Adnerb the Movie Nerd

Movie reviews from a middle school teacher's perspective

Top Gun: Maverick

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No matter what you think of Tom Cruise as a person, he consistently makes interesting, action-packed movies.  “Top Gun: Maverick” is no exception.  The first one came out in 1986, so the sequel was over 35 years in the making!  I saw the original back in the day, but to be honest, didn’t remember what it had been about.  It doesn’t matter because any questions you might have are probably answered in this movie!  Anyway, “Top Gun: Maverick” is top-notch entertainment and is a definite sign that movies are bouncing back.  Tom Cruise reprises his role as the unconventional pilot Pete Mitchell, nicknamed Maverick,  who this time around is being tasked to train other top guns to undertake a very dangerous mission.  Jennifer Connolly is Penny Benjamin,  the woman that he never seems to quite be able to commit to.  Miles Teller is Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw, the son of “Goose” Bradshaw (Anthony Edwards), who died in an accident in the original.  He has a grudge against Maverick, because of that.  The issues will become clear as the movie unfolds.  There is a poignant appearance by Val Kilmer, whose real life health problems mirror those of his character.  This is a very fast paced, high energy action packed movie from beginning to end.  I enjoyed every minute even when I knew exactly what was going to happen, it didn’t matter.  I think you will enjoy this movie whether you are a fan of the first movie or have never even heard of Tom Cruise!  DO NOT wait until this is on television.  You will not  want to miss the breath taking action and sweeping cinematography on the big screen.  And having Hans Zimmer and Lady Gaga involved with the music isn’t bad either.  If I could do it, this movie would rate two gold apples!

Mission:Impossible-Fallout

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In this go-around, Ethan Hunt and the gang join forces with CIA assassin August Walker (Henry Cavill) to, as usual, save the world.  A mysterious group calling themselves the Apostles plan to detonate three nuclear warheads under the control and direction of returning villain Solomon Lane (Sean Harris).  This movie is jam-packed with action, plot twists and double, even triple, crosses.  The nearly indestrucible Tom Cruise broke his ankle doing stunts for this movie, and even knowing the scene where the accident happens, you can barely make out the slight limp he runs through to complete the scene.  It seems Mr. Cruise is really driven to give the utmost to make his movies action packed, intricate and entertaining, and with the touches of humor and humanity that make the whole team so likeable.  The quality shows!  Rebecca Ferguson is back as Ilsa Faust, delightful and deadly.  What is her goal in this mission? Whose side is she really on?  Ahhh, that would be telling! Simon Pegg and Ving Rhames are back and flawless in their usual supporting roles, while Alec Baldwin and Angela Bassett provide important parts in the twists.  This movie is so full of action that by the time it is over, you will feel as though you completed this mission yourself, including the best helicopter chase scene I have ever seen.  This is definitely the best Mission Impossible movie so far, and I believe just about everyone will thoroughly enjoy this action masterpiece.

The Mummy

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Disney has the Marvel superhero world, while Warner Brothers has the DC heroes like Batman and Superman.   Hoping to at least get a piece of the substantial money to be made in these franchises,  the powers that be at Universal have decided to release ‘The Dark Universe,’  which will feature an array of classic movie monsters from their heyday in the 1930’s; to include Dr. Jekyll, The Invisible Man and Frankenstein.  To start things off, they have chosen to reboot The Mummy.  Tom Cruise stars as a sort of low rent anti-Indiana Jones, who is out to look for and resell ancient artifacts while serving as an Army recon specialist (He is no George Clooney from “Three Kings!”).  In the deserts of Iraq, he accidentally stumbles upon Ahmanet, an Egyptian princess buried far away from Egypt due to the extremely heinous nature of her ancient crimes!  She was buried alive (as all good monster mummies are), and her sarcophagus submerged in mercury, to keep her from rising up in the future to complete a nefarious scheme that included murder and world domination.   Most of the movie involves her chasing Tom Cruise so that he can be her new partner and love, and they can rule the world together for eternity.  I found the whole premise rather silly.  Along the way, we meet Dr. Jekyll, played  by Russell Crowe.  This short segment was the only part of the movie I found fun.  Dr. Jekyll heads a secret organization that finds, studies and destroys evil in the world.  The fact that he does this while trying not to turn into the diabolical Mr. Hyde adds some much needed camp to this movie.  I think if you go in with low expectations you will be surprised, and even entertained; but you will not be dazzled like you would be watching the newest “Wonder Woman” or “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies.  I was so excited when I heard that Universal was rebooting all of the classic monsters; but after watching this first movie, I am not so sure.  I am intrigued to see what Johnny Depp does with  Invisible Man, and Javier Bardem seems like a great choice to play Frankenstein.  I just hope they have a better script and can give their movie a little more heart.

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

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I love the first Jack Reacher movie starring Tom Cruise.  In fact, that movie inspired me to start reading the Lee Child books.  So I must say I was a little disappointed in this movie.  It isn’t bad, but it is not quite as good as the first one, which had the added benefit of the great Robert Duvall.  In Never Go Back, Colbie Smulders plays Major Susan Turner who is arrested on a trumped up espionage charge.  Reacher, who has only spoken to the major over the phone, decides to look into the case.  Of course, there is corruption everywhere, and Reacher is tasked to sort it all out.  Tom Cruise may not look like the Jack Reacher of the books ( he is supposed to weigh a muscular 300 pounds) but he definitely has the attitude.  He also has a daughter he didn’t know about, or does he?  There is lots of action and chases and, of course, Reacher straightens it all out.  I like how this movie was faithful to the book.  Even though I felt this one wasn’t as good as the first one, I am still looking forward to the next Jack Reacher movie.