‘Uncharted’ Brings a Beloved Video Game to the Big Screen
By Ben Konuch
"Greatness From Small Beginnings. That's You And Me."
The Uncharted video game franchise started back in 2007 with the release of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, a fun, Tomb Raider-esque adventure game that sold well despite not achieving any great awards. That would change with 2009’s Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, which became one of the best games of its era and won countless awards. It spawned two more sequels, a spinoff game, and worldwide love for its iconic lead characters ...
‘The Batman’ Shows Off the World’s Greatest Detective
By Samuel Acosta
[Editor’s Note: This review contains spoilers for “The Batman.”]
As someone who grew up watching “The Dark Knight” trilogy and experienced the chaotic fiasco that was the Snyder-verse, I had low expectations when I first heard about a new Batman movie. To my pleasant surprise, I was also absolutely enamored with the dark and gritty Gotham that director Matt Reeves has given to us. While it doesn’t quite overshadow the Nolan trilogy, “The Batman” places ...
‘The King’s Man’ is Refined but Brutal, Civilized but Merciless
By Ben Konuch
“Our enemies think we are gentlemen, but reputation is what people think of you. Character is what you are.”
"The King's Man" is a history-based spy thriller written and directed by Mathew Vaughn and serves as a prequel to "Kingsman: The Secret Service." Set amidst the backdrop of World War I, the film follows the Duke of Oxford and his family (both blood relations and found family) as they begin the world's first independent intelligence organization in order to expose a ...
‘Ghostbusters: Afterlife’ Brings Heart Back to the Franchise
By Janie Walenda
“Ghostbusters” has a rough history with sequels. In 1989, “Ghostbusters II” failed to recapture the magic of the original, and the 2016 reboot has been largely reviled by fans. While “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” is by no means a perfect film, it manages to both satisfy old fans and win over new ones.
One key to the film’s success is its use of another iconic 80’s genre: family adventure films. Drawing on the trademarks of this genre, the film follows most ...
‘Red Notice’ is Fun and Entertaining and Doesn’t Need to be Much Else
By Benjamin Konuch
I couldn’t wait to see Red Notice.
When I first heard it announced and learned what kind of movie it was, my excitement was through the roof. I utterly adore the action comedy genre, with movies such as “Red” and “Knight & Day” being family favorites. Hearing that Netflix was going to be making an original movie in that style, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Renolds, and Gal Gadot, my excitement skyrocketed. Here were three of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the ...
Tom Hanks Shines as Troubled Father Figure in ‘Finch’
By Ben Hiett
I wasn’t expecting much out of “Finch,” a small-scale sci-fi movie quietly released on Apple TV+ last weekend. True, it did star American acting legend Tom Hanks in the titular role, and, based on promotional footage, the practical and CG effects for his robot companion looked convincingly realistic.
Still, none of what I saw looked unfamiliar. Moviegoers have seen the “post-apocalyptic world ravaged by some major disaster” story told time and time again in films such ...
‘The Last Duel’ Addresses a Serious Topic with Tact and Honesty
by the Cedars A&E Staff
Editor’s Note: [“The Last Duel” contains some mature scenes and deals with the sensitive topics of rape and sexual assault. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.]
“The truth does not matter. There is only the power of man.”
“The Last Duel” is an enigma of a film. It is directed by Ridley Scott, who is known for his gripping action films such as “Alien,” “Gladiator” and “The Martian.” While the marketing has made “The Last Duel” ...
‘Eternals’ is Simultaneously Compelling and Dull
By Janie Walenda
Editors Note: [The first half of this review is spoiler-free; however, the second half contains spoilers for Marvel’s “Eternals”]
“Eternals” has been surrounded by quite the firestorm of press. While the MCU’s latest project totes the franchise’s lowest critic scores, it’s backed with strong opening box office numbers, audience scores, and support for the diverse cast. Ultimately, enjoyment of the “Eternals” is going to come down to personal taste. ...
‘Black Widow’ Completes Her Arc in Long Overdue Solo Film
By Noah Tang
Like many other Marvel fans, I eagerly awaited the release of “Black Widow,” faithfully waiting through the pandemic-related delays. This solo film for the MCU’s first female Avenger was long overdue, having been desired by fans ever since her first appearance in “Iron Man 2” all the way back in 2010. In-universe, “Black Widow” takes place after most of the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and before “Avengers: Infinity War.”
The movie opens in 1995, ...
Bond Goes Out With a Bang
By Owen Nolt
It seems as if the first initial trailer for “No Time to Die” came out years ago, and that’s because it did. The final outing for Daniel Craig’s James Bond was one of the first films to be delayed back in March of 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdowns began. After being pushed back three times from its initial release date in November 2019, the film finally premiered October 8, 2021. In the midst of all these delays and pushbacks, I wondered whether the film would live up to ...
