chizzlemoviepicks Reviews

Avengers: Infinity War (2018)

This is a Thanos movie, not an Avengers movie. Boldest MCU Film to date!

[9/10 · 26 April 2018]

First of, this film is not for casual movie goers. This is for the fans, for the people who watched every single MCU film since 2008 and anticipated for this to happen. You cannot watch this movie without having to watch atleast 8 of the previous films, in order to understand and decipher the character's progression and development.

Everything that we've been watching has been leading to this moment. Us, seeing Thanos go after the Infinity Stones to fulfill his "purpose". The movie formally introduced us to Thanos. Majority of the film is about him and his background and motivation for wanting to annihilate half of the universe. Some might "sympathize" with him, but the Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy know better. Thanos' backstory was great, but Thanos' children (Black Order) could've used more character development. The movie showed how powerful and vulnerable Thanos was, which makes it more interesting. It's raising the stakes even more, to get a better pay off in the end. Thanos definitely is the star of the show. He doesn't kill to hate, he kills to let people live. The way he interacted with the heroes was sympathetic and genuine, as he praised Star-Lord, admired Iron Man and Doctor Strange and sympathized with Scarlet Witch. He was a complicated character. He didn't want the infinity stones to rule the world, but rather "fix" it, same with Ultron's motives, but the way they developed both characters were very different. That's what makes Thanos a far better villain than Ultron or anyone else.

The film perfectly ties up all previous films with hilarious and dark moments. The new "team ups" have great chemistry, Thor-Rocket-Groot and Doctor Strange-Iron Man-Spider Man-GoTG. The action sequences in the movie were thrilling, especially the fight in Wakanda and every Captain America fighting scene. Okoye and Black Widow are the female team up to beat. Bruce Banner is the funniest character, next to Thor. Iron Man and Doctor Strange's banters are everything we ever dreamed off. Star-Lord and Drax were a bit of a disappointment. Gamora finally got her moment. Black Panther, Falcon, Winter Soldier were side-lined. Vision was vulnerable and Scarlet Witch was unstable.

Doctor Strange and Thor were the best heroes in the film, followed by Iron Man. Captain America shines during the ending, showing how defeated he felt as he saw his friend slowly disappear.

The ending was perfect. It was hard to absorb at first but it made perfect sense. Thanos fulfilled his purpose and he doesn't have to work anymore, so he finally retires. But the remaining Avengers know that they still have to find a way to bring back their friends and families. It sets up the next movie (Avengers: Secret Wars) perfectly.

With the weight of everything that's happening, the pacing was not perfect but it was okay. I would've liked to see the Soul Stone make a bigger impact in the movie. We saw all of the other stones' power and capabilities but after years of waiting for the Soul Stone, it simply didn't deliver a dramatic representation of what it could really do.

The Avengers were defeated but we know that they will find a way to undo everything that Thanos did in this movie. Maybe we will get to see a timeline reset. The lack of Ant-Man and Hawkeye were so unfortunate for the heroes because they would've been so much help in fighting Thanos.

We will have to wait for a year to see what happens next to the remaining Avengers. Avengers: Infinity War may not be the best MCU film in my opinion, but it delivers what we wanted to see and it's the boldest MCU film to date!

Captain America: Civil War (2016)

Everything I wanted and more! The BEST Marvel movie to date!

[10/10 · 29 April 2016]

Captain America: Civil War is a good balance of action, drama and comedy. Marvel was often criticized for being too bland or being too light for its past movies. With Civil War, you get the chance to see the dark and gritty side of the superheroes we all love. Still staying true to the well-loved humor, Civil War managed to tell a beautiful story of friendship, family and loss.

It was a concern, after the announcement of the film, how they will be able to still focus on Captain America in spite of having "too many" superheros involved. This film just shut down all those doubt by giving the perfect amount of focus to each of its character, Captain America still being the main center of the story.

If you read the comics and hoping that they stuck to the reference, then don't bother watching the film. This film is an epic on its own. It stands on its own motives and reasons. If you keep an open mind and not think of what happened in the comics then you will surely find this movie fantastic.

Others say that the movie villain, Baron Zemo was weak and irrelevant but I saw him in a different way. He wants chaos and he brought it to the Avengers. He was a small villain compared tow hat we have seen before but his intentions were chaotic and evil, powered by his desire of vengeance. He was the catalyst of the movie, he made everything unfold in its right phase.

Steve's love for Bucky clouded his perception. The always "right and moral" Captain America was in the middle of his own dilemma. His relationship with Tony was heavily damaged because of this. Tony on the other hand was fueled by his ego, conscience and revenge.

The fight scenes in the film was terrific. Each hero stood out. Black Panther was greatly hyped for this movie and so as Spider-Man and Ant-Man. These are all "new" superheros which already gave us more than what we're expecting.

I loved the phasing of the film and its timing was perfect. It was not fast, it was just right for you to follow what's happening. Twists and turns happen along the way that you might not expect but will surely love. They were able to develop each character especially Scarlet Witch and Vision, even Falcon. These characters were all essential to the development of the film.

This film is a great epic and at the same time a great set up for the upcoming films. This movie CHANGES EVERYTHING on MCU. It's never gonna be the same as some heroes became fugitives and fugitives became heroes.

Best Marvel movie to date! No doubt!

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

From a non-critic, regular moviegoer's point-of-view: GOOD MOVIE

[7/10 · 26 March 2016]

BvS was one of the most hyped movies of the year. I am so excited to see this on screen. I'm not a hard- core comic book reader but I did read a few comic books.

I was not a fan of Man of Steel, it just wasn't mt cup of tea. BvS on the other hand for me is a lot better than MoS. It had great moments like the first encounter of Superman and Batman, Wonder Woman's appearance and Batman's story during MoS.

Ben Affleck's Batman is great. He was definitely a good fit for the role. Henry Cavil IS Superman, Gal Gadot is perfect as Wonder Woman.

I do get why some people don't like the film. It was a bit slow and fast at the same time. There were parts where the film wasn't able to explain what was being set up. It had too much going on but there wasn't enough time to explain what was going on.

I felt like Jesse's Lex Luthor was too much. It was more of Joker-ish than Lex Luthor. I also didn't like how they made Lex know all of Justice League's identities. I think they could've just let it unfold one at a time than giving Lex all the information at once.

This movie is actually enjoyable despite its flaws. I was hooked from start to finish, since I'm not so much familiar with the comic books.

BvS is like AoU. The film is just a set up for what's in store for us.

You should still see this movie, it's different from other Comic Book films.

Jessica Jones (2015–2019)

Jessica Jones unlike any other Marvel Hero!

[10/10 · 29 November 2015]

Jessica Jones is not about fighting aliens and other superhumans who want to take over the world. We've seen Daredevil save Hell's Kitchen, slightly darker than we were used to but Jessica Jones even took it into a whole-nother level.

Amidst the falling buildings seen in the Avengers movies, we've seen how ordinary people were affected during those fights and Jessica Jones showed that being a superhero isn't all about getting the love from people.

In a world of superheroes, Jessica Jones showed the "reality" of what it's like being "gifted". Bad guys sometimes succeed and innocent people lose their lives everyday.

Jessica Jones is conflicted about being a hero. She had killed innocent civilians and we won't ever see this in a Marvel movie. Jessica's nature is to be good and to help people but she sees how people can easily turn evil and how they can be not worth saving at times.

Krysten Ritter's performance as Jessica Jones is fantastic. Jessica Jones being a survivor of Kilgrave's abuse, Ritter showed a damaged heroine.

David Tenant's Kilgrave is somewhat humane but despicable. He was a man craving for people's love specifically Jessica. He's a supervillain not trying to take over the world but wants to takeover Jessica. Tenant's performance was tormented, horrifying and terrific.

All other characters also got the chance to shine in the series. Trish Walker, Luke Cage, Jery Hogarth, all got pain and their own monsters holding them back.

Jessica Jones as a series has a lot to offer to the audience. The story was beautifully told in a very coherent sequence. Truly something new in the Marvel Universe.

10/10! Hoping to see more in the coming seasons!

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Solid film! But not better that the first one.

[9/10 · 26 April 2015]

I just got back from the theater. I have been waiting for this for so long. But I have to say that I liked the first one better. I watched the first Avengers film more than 10 times and I love it every single time. But Age of Ultron had too much going on.Don't get me wrong, the film is pretty solid still.It's not like Spider Man 3 or amazing Spider Man 2. I still give it 8/10. It was fun to watch, and totally worth the wait, but I just didn't get that "amazed feeling" when I left the theater earlier. It was not consistent in maintaining it high and low moments.

I loved the new additions in this film, I enjoyed watching Scarlet Witch, Vision and Quicksilver. I think Iron Man gets the spotlight once again (I am not an Iron Man fan) which for me is kind of annoying. But I have to admit, I enjoyed watching the Hulk and Hulkbuster fight. It was awesome!!! I kinda wanted to see more Thor and Captain America moments and less Black Widow, Hawkeye and Iron Man moments.

Ultron as a villain is pretty scary but I just didn't like how they killed him off. It was just a "meh" moment in the film.

Maybe I need to watch it again and again to get the "high" from this film. I don't want to say that I'm disappointed with AoU, but it 20% less than what I expected. Nonetheless, I still recommend you to watch this film, it's a good film, maybe it's just my personal taste.

My top 3 Marvel films still are:

1. The Avengers 2. Captain America: The Winter Soldier 3. Guardians of the Galaxy

Age of Ultron might be top 4.

Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)

Funniest ensemble ever on TV!

[10/10 · 24 March 2015]

Parks and Recreation started out a little too bland for some people's taste but stick around, trust me, it will be the most flavorful show you have ever seen!

The premise is new. It is centered on government, friendship, career, feminism, set up into a mockumentary. The thing that stood out the most in this show would be the amazing cast.

Ron Swanson, April Ludgate, Leslie Knope, Andy Dwyer, Ben Wyatt. These are the characters that we can all relate too. You may be a "Ron Swanson" but admit it or not, there are day when you feel like you are an "Andy Dwyer" or a "Leslie Knope"

One person can absolutely relate to more than one character and that's what made it so loved by the audience.

I love the fact that it is doesn't show the typical premise of comedy show, like long pregnancy plot, giving birth plot, long courting plot, big and grand wedding plot. Parks and Recreation stays away from all those clichés, it stands on its own premise. Something new, something I have never seen on a TV show.

I am sad to see this show go but the finale is absolutely amazing and I could not ask for a better one to conclude the great story of the people of Pawnee.

10/10!

The Flash (2014–2023)

This show is so good, you can't stop watching!

[9/10 · 24 March 2015]

This is the first comic book TV series I have ever watched. and I am not disappointed. The story keeps you guessing what will happen to the show and how will everything turn out. The villain on the show is not your typical villain and it's hard for you to hate the character. The story is beautifully written, week after week.

Grant Gustin couldn't be more perfect to play the title role. He is Barry Allen, he is The Flash. Other characters worth praising is Cisco, Joe and Dr. Wells. All portrayed by great actors.

They add characters to build up the whole Flash experience. It doesn't matter if you read the comic books, just watch the show and it will tell you the story that you need to know. You will be hooked starting from the very first episode and makes you want to watch more.

I hope the show continues to be great!

Pushing Daisies (2007–2009)

Romantic, funny, mysterious, TOUCHING. Everything you want is in!

[9/10 · 5 February 2015]

This show has everything, from the perfect dynamic of the cast to the perfect flow of the story up until it was canceled.

Pushing Daisies was canceled too soon and everyone was saddened by this. It may not have the highest ratings at the time but at least they could've have given this show a chance. This show had great potential.

Ned The Pie Maker was the perfect character, he was shy and awkward and mysterious. He can wake the dead and bake delicious pies! He was an eye-candy for everyone.

Chuck was kind off annoying at first but you learn to love her like Ned does.

This show had so much more stories to tell. It was one of a kind and a refreshing show.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

An epic conclusion to an epic saga

[10/10 · 26 January 2015]

I first watched the LOTR Trilogy when I was 13 y/o. It was my father's favorite movie. Back then, I was not able to understood fully what it is all about but I liked it. I did not love it like I loved Harry Potter back then, but I liked it.

Entering High School, I have gotten the chance to re-watch the whole trilogy again and again and again, and this time I absolutely loved it. I became obsessed with the story. Tolkien, created a beautiful world, and wrote about this amazing characters. We see each of the characters' growth as we followed their journey up to the end.

The cinematography of all movies are spot on. The sound was done beautifully and the actors gave life to one of the most-loved characters of all time.

The Return of The King concludes the story of Middle-Earth, having peace back in their world. We know that CGI can both be the angel and the demon at the same time but with this film, it was done just right.

This truly elevated my standard with films. The quality was spectacular and truly a timeless piece.