JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (2017)

Genre: Adventure / Comedy
Running Length: 1:59
Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Jack Black, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Jonas, Alex Wolff, Ser’Darius Blain, Morgan Turner, Madison Iseman 
Director: Jake Kasdan
Screenplay: Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers and Scott Rosenberg & Jeff Pinkner, based on Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg

I suspect the reason I prefer JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE to the original Jumanji (starring the late Robin Williams) is because the 1995 version was really forgettable. I figuratively and literally mean it because I have no recollection of that movie experience.

It doesn't mean this movie is without faults for when a joke works, it works really well but when it doesn't, it's cringe worthy. What really worked for me is seeing Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Jack Black playing against type. And they seemed to be having a good time poking fun of themselves. Kevin Hart is well...Kevin Hart. He's always dependable to bring in the LOL moments for his shortcomings.

As for Nick Jonas' performance, I'm sorry but he really needs some acting lessons. Putting on an aviator sunglasses and acting cool is not...acting. That said, an unbilled cameo playing the adult version of Jonas' character was really effective. Eventhough his cameo was only for a few minutes and he comes in very late in the movie, his acting was really moving.

Perhaps that scene worked because we the audience, did feel the grave dangers and risk of what the characters had to go through to stay alive. You see, if they die in the game (see trailer for the plot synopsis), they die in real life. 

All in all, Welcome to the Jungle is easy to follow and entertaining. There is this nice "one life" quote which was uttered twice but it was the second time that had the most impact because of its context.

What I have learned from this movie?
"What makes someone really awesome is being comfortable in their own skin" 

RATING: 6.5/10

ANT-MAN (2015)

 
Genre: Action/Science fiction
Running Length: 1:57
Cast: Paul Rudd, Michael Douglas, Evangeline Lilly, Corey Stoll, Michael Peña, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, T.I., David Dastmalchian
Director: Peyton Reed
Screenplay: Edgar Wright, Joe Cornish, Adam McKay, Paul Rudd

Marvel's ANT-MAN is a tight and smaller scale movie (see what I just did there...) compared to the other epic and god-like superhero movies. And it packs a lot of heart too. In fact, it seems to share the same template as last year's surprise hit Guardians of the Galaxy:

• It goes for fun over dark brooding drama. 
• It's bright and uses a similar bold color palette. 
• Just like Chris Pratt, Paul Rudd is a likeable and humorous hero (heck, there's even a similar ripped six pack abs side profile shot of the actors in their respective movie trailers)      

I was a little skeptical when I watched the first trailer and not knowing much about the comic book, I thought the name "Ant-Man" was a tad too goofy. But boy was I wrong! The ability to shrink to a size of an insect is actually brilliant and lethal at the same time. The idea is so dangerous that if this technology falls into the hands of the wrong people, it would have serious global consequences. And that's actually the premise of the movie; to break into a high security premise to steal and destroy this technology before our main villain sells it to a bigger bad-der organization. Think of it like the Ocean's Eleven heist of Marvel movies.

What worked in this movie is its great cast. Rudd's comic timing is perfect and he's generally a nice guy who's trying to do the right thing for his daughter. Evangeline Lilly gets me everytime whenever she plays a strong character with scenes where she breaks down emotionally. Michael Pena steals every scene he’s in. And of course, there's Michael Douglas. He still has charisma and he oozes personality. And the action scenes are never too loud and bombastic. The climatic fight scene between Ant-Man and the baddie is ingenious as it switches between their perspective and that of normal-size human scale (and it also involves Thomas The Tank Engine Train). And kudos to the effective use of effects. When our hero shrinks down to size, his surroundings look unbelievably detailed and real.

Indeed, less is more.

Rating: 7.5/10

CHEF (2014)

Genre: Family/Comedy
Running Length: 1:55
Cast: Jon Favreau, Sofía Vergara, John Leguizamo, Scarlett Johansson, Oliver Platt, Bobby Cannavale, Dustin Hoffman, Amy Sedaris, Robert Downey, Jr
Director: Jon Favreau

Although it's not, CHEF felt like an autobiographical movie of Jon Favreau; the writer, actor and director of this wonderful film. The story of a celebrity chef rediscovering his love for life, family and food do share some resemblance of Favreau's career; rediscovering  his indie roots after his recent big budget dud Cowboys & Aliens. CHEF is a small, intimate and light hearted movie that will guarantee to get you craving for Cuban sandwiches the second you walk out of the cinema. The wide range of music used, the road trip, the soul and culture of each locations and the food (the FOOD, OMG!) are infused so flavourful together to support the heart of the narrative - a father and son story. Emjay Anthony who plays the boy character has a very authentic and endearing chemistry with Favreau, especially the quieter moments between the two. A special shout out to John Leguizamo who plays the role of a loyal friend to Favreau's character, as he injects so much joy and energy into the film. The scenes with him, Favreau and Anthony on the road are so much fun to watch.  And thankfully the big cast of recognizable cameos was not a distraction ie. spot the cameo moments. In the end, the resolution was pretty simplistic but the spirit of passion still shines. Oprah Winfrey's quote expresses this appropriately, "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

Rating: 8/10