Sunday, May 21, 2017

ALIEN:COVENANT


It has been a strange week for SMS. First, everyone skipped on seeing King Arthur last week. Then this week no one could decide on which movie to go see. Of course I was pushing Alien: Covenant because...Come on, it's an ALIEN movie.

As for everyone else, the theme of it being too scary kept surfacing. So I decided to make it extra scary by seeing the movie alone. (Those silly wusses!)

I have a slight confession to make. I love the ALIEN franchise. There is just something about these movies that thrills me. It may be because of the first time I saw the movie ALIENS way back in the late 80's. I can't tell you the exact date and I didn't see it in the theater. You see, the late 80s was the rise of home VHS rentals and premium cable channels like HBO and Cinemax. Back then movies would be released in theaters. Then maybe a year later you would see those movies available at the video rental stores. Then, shortly after that the movies would then premiere on the cable channels, and if it was a good movie, it could play on those channels for years!!

That is where I saw ALIENS for the first time. It was awesome! It was an action packed thriller that involved a group of military people fighting a giant alien monsters with this legendary scene.


YES! Get away from her, you bitch!

Following this movie there were releases of video games, and action figures all based on ALIENS. I was a fan of all it.
Then I heard that it was actually a sequel. Well I had to see the original! So I begged my mother to let me rent ALIEN (1979) from the local video rental store. She didn't want me to see it because she thought it would be too scary for me. After plenty of more begging and assurances that I wouldn't be scared, she finally broke down and let me rent it. And it didn't disappoint.

ALIEN was a much different film, and it most definitely terrified me. But after that I was hooked. I saw every Alien movie that was released after that. When Ridley Scott announced he was returning to the franchise that he created, I was extremely excited. Prometheus was released and I more confused than entertained so I was really hoping this next chapter in the franchise would return to its glory.

ALIEN: COVENANT does indeed return the franchises to its roots. There is a little bit of combining themes from both of the first and second films to give a good balance of action and terror. But I wouldn't say it is really that scary. Sure there are parts you may jump out of your seat, but there isn't any built up tension that gets the hairs on your neck to stand up. I would say the theme is more sinister than scary. The best character by far is the one played Michael Fassbender. He does a great job at being a malicious android.

ALIEN: COVENANT gets a G - Gratifying 

I would suggest viewing it in a theater. Maybe try a late night showtime to make it extra creepy.

Next week we have a double feature week with Baywatch & Pirates of the Caribbean 

Hopefully all SMSers can get on the same page this time!



Sunday, May 7, 2017

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Opening weekend of the summer movie season always has a feeling of anticipation and excitement. It also helps to start the season with a great movie that sets the bar for the rest. For the past few years, Marvel Studios has been the standard with movies like Civil War and the Avengers 1 & 2. This year is no different.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the best comedic Marvel film to date. It is intensely funny. Every character has an unique charm that will keep you cracking up. This sequel has also turned up the volume of the emotional investment toward each character. By the end of the movie you will learn more about each character and their past.

Although this film is part to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there is no real need to watch anything other the first GOTG before going to this one. I'm sure there are going to be Easter eggs and ties in, but nothing of great importance.... so far. There are a few good cameos, so be on the lookout for those.

This movie gets an E - Exceptional

You definitely should go see it in the theater.

It was teetering on the edge of Legendary status due to its exceptional soundtrack. The creators have picked out some great songs from the 1970's that help drive the emotions felt throughout the film. These songs were likely hits when they were release but all feel newly discovered, as if you are on the journey with Star-Lord.

Here's a reminder of the well tested ranking system

L - Legendary
E - Exceptional
G - Gratifying 
e - Entertained
n - Nugatory
d - Dreadful

NEXT WEEK: King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

Monday, May 1, 2017

SLMR IS BACK!!!!

Welcome to the new and improved Summer Legendary Movie Review!!

After a very long sabbatical, it is time for the entire Summer Movie Squad (SMS) to reassemble!

For any newcomers wondering, each and every week during the Summer Movie season the SMS crew gather together to view a new film on opening night. Then the next day a new post will be released on this blog documenting our movie going experience.

Typically, movie reviews tend to describe way too much information. You simply want to know if a film is worth spending your time and money, and then some over zealous critic spoils the whole film by detailing the entire plot. Not on this review! There will be NO SPOILERS given on any of the movies reviewed here.

This review is all about enjoying the movie experience. Each week's post will simply have a recommendation based on our well establish personal ranking system.

Here is the official SMS 2017 list.


May 5 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

May 12 - King Arthur: Legend of the Sword

May 19 - Alien: Covenant

May 26* - Baywatch
      - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

June 2 - Wonder Woman

June 9* - The Mummy
             - World War Z 2 (possible date)

June 16 - Cars 3

June 23* - Transformers: The Last Knights
      - The Bad Batch

June 30 -  The House

July 7 - Spider-Man: Homecoming

July 14 - War for the Planet of the Apes

July 21* - Dunkirk
      - Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

July 28* - Atomic Blonde             

August 4 -  The Dark Tower

August 11 - Baby Driver

August 18 - The Hitman’s Bodyguard

August 25 - Tulip Fever

Bold - Must see Blockbusters
* - Double Feature week


The time has come to kick off this year's schedule. Make sure to check back later this week because first post of the the season will be Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2!!!!

Also feel free to revisit any of the previous season's posts.