review

Reviews of the top geek movies, tv, and books in the industry.

'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' Review
When I went to go see this movie I hadn’t seen any trailers or read anything about the plot, for I simply wanted the whole thing to be a surprise. And oh my, it was. I’d been feeling the need to watch something that’ll make me question my life's choices, and We Have Always Lived in the Castle did just that; the choices in the end being why I thought to watch the movie.
By Blanca Cantu7 years ago in Geeks
Guy Who Hates Musicals Reviews Disney Classics
So my mom is a music teacher, which meant that growing up meant watching a lot of musicals when I was little. Which led to a general disdain for musicals as I grew from a little kid into a rebellious youth. I don’t hate all musicals, I just hate it when characters burst into song for no reason and sing for three minutes about nothing when they could be getting on with the story. Musical numbers are like action scenes, in that they shouldn’t be there for no reason and should serve to drive the story forward or at least develop the characters in some way. But for some reason, more often than not, musicals just throw in songs randomly, purely for the sake of having songs. Like it’s great that the rock-trolls are happy that Reindeer Boy brought a girl home, but dammit we don’t have time for this, Anna’s gonna die if you don’t unfreeze her heart soon! In a weird twist, I actually don’t mind operas, because every scene is told through music, which forces them to progresses the story with each scene. You know, like a movie. But with musicals, they usually squander their use of songs throughout the movie, and most of the time the song ends and I’m like, “Yeah, you probably could’ve cut that.” And if you can cut a scene, you probably should. Ever notice how there is significantly less musical numbers in most Disney movies during the second half, once the story kicks in? It’s almost as if you didn’t need them at all to tell the story.
By Danny Duff7 years ago in Geeks
'Endgame' Review
No amount of late nights consisting of reading theories or comics can prepare you for Endgame. Though if you think this is because of the length of the movie I’d calm down a bit. Yes, you can tell tons of time is passing as the movie goes on, but it is pieced together nicely and in a way that you barely notice you haven’t moved for three hours. It’s most likely because the Russo brothers weren’t so crazy with all the action.
By Blanca Cantu7 years ago in Geeks
'Avengers: Endgame' Review
Enjoy my outlined review of Avengers: Endgame (2019). I liked the opening scene. It felt appropriate since we haven’t seen Hawkeye in a while. We knew his family would disappear. That being said, I was still confused as to why he decided to go and kill a bunch o’ people for no reason. I understand Captain Marvel has been busy protecting the universe but her time in the movie seemed short-lived. Granted, we just saw the movie but her story was technically told in the 90s. The dream of the 90s in NOT alive in 2019. Despite what the chunky sneaker come-back may be telling us. The gang finding Thanos and then Thor straight up decapitating him seemed very fast and confusing. Like that’s it? I honestly was not expecting 5 years to pass. All I can say is thank god for that fucking rat and for Ant Man. I had no idea just how important this character would be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Would he have vanished if he weren’t in the quantum realm? I’m still confused about all the time travel and how it works. There seem to be many contradictions and crossovers when it comes to their past selves and creating new realities. Did Loki survive?? That’s really all I want to know at this point. Going back to the beginning when we all thought Tony was going to die in space, but was rescued and brought back home. That scene between him and Steve was so juicy and dramatic. It gave me everything. I’m still not sorry for choosing Team Iron Man in Captain America: Civil War (2016). I was so happy Tony finally got to be a dad. This was the one spoiler I had going in to the movie (thanks, Tumblr) but as far as spoilers go, this wasn’t the worst. The comments on Captain America’s ass. Okay yeah, he’s got a great ass and I suppose we need some sort of comic relief but it almost seemed excessive? Coming from Paul Rudd, though, it seemed somewhat appropriate. I was so excited to see them all revisit different parts of the movies. New York 2012. Even if we didn’t see Loki come back, we got to see him again here which was almost enough for me. Is he alive?!?! Tony giving his past self a heart attack and Cap using “Hail Hydra” in the elevator was freaking genius. Absolutely LIVED for Tony & Steve going back to New Jersey in 1970. So happy Tony got to talk to his dad and tell him goodbye. And I guess the part with Steve creeping on Peggy was also kind of sweet? Why did they have to make Thor fat? Many arguments can be made for this. I get it, he’s been through a lot, but maybe don’t poke so much fun at him strictly for being fat if that’s the case. He’s still the god of thunder and can kick so much ass. The fact that everyone doubted him all of a sudden because he had a gut was so stupid. But Korg and the Noobmaster69 part was pretty great. While I don’t 100 percent support Fat Thor™ I liked the heart to heart he had with his mom when he went back to Asgard in 2013. Not very much of Jane—which I still don’t really know how to feel about, but whatever. That being said, all the minor characters deserved a little more. I realize there are so many at this point but was Scott Lang at all concerned about whether or not his daughter Cassie had her mom and stepdad around? We don’t even know what happened to them. And Luis? What about Luis?? Bruce in New York talking to the Ancient One was an exciting moment. While I didn’t so much care for Doctor Strange (2016), I always like seeing Tilda Swinton do her thang. Nebula & Rhodey going to Morag in 2014 and knocking Quill out during his whole opening dance scene from Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) was iconic. So easy and hilarious. Clint & Natasha travel to Vormir to retrieve the soul stone and encounter Red Skull. Nat sacrifices herself which was a tragedy in itself but their fight to sacrifice themselves instead of the other was the most painful. We knew Clint wasn’t going to die because of his family and this seemed like the noblest way for Black Widow to go but still fucking suuuuucks. But how incredible would it have been to see Steve and Red Skull together on screen again??? Also Banner & the Hulk merged into one was a little weird. And to be honest, he was not well utilized during the entire film. Needed more Hulk for sure. I’ve grown to like Nebula of course but god damn, if she wasn’t there then their plan would’ve worked seamlessly. I realize you need conflict to move the story forward and this was absolutely perfect but it doesn’t change how pissed off I was in the theater watching this unfold. But seriously, if Clint & Nat went back in time to retrieve the soul stone, then wouldn’t Gamora still be alive and Thanos wouldn’t have gotten it? It would’ve changed their reality. Now 2014 Gamora has to get to know Quill all over again. It’s as if the Guardians of the Galaxy movies were all for naught. At the end with the big battle scene, I was so relieved when Sam told Cap “on your left” and everyone appeared. I was getting worried that this was the end for Captain America but there everyone was. An army. And the moment Tony saw Peter again was so great. “Oh this is nice.” I loved the all female hero parts, but again with Captain Marvel showing up at the end? Like come on, bitch. Commit. No matter how many other things are going on in the universe, this is the fight of all fights. I’m not really sure what I expected for the gauntlet. Hulk was going to do it. Captain Marvel was going to do it? Thor? It all came down to Tony which I was kind of confused about but I guess it was part of the plan (diversion?). Then again, it’s always been riding on his shoulders. It’s always been his fight it seems like and what an honor to go out in the blaze of glory. Tony’s death gutted me. He’s been my favorite since the beginning obviously and wanted him to have a life with Pepper and his daughter. But he won. He saved everyone. Peter returned. His last words to him were just as sad as when Tony held Peter as he disappeared. Pepper saying “you can rest now” wrecked me. I’ll never be the same. Just seeing everyone at the funeral AND the “proof that Tony Stark has a heart” arc reactor got me so emotional! I was confused on who the one kid standing by himself was but then realized he was the kid from Iron Man 3 (2013) and just died a little more inside. I was happy Thor decided to crown Valkyrie as king of Asgard and Cap finally got his dance with his girl. “Sure, I’ll return the stones AND stay and live my goddamn life with Peggy.” Which brings up some other questions like kissing his great niece, Sharon, in Civil War?? I don’t know what happens with the timeline and at this point I’m too afraid to ask. Cap giving his shield to Sam was a great move and I’m excited to see where they go with his character. But damn, Steve leaving Bucky behind was kind of sad. #buddiesfahlyfe
By Shelby W7 years ago in Geeks
'No Estoy Loco'
Carolina (Paz Bascuñán) is woken up on her thirty-eighth birthday by her husband, Fernando (Marcial Tagle) with breakfast in bed and the gift of a new car. He even buys her a couple of tickets for a cruise around the Greek Islands, though he does stipulate that he has bought them so as she could go away with a friend. Though she is appreciative of his attentions, she finds his kindness a little strange.
By Q-ell Betton7 years ago in Geeks
'13 Going on 30' - A Movie Review
Better be careful what you wish for or you’ll wake up looking like a 30-year-old the next morning. 13 Going on 30 is a 2004 romantic comedy about Jenna Rink’s wish coming true the night after her 13th birthday. Suddenly 30, Jenna has no idea how to interact with her new life or the people around her. Realizing that she has taken the wrong path, Jenna has to figure out what her wish means.
By Marielle Sabbag7 years ago in Geeks
'Game of Thrones' Series Finale Was Lackluster at Best
It’s over. It’s finally over. After eight years, eight seasons, Game of Thrones finally came to what some would call, myself included—a lackluster end. We saw the closure of many storylines within the show, more main characters meeting their end in what can only be described as a disappointing and frustrating end to one of the most beloved shows to ever come out of HBO.
By Christina Scanlon7 years ago in Geeks
'Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind' - A Movie Review
You know what you should do? Listen to the comforting sound of the wind. The world wouldn’t be the same without it. Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is a 1984 Hayao Miyazaki Japanese animated film. In a struggle to keep her village safe, Princess Nausicaa is in battle with two warring nations. A magnitude of large insects is at risk. It is in Nausicaa’s hands to save the world before the planet is destroyed.
By Marielle Sabbag7 years ago in Geeks
'John Wick 3: Parabellum' - Review
John Wick Chapter 3: Parabellum, picks up where the previous film left off. In John Wick Chapter 2 the world of the assassins inhabited by Wick was expanded. Though Wick was a legend in that murky world, he was still required to adhere to a code. He feels honour bound to break that code by a blood oath and is excommunicated by the High Table.
By Q-ell Betton7 years ago in Geeks
'The Graduate'
The Graduate, Mike Nichols’s Oscar-winning drama, emerged in 1967, was quickly lauded for its technical measures, and remembered not only for its cinematic value and acting, but also for its Simon and Garfunkel-ized soundtrack. If anything, hearing the title The Graduate is quickly proceeded with S&G’s notoriously catchy “doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo.”
By Richard Carey7 years ago in Geeks
The Politics Around 'Captain Marvel' (Spoilers)
Captain Marvel was released in March in theaters around the world, and tells the story of one the most powerful MCU characters, with Brie Larson as the main character, Samuel L. Jackson as young Nick Fury, and Jude Law as Captain Marvel’s Kree mentor, among other central roles.
By Flora Silver7 years ago in Geeks
Mother Box
The Mother Box guarded by the Amazons in the Justice League movie. Justice League (2017), directed by Zack Snyder and written by Joss Whedon and Chris Terrio, may not have enjoyed great commercial success. However, it is notable for introducing important DC Comics characters, expanding the DC Extended Universe into the multiversal world of the New Gods. A central element of the story revolves around the Mother Box. In DC Comics continuity, this sophisticated artifact is created by the New Gods, a race of metaphysical beings born from the First World at the beginning, Urgrund, forming with New Genesis and Apokolips, a Fourth World. This fictional technology is possessed by the New Gods and enables them to bridge time and space for multiple applications. The Mother Box, is essentially a sentient super-computer that grants its New God user fantastic abilities such as levitation and flight, teleportation, and matter and energy manipulations.
By Patrick Ouandji7 years ago in Geeks