senseitoadstool

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews - The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)

I think the thing I loved most about this movie was the throwback look to the 50's/60's. The art direction got itself a 10/10 on everything - the details are sheer perfection.

The story is good, although I think the drama outweighs the action. For a superhero movie, the action scenes seemed quite sedate - possibly waiting for the epic culmination. On the same vein, the special effects throughout the entire movie felt sedate compared to those in the culminating battle. However, those where they let go with everything they have, they definitely excel.

Great performances, thankfully another skip of the origin story, and a door opening for whatever is next in the MCU.

As usual - catch the mid-credit scene. You can stay for the whimsical end of credits scene, but what fans would be looking for is at the mid point.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Superman (2025)

** MILD SPOILERS AHEAD

Let me start by saying I'm very much a skeptic when it comes to DC -based movies. After a large number of attempts, starts, and restarts (and some of them major casualties when it comes to storytelling). Also, keep in mind I'm mostly ignorant of the comic storylines and references, same as with the Marvel counterparts.

This particular iteration, at least with this movie-watcher, was a lesser catastrophe than some of the others, but didn't entirely redeem the franchise. It might be an unpopular opinion - especially in those with a high regard of the character, but it failed to impress.

I'll start with the good things.

The setup was moderately okay, thankfully saving us yet another revival of the origin story - briefing us with a few sentences during the opening. The story touches on some very important and relevant social aspects, like immigration, government overreach, xenophobia, and media manipulation. The casting of Lex Luthor was perfect. That man can play any character thrown at him masterfully, especially the unstable ones. The special effects were impressive, thought that was to be expected from a James Gunn movie. The scenes with the Kents are perfect. Whether on the phone, in person, or in mention, they feel - for the first time in a very long time - like real people. The kind of real people that would raise a good man like Superman. Mr. Terrific - another superhero I've never heard about or known in my lifetime, is a good addition to the line up. But - as I'll elaborate in the 'bad things' segment, sadly his goodness is not enough to balance out the badness of the two counterparts.

Next, the so so things (neither here nor there).

The script had its great moments, but also bad moments (as in rolling-of-the-eyes kind of bad). There are, in my opinion, a lot of assumptions that are made into the script that are not shared with the audience as a tactic to bring surprise to the story, yet some of them seem pointless. The same happens with some sideline characters - some of them seem pointless and only added for comedic relief (specifically two or three of the Daily Planet staff that have actual lines but don't help advance the story or bring value to it).

And the bad things:

I feel the James Gunn signature lighthearted approach to this particular story went overboard. It worked very well with Starlord because there was no real previous history of the Guardians in the general media - at least not as much as the Superman brand has had through the years. Some of the silliness feels forced and out of place, hindering the story rather than helping it. The whole "Justice Gang" thing is completely out of place. As much as I appreciate Fillion's style of comedy, in my eyes it does a disservice to his character in the film. I'm not sure if it was the writer's fault or Fillion's characterization of it, but the end result is not pleasant at all. I'll also throw in Hawkgirl in this bit. I can't quite put my finger on what it was, but I did not like this character either. So instead of excitement at the possibility of actually seeing a decent Justice League movie in the future, the real emotion is dread. Last but not least, Krypto. Another casualty of the humor being overdone, with his behavior changed to suit the story-line, and his traditional look changed for some unknown reason.

All that to say: If you are a super-fan of the franchise, go see it. You might not be as picky as I am since I don't have a deep attachment to all things Superman. If not - wait for it to stream.

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

StreamViews: KPop Demon Hunters (2025)

It's a shame Sony decided to release this movie directly into streaming. I bet it looks amazing on the big screen. The good part about that is, if you have Netflix, you can watch it RIGHT NOW! And that's what you need to do. Especially if you're a fan of Kpop, Animation, Musicals, or all of the above.

The movie tells the tale of how, through the years, Korean demon hunters become pop stars (always three women) so that their voices and their popularity strengthen the Honmoon - the veil that keeps demons away from human souls. And that's all I'm going to tell you about the story so you go see it.

The characters are fun and immediately lovable, the voice performances are absolutely amazing, and the songs are immediate earworms. Also, there's not one bad song in the bunch. And the traditional Asian anime faces, gestures and reactions are impeccably added. The heartfelt story actually delivers a very important lesson about self-acceptance and growth.

Mi Opinión: Multiple Viewings while it lasts (4 out of 3)

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews - Jurassic Park: Rebirth (2025)

Well - I didn't think it could be possible. But it was. I went to see this as I go watch every other movie - no expectations whatsoever. And this one didn't even get to the no expectations.

The first thing you'll notice is that the writing is TERRIBLE. Things make no sense, the timeline is a little iffy, and the dialogue is not compelling.

The second thing you'll notice is that ALL the characters are TERRIBLE. You will pretty immediately dislike them the moment you meet them and start hoping they'll get eaten next. Oh - but THEN the writers make up some sad backstory to try to make you warm up to them, and it backfires almost as quickly.

And then the third thing you'll find out is that some of the storyline doesn't make sense. Like - Dinosaurs now live in a specific area in the Equator that is forbidden for all humans, and then there's a family on a sailboat casually strolling through the forbidden zone. Or that the man who's spent his entire life in museums and doing research in dig sites is somehow Indiana Jones reborn.

Not even the special effects were that good - the new mutant dinosaur is not scary at all. Looks like a cross between that Green Lantern movie villain with the big brain and a Xenomorph from Alien.

There is also a lot of wannabe nostalgia thrown into it to relate it somehow to the first set - like the strong musical pieces, a few easter eggs, and a reprise of the scene where Dr. Grant and Ellie see the dinosaurs for the first time in the first movie, but this time the dinosaurs are weird mutations with prehensile tails that are playing footsie in the middle of the jungle.

Save your money - watch it when it streams if you're curious.

Mi Opinión: Skip It (1 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

StreamViews: Surreal Estate (2021 - Hulu)

I first caught this series back in 2021 on SYFY. Very much in the style of those series I have always loved (i.e. The Librarians, Warehouse 13) but with a spooky twist, this series follows a Real Estate Agency that specializes in a very specific type of houses. Think The House on Haunted Hill, but the house doesn't win.

Fantastic writing (even when suspension of disbelief is pushed to dangerous grounds and you are tempted to find plot holes), wonderfully quirky characters, and throw-backs to popular movies and shows (like someone saying 'Who you gonna call' in an episode).

Sarah Levy excels in her role as the annoyingly positive go-getter Agent who will even defy the supernatural to get in a showing or two.

Some episodes can be Twilight Zone-Type uncomfortable, and there are a few jump scares that might catch you off-guard.

I've only finished Season One (had to rewatch when I realized there were two more seasons waiting for me on Hulu) - so I can only speak for that one. But I'm definitely looking forward to what surprises the next two seasons have for me.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Elio (2025)

Pixar comes to the big screen with another beautifully crafted, heartfelt coming-of-age story involving a young man who doesn't feel like he belongs. His biggest wish is to be abducted by aliens - guided by his love of space and the voice of Carl Sagan. Needless to say, things get interesting when his wish comes true.

Very well acted, very real situations (besides the actual appearance of aliens, of course, since that's still a big question mark), some laugh-out-loud moments, and gorgeous cinematographic animation make it worth watching on the big screen.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: How to Train your Dragon (2025)

Bottom line: if you are a fan of the original animated movie from 15 years ago, you will most definitely enjoy this version.

Dreamworks gives a Master Class on live-actioning a beloved animated movie. Little deviation from the original script, few additions to elongate it that give a couple of characters extra lines because of clarifying back stories and domestic situations, and beautiful traditional movie-making (like cinematography) paired with well made special effects give us a joy of a movie to watch.

The performances translate very well form the animated form into live action, with the emotional moments not only maintained but enhanced by the faces, looks, and reactions of the actors.

Bonus points for Gerard Butler reprising his role as Stoick, and the brilliant recasting of Hiccup of Mason Thames, removing some of the whiny sarcastic tone that Jay Baruchel imprinted on him in the animated series and giving him a deeper, more serious tone in his purpose.

One of the best live-action remakes I've seen yet.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Sinners (2025)

Next time someone tells you a movie has 'layers', sit down and watch this one and you'll understand what it means. The script is masterful in very many different ways - but the highlight is the number of layers that it contains.

Also, if someone describes Sinners as a Vampire movie, they are very wrong. It has very little to do with the vampires themselves. It starts with a legend: A legend that there are people in this world whose ability to play music transcends the barriers of life, death, and time. This is at the core of the film - what happens around it is a consequence of this particular action.

Intelligently weaving reality with fantasy, this slow burner of a movie will grab you by the hand and slowly walk you through its characters, its situations, and the very real human nature that hides safely behind this vampire story - or better said, this story that happens to have vampires in it.

It very much talks about a specific period of time in the USA, and compares the fictional horrors with the real ones in a very smart and beautiful way. And even though it bends some of the traditional rules - it's very well worth the watch.

Mi opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Lilo and Stitch (2025)

In the realm of live-action remakes that Disney has been making for a while of its biggest hits, I'd say this one is tied in first place alongside Jungle Book.

The story, although not identical, it's well balanced between the real world and the imaginary animated original. The writing keeps the same heartfelt situations of the first script, making it fit a more realistic perspective for the live action world - and giving us new emotional teary-eyed moments.

The effects are well done, and the appearances of the original voices cast in real (even though somewhat smaller) roles for this one is a very welcomed Easter egg for fans of the original.

There are a few moments towards the end that will require a bit more of your suspension of disbelief - but let's face it: when you have a blue fluffy space alien, you can believe everything else. All in all, a great live-action adaptation.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Conclave (2024)

I approached this movie with a lot of caution. Sometimes my ventures into the organized religion scripts are not quite what I expect, and not in a good way.

However, I was extremely impressed by this film. You can check all the boxes that made it worthy of the academy nominations: acting, directing, cinematography, music… all of those elements are there. But what caught my attention more than anything else was the pace at which this film moved.

Most of these films relish in the extremely slow burn that they can provide so you can sit back and enjoy all of those box-ticking elements that make them great. This one, however, kept throwing things at me without giving me enough time to relish on those peaceful moments.

The 'action', if we may call it that, is constant - and changes the way you see the characters every step of the way. It actually shows in an excellent way how organized religion, as canonically untouchable as it has made itself, is prone to the humanity of those keeping it standing. Very human emotions are involved in the fight for power that the opportunity of becoming the new Pope represents.

And then comes the bomb. Without spoiling anything, nothing I had watched up until that moment could have prepared me for the outcome. Its mastery, however, is in the way everything is presented - if this is the will of God, who are we, undeserving humans, to go against it? That is the question that is presented in the end - issuing exactly the same statement religion has used for innumerable instances of injustice, natural disasters, and shifts of power. And that, alone, makes this movie brilliant.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Thunderbolts (2025)

After leaving the theater and pondering about what to write, I realized this particular one feels like… a bridge. As the MCU has trained us, there is no stone placed on this skipping path that is unintentional. From movies to TV series, every step taken has focus and direction (or at least most of them).

This particular one follows some of the previous 'misunderstood' misfits, unfortunate second-rate casualties that remained from other pieces, and throws them into a very intelligently written situation in which the decisions they make, much to their own chagrins, will take them to a potentially not-so-terrible outcome.

Many familiar faces, good one-liners, and the action sequences we've gotten used to from the MCU creators give us an entertaining film. The writing is good, drawing from the initially perceived uselessness of the characters and bringing them together with a purpose.

As always, make sure you stay through not only the first part of the credits, but the entire roll of them. I promise you it's worth it.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

StreamViews: The Residence (Netflix 2025)

This series is a love letter to all of us fans of whodunits. Obviously Paul William Davies, the creator, is an absolute lover of mysteries.

Detective Cordelia Cupp has all the curious and deductive abilities of Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot, Maigret, Sherlock Holmes, Benoit Blanc, and every other investigative character you know from the past. The show plays like a Master Level of the game of Clue (and even the movie version's comedic spirit) peppered with a healthy seasoning of Alfred Hitchcock and Agatha Christie, where the crime is committed in the White House as the scene, there are plenty of rooms involved, and a wide number of characters to throw all sorts of suspicion, misdirects (red herrings, as it were) and absolute ridiculousness that make this show one of my top favorites of this year.

But in spite of how good the writing is, how annoyingly lovable the characters are (with stellar performances all around), and how mind-bending the mystery is, what sold me was the number of easter eggs and nods to the fans that are embedded throughout the show - and I am sure I've missed a lot (and I've seen the entire show twice).

The most significant for me were:

The names of the episodes are actually names of popular and/or intriguing mystery works from the past (i.e. The Fall of the House of Usher, Dial M for Murder, and Knives Out are the first three, just to give you a clue).

The daughter of one of the characters reading an Agatha Christie novel

And the one that sealed the deal, the main theme from Charade - one of my most favorite mystery movies of all times with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant - playing in its entirety during one of the episodes.

Also, be patient. The plot is very long, and unwinds at its own pace. And you will not know the resolution until the very end (as any self-respecting whodunit does) - but it will very much be worth the wait.

I could go on and on and on… but I'll stop for your own benefit.

Mi Opinión: Multiple Viewings (4 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Disney's Snow White (2025)

I knew this movie was going to hate-bombed in the ratings from the moment it was announced. However, those bomb-ratings are lying to you. Even though I have a moderate skepticism about all of Disney's live action conversions, there have been some hits among the disasters (and by disasters I specifically mean Maleficent). This particular case actually surprised me, and in an good way. Yes, as a hardcore Disney fan and sometimes accused as a purist, I do have a few pieces I would prefer have been different in the adaptation - but overall, this movie was very enjoyable. First of all, let me say very clearly that this is more of a musical than not - there is a LOT of unexpected singing. As you may know, for me this is NOT a complaint. During the opening number, we find out that Snow White is actually named so because she was born during a fierce snow storm, so her parents chose to name her that in commemoration of her survival. Another thing I didn't know that definitely plays on its favor is that the additional songs were created by the amazingly talented duo of Pasek and Paul - the musical creators of Dear Evan Hansen and The Greatest Showman. In my humble opinion, what makes Snow White better than any other live adaptations (possibly with the one exception of the Jungle Book), is the fact that the story was modernized while respecting the core nature of the characters. The Evil Queen is still evil, Snow White is still good - though with a few changes to her character: She is not passively wishing for a man to come whisk her away, and when it comes to cleaning the house of the dwarfs, she endeavors to teach them how to do it themselves instead of being the one cleaning - possibly showing how tired she was to have been cleaning for the Queen for most of her life and putting herself a step closer to freedom. The Prince from the original is also given a makeover, exchanging his superficial 5 minute appearance - which included a 30 second heroic rescue finale - for a steadier, stronger character that starts as an antagonist and slowly morphs into something similar, yet different. Out of the original 1930's score, gone are the Wishing Well song and Someday My Prince Will Come, replaced with additional material - including a song for the Evil Queen (which I personally was not a fan of - but you know me and Villains), and a few amazing new pieces that have great staying potential. When the trailer came out, I thought the dwarfs looked kinda weird - but once you see them in the context of the movie, they are very well placed and actually pretty perfect. There are also additions to the Heigh Ho song that are well done, and a synergistic approach to the Dwarf's Mine attraction at Magic Kingdom that won't go unnoticed by those who have been there. Cute are also the nods to this being based in an original German story by the Brothers Grimm, with Snow White saying Gesundheit when Sneezy sneezes, and placing a couple of other German-inspired easter eggs (like pretzels) in the movie. The performances are great, including the beautiful evilness that the Queen represents - heart-housing chest included. The two things I'll say in favor of her musical number are the lyrics and the costume (which is a very well done representation of the original) - though for an evil song, in my opinion, needed more 'bite' (pun intended). My gripe as a Disney Fan comes from a couple of missed opportunities related to the Queen that could've been easily tied to the classic: The creation of the potion for the transformation into the Old Hag is very dramatic in the original, but fizzles out in this version. Also, the original line of 'make a wish, and take a bite' was removed; and though I understand it wouldn't fit the new narrative, I'm sure there could have been a creative way to include it. All in all, the bottom line is - ignore all the hateful reviews and go check it out for yourself.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3). He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Captain America - Brave New World (2025)

SPOILER-FREE REVIEW

This installment brings the first official adventure of our new Cap and his friend the new Falcon.

It also brings a connection between the old Hulk movie (Edward Norton's version from 2008) where Liv Tyler, Banner's girlfriend in the movie, has a military father obsessed with war nicknamed 'Thunderbolt' Ross, who in this particular movie is now the President (then played by William Hurt, now played by Harrison Ford). However, Tim Blake Nelson is brought back to play Samuel Sterns, and Liv Tyler plays Ross' daughter as well - giving us the necessary link to ensure we know both movies are part of the same overarching story.

Although most of the actors aren't the same, the story treats them as characters continuing the events laid out back then and bridging the future installments with this new cast.

The story, in my opinion, makes sense, it's well written, and banks on the seeds planted by the 2008 Hulk movie to produce the results of this one. I also think it's a good bridge between this and the rumored Young Avengers movie (if one is made), setting the stage as Cap is asked to reestablish the Avengers. Maybe I'm biased, as the cinematography includes some beautiful shots of cherry blossoms throughout.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Wicked Part 1 (2024)

SPOILER FREE REVIEW - unless you haven't seen the stage show. You've been warned.

Also, I'm one of those people who read the book waaay before it was even a musical. So this might get long. You've been warned - AGAIN.

Not only did I read the first book, but I read most of the series and even a few others from the same author. I was definitely impressed by the story and the imaginative narrative, with the major throwback being the subtext towards it being a somewhat subversive work hidden in a fairytale type of story, much similar in nature to that of Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Even when the story got long and dragged on because of the political and religious explanations, they all made sense in the end

I discovered the musical had been made when I purchased a CD of the soundtrack of the revival of Little Shop of Horrors at Tower Records a.k.a. Virgin in Downtown Disney (yes, I'm that old), one of my all-time favorite musical shows, and the CD came with a bonus, separate CD with two tracks: Defying Gravity, and For Good.

I didn't care much for For Good, as I didn't have context, but Defying Gravity blew my mind, and I immediately purchased the entire soundtrack which I proceeded to play on repeat until I memorized most of the songs - even before I had the opportunity to see the show on stage (which was also an incredible experience - I have goosebumps remembering that Defying Gravity moment on stage. Yes, if you've seen the show, you know exactly what I'm talking about).

I honestly went to see the movie without expectations, and I intentionally avoided as much pre-show spoilers as I could. As a lover of the stage show I can easily say that the movie not only does justice to the material (and when I say this I am not only referencing the original stage show - I'm also including the Wicked book and the Wizard of Oz movie).

They could have not cast a better Galinda (with a GA) and a better Elphaba for this film. Not only are they amazing vocalists, but they embrace the true spirit of the characters and their history.

The movie adds a lot of context that the stage show could not, bringing the key points from the book to light. What the show uses as somewhat-subtle subtext, the movie puts in your face, out front and it gets intimately personal with the injustices, discrimination and wrong-doings that lead to the inevitable dissention of Elphaba. All of this extra pieces give the material the perfect balance, and the justification of its 2:40 hour length.

Also, the extra add-ons to "One Short Day" are definitely a surprise-and-delight moment not to be missed.

Needless to say, the visuals are very impressive, and the addition of stellar singers like Keala Seattle to the cast make me hope she has a shining moment in Part 2.

But - it wouldn't be me if I didn't have something to critique, however small. I wish they would've found a different singer to portray the Wizard. Most know I'm not a fan of Goldblum to begin with - but I'm less a fan of casting stars who can't sing to movie musical singing roles just because of the heft of the name. Which, in my opinion, this movie didn't need. I can live just fine with Yeoh, since her singing lines are not that many and can be sung-spoken, but I do believe the Wizard would've been better served by a different choice.

Mi Opinión: Multiple Views on the Big Screen (4 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: Moana 2 (2024)

Remember, kids: It's all about expectations. This movie was originally going to be a show on Disney+ - but they adjusted it for the big screen. And I'm only saying this because, in the end, the way things are done for the theater versus the TV screen are definitely different.

If you are expecting Moana 2 to be another Moana, you will most definitely be disappointed. However, if you are expecting this to be a solid follow-up to the original Moana story, then you'll be pleased.

The song writers are different, but kept the spirit of the original score including morsels and throw-backs to the originals to make the connection.

There is an interesting situation in the villain department - with a charismatic 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend' type of villain on the way to the bigger threat (which will eventually lead to Moana 3), the story moves along nicely for a second part.

Of course the visuals are great, and there are some one-liners and good LOL moments throughout.

Mi Opinión: Go See It (2 out of 3).

He Dicho.

[senseitoadstool]

MoViews: The Wild Robot (2024)

Through the years, Dreamworks Animation has established itself as one of the top 5 animation studios in the world. Although for me some of their movies are hit or miss, they have definitely delivered some precious jewels like the Rise of the Guardians and the How to Train your Dragon trilogy.

And speaking of HtTyD, in my opinion, the Wild Robot is second only to that.

The movie is full of heart, with fantastic character development and deep lessons that translate well to the audience - the main ones being about kindness and relationship growth.

My favorite character has to be Pinktail, the possum mother that expresses my feelings about parenthood flawlessly - voiced by the amazing Catherine O'Hara.

Beautiful animation, beautiful soundtrack (the two songs in it are very well done), great storytelling - all the right elements for a great time at the movies.

Mi Opinión: Don't Miss It (3 out of 3).

He Dicho.