The Great Wall - Movie Review

The Movie: The Great Wall

The Director: Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers}

The Cast: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Andy Lau, Pedro Pascal, Hanyu Zhang, Lu Han, Kenny Lin, Eddie Peng, Ryan Zheng, Karry Wang, and Willem DeFoe.

The Story: European mercenaries searching for black powder become embroiled in the defense of the Great Wall of China against a horde of monstrous creatures. - imdb.com

Cook Up a Storm (决战食神) - Movie Review

The Movie: Cook Up a Storm (决战食神)

The Director: Wai Man Yip

The Cast: Nicholas Tse, Jung Yong-hwa, Yan Tang, Bing Bai, Anthony Wong, and You Ge.

The Story: A Cantonese street cook and his chief rival, a French-trained Michelin-starred chef, discover they have a lot in common as they prepare for a world-famous culinary competition. imdb.com

2016 Recap - The Performances

In 2016, I watched a lot of movies. Probably more in one year than I ever have before so there was a lot of acting to take in. Most are passable and get the job done adequately and then there's a few that make you cringe and wish the casting director had made a different choice. Finally, there is a select handful that really catch my attention and never for the same reason. These performances are so unique, often very powerful, and, if nothing else, they are just fun to watch on screen.

The Lego Batman Movie - Movie Review

The Movie: The Lego Batman Movie

The Director: Chris McKay

The Cast: Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson, Ralph Fiennes, Zach Galifianakas, Jenny Slate, Jason Mantzoukas, Conan O'Brien, Doug Benson, Billy Dee Williams, Zoë Kravitz, Seth Green, Jemaine Clement, Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Adam Devine, Hector Elizondo, and Mariah Carey.

The Story: With the fate of Gotham City hanging in the balance, Batman aka Bruce Wayne must come to terms with one of his biggest fears.

John Wick: Chapter 2 - Movie Review

The Movie: John Wick: Chapter 2

The Director: Chad Stahelski (John Wick)

The Cast: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Ian McShane, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ruby Rose, Common, Claudia Gerini, Lance Reddick, Tobias Segal, and John Leguizamo

The Story: "After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life." - IMDB.com