MOVIE REVIEW: Adrift

There's a good at the edge of your seat summer blockbuster somewhere in the new movie Adrift. Based on the memoirs of sailor Tami Oldham (Shailene Woodley), a free spirited young lady who sailed from Tahiti to San Diego in 1983 with her love Richard played by Me Before You's Sam Claflin. They never expected that the two of them would encounter a Category 4 storm within the route. Icelandic director Baltasar Kormakur who also helmed another true disaster story 2015's Everest, knows what he's doing. The storm scenes in the Pacific was executed well and just like in his previous Hollywood film, he perfectly captured man's predicament when Mother Nature strikes at us. 

Woodley plays Oldham with a spark that she also brought to her previous films, most notably The Fault in our Stars. Claflin's role is so similar to Me Before You. I hope that he won't be typecast in his next films. 

The raw beauty of Fiji was captured well in Adrift. This isn't the tropical paradise we often see in its tourism promotion campaign. The film showed us the people living there, their lifestyle and vibe. One remarkable thing about Adrift too is that the insertion of a plot twist that we never expected. It worked for me as well as others who don't know details of the true story.

The movie though could use a little more excitement and less melodrama.

MOVIE REVIEW: Solo: A Star Wars Story

The expansion of the Star Wars cinematic universe continues in Solo: A Star Wars Story. To be fair, the iconic character immortalized by Harrison Ford deserves to have a prequel. A smuggler, pilot and a double crosser all in one, it sure would make one interesting film.

The good news is among all the Star Wars films released after Disney's acquisition of the franchise, this is the lightest, cheeriest and feel good film of them all. Oscar winning director Ron Howard brought the atmosphere that echoes similarities to the first trilogy of the franchise. Solo is an old fashioned summer entertainment that can actually bring more fans to Star Wars. Alden Ehrenreich captured the look and mannerisms of Ford. He brought the proper amount of wit and humor to the character. Before Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher) came to the picture, Solo also introduced us to Han's original lady love Qi'ra played by Game of Thrones' Emilia Clarke. The only issue I have with the casting is that she looks so similar to Felicity Jones' tragic Jyn Erso in Rogue One. 

As a Star Wars fan, it's such a delight to see how Han Solo and his sidekick Chewbacca the Wookie first meet. Kudos to the father and son writing team of Lawrence and Jonathan Kasdan for such an entertaining scene. Music's hottest male act Childish Gambino aka Donald Glover got his groove on

portraying Lando Carlrissian. Woody Harrelson, Paul Bettany and Thandie complete the supporting cast.

Solo: A Star Wars Story is a commendable popcorn fare that brings back memories of the original trilogy when we first saw it on the big screen.

MOVIE REVIEW: Book Club

Book Club is the story of lifelong friends Diane (Diane Keaton), Vivian (Jane Fonda), Sharon (Candice Bergen) and Carol (Mary Steenburgen) who formed a friendship while reading the same book they assign to each other hence the title of the film. The four have a story of their own in regards to their relationship with men and when one of them chose the erotic Fifty Shades of Grey as the next book in their club, that's where their lives get more interesting. 

Kudos to the producers for casting these four brilliant actresses in a movie that's a welcome diversion from the comic book genre that's saturating multiplexes right now. Book Club made us realize that there are thespians in the same age range other than Meryl Streep. Keaton has proved her natural comedic timing in The First Wives Club, Something's Gotta Give and her Oscar winning turn in Annie Hall. It's so nice to nice TV's Murphy Brown of my youth Candice Bergen in a co-lead role. Mary Steenburgen always has been a dependable character actress and Jane Fonda still works wonder in the ripe age of 81. They are ably supported by actors whom we don't recently on the big screen. Andy Garcia, Don Johnson, TV's Coach Craig T. Nelson as well as 90's icon Alicia Silverstone of Clueless.

MOVIE REVIEW: Deadpool 2

Deadpool 2 is the Shrek 2 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. There are a lot of pop culture references most especially about old movies that worked well in the sequel. It almost felt like you're watching a Quentin Tarantino movie. Directed by David Leitch, who also helmed the underrated Atomic Blonde and an uncredited bit in John Wick, the sequel shows some similarities in his previous above mentioned works. Stylized violence and gore as well as good use of cheesy pop music. An outstanding tribute to James Bond films was also included that film lovers everywhere in the world will find it amusing.

Ryan Reynolds was born to play to antihero superhero. His deadpan style of comedy even works better in the sequel. His Golden Globe Best Actor in a Comedy win for the first film wasn't a fluke. Three weeks after Avengers Infinity War, Josh Brolin is back again in a Marvel film. In the poster, it looks like his Cable character in Deadpool 2 is the same as Thanos in the Avengers film. You'll be in for a surprise. TJ Miller and scene stealer Karan Soni (Dopinder) are back as well.

There are a lot of wonderful surprises in Deadpool 2. Fans of the first film won't be disappointed. I won't spoil the fun. No need to watch it on premium format. Just sit back, relax as well as like in any other Marvel film, stay till the end credits.