Summer Movie Season 2019!

GUYS!

It's almost June and you know what that means, don't you?  It's time for the 2019 Summer Movie Season!  For those of you who don't know or possibly have lived under a rock all your life or whatever, the summer movie season is when production studios launch some of their biggest titles.  People are going on vacation or are out of school for a while, so this is when the movies see some of their biggest profits.  I mean, yeah Avengers: Endgame kind of topped all the charts this year and nothing will beat that but we have some really good things coming out this year, so let's take a look at a bunch of films I want to see (and hopefully will!)

Ah, where are my manners.. I have to do my obligatory introduction!  Hello everyone out there currently reading this!  My name is Cora Valentine, some of you know me as TheCinemaChick, but either way, I'm your guide to what's hip and hot this summer!

Okay, you know what, that didn't feel natural.  I'm not cool enough to try and talk like the teenagers do. 

But, I digress.  You get my point.  There are a bunch of movies coming out this summer, some of which sound like absolute blockbusters, some of which might be worth a watch and some...well...let's be honest.  There are some movies that just don't ever make the cut, doomed to fall into obscurity.  Case in point, the Uglydolls movie.  Don't remember that one?  It came out around the same time as Avengers, maybe a few weeks before.  It bombed so spectacularly that it was out of theaters pretty fast.  The sad thing is, they marketed this movie so heavily.  I saw dozens of commercials and they had a star studded cast as well.  And even all that couldn't save this.  In my defense, I don't know what an Uglydoll is.  I'm pretty sure this movie was marketed at people much younger than me.  Maybe my niece would have liked it.  She's six.

I've already watched a few movies this year, some of them good, some of them just okay.  Yet, some of the best stuff is yet to come so I cannot wait to visit my local theaters and see what the movies have to offer me this year.  So, let's dive into a list of movies I want to see, probably review as well and enjoy.  Here we go, in no real order, a list for you to read!

⦁ Godzilla: King of Monsters
I love the Godzilla franchise.  I remember watching the old school claymation ones as a kid.  I saw the last one with Fry and Butterfly, we all liked it.  This one looks to top that one because literally, they are bringing all the monsters.  I'm excited because it's been a really long time since we've had a good old fashioned monster smackdown around here.  Based on the trailers I've seen so far, the special effects look pretty good.  And you guys know I am so picky when it comes to CGI.  In a handful of cases, it's done well and adds a lot of a film.  However, many times it's painfully obvious that there are special effects and it really detracts from a movie for me.  Then again, Fry says I've become a bit of a snob when it comes to cinema so...she's not entirely wrong there.

⦁ Spiderman: Far From Home
We all knew this one would be on here.  I never miss a Marvel movie.  And this one gives us our first glimpse of life, post Thanos.  I really want to see what the MCU has turned into, now that we've seen that world change so dramatically.  And we get to see how Peter is coping with that one major thing from Avengers.  I won't spoil it because some of you may not have seen it, but you know exactly what I'm talking about.  And we get a new villain and perhaps a new world we haven't seen yet.  And no, this part isn't a spoiler because it's in the freaking trailer guys.  Don't believe me, look it up.  You guys know that I will not ruin a movie for anyone else, UNLESS the movie is so bad I don't think you should waste your money on it like I did.  Don't be an idiot.  Listen to me and learn from my mant cinematic mistakes.

⦁ The Lion King
I'm a little wary of this one.  Disney has been hit or miss with their live action remakes.  While I enjoyed Alice in Wonderland, I thought the sequel was awful.  Beauty and the Beast, while visually stunning and well cast, failed to hit the mark.  Many of cast members sang their own songs and many of them should have used a professional singer.  Sorry, Emma Watson, I'm looking at you for this one.  Speaking in a melodic manner does not constitute singing.  Take it from the girl who's had a decade of professional training.  Then, Aladdin surprised me because it was amazing.  Quick side not: JUST BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE ROBIN WILLIAMS DOESN'T MEANT IT'S NOT WORTH SEEING!  WILL SMITH DID A FANTASTIC JOB AND DISNEY HONORED ROBIN WILLIAMS IN A VERY TASTEFUL WAY.  IF YOU'RE ONE OF THE "BUT IT'S NOT ROBIN WILLIAMS" PEOPLE, DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GET OVER YOURSELF AND SEE THE MOVIE!!
**Ahem.**
I do like The Lion King.  It was a favorite movie of mine growing up, but like I said earlier, CGI makes me wary.  Since they couldn't use real animals in this, it's going to be very CGI heavy.  However, the cast they have so far sounds amazing.  Hell, James Earl Jones is back as Mufasa.  That's freaking awesome!  I do know that if I see this one, I'll be going solo since Fry has no desire to see it and my new movie buddy Sinat doesn't like live action remakes...even though we all saw Aladdin together.  Yeah...
⦁ Hobbs and Shaw
Yes, I'm a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise.  I've seen most of them and I've gotten to where I really like the cast.  This is a spin off starring Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in a solo flick.  While it looks like it might be a little cheesy and a little over the top, there were scenes in the trailer that made me really want to see it.  I mean, it has Idris Elba, who I adore as an actor.  And I don't think I've ever seen him as a villain, so this should be interesting.  Plus, there was something from the trailer that spoke to my heart.  In it, they go to "home", where it appears to be a lovely island nation.  They don old school weapons like spears and do a traditional war dance.  To some of you, it may seem odd.  Remember, Dwayne Johnson makes no secret of his heritage.  It's called a haka, a dance done to intimidate your opponent.  For me, I went to a school where the majority of the students were Polynesian, so I learned a lot about their culture.  Before every sports game, they would perform a haka.  So as soon as I saw that haka on screen, I was sold.

⦁ Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Everyone knows by this point that I love horror.  I have a huge collection of horro games, I love horror films...I just love scary stuff in general.  I remember this book from my childhood.  The macabre drawings always made me uneasy and the stories were so creepy.  So naturally, I've read them all about ten times.  Plus, Guillermo Del Toro is the one bringing this thing to the big screen and you know I love this man's work.  He always finds a way to mix fantasy with horror with a touch of social commentary.  I'm really hoping this movie does justice to the book series.  And, I really hope it does scare me.  It's been so long since a horror movie has actually been able to make me jump.  I mean, Annabelle: Creation was good but...the main character had my name and the same disability as me so I couldn't take it seriously.  According to that movie, I'm the root of all evil.  Sorry?

⦁ It: Chapter Two
I loved the first one.  I hate clowns.  I love Stephen King.  Pennywise makes me freak out but damn, you have to admit it was a good movie.  It had me on the edge of my seat from the start.  And it wasn't just pure horror.  There were elements of romance, drama and a good coming of age film mixed in and they all worked together.  Chapter Two takes place in the future, when all of the kids come back to Derry.  I haven't read the book, so I don't know what to expect but if the trailer is any indication of what's in store, then I can't wait.  I should probably buy the book so I can read it and see how it compares.

⦁ Downton Abbey
Confession time: I haven't watched all of the series.  I don't particularly enjoy it.  However, I promised Fry I'd finish the show and see the movie with her.  I mean, I just didn't like watching a show about stuck up rich people being mean to the help.  I deal with that enough at work so why would I want to see more of it?  But, I don't go back on promises so I'll suck it up and see it.  Who knows, maybe it'll be good.

So guys, let me know, what movies do YOU think I need to see?  Is there something out there that you want to see but just aren't sure of?  Let me know!  I will sit through a movie for you so you don't have to potentially waste your money!  If I can find it local, I'll go see it.  Plus, it gives me a chance to broaden my cinematic horizons by seeing something I might not normally choose.  I love getting feedback and suggestions, so please, feel free to talk to me.  Find me on Twitter @TheCinemaChick, I'm on Discord and oh yeah, I have a page on Facebook where I post all my blogs!  I don't bite...at first...kidding.

I'm TheCinemaChick and if you'll excuse me, I have a panicked pupper to attend to.  

(We're about to have some storms come through and there's thunder, lightning, tornado warning...he's nervous.  Some treats and belly rubs and he should be okay.  Hammy is a spoiled old boy)

We're going to back to my childhood...I mean Agrabah!

Hey, so, I haven't been active since 2017, but you know, I need that break.  I got to a point where I was really burned out.  I couldn't go to a movie without being hypercritical.  Movies weren't enjoyable anymore.  I tried making vlogs but honestly, I don't enjoy them as much.  I wanted to step away so I could get back to a place where I could see a movie and enjoy them. 
Fortunately, I am back to that place.  I am able to sit through a movie and actually have fun again.  Part of that is because I took time away from my blog, part of that is because I have been fortunate enough to make new friends who enjoy film as much as I do.
With that said, allow me to have a proper introduction.
Hello all you lovely people out there in Internetworldland!  My name is TheCinemaChick and as you can tell by my moniker, I'm a girl who loves movies.  I've been doing this little blog since 2012 and have no plans to stop again any time soon,  Have I seen a lot of movies this year, absolutely.  Will I see a lot more?  Yes I will.  I'm already making plans to see the new Godzilla when it comes out next week and at some point, I will see John Wick 3. 
So, you're probably wondering what movie managed to revive me.  What film was so good that it made me want to write again?  Truth be told, it's a movie we've all seen before.  I grew up in the 90s, like many of you did.  So, like many people, I've watched all of the animated Disney films.  Wouldn't you know, they remade a bunch of those classics.  I have seen all of the live action remakes up to date.  I liked Beauty and the Beast to an extent.  The first Alice in Wonderland was good, didn't care for the sequel.  Well, The Lion King is coming out later this year but Aladdin is back in theaters.  Let me tell you, it was worth the wait.
Like a lot of people, I was apprehensive about seeing this one.  I had the same prejudices.  Robin Williams wasn't the Genie and I really wasn't sure Will Smith could measure up. 
I was extremely wrong,
Will Smith absolutely shines as Genie in the live action flick.  He brings some of that old school Fresh Prince attitude to the character.  So yes, he is not Robin Williams, but instead brings a wonderful and exciting new take to this familiar character.  He has a charm and sincerity about him that I really liked.  While most of his scenes are done with CGI, I still enjoyed it because I could see elements of the animated movie in there,  If the whole "But he's not Robin Williams" thing is what's stopping you from seeing this, do yourself a favor and get over it.  You won't regret it.
The casting in general is also perfect.  Normally, production companies tend to whitewash a movie.  Let's never forget the live action adaptation of Ghost in the Shell.  In this case, they didn't.  They chose highly skilled actors who managed to truly embody their animated counterparts.  Mena Massoud was brilliant as Aladdin.  Naomi Scott shined as Jasmine.  Not only that, but they really turned Jasmine into a badass.  Instead of just being compliant, she has a voice and takes a stand for what she believes in.  Hell, they even wrote new songs just for her. 
The story is the same as it was back in the day.  Jafar wants the lamp so he can have absolute power.  Aladdin happens to be the diamond in the rough.  You know, I feel it's okay to talk about the plot since the first version of this film came out so long ago.  If you haven't seen it, where have you been all this time?  Like, it's been shown on television thousands of times.  Anyone who's ever had to babysit has had to watch this.  It's a classic Disney animation now.  Everyone should have seen it be now.
One thing I really liked is how this iteration of the story managed to combine Bollywod and hip hop.  While the movie stays true to the Middle Eastern feel it's always had, there are some new, more modern elements added in.  I don't want to give away too many of those details because they really were amazing to see.  There are a few dance sequences in the film that honestly, were the best parts.  The duet between Genie and Aladdin was worth the wait.  I mean, I planned to see this movie so I could ooh and ahh over the costuming, but overall, I loved it.  Yes, the costumes are breathtaking.  I really want the chance to see them up close so I can admire the intricate details more. 
If this is what we can expect from the Disney live action remakes, then sign me up.  From the beginning, I was having fun.  I sat with Fry and we were singing all of the songs because for us, this is nostalgic.  Neither of us were fully on board going into the movie but after seeing it, we agree that it doesn't deserve all the negative press it's been getting.  If you enjoy bright, colorful scenes, well fleshed out characters and a touch of nostalgia, Aladdin is definitely worth checking out.  I'm glad I did because maybe if I hadn't seen it, I wouldn't be inspired to return to my passion.  And yes, I consider film blogging to be one of the biggest passions in my life. 
I know this review is going to seem a little short and maybe a little choppy but I'm getting back into the swing of things here.  I'm ready to return to this blog, maybe look at getting my own domain again and who knows, maybe there will be a film so good, I can't even put it into words.  I mean, it happened with Avengers: Endgame.  I cried 4 times during that movie, no lie.  But for now, I think I'm going to sign off and let you all enjoy the magic of the newly released Aladdin.
      As always, I'm TheCinemaChick, I'm back in my natural element and for all you know, I have a magic lamp in my backpack.  What three wishes should I make?