Mission Impossible 8: The Final Reckoning (2025)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
This ties directly to events from the previous movie Dead Reckoning and the race against the Entity. While the title and indications are that this is meant to be the end of the MI movie series, the ending is along the same vein of all the other endings where it could continue in the future, though likely with some changes given allegiances that are tested and damages the team takes in the course of the mission. As usual, there is lots of action and seeming impossible situations that must be navigated to try and achieve their goals with the mission before they run out of time. In this case, stakes are higher than ever with earth's destruction and/or a new world war on the verge of breaking out if a different alternative can't be found to stop the Entity and save the world. Any one of the close calls in this film could have gone very wrong, and some certainly did, leaving some unlikely allies and unexpected decisions along the line as trust is tested and time is running out.
Showing posts with label genre: action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label genre: action. Show all posts
October 29, 2025
October 28, 2025
Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning
Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning (2023)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Hunt continues to end up in insane scenarios where missions never go as planned and he must beat death defying odds to achieve MIF's goals. Of course it's not an MI adventure without a girl to protect and enemies coming from multiple directions, including sometimes from within their own ranks. More than one familiar face returns from previous films. It's amazing the number of stunts they manage to come out of in one piece, let alone survive at the end of the day. Unlike many of the other movies, this ends on a clear cliff hanger note, where the mission is not entirely over yet, and it's clear there is still more to come tying directly into the narrative and next steps set out in this film chasing the AI Entity. It's an unusual type of ending, but makes sense especially to those watching it after the last film was released in 2025. It may even have more of a ring at this day and age given the increased AI movements across tech and increasing platforms to support such functions online.
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Hunt continues to end up in insane scenarios where missions never go as planned and he must beat death defying odds to achieve MIF's goals. Of course it's not an MI adventure without a girl to protect and enemies coming from multiple directions, including sometimes from within their own ranks. More than one familiar face returns from previous films. It's amazing the number of stunts they manage to come out of in one piece, let alone survive at the end of the day. Unlike many of the other movies, this ends on a clear cliff hanger note, where the mission is not entirely over yet, and it's clear there is still more to come tying directly into the narrative and next steps set out in this film chasing the AI Entity. It's an unusual type of ending, but makes sense especially to those watching it after the last film was released in 2025. It may even have more of a ring at this day and age given the increased AI movements across tech and increasing platforms to support such functions online.
October 27, 2025
Mission Impossible 6: Fallout
Mission Impossible 6: Fallout (2018)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
The CIA seems to cause more trouble than be of any help when it comes to MIF and Hunt's operations, which is not helped at all by suspicions fed into the organization suspecting him as the leader of the very Apostles he has been trying to take down. We see some unexpected characters come back to the main screen, and plenty of tight situations that seem impossible. Even the CIA has to admit MIF has a purpose at the end, especially once they realize just how far Hunt will go to save those he cares for - a heart and purpose that it seems many in these intelligence agencies are lacking.
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
The CIA seems to cause more trouble than be of any help when it comes to MIF and Hunt's operations, which is not helped at all by suspicions fed into the organization suspecting him as the leader of the very Apostles he has been trying to take down. We see some unexpected characters come back to the main screen, and plenty of tight situations that seem impossible. Even the CIA has to admit MIF has a purpose at the end, especially once they realize just how far Hunt will go to save those he cares for - a heart and purpose that it seems many in these intelligence agencies are lacking.
October 26, 2025
Marvel Cinematic Universe 36: The Fantastic Four [First Steps]
MCU 36: The Fantastic Four [First Steps] (2025)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I was careful to avoid spoilers before watching this, so other than family members informing me that they really enjoyed the movie, I didn't know what to expect going in. I had suspected more of a tie-in with the current MCU universe given the ending of Thunderbolts* with the rocket, but this has an old-time feel while still having advanced technology for the Fantastic Four, which is an interesting combination. Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer instead of Norrin Radd is also an interesting choice. Curious if we'll see both Silver Surfers at some point in the future or if this token will be the only nod to this part of the franchise given the previous Silver Surfer film, though it was not nearly as well done in terms of the world building overall. The adaptation of Ben's beard is also hilarious and not something that has been considered in previous film variations. On a whole, this was a lot more true to the same feel as the original comic books, and even kept the origin story much the same, while still moving things along. Johnny is even toned down a bit so while he's still more flighty and a charmer, he's much more focused on his family and doing something rather than just playing all the time, which is a drastically improved attitude for his character, though you'll still get plenty of banter between Johnny and Ben especially. The cameo for Doctor Doom at the ending was also iconic and a fun easter egg for those who look up the uncredited cast of the film. Hopefully it doesn't change for the next full length feature if we see Doom step onto the stage more fully as that would be a fun win for the entire MCU fandom.
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
I was careful to avoid spoilers before watching this, so other than family members informing me that they really enjoyed the movie, I didn't know what to expect going in. I had suspected more of a tie-in with the current MCU universe given the ending of Thunderbolts* with the rocket, but this has an old-time feel while still having advanced technology for the Fantastic Four, which is an interesting combination. Shalla-Bal as the Silver Surfer instead of Norrin Radd is also an interesting choice. Curious if we'll see both Silver Surfers at some point in the future or if this token will be the only nod to this part of the franchise given the previous Silver Surfer film, though it was not nearly as well done in terms of the world building overall. The adaptation of Ben's beard is also hilarious and not something that has been considered in previous film variations. On a whole, this was a lot more true to the same feel as the original comic books, and even kept the origin story much the same, while still moving things along. Johnny is even toned down a bit so while he's still more flighty and a charmer, he's much more focused on his family and doing something rather than just playing all the time, which is a drastically improved attitude for his character, though you'll still get plenty of banter between Johnny and Ben especially. The cameo for Doctor Doom at the ending was also iconic and a fun easter egg for those who look up the uncredited cast of the film. Hopefully it doesn't change for the next full length feature if we see Doom step onto the stage more fully as that would be a fun win for the entire MCU fandom.
October 24, 2025
Marvel Cinematic Universe 35: Thunderbolts*
MCU 35: Thunderbolts* (2025)
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yelena is a central character in this movie, though she doesn't have an alter ego like the rest of the Thunderbolts or the Avengers. It's clear that she's not satisfied with her current life and still misses her sister. Similar to Natasha, they may have been trained as assassins since childhood, but there's a gentleness and clear heart in these sisters that goes against their training. Similarly, Yelena finds herself in a rather unique family situation, though it's clear sometimes she's so embarrassed by them, she may wish she was back on her own. It sounds like there may be some conflict with their claiming the title as the new Avengers, even though they themselves were not the ones who initially made that declaration. It will be interesting to see how things evolve and if de Fonte will continue to be a concern or if her new public image will keep her inline with the team's own agenda, though that may be difficult to maintain. Most of the team seems to be fairly level headed, except Alexei, who seems unusually obsessed with his past as a super soldier and his new "team." Bob also claims that the power comes with a specific identity and point of view, so he may remain the odd civilian hanging out with the team, or maybe there is more than he knows to his abilities that might allow him to regain some control. It's also relatively easy to tell where we are in the series if you pay attention to the narrative as they discuss both Sam's possession of "the shield" and the Red Hulk from the last movie.
Rating: 3 of 5 stars
Yelena is a central character in this movie, though she doesn't have an alter ego like the rest of the Thunderbolts or the Avengers. It's clear that she's not satisfied with her current life and still misses her sister. Similar to Natasha, they may have been trained as assassins since childhood, but there's a gentleness and clear heart in these sisters that goes against their training. Similarly, Yelena finds herself in a rather unique family situation, though it's clear sometimes she's so embarrassed by them, she may wish she was back on her own. It sounds like there may be some conflict with their claiming the title as the new Avengers, even though they themselves were not the ones who initially made that declaration. It will be interesting to see how things evolve and if de Fonte will continue to be a concern or if her new public image will keep her inline with the team's own agenda, though that may be difficult to maintain. Most of the team seems to be fairly level headed, except Alexei, who seems unusually obsessed with his past as a super soldier and his new "team." Bob also claims that the power comes with a specific identity and point of view, so he may remain the odd civilian hanging out with the team, or maybe there is more than he knows to his abilities that might allow him to regain some control. It's also relatively easy to tell where we are in the series if you pay attention to the narrative as they discuss both Sam's possession of "the shield" and the Red Hulk from the last movie.
October 23, 2025
Marvel Cinematic Universe 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World]
MCU 34: Captain America 4 [Brave New World] (2025)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
For anyone only following the movies that has not seen The Falcon & The Winter Soldier, this is the first time we see Mackie pick up the shield on the big screen instead of Evans. There's a lot of action packed in and more than a few easter eggs, but if you haven't followed the series so far, watchers may be more than a little lost in the subtext. As an action film, it is engaging, but it doesn't seem to have as much of a story that it's telling. There are a few hints, especially at the end, for anyone paying attention, which makes sense especially following films like The Multiverse of Madness. It would seem the multiverse is here to stay with the popularity and ongoing references, which opens up a lot of possibilities for the series.
October 15, 2025
Jurassic Park 7: Jurassic World Rebirth
Jurassic Park 7: Jurassic World Rebirth (2025)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, this resurgence of this series is still going strong with this latest addition. Time has moved on enough that dinosaurs are largely back to being forgotten outside of no-travel zones where the majority that still survive live, surroundings the island where the mutations who weren't deemed good enough for public viewing at the parks are housed. It's been long enough now that we have a new cast heading out for research, though anyone familiar with the series won't be expecting all of them to return home. Half of the group intentional head to the restricted zone on a mission to collect DNA from three colossal dinosaurs in the hopes that this DNA will hold the key to needed heart medication for the human race. The other half of the group consists of a small family and a lazy boyfriend caught out at sea. While the group starts off as rather cutthroat and out for their own benefits, it seems there's more than a few good ones mixed in with all that ambition. Of course, it isn't a Jurassic movie without a t-rex, too.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, this resurgence of this series is still going strong with this latest addition. Time has moved on enough that dinosaurs are largely back to being forgotten outside of no-travel zones where the majority that still survive live, surroundings the island where the mutations who weren't deemed good enough for public viewing at the parks are housed. It's been long enough now that we have a new cast heading out for research, though anyone familiar with the series won't be expecting all of them to return home. Half of the group intentional head to the restricted zone on a mission to collect DNA from three colossal dinosaurs in the hopes that this DNA will hold the key to needed heart medication for the human race. The other half of the group consists of a small family and a lazy boyfriend caught out at sea. While the group starts off as rather cutthroat and out for their own benefits, it seems there's more than a few good ones mixed in with all that ambition. Of course, it isn't a Jurassic movie without a t-rex, too.
October 13, 2025
DC Universe 1: Superman
DCU 1: Superman (2025)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It took awhile to get around to watching this, but glad to have finally caught up. In some ways this follows the classic Superman lore a lot, and even introduces Krypto, Supergirl's dog. Supergril also makes a brief cameo, but is nothing like previous series have portrayed her thus far. There is a lot of mixing with the Justice Gang (replacing the previously well known Justice League in the DC fandom). It's rather hilarious recognizing some of the actors in the series, especially Green Lantern, as this is very different casting from previous iterations. There is a fair bit of humor mixed in, but a lot of high impact content, leaving this version with a mix of emotions that overall are enjoyable, but could turn the other way - especially as we seem to see a lot of the "Man of Steel" not being so invincible after all. The addition of the robots are also an oddity, especially against the name "Fortress of Solitude."
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
It took awhile to get around to watching this, but glad to have finally caught up. In some ways this follows the classic Superman lore a lot, and even introduces Krypto, Supergirl's dog. Supergril also makes a brief cameo, but is nothing like previous series have portrayed her thus far. There is a lot of mixing with the Justice Gang (replacing the previously well known Justice League in the DC fandom). It's rather hilarious recognizing some of the actors in the series, especially Green Lantern, as this is very different casting from previous iterations. There is a fair bit of humor mixed in, but a lot of high impact content, leaving this version with a mix of emotions that overall are enjoyable, but could turn the other way - especially as we seem to see a lot of the "Man of Steel" not being so invincible after all. The addition of the robots are also an oddity, especially against the name "Fortress of Solitude."
March 30, 2025
Daredevil: Born Again
Daredevil: Born Again (2025)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
While this is no longer with Netflix like the original TV series, the story picks up just after the end of the first story, with the same actors as well, though things quickly shift directions. Add as well that this is now considered officially part of the MCU lineup, and you have a lot of potential tie-ins to ongoing stories and other heroes. More than one Marvel character is referenced even in just the first 6 episodes that are currently available to watch. The story doesn't start out in the vein you may expect at all, but so far is building up the tension and puts Matt in one situation after another where he must reassess his choices, including if the world still needs vigilantes or not, and if he is still counted as one of them.
July 27, 2024
X-Men 13: Deadpool & Wolverine
X-Men 13: Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars
With the buyout of Fox by Disney, who also has already acquired Marvel, Deadpool and the X-Men franchise has officially merged into the Avengers universe, to the point that it is the source of several pointed comments in the film and we even see Deadpool actively trying to join the Avengers. Of course, being a Deadpool film, there's a high level of comedy, though the crudeness and profanity levels have gone up in this sequel from previous iterations, along with the level of gore seen in the fight scenes. What plays well though, is this merger with Wolverine, especially as both have regenerative abilities so they are much harder to kill, and both have a rather crude sense of humor. This may also be the closest to an in depth level of the multiverse that we've seen in live action so far, or may see to date, with the entrance of so many Deadpools (similar to the Spider-Man headquarters in Across the Spider-Verse). An additional nice touch, aside from many of the characters being more true to their original comic book creations, was the inclusion of cameos from several past Marvel live-action performers reprising their same roles, including Sabertooth, Toad, Elektra, and even Blade. A nice touch of nostalgia, especially with all of the TVA. Fans that have been around since the early movie days are also of an age they may get an extra kick out of the soundtrack for this film, complete with copying some of the original music video dance moves.
June 9, 2024
Jurassic Park 6: Jurassic World Dominion
Jurassic Park 6: Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
With 2 kids that love Jurassic Park and have probably watched these movies more times than we can count I'm amazed I hadn't actually sat down to watch this all the way through until now. Not only do we have Owen and Claire who have been the face of Jurassic World, and Malcolm who has been the one constant through all of the films so far (on the good guys side, not counting Dr. Henry Wu or any of the park bank rollers), but this film also brings back the original characters and actors who played Ellie Stattler and Alan Grant in the first Jurassic Park movie. Blue continues to play a pivotal role as well, though we mostly see her at the beginning and the end as there's a bit of handing off the guard where we could see future films focusing more on Maisie and Beta. Though with Dr. Wu even seeming to finally be able to acknowledge things are out of control and they need to wind back the clock, curious to see how far that might go. The dinosaurs still live and are in the wild, with a good concentration of them remaining in the Biosyn facility. How long will that hold though or would more changes potentially come in the future? Maisie's story especially turned out to be far different than what Fallen Kingdom originally portrayed, and clearly for the best overall. If anything, it's nice to see her settle into her own skin a little bit and get some answers so she no longer feels like she's just a clone and can accept the family she's found for herself.
February 26, 2024
DC Extended Universe 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom]
DCEU 15: Aquaman 2 [The Lost Kingdom] (2023)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
DCU does not seem to be improving. Can't say I'm a fan of how they continue to paint Aquaman as a bit of a lumbering drunk while still trying to be a hero and king. Arthur must seek help from his brother Orm who is currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the Atlantis council seems to block every opportunity for peace and coexistence while casting doubts on his rule and Black Mantis is back with even more deadly power backing him to cause trouble for both land and sea. While there is technically still a bit of family infighting given the king behind Black Mantis' power is their own ancestor's brother, Arthur's immediate family has a bit of a turning point and several realizations along this journey that hopefully will mean further improvements in the future.
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
DCU does not seem to be improving. Can't say I'm a fan of how they continue to paint Aquaman as a bit of a lumbering drunk while still trying to be a hero and king. Arthur must seek help from his brother Orm who is currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, the Atlantis council seems to block every opportunity for peace and coexistence while casting doubts on his rule and Black Mantis is back with even more deadly power backing him to cause trouble for both land and sea. While there is technically still a bit of family infighting given the king behind Black Mantis' power is their own ancestor's brother, Arthur's immediate family has a bit of a turning point and several realizations along this journey that hopefully will mean further improvements in the future.
February 25, 2024
DC Extended Universe 14: Blue Beetle
DCEU 14: Blue Beetle (2023)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Jaime Reyes is just trying to get a job to help his family keep their house. His family are a group of odd-balls and conspiracy theorists who love to egg each other on. When he is charged with protecting the scarab, of course they get him to open the box, resulting in actually handling it and being chosen to be it's symbiotic host as the new Blue Beetle. There's no time to learn though Victoria Kord is convinced the scarab holds the key to her ultimate weapon, leading to the success and recognition she craves. She doesn't care who she has to destroy along the way to get what she wants. The Reyes family are a tight knit group though, and with a little help from Victoria's niece, Jenny Kord, who does not agree with using her father's legacy to create weapons, they might have a chance to turn things around. The movie itself is an odd mix of humor, trying to be action, and copying from other films (anyone else recognize that trunk jingle at the beginning reminiscent of Ant-Man?). A good portion of the movie is also in Spanish, so hope you don't mind subtitles. While it's okay overall, and I'm glad we saw it at least once so we won't be lost in later movies if they tie all together, can't say this one really rates too high or is likely to be repeated any time soon.
February 24, 2024
Marvel Cinematic Universe 33: Captain Marvel 2 [The Marvels]
MCU 33: Captain Marvel 2 [The Marvels] (2023)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Nick Fury is rather relaxed in his role with this new space research currently, a far cry from the all black, always armed, and ready for action Fury from S.H.I.E.L.D. Carol as usual means well, but doesn't always seem to hit the mark. She's especially a bit of a fish out of water when it comes to family ties and anything outside of her "work" as a superhero, largely due to her own guilt and mixed up emotions. She's forced to face more than a few things she actually can remember about her past when the Kree try to fix their homeland, resulting in literal tears in space. At the same time, Carol's powers are temporarily linked with both Monica's and Kamala's, resulting in more than a little bit of confusion and some forced family reunions. We see some tie ins to the X-Men universe a result of this installment as well, though it's very clear that this is a parallel universe and not the same one, so if more mutants will enter the Avengers current timeline remains to be seen. Monica, for her part, is still very hurt by her mother's death and Carol's disappearance, as this topic comes up frequently throughout the film. Kamala, meanwhile, hero worships Carol to an extreme, even going as far as to copy her alias as Ms. Marvel. They never do seem to come up with what Monica's name would be as a Marvel, especially as she insists she doesn't need one.
October 15, 2023
The Fast & the Furious 7: Fast X
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Dom and his family are being framed and targeted by Dante Reyes, son of the drug kingpin Hernan they had previously taken down. Unfortunately, it seems he has allies inside the Agency, leaving Dom and his family at a serious disadvantage as they get picked off with one trap after another. As with the previous film, the ending is a bit of a cliff hanger that seems to be setting up for yet another installment to the series. Letty is still in Antarctica while Dom and his son face drowning and perhaps their last allies left are either in critical condition or facing their own showdowns. If another one does come up, it's clear there will be no peace for the time being and Dom may be facing his greatest challenge yet.
Indiana Jones 5: The Dial of Destiny
Indiana Jones 5: The Dial of Destiny (2023)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Indy thought he was retiring, but as usual, ends up in a much larger adventure than he thought he had bargained for, complete with Nazis, time travel, living history, and somehow unintentionally restoring the fragments of his family. Of course they also found a reason to get Harrison Ford on a horse, and he's one actor that really can ride. It's a rather hilarious chase scene and there is one part that you can just about see the green screen in use, but otherwise the film itself is high action and entertaining with a side dish of emotional drama. We have lots of bugs, and eels, which seem to take the place of snakes in this edition, but no actual snakes or the catch phrase "why did it have to be snakes". We do, however, get Indy's traditional gear, including his whip action and his iconic hat.
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Indy thought he was retiring, but as usual, ends up in a much larger adventure than he thought he had bargained for, complete with Nazis, time travel, living history, and somehow unintentionally restoring the fragments of his family. Of course they also found a reason to get Harrison Ford on a horse, and he's one actor that really can ride. It's a rather hilarious chase scene and there is one part that you can just about see the green screen in use, but otherwise the film itself is high action and entertaining with a side dish of emotional drama. We have lots of bugs, and eels, which seem to take the place of snakes in this edition, but no actual snakes or the catch phrase "why did it have to be snakes". We do, however, get Indy's traditional gear, including his whip action and his iconic hat.
August 24, 2023
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a sequel to Into the Spider-Verse, with a third installment pending (indefinitely delayed due to writer strikes at the moment). Turns out, not everything is as expected in many of the universes, and Miles goes from maybe feeling a little left out, to just wanting to live his own life the way he chooses to. Gwen looks to be a crux in this story playing out. It doesn't seem like all hope is lost just yet, though there are certainly some rather impressive odds at times. First off, they need to figure out what time Miles really is in, and how to get him back to the correct time instead.
August 18, 2023
The Batman
The Batman (2022)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Trying to catch up a bit on my super hero/comic movies and realized I hadn't yet seen Pattinson's version of Batman. Not exactly the first actor that comes to mind for a dark, broody, action packed role, but did okay. This time around, it turns out there may be some bad blood in the Wayne family past, and Bruce himself is about the must human we've seen of a Batman in awhile. Sure, he's still the Dark Knight, but he doesn't have as many of the fancy gadgets or the smooth moves that are more common in the other films. On the other hand, this Batman seems to make a deliberate choice to be a hero in the light more than a vigilante in the dark. Not a favorite film, but enjoyed it a lot more than expected given it's another reboot and we know the previous Batman is most likely to continue as part of the DCEU.... or will he given the addition of the multiverse?
DC Extended Universe 13: The Flash
DCEU 13: The Flash (2023)
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Well, technically we had the Arrowverse first, then MCU debuted the Multiverse, and now we have specifically the multiverse referenced here in this movie for the DCEU. Barry wants his mom back, however, it's not as simple as just saving one person and the timeline remains intact. Through a series of misadventures and unfortunately events, Barry is reminded what it's like not to be the Flash and has to watch as the world has changed and falls apart around him while he's helpless to do anything to help.... or is he? Have to admit, I'm still partial to the previous Flash from the Arrowverse rather than this awkward one from the movies. We get several different Batmans, and even some flashbacks to previous Batman and Superman series.
August 17, 2023
DC Extended Universe 12: Shazam! 2 [Fury of the Gods]
DCEU 12: Shazam! 2 [Fury of the Gods] (2023)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Surprisingly, despite all of the immature chaos and lack of cohesion, this is one of the better DCEU films recently. Billy and his family are still very awkward, but they learn some big lessons in this addition to the series and really come together as an actual family. Billy even sort of gets his wish with Wonder Woman stepping in at the end. A tad confusing though with the reference to no other gods and both the Justice League and the Justice Society, and yet no one seems to have a clue about Black Adam, even though he has the same power as Shazam. Convenient plot whole so they could bring in Wonder Woman or something else? They even give a nod to the MCU in the end there with the "Avenger's Society".
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