Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies

David Newman is conducting Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert over the course of three nights at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This was my first time getting to see a film at the CSO, let alone watch the CSO in action. It was a fun experience–anytime I get to watch a Star Wars film on the big screen is always a good time. The last time I saw Star Wars: The Force Awakens on…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens in Concert – CSO at the Movies"

The Woman King – Toronto 2022

Viola Davis turns in an award-worthy performance in The Woman King, a new historical epic that just premiered in Toronto. I had to juggle my schedule a bit in order to attend one of the TIFF screenings. It isn’t unfair to say that Viola Davis should get an Oscar nomination for her role as General Nanisca. This is an epic true story set in the African Kingdom of Dahomey in 1823. Nanisca (Viola Davis) leads…

"The Woman King – Toronto 2022"

Breaking – Sundance 2022 (Formerly 892)

892 is just further proof that America as a whole needs to do better when it comes to its veterans after their service career is over. An American veteran and father, Brian Brown-Easley (John Boyega), is waiting to receive his latest disability check from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Because he owes money somehow, they never bother sending out a check and it only gets worse from here on out. Not receiving the check is…

"Breaking – Sundance 2022 (Formerly 892)"

James Bond 007: Who Will Replace Daniel Craig?

The million dollar question heading into the release is who will be replacing Daniel Craig after No Time to Die in the role of James Bond. While I believe that actors like Tom Hardy, Tom Hiddleston, or Henry Cavill would do a good job in the role, there’s a question of if they are too old for the role. With Cavill, he put his foot in his mouth a few years ago when it came…

"James Bond 007: Who Will Replace Daniel Craig?"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the ninth and final installment of the Skywalker saga, is now available for fans to buy on 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray. In addition to the above options, eight previous films in the saga are being made available on 4K Ultra HD for the first time.  Both Star Wars: The Last Jedi and Solo were previously available on 4K UItra HD. Bonus features include*: The Skywalker Legacy – The…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Hits Home Video"

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends

Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker isn’t only the ninth Star Wars installment but the ultimate conclusion to a franchise started in 1977. It goes without saying that for fear of even the most mild of spoilers, I ask that you please do not read any further until after seeing the film. If you’re anything like me, go into the film knowing as little as possible. The saga ends as it begins on the…

"Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – A Saga Ends"

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Last Jedi may or may not be the best film in the franchise but writer-director Rian Johnson delivers the goods in the eighth installment. What follows below the asterisks is the bulk of my original review–first published in 2017.  My feelings on this film have not changed in two years.  In fact, the film only improves with time.  Rian Johnson would turn out to be the perfect filmmaker to take on the…

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi – Road to IX"

Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX

Star Wars: The Force Awakens features the long-awaited return of fan favorites while introducing us to a new generation of characters. Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) are back but Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing.  The Resistance has a new band of heroes leading the way for a younger generation.  Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), and BB-8 are certain to take Star Wars into the…

"Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Road to IX"

Pacific Rim Uprising – This Just Happened?!?

Pacific Rim Uprising isn’t able to bring the excitement that the first installment of the Pacific Rim franchise did upon release a few years. It’s ten years after the events of Pacific Rim and Jake Pentecost (John Boyega), the son of the legendary Stacker Pentecost (Idris Elba) has left Jaeger program.  He isn’t in the best of places when the film starts out.  It’s after he discovers Amara Namani (Cailee Spaeny) and her built-from-scratch Jaeger that…

"Pacific Rim Uprising – This Just Happened?!?"

Detroit Highlights Ugly Moment in City’s History

Detroit highlights an ugly moment in the city’s history as the 1967 riots and one deadly night are revisited. Directed by Kathryn Bigelow from a screenplay by Mark Boal, Detroit stars John Boyega, Will Poulter, Algee Smith, Jason Mitchell, Jacob Lattimore, Hannah Murray, Kaitlyn Dever, with John Krasinski and Anthony Mackie. The summer of 1967 marked an interesting time in American history.  There were anti-war protests against the US involvement in the Vietnam War.  The…

"Detroit Highlights Ugly Moment in City’s History"