapstick jokes. But with a lot of humor and ability to put things into perspective we see a stranger that stands out among the American fashion dolls because of her nonchalant appearance, jet-black hair and piercings.
“Fighting with My Family” was made with a lot of love and has a lot of heart. The direct humor, the sympathetic character and the great story of Paige make this comedic true story a very enjoyable film that I absolutely loved.

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw

Director: David Leitch
Genre: Action
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Vanessa Kirby, Idris Elba, Cliff Curtis, Eddie Marsan, Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Hart

Description: Lawman Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) and outcast Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain (Idris Elba) threatens the future of humanity.

Review: The “Fast & Furious” franchise is an eye-catching phenomenon of modern-day Hollywood. What started out as a film about illegal street races with a few action scenes, is now a million dollar series of almost 10 films, which leans primarily on spectacle and has no credibility left.
“Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw”, like the title suggests, revolves around two of the most popular characters in the franchise: Dwayne Johnson’s flamboyant secret agent Luke Hobbs and Jason Statham’s former soldier slash hitman Deckard Shaw. Against their will, they are teamed up to protect the world from ‘half-robot’ Brixton, who wants to expose mankind to a dangerous virus.
The entry of this villain, played by Idris Elba, shows that the film makers embrace the absurdity that this franchise has become. And nothing separates them from any random Marvel movie, because it’s basically indestructible heroes fighting for world peace. That combined with a dose of humor and funny observations. It even has an after credit scene which hints to a sequel (which we really don’t need, but will get anyway…).
At least the cast is formed by three charismatic leads, even though they do nothing groundbreaking. Johnson and Statham are constantly exchanging cliché heavy one-liners and insult each other. And this gets old after fifteen minutes or so. That scene on the plane, took way too long (and adding Kevin Hart to the party, doesn’t make it better). But that doesn’t add up to what they did with Idris Elba. Elba is a fantastic actor who screams charisma. But his portrayal of bionic villain Brixton is very one-dimensional and absolutely forgettable.
Little note: Ryan Reynolds is really funny. His short appearances adds a half star to the rating.
The action is well choreographed and visualized, but what can you expect from a two-hundred-million dollar budget. The spectacle does look great, but it is sometimes so over-the-top laughable that even the most expensive visual effects look cheap and unbelievable. And the scenes are too long and too much, that it becomes hard to watch.
“Fast & Furious: Hobbs & Shaw” is even more hysterical and over-the-top then its predecessor “Fast & Furious 8”. And although it looks stunning and is entertaining, it never becomes more than a standard action movie that could land on the B-list. At least we got some handsome men.

Rating: 2/ 5

10s Movie Review - Moana

Director: Ron Clements, John Musker
Genre: Fantasy/ Animation/ Musical
Runtime: 113 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Auli’I Cravalho, Dwayne Johnson, Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Jemaine Clement, Nicole Scherzinger, Alan Tudyk, Oscar Knightley, Troy Polamalo, Puanani Cravalho, Louise Bush

Description: In Ancient Polynesia, when a terrible curse incurred by the Demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson) reaches Moana's island, she answers the Ocean's call to seek out the Demigod to set things right.

Review: Disney is planning to bring a lot of classic animations to life in the form of real-action. But luckily we also get to meet new heroes and heroines. We meet Moana, the daughter of a Polynesian tribe leader. She goes on a quest for demigod Maui, to save her island.
Disney explores another new cultural background and adds a new heroin to the Disney universe. Moana is a strong and independent young woman, who can easily take care of herself. She fights, sails and leads. A modern ideal in comparison with the classic princess, who simply falls hopelessly into prince charming’s arms. And talking about knights in shining armors, who is looking for romance, “Moana” is not that film. The focus is on the adventure and that’s nice for a change!
It’s not only because of the emancipation and the modern roles that makes “Moana” fit in this modern world we live in now. It also kills all the stereotypes. Moana actually has curves and is a believable character.
I’m glad Disney changes the standards from time to time. They did create heroic female leads before, like in “Mulan” and “Brave”. And “Moana” is a great addition to the list. It looks beautiful, which isn’t a surprise with Disney. It’s such a colorful and vibrant film. It has great action scenes, but it does miss a villain. The humor is also solid and the songs are catchy and well written (by Lin-Manuel Miranda).
There are some moments where “Moana” goes back to the predictable Disney territory and it does miss a bit of spirit here and there.
A great new recipe, different in a good way.

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Director: Jake Kasdan
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 119 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart, Bobby Cannavale, Colin Hanks

Description: Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Review: It could have been another useless reboot or nostalgia trip; with Jake Kasdan as a director you expect nothing more than a cliché film. But “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” was surprisingly fun and not bad at all. A movie that actually uses the talent of its cast, a beautiful setting and believable characters. What a surprise!
The first minute are a nod to the original board game from the first film. Somehow the game is changed into a videogame. Four high school students that are in detention, find this game and decided to play it. They pick their characters and instead of the game entering our world, the kids are sucked into the game. Becoming their characters and having to save Jumanji.
The nerdy Spencer becomes the buff and brave Dr. Bravestone. Wallflower Martha turns into man killer Ruby Roundhouse. Jock Fridge now has to deal with a much shorter self, who is a zoologist. And popular and self-loving Bethany, becomes a middle aged man who specializes in reading maps, archeology and paleontology.
At first, the body switch gives a simple and predictable jokes. But the concept stays interesting throughout the whole film, without become lame and juvenile. Dwayne Johnson, who is now the embodiment of a shy and nerdy kid, does this very convincing. And Karen Gillan really does a great job awkwardly dealing with her body language. Jack Black was probably my favorite, a teenage girl trapped inside a middle aged man’s body. Kevin Hart is the least convincing of the four, because he plays himself instead of the character trapped inside of him.
It’s very clever to turn the Jumanji game into a videogame and this makes for a fun and entertaining setting. The characters have strengths and weaknesses and there are clear rules. And the whole décor is fantastic!
Although I love the original “Jumanji” movie, this film isn’t timeless. The special effects of this film are a bit outdated, but overall I still love it. “Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle” really surprised me and I really liked it. A lot!

Rating: 4 / 5

Movie Reviews - Rampage

Director: Brad Peyton
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Naomi Harris, Malin Akerman, Joe Manganiello, Marley Shelton

Description: When three different animals become infected with a dangerous pathogen, a primatologist (Dwayne Johnson) and a geneticist team up to stop them from destroying Chicago.

Review: When albino gorilla George gets infected with a genetic substance, primatologist David Okoye has to try and protect his friend.
“Rampage” is based on an arcade game from 1986. In this game, you would go through a city as a giant gorilla, lizard or wolf and try to sabotage the army. A simple concept and perfect for an entertaining monster movie.
There is a little more context here. It’s explained why the animals grow to be so big. And we are introduced to human characters that we should sympathize with or hate.
“Rampage” is a destructive monster movie, with not enough of the monsters. It look good, the animals look great. Dwayne Johnson does what he does best. Being a damn charming action hero.
Fun and entertaining, that’s all.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 81: Baywatch

Director: Seth Gordon
Genre: Comedy/ Action
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Jon Bass, Priyanka Chopra, Ilfenesh Hadera

Description: Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Dwayne Johnson) butts heads with a brash new recruit (Zac Efron), as they uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.

Review: The 80s television was dominated by “Miami Vice” and the next decade it was “Baywatch”, with a billion viewers. It wasn’t only iconic because of Pamela Anderson running in slow-motion in her red bathing suit, but also the restart of David Hasselhoff’s career. And since translation televisions shows into movies is a trend, “Baywatch” couldn’t be left behind.
Mitch isn’t played by The Hoff this time, but Dwayne Johnson. Zac Efron plays Matt Brody and Kelly Rorhbach is CJ Parker. It’s fun to see the same characters, but weird to see them being portrayed by different actors. Hasselhoff and Anderson both have a cameo, off course.
This film is nothing like the show. First, the comedy is pretty juvenile. A lot of ball/ boob/ sex related jokes. Second, there isn’t a lot of beach recuing going on. The characters are after a drug dealer that’s working their beach.
Off course, this is a film that doesn’t completely take itself seriously. And that’s exactly what you should do: don’t take it too seriously. It’s a joy to watch if you like beach bods and it is entertaining. But the film is way too cheesy and it doesn’t do the TV show justice (not that this was of such a high level, but it was my favorite show in the 90s).

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 36: Furious 7

Director: James Wan

Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 137 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gubson, Dwayne Johnson, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Kurt Russell, Elsa Pataky, Luke Evans, Djimon Hounsou

Description: Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham) seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family for his comatose brother.

Review: “The Fast and the Furious” series is without a doubt one of the most outstanding film franchises. What started out as a standard action film about street races, grew out to be a successful series. Already the seventh film and it is worth your time. Deckard Shaw is out for revenge, after Dom Toretto and his team eliminated his brother. He is threatening everyone in Dom’s ‘family’.

“Furious 7” has some dark edges, because of the tragic death of one of the lead actors: Paul Walker. This is the franchise that made him famous. Walker died when the film was only half done, so the makers had to use doubles and CGI. This works, because you don’t notice it while watching the film. The end of the film is not something that fits the film, but is added as a tribute to Paul Walker.

I was never a fan of the earlier film in this series, but I really enjoyed “Furious 7”. It’s a good action film, fast paced, action packed and very entertaining.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 124: Empire State

Director: Dito Montiel

Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller

Runtime: 90 minutes

Year: 2013

Starring: Liam Hemsworth, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Angarano, Emma Roberts, Paul Ben-Victor, Jerry Ferrara, Nikki Reed, Michael Rispoli

Description: Two childhood friends (Liam Hemsworth and Michael Angarano) plan to rob an armored car depository. Detective Ransone (Dwayne Johnson) stands in their way.

Review: Apparently the robbery in the movie actually happened, the way it happened in “Empire State”. Sadly enough the movie is, despite of the source material, a very plane and bland movie.

In “Empire State” we follow Chris. His shady friend Eddie always pulls him into the bad business, while Chris wants to live an honest life. He even wants to become a cop. After he has been rejected to join the academy, Chris takes a job as a security guard. He has to protect a huge amount of money, but sees how poorly it is secured. Chris and Eddie decide to steal the money, but detective James Ransone is watching closely.

It’s actually very shocking to see how easy it is to get to the money and how they eventually steal it. Like I said before, the source material is strong. Director Dito Montiel didn’t make a spectacular film with this material. Not only the movie is plane, the acting isn’t all that great either. Liam Hemsworth could have done more than this, but it’s basically his character that’s in his way.

My biggest problem was how annoying I found the characters, especially Eddie. I didn’t feel a grind of sympathy and it was just predictable that everything was going ape shit.

“Empire State” is a film that you should probably ignore. Maybe for a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Rating: 1,5/ 5