Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie (2017) Movie Review

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie shows a lot of promise, even brilliance in some spots. Overall it falls well short of other movies I've seen in 2017 this year. A few tweaks here and there would have adjusted my opinion dramatically.

George and Harold are the best of friends. When they're not causing trouble and playing pranks, they are working on their comic book Captain Underpants. A twisted turn of events brings their superhero to life, but is nowhere near what they expected. They find themselves having to figure out a way to keep him from doing more harm than good.

The great movies stay in your mind for weeks, months, years even, after you watch them. In the case of Captain Underpants, while there are a few funny moments I can point to, the movie overall is forgettable unfortunately. I laughed at points, but I'm having trouble at this point remembering what exactly was so funny. I do however remember the numerous slow pockets of the movie that made it feel longer than it was. 

The film had its moments even if I can't quite remember what I laughed at. It also strives to pack a bit of heart both in its message and relationships. Parents can feel good about taking their kids to see a movie that teaches them what happens when people come together to help other people.

While I appreciate the comic book stylistic aspect of the film and its originality, Captain Underpants wasn't memorable enough to fully stand out. It won't immediately hook you, nor will it hold your attention. I give it a 66.

Straight Outta Compton (2015) Movie Review

Straight Outta Compton follows the rise of controversial rap group N.W.A. Their journey to stardom is easily a story worth retelling as it hits on topics all over the spectrum from gang violence to race wars to the atrocities that exist in the music business. While it's not a film you'll be pushed to watch more than once, it's definitely one that everyone should see at least once.

You can't talk about a film about a music group without mentioning the music itself. Straight Outta Compton not only provides a solid soundtrack, but gives you deeper insight into how some of the songs were created. We're used to the finished product, but it's rare that we get a glimpse into the process of the song and the reasoning behind its creation. While a song like "Fuck the Police" might be pretty self-explanatory in its inception, a perfect chain of events brought the song to life.

The film captures your attention from the beginning. Easy E (Jason Mitchell) enters a dope house to collect on some money owed to him. It's a tense interaction that ends in a S.W.A.T. swarming the house. You see Easy running from rooftop to rooftop while helicopters scan the perimeter. Just another day in Compton.

N.W.A. lived out a sensational career from their freaky beach parties to their crazy tour bus antics. Yet in still, as you're watching it unfold on the big screen, none of it ever appears to be oversensationalized. I never found myself saying, "Ok, that's probably a stretch." That's a big reason as to why it was so enticing to watch.

Strong performances from the cast helped carry the movie as well. The group members weren't granted equal screen time, but each played their role in excellent fashion. I honestly can't say that I favored one over the other.

Here's where the movie could have used a little bit of a boost: It refused to ever dive under the surface of the relationship between these five young men. Sure we saw the houses, the partying, the tours. However, I never got a full sense of who these characters were as brothers growing up in a less than appealing environment. What were they like when they weren't around the music and the women and cameras? In a society today where terms like "Black Lives Matter" receive divisive responses, it would have been nice to see the heart that beat behind these men. To somehow show that they were more than just music, money, and parties. Missed opportunity in my opinion.

Solid movie that was good, but could have been exceptional. I give it a 77.

A Look Back at My Favorite Movies of 2016

It's June, meaning we're about halfway through 2017. If I'm being honest, it's been an underwhelming year for movies so far. Sure, there is a lot of time left and to be fair, I have yet to see and review Wonder Woman yet. Also, there about 32 other movies that I could potentially see this year so there is still time for things to turnaround. While we're in this downtime, I thought I would take an entry to look back at my Top Ten Movies of 2017.


10. Morris From America
What I Gave it: 94
Why I Liked it: Craig Robinson delivers an inspiring comedic performance as a father trying to raise his son in Germany. Extremely original and keeps you entertained from beginning to end.


9. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
What I Gave it: 94


8. La La Land
What I Gave it: 94
Why I Liked it: The music combined with the beautiful imagery of the multitude of set pieces make this one to remember.


7. Moana
What I Gave it: 96

6. Everybody Wants Some!!
What I Gave it: 97

5. Deadpool
What I Gave it: 97


4. Kung Fu Panda 3
What I Gave it: 98


3. The Magnificent Seven
What I Gave it: 98


2. Zootopia
What I Gave it: 98

1. Sing Street
What I Gave it: 100