“Rampage”: REVIEW

Scientist #1: It’s weird you like hanging out with animals more than people.
Davis Okoye: Yeah, well, animals get me.

Rampage stars Dwayne Johnson as Dr. Davis Okoye, a scientist who develops more of a relationship with the animals then with people.  The opening scene shows how his relationship with George, the silverback gorilla will ultimately be the number one key that drives the film.  That and the witty humor in the humanistic characteristics that are given to George.  There are some scenes and lined that are definitely more for an adult audience, despite the PG 13 rating.

Starring as Johnson’s partner is James Bond’s Naomie Harris as Dr. Kate Caldwell who quickly takes on the same co partner role that she is most familiar in the latest 007 films.  She quickly captures more of a serious, yet flirtatious role as one can definitely see that there is something there, though Johnson is to distracted by his ape and saving the world to get it.  That being said, one see why Harris was chosen.  She fits with Johnson perfectly to round out the adventure and ultimately save the ape.

Based loosely on the 1986 video game about a series of monster set out to destroy cities, the WB blockbuster is bringing life and story to why.  In short, the film pays homage to the classic monsters in a new way.  Sort of like a Dr. Dolittle meets King Kong, Godzilla and the werewolf, the film captures elements of the films all in one.  Just one word of warning, if you go into the movie expecting more video game references, one might be disappointed.

That being said, Rampage came out in theaters April 13th and is already giving last week’s box office winner, A Quiet Place,  a run for its spot as its Friday totals were exactly one million away with 11.5 million in box office revenue.  It’s currently playing in a theater near you.

Viewer discretion is strongly advised as it may not be suitable for young children.

Jumanji Takes Two

Sony’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle gave little competition for the latest Star Wars which finished the four day weekend with over 99- million, compared to Jumanji which took in 72 million at the box office.

The latest Jumanji reboot follows the same story as the original starring the late Robin Williams, but takes a few extra liberties to reach a much larger tech savvy generation.  In this version, Jumanji becomes a video game as the kid that finds the game on the beach makes it clear that no one plays board games any more.  Now the video game has the ability to suck the ones playing into the TV with only three lives before game over.

Starring Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan andJack Black, as four teenagers who get stuck in detention together and inadvertently stumble upon the game, now they must work together to get everyone out in once piece.   There’s one catch though as they find Alex (Nick Jonas), the kid that originally started playing the game and wound up getting stuck in the game, like before, for nearly 20 years.

Overall, it’s an adventure that will have audiences laughing and rooting for the kids to succeed, with surprises around every corner, just to get to the end of the game and call of Jumanji.

At roughly 2 hour run time, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle came out in theaters Dec 20, and is currently playing in a theater near you.

“Central Intelligence” Review

20 years after high school graduation, big man on campus Calvin Joyner (Kevin Hart) can’t believe that his life has turned into some what of a predictable one as an accountant, though he is married to his high school sweetheart, Maggie (Danielle Nicolet), Joyner refuses to go back to his high school reunion.  In a random Facebook friend request, now Joyner is pulled into the world of espionage in order to help high school buddy, Bob (Robbie) Stone, (Dwayne Johnson) crack the code with his computer accounting skills.

Overall, Central Intelligence will have audiences laughing all the way through.  The chemistry of Hart and Johnson is impeccable and a treat to see Hart in a semi serious role as he is basically forced into going on this adventure with his friend.  Also making an unplanned cameo is Melissa McCartney, who plays Robbie’s crush at the reunion.

All in All, Central Intelligence is a fun, date night movie for anyone who just wants to forget and have a good laugh.  Opening weekend, it brought in roughly 35.5 million domestically and is currently playing at a theater near you.