Final Destination: Bloodlines

      Much to my surprise and the surprise of many, the newest entry titled Final Destination: Bloodlines manages to be the the goriest, the most gruesome, and best written sequel since the first Final Destination splattered its way into cinemas back in 2000. Perhaps being away from the big screen for 14 years did this series much good as Bloodlines feels fresh in the way it reinvigorates the series for a new generation of fans while appropriately drawing from the nostalgia of past entries. The plot revolves around a college student who inherits visions from her dying grandmother of a previous premonition that averted a deadly structural failure in 1968 with the latter warning her that Death is back and targeting her family tree. What makes Bloodlines standout from other entries in the series is how much more emotionally resonant its plot feels in comparison with the whole initial premise of not being able to cheat death. With Bloodlines cast, the ensemble delivers performances that range as being strong and effective, creating a sense of camaraderie that allows the audience to empathize with each person's predicament and dreading their ultimate fate. Some of the films standout performances include Kaitlyn Santa Juana as Stefani Reyes in the main role as a College student haunted by nightmares of a 1968 tower collapse, Two Briones as Stefani's younger brother, Richard Harmon as her cousin Erik, Owen Patrick Joyner as her other cousin Bobby, Ryan Kihlstedi as Stefani's estranged mother Darlene and daughter of Iris's in the latter's vision, Gabrielle Rose as Iris who had the premonition in 1968, and Tony Todd in a brief yet emotionally poignant performance as mortician William Bludworth.

      As far as the films visual style and creative ways of annihilating its main characters go, Bloodlines keeps in line with the series distinct ways of building up its key set-pieces which mainly consist of creatively executed death scenes involving its key characters. Each death sequence in the film is well thought out and presented as being memorable. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein push the boundaries of creativity when it comes to the death scenes while not forgetting to incorporate moments of dark humor. Through the use of the films cinematography, the filmmakers drop hints for the audience with the potential death traps and the instruments that'll play a role in each characters ultimate demise. The suspense is steadily built up before each sequence occurs with the audience literally being at the edge of their seats when they do occur. Despite being the sixth entry in the series, the films death sequence remain as gruesome and unflinching as ever with the concept carrying a bit of freshness to it, though that could potentially be attributes to the series being away for almost 15 years. Whereas prior Final Destination sequels presented its characters as being stereotypical generic figures that has the audience eagerly anticipating their demise, Bloodlines script makes a notable effort to add layers to the main characters, especially the core family members in an effort to make the audience care about them before their inevitable and gruesome demise. For the most part, the film succeeds in doing such while adding a strong emotional core to the film. The opening sequence in itself is undeniably thrilling and instantly grabs the audiences attention.

      For horror fans as well as fans of the series in general, Final Destination: Bloodlines is an absolute must watch as its not only the best one since the first but delivers fresh twists and turns with it's already established formula while never easing up on the inventiveness and brutality of the deaths. It helps that this one carries a strong emotional core to its story and is presented in a way that can attract not just longtime fans of the series but newer faces as well.

Final Verdict: A real treat for horror fans. Watch it. 

Tron Ares Review

   If its dazzling visuals and a strong soundtrack that you're looking for here then you won't be disappointed with Tron Ares. However, if one is looking for a storyline that continues from where Tron: Legacy left off and builds upon it then you're bound to be severely disappointed here as the newest sequel mostly deters from the previous films plot and takes a direction that doesn't feel rewarding for the series narrative as a whole. On a technical level, the film is pure delight for the eyes but the overall plot feels like a major letdown for fans of the series who waited 14 years to see this universe again on the big screen. As far as performances go, the cast does well with what they're given although one must seriously question the choice of Jared Leto as Ares.

Naked Gun Review

    Much to my surprise, this proved to be a worthy legacy sequel that appropriately honors the original trilogy of Naked Gun films while delivering a fresh take on the iconic comedy franchise with an approach that fits modern times. A lot has been riding on this one not just to do justice to the series as a whole, but to rescue the comedy genre from the status of only getting a straight to streaming release. Thankfully, the newest installment of the series retains both the spirit and charm of the original trilogy with Liam Neeson proving to be a brilliant casting choice for the role of Frank Drebin Jr., son of Leslie Nielsen's character. He proves to be worthy successor to the latter while surprising with his impressive comedic timing. Alongside him, Pamela Anderson surprises as Drebin's love interest, Beth Davenport with her being the films main standout and delivering a fun and humorous performance that showcases the right comedic timing while poking fun at her past career. The rest of Naked Gun's supporting cast do a solid job of embracing the films brand of deadpan, slapstick humor including Paul Walter Hauser as Captain. Ed Hocken Jr., Danny Houston as the films main baddie Richard Cane, CCH Pounder as Drebin's Chief Davis, and Kevin Durand as Sig Gustafson. 

      With the reboot, director Akiva Schaffer manages to successfully capture the spirit of the original Naked Gun films while bringing the series up to modern standards. He delivers a fresh version of Los Angeles most notorious Police Squad while staying true to the series roots of slapstick humor. Despite a handful of the jokes not landing, most of the films humor is on-point with some great moments including the opening bank robbery sequence that's featured in all the films 

trailers, a scene involving an accidental prison outbreak, one that including an auto-pilot chaos, or one of Richard Cane's henchmen spying on Drebin and Pamela Anderson's character in the kitchen. There's no denying upon watching the film that a great amount of creativity and thoughtfulness went into making this reboot a faithful addition to the franchise while remaining as equally fearless and unapologetic in its ambition to deliver non-stop laughs. 

      If you're one of those who grew up enjoying the original Leslie Nielsen trilogy and remain on the fence with this one due to the uncertainty of whether it will live up to the gold standard set by the originals, you will be glad to know that this one actually delivers while living up to the series name.