Flat on Story But Visually Appealing and Still Fun.

I loved the first movie. It was absolutely hilarious that its ridiculousness didn’t matter. For the sequel however, it is still ridiculous but the flood of Oscar-winning actors wasn’t enough to capture the charm its predecessor has. 

Sure, we still have Colin Firth and goodness the infusion of Jeff Bridges, Halle Berry and Julianne Moore? I was wondering if this is a movie sponsored by the Academy and don’t remind me if the completely useless role of Channing Tatum. These actors weren’t necessary and it kinda pissed me off. Pedro Pascal was here too, but who cares right? He’s from Game of Thrones so he must be relevant. 

I’m sick and tired of the spy movie genre because they are all the same. If so, the strategy should be execution and The Golden Circle just fell flat. The one thing I’m happy about is the now trademark fight scenes that is composed of hand-held camera and long shot sequence. That was actually fun. 

I’m sure we’ll see a 3rd Kingsman movie, now that it’s been dominating the box office but I’m really hoping they’ll wise up and stop downplaying Taron Egerton and let him carry the whole damn thing. 

A weak sequel to a strong start, still cheesy scoring, great music, funny cameos. Slick battle scenes, but altogether fails anyway as it falls into the Hollywood sickness for sequels. 

Grade: 3/5 stars

Jupiter Ascending or this decade’s Wachowski Misfire

Jupiter Ascending was supposed to be released a long time ago. The story about the regular Illinois girl turned ruler of earth was postponed from it’s 2014 release to this year to give time to finish the film’s visual effects.

It’s a visual spectacle, sure, but everything else  is complete rubbish. The Wachowskis are supposed to be reclaiming themselves but here they are disappointing everyone (yet again) with cheesy lines, predictable plot and lousy acting that is thankfully confined only to Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum. Eddie Redmayne, who is set to win at this year’s Oscars, is the only commendable talent in this movie. Sean Bean is a miscast, and Douglas Booth is to good looking for Mila Kunis.

To be honest I felt like I’m watching the prequel of Star Wars with its political theme and galactic extravagance. Directed by George Lucas of course. I gave it a chance, hoping it will pick itself up. That didn’t happen.

Jupiter Ascending should never been postponed in the first place, it should’ve been canceled to save us all from the Wachowski’s, Mila Kunis’ acting, and the obvious showing off of Channing Tatum’s abs, for no reason at all.

Grade: 2 Stars

22 Jump Street Movie Review

Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum  returns in 22 Jump Street as cop partners in this much awaited sequel after the successful 21 Jump Street that was released on 2012.
The movie starts with the very much TV-like “previously on-” and you know it will be a fun ride. Jonah, who earlier this year was nominated at the Academy Awards for his work in Scorcese’s The Wolf of Wall Street, proves that he can be masterful in giving out performances no matter what the genre is. Tatum, who stars in Jupiter Ascending alongside Mila Kunis, and is postponed until next year from its supposed to be summer release, gives out undeniable charm that sparks with Jonah specially in dialogues.
The movie’s quirkyness wins the audience over. Never have I experienced a theater with people laughing so hard you cannot hear the movie anymore. From the Vietnamese Jesus to the epic final scene (I’m talking about the prospect 23 to 30 Jump Street movies) with the equally talented Seth Rogen who made  a cameo.
The plot is simple. The exact same mission as before but only in College. The sensational WhyPhy drug and of course Ice Cube and his rages. The movie’s traditional slapstick humor is no match for just the interactions of the main actors. Watching them simply  looking at each other can make you crack up.
22 Jump Street doesn’t try hard to make you laugh; you just take your set and let the movie tickle your funny bone. Effortless.