christianreedbrown-65145 Reviews

Alien: Romulus (2024)

The Rogue One of the Alien Franchise

[8/10 · 16 August 2024]

It starts off a bit slow, but patience will be rewarded in the end. Once it picks up, it never stops. The cinematography is fantastic, with some excellent shots of space. The practical effects and sets are well executed and utilized, creating a constant edge of your seat thrilling ride. Fede Alvarez does a great job of blending horror, action, and suspense. There is a fascinating use of temperature and gravity that was very well done and I really enjoyed. The score is compelling and creates a thrilling atmosphere all throughout the film. The plot is simple and straightforward, which is perfectly fine and as it should be.

The characters are a bit weak at times, as I didn't really connect with some of them emotionally. However, Cailee Spaeny was solid as Rain in the lead role and David Jonsson was exceptional as the synthetic Andy. Their chemistry was felt and their relationship was unique and interesting.

Once the film starts to progress and distinguish itself, the fear takes a hold of you and doesn't let you come up for air. It's a fresh, dynamic, and satisfying experience. The Xenomorphs look incredible and are as frightening as we've ever seen them. Overall, Romulus checks all the boxes and delivers as a top entry in the Alien franchise, and probably my personal favorite of the films. Enjoy it!

Twisters (2024)

If You Feel It...

[7/10 · 20 July 2024]

Twisters proves to be a worthy sequel, as it successfully takes advantage of the original movie's positives in its own ways. The special effects and CGI for the tornado and storm sequences are all done very well and constantly have you on the edge of your seat. The cinematography is solid, with great shots and sets throughout. The soundtrack is fun and provides a nice touch to the tornado chasing scenes. Glen Powell continues his incredible Hollywood run with a strong performance as the tornado wrangler Tyler Owens. Daisy Edgar-Jones is also fantastic as Kate Cooper and the duo together have great chemistry as the co-leads. The story is a little weak and predictable at times, but it doesn't take much away from the film in general. Overall, Twisters is a good disaster action flick that is sure to keep you thrilled and entertained.

The Lion King (I) (1994)

Still Reigns as the King of Animated Films!

[10/10 · 12 July 2024]

I just got out of a 30th year Anniversary showing and it still proves to be one of the greatest animated movies of all time, perhaps the best. I can't imagine how impressive this must have been back in 1994. The 2D animation is such a Disney classic. I love the opening Circle of Life sequence with the iconic red "The Lion King" title drop, and the closing with it as well. Elton John's music can't be touched, as it's easily Disney's greatest soundtrack. Circle of Life, I Just Can't Wait to be King, Be Prepared, Hakuna Matata, and Can You Feel the Love Tonight are all as good as it gets. The story is so powerful and inspiring and the characters all fit into it perfectly. The cast is fantastic, with James Earl Jones as Mufasa, Matthew Broderick as Simba, Rowan Atkinson as Zazu, and more! Scar is definitely an all time great villain and Jeremy Irons does an incredible job bringing him to life. Overall, this movie is an absolute classic and still reigns as the King of all animated films.

Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)

A Solid Start to the 4 Chapter Saga

[7/10 · 10 July 2024]

First of all, it's worth noting that this is Chapter 1 of a 4 part saga. Similar to Dune, (2018) it's mostly comprised of setup, world building, and establishment of characters and storylines. The writing and dialogue is a bit lacking at times, along with some muddled storytelling throughout. The plot points don't connect and it is definitely noticeable and frustrating at times. However, you have to once again consider that this is Chapter 1, and the storylines will bridge together moving forward.

With that being said, there are plenty of positives in different areas and besides those few weak points, this is a solid start to the 4 Chapter epic. The visuals, costumes, sets, and cinematography are all excellent for a good Western. The music and score are great and the cast is absolutely fantastic. Sam Worthington, Sienna Miller, Michael Rooker, Jena Malone, Luke Wilson, and Jamie Campbell Bower are all terrific in their respective roles. Kevin Costner is impressive as well, obviously as his character, but also as the director, writer, producer, and pioneer of this entire saga. I look forward to Chapter 2 in August and I'm excited to see how Costner progresses, evolves, and matures as a filmmaker with Chapters 3 and 4.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

The Dark Knight and Empire Strikes Back of our generation...

[10/10 · 26 February 2024]

I just got out of an early access showing and it was absolutely incredible. See for yourself in IMAX. The characters, acting, screenplay, world building, storytelling, score, actions sequences, cinematography, and everything in between make for a cinematic masterpiece. Denis Villeneuve provides a masterclass of filmmaking. The casting continuation was perfect all the way through, with great new add-ons. Timothee Chalamet is believable, raw and real as Paul Atriedes. He was flawless as the lead. Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Josh Brolin are fantastic per usual. Stellan Skarsgard and Dave Bautista continue their evil. Austin Butler steals the show as Feyd-Rautha, and Florence Pugh and Christopher Walken are solid fresh casts.

Overall, Dune: Part Two is an inspiring, visually stunning sci-fi spectacle and an incredible collision of myth, adventure, and destiny on a galactic scale. It's a fantastic piece of filmmaking, rarely seen in modern day cinema.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba - To the Swordsmith Village (2023)

IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ

[10/10 · 5 March 2023]

Attention everyone: The trailers and videos for this "film" tell you exactly what you're going to see. Technically, this isn't even a new "film" persay. As it tells you in the trailer, this is Episode 10 and 11 of the Entertainment District Arc, an introduction to the Upper Rank Demons, then Episode 1 of the Swordsmith Arc. People are leaving 1-Star reviews as if they weren't aware of that going into the theaters. It clearly states what I just said, so please keep that in mind.

With that being said, it provides fans and viewers an opportunity to watch the epic finale episodes of the Entertainment District on the big screen, while also getting a first inside look at the Upper Ranks and the Swordsmith Village Arc. It's not all "new" content like how Mugen Train was a brand new movie that no one had seen, and it tells you that beforehand. That's the way I see it.

As a fan myself, I still think it's awesome to see. I'm not going to complain about watching Demon Slayer theaters. It's still the same top tier animation, epic fighting sequences, and characters that we all know and love, but displayed on the big screen!

People that are leaving a 1-Star review are just silly. Did you not read what it was before you decided to go? It tells you exactly what you're going to get, so don't act surprised and call it a "cash grab." Bottom line: it's Demon Slayer in theaters. Enjoy it while it's here and have a good time!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train (2020)

Complete and utter perfection - 10/10

[10/10 · 30 April 2021]

I'm a huge anime fan, so I'm constantly watching all kinds of different shows. I hadn't got to Demon Slayer quite yet since its release in 2019, but I started it this past week. I saw that the new movie was in theaters and did really well worldwide, so I just had to see it. (It's already the highest grossing anime film of all-time!) I binge watched all 26 episodes of Season 1 this week and I saw the movie today.

Let me tell you, it is absolutely sensational. Season 1 itself was already just so good, so this movie was a fantastic addition to the series. The animation is flawless and done so well. The raw emotions pack a huge punch, similar to Season 1's sentimental aspects. The characters are continued and developed through a clever, exciting, and action-packed ride aboard the Mugen Train! The soundtrack fit perfectly, as it added just the right touch at the exact right time. Even though I just watched Season 1 this last week, I'm already a huge fan! This anime is already a masterpiece and it will only continue to amaze everyone over time!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

Excellent film, with an Oscar-worthy performance by Tom Hanks

[10/10 · 6 December 2019]

Tom Hanks is sensational as usual, delivering yet another incredible performance that is definitely Oscar-worthy. The film itself was brilliant, as it really captures the importance of what Mr. Rogers was doing. He is seen as a very loving, caring, and compassionate person, yet they don't forget to mention that he is still a human being. We all make mistakes, get angry, and struggle with our emotions, but there are lots of ways that we can deal with our troubles. The story follows Lloyd Vogel, a journalist who profiles Mr. Rogers, overcoming his skepticism, while learning about empathy and kindness. Matthew Rhys (Lloyd Vogel) is absolutely fantastic, providing the audience with a very relatable character who goes through a world of change. The cinematography is stunning, the emotion is raw, and the subtle quietness throughout the film is impeccable.

Frozen II (2019)

Even better than the original!

[10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Frozen II is a stellar sequel that delivers everything that the first film brings, and then some. The animation is incredible, the songs are fantastic, and the characters work very well together. Disney never seems to disappoint, as they are always creating fun adventures like we've never seen before. The exploration of the past and its truth really creates an exciting plot that is very original. Overall, Frozen II is even better than its predecessor and it is a very fun and imaginative film!

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Overall best film of 2019

[10/10 · 2 December 2019]

Ford V Ferrari is a sensational film. The cinematography in general is simply incredible, as the racing scenes and the emotion only add to its brilliance. Christian Bale is absolutely fantastic, Matt Damon is spot on and at his best, and Jon Bernthal is excellent as well. The soundtrack, score, acting, and directing are all exceptional, complimenting the film beautifully. Bale and Damon's performances are Oscar worthy, no doubt. With only about a month left of this year, Ford V Ferrari overall is easily the best movie of 2019.