Finding Dory

Hey everyone, back again to dive into some of these animated movies of the summer. One in particular for me, because it has that nostalgia feel for me is this one from Disney and Pixar. Lately, animated movies more and more follow the formula making everything for all ages, which has bright colors, flashy things, and cute characters for the children, and hidden adult jokes that fly over children's heads. Now did this one movie hold up to the original, or did I want a refund so I can buy a fish filet from Mickey Ds? Lets find out:

Finding Dory- The big animated genre has moved on from the typical hand drawn style, and full on computer animations. The companies have really focused on story lines to appear to all genders and ages. "Finding Nemo" was a story about a dad who lost everything in a blink of an eye, and became an over protecting father to hold onto what he had left of his family. Once again in this film it's the search of a sense of belonging, and finding ones parents for Dory. Weird, why its called "Finding Dory" when she's trying to find her parents, I dunno, doesn't matter.


Plot- Dory begins getting flashes of her past, even though she has the worst memory of all time. She, finally, can recall something from her past, and its about her parents and past. Dory is overcome to go and find her parents, and asks her buddy Marlin to come help her.

Ok, the movie does many things right. First off, it got the original cast to voice act the fish we remember and adored. Second, the movie really plays at the heart strings so much, by making you laugh one minute, and really sensitive the next. The new character Hank voiced by Ed O'Neill was hands down my favorite of the film. I hope they make a movie called, "Finding Hank". I just love these types of feel good stories, because nowadays we just need them more than ever.


Final Verdict- 8.8/10- Go see this movie with your kids or date night.


Many more titles coming out this summer, and your favorite reviewer will get the scoops for you. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Warcraft

Warcraft is a game from the gaming company Blizzard Entertainment, and its has been around for about 20 years now. This is also the first movie based on a video game franchise in quite some time. I have played Warcraft and the huge MMO World of Warcraft, so I was hoping this film would not suck. Mostly, because most films on video games are freaking terrible. Did history repeat itself with Hollywood making another terrible video game movie, or was it something with actual substance? Lets find out:

Warcraft- The story line behind Warcraft is very deep and rich with the struggle for both the humans and the Orcs involved. Honestly, the game has been around since the mid 90s, so there are many fans to please. The Orcs actually weren't just mindless brutes. They are shown to have real emotions and care about each other and their families. They of course have their traditions much like many tribes or people do. Their ways go against how humans go about things, so there is constant tension and war.


Plot- The Orcs' world is dying, so to save their people an Orc Shaman, Gul'dan opens a portal to the human lands of Azeroth for a large band of Orcs to enter. Under his rule, the Orc Clans begin attacking villages to collect the humans to be sacrificed in a ceremony to open the portal fully, which will allow the remaining Orcs to come forth to Azeroth, and help claim this world in the name of the Orc. The human king of Stormwind must come to aid his people in this time of war. As the two races collide both races' leaders begin to question if war is the answer.


First off, the CGI in this film is jaw dropping. The Orcs look amazing. The fight scenes are really something, as you get to see how fierce the Orc can be with their bone crunching techniques. They did well with the character development in this film, so when something happened to a character you actually cared. The little details of the places of Azeroth were done perfectly. Iron Forge, Stormwind, etc. looked just they did in the games. The acting was well done. You even got to see the nostalgic sheep spell.

I enjoyed the film, buuuuuut it felt like half a movie. We went right into the Orcs coming through the portal, and wham bam it was over. Plus, I am assuming the people, that made this film, are thinking this is going to be a huge hit in the box office. Because the ending really isn't an ending! Oh well, I guess we will find out wont we...


Final Verdict- 6.7/10, I enjoyed it, but I could've waited to see it on Netflix.


Really weird how most of the summer's big block busters are already out. There's a few more movies I would go watch in theaters, but I only cover the big ones... cause movies are expensive lol! This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

The Conjuring 2

Busy. Busy. Busy. I was able to see two movies today, so I'll be writing my other review later. For now, lets focus on the horror genre shall we. The first movie scared the crap out of me, and I rated it very high on the Final Verdict. Now sequels rarely live up to the original films, why you ask? I have no idea. The one spin off movie "Annabella" was trash, so I went into the theater with low expectations. Did this movie scare the hell out of me, or did they conjure up some garbage to make a quick buck? Lets dive in:

The Conjuring 2- Directed by, my new favorite horror director, James Wan. The same actors, Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return to portray Lorraine and Ed Warren, a couple that assists in demonic and supernatural cases. Their most intense cases inspired these films, and I was terrified watching the original movie. It got to you psychologically, making it so successful. Main reason why I returned to see this sequel.

 Plot- We begin following the Warrens a few years after the first film. It was the year 1977, the Warrens were assisting in the Amityville killings. Here Lorraine gets a terribly haunting vision, so she asks Ed to stay away from the super natural for awhile. Unfortunately, they can't rest for too long before the church is asking them to go to Northern England to review a case for them. The Hodgsons are family of four children, and just the mother. The youngest daughter is being haunted by some evil spirit, wanting to possess her body. The Warrens attempt to help the family in saving their daughter from the demonic force.


I found myself jumping a lot during this movie; because there was very little down time at all, and it was terrifying scene after the next. There was one scene the whole theater jumped, my girlfriend wrenched my arm so bad she hyper extended my elbow. All directors should take notes from James Wan how to pace a movie to scare the shit out of you! It really tugged at your mind, and the tension was there from start to finish.


Final Verdict- 9.2/10, definitely recommend to see in theaters. This movie saved the franchise.


I have another review coming out tomorrow from the two movies I saw today. For now this is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Turtles in the half shell! TURTLE POWER! Oh, man this blockbuster season has had some big movies come out very early than usual. Already, we have had 3 big budget superhero films, and now this movie is the fourth. Well, did this movie shine outside the shadows, or tonight, do I dine on turtle soup? Lets dive in shall we:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows- Oh, man. When I was younger TMNT was all the rage! Ninja turtles were everywhere! Now, 26 years later, I get to watch them again on the big screen. You have no idea how much that hurt to type out those numbers...sigh, aging! Anyway, these four reptiles are definitely the reason for my inability to never say no to pizza. I am amazed something titled so ridiculous has stood against the test of time, and is still being enjoyed by all ages.

Plot- The story takes place directly after the first film, with Shredder, played by Brian Tee, being transported to a maximum security prison. The remaining foot clan races to rescue their bound leader, and they are successful. Now free, Shredder begins his new plans of world domination with the help of a scientist named Baxter Stockman, played by Tyler Perry. Shredder ups the ante by creating some mutants, of his own, to help battle the turtles, a warthog named, Bebop, played by Gary Anthony Williams and a rhino named Rocksteady, played by WWE wrestler, Shaemus. The turtles struggle to defeat Shredder's plans at the same time come together as a team.

I really enjoy this film over the first film. It was campy like the old 90's cartoon, but it got serious and gritty like the comic books. I found myself laughing out loud a few times from the dynamics of the brothers. This time, they really focused on the turtles, and their relationships of a family growing together. The uniqueness of each turtle's personality really shines here, and it works in so many ways. I was glad the human characters were more in the background. Unlike last time, where it was, "yeah, we have turtles, but look how hot Megan Fox is..." The cast of villains really helped engage me, and it felt like it was DONE RIGHT! The turtles I grew up with were on the big screen, and I felt like a kid again!

Final Verdict- 8.7/10- highly recommend for all ages, and worth seeing in theaters!


Next movie on my hit list, is a movie about a little mmorpg game, that at one time, had over 12 million subscribers. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

X-Men: Apocalypse

Its a celebration people, this review is my 50th one... holy crap, time does fly, soon I'll be up to 100, but that is a while away. For now, I am here to discuss another super hero film, and this genre really doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon. Now Fox, who has dropped the ball a few times with genre already. This newest installment of the X-Men franchise, was it a great movie, or was it a genre killer? Lets dive in:

X-Men Apocalypse- Well, the X-Men have fought some powerful foes before, but their toughest villains of all was Apocalypse. He was the world's first mutant with the power of immortality, and he found an alien spacecraft in the desert. When inside the ship, he bonded himself with the alien technology giving him the ability to manipulate his molecules and concussion force blasts. He also used the technology to upgrade other mutants, he would enslave, to become his four horsemen. Well, that whole character plot was completely thrown out the window, and Fox went a completely different direction. Why do they do this? Why? Why? WHY?





Plot- In the year 3600 BC, a ceremony is taking place for Apocalypse to transfer his consciousness into another mutant, so he can continue living and gain a new power to his laundry list of powers. He is betrayed by the people, seeing him as a false god, and he is buried alive for centuries. He awakes in the year 1983, to find the world is run by "weak gods", and vows to wipe the world. Starting a new one as Apocalypse as the ruler. The X-Men have to come together to stop him.



There was many things I enjoyed about the film, and there were things I hated. The things I enjoyed was the extremely emotional story for Magneto. This poor bastard has been put through the ringer in these films, constantly something tragic happens to him. I'm surprised he hasn't gone on a murderous rampage, but he endures the pain of loss. This makes him the most "human" of all the characters in the movie. The acting was great. All of the cast, were chosen incredibly well, and they all portrayed the characters awesomely. I actually liked Apocalypse's look. It was breath of fresh air to see something NOT CGI, and I think that's probably the best it could've done without it. Of course, the movie had another AMAZING, Quicksliver scene, it doesn't disappoint.





The things I hated, now these are a comic fan gripes, but I despised how Angel was done. The story line with him and Apocalypse is far sinister and disturbing. Now we will never get to see that. Storm was from an African village, not roaming the streets of Egypt, and Apocalypse did not "power bust" Storm, giving her signature white hair. Mystique does not EVER, teach the first class to become X-Men, and if so then why don't remember her in the previous films. Fox you done fucked up, the plot holes are now bigger than the ones in our o-zone layer. Plus, the storyline with the phoenix is one of the best story lines ever in X-Men comics history. This would be the perfect way for Fox to contend with Marvel's Avengers franchise. NOPE! They just take the lazy way out by saying its Jean Grey unleashing her full potential. DUMB! That's why they will never be better than Marvel, because they shit all over the source material. I wish Fox would do what Sony has done, and give the rights back to Marvel....sigh oh, and lastly, YOU CAN"T KILL APOCALYPSE! He is immortal! Schmucks! That's right you threw away that huge factor, never mind!






Final Verdict 6.7/10, If you know nothing about the X-Men, then I'm sure you will enjoy the film, but it will be hard for you if you're a fan. The movie is still worth watching in theaters due to special effects.

Next movie on my hit list has four brothers and a rat, fighting to save New York City once again. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!

Captain America: Civil War

This movie block buster season continues with Marvel bursting onto the scene with this newest edition into their universe. Now I have realized in the past I have rated these movies pretty high. I decided to have a far less fan boy outlook on reviewing this film. Now lets get to the review:

Captain America: Civil War- The sequels for Captain America have been written well, and the villains, for each of these movies, have been well done. Unlike the other forgettable Marvel sequels, yes, I am talking about you Thor and Iron Man... Even Ant Man, which was a pretty decent film, was almost a copy of the first "Iron Man". Starting to feel Marvel is pumping these out now, half assed to get to the bigger movies. Then again, they are making millions as they go, so what the hell do I know. Captain America films, I feel, these movies have been better overall.


Plot- In the past, the Avengers have saved many lives in their battles against the odds. People cheer for them, but what about the other half of the people? The ones who were injured during the battles, or even killed due to the overall destruction. Someone has to be held responsible. After another instance, in Wakanda, people have died due to their actions. The government has issued the Avengers to sign a waver stating they will now be "controlled". Meaning they will no longer act by their own means, but rather the government will tell them where and when they can act. Captain America and Iron Man are now at odds about this document. At the same time, Bucky is believed to be the cause of the mayhem in Wakanda. Captain America races to help his friend, and this causes a huge rift between the Avengers.

This movie has everything a comic book fan could possibly want from Marvel Studios to throw at them. They have many scenes of the characters bantering like every day people, which many fans have said they could watch a whole movie of just that, and the film has some of the most over the top action sequences to date. There is even a slow motion, iconic shot, of Captain America holding up his shield has Iron Man blasts into it. This is the cover of the Civil War franchise. Every single hero gets their moment of bad assness (Yes, I made up the word assness). The legendary airport scene, I would have to watch 4 more times just so I can catch everything that happened. Its the royal rumble comic nerds damn deserve to see!

Now, at the same time this is all going on, me as the viewer, did bounce back and forth from team to team. The points made by Tony Stark and Cap made sense. Now the emotional drive between both of them, I related to both, and when you watch the final act, you will understand what I am saying.

Final Verdict- 10/10, This movie has great acting, drama, humor, and action sequences never done before, and it is all done properly. Highly recommend this film for everyone to see in theaters.

Many more films coming out this summer, and I cannot wait to watch them all. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to! 

The Jungle Book

Disney is a juggernaut nowadays, one after another, their movies hit theaters making major money. Maybe, just maybe it's because they own almost everything...I'm kidding, no seriously, I'm pretty sure they do! Anyway, this newest version of this beloved story about a man-cub and his animal friends. Should this version been tossed into a jungle never to be seen, or was it worth the 25 dollars spent to see it in 3D? Lets find out:

The Jungle Book- I believe this is the 3rd or 4th retelling of the story of Mowgli, the small boy raised by wolves in the jungle. Plus, his friend and mentor a panther named Bagheera voiced by Ben Kingsley. Not the only big name voice acting in this film, we have Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, and Christopher Walken. Technology has really come a long way because all of these animals look so real. The young boy and new comer Neel Sethi, played a very good part as Mowgli. He was very likable, and meshed well with the other voice actors.


Plot- During the worst drought the jungle has ever experienced, the animals have called for a truce until the rivers return. When all the animals are congregating around the final water hole, the most feared animal of the jungle appears, Shere Khan. The beast swears a man-cub will grow up to become a man, and all men are evil and need to be eradicated. He promises he will hunt down Mowgli to kill him once the rivers return. Afraid Shere Khan will hurt the members of the wolf pack, Mowgli decides to leave to protect them. Bagheera volunteers to guide him back to the world of man, so Shere Khan cannot reach him.

Honestly, I really enjoyed this take on the story, by spending more time with the other animals. You really got a chance to see some great character development. Unfortunately, you don't see much of Kaa the HUGE python or Louie the monkey king, but they do get some great scenes though. The movie is packed with emotion, great action sequences, and plenty of humorous moments. You do get to see a much more evil side of Shere Khan, which I think made him a far better and more intense villain of the film. Now if I could I would have kept one of the wolf cubs, freaking loved them!

Final Verdict- 8.5/10, a great movie, enjoyable characters, actually worth the 3D price. Highly recommend for a date movie.

In two weeks, a big box office movie hits theaters, Captain America 3: Civil War, and I am hoping it lives up to the hype. This is Phil Goes to the Movies, so you don't have to!