MovieVengers (2024)

31/03/2024

Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 30th of March, eight of us watched the fifth film in the MonsterVerse franchise, Godzilla X Kong The New Empire. In the film, Kong encounters more of his species in the Hollow Earth and must unite with Godzilla to stop their tyrannical leader and a powerful, climate-changing Titan from destroying the surface. Hands down, this was an absolute monster of a movie, a truly remarkable and entertaining thrill ride for those who love monster films. I thought it was very amazing and I consider it to be more superior then it's predecessor (Godzilla Vs Kong). It had a fantastic story and with great character developments. I love the fact that this movie really expands upon the MonsterVerse with all it's pride and glory and it gives the franhise a good kick in the right direction. The action was unbelievably cool along with its villains, (Scar King and Shimo). The evolution of Both Godzilla and King Kong makes the future of this universe very much exciting and it is something to look forward too. The visuals were incredible considering the budget of movie, ($135). In conclusion, I certainly would not mind watching this film again. A good 8.5/10.

24/03/2024

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 23rd of March, five of us watched the fourth entry in the Ghostbusters film series. The Spengler family returns to the iconic New York City firehouse where the original Ghostbusters have taken ghost-busting to the next level. When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an evil force, Ghostbusters new and old must unite to protect their home and save the world from a second ice age. It was a very good movie without a doubt and it is certainly just as good as its predecessor (Afterlife). It features some of the old cast again, (Dan Aykroyed, Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson and Anne Potts) who are the spectacles of the Ghostbusters universe and they bring, joy and laughter once more. The new cast from Afterlife are still holding up as interesting additions and their character developments definitely bring good story elements to the movie itself. The whole cast was fantastic as ever. The action/ghostbusting is still great in all it's forms and the story was spectacular and chilling. The special effects were cool and breathtaking. The music was awesome and it definitely brings alot of nostalgia. All and all, the film was amazing and I can't for another sequel if their do make one. A good 8/10 it deserves.

08/01/2024

Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 7th of January, myself and four friends watched the sequal to 2018's Auqaman and 15th and final installment in the DC Extended Universe, Aquaman And The Lost Kingdom. After failing to defeat Aquaman the first time, Black Manta wields the power of the mythic Black Trident to unleash an ancient and malevolent force. Hoping to end his reign of terror, Aquaman forges an unlikely alliance with his brother, Orm, the former king of Atlantis. Setting aside their differences, they join forces to protect their kingdom and save the world from irreversible destruction. This was a magnificent superhero spectacular without a doubt aside from the obvious (Amber Turd) as it makes it count with its unique story, breathtaking action and awesome special effects. It is one of the best superhero films of 2023 and one of the DCEU's finiest. The chemistry between the two lead actors Jason Momoa and Patrick Wilson really leads you to believe that they work well in their scenes together and that their dynamic really fits well into this story. This movie was full of mind blowing action and suburb acting. One of the things that could have made this film any better is if that Amber Heard should have been completely removed from the movie all together in justice for Johnny Depp and I prayed numerous times for her to be killed off. The rest of the cast was amazing, especially Jason Momoa as the title character and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as the villain, Black Manta. Patrick Wilson once again did a fantastic job as Ocean Master. It was a real shame Amber Heard had to return though and I do not praise her performance one bit. However dispute her appearance, the film itself was great, it did well if not better than it's predecessor and all and all, it deserves a high 8/10.

18/12/2023

Godzilla Minus One Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 16th of December, five film members and I watched the 37th film in the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla Minus One. Post war Japan is at its lowest point when a new crisis emerges in the form of a giant monster, baptized in the horrific power of the atomic bomb. This was an absolute Japanese cinimatic masterpiece and it was certainly a worthy monster movie. This picture makes the 2014 american Godzilla film look like a gigantic ton of King Kong dung. The post war Japan setting gives you a really interesting vibe to the story itself. The title monster was an amazingly scary yet powerful creature that would blow your mind as well as your soul. It's atomic breath is an incredible force not to be reckoned with. The cast performances were incredible and powerfully exicuted. Considering that this movie was made on a 15 million dollor budget makes it a motion picture worth seeing. The special effects and action scenes were fantastic and a spectacle of Japanese cinima. It is a movie worth enjoying again and again. I would give this a good 8.5/10.

13/11/2023

The Marvels Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 12th of November, me and four friends went to see the sequel to the film Captain Marvel (2019), a continuation of the television miniseries Ms. Marvel (2022), and the 33rd film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, The Marvels. Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, has reclaimed her identity from the tyrannical Kree and taken revenge on the Supreme Intelligence. However, unintended consequences see her shouldering the burden of a destabilized universe. When her duties send her to an anomalous wormhole linked to a Kree revolutionary, her powers become entangled with two other superheroes to form the Marvels. If I am being honest, this wasn't a bad movie but I wouldn't consider it great either. However it is a little bit better then it's predecessor. The runtime was far more shorty then the first but it dose deliver a good paced story and splendid action. The visuals were amazing and the chemistry between all three leads (Bri Larson, Teyonah Parrish and Iman Vellani) was extraordinary and funny. Samuel L Jacksons performance as Nick Fury was awesome as always and off course Zawe Ashton as the villain Dar-Benn was good too. On the other hand some of the lines in the movie were a bit ridiculous and not particularly worthy of an award, a razzie at best. All and all, this film deserves a good solid 7.5/10.

29/09/2023

Expend4bles Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 28th of August, two friends and me watched the fourth installment in the Expendables film series, Expend4bles. Armed with every weapon they can get their hands on, the Expendables are the world's last line of defense and the team that gets called when all other options are off the table. This action packed movie was definitely the worth nine year wait, it delivered a good story, plus non-stop explosive action. Considering this film was in development hell for nearly a decade, it took so long to get off the ground but eventually it got there. As good as this film was, it had a few negative points to it such as Sylvester Stallone's limited appearance in the movie, poor CGI affects and the abcence of some of the orginal cast members from prior films. However this film was very enjoyable all the same. The action was mind blowing, the cast were extraordinary, especially the new additions, plus Jason Stathem getting more of a leading role in this film was an interesting take in this entry. This absolutely had some good qualities to it and it's a motion picture I would enjoy again and again. It certainly deserves a good 8/10.

18/09/2023

The Nun 2 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 17th of September, me and three friends saw the 8th installment in the Conjuring universe, The Nun 2. 1956 - France. A priest is murdered. An evil is spreading. The sequel to the worldwide smash hit follows Sister Irene as she once again comes face-to-face with Valak, the demon nun. This was absolutely a fantastic masterpiece of a horror movie. Definitely an improvement over the first one. The movie was scary enough to make you jump several times in a row. The story and build up was well written and very good, the performances from the main cast were phenomenal, particularly Bonnie Aaron's who plays the Nun herself. The title character was so frightening that it will haunt you in your dreams for a good while. Each scary scene really keeps you on the edge of your seat and you never know when a horror moment is going to suddenly happen until it dose. It is one of the best films in the Conjuring universe and it is a must see for the ages. One of the best horror movies of 2023. All and all it really deserves a 8.5/10

08/09/2023

The Equalizer 3 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 7th of September, two friends and I saw the third and final entry in the Equalizer trilogy, The Equalizer 3. Since giving up his life as a government assassin, Robert McCall finds solace in serving justice on behalf of the oppressed. Now living in Southern Italy, he soon discovers his new friends are under the control of local crime bosses. As events turn deadly, McCall becomes their protector by taking on the mafia. This was a fantastic movie in almost every way and definitely a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. It focuses a bit less on action and more on the main characters human cathartic side of things which really keeps you watching and that after everything that this man has been through, he has done more to earn his happy ending. There is still enough dark tone and action to see how a character reaches his limit and decides when enough is enough and it gives the audience peace of mind when it comes to a ground breaking story such as this one. Antoine Fuqua has once again done a marvellous job with this film, the way it was shot and it's interesting rytham. It is indeed a well written motion picture and Denzel Washington plays the role of Robert McCall amazingly for the final time. His performance is one for the ages. This film definitely delivers justice once again on a deeper and darker scale. A masterpiece that is absolutely worth a 8/10.

07/08/2023

Meg 2: The Trench Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 6th of August, myself and three other friends watched the sequal to the 2018 Sci-fi action film, The Meg, Meg 2: The Trench. Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators. This was certainly a big bite to eat and enjoy indeed. A single colossal man eating apex predator can definitely make a movie enjoyable but three on the other hand can better. It was a mind blowing spectacle and it delivers swimmingly good moments. It brings cold deep underwater fear and it also shows you what a prehistoric fish such as Megladon is capable of, let alone three. It's like Jaws in steroids, it's amazing. The action was awesome, the performances from the cast was extraordinary, dramatic and funny too, especially Jason Stathem. Most scenes in the movie really keep you on the edge of your seat, just a jaw dropping moment waiting to happen. I really couldn't tell which one was better, this or the first one, I personally believe they are both good. Regarding the score, I'll give it a 7.5/10.

03/07/2023

Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny Review by Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the second of July, me my girlfriend and three other mates watched the fifth and final installment in the Indiana Jones franchise, Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny. Set in 1969, the film follows Indiana Jones and his estranged goddaughter Helena Shaw trying to locate a device that could change the course of history before Jürgen Voller, a Nazi-turned-NASA scientist, can take it for himself and change the outcome of World War II. I honestly thought that this film was a very good conclusion to the titles characters story as well as Harrison Ford final time playing him. Not the best one but it still holds up in a mind blowing way and it makes up for it's previous entry (Kingdom Of The Cyrstal Skull). James Mangold dose a magnificent job bringing back the Steven Spielberg magic into this movie and making it count one last time. It had a well written and crafted story with interesting new characters, especially bring back a couple of old ones too. It was filled with good quality adventurous action and cleaver humor. The cast performances I definitely praise, particularly Harrison Ford in his final time in one of his most famous iconic roles of all time, plus Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen did a splendid job as well. I was very impressed after watching this amazing movie and it is definitely a final spectacle to remember for years to come. All and all, I'd give this a 8/10.

01/07/2023

The Flash Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 1st of July, myself as well as five other members of the group watched the 13th installment in the DCEU (DC Extend Universe) The Flash. Worlds collide when the Flash uses his superpowers to travel back in time to change the events of the past. However, when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, he becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation. With no other superheroes to turn to, the Flash looks to coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian albeit not the one he's looking for. This extraordinary masterpiece of a superhero movie was mind blowing in almost every way. It brings awesome action, an emotional story, a terrific cast and a spectacular sense of nostalgia. The movie was completely compelling and moving, it was totally a marvellous way to reset the DC universe. The return of Micheal Keaton as Batman brought so much joy and fun into this film, Supergirl was also quite an interesting addition to the film as well. Eriza Miller put on a spot on preformance as the title character and bringing back Micheal Shannon as General Zod was awesome. I personally think that this is one of the best superhero movies of the year. The music was used very well, especially the Batman theme, plus the cameos were unexpected and brilliant. The action scenes were fantastic and the humor used in the movie was so good. It really makes you feel for the characters themselves and it delivers a deep emotional story for fans and critics alike. In conclusion, it is a film I would watch again and this spectacle deserves a great 9/10.

15/06/2023

Transformers Rise Of The Beasts Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 11th of June, me and two others watched the seventh installment in the live action Transformers film series, Transformers Rise Of The Beasts. Optimus Prime and the Autobots take on their biggest challenge yet. When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction of Transformers known as the Maximals to save Earth. I honestly thought that this was a good movie to watch and enjoy and it certainly improves over the last two entries (Last Knight and Bumblebee). This film has a good compelling story and it brings out a sense of nostalgia given the fact it features characters from an old transformers animated tv show (Beast Wars). The characters were awesome as always, old and new as well the special effects used in the movie. It delivers moderate action unlike it's predecessors which showed off overused action sequences and top notch CGI. Stunning performances from the cast, including the voice over work. This was without a doubt one of the best films in the series which definitely makes up for the last two. I'd give this a good 7.5/10.

05/06/2023

Spider-man: Across The Spiderverse Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 4th of June, three friends and I saw the new movie from Sony Pictures Animation and sequel to the critically acclaimed motion picture, Spider-man: Into The Spiderverse, Spider-man: Across The Spiderverse. After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn's full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. However, when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders. He must soon redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most. This was without a doubt a truly amazing triumph of a Marvel film, the animation has outdone itself once more. The story is very compelling and really well written and it shows spectacular perspectives of the Spiderverse using different animations and imaginations. Phillip Lord and Christopher Miller have done an excellent job writing an action packed yet surprisingly emotional. It brings moments that really hit you in the heart. The action is out of this world mind blowing and thrilling. The voice performances from the cast were magnificent and well acted. I personally believe this film is definitely better than the first and as good as the original one was, the sequal reigns supreme. I'm general, it was worthy of a sequel and I'd give it a high 8/10.

08/05/2023

Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 7th of May, three group members and I watched the third and final chapter of Marvels Guardians Of The Galaxy Trilogy. Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume 3. Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them. This was absolutely a thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the trilogy and indeed a spectacle for future Marvel movies to come. It had alot of heartfelt moments in the movie as well superb action, story and emotional scenes. It is a well done character driven story in which all the pieces come together for one last ride to close the book on these rememberable characters. Definitely one for the ages. It delivers a balance of drama, humor, Sci fi and action. James Gunn has really outdone himself once more. There are moments in this outstanding superhero film where it really hits you in the heart, it's very breath-taking and remarkable in every way. The action sequences were brilliant and mind blowing, the graphics were definitely top-notch and the cast were outstanding. I am very satisfied with the closing chapter of these amazing motion pictures, it one for the ages. A magnificent 9/10.

24/04/2023

Evil Dead Rise Review
by Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 23rd of April, myself and another group member watched the fifth installment in the Evil Dead Franchise, Evil Dead Rise. A reunion between two estranged sisters gets cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable. It was amazingly gory and bloody, plus fantastically mind blowing. The Evil Dead universe always lives up to it's expectations as it always delivers a good story as well as a excellent tone of horror and blood splatting mayhem. This movie had a scary compelling story to go with it's supernatural horror and demoniac sequences. The cast in this film pulled off really well done performances and the run time itself was perfectly used up. It was a bloody thrilling ride from beginning to end and I couldn't have done a better job myself. It is totally one of the greatest horror movies of 2023 and a worthy entry in the Evil Dead Franchise. Overall it deserves a good 9/10.

28/03/2023

John Wick Chapter 4 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 26th of March, two film group members and myself watched the fourth installment in the noir-action franchise, John Wick Chapter 4. With the price on his head ever increasing, legendary hit man John Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin. If I am being completely honest, this was without a doubt, a very fantastic masterpiece and a spectacle of an action movie and definitely one of the best of 2023. I definitely hail this as a triumph for the ages. The John Wick franchise has never ceased to amaze the audience for the past nine years. This story totally keeps you watching, it is packed with thrills and chills and it keeps the adrenaline pumping in almost every way. It is filled with tons of non-stop, arse kicking, guns blazing, sword swinging action. This is absolutely what I would call one of Keanu Reeves's best movies in his whole career. The cast was brilliant and well chosen for the roles, Keanu Reeves in particular is fantastic as the title role as always, Ian Mcshane was marvelous, Bill Skarsgård was a very choice for the villian, Scott Adkins was really unrecognisable and cool at the same time, Laurence Fishbourne was great as ever, Donnie Yen and Hiroyuki Sanaa were both very good as well and as for Lance Reddick, he was an excellent addition to the franchise's as always and will be greatly missed (RIP). I'm conclusion, Chapter 4 is the best film in the John Wick series and I hope they keep the franchise going for years to come. This was a definite 10/10.

13/03/2023

Scream 6 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 12th of March, myself and two other members of the film group watched the 6th installment in the iconic slasher movie series, Scream 6. Four survivors of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage. This was without a doubt the best film in the franchise given it's amazing story, tenacious kills, new location and very loveable characters, old and new. It delivers quite an impacful storyline compared to it's predecessors and it definitely brings out a more terrifying experience to the fans, especially those who are fond of horror franchise's. Even though some of these murders in the movie are completely unpredictable, it never gets old and it still lives up to its standard expectations. Wes Craven himself would be very proud of this masterpiece indeed. The bloody splatter kills are shocking and awesome at the same time. The cast performances, old, current and new are extraordinary in every way. Ghostface never cease to amaze audiences around the world with his dark infamous voice, sharp knife and surprise attacks. It was definitely a brilliant horror film, absolutely one of the best in 2023 and the best entry out of all Scream movies. It is totally worth giving a score of 9/10.

07/03/2023

Creed 3 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 6th of March, me and another mate saw the third installment in the Creed series and ninth entry overall in the Rocky franchise, Creed 3. Still dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed is thriving in his career and family life. When Damian, a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces after serving time in prison, he's eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian -- a fighter who has nothing to lose. It was quite a good film but not what I consider the best in the trilogy though. It has a good constructive story with fantastic boxing scenes, it's a personal story at its core but it was nothing compared to it's predecessor, Creed 2. Slyvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa was highly noticeably absent in the movie and it was one of the reasons why this film wasn't as good compared to the other installments. The directional debut of Micheal B Jorden was a success and he did a marvelous job of it as well as producing plus staring in it too. The rest of the cast were amazing, particularly Tessa Thompson and Jonathan Majors. The boxing sequences seriously packed a punch too. Although it's not the best film in the Rocky series, it was still an exceptional masterpiece. I'd give it a low 7/10.

20/02/2023

Antman And The Wasp Quantumania Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 19th of August, four other members of the MovieVengers and I watched the third installment in the Antman series as well as the 31st film overall in the MCU, Antman And The Wasp Quantumania. Ant-Man and the Wasp find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that pushes them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible. This was a spectacular superhero masterpiece without a doubt. It delivers a splendid story beyond space and time as well as the fabric of reality. Plus it introduces the next big bad villan in the Marvel Cinimatic Universe, Kang The Conqueror. The visual effects of the movie was absolutely mind blowing along with its awesome soundtrack. The film also brings groundbreaking, shrinking action that comes in all shapes and sizes. The cast brings out the best of their ability into the core of their performances, especially MCU new comers, Kathryn Newton and Jonathan Majors as Cassidy Lang and Kang The Conqueror. In my personal opinion, this is the best installment in the Antman trilogy. I'd give this a high 8.5/10.

30/01/2023

Plane Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 29th of January, me and three other members of the MovieVengers saw an action thriller Plane. Pilot Brodie Torrance saves passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island -- only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When dangerous rebels take most of the passengers hostage, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI. This movie isn't what I would call an action spectacle if I am honest and it is certainly not Gerard Butler's best action film but it dose have it's moments. It was a good film but don't get me wrong, it wasn't good as I thought it was going to be. It's got a well structured story to it as well as good action scenes but it felt rushed and that it wasn't long enough. However the two leads Gerard Butler and Mike Colter were magnificent as an army of two type duo. There could have been more action as well as more story. I would give this a 7/10.

MovieVengers