Connect with us

Movie Reviews

Mufasa: The Lion King Roars with Impressive Visual Effects

Published

on

A nice tribute to beloved James Earl Jones is displayed before the movie begins, setting up the nostalgic tone. The screen then lights up with a majestic panorama of the “Pride Lands”. Director Barry Jenkins delivered a majestic vivid quality of live animation, which were absolutely stimulating on an IMAX screen. His style of imagery had wonderful depth perception of the rugged mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Plenty of work went into the details of the animal characters – from their body movements, fur, mane, jaws and claws. The facial expressions on the animals were adorable, I just wanted to reach out and touch the screen.

The screenplay was well written but lacked creativity. It’s the typical story, told in flashbacks, about a pair of loners (Taka and Mufasa) that need each other in order to survive from Kiros and his clan of white lion outsiders. They make new friends along their way to the land of abundance, Milele. Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) learns what it takes to become a great leader – strong natural skills, conquering fears, and not being afraid to ask for help from others (animals). As for Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), since he was raised by an egotistical father, his basic survival skills are weak. Taka considers Mufasa a brother but treats him more like a buddy. Tensions arise when Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) comes into the picture. The fate of these characters is foreseeable, but enough to keep me engaged to watch it unfold.

I wanted to see more of Timon and Pumba, but they were more of comedic support characters to Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter). They did tease us with a snippet rendition of “Hakuna Matata”. Seth Rogen was the perfect fit for Pumba’s character. It was interesting to see how Zazu (voiced by Preston Nyman) becomes part of the clan and always irritating others with his sarcastic humor. However, the real star of the show is Rafiki (voiced by John Kani). He plays a key role in Mufasa’s life. The best part was how Rafiki ends up with a walking stick. Another notable scene was how pride rock got formed. I was overcome with nostalgia.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the majority of the songs, added a unique gospel hip-hop sound that brings out that wilderness passion. Miranda’s music always gives that special note to films. It was a relief to know that Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce (Nala) and Donald Glover (Simba) did not take away from the movie. They were more like cameo voices. Although Mufasa: The Lion King was a bit longer that what it needed to be, it was overall enjoyable.

Sabrina - Kiddo is the newest member of Countdown City Geeks and is a contributor of movie and television show reviews. Her passion for film derived from her college days where her rhetoric-writing professor focused on the aspects of screenwriting and music lyrics. She also has a knack for saying movie quotes.

Movie Reviews

Final Destination Bloodlines – This wild horror film takes you down memory lane where it all makes “cents”. (Movie Review)

Published

on

By

While patiently waiting and strategizing over a decade, the mysterious entity of Death finally settles the score. Final Destination Bloodlines takes you back to 1968 where it all began. Brec Bassinger makes a solid entrance in the film portraying the young Iris Campbell – The root of all chaos from messing with predestined mortalities.

Richard Harmon takes charge of holding the film together with his role as the rebellious Erik. Harmon knows how to deliver the fright in this arrogant heavily pierced character.

Final Destination Bloodlines has a great storyline, but unfortunately, the remaining cast seemed sapless like twigs.

On the other hand, watching Tony Todd’s last film appearance as William John Bludworth brought out emotions in the theater.  The mystifying backstory of Bludworth was revealed along with his connection to Death’s design – those last words were haunting.

Final Destination Bloodlines is all about the details. It focuses on the small elements that trigger the chain of events making it “crystal clear” the characters will slip through the cracks trying to defy Death. The numerous disaster scenes are truly worth watching in IMAX format. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein made great use of the color red throughout the film, with an excellent choice of needle drops to set the tone for the characters’ gruesome fatality. One moment I was singing and in a split second screaming.

Nonetheless,  this movie has many shocking twists and plenty of blood splatter to keep horror fans gasping and on the edge of your seat. Unlike the other films in the Final Destination series, this one blends in humor to relieve the tension to create an elevating viewing experience. It also brings back the original tactics that Death had planned to put into motion – careful driving behind a trailer hauling massive logs.

Just like the overall basis of the series, no matter how hard  the characters tried to escape and challenge their fate, Death’s retribution ultimately concludes in Final Destination Bloodline.  

Final Destination Bloodline will be released in theaters May 16, 2025.

Continue Reading

Movie Reviews

In theaters May 9th is the fascinating sci-fi film, ‘Watch the Skies’ – Review

Published

on

Watch the Skies is a heartfelt sci-fi film with a remarkable ensemble cast, showcases the impressive talent of rising star Inez Dahl Torhaug. The story centers on a young protagonist as she unravels the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance years before. This all happened while he was conducting investigative work on UFOs. The film balances whimsical and quirky moments with deeply profound emotional scenes that are captivating.

A unique blend of British-European humor and sci-fi adventure, Watch the Skies draws inspiration from a real-life Swedish extraterrestrial research group. Sci-fi enthusiasts will find themselves particularly well-equipped to enjoy this charming and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Synopsis: A rebellious teenage woman’s father went missing years ago and she believes that he didn’t run away but was abducted by aliens. She joins forces with a funky UFO club made up of a lovable group of weirdos and rejects. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the boundaries of the law and ultimately, our world.

Continue Reading

Movie Reviews

Blake Lively brings extravagant fashion to this murder-mystery comedy movie in ‘Another Simple Favor’ – Review

Published

on

By

When it comes to making a grand entrance in a movie , Blake Lively definitely kills it in Another Simple Favor. She looked sophistically stunning in those posh outfits and lavish shoes! Lively really steals the spotlight portraying the charming and deceptive Emily Nelson / Hope McLanden who disrupts Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) during a book reading to ask for a simple favor. Kendrick is a master in emerging into roles of the sweet, impulsive and vulnerable characters.

This saga takes place in the beautiful Island of Capri, where the extravagant wedding of Emily (Lively) to the handsome Italian mobster Dante Versano (Michele Morrone). When Aunt Linda (Allison Janney) makes a surprise appearance with Emily’s deranged mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins), well you know sparks will be bursting. Stephanie (Kendrick) is determined to seek answers to the mysterious occurrences and disappearance of Emily. The plot thickens with mind-bending, jaw-dropping twists, which leads the possibility of a trilogy.

The entire cast was amusing. This movie has a lot of dark raunchy humor, which at times could be a bit “tmi”. From feuding scenes with Henry Golding as Sean Townsend (Emily’s ex-husband) to Blake’s bedroom scene where she playing a dual role – uncomfortable, awkwardness. However, it received plenty of laughter from the audience.

Another Simple Favor will be available on Amazon Prime Video starting May 1, 2025. It will sure be a great suggestion for a girl’s night movie party.

Continue Reading

Trending