Author: Matt Conway

The Transformers series has been quite the controversial franchise during its ten year run. While many fans have been happy with the over-the-top action and use of classic characters, most critics have turned their back to the franchise. Most can agree that the first film is not half bad, but its following sequels all have been severally panned by most. Franchises are ultimately defined by box office success, and with Age of Extinction grossing over a billion dollars worldwide, its no shock that audiences are now getting a fifth entry in the series. The Last Knight picks up where Extinction left off, with Optimus Prime embarking…

Since having a prime of exemplary films, Pixar has slipped over the past few years. While I did enjoy Finding Dory, films like Brave, Monsters University, and Good Dinosaur were a far cry from the original and emotional deep films they had made prior. Even Inside Out, which has a unique concept, failed to have the emotional impact that it should have. Looking to turn Pixar’s mediocre streak around is Cars 3, which for most is one of the most dreaded sequels in quite some time. Ditching the spy set-up that failed Cars 2, this third entry in the series follows Lightning McQueen, who is nearing the end of his illustrious…

There are a plethora of great music biopics, but very few that are centered around rap. Considering the controversy the genre has created throughout its existence, its disappointing that audiences haven’t gotten to see revealing portraits of key rap artists. Before recently, movies like Notorious and Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ have been middling exploits of the genre on the big screen. Changing the tide however was Straight Outta Compton, with the N.W.A. biopic finally giving audiences a satisfying biopic that also turned a huge profit at the box office. Riding off that film’s success is All Eyez On Me, which follows the life of rap’s most prominent…

Debuting with 2012’s indie hit Safety Not Guaranteed (which ranks among my favorites of that year), Colin Trevorrow’s career has taken a fascinating path. Instead of moving up slowly, he next directed Jurassic World, which despite some mixed reaction scored record-shattering numbers at the box office. Trevorrow’s atmospheric rise is part of a new trend in Hollywood, with many other indie directors jumping right into blockbuster filmmaking. Before directing Star Wars: Episode 9, Trevorrow is going back to his indie roots with The Book of Henry. The film follows a single mother of two who is thrust into doing a tricky task for her son after reading his…

While comedy can be one of the more hit-or-miss genres in film, this year in particular has been full of misses. After sitting through excruciating laugh-free affairs like Fist Fight, CHiPS, and Snatched, I’ve begun to lose interest in seeing mainstream comedies in theaters. Looking to right the ship is the latest raunchy comedy Rough Night. The film follows a group of college friends who come back together for a bachelorette party. Things go from bad to worse however when they injure a male stripper in their home. Rough Night is being compared to several other raunchy comedies, most notably The Hangover. While the film does…

Nothing quite represents summer movies quite like shark movies. Ever since Jaws has hit theaters, shark films have been the ultimate representation of what a crowd-pleasing summer movie should be. Films like Open Water and last year’s The Shallows represent that, scoring solid reviews and a steady run at the box office. Looking to continue the trend is 47 Meters Down, which is the last low-budget shark film looking to add a twist to the sub-genre. The film follows two sisters who are on vacation in Mexico. In an act of thrill-seeking, the two decide to go in a shark cage to the bottom of the ocean. You…

Since its announcement, I have been bewildered by the prospects of Sony’s first Venom movie. Not only is it shocking that after years of talking about it Sony is finally going through with the project, but it also features A-list actor Tom Hardy as the titular villain. Despite doubts this film still won’t happen, Sony is already soon getting under way with production with the film. Omega Underground has reported that Sony plans to start the shoot on September 1st, with much of principle photography taking place between New York and Atlanta. With Spider-Man: Homecoming just weeks away, it seems that Sony may finally…

This year has not only marked a great year for horror, but also the continuous evolution of the genre. Films like Get Out and Split have not only been massive critical successes, but have proven that the modern horror can be intelligent and character-drive in its own right. Continuing that trend is A24’s latest flick It Comes At Night. Set in a post-apocalyptic landscape, the film follows a family whose survival and trust is put to the test when engaging with a desperate family. Contrary to the aggressive marketing campaign, It Comes At Night is a deliberately slow and vague horror film. While that may scare some mainstream…

Biopics are a tall task to pull off, especially when the subject of the film is still alive. Every year, Hollywood releases dozens of biopics, with some being an insightful look into a major figure, while others are half-hearted Oscar bait. One of this year’s first major biopics is Megan Leavey. Based on the titular person, the film follows a Marine corporal who forms a loving bond with the combat dog she works with. This bond is what keeps her alive and teaches her to love again. Megan Leavey is a well-intentioned biopic that has a handful of impactful moments along the way.…

Ever since its announcement, most have been skeptical about the idea of a Universal Monster Movie Universe. While on paper the idea is a bit silly, I have been incredibly curious to see how it plays out. The original Universal Monster Movies remain as classics, and if the studio could even recreate a sliver of those movies allure, this universe could have potential. Kicking of the so-called Dark Universe is The Mummy, which is the latest adaptation of the 1932 original. In this adaptation, the film opens with an ancient princess is awoken from her crypt by explorers. As she begins to…