Hamilton The Musical

 Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Long time no see, hope you all are alright and safe during this pandemic and if were like me and was working during the shut down then I really hope you are safe. Strange time we are living in and even though I've been working, I still have been watching stuff I mean there is nothing else to do right. And I know I haven't been writing well now I am, so deal with it. Just kidding! Just trying to lighten the mood. Now let's get started with the review of 'Hamilton The Musical.'

     Now I never saw Hamilton live on stage and I will be honest I wasn't really keen on seeing it. Because I am not a fan of rap nothing against Lin Manuel Miranda, it's just not my thing. But it came on Disney Plus and I figured why not and watched it. I will say this I got to hand it to Miranda for doing a rapping musical because when you think of theatre and specifically musical theatre rap is not the first thing that comes to mind. So to take the two things and put then together was out there and he actually made it work and also in a pretty catching way.

     Anyone who loves the musical please don't hate me for saying that I don't thing that it lives up to all the hype. It's well done, well acted it's just I hear and see people and they are so enthralled in the musical that for me it just din't lived up to that hype. Sorry!

     I did enjoy the few non-rapping songs, I thought Helpless and Satisfied are good companion songs to each other. I like the fact these two songs are told through the point of view of the two sisters and are performed beautifully. Eliza's solo was wonderful and emotional and fit well into the story. Evan some of the rapping parts was catching that it even had me tapping my foot.

     And as far as the story goes it seemed fairly historically accurate. It was well researched and showed you everything Hamilton accomplished and all the people he also pissed off but hey he was a politician and that's politics for you. What I really enjoyed about the story was that it was more or less about the interactions between Hamilton and Aaron Burr and exactly what happen between them and what and how they got to that fatal duel. And it goes to show you that if these two were able to put their differences aside then they could have achieved a lot together as a team. They were both intelligent and could have made the country all the better for it but instead suffer all the more for it. 

     I also did enjoy the ending because it switched gears and explains a little bit about Eliza's story and goes off and tell is a little about what she accomplished in the fifty years after Hamilton dies and before she did. Then the very end with her gasp, I like that they are so many interpretations to it and its left up to the audience to decide what it could mean. I like those type of endings. 

     Even though the musical does not live up the hype for me it is well done that I can see why so many would find enjoyable but hey I'll let you be the judge. For me when I watch it I was thinking okay it is a musical about Alexander Hamilton no big deal. But with that said I did find things that I really like about it just not enough for me jump on the crazy band wagon.

                                                                                                                                -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Toy Story 4

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     So I grew up with this franchise, I loved it as a kid and I still love it even as an adult. And even though this movie is considered for kids and even though I don't have any I didn't care I still wanted to see it by myself and I found it really enjoyable as much as I found the previous movies. Also the funny thing is even though it is considered a kids movie and even thought people were in there with their kids, I think the adults were laughing more than the kids that were in the theatre. Now on to the review of "Toy Story 4."

     The ending of Toy Story 3 was so perfect that you were probably thinking how can they possibly top it when it was announced that they were making an forth. I mean the ending of Tory Story 3 was emotional to say the least. I am mean Andy giving up his toys to Bonnie, him explaining how each of them meant a lot to him, explaining how Woody never gives up on you and is always there for you, to the passing down of Woody and Andy playing with his tory one last time was a tear jerker. Than the last shot of all the toys together that would have been the perfect ending. But than Toy Story 4 came and it was just as emotional as the third but we'll get to that ending later.

     One thing that I like about all of the Toy Story films is that Woody is the main protagonist throughout all four. It only makes sense Woody is the one that never gives up on Andy, he's always there for him so of course the series will focus on him. And of course it would be the same for the forth film. The forth one is more or less about Woody not having a purpose with Bonnie and him finding himself.

     At the start of the film Woody is feeling neglected by Bonnie which makes him feel useless.
So when Bonnie makes a new toy Woody take it upon himself to watched out fir said toy. That is so Woody! And as you probably can guess some stuff happens and through a series of misadventures Woody is reunited with his girlfriend Bo Peep. Which is a real sweet scene. Bo Peep is a bad ass in this film she is the next Wonder Woman. It's awesome! Since she wasn't in Toy Story 3 we had to wait a while for Woody to see her again. Throughout the whole film Woody is trying to feel useful and trying to reestablished his purposes a toying he's not having much luck. But when meets up with Bo Peep that all changes. And by the end of the film he is able to find that purpose and also be with the girl he loves. That's why in my personal opinion it's a fitting end for Woody. He was always the one that needed to have a purpose, he was never happy with just being a toy, he needed more. And the fact that he also chooses romance is a bonus.

     The only sad part is that Woody and Buzz had to say goodbye to each other. That has been the centric relationship all along they're best friends and knowing that they won't be together anymore is a bummer. However seeing Buzz give Woody his blessing to leave and is truly happy for him does make the scene a little easier to watch. Toy Story 3 was a good way to end Woody's story with Andy and Toy Story 4 was a good way to just end Wood's story. And I really enjoyed the film and am glad that we got a bonus movie and a chance to see these characters for a final time.

                                                                                                                           -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 1

Hello Everyone, 

Spoiler Alert !!!!!

     I am back, its been a while since I've posted a review I know, been busy but I am here now so with that let's get on with the review. So last time I wrote about a sequel to a hit movie, this time I am writing about the original the one that started these fun movies with awesome music. And if you enjoyed the sequel then your going to love the original just as much if not more so. I though it was fitting to write about the first film after talking about the second. With that said let's get started with the review of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 1!

     Now if you enjoyed Volume 2, then you will love the original Guardians of the Galaxy just as much if not more because as we know the originals do tend to be better than the sequels, it just depends on the person. I think the first thing we need ti discuss is the very beginning. I mean  when one of the first scenes is the main character dancing around on an abandon planet using a lizard creature as a microphone, you know this is going to be one fun ride for two hours. Everything about the first scene is just perfect. The title sequence, the editing, the music, everything about it is great and it's a fun scene to watch. Plus Christ Pratt is an awesome dancer, although I don't thing there's anything that man can't do. He is truly amazing.

     Since we are talking about dancing, let's now talk about the music. I mean I think at least for most of us can agree that out of all the Marvel films that Guardians has the best soundtrack. Each song fits in what is exactly going on in the scene in which they are being played and the movie in general. For instance, the title sequence show us what kind of character Peter Quell is and what song is better than 'come and get your love.' Peter is this wacky, silly kind of guy that is looking out for himself and the song choice shows that off perfectly. Every song choice is just perfect, plus they are really catching song.

     Now we already are well aware that Christ Pratt is a brilliant choice to play Peter Quell. But the rest of the cast are just as good and they all play their characters wonderfully. The chemistry between Pratt, Zoe Saldana and Dave Bautista is great. They really play off each other well. Karen Gillian's Nebula really has that love-hate relationship with Saldana's Gamora. and it's awesome ti hope that these two can figured out their issues with each other and really become sisters. Even the voice actors are terrific, Bradley Cooper is freakin hilarious as Rocket, and Vin Diesel can make Groot the most bad ass character with only one line. The entire cast just comes together in a way that is both engaging and overall just fun to watch. They really made characters that probably not very many people knew popular and it's thanks to the actors and the director of the film James Gunn. Thank heavens Marvel rehired him to direct Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3. Am I right?

     As much as I love volume two and I think volume three will be just as entertaining I do think that volume one was a good introduction ti these characters and the story line and I can't wait to see where they go with it in volume three, that is after we find out how they bring them back after the events of infinity war. Because as I am sure all of us know by now Rocket was the only guardian that survived and I highly doubt that volume three will be a Rocket solo movie after all its Guardians of the Galaxy, not Guardian.

                                                                                                                    -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Guardians of the Galaxy:Vol 2

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     Well now is the time i feel like writing a review and it will come as no surprise to any of you that it is a review of a Marvel movie. Now I've really like what they have done with the Marvel Cinematic Universe especially since Disney bought Marvel. Because Disney actually gets filmmakers that know the material to film the movies. And Guardians of the Galaxy:Vol 2 is no different. Now onto the review!

     If you thought the first one was fun and entertaining than your going to think the second one is better. I enjoyed the fact that the first Guardians was a good introduction to the characters and the general premise and the second Guardians was good character development particularly for Starlord/Peter Quill. I also like that the filmmakers did not make us wait forever to discover the identity of Perter's father, they got to it in the second movie instead of waiting like three or four movies like most continuation films usually do. The first Guardians gave is a hint into who Peter's father is, the second actually introduce him and as Yondu said in the first film "he was a dick" I love how that came back into play. The movie shows off just how messed up Peter's life was growing up. And it was to have your mom dies in front of you, be taken away from your home planet, never know your father, and being raised by a different species that threatened to eat you, going through all that your not going to have too good of a life. But while the film does a good job showing all that off, it also does a good job showing off the relationship between Peter and Yondu and show that they have the true father/son relationship. Hence the ending where Ego just wanted to use and exploit Peter, Yondu was the one that caught onto what Ego was doing and protected Peter and still wanted to protect him and in the end Yondu sacrificed himself to save Peter just like a true father would do. And like Drax said earlier in the film Youdu was his father, he was right.

     Along with the father/son angle with Peter/Yondu/Ego the movie shows off the sister relationship between Gamora and Nebula and how they came to despise each other. It also gave a bit of a back story of what it was like for them growing up with Thanos as a adopted father. The fact that they were forced to fight each other and made to hate one another when the truth is they were both afraid young girls and just wanted to be sister was great development for them as characters and for their relationship. I like by the end they had reconciled and will possibly team up and defeat Thanos in Avengers:Infinity War. That will be great to see so here's hoping. The film also has great character development for Rocket as he found himself caring about the Guardians and come to the realization that they are his friends. But he didn't want to admit any of it at least not until Yondu knocked some sense into him and sacred him by telling him (Rocket) that he's just like him (Yondu). Yondu made Rocket admit that he cares about the other Guardians. The only thing is I wish we would have gotten more development for Drax and Groot or in this case Baby Groot but maybe in vol 3.

     Guardians of the Galaxy:Vol 2 was another excellent film done by Marvel Studios and Disney. The music was just as awesome as the first. The songs will get stuck in your head and you will want the sound track. Vol 2 is just as fun, amusing and entertaining as Vol 1. Plus who doesn't love the Mary Poppins line. I can't wait to see what they do next for vol 3, it's going to be epic. 

                                                 -Katiejayforever
P.S. Stand by for next review!

Kong: Skull Island

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     So this movie I actually took the day off work to see it. And it was worth it at least it was much better then being at work. It was a good day off because before we went to see the film, we had champagne brunch and to make it better we paid for to see it in the fancy theater the one with the recliners so nice and comfortable. The film was a fun action packed thrill ride that will have you at the edge of your seat the entire time. With that said let's get started with the review of Kong: Skull Island.

     Now I will be honest you didn't really have to try very hard to talk me into seeing this movie because as soon as I saw the trailer and notice Tom Hiddelston was staring in it, I was instantly hooked. I am just saying! But I also liked the fact that this was technically a sequel to King Kong. And who doesn't like King Kong. And it gave the audience some insight to the Kong character and big gorilla or not Kong is still a character. And even through Kong is a villain you realize that at the same time he is not the bad after all he was destroying the other monsters to protect people that trespass onto his turf. It makes you think that the real villains are the people that want to exploit Kong. So your rooting for Kong throughout the film. While some of the humans are villains in this case these are the John Goodman and Samuel L. Jackson characters at the same time you do want them to get off the island alive. Another thing is just like most movies is the secondary characters never listen to the guy that can actually keep them alive in this case the Tom Hiddelston character. Thus causing them to be eaten alive or squash to death.

     As I mention I am a Tom Hiddelston fan so I would have seen this movie anyway. But it was good to see him play the hero for a change oppose to the villain. And as good as it was to see him play the hero it was equally as good to watch Samuel L. Jackson play a villain mostly because he is so awesome as the villain. It's also a little ironic because Tom Hiddelston plays a villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe while Samuel L. Jackson plays a hero to in Kong it is a bit of a role reversal and they are fabulous at both. It goes to show you that both actors are crazy talented at whatever parts they play. All the actors were great in the film they were believable in whatever emotion they are supposed to be feeling. And another thing that was great was that both of the woman characters were just as tough as any one of the male characters. And in some both woman kicked more ass than all of the male characters combined. 

     The visual effects were terrific I really liked the overall look of the film. I like that you can even see the emotion on Kong's face and can tell what he is supposed to be feeling and the intense rage that is going through Kong's mind. The part where the girl in Kong's hand and goes down the monster's throat was a good part because it showed that like in King Kong, Kong still has a soft spot for good looking woman. Though I wouldn't want to be the one that explains to her what happen to her when she was unconscious. That's not a conservation I would want to have. And the Easter egg after the credits that hints about a possible Kong versus Godzilla film was amazing and I personally cannot wait to see that one. Because we all know that it will be epic. With the Summer coming and Fall T.V. shows ending you will need something to watch and I will recommend for you to watch Kong: Skull Island. It's worth it!

                                                -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by next review!

Logan

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     In case you guys haven't notice I've been seeing a lot of movies lately. But I have been busy to write them down. Recently I have found the time to talk a little about them. I hope you all are enjoying these reviews because I am having fun writing them. Now for this review let's bring out your inner wolverine and do some damage to some very bad people. Let's get started with the review of "Logan" which is the final film with Hugh Jackman as the character.

     I didn't know what to expect from this movie I wasn't sure where they were going to go with the story but I really like what they did with the X-Men franchise and the Logan character. What I enjoyed was that in a way it was the same old Logan that we all loved. You know the take no rap from anyone but at the same time it was also a different Logan. A Logan that has seen and lost so much and has lost all of his friends, the people he considered family. The movie allowed Hugh Jackman to play a different side to Logan a side that we haven't seen before. And he played it to perfection as usual. Along with Jackman "Logan" also gave Patrick Stewart a chance to show a different side to Professor X. A side of a man that has seen his entire life's work destroyed. A man that is so broken that you wouldn't think he could possibly be fixed. But like Logan it was also still the same Professor X. The man that will always be there for his students no matter how much they tell him to go away or stop it. Both Jackman and Stewart are outstanding as their characters as always. And the young actress playing X23 also known as Laura was amazing for one so young and new to the industry. I thought she captured the rage and intensity as Logan displays which is perfect as X23 is supposed to be a clone of Logan. I also thought that she worked well with Hugh Jackman and Patrick Stewart and has terrific chemistry with them. I just thought the whole cast was great and there was no weak leak among them. 

     The only thing I was a little disappointed in was after the credits I thought they were going to show a claw raise from the grave or have someone stumble upon the empty grave. Just wanted that it would have been awesome. But I think the reason they didn't do that was so the sudience knows and is aware that this is the last film for Jackman playing the character.l And that way they won't expect to see him in the next film. Still it was disappointing because it meant that it was an end to an era. But I like the introduction of X23 and the other kid mutants because just as something ends, something new begins. And if you pay close attention all the powers if the nre mutants were those of the originals. And it proves that Logan wasn't the only mutant that they cloned. While I am saddened to watch Jackman and Stewart stepping down from their roles that they've made so iconic I am also excited to see what is next for the new characters and the franchise in general. 

     "Logan" was a great ending for Jackman and Stewart to go out on. And all the while being an amazing ending it was also a great beginning to a brand new series of film. Let's hope the filmmakers get a chance to dive deeper into brand new characters. And critics were right Jackman and Stewart saved their best for last.

                                                                                                                          -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

Split

Hello Everyone,

Spoiler Alert!!!!!

     So in my last review I took you into a galaxy far away with Rogue One. But in this review I am going to take you into a world that is spooky and creepy, you might even say it's horrible. Sorry bad pun. But it got the point across as I am going to take you into the world of horror. This was one of those films that made me want to see since I first saw the trailer. I finally did see it in the theaters, it didn't disappoint. Now on to the review of Split!

     When I saw the trailer I didn't know that is was supposed to be connected to the movie "Unbreakable" staring Bruce Willis. I saw online that Bruce Willis had a cameo as his character from "Unbreakable." So when I actually saw the film I knew it was set in the same universe as "Unbreakable." But even though it has that connection, Split on it's own is a well done stand alone movie. It has different characters, different setting and a different premise that just makes it enjoyable to watch. I don't think Split really needed to be connected to "Unbreakable" and it didn't need the cameo, I still have to say that it did get me excited for a third film with Bruce Willis and James McAvoy against each other. That is if a third shall be made of course. But if a thirst doesn't get made Split is a good stand alone film with an awesome cameo.

     I think what really got me interested into seeing Split is James McAvoy as the main character/villain because it was a different role for him to play. And he really pulls it off and I think he should do more like Split more often, h really does them justice. Also even though he plays the antagonist and don't want him to win, you realize he also plays a character that deals with a disorder that real like people deal with in real life. James McAvoy play a guy that has multiple personalities which is actually the part of the movie that got criticize but for me it;s the part of the movie that I found the most interesting. Because since it's a real disorder the writing and the actor could be shown it in a disrespecting way (not meaning to although) but the filmmakers brought some light on this real issue without disrespecting the issue or the people that deal with it. The only non-realistic thing about it was the part that one of the personalities has super powers. Although we don't know everything about multiple personalities disorder so I guess it's possible but I seriously doubt it. While dealing with multiple personalities, Split also deals with rape which is another real issue that many people deal with. And how a person will feel after they've been rape. But I do love how the girl's tragic backstory was the thing that saved her life. And as messed up as that was it did get to the point of the film. And the way I view it is that sometimes damage people may be a little less messed up as non-damage people But I leave it up to you on what you think the point was. With dealing with real issues like multiple personalities and rape Split really is a dark film which is perfect for horror. 

     Split is a thrilling, spooky and just a little scary film that even for a person who doesn't like horror will enjoy. And even if you haven't seen "Unbreakable" it's not necessary to see Split. You will understand it just fine like I said it didn't need that connection it is just a fun movie. But you might want to watch "Unbreakable" after you see "Split."

                                               -Katiejayforever

P.S. Stand by for next review!

May the forth be with you!