2020 Memorial

Hello.

The last day of the year is the time when I usually write a memorial for any actors or authors who we lost. This year I knew that it had to be bigger than that. The whole Earth has experienced loss as deaths have been higher this year for so many reasons.

It hasn't just been actors. Sure, they've been there, but there have also been singers, writers, TV show hosts, dancers, doctors, athletes, parents, children, aunts and uncles, business workers, teachers, friends, etc. etc. etc.......creators. Young, old, and somewhere in the middle. People from all over the world. Everyone has made an impact, so everyone is a creator and source of inspiration: a spreader of joy in different formats.

So many people have died from Covid-19, but also from old age, battles with cancer, abuse. Like the first list this one also, sadly, continues into infinity.

I think that every family in the world knows someone who isn't here to brighten the world as we continue the march on.

I've spent months trying to figure out what to say at this moment. I've pondered, searching for the right words, but there are none. I keep trying to make 2020 out to not be as bad as everyone says it was. I look for all the good that has come from it, and I am truly grateful. Right at this moment, though, I am saddened. This post is me taking my time to mourn. I know that I am usually on the selfish side, but right now I just want to think of all the people who have added to this world and aren't here today to see it.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

In no world could I have known all of you, but I miss you all the same.

Here's to the world and making it better in the memory of those who have gone before us...and better for those yet to come.

To all my readers, I wish all blessings to come to you and yours.

MovieCritic

Movie Review: Black Panther (2018)

Hello to all of you.

I was so sad to hear a month ago, on August 28th, that Chadwick Boseman had passed away from cancer. I had already been contemplating reviewing a movie with him in it several times this year with the goings on, but this helped me make up my mind.

I can't tell you how many times I've started this review. I write something, delete it. Try something new, and delete it again. It's weird to talk about a movie when the main actor isn't with us anymore. I know that I talk about old films all the time, and this isn't any different, yet it seems like it for some reason. I'll try to get one with it anyway.

The film is Black Panther (2018). I was originally going to review all of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies in order that they were released, but this circumstance made me change my mind, so I could write this as a sort of tribute to him. If you want to watch this, and haven't yet, there are two ways to do it. This is one of those things were you do as I say, not as I do, because I've watched all of the MCU movies in random order (and I still haven't seen a few). 

You can watch them in the order in which they were made:

Iron Man (2008), The Incredible Hulk (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor: Dark World (2014), Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014), Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Dr. Strange (2016), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Spider-man: Homecoming (2017), Thor: Ragnarok (2017), Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Captain Marvel (2019), Avengers: Endgame (2019), & Spider-man: Far From Home (2019).

Or chronological order:

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Captain Marvel (2019), Iron Man (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Thor (2011), The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Avengers (2012), Iron Man 3 (2013), Thor: Dark World (2014), Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: The Age of Ultron (2015), Ant-Man (2015), Captain America: Civil War (2016), Black Panther (2018), Spider-man: Homecoming (2017), Dr. Strange (2016), Thor: Ragnorok (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), & Spider-man: Far From Home (2019).

I've been the worst example with the MCU, watching things in a helter-skelter way which has caused a lot of confusion. If you're not that interested in the MCU, but still want to see Black Panter (2018), you can do that, but his story begins in Captain America: Civil War (2016). And another semi-important character's story begins in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015).

I think I've covered all of the bases, so it's time to get started on the actual review!

My guarantee: On ALL of my reviews there are NO spoilers unless I give you warning. This is spoiler free!


Black Panther (2018):

Based on: the comic books by Stan Lee.
Long ago, five tribes came together where they found a meteorite containing the valuable metal vibranium. Since then they have created technological wonders, but have hidden from the world. T'Challa is preparing to take the throne in Wakanda. That comes with the duties of the Black Panther to protect his people. When he hears of someone dealing with and selling vibranium, he and a few others go to South Korea to track him down. That releases a series of events that reveals a past to T'Challa that he wasn't aware of, and he begins to wonder, how will this change things?

"You get to decide what kind of a king you're going to be."

Genres: Action, Superhero, Science Fiction.
Length: approx. 134 minutes.
Costumes: 9, they are so vibrant and vivid! I love the colors and design that went into all of them. They won an Oscar. There are only a few times when some guys aren't wearing shirts, but it's when they are in a planned fight and there is war paint, and it is fine.
Costumes by: Ruth Carter.
Script: 8, a couple of bad words. But, just two or three, I believe.

"Please don't make me listen to your music." (My sisters say this to me all the time.)

Crew: Directed by: Ryan Coogler. Written by: Ryan Coogler, Joe Robert Cole, Stan Lee, & Jack Kirby.
Starring:
Chadwick Boseman as T'Challa.

Lupita Nyong'o as Nakia.

Danai Gurira as Okoye.

Letitia Wright as Shuri.

Michael B. Jordan as Erik Killmonger.

Martin Freeman as Everett Ross.

Angela Bassett as Ramonda.
Andy Serkis as Ulysses Klaue.

Daniel Kaluuya as W'Kabi.
Winston Duke as M'Baku.
Sterling K. Brown as N'Jobu.
Forest Whitaker as Zuri.
Florence Kasumba as Ayo.
John Kani as T'Chaka.
Connie Chiume, Isaach De Bankolé, Danny Sapani, Dorothy Steel as Tribe Elders.
Marija Abney, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard, Christine Hollingsworth, Maria Hippolyte, Marie Mouroum, Sydelle Noel, Jénel Stevens, Zola Williams, & Shaunette Renée Wilson as Dora Milaje.
Seth Carr as Young Killmonger.
Atandwa Kani as Young T'Chaka.
Ashton Tyler as Young T'Challa.
Denzel Whitaker as Young Zuri.
Cameos: Stan Lee, Sebastian Stan, & Trevor Noah.
Cinematography: 9, the costumes help add to this, but the cinematography is really good! The action scenes are never dull, the lighting in South Korea is so impressive, and there are a couple of scenes with a waterfall that just make you say,"Wow!" I took one little itty bitty point off for sometimes when the CGI felt too much like CGI, but other than that it was impressive.

Cinematography by: Rachel Morrison.
Music: 10, it has streaks of the MCU theme while taking on different levels of Africa instrumentals which are woven through out.
Music by: Ludwig Göransson.
Quotability: 8, "Wakanda forever!" is an endlessly quotable line. In addition to that there were a couple other good ones.

Oscars won: 3: Best Original Score, Best Costume Design, Best Production Design. It was nominated for Best Picture.
Content: 7, there is fighting, injuries, killing, and death. Maybe it was something about the CGI that didn't make it seem that gruesome, though? If that's case, then I might be fine with that. In addition to that there is a rude gesture, one character who purposely hurts himself, and one character has mechanical arms that are gross at times. I know that doesn't make sense, but my brain can't figure out another way to say it.
Originality: 7, the structure and storyline was...kind of predictable. But, the elements were very unique in their own right!

Good For: Superhero fans, everyone.
Age Range: PG-13 for the violence, and intense scenes and I'd agree with that. As I can't go without saying, it depends on the person though.
Overall Score: 8!
Worth watching?: Very much so! For the visuals alone I'm glad I watched, but I'm also glad I watched to learn about all of the awesome characters.
Will I watch again?: My older sister still hasn't seen this, so yes, I'll watch it with her sometime.

Bonus thoughts:
This. This film. This is an important movie. With everything going on this year, especially in the U. S., I keep thinking about it. This is the ONLY superhero movie to ever have been nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. It was the second highest grossing film of 2018. It is currently the twelfth highest grossing movie of ALL TIME. I feel that this will become one of those movies that everyone sees sometime in their life, not necessarily because of the story (which is still good!), but because of the statistics and all the records that it broke.

Now, Chadwick Boseman was the perfect person for T'Challa. I loved this movie for his sake. For the journey that T'Challa goes through! Chadwick was so regal in his performance. He gave the character a grace and dignity. He made him someone who is always looking for a better world. The way he and Letitia Wright played the relationships between siblings was one of the best parts of this movie. He will be missed tremendously.

My thoughts are just kind of scattered lists right now, but I'm getting emotional so I should stop. Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think of this movie, or if you haven't seen it tell me your favorite superhero movie (you can tell me that even if you've seen it!)!

One last thing:

"Wakanda forever!"

MovieCritic

A Memorial for Actors and Directors ~ 2019

Hello, everyone.

Here it comes, my last post of 2019, and as usual, I will be honoring and commemorating actors and actresses who are close to my heart in the different works that they've done.

Carol Channing: Actress
January 31st, 1921 - January 15th, 2019

Who could ever forget her? I love seeing her in the movie Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967) (that movie is weird, but she is the best part about it) and I love hearing her voice in the movie Thumbelina (1994). Listening to her singing songs from Hello Dolly! is a joy. As soon as you hear her, you know that it is Carol Channing.


Albert Finney: Actor
May 9th, 1936 - February 7th, 2019

I was first introduced to Albert Finney in his role as Daddy Warbucks in Annie (1982). He plays Scrooge in one of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol, the musical Scrooge (1970), but by far my favorite role of his is John Newton in Amazing Grace (2006). That is one of my favorite movies ever, and his lines are so powerful and amazing, no one else could have done it. I'm sad to see him go, but I am going to watch the movie Big Fish (2003) that has him soon, and I am looking forward to his performance.

Stanley Donen: Director
April 13th, 1924 - February 21st, 2019

I have to credit Mr. Donen here because he directed my favorite movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain (1952). Seriously, I love that movie so much, and it couldn't have happened without him. Other movies of his that I have seen are On The Town (1949) and Royal Wedding (1951). They have all been enjoyable, and looking at a list of all the movies he worked on I am looking forward to those that I haven't seen yet.


Peter Mayhew: Actor
May 19th, 1944 - April 30th, 2019

Ah, this is the man who played the famous Chewbacca. Star Wars is one of my favorite things, and Chewy is one of my favorite characters. Catherine Hawthorn and I already co-wrote a memorial post for him back on May 4th, which you can check out HERE.


Doris Day: Actress and Singer
April 3rd, 1922 - May 13th, 2019

I have not seen many things featuring her, but each one I have seen has been a treat! I first saw her in By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953) which is very sweet and cute, but my favorite of hers has to be The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956). She and Jimmy Stewart were brilliant together, but the highlight of the movie is her singing the Academy Award Winning song, "Que Sera Sera". My grandmother always used to say that to me, and to finally see that movie in 2018 was very special.

Cameron Boyce: Actor
May 28th, 1999 - July 6th, 2019

It was sad to hear that he died due to health complications when he was so young. I never watched any of the TV shows featuring him, but I really liked seeing him in the Descendants movies as Carlos. When I read the book The Isle of the Lost this year, I see how perfectly he played him.


I'm sad to know that all of these people won't be with us any more, but I have enjoyed being able to see their movies.

That's all for me in 2019, and this decade, I am looking forward to what is to come in 2020!

MovieCritic

Memorial 2018

Hello.
At the end of each year that I have had this blog, I do a memorial for actors and authors that were close to my heart, who we lost in that year. This year it will be a little different, it won't just be actors and authors.

Ursula K. Le Guin: Author

October 21st, 1929 - January 22nd, 2018

She has written so many books, but I have only read two of them. I read A Wizard of Earthsea just when I was starting this blog. I was very confused when I read it, but thinking back on it I think I would love it if I reread it. I have also read Catwings. It is very short, but very sweet. I look forward to reading more of her fabulous ideas.

John Mahoney: Actor

June 20th, 1940 - February 4th, 2018

Though he was best know for his work on Fraiser, I know him mostly for voice roles. They include: Antz (1998), The Iron Giant (1999), Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), and Atlantis: Milo's Return (2003). Though, just year I saw him in the movie Flipped (2010), and that is by far my favorite role of his, hence the picture being from it. He brings Chet Duncan to life with his wise pieces of advice. It is one of my favorite movies, and I will always remember his part in it.

Patrick F. McManus: Author

August 25th, 1933 - April 11th, 2018

My dad has probably been reading me his stories for a long time, but I first remember hearing one of his stories in 2012. We were going through a hard, and little bit scary, time, with a family member in the hospital and the rest of us staying in a hotel. My dad pulled out one of his books and we were able to laugh. Ever since then, I have heard so many of his stories. It seems like any time we are in a hotel my dad pulls one of his books out from his suitcase and starts reading. I will miss hearing new ones, but I will always cherish the times it has made me laugh.

Ellen: My grandma.
1920 - May 2018
She was one of the strongest women I know. Mentally, and physically. She had determination. She fought in World War II, and had her own business for a long time. Up until a few years ago she lived across the street from us, and every Sunday after church we would go see her and she would feed my sisters and I juice and chocolate. About 2011/12 we would go over every evening and watch Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune with her. I was surprised when she was 92 she answered a Jeopardy! question correctly when no one playing did! She loved to play cards and she won quiet a bit when we played with her. I miss her a lot but, I know she is better know because she had stopped walking and had been in a lot of pain. Thank you to everyone who prayed for her and for my family, we really appreciate it.



Stan Lee: Comic Book Creator
December 28th, 1922 - November 12th, 2018

Even though I have read quite a few comic books, I don't think I have read any that he wrote, but I always enjoy seeing his cameo appearances! I have seen him "appear" in: Iron Man (2008), Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) [this was the movie that my dad first pointed him out to me, and said how he is in every Marvel movie, so it will always be my favorite of his cameos], Doctor Strange (2016), Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017), The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004), and Big Hero 6 (2014). I look forward to looking for him in other movies!



William Goldman: Author
August 12th, 1931 - November 16th, 2018

Though he wrote a lot of things, he said this: 

"I don't like my writing. I wrote a movie called Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and I wrote a novel called The Princess Bride and those are the only two things I've ever written, not that I'm proud of, but that I can look at without humiliation." 

Those happen to be his two works I know. Well, I've only seen part of BCatSK, but The Princess Bride is so nostalgic for me! I really appreciate that he wrote it.

Ken Berry: Actor
November 3rd, 1933 - December 1st, 2018

It is no secret that I am a fan of the Herbie movies. And what I really love about Herbie Rides Again is his performance. He just makes the whole film! I cannot wait to see his other movies. Thank you, Mr. Berry.


Did you know any of these people? Do you have a favorite work or part of theirs?

This is my last post for 2018! It was such an amazing year! Each year just keeps getting better and better, so I cannot wait to see what 2019 will bring!

MovieCritic

A Memorial for Actors and Authors~2017

Hello.
2017 was a great year in some ways, but a lot of great people died. This post is as memorial for some of my favorite actors and authors that are close to my heart.

Mary Tyler Moore: Actress
December 29th, 1936 - January 25th, 2017

Though she is most famous for her television show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, the only movie I have seen her in is Thoroughly Modern Millie. She plays the sweet, gullible Miss Dorothy. She had me laughing. She really was a great actress, I look forward to watching more of her movies.

Robert Osborne: TCM Television Host
May 3rd, 1932 - March 6th, 2017

I know that all the others on here are actors and authors, but I do want to write a word or two about Robert Osborne. For as long as I can remember I have been watching Turner Classic Movies. And for as long as I can remember, Robert Osborne's voice has introduced each movie. I will miss hearing his voice, and hearing his thoughts.

Peter Sallis: Voice Actor
February 1st, 1921 - June 2nd, 2017

We all have cartoons that we love. Ones that we have watched since we were tiny and still enjoy watching today. Mine are the Wallace and Gromet cartoons. The amazing claymation tells the story of Wallace, and his dog Gromet. Peter Sallis played the unmistakable voice of the cheese loving Wallace.

Michael Bond: Author
January 23rd, 1926 - June 27th, 2017

Michael Bond is the creator of one of the most lovable bears: Paddington. Though I have never read the books, I love the character, and I cannot wait to read the books. The movie is excellent, and there is a number two coming out in 2018. Thank you, Michael Bond.

June Foray: Voice Actress
September 18th, 1917 - July 26th, 2017. (She was almost 100!)

Talk about a voice! The movies I heard her in are: Cinderella as Lucifer the Cat, Peter Pan as Squaw, The Snow Queen as Court Raven/Old robber/Old Fairy, Thumbelina as Queen Tabitha, Mulan as Grandmother Fa, and Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas as Cindy Lou Who. She was also the known voices of: Witch Hazel, Granny in Tweety Bird Cartoons, and Rocky J. Squirrel. We will miss her.

Glen Campbell: Actor and Singer
April 22nd, 1936 - August 8th, 2017

I know your thinking, "Wait, he was a singer. Why is he on a movie blog?" Well, to tell the truth, I don't know his songs, but I do know that he played Le Boeuf in the 1969 version of True Grit. I really do like that character and I think he did an excellent job.

Jerry Lewis: Actor and Comedian
March 16th, 1926 - August 20th, 2017

I have actually only seen him in one movie: 3 Ring Circus. Everyone always loves Dean Martin, which is good, but Jerry Lewis deserves some love too. It's hard always playing the one who gets laughed at, but he was marvelous at it. I cannot wait to see more of his movies.

There you have it. Do you miss these actors as much as I do?

I hope you all had a fabulous 2017, and are ready for an even greater 2018!!!!

MovieCritic

A Memorial for Actors and Authors~2016

Hello everyone.

I just learned that Carrie Fisher died. 

She had a cardiac arrest on a plane from London to Los Angeles. She was fifteen minutes without oxygen. 

2016 has been a rough year for actors and actresses, also musicians, but I didn't really care for any of them. So I am going to write a few memorials for actors and authors close to my heart that died this year.

Alan Rickman: Actor

February 21, 1946 - January 14, 2016

I first knew him as Professor Snape, from Harry Potter. I still have seen all the Harry Potter movies, but in the ones I have seen he is excellent. Some of the movies are terribly wrong from the book and I was always hoping that they would remake a few of them better to the book, but they can't now. They will never be a better Snape.

When my mom was having us watch Sense and Sensibility '95 for the first time, you know you can't see his character until he comes from the shadows (EXCELLENT!!), we were watching then all of a sudden my older sister screamed, "IT'S SNAPE!!!" so every time we watch it, when we get to that part we say, "It's Snape!"

Another movie I have seen him in is Galaxy Quest which is a movie that is about a TV show that is Star Trek, only cheesier. It is a comedy and it is truly hilarious. We watched it the other day and it still makes me laugh.

He is also in the movie, Michael Colins which is about the 1916 Irish revolution. 

Alan Rickman, you will always be one of my favorite actors.

Harper Lee: Author

April 28, 1926 - February 19, 2016

Just a few days ago I finished To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time. What really made me read it was Rachel's review of it. It was very good. Hopefully in the next year I will get around to doing a review of it. What seems sad to me is that she wrote Go Set a Watchman and it was published in July 2015 but everyone seems to give it bad reviews. I wish her book would have been a success before she died. I will always like her book To Kill a Mockingbird, and I hope to read her book Go Set a Watchman soon.

Gene Wilder: Actor
June 11, 1933 - August 29, 2016

I only ever have seen him in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory. But oh boy! He was the best Mr. Wonka there could ever be. You had such a wonderful care free way to it. It was the best, of the best. Thank you Gene Wilder. I can't wait to see your other works.

Carrie Fisher: Actress

October 21, 1965 - December 27, 2016

Carrie Fisher was the daughter of one of my favorite actresses, Debbie Reynolds. 

I have only seen four movies with Carrie Fisher in them. But, in my defence they are her most famous:

STAR WARS: IV A NEW HOPE, STAR WARS: V THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, STAR WARS: VI THE RETURN OF THE JEDI, STAR WARS: VII THE FORCE AWAKENS. Yes, she is the iconic Princess Leia. I only saw STAR WARS for the first time a little over a year ago, and it has made it's way on to my favorites list.

I am hoping to see other movies with her in them such as Agatha Christie's Appointment with Death.

Carrie Fisher, you will be greatly missed. Carrie Fisher, you are now one of my favorite actresses.

UPDATE:

Debbie Reynolds: Actress
April 1, 1932 - December 28, 2016

Her daughter Carrie Fisher's death was such a shock to her she had a stroke and died, one day after Carrie's. Her son, Todd Fisher said that she said, "I want to be with Carrie."
She was the main actress in one of my favorite movies Singin' in the Rain. That is my favorite that she made.

Wasn't she spectacular?
Movies I have seen that she was also in were, The Halloween Town series, and Charlotte's Web. She is also know for her role in The Unsinkable Molly Brown. She was also in the movie Mother, where she plays kind of a forbearing mother. In Carrie Fishers book, Postcards from the Edge, mentions that her mother was kind of forbearing, but that they made up later in life and became best friends, this is true for them:

~Winnie the Pooh -- A. A. Milne

So there you have it. In two days the main actresses in my two favorite movies passed away.

If there are any actors/authors I have forgotten, let me know. I just wanted to say these favorites. I know I don't usually do a post two days in a row, but I just had to do this one.

MovieCritic