Netflix News ‘The Cloverfield Paradox’ streaming immediately after the Super Bowl

In the near future, a group of international astronauts on a space station are working to solve a massive energy crisis on Earth. The experimental technology aboard the station has an unexpected result, leaving the team isolated and fighting for their survival.

Directed by: Julius Onah
Produced by: J.J. Abrams, p.g.a. and Lindsey Weber, p.g.a.
Story by: Oren Uziel and Doug Jung
Screenplay by: Oren Uziel
Starring: Daniel Brühl, Roger Davies, Elizabeth Debicki, Aksel Hennie, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Chris O’Dowd, John Ortiz, David Oyelowo, and Zhang Ziyi

www.netflix.com/cloverfieldparadox

Review: ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ *VERY minor plot details*

The Guardians are back and in a big way. James Gunn returns to helm the sequel to Marvel’s unlikely smash hit Guardians of the Galaxy looking to capitalize on the franchises soaring popularity injecting more humor, more spectacle and more all outrageous fun this time around. This film is not short on stimulation so marvel in the infinite glory that is Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

Peter Quill (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper) and Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel) are just a few weeks out from the events of the first film and their out to keep their good name by ridding the galaxy of those who would do it harm. Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki), leader of the Sovereign race, has hired the Guardians for a mission in exchange for Gamora’s estranged sister Nebula (Karen Gillan), but situations turn sour as the Guardians find themselves on the other side of the fight. Facing certain death, a mystery traveler rescues the team and reveals himself to be Ego (Kurt Russell), Peter Quill’s missing father accompanied by his servant Mantis (Pom Klementieff).

Angry about the escape, Ayesha hires Yondu (Michael Rooker) and his crew to hunt down the Guardians and bring them back to pay for their crimes. The Ravagers head out to find the heroes while Quill comes to grip with his new found father; but could everything be as it appears? Facing a multitude of foes closing in on the team, they must align with some unusual allies to once again protect the galaxy from certain destruction. Can the Guardians remain vigilant in their quest for good to prevail or will outside forces pull the team apart and end their friendship forever?

Marvel continues to find the perfect directors to lead their franchises, bringing out the very best in the source material by allowing these directors to inject their unique style of storytelling. Nowhere is this more prevalent than in the Guardians of the Galaxy films. Director James Gunn‘s radical departure from the core Marvel movies made the first film a surprise hit, but no one will be surprised when Vol. 2 wows audiences this weekend with its rare brand of humor and eye popping visuals. The cast, including Chris PrattZoe Saldana and Dave Bautista, are noticeably more comfortable this time around within their characters and within their collaboration with each other. Kurt Russell is an outstanding edition to this cast and, as the elder statesmen, brings out the very best in Pratt’s Star Lord during their emotional scenes.

Overall, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is an absolute joy of a film. From start to finish, the ride is nothing short of exactly what you would expect from a James Gunn Guardians of the Galaxy film. Take the family, take the neighbors, take everyone you know and run to the theater to see this…and do NOT leave your seat throughout the credits…there is 5 extra scenes!

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

Yes. 5! 4 throughout credits and 1 post credit

Trailer:

Review: ‘The Man from U.N.C.L.E’

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Hollywood’s fascination with remaking old television shows into film continues with our subject for today, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., a slick action spy caper from director Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes). The film serves as an origin story to the original premise of the television show as we witness the birth of the relationship between the characters and their graduation to becoming the  United Network Command for Law and Enforcement. Step inside the world of espionage and intrigue as we venture back to a time where the world was on the brink of crisis and the men responsible with protecting their countries didn’t wear capes.

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Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. centers on CIA agent Napoleon Solo (Henry Cavill) and KGB agent Illya Kuryakin (Armie Hammer), two foes forced to put aside their differences, to team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, bent on creating nuclear weapons with the goal of world domination. How will they find this mystery organization? Through the daughter of a vanished German scientist, Gaby Teller (Alicia Vikanderwhom the two believe might be the key to unlocking the mystery, but they must contend with Victoria Vinciguerra (Elizabeth Debicki), a widowed industrialist who is working with the mystery organization to develop the nuclear technology and stop them from foiling their plan. Can the trio put their differences aside long enough to stop the destruction of the world?

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Director Guy Ritchie has incorporated his wonderfully clever, stylish film making with this intriguing cast of characters to create an intelligent spy caper that doesn’t take itself too serious and allows it’s campy nature to weave its way into the tone of the film to create one heck of a fun time. Henry Cavill is outstanding as the debonair thief turned super spy. Cavill’s charm and delivery are perfect for the setting and his presence on screen is reminiscent of an early Bond. Armie Hammer has his ups and down in the this film, but overall he does a fine job creating his character. Alicia Vikander is absolutely stunning in this film. Vikander, who stole the show in this year’s Ex Machina, again steals the show with her beauty and grace. Elizabeth Debicki is devilishly mesmerizing as the villainess of the film. Debicki brings a sense of calm beauty that you are intrigued to find out more about her. For a film driven by male performances, it’s the women who steal the show of this film.

Overall, The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a truly enjoyable film and one that will keep you entertained all the way thru.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer: