Welcome to another edition of the “The Valero Verdict” movie review. In this I will give you a quick movie review with a couple of bullet points of which I either liked or disliked. I will end the review with rating of the movie and a short overall thoughts.
On the docket today, the final installment of the Fox led X-men movies, Dark Phoenix.
Sophie Turner has real potential to break out and be a massive star in the world of film. I think the growth we saw in Game of Thrones from season 1 to 8 was just a tease of what the future holds for her. I think she worked well in this movie but the script didn’t help her out at all.
Fassbender as Magneto is straight money, I would truly love to see him in this role again for a Marvel led film.
The script just felt like one big mess. The first act dragged on for what seemed forever and did we ever get a backstory on the villains? I don’t think so, they just appeared and that was that.
When we had action, it was fun. I think the third act was rather fun. It was one collective last time they got the group together to save the world. I liked it.
Anyone else notice the ending was eerily similar to the ending of The Dark Knight Rises? Also, you could see why they had to change the ending of the film after Infinity War came out as well.
The Verdict:
* & 1/2 out of *****
This is one of those times where you can say, no matter how much star power you have in one film, a bad script is a bad script they can’t even save it. That’s what this was, some solid individual performances amongst the star-studded cast but a MASSIVE let down for this being the last film with this crew (potentially). First Class was such an amazing film and it truly just went down hill from that movie.
Should You See It?: Hard pass. If you have seen all of these movies, sure check it out but wait till Redbox or On-Demand. The theaters are packed with other great films to check out right now instead.
So I went and saw Avengers: Endgame for a 3rd time and I figured I would bring back one of my favorite articles to write. Thinking Out Loud, I go to the movies and see the film and keep running notes throughout the entire film. It’s rather fun.
Warning, SPOILERS ARE AHEAD!!!!! So only read if you want to laugh, cry, and enjoy a wonderful ride through this masterpiece of a film.
Who does put Mayo on hot dogs???
Hits you right in the gut, right out the gate with Hawkeye’s family being gone.
Football with paper, those
were the good ol days when I was school.
HA they said Blue Meanie.
Captain Mehvel to save the day. (still not sure if I really like her or not)
Pepper and tony reunited
and about to get freaky.
I thought you were a build
a bear might be the funniest thing ever.
Avengers not the Pre-Vengers…. hilarious!!!!!!!
Thanos has a retirement plan. This literally has a batch of one liners to start the reunited phase of this movie.
Insert Thor “I like this one” in front of Captain Mehvel. (side note: I did like this interaction)
When they realized Thanos doesn’t have the stones anymore is the single greatest FU moments in movie history.
Also, Thanos being a sympathetic
figure after all he had done. I think one of the better set of writing in a
movie. Unreal.
And the midst of a sincere
moment, Thor chopped his head off.
AA group led by Steve Rogers, I love it.
As if anyone would ever miss the Mets, this movie tells lies!!!!!
I love the subtle
introduction to the gay character in this movie.
Chris Evans speeches
throughout these movies are so good. I’ve love seeing him progress from that
very first movie to now.
Oh Hi, Ant-man
Captain Marvel with a
haircut as bad as her character.
Rocket: going to get another haircut 💀 💀 💀 💀 💀 💀 💀
We are only about 20 minutes and someone just got up to go the bathroom
Where in the world is Hawkeye
Oh hi Ant-man again.
Black Widow: I get emails from a raccoon.
Daddy Iron Man is
everything folks. It’s the sweetest thing ever!!!!!
I do enjoy the loving daddy Tony and flipping to dick head Tony when talking to Ant-Man.
Back to the future isn’t a good movie. Sorry folks.
“If you don’t talk shop,
you can stay for lunch”
Hulk Banner – Bruce
Hulk… whatever you want to call him is easily one of the top 5 favorite
things of this movie (don’t fact check me)
Hulk out, dab ……
Tony Stark doing dishes is
funny, do you think Downey Jr does his dishes? I doubt it.
Little daughter saying
shit? Omggggg how adorable. And she conned him into juice pops.
Daddy Iron-Man is my favorite.
I LOVE YOU 3000 – in my
third time seeing this, it still hurts.
Fire up the Continuum transfunctioner
The time travel trial run is pretty hilarious.
When Tony pulls up in the car and give Cap that “I was right and I am the man because I figured this all out” is straight money.
Hulk and Rocket movie is
something I never knew I needed until this movie.
FAT THOR. Whoever came up with this is a damn genius…
They really turned Hawkeye
into a bad ass, I really liked his character arc in this because he really is
the most boring avenger and made him relevant
The going back in time and killing Baby Thanos joke is hilarious.
Hot tube time machine gets
mentioned is amazing
“So back to the future is a bunch of BS” yes Ant-man it is. Also my phone auto-corrects Ant-man to Batman is weird.
Again Fat Thor during
Brainstorming session is amazing
Cap with another good
speech.
Throwing back to the
original avengers when you see how useless Hawkeye and his arrow and Black
widow and her little handgun were
Fat Thor and Rocket scene back in Asgard is so good.
That’s America’s ass
Is that Axe body spray.
Hahaha.
MATTHEW BERRY. From
fantasy guru to Avenger actor. I love it.
Cap vs Cap fight scene is
so money.
I feel like the cap seeing the little locket he has of his woman is a very MARTHA like moment from BVS
I did enjoy the way they were to incorporate a way to get Thanos into the fight the way they did.
Scene between Thor and his mom is so powerful and such a raw moment. What any of us would do to go back and get five minutes with someone we love.
Eat a salad
The moment Tony sees his
dad, and he’s like a dad in future, and the moment they share with that future
understanding that he is having him. Just yes.
And Cap seeing his old
flame which inspires future him at the end…. just melt my heart.
This quote: “No amount of money ever bought a second of time.”
Black widow with her
little gun and Hawkeye with his sword, about to take down a ghost. Haha. Not.
This quote as well: “I don’t judge people on their worst mistakes.”
If anyone looks for a pee break, make it happen between Widow/Eye fight over whose going to die.
A baby in the theater currently won’t stop talking or whining.
Josh Brolin is so good as
Thanos, his dialogue throughout these last two films have been perfect.
Nothing like future self-killing
past self in the future
Cap getting Thor’s hammer
was such a bad ass scene
Choke slam!!!! Thanos
destroying the avengers big 3 like the Spurs did the heat.
Phone just went off and kid screaming in the middle of this awesome scene
Avengers assemble scene. My goodness folks. One of the coolest schemes I’ve ever witnessed in theaters. You knew what was going to happen and even in my third viewing gave me chills.
Spidey/Iron-Man reuniting…. allllll the feels.
And Star lord seeing Gamora, be still my heart.
WAKANDA FORVER!!!!!!
Captain Mehvel to the
rescue.
I am IRON MEN
Tony, were going to be okay. You can rest now….
PHONE RINGING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOST POWERFUL SCENE PLUS A BABY SCREAMING NOW.
I love you 3000…. My god those words.
I’m here for a guardian’s
movie with Thor in it.
Falcon as the new cap, I’m
intrigued
Cap and his woman dancing in the living room, all the feels…. all of them. !
What a thrilling ride this movie was the 3rd time around.
Welcome to another edition of the “The Valero Verdict” movie review. In this I will give you a quick movie review with a couple of bullet points of which I either liked or disliked. I will end the review with rating of the movie and a short overall thoughts.
On the docket today, only the most anticipated movie of well probably EVER!!!! The conclusion of what has been a masterful series of movies, Avengers: Endgame.
This is 1000000000000000000000% SPOILER FREE.
Wow. That is the first thing I can really put on here. It was an emotional roller coaster that just was so mind blowing good on so many levels. The movie peeled back layers that I didn’t even know I needed to be peeled back.
Robert Downey Jr. is one of/if not the greatest casting of a comic book character of all time. If you look at every character and it can range from the Joker to Superman to even Captain America, you can see others in those roles. Iron Man/Tony Stark was made for RDJ and this movie he showed why. RDJ is masterful in this movie and he takes us on a ride from the first moments on the screen to his last moment.
It’s funny in ways you didn’t expect it to be funny. All the Marvel movies have their own sort of laughs but this one brought some strong comedic value while not taking away from the core of the film.
You know the story, you know whats going to happen but yet you find yourself watching a title fight and cheering every step of the way.
The Verdict:
***** out of ***** PERFECTION
The Russo brothers directed a masterpiece. The expectation level for me for this movie was like no other and I was completely blown away by this film. From start to finish you witnessed 3 hours (didn’t feel like it) culmination of 22 movies come together and take you on a magical ride across the Marvel Universe.
Markus/McFeely deserve just as much credit here for their outstanding writing on this film. The cast, really need I say more?
You laugh, you cry, you cheer, you laugh so more, you cry some more and after it’s all said and done, they left you wanting more even after 3 hours.
Should You See It?: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Caution: I didn’t think I would ugly cry more during this than I did last week during Breakthrough. This was the greatest experience I have ever had inside a movie theater. I truly can’t wait to see it again, and again and again.
Welcome to another edition of the “The Valero Verdict” movie review. In this I will give you a quick movie review with a couple of bullet points of which I either liked or disliked. I will end the review with rating of the movie and a short overall thoughts.
On the docket today, Shazam!. Normally I would say something fancy here about the movie being highly anticipated or anything at all. How about we say, Could DC finally make a good movie?
Grazer/Levi/Angel connection as Shazam/Freeman/Batson is spectacular. Grazer himself having to have the chemistry between both of the key characters was very pivotal in this movie and he was great.
Zachary Levi was a fantastic Shazam. You got the perfect dose of confused, witty, sarcastic, warm and funny all wrapped up in one.
The weird playing of Slow Hands by Nail Horan in the background of the family dinner. Did someone actually listen to those lyrics prior to editing it into the film? It was just weird.
Story telling was spot on. Sanberg did a great job of putting the pieces together. I really enjoyed his investment into the characters and making you care about them.
My biggest problem was the ending, it felt like it was never going to end. It dragged out for maybe 15 minutes too long.
The Verdict:
*** 1/2 out of ***** stars
This was a strong movie, and a really shocking feel good movie. I liked the different lighthearted approach to the Super-Hero genre. It is one we really haven’t seen before. The chemistry between the leads was great, Mark Strong was a great villain and outside the 9 hour ending, the movie was a lot of fun. (Also DC finally making a good movie was a joke, calm down)
Should You See It?: Yes, and I think you should take the entire family. It was a whole lot of fun and a great feel good story for the kids to enjoy as well.
Tell me what you thought of the movie, hit me up on here or talk to me on Twitter @RickyValero_
Welcome to another edition of the “The Valero Verdict” movie review. In this I will give you a quick movie review with a couple of bullet points of which I either liked or disliked. I will end the review with rating of the movie and a short overall thoughts.
On the docket today, Aquaman. The very highly anticipated DC movie starring Jason Momoa.
This story was a complete rip-off of Black Panther.
This movie really tried way too hard to be funny, like it got embarrassing at some points.
The colors were pretty.
The action was a bit lackluster, the “big fight” scene in the water was just horrendous, at times you didn’t even know who was who during the fight.
Momoa was okay, but honestly he didn’t really have much to work with here. The screenplay was not very good and they didn’t put him in position to succeed at all.
Arthur? I feel like you could go back in time and get a better Super-hero name for this guy, this is what I think when I hear Arthur.
The Verdict:
* out of ***** stars
A loaded cast with a terrible script, while colorful and pretty to look at (Add Momoa to that if you’d like) the film feels like one big dud. Aquaman is one of the characters that belongs in ensemble movies but not his own standalone film.
Should You See It?: Absolutely NOT. Especially on Date Night, don’t be like “You can stare at Jason Momoa for two hours”, THEY WILL LEAVE YOU. Just no.
Tell me what you thought of the movie, hit me up on here or talk to me on Twitter @RickyValero_
Thor: The Dark World is one of the most anticipated films of the fall by quite a few (including myself). I am a huge fan of the Marvel films as they all have been well done. But with all the success I have been concern that maybe they will just start throwing movies out just to make the movies. So I went to see the movie yesterday in 3D and below I give you my 7 things I did or didn’t like about the film.
Plot: Faced with an enemy that even Odin and Asgard cannot withstand, Thor must embark on his most perilous and personal journey yet, one that will reunite him with Jane Foster and force him to sacrifice everything to save us all.
Thor: The Dark World Review
1. Alan Taylor (Game of Thrones) came on board to direct the sequel of the Marvel hit Thor. I really enjoyed the 1st one and I had high hopes and he didn’t let me down either. Taylor did an amazing job of bringing all Nine worlds together and making sense while he did it. The story was great, the acting was superb and he took it all together and made one hell of a film.
If you watch the 1st film and the 2nd the transformation of Thor (Chris Hemsworth) is unreal. Taylor did a great job of turning Thor into a real Super Hero; he did a great job following up the Avengers in what really brought Thor to the table more so than the original film.
He also put together some great meaningful scenes between Thor, Odin, Loki and Frigga. I applaud him for the way he brought the interaction between Earth and back to Asgard and back to earth again. At no point in this film were you not anticipating what was going to happen next.
2. Chris Hemsworth as Thor: Like I stated earlier the transformation of Thor from Thor to The Avengers to Thor: the Dark World has been amazing. Hemsworth is putting himself in that group of fellow comic book actors as not being able to see anyone else play the role of Thor.
He brings so much to the table as Thor: He brings the good-looking, good acting, nice witty charm and the believability of being an ass kicking Superhero. He has easily turned a character that I didn’t like that much into something I enjoy and look forward to seeing on the screen again.
3. Tom Hiddleston as Loki: He has turned Loki into one of my favorite Comic-Book villain ever portrayed on the big screen. Though his on-screen time in this was not as much as in the previous two movies, he still shined when he was on the screen. He is such a talented actor that brings so much to the Loki character. They really have to find a way to try to get him in the 3rd movie if there will be one.
4. Visually Stunning: All the Marvel movies have been great to see on the eyes but I think this one was one of the best. Across the Nine worlds (those we got to see) was just truly amazing to see. Asgard is at the top of the list for sure.
5. The Supporting Cast: As you can tell on the list above the cast in this film is insane. Whether it’s Anthony Hopkins as Odin or Idris Elba as Heimdale each supporting role has some great scenes throughout the film. Natalie Portman is a great actress and fits the role of Jane Foster really well; she is a type of actress that they really lacked in the Lois Lane (Amy Adams) character in Man of Steel. Not saying she should’ve played it but Portman brings so much more to the table as Foster than Adams did as Lane. Rene Russo (Frigga) has some key pivotal scenes in the movie that made you truly care about her character.
The smaller role like Chris O’Dowd (Richard) plays an intern to Darcy (Kat Dennings) who both had some good lines in the film.
6. The 3D aspect – Well I am finally off my high horse about films in 3D (for now anyway). Thor: the Dark World was well worth seeing in 3D even if it’s just see the stunning view of Asgard but they did a good job of using the 3D in this films and hope more films follow this trait.
7. Action Scenes: This was filled with some action packed fight scenes that were lacking in the 1st film. Thor with the opening scene (which can be seen in the trailer) knocking the crap out of that big villain was great. Then you had the fighting between the worlds that was really cool as well.
8. We had two funny cameos that you need to look out for. (Not spoiling them).
Also make sure you stay for the after the 1st set of credits and the 2nd set of credits.
The Final Verdict
4 ½ out of 5 stars
Alan Taylor brought us the best Comic Book movie of the year. This was an action packed ride that had you from the start to the finish. The way he was able to bring all nine worlds together and make it matter was great. Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston bring so much to this franchise and I would like them to hop on board for a 3rd film as well.
One of my must see movies of the fall didn’t disappoint one bit.
2012 was a great year in Film, From Argo to Flight to 21 Jump Street to Django Unchained. It was filled with some really good movies. 2013 is lining up to be another fun year at the box office.
Gangster Squad(Jan. 11th) – Wasn’t a fan when the moved it the 1st time, so excited to see it finally.
Side Effects(Feb. 8th) – Channing Tatum really broke out in 2012, looking forward to seeing him take on this serious role.
Identity Thief(Feb. 8th) – I first saw this trailer a few months ago. Really looking forward to seeing this.
A Good day to Die Hard(Feb. 14th) – Bruce Willis always brings good things to the table in this series. Adding Jai Courtney who I really liked in Jack Reacher as Willis son. This should be another good movie to add to the franchise.
Snitch(Feb. 22nd) – The Rock seems to find these low-key kind of thrillers that always turn out pretty good.
The Incredible Burt Wonderstone(March 15th) – Carell & Buscemi look funny together. I also really hope Jim Carrey can make a comeback.
Place Beyond the Pines(March 20th) – Ryan Gosling in any movie gets me excited. Add Bradley Cooper & Ray Liotta with an interesting plot. Should be in for a good treat.
GI Joe: Retaliation(March 29th) – The 1st of the series was very underrated and I enjoyed it. Adding the Rock & Bruce Willis should only make it better.
42(April 12th) – one of the greatest baseball players ever, a great story and what should be a great movie.
To The Wonder(April 12th) – Ben Affleck and Javier Bardem adding the Director of The Tree of Life Terrence Malick. I cannot wait for this to come out.
Oblivion(April 19th) – Seeing the trailer for it for the 1st time yesterday, peaked my interest a little bit. Could be a dud but I am willing to give anything Tom Cruise is in a chance.
Pain & Gain(Apil 26th) – The trailer doesn’t do the movie justice, but potential of the Rock & Wahlberg is endless.
Iron Man 3(May 3rd) – scared to many franchises are planning to try to go dark like Nolan did with Batman. But should be good regardless.
Great Gatsby(May 10th) – Another movie I was disappointed it was moved from its December release date. DiCaprio is great in anything he is in, I also am a big Carey Mulligan fan.
The Hangover III(May 24th) – The 2nd was a huge disappointment but I will be giving this another chance based on the cast alone.
Fast Six(May 24th) – the 5th of this serious was my favorite of them all. The Rock added a nice touch and with Michelle Rodriguez back. I have no doubt it’s going to be an action packed movie.
Now You See Me(June 7th) – I first saw the trailer for this the other day. Never heard of it, but this movie looks like its right up my alley. Big fan of Eisenberg as an actor.
The Internship(June 7th) – Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson teaming up again, count me in.
Man of Steel(June 14th) – easily my most anticipated movie of the summer. I am not the biggest fan of Superman, but with Snyder directing & Nolan putting his touches on it. I will be excited to see this.
This is the End(June 14th) – The cast in this movie alone should make anyone want to see this. The trailer was hilarious and no doubt a possible comedy of the year.
World War Z(June 21st) – Big fan of the book as well as big fan of Brad Pitt. This blockbuster looks like a must see.
White House Down(June 28th) – Jamie Foxx as President & Channing Tatum as the Secret Service agent. You can be sure to count me in.
The Lone Ranger(July 3rd) – Johnny Depp playing yet another character in his collection. It’s either going to be dumb or really good.
Grown Ups 2(July 12th) – This can’t be any worse than the 1st one right? I’ll see it regardless based on the funny people in it.
R.I.P.D(July 19th) – Huge fan of Ryan Reynolds, an interesting plot that could turn into a good movie.
The Wolverine(July 26th) – Hugh Jackman is up there as one of my on-screen comic book characters. Comes back again as Wolverine, count me in.
300: Rise of An Empire – 300 was one of the greatest movies I had ever seen in theaters. Visual masterpiece it was, highly anticipating this movie.
The To-Do List(August 16th) – Aubrey Plaza is a really good actress, this has a making of being an underrated hit in the theaters.
Runner Runner(Sept. 27th) – Affleck & Timberlake in a movie together about gambling, why isn’t it coming out sooner.
Delivery Man(Oct. 4th) – Vince Vaughn realizes his trips to the sperm bank led to 533 children, sounds like a classic.
The World’s End(Oct. 25th) – Simon Pegg, Nick Frost & Edgar Wright. Need I say more?
Thor: The Dark World(Nov. 8th) – Chris Hemsworth and company were really good in the 1st film. I have no doubt they will back it up with another good movie.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire(Nov. 22nd) – The 1st one was fantastic movie, can the sequel be just as good?
Monuments Men(Dec. 20th) – Clooney, Damon, Murray & Craig = Must see movie of the fall.
Honorable Mention – Texas Chainsaw(Jan. 4th), Broken City(Jan. 11th), 21 & Over(March 1st), Dead Man Down(March 1st), Kick Ass 2(June 28th), Red 2(August 2nd) & 2 Guns(August 16th)
There are a lot more movies I want to see this year but those are the top 34. Am I missing something? What movies do you want to see in 2013? Let me know, comment below or tell me on twitter (@rickygangster)
