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. 

Mission Impossible Final Reckoning Review

   Enormous in the size and scope of the finale it wishes to give its series (And perhaps a little too much as it doesn't fully feel as if it earns it's three hours running time), the eighth and final installment of the series Mission Impossible: Final Reckoning starting Tom Cruise brings the series to an honorable, if somewhat uneven, conclusion. The grand finale has Ethan Hunt and his IMF team racing against time to stop a rogue AI, known as The Entity, from gaining control of global nuclear strikes. If it's mission is to entertain while closing the curtain on its main characters 29 year journey then Final Reckoning overwhelmingly succeeds in doing so. One of the films main highlights is the chemistry generated by the films ensemble with Cruise once again delivering an excellent performance as Hunt, followed by Ving Rhames as Luther, Simon Pegg as Benji, and new additions including Hayley Atwell bringing a freshness to the story as Grace with her chemistry with Cruise being magnetic, along with Esai Morales making for both a charismatic and chilling villain to Ethan as Gabriel, Pom Klementief as Paris, and Henry Czerny as Kittridge. It's the energy driven by the cast and the long-standing relationships that add emotional weight to this finale.

       As far as the films action sequences and directing go, Christopher McQuarrie's work here proves to be extremely skillful with the films key action moments ranking as being spectacular. It also helps that much of the films wild and dangerous stunts are performed by Cruise himself, particularly the sequence in which he hands off the side of a plane and performs a mid-air jump, or another involving real deep-water diving. The cinematography is brilliantly shot and adds to the realism of the action. If there's any criticism to be levied at regarding the films technical elements, it can be directed toward the pacing which feels inconsistent and adds to the three hour running time ultimately feeling a bit overblown. The films first hour takes a great deal of time to buildup to the action but never feels dull or not engaging. For the most part, Final Reckonings script is strong despite bits where the films suspension of disbelief is tested (Ethan's character removing his diving suit and swimming up to the surface in icy waters is hilariously unbelievable), along with everyone looking up to Hunt's character as if he's some kind of savior. The film uses numerous flashbacks to remind audiences of past events and characters that fit into Final Reckonings storyline, despite feeling excessive at times. There are surprise twists that happen involving characters who may or may not survive the film along with numerous side character subplots incorporated that give off the impression that the film feels rather bloated.

      Regardless of the scripts shortcomings, Mission Impossible: Final Reckonings is a finely made and satisfying sendoff for the popular series that gets far more right than it does wrong. It may not be the best installment of the series (Mission Impossible: Fallout still stands tall as being the series crown jewel), but it packs a helluva lunch while simultaneously celebrating the series mythology. This is one mission that audiences should choose to accept, just be prepared to devote three hours to watching Ethan Hunt save the world once again. 

Final Verdict: A must see for anyone who is a fan of the series. 

Naked Gun Review

    A worthy legacy sequel that appropriately honors the original trilogy of films while delivering a fresh take on the iconic comedy franchise with a modern approach. A lot has been riding on this one to do well not just to do justice to the Leslie Nielsen films but to rescue the comedy genre from going straight to streaming. 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. Alongside him, Pamela Anderson surprises as the films main standout with her delivering a fun and humorous performance that showcases the right comedic timing while poking fun at her past career.