Movie Review - Top Gun: Maverick

Director: Joseph Kosinski
Genre: Action/ Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Tom Cruise, Miles Teller, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Val Kilmer, Ed Harris, Charles Parnell, Monica Barbaro, Glen Powell, Bashir Salahuddin, Jay Ellis, Danny Ramirez, Lewis Pullman
 
Description: After thirty years, Maverick (Tom Cruise) is still pushing the envelope as a top naval aviator, but must confront ghosts of his past when he leads TOP GUN’s elite graduates on a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those chosen to fly it.

Review: It’s been years since Pete “Maverick” Mitchell attended pilot training at TOP GUN. By now he is an old hand in the business and has often been awarded for his heroic actions, but has never risen in rank. This is in contrast to his old rival and friend Iceman, who has become and Admiral. Iceman is the one standing up for Maverick, ensuring that he can return to TOP GUN. However, this time as an instructor to train a group of graduates for a dangerous secret mission. Not being eager to do so, Maverick does return and trains the group, but uses unorthodox methods. One of the pilots in the group is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of Maverick’s deceased co-pilot Goose. Rooster resents maverick a great deal and that makes things more complicated. When the mission is suddenly brought forward, Maverick doesn’t know if the group is ready for it.

In recent years, a number of sequels have been made to classic movies from the 1980s and 1990s. Most don’t really succeed and are merely there for nostalgia reasons. I was sceptic about “Top Gun: Maverick”, I didn’t think we need this sequel. I always liked the movie, but after a recent rewatch after many years, I realized “Top Gun” doesn’t really hold up. But boy was I wrong about this sequel. “Top Gun: Maverick” is the sequel I didn’t think I needed.

The character of Maverick has grown, but he is still reckless and always seeks out the borders and ways to cross them. But here Maverick feels more raw, realistic and someone you can actually care about, what I didn’t really feel in the original. I loved seeing Val Kilmer return, in a brief role, but the rivalry they used to have turned into a beautiful friendship, which is very visible in that one scene they have. Kelly McGillis doesn’t return, there is no explanation about where her character is. But it didn’t bother me at all, because I didn’t really care about her character anyway. Jennifer Connolly is Maverick’s new love-interest, whose character is mentioned briefly in “Top Gun” is you pay close attention.

And talking about perfect casting: Miles Teller as Rooster, the son of Maverick’s deceased co-pilot Goose. It’s totally believable. His character is angry and insecure, which brings an extra obstacle to Maverick’s return to TOP GUN.

“Top Gun: Maverick” is a very successful sequel to a cheesy and enjoyable 80s movie, that easily tops its original. It’s much better. And its best they stay with only the one sequel, because this is a perfect ending to Maverick’s story. One of my favorite films of the year.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

00s Movie Review - A Beautiful Mind

Director: Ron Howard
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 135 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Ed Harris, Paul Bettany, Christopher Plummer, Judd Hirsch, Josh Lucas, Adam Goldberg

Description: After a brilliant but asocial mathematician, John Nash (Russell Crowe), accepts secret work in cryptography, his life takes a turn for the nightmarish.

Review: It’s not easy being a genius mathematician, when even the most simple decision become the most complicated formulas. John Nash is someone like that. Nobel Prize winner John Nash allowed Ron Howard to make a film about his life. Lead actor Russell Crowe met John Nash. “A Beautiful Mind” was very successful at the Academy Awards that year, it won for best movie, director and script, but just missed out on best actor. In my opinion it’s Russell Crowe’s best performance so far and he should have definitely won the award.

“A Beautiful Mind” doesn’t only focus on him as a genius, but also his schizophrenia. We meet Nash in his college years at Princeton, where he is seen as a weird guy. He doesn’t attend classes, because he can’t learn anything there and he has other things on his mind. His days are spend trying to solve formulas, which results in a controversial thesis. But while he lives his life in the world of numbers and formulas, his paranoia grows. Nash gets delusions and is convinced the government has hired him to solve codes to find the location of an atomic bomb. His wife Alicia has no idea how to deal with it.

 
“A Beautiful Mind” is Russell Crowe at his best. He portrays John Nash so convincingly and realistic. As a mathematician testing theories and as a man fighting his inner demons. But the woman on his side, Jennifer Connelly, also shines. As Alicia Nash she portrays her sublimely, as a woman who both loves and fears her husband. Connelly won for best supporting actress, which was well deserved. Crowe and Connelly are supported by great actors Ed Harris, Paul Bettany and Christopher Plummer. But it’s the script by Akiva Goldsmith that makes this movie truly memorable. Goldsmith takes the viewers into the mind of Nash, while the truth is still hidden until a certain point, to show us how Nash sees the world.

Strong acting and a great script. “A Beautiful Mind” is a perfect film, with both Crowe and Connelly at their best. Well directed by Ron Howard and his best movie so far.

Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - He's Just Not That Into You

Director: Ken Kwapis
Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Year: 2008
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Connolly, Ben Affleck

Description: The Baltimore-set movie of interconnecting story arcs deals with the challenges of reading or misreading human behavior.

Review: “He’s Just Not That Into You” proofs again that a bunch of big movie stars are not a guarantee for a great film. The film is based on a book written by Liz Tuccillo and Greg Behrendt. “He’s Just Not That Into You” is cliché, sexist and bland. It sounds dramatic when I put it like this, because it’s still an enjoyable watch. But it’s definitely not a must-see.
The film opens with a little girl that is bullied by a boy her age. Her mother tells her that boys do that, because they like the girl. Twenty something years later, her relationship with men hasn’t become any clearer. Gigi, as we meet her, is a naïve girl that still has no clue what all the codes of dating are. She asks her friends for advice, but they don’t always know either.
Based on some existential questions (if he’s not calling you, if she’s not sleeping with you, if he’s not marrying you) we meet several characters in their twenties and thirties that deal and struggle with relationships. Their paths cross, there is laughter, there are tears, there is adultery, there is marriage. It’s all pretty predictable and not very original. Some of the characters are worth your attention though. But most of them are cliché. And none of the actors really seem to enjoy their role or give them any depth. 
Towards the end it gets more interesting. The stories are a bit stronger and get a bit more depth. “He’s Just Not That Into You” is okay, but it’s simply not funny, dramatic or grabbing enough to stand out.

Rating: 2,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 122: Spider-Man: Homecoming

Director: Jon Watts
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Adventure/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 133 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr., Marisa Tomei, Jon Favreau, Donald Glover, Tony Revolori, Jennifer Connelly, Angourie Rice, Logan Marshall-Green, Martin Starr, Gwyneth Paltrow

Description: Peter Parker (Tom Holland) balances his life as an ordinary high school student in Queens with his superhero alter-ego Spider-Man, and finds himself on the trail of a new menace prowling the skies of New York City.

Review: Spider-Man has always been one of the most popular superheroes. Iron Man got more popular because of the movies and Robert Downey Jr. The two work together in “Spider-Man: Homecoming”.
Spider-Man has had his ups and downs. “Spider-Man 3” couldn’t keep up with the two previous movies. The reboot films did okay, but weren’t as amazing as the title let us believe. Sony and Marvel had to come up with something new to give the popular webslinger the movie he deserves. The result: Spider-Man is part of the shared universe of Marvel. In “Spider-Man: Homecoming” there are many moments were they show us that. Teen Peter Parker is constantly reminded of his adult colleagues. It’s all sounds like a big marketing trick, but it’s all relevant. Peter struggles with the inner conflict of being the little fish in a small pond.
Tom Holland’s Spider-Man was shortly seen in “Captain America: Civil War”. And that guest appearance is the starting point for “Spider-Man: Homecoming”. In a world where superheroes are common, Peter Parker thinks it’s an honor to work with the team of Avengers. But after an experience like that, it’s hard for Peter to pick up his old life. Especially when Tony Starks tells him that he might receive a call, but Peter never does. Spider-Man is in the Marvel universe, but he is not yet an Avenger.
This is the sixth Spider-Man film in fifteen years, so it isn’t good enough to let the superhero just do his tricks and fight a random villain. Marvel is clever enough and uses a lot of variation. The origin story, of how Peter Parker became Spider-Man, is left behind. And it’s not Spidey just swinging from huge buildings, he goes further than that.
What keeps it all together? Tom Holland! Where predecessors Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield were about 10 years to old for the role, the young British actor is perfect to play Peter Parker. His enthusiasm is a breath of fresh air. And his great comedic timing make you almost forget that he is also very capable of performing in more dramatic scenes. Even opposite of veterans like Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton.
Peter Parker still has to prove himself as an Avenger, but this version of Spider-Man promises a very bright future.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 147: The Rocketeer

Director: Joe Johnston

Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Family

Runtime: 108 minutes

Year: 1991

Starring: Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Timothy Dalton, Paul Sorvino, Terry O’Quinn

Description: A young pilot (Bill Campbell) stumbles onto a prototype jetpack that allows him to become a high flying masked hero.

Review: “The Rocketeer” is an adventure film. Sounds exciting, but is not as exciting. Although director Joe Johnston wants you to believe that you’re watching Indiana Jones from the ‘90s, the movie isn’t as action packed and spectacular. But “The Rocketeer” is an enjoyable film.

In “The Rocketeer” we meet pilot Cliff Secord (Bill Campbell). He hopes to become an aviator, but he doesn’t have enough money and the people around him don’t help either. Cliff’s life changes when he finds a rocket. It can we worn as a backpack and makes it possible to actually fly. What Cliff doesn’t know is that the FBI and mean actor Neville Sinclair (Timothy Dalton) are both looking for it. To make sure it doesn’t end up in the wrong hands, Cliff decides to fight them as ‘The Rocketeer’, a flying superhero.

The flying hero isn’t in the movie as much as you’d hope. It’s mostly Cliff instead of the cool Rocketeer. And when the hero shows up, the special effects look pretty dated. and besides some flying and shooting scenes, there isn’t a lot of action either.

But this movie does have something I like. “The Rocketeer” has a certain atmosphere. Johnston manages to create the ‘30s and the characters are delightfully naïve and optimistic. I especially enjoyed Timothy Dalton’s over the top villain role. And this is a film that you could enjoy with the entire family. It feels nostalgic and it gives you a happy feeling.

No cinematic masterpiece, but an entertaining flick for young and old.

Rating: 3/ 5

Movie Tip #36 - A Beautiful Mind

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Paul Bettany, Ed Harris

Description: At Princeton University, John Nash (Russell Crowe) struggles to make a worthwhile contribution to serve as his legacy to the world of mathematics. He finally makes a revolutionary breakthrough that will eventually earn him the Nobel Prize. After graduate school he turns to teaching, becoming romantically involved with his student Alicia (Jennifer Connelly). Meanwhile the government asks his help with breaking Soviet codes, which soon gets him involved in a terrifying conspiracy plot. Nash grows more and more paranoid until a discovery that turns his entire world upside down. Now it is only with Alicia's help that he will be able to recover his mental strength and regain his status as the great mathematician we know him as today.

Review: This is one of my top five movies! It's fantastic. Crowe plays the role of John Nash perfectly, so intense. I never understood how he could win an oscar for "Gladiator" and not win it for "A Beautiful Mind". This is his best role ever. And Jennifer Connelly, who did win an Academy Award for this film, does a great job also. She's a very good actress. It is a beautiful movie, worth your while.

Movie Tip #35 - He's Just Not That Into You

Director: Ken Kwapis

Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Justin Long, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Connelly, Drew Barrymore, Kevin Connolly, Scarlett Johansson

Description: In Baltimore, five women and four men try to sort out the signals that the sexes exchange. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) imagines every man she meets is Mr. Right; she gets reality checks from Alex (Justin Long), a sweet but cynical saloon keeper. Janine (Jennifer Connelly) and Ben (Bradley Cooper) seem solidly married until he chats with Anna (Scarlett Johansson) in a market checkout line; meanwhile Anna is indifferent to the pursing Connor (Kevin Connolly). Neil (Ben Affleck) and Beth (Jennifer Aniston) have been together seven years; she dumps him when she realizes he really and truly isn't going to marry her. Does he love her? And Mary (Drew Barrymore) sells advertising while searching on line for a man. Will those in love stay in love? Will those searching figure out who is and who isn't into them? Are men all that different from women?

Review: I really wanted to see this movie ever since I saw its trailer. And I loved it. I've always been a big fan of multiple storyline movies. My favourite was the one with Gigi and Alex. I also loved Beth, she's so sweet and I really felt sorry for her. Just like I felt sorry for Janine. I didn't really like Scarlett Johansson in this film, because she didn't really convince me here. Normally I love her, but now I didn't. And her character is very annoying as well. But the complete picture of this film measures up to my expectations. I really enjoyed watching it. For fans of the genre they should really check it out.

He's Just Not That Into You

I frequently check the newest movie trailers. I found the trailer of "He's Just Not That Into You". It's based on a book and it has a great cast. I watched this trailer and it looks like a funny, feel-good movie. Normaly I don't like those films (some exceptions off course), but I think I'm gonna like this one. It has a couple of different storylines (like "Love Actually") and some of those stories overlap. It's about modern day relationships and how men and women often misconstrue the intentions of the opposite sex. I'm looking forward to this movie. If you wanna check out the trailer, go to the official site of the film:
www.hesjustnotthatintoyoumovie.com
The movie will hit theaters in early February, so we don't have to wait that long. This is a movie that I can look forward to.

X Joyce