'DC League of Super-Pets' - Wacky & Likable Super-Pets to the Rescue

DC League of Super-Pets is fun and wacky, complete with good superhero action, unexpected touching moments, and inspiring lessons for everyone. These superhero pets would easily grow on anyone superhero movie fans or not.

Warner Bros. Pictures

In DC League of Super-Pets, Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends reminiscent of Andy and Woody of Toy Story. Because of an accident, they share the same superpowers and eventually grew up as superheroes of the Metropolis. When Lex Luthor and his pint-sized guinea pig Lulu kidnapped the Justice League, Krypto along with his newly found rag-tag shelter pack—Ace the hound, PB the potbellied pig, Merton the turtle, and Chip the squirrel—gather together to save Superman and his team.

Consider this an origin story of these Super-Pets, ticking every checkboxes of origin film tropes. One might say that it's predictable and nothing new. Fair. But it's still funny, touching, action-packed and overall very entertaining. The voice actors consisting of Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Vanessa Bayer, and Natasha Lyonne to name a few are a huge reason why this is good. But it's the continuous mix of mindless and sassy jokes, and earnest character development of the script that makes this a worthy-of-your-precious-time movie.

What Toy Story did with toys, Super-Pets applied to furry cute pets. Pets that are designed not entirely outstanding, but their characters and their arcs make up for it. There's something about pets and their loyalty to humans that is incredibly endearing. It's one of the main themes of the film, apart from the superheroes and superpowers viewers are probably going to watch this out for.

Overall, this is a pleasant surprise for me. As someone who's probably getting tired of the never-ending superhero movies, I had a great time with the titular super-pets and their stories.

'Top Gun: Maverick' - Above and Beyond Its Legacy

A film with a mission to defeat forces of evil through bombs may be the last thing the world needs right now regardless of when it was intended to be released. Yet Top Gun: Maverick proved to be well-intended and good-hearted despite its political aspects.

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Tom Cruise returns as Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell on a mission to build his legacy though service to the country and to reconcile with the past he struggles to let go of, especially when he stumbles upon the son--now a Top Gun pilot--of his old wingman, Goose. This additional layer to what used to be more about being a cool pilot, flying cool planes, getting cool chicks, winging with cool bros, and achieving cool heights creates a more visceral viewing experience. But that's not to say that it doesn't have the abovementioned qualities that the original possesses. This sequel still has them, it just went way above and beyond. It's less concerned about being iconic and more interested on the emotional beats.

Let it be known that it also achieved greater heights when it comes to action that it's unimaginable to learn anyone who's seen it to be underwhelmed. Because the mission per se isn't a walk in the park, but the journey and conflicts to accomplishing it is way more complicated than anyone could imagine. And I suppose those are the reasons why the film is extra satisfying. Add the fact that it's super immersive and the exposition is clear enough for the viewers to be affected and involved.

Apart from it are the characters new and old. Maverick is still as dangerous and stubborn as ever but there's indeed maturity in him that could be a personification of Tom Cruise both as an actor and as a movie star. He's never washed out but it's quite justifiable that his stardom has lustered less over the years. Hence, there's a feeling of earnestness and groundedness even when he's up in the sky forcing himself to achieve beyond what's expected of him. Then there's Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of the crew whose characters created a few more complications to Maverick's already complicated disposition.

Here's a flick that's going to make one forget about the uselessness of war and would appreciate more the values of camaraderie, holding on and letting go as cheesy as that may sound, and family and friendship. There's going to be a lot of hype and it will be able to hold if not exceed expectations.

'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' Blends Political Espionage with the Wizarding World

This is easily my favorite Fantastic Beasts and one could say that doesn't say much because its first two are lackluster but this is a confident return to form by David Yates and the whole production. While it still has not reached the heights of the Harry Potter series and even if the titular secrets are not that intriguing nor surprising, overall The Secrets of Dumbledore blends a compelling political espionage with the ever adventurous and beguiling wizarding world. It has the right balance of layered stories from family affairs, legendary wizards and witches that are deep rooted from where everything is based on to new characters and beasts that are indeed fantastic.

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J.K. Rowling's detailed writing is still apparent as this instalment has the vibe of what reading a novel feels like. This time, Newt Scamander and his friends are not solely on the forefront and Dumbledore and his not-entirely-shocking lover Grindelwald take the spotlight. The film revolves around their falling out which fascinatingly branches out to other storyarcs including Credence's family origins, new beasts that are pivotal to the film's climax, and Newt's mission to help defeat the rapidly growing evil force Grindelwald.

Also noteworthy is its parallels to the world's current climate where dangerous people are often triumphant during dangerous times. Yet even with this serious message, the film has returned to its adventurous side, something fans have missed after The Crimes of Grindelwald. The visual effects are wild and playful. The side missions are a combination of dangerous and fun. If only the cast of characters match the charisma of the main Harry Potter series.

Even then, what is most admirable about The Secrets of Dumbledore is it is not entirely a fan service in a sense that it could stand on its own even without nostalgia gimmicks most franchises overuse in their instalments nowadays. There are a lot of stories to hook about. There are a couple of characters and beasts to root for. And there is almost no need to rewatch the first two just to be engaged with this third instalment. 

'Sonic the Hedgehog 2': Review

This sequel would not surprise anyone who watched 2020's Sonic the Hedgehog as its end credit scene previewed that Dr. Robotnik's villainous ways ain't over yet. No one would also be surprised if there's a third instalment as anyone could pigeonhole this movie as one who's yet again join the numerous franchise the movie industry is known nowadays. There will be a third instalment and it's best to watch 'til the end.

Yet the journey to this movie's ending is fun. A barrage of jokes throughout even in its most climactic moments. Some worked, some didn't, but its weirdest moments that are not necessarily related with the hedgehog characters worked in odd ways. Natasha Rothwell for one is nowhere near any of the forefront characters but her character's wedding is a huge out of place moment that worked for me immensely. Her moments are probably my favorite in the movie which wouldn't be a shock since they obviously were added for the adults because this movie based from the Sega videogame is surely made for either kids or kid-at-heart folks who enjoyed Sonic when they were kids. Even then, this is a massive improvement from the first. The addition of Knucles and Tails made for a great adventure for Sonic. Their scenes together are way more entertaining compared to Sonic's scenes with the humans. So the next one would probably still be as fun because of this threesome.

'The Batman': Less Superpowers, More Heroism

Here's another Batman superhero movie that naturally aims to be another hit but does not walk the conventional route. Matt Reeves' The Batman is less interested in the ‘super’ and ‘cool’ and is more focused in ‘heroism and justice’ and an intriguing detective drama, yet not devoid of visual appeal and Batman tricks.

Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

It is also that Batman movie that finally is more about Batman himself and Gotham city, and less about its villains who usually steal the spotlight. That even if it has both The Penguin, The Riddler, and other corrupt Gotham civilians, it managed to put Batman in its heart. Even his sidekicks Alfred (Andy Serkis) and Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) have more airtime, especially the latter which fits the film's overall detective fun side. Catwoman's story arc also adds another layer to the film's overall drama without being out-of-place. Her relationship with Batman helps both Batman's investigation and Bruce Wayne's overall frame of mind.

Visually, this is also a standout from the usual slick Batman appearance. His batsuit doesn't look shiny or expensive. Instead it looks a little more metallic which again deviates from the typical costume we've seen before. Even the design of Gotham city looks grimy as hell and yet Greig Fraser's framing made it look arresting. The grainy appearance of the half-lit city from Batman's rooftop is just breathtaking. Michael Giacchino's score on the other hand is a little familiar compared to the rest of its technicalities. Its uncanniness with John Williams' The Imperial March is a little distracting.

In all of its positives, what's most respectable is it freed itself from the cheap and tired humor superhero movies tend to over infuse just to fit in a certain superhero movie trope. It is very serious. When it's not busy investigating Gotham's mysterious killings, most of the time it revolves around Gotham's politics and Bruce Wayne's trauma. Which perfectly fits Robert Pattinson’s appeal and performance. It's also about time a Batman movie puts its titular hero on the forefront instead of being outshined by its villains. It’s a Pattinson movie through and through and his turn is someone both fans, even his doubters, are probably going to appreciate. That's not to say the supporting characters are sidelined. Zoë Kravitz' face is perfect for Selina Kyle's seductive character and she brings depth and emotions apart from Catwoman's criminal ass-kicking skills. Jeffrey Wright and Andy Serkis as Batman's sidekicks are aces. While villains Paul Dano and Colin Farrell also delivered. Colin Farrell's airtime is just the right amount before he becomes overbearing.

Matt Reeves' The Batman is above serviceable overall. With its 3-hour running time, it rightfully accomplishes enough intrigue, drama, visual flair, action, and entertainment viewers may or may not be looking for. There is not much of a surprising factor but its above and beyond quality from its predecessors is enough to commend it.