Tag Archives: Hamilton

The Movies of 2020; Ranked from Worst to Best

Every year I share the films I watched the previous year and how I ranked them. This list is just…sad, but we were right in the throes of COVID-19 and well, I was stuck to watching stuff on streaming and most of it wasn’t good.

Thank goodness 2021 was better!

15. Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl' Gets Premiere Date On Disney+ – Deadline

I cannot express to you just how bad this movie is. Artemis Fowl is a beloved children’s book that Disney decided to adapt into a film for Disney+ and the result was astronomically bad.

This movie was so, so very terrible that having never read the book I was still offended. Here’s a suggestion: never watch this movie.

14. The Trial of the Chicago 7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 movie review (2020) | Roger Ebert

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is such a crap fest of a movie. It’s one of those cliche movies with a recognizable cast about an important American event that’s getting Oscar buzz not because it’s actually good but because it’s reflective of the times. I watched this movie all the way through only because I had to write a review. And that was painful.

13. Wonder Woman 1984

Patty Jenkins Compares WW84's Message to Its Predecessor | CBR

Yes, the newest Wonder Woman film has suffered the dreadful sequel curse. Riddled with eye-rollable moments and lackluster action scenes which all culminate into a strange sequel that retains practically none of its predecessor’s charm, Wonder Woman 1984 is a botched film that struggles to convey a message that this movie didn’t need to say.

I wanted to watch Wonder Woman 1984 for escapism, not to be reminded of how messed up this world is.

12. Safety

Trailer For a New Inspirational Disney Sports Movie SAFETY — GeekTyrant

Safety is a cute, inspiring film but it’s ultimately forgettable.

11. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey': Who Are the Birds In Harley Quinn's Upcoming Movie? -  Entertainment

Birds of Prey wasn’t received very well and for good reason. The movie is a bit confusing and muddled in its attempt to be cool and fresh but I find the film somewhat enjoyable, even though I’ve only seen it all the way through once.

10. Project Power

Project Power': Review | Reviews | Screen

Netflix movies can be pretty crappy but Project Power is a surprise hit. It’s a superhero film that feels way more realistic, delivering a powerful story that’s actually pretty fun to watch. Comic book movie alums Jamie Foxx and James Gordon-Levitt are the stars of this Netflix movie and they do a great job. If you’ve got Netflix, check it out. It’s actually pretty good.

9. Enola Holmes

On the Rearranged Sherlockian World of Enola Holmes ‹ CrimeReads

After having just finished the critically-acclaimed series, Sherlock I was really excited to meet Enola Holmes, Sherlock’s super intelligent and super eager for an adventure sister. The Netflix original film is well-made and actually had some nice surprises. It also manages to be feminist without being too on the nose (yes, I’m talking about you Wonder Woman 1984) or detracting from the overall fun of the mystery. Enola Holmes isn’t great but I personally found it more enjoyable than the two Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

8. Underwater

Underwater review – Kristen Stewart's soggy, silly monster movie | Kristen  Stewart | The Guardian

If you like Alien you’ll like Underwater. This movie starts quickly and it doesn’t stop. Get ready for a suspenseful ride.

7. The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man haunts us the way abusers always have - The Verge

Don’t sleep on The Invisible Man. This horrifying thriller is actually really good. With an on-the-edge-of-your-seat story that continues to surprise along the way, The Invisible Man is a must-watch if you have HBO Max.

6. American Utopia

David Byrne live on Broadway, NYC: Still the best musical experience on the  planet | NME

Earlier this year on HBO Max, a live Broadway production filmed by Spike Lee and helmed by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter David Byrne called American Utopia debuted and I decided to watch it. For nearly two hours I was sucked into a performance that had me dancing and totally immersed. I know David Byrne for his most iconic works as a member of the hit band, Talking Heads, but it was nice to see him as an older man still jamming. Now I’m a David Byrne fan.

5. Clouds

Clouds movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert

I was not expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I did but Clouds is undoubtedly, next to The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars, the best original piece of content that has come to Disney+ this year. This movie made me cry SOOOO HARD! It was a really headache-induced morning.

4. Da 5 Bloods

Da 5 Bloods movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert

Da 5 Bloods is a powerful film that has unfortunately not received the praise that it should. This movie surprised me in more ways than one and could very likely end up rewarding the film’s lead, Delroy Lindo, an Oscar nomination/win. No, Da 5 Bloods isn’t the best Spike Lee movie I’ve ever seen but it’s undoubtedly one of the best.

3. Tenet

Tenet: Christopher Nolan Didn't Show Films That Inspired Him to Cast |  IndieWire

Christopher Nolan’s latest endeavor is a mind numbing, mind boggling, ridiculous attempt at trying to be the greatest action movie of all time, resulting in what was instead an inspired fail. Tenet is still one of the most visceral and unforgettable films I have ever laid eyes on but its greatness is just a bit too much. But still, give it a look if you have the chance. It’s worth it.

2. Hamilton

Hamilton is coming to theaters and Disney+, thanks to Disney's endless  hunger for content - The Verge

I never thought I would get the chance to see Hamilton. Disney+ made a dream of mine come true and thankfully, Hamilton lived up to the hype. It was everything I had hoped for and more. The music was scintillating, the performances inspiring, and the story was perfectly told, delivering enough humor, suspense, and drama to refrain from being a bit of a bore. Plus, to see a Broadway musical with a cast so diverse literally brought me to tears.

Hamilton is amazing and if you still haven’t seen it yet I implore you to give it a look. It really is something.

And 1. Soul

Netflix And Movie Trailers Of The Week: Invisible Man, Soul, And More -  CINEMABLEND

I was not expecting Soul to be as good as it was but boy was this film absolutely spectacular. With a story that’ll you have reevaluating your own life and meaning in this world, Soul is a fantastically animated, incredibly moving story that left me not only crying in the end but utterly touched. It’s, in my opinion, the best movie of the year.

So there’s my moving ranking of 2020. What will 2021 bring? Hopefully a better year than this.

What have been your favorite movies of 2020? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

I thank you for reading and I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve.

The Movies of 202o; Ranked from Worst to Best

It’s been a rough year but yes, it’s almost over. I didn’t think that I would see that many movies that year but surprisingly, I’ve seen more than I expected. I’ve seen, in fact, more new films this year than I’ve ever seen; movies like Sunset Boulevard and Seven, The Sound of Music and The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Beautiful Mind and Pan’s Labyrinth, and so much more. As a movie lover, I have delved deep into the throes of Hollywood’s greatest films but I’m straying off course. I’m here to share my ranking of this year’s movies and so, with no further delay, here’s a ranking of the films I’ve seen in 2020.

15. Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl' Gets Premiere Date On Disney+ – Deadline

I cannot express to you just how bad this movie is. Artemis Fowl is a beloved children’s book that Disney decided to adapt into a film for Disney+ and the result was astronomically bad.

This movie was so, so very terrible that having never read the book I was still offended. Here’s a suggestion: never watch this movie.

14. The Trial of the Chicago 7

The Trial of the Chicago 7 movie review (2020) | Roger Ebert

The Trial of the Chicago 7 is such a crap fest of a movie. It’s one of those cliche movies with a recognizable cast about an important American event that’s getting Oscar buzz not because it’s actually good but because it’s reflective of the times. I watched this movie all the way through only because I had to write a review. And that was painful.

13. Wonder Woman 1984

Patty Jenkins Compares WW84's Message to Its Predecessor | CBR

Yes, the newest Wonder Woman film has suffered the dreadful sequel curse. Riddled with eye-rollable moments and lackluster action scenes which all culminate into a strange sequel that retains practically none of its predecessor’s charm, Wonder Woman 1984 is a botched film that struggles to convey a message that this movie didn’t need to say.

I wanted to watch Wonder Woman 1984 for escapism, not to be reminded of how messed up this world is.

12. Safety

Trailer For a New Inspirational Disney Sports Movie SAFETY — GeekTyrant

Safety is a cute, inspiring film but it’s ultimately forgettable.

11. Birds of Prey and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn

Birds of Prey': Who Are the Birds In Harley Quinn's Upcoming Movie? -  Entertainment

Birds of Prey wasn’t received very well and for good reason. The movie is a bit confusing and muddled in its attempt to be cool and fresh but I find the film somewhat enjoyable, even though I’ve only seen it all the way through once.

10. Project Power

Project Power': Review | Reviews | Screen

Netflix movies can be pretty crappy but Project Power is a surprise hit. It’s a superhero film that feels way more realistic, delivering a powerful story that’s actually pretty fun to watch. Comic book movie alums Jamie Foxx and James Gordon-Levitt are the stars of this Netflix movie and they do a great job. If you’ve got Netflix, check it out. It’s actually pretty good.

9. Enola Holmes

On the Rearranged Sherlockian World of Enola Holmes ‹ CrimeReads

After having just finished the critically-acclaimed series, Sherlock I was really excited to meet Enola Holmes, Sherlock’s super intelligent and super eager for an adventure sister. The Netflix original film is well-made and actually had some nice surprises. It also manages to be feminist without being too on the nose (yes, I’m talking about you Wonder Woman 1984) or detracting from the overall fun of the mystery. Enola Holmes isn’t great but I personally found it more enjoyable than the two Sherlock Holmes movies starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.

8. Underwater

Underwater review – Kristen Stewart's soggy, silly monster movie | Kristen  Stewart | The Guardian

If you like Alien you’ll like Underwater. This movie starts quickly and it doesn’t stop. Get ready for a suspenseful ride.

7. The Invisible Man

The Invisible Man haunts us the way abusers always have - The Verge

Don’t sleep on The Invisible Man. This horrifying thriller is actually really good. With an on-the-edge-of-your-seat story that continues to surprise along the way, The Invisible Man is a must-watch if you have HBO Max.

6. American Utopia

David Byrne live on Broadway, NYC: Still the best musical experience on the  planet | NME

Earlier this year on HBO Max, a live Broadway production filmed by Spike Lee and helmed by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter David Byrne called American Utopia debuted and I decided to watch it. For nearly two hours I was sucked into a performance that had me dancing and totally immersed. I know David Byrne for his most iconic works as a member of the hit band, Talking Heads, but it was nice to see him as an older man still jamming. Now I’m a David Byrne fan.

5. Clouds

Clouds movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert

I was not expecting to enjoy this movie as much as I did but Clouds is undoubtedly, next to The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars, the best original piece of content that has come to Disney+ this year. This movie made me cry SOOOO HARD! It was a really headache-induced morning.

4. Da 5 Bloods

Da 5 Bloods movie review & film summary (2020) | Roger Ebert

Da 5 Bloods is a powerful film that has unfortunately not received the praise that it should. This movie surprised me in more ways than one and could very likely end up rewarding the film’s lead, Delroy Lindo, an Oscar nomination/win. No, Da 5 Bloods isn’t the best Spike Lee movie I’ve ever seen but it’s undoubtedly one of the best.

3. Tenet

Tenet: Christopher Nolan Didn't Show Films That Inspired Him to Cast |  IndieWire

Christopher Nolan’s latest endeavor is a mind numbing, mind boggling, ridiculous attempt at trying to be the greatest action movie of all time, resulting in what was instead an inspired fail. Tenet is still one of the most visceral and unforgettable films I have ever laid eyes on but its greatness is just a bit too much. But still, give it a look if you have the chance. It’s worth it.

2. Hamilton

Hamilton is coming to theaters and Disney+, thanks to Disney's endless  hunger for content - The Verge

I never thought I would get the chance to see Hamilton. Disney+ made a dream of mine come true and thankfully, Hamilton lived up to the hype. It was everything I had hoped for and more. The music was scintillating, the performances inspiring, and the story was perfectly told, delivering enough humor, suspense, and drama to refrain from being a bit of a bore. Plus, to see a Broadway musical with a cast so diverse literally brought me to tears.

Hamilton is amazing and if you still haven’t seen it yet I implore you to give it a look. It really is something.

And 1. Soul

Netflix And Movie Trailers Of The Week: Invisible Man, Soul, And More -  CINEMABLEND

I was not expecting Soul to be as good as it was but boy was this film absolutely spectacular. With a story that’ll you have reevaluating your own life and meaning in this world, Soul is a fantastically animated, incredibly moving story that left me not only crying in the end but utterly touched. It’s, in my opinion, the best movie of the year.

So there’s my moving ranking of 2020. What will 2021 bring? Hopefully a better year than this.

What have been your favorite movies of 2020? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

I thank you for reading and I hope you have a great New Year’s Eve.

Revisiting ‘Hamilton’

Oh my gosh, I forgot just how much I love this musical. Before yesterday I had seen the Broadway work of art a total of four times in the span of about two weeks and then I decided to take a break…a break that finally ended last night and once again, I was lost.

This Broadway masterpiece is truly one of the greatest things I have ever seen. Its attention to detail is staggering, its lyrics tell a story that is both complex and mostly accurate, the actors are simply outstanding, specifically Leslie Odom Jr. who does such a tremendous job breathing life into Aaron Burr’s side of the story, and of course, by the end, I was crying again. (Five times in a row and I haven’t been able to contain my tears.)

I cannot fully express in words how moving and inspiring Hamilton is to someone like me. Lin-Manuel Miranda provided the world something that feels poignant, powerful, and feels like a glimpse at what movies, television shows, and Broadway shows will and should look like in the coming decades. The idea that people of color can’t hold a show, aren’t as talented as other actors, and aren’t smart enough to produce the type of mediocre content that dominates our entertainment is laughable and Hamilton proves that point.

I love it, love it, love it so much and I can’t wait to see more Broadway shows in the future.

I thank you for reading my gush post about Hamilton and I hope you have a lovely day.

Is ‘Hamilton’ Kid-Friendly?

Hamilton is the next great obsession to watch on Disney+ since The Mandalorian and The Clone Wars dropped and while families around the world will want to sit on the couch and intake the two and a half hours of diverse awesomeness I must provide a word of caution.

While Hamilton is a wonderful crash course on the history of our nation and should be watched by as many people as possible its PG-13 rating is pushed to the very brink with the play’s at times sketchy material.

Not only does the movie feature a lot of cursing such as heavy words like f***, sh**, etc but it does not stray from implied or blunt sexual references. And that doesn’t even include the specific risqué scene that features the moment Hamilton has an affair. As I watched the film for the first time I found myself slightly appalled by how raw the movie was in treating certain subjects and as someone who understands the importance of parent’s guides I’m going to be blunt. This movie, I believe, is not suitable for children under twelve years old.

Hamilton is not The Avengers even though both films bode a PG-13 rating. The Avengers is PG-13 because of the violence and mild cursing. But ultimately, it’s a fun family film whose material is very tame for children. Hamilton is anything but tame and its last twenty minutes are rather tragic, which could upset young ones as well.

Hamilton is written by an adult for adults. Teenagers can watch this movie and be inspired but I urge you, if you’re a parent, to sit down and watch it first to determine whether you want to share this with your child at the moment or give it to them when they’re a little older.

I thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day.

‘Hamilton’ Is the Proof of How a Story Should Be Made

Ever since I watched Hamilton for the first last Friday I have not been able to get the film out of my very being. I’ve seen it three times since and I just can’t get enough of this story. The detail is insane, the talent is utterly incredible and really rewarding to see when entertainment can be so artificial these days, but with my latest viewing on Thursday night I couldn’t help noticing how spot on this story is.

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The play heavily features the stories of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr, friends turned political foes over the course of twenty-four years, who are played brilliantly by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom Jr.

With basic storytelling, Hamilton could’ve easily been the clear protagonist while Burr should’ve been the easy villain. Instead, Miranda provides a story that sees Burr as a victim to Hamilton’s relentless pursuit of greatness and after a while, we can’t help but understand why Burr is so angry.

It’s the perfect example of writing a more realistic story that features characters who have good and bad in them, for every person has a light and a dark side, so to speak. Continue reading ‘Hamilton’ Is the Proof of How a Story Should Be Made

The Five Best Songs in ‘Hamilton’

Hamilton is a musical (duh) and what a musical it is. I’ve never had so much trouble ranking songs in a musical before but I’m going to take a crack at it. Here goes nothing.

5. “It’s Quiet Uptown”

Tears. So many tears. Alexander Hamilton has had a terrible affair on his wife. That’s the first check on the forget-you list. Then his and his wife’s son gets killed because a college student picked on their son about his father’s scandal? Brutal! The despair in this moment of the show and the fact that Eliza’s love for Hamilton wins over her past anger and that she forgives him as he begs for her to let him return to her life is just: 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 Continue reading The Five Best Songs in ‘Hamilton’