The only thing impressive of this live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon is Toothless (The Night Fury) and the other dragons flying around in breathtaking scenery. Gerard Butler is always great, no matter what. He was obviously the perfect choice to attain the role of Stoick the Vast, since he was the voice in the original animated film. However, not much can be said about the rest of the cast. It was a shame they were not able to make that connection to the characters of a classic animated movie we have grown to adore.

I really expected more out of Mason Thames since he’s done amazing work in The Black Phone, but he probably was not a good fit for the role of Hiccup. Though, you can tell he did put in great effort towards the last half of the film. As for Nico Parker, she had the opportunity to shine but also fell flat with her performance as Astrid – it lacked her strong-willed attitude.

No doubt there were high expectations for the current live-action remake, which added pressure on the entire cast. However, it looks like they will be getting a second opportunity to refine their acting techniques and redeem themselves. Universal Pictures announced back in April of this year that a live-action sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, was in development and scheduled for release in the summer of 2027.

Despite the acting, How To Train Your Dragon has impressive and captivating graphics. It is a good summer movie for the entire family to enjoy. The new generation will definitely fall in love with Toothless, and the previous generation will continue to adore this fiercely loyal, and ferociously loving dragon.

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina comes a nonstop impactful action film that is set between the events in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and John Wick: Chapter 4 timeline. Ballerina is a fantastic addition to the John Wick franchise. It takes you on a wild journey to a secluded snowy mountain village of Hallstatt, Austria. Ana de Armas gives a killer performance in the role of Eve, the little ballerina girl turned assassin to avenge the death of her father.  

Writer Derek Kolstad, known for the successful contribution of the John Wick films, paired up once again with Shay Hatten – writer for John Wick 3 and 4. Together, they created another exciting chapter that gives a glimpse of the underworld feud between crime families – one being more of a lethal cult. Kolstad and Hatten bring back familiar characters to Ballerina – Winston (Ian McShane), The Director (Anjelica Huston) and the beloved manager of the Continental, Charon (Lance Reddick’s last film appearance). They also introduce new exciting characters – The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne), Dex (Robert Masser) and Daniel Pine (Norman Reedus).

Director Len Wiseman did magnificent work using dark tones highlighted with electric purple that captures the atmosphere of the shadowy crime network that is blended with mysticism and luxury. The selection of weaponry was fitting for all the action scenes. A katana was masterfully used by Eva, and impressive flamethrowers that can roast any enemy like a marshmallow.

Ana de Armas obviously underwent some intense physical training for the part of Eve. De Armas was fierce and engaging in her hand to hand combat scenes, especially when she comes face to face with the one and only Baba Yaga, John Wick (Keanu Reeves). The special appearance by Reeves is remarkable and has such sophistication that he never disappoints in his role as John Wick. He knows how to captivate the audience.

Ballerina has all the aspects for an entertaining action summer movie. Evidently, there are many deep-hidden secrets within the World of John Wick. With eager anticipation, those underground tales of Jardani Jovonovich will continue to indulge the curiosity of avid fans in forthcoming productions.

Just when you though it was safe to get back in the water at Volente Beach in Austin, Texas, Dangerous Animals celebrates its premiere screening presented by Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Rolling Road Show and hosted by Fons Pr.

Director Sean Byrne and Texas native Hassie Harrison made a special appearance to introduce their film Dangerous Animals. Guests had a fun time floating on the lake in shark themed tubes while watching the movie, there were even two guys in scuba gear submerged in the water with red lights to set a frightening tone.

Dangerous Animals is the perfect summer thriller on the beach movie. It takes place in Australia where charter boat operator Bruce Tucker (Jai Courtney) takes tourists for shark excursions, but uses them as bait for his sick and twisted sadistic pleasure. Bruce goes on the hunt to seek out his next victim, which happens to be a strong willed surfer Zephyr (Hassie Harrison). To Bruce’s amazement, the situation now becomes predator-prey reversal.

This thriller movie has intense graphic scenes, with many nail biting situations and of course, huge ferocious sharks! It will definitely make viewers jump out of their inner tubes. Yes, Jaws would approve.