Tag Archives: Michael B. Jordan

Action, Adventure, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews

BLACK PANTHER – WAKANDA FOREVER (2022): The Things I Liked…

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Black Panther - Wakanda Forever (2022), Letitia Wright, Marvel Entertainment
Black Panther – Wakanda Forever (2022), Letitia Wright, Marvel Entertainment

I knew I would cry while watching the latest Black Panther movie. And flow those tears certainly did. Not too much, mind you. I couldn’t have my vision obstructed while a stunning visual spectacle was happening before me.

Director Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther – Wakanda Forever is a very engaging story with memorable performances. My favourite is delivered unsurprisingly, by Angela Basset (Queen Ramonda). Especially during the confrontation with Dana Gurira’s Okoye. I loved the framing, costume and camera work in those moments! So much so that I will be replaying that scene repeatedly once the movie is available on Disney+.

I love how the Black Panther films have been a welcome reminder of what is possible when all the elements that make a movie very entertaining come together beautifully. The dialogue, costume, music and cinematography combined for a truly memorable experience.

I admit that there was a point in the film where I became aware it was still playing, meaning the movie could have benefited from slightly tighter editing towards the end. Nevertheless, in addition to Coogler’s film being highly engaging and as epic as hoped, Black Panther – Wakanda Forever is simultaneously a perfect additional opportunity for fans to bid farewell to the man who so impressively represented when he donned the suit for Black Panther (2018). The images of Chadwick Boseman shining in the role are some of the most moving moments for me, especially towards the end. 

If you’re yet to do so, watch Black Panther – Wakanda Forever. You’ll most likely be glad you did.

Happy Film Loving

G

Drama, Sport

CREED III (2023): New Trailer From Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors, Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu…

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Creed III (2023), Jonathan Majors, MGM
Creed III (2023), Jonathan Majors, MGM

A new instalment of the Adonis Creed story is coming in 2023, and this time it’s a face-off between childhood friends.

Starring Michael B. Jordan (also the director), Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu and Jonathan Majors; Majors plays Creed’s childhood friend/former boxing prodigy with a point to make.

I don’t recall much about what happened in the last Creed movie, Well, except that a fight was very likely won by Jordan’s character. Still, I somehow wasn’t expecting a new instalment. How silly of me!

Since boxing doesn’t generally call to me, I’m drawn to watch this to experience what I believe to be Jordan’s directorial debut. I’m a fan of Thompson and Majors as well, so there’s also that.

Do you find yourself drawn to Creed III at all? If so, what are you most curious and or excited about?

Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Phylicia Rashad, Spence Moore II, Tony Bellew, Michelle Davidson, Jude Wells, Jessica McCaskill, Leah Haile and Candice Tracy Ross also star.

Creed III Release Dates: March 3rd, 2023 (US)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Action, Adventure, No Spoiler Reviews, Thriller

TOM CLANCY’S WITHOUT REMORSE (2021): The Things I Liked…

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Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021), Michael B. Jordan
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021), Michael B. Jordan

I had a feeling that Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse wouldn’t be completely terrible; simply because of some of the key talent involved.

The likes of Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Bell and Guy Pierce can often be relied upon to deliver watchable performances. Nevertheless, I can’t deny that director Stefano Sollima’s movie could do with some improvements..

I tuned in because the idea of Jordan as a Navy Seal on a vengeance mission was very appealing. And things became especially exciting and suspenseful after the thirty-minute mark, when Jordan’s John Clark was officially in badass mode.

These were the moments that Without Remorse proved most exciting for me; during the action/suspenseful sequences. I particularly enjoyed a scene inside a prison cell that’s very reminiscent of a key moment in Jack O’Connell and Ben Mendelsohn’s Starred Up (2014), a prison movie I highly recommend. 

For seasoned film fanatics such as myself, though well executed in parts, I found a fair amount of what took place in Sollima’s Without Remorse relatively cliche’d. As impressive and fun to watch as the action scenes are, I wish that the whole movie felt more polished throughout. And certainly less like a Netflix/Amazon movie that didn’t quite meet its potential.

It is for these reasons, plus the moment or two of dialogue that didn’t sit so comfortably in my ears, and Jodie Turner Smith’s character seeming almost too young to be Clark’s superior that I have to say… only if you’re supercurious, then give Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse a chance.

Happy Film Loving 

G

Action, Adventure, Thriller

TOM CLANCY’S WITHOUT REMORSE (2021): New Trailer Starring Michael B. Jordan, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell, Guy Pearce…

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Tom Clancy's Without Remorse (2021), Michael B. Jordan
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021), Michael B. Jordan

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (2021).

Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse stars Michael B. Jordan as John Clark, a Navy SEAL who sets off on a personal mission to avenge his wife’s murder, only to find himself inside of a larger conspiracy. 

Directed by Stefano Sollima; additional key cast includes Lauren London, Jodie Turner-Smith, Jamie Bell and Guy Pearce.

I say bring on the well-choreographed fight/combat sequences. I’m more that ready to see Jordan believably portraying a Navy SEAL. I’m also ready to hear him say ‘No remorse‘ about one hundred more times.

Jacob Scipio, Todd Lasance, Jack Kesy, Lucy Russell, Cam Gigandet, Luke Mitchell, Artjom Gilz, Brett Gelman, Merab Ninidze and Alexander Mercury also star.

Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse Release Dates: April 30th, 2021, Amazon Prime Video

Happy Film Loving

G

Drama

JUST MERCY (2019): New Trailer From Michael B. Jordan, Brie Larson, Jamie Foxx, Rafe Spall…

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Just Mercy (2019), Michael B. Jordan, Warner Bros.
Just Mercy (2019), Michael B. Jordan, Warner Bros.

Co-written and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton; Brie Larson, Michael B. Jordan, Jamie Foxx  and Rafe Spall are the stars of Just Just Mercy.

Just Mercy tells the story of world-renowned civil rights defense attorney Bryan Stevenson; recounting his experiences as he details the case of a condemned death row prisoner he fought to free…

Jordan and Foxx in a movie together. I didn’t know I need it until it was here.

This will definitely make me cry. What am I saying? It already made me cry; that’s how I know.

O’Shea Jackson Jr., Tim Blake Nelson, Rob Morgan, Rhoda Griffis, Darrell Britt-Gibson, Drew Scheid, Andrene Ward-Hammond and Tonea Stewart also star.

Just Mercy Release Dates: December 25th, 2019 (US)…

Happy Film Loving

G

Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Sport

CREED II (2018): The Things I Liked…

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Creed II (2018), Michael B. Jordan, MGM
Creed II (2018), Michael B. Jordan, MGM

Creed II is a movie I watched because I was told it’s worthwhile. It certainly would have been a better experience overall if I were a serious boxing fan. Nevertheless, if like myself you’re just a fan of good movies, that too is enough. Because thanks to the story, dramatic performances and that rather great fight sequence near the end, I had a good time with director Steven Caple Jr.’s film.

Centred around what is arguably the most important fight of Adonis Creed’s life, I enjoyed the emotional journey and overarching tension as Creed grows into the man and the mindset required to get to where he needs to be. I also liked the rather moving moments in and outside of the boxing ring. From the time Creed learns of his opponent, to the required balancing act where his family life is concerned and the intense training in the desert which culminates in the all-important biggest fight of his life.

Regarding the question of whether Creed II is better than Creed, the good news is that they’re both worthy. As such, definitely watch it if you’re into boxing. For everyone else, it’s beautifully shot, particularly the training and fight scenes. Lastly, you will be moved and the cast is great.

Happy Film Loving 

G

Action, Drama, Sport

CREED II – Trailer 2 Starring Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Florian Munteanu…

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Creed 2 (2018), Michael B. Jordan
Creed 2 (2018), Michael B. Jordan

Trailer 2 for Creed II is officially great. I’m loving the intensity and purpose behind Adonis Creed’s eyes.

Directed by Steven Caple Jr; Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, and Florian Munteanu are among the stars.

Here’s the thing; I wasn’t going to get drawn into watching another boxing movie because, you know, they’re all pretty much the same. The other thing is I’d just watched a different boxing movie trailer which, I have to admit didn’t look especially great. That unfortunate experience rightly brought me straight here.

Having thoroughly enjoyed this new Creed 2 trailer, It’s official, I’m in for the story, the intensity and maybe one or two other things.

Creed II Release Dates: November 21st, 2018 (US); November 30th, 2018 (UK)…

Read my spoiler-free movie review of Creed II (2018).

Happy Film Loving

G

Action, Drama, No Spoiler Reviews, Sci-Fi

BLACK PANTHER (2018): The Things I Liked…

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Black Panther (2018), Chadwick Boseman
Black Panther (2018), Chadwick Boseman

Black Panther is a traditional superhero movie in the way that its’ a fun, partly humorous, definitely colourful and action-packed visual experience. It’s the classic story of a hero rising to defend the many from a destructive outside force. This time, instead of the main location being somewhere that’s recognisably the United States, the main setting is a fictional African nation named Wakanda.

Directed by Ryan Coogler of Creed (2015) and Fruitvale Station (2013), including all that this movie means in terms of representation, Black Panther is also memorable for me thanks to the great visuals and the ways in which the story is that little bit different from other superhero movies. There’s also the undeniable cool factor thats courtesy – in part of the stunt work, and shooting style.

I liked all the performances and particularly enjoyed seeing Andy Serkis in a role I wasn’t expecting him to play. The smart, empowered and powerful female characters were another highlight.

In terms of what’s next for the franchise, the way Black Panther ends certainly has me very intrigued about how the follow-up will unfold. Particularly since I’m  someone who’s quite aware of the nature of humans when it comes to power and resources.

No doubt you’ve probably already seen this one but in case you haven’t, watch it because it’s a good and fun… and Marvel.

Happy Film Loving

G