MovieVengers (2025)

22/06/2025

28 Years Later Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 21st of June, six film members and myself watched the third installment in the 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later. Overview
It's been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped from a biological weapons laboratory. Still living in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amid the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway. When one of them decides to venture into the dark heart of the mainland, he soon discovers a mutation that has spread to not only the infected, but other survivors as well. Considering it's been 22 years since the first film and 18 years second the second, the third one proves to be an undisputed masterpiece like it's previous entries. However It's a bit different compared to the first two movies but it's got a powerful story with shocking moments and interesting characters for mature audiences to enjoy. Danny Boyle once again returns as director since the first film and dose a wonderful job exicuting a supurb motion picture. The rage virus in the film has evolved alot since it all started and it gives the viewers a strangely good enough hype to feel towards. The performances in the movie were captivating and amazingly well done. Alfie Williams who plays Spike did a fantastic job in his first lead role, Aaron Taylor-Johnson who played Jamie was amazing, Jodie Comer put on an extraordinary role as Isla and Ralph Fiennes who played Dr. Ian Kelson did awesomely good. The film really shows emotional depth and pain which makes it difficult to adjust to an post apocalyptic world and it makes a film like this thrilling, entertaining and hard to watch and like the first two, it still holds up. All and all this sequal was differently worth the wait and I'll give this a good 8/10.

09/06/2025

Ballerina Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 7th of June, myself and three other friends watch the fifth installment and spin off in the John Wick franchise, Ballerina. Trained in the assassin traditions of the Ruska Roma, Eve Macarro takes on an army of killers as she seeks revenge against those responsible for the death of her father. Like it's predecessors, this is also an absolute masterpiece, a triumph and a spectacle. A film worth watching again and again if you have a hunger for trigger happy and explosive action. The drama, the story, the action and the characters are brilliantly well executed for a film such as this. The story is well done and well written on a John Wick level. The action was awesome entertaining, thrilling, explosive and mind blowing. As for the cast, Ana de Armas in the lead role was phenomenal and pulls off the role of a lifetime in terms of female action legends. Gabriel Byrne was excellent as the villain, Ian Mcshane and Lance Reddick do a good job as always reprising their roles as Winston and Charon. Norman Reedus was great to see in action other than Walking Dead and as for Keanu Reeves, a magnificent job like always, bringing thrills, chill and splendid action into the movie as a supporting character. You simply can't have this film series without him let alone the Matrix. One of the best action movies of the year and a score for this film is worth a very good 9/10 in my opinion. Remarkably amazing.

24/05/2025

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 24th of May, two others and I watched the 8th and potential final movie in the Mission Impossible film series. Ethan Hunt and the IMF team race against time to find the Entity, a rogue artificial intelligence that can destroy mankind. Hands down this was an absolute fine and satisfying conclusion to the series and it certainly goes out with a bang. I could not say for sure if this is the best one out of all eight movies to be honest because to me they are are amazingly entertaining and thrilling films. However as you would expect from an M.I film, it's got everything, gritty action, top notch espionage, dangerous edge of your seat realistic stunts, groundbreaking story and an awesome cast of actors. A beautifully well written story with fantastic direction and inpactful, yet brilliantly executed scenes. Tom Cruise has done it once again and never fails to entertain us all. The rest of the cast put on great performances such as Simon Pegg, Ving Rhamas, Hayley Atwell, Henry Czerny, Angela Bassett and Esai Morales and Pom Klementieff. All gave a performance of a lifetime. I genuinely do hope that this isn't the last one in the franchise because I could watch these M.I movies forever as long as they continue to deliver the audience captivating stores, thrills and chills twists and turns and splendid action. I am delighted to give this extraordinary motion picture a high 8.5/10 as I gave the last one (Dead Reckoning Part 1.

18/05/2025

Final Destination Bloodlines Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 17th of May, me and three other friends watched the 6th installment in the Final Destination franchise, Final Destination Bloodlines. Plagued by a violent and recurring nightmare, a college student heads home to track down the one person who might be able to break the cycle of death and save her family from the grisly demise that inevitably awaits them all. What a spectacular masterpiece this film was, just like the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th movies except the 4th which was the worst in my opinion. The story, the deaths, the characters including death itself were amazingly well done, well paced and extremely thrilling all at once. It's full of likeable characters most of which meet grisly fates at the hands of death which keep you on the edge of your seat in the most surprising way. Considering how long it's been since the last film (14 years) this was worth the wait. The writing of this movie was just as good as most of the previous entries in the franchise that includes surprising gory deaths and edge of your seat moments that keep ypi watching from start to finish. Definitely a recommend movie for fans of Final Destination and I hope they make more in the years to come. A very good 8.5/10 I'll give this film.

28/04/2025

Sinners Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 26th of April, three mates and me watched a Vampire horror movie called Sinners. Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers return to their Mississippi hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. An absolute triumph of a movie and a horror one at that. A truly entertaining yet thrilling horror spectacle and one of thr best movies of the year. A blood thirsty, mind blowing motion picture packed with thrills and chills that you keep you on the edge of your seat. It has a great well written story with breathtaking scary moments, bloody violance and an unbelievable soundtrack to go with it. The performances of the cast couldn't be better with Micheal B Jordan as the twins, Jack O'Connell as the main antagonist/head vampire. As for the rest of the cast such as Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku and Delroy Lindo are captivating. An Oscer worthy achievement that should be considered. I will happily give this a movie a 9/10.

30/03/2025

Novacaine Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 29th of March, me and three friends watched action Comedy starring Jack Qauid, Novacaine. Hands down, this was certainly a full on entertaining movie filled with action, comedy and romance that really gives you a unique taste of thrills and chills. Given the fact that the story is about a character who is unable to feel pain, congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (C**A) makes it feel like a superhero movie of some sort even though it isn't but the premise makes it thrilling and amazing to watch. This film is packed with alot of laughs and action sequences which keeps you on the edge of your seat which leaves you craving for more. The title character Novacaine (Nathan Caine) played by Jack Qauid really nails the role splendidly and has amazing character development. The supporting actress, Amber Midthunder who plays Sherry brought a romantic side of the movie to Jack Qauid's character and she really plays it well. Ray Nicholson who portrays Simon Greenly, the brother of Amber Midthunder's character brings out the dark side of his awesome villainous role which gives him a frightening edge. Off course Jacob Batalon who plays Roscoe Dixon, Nathan Caines gaming friend represents a funny side to his character which makes him likeable in every way. The action was kind blowing and every moment keeps you watching every worth while moment. Definitely one of the best action films of the year thus far and it was a totally a movie with a worthy 8/10 score.

23/02/2025

The Monkey Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 22nd of February, two mates and I watched a horror film based on Stephen King's short story, The Monkey. When twin brothers find a mysterious wind-up monkey, a series of outrageous deaths tear their family apart. Twenty-five years later, the monkey begins a new killing spree, forcing the estranged siblings to confront the cursed toy. A fantastic yet hilarious horror flick that comes with funny gruesome deaths and a good well told story. A scary well written story, blood, death and freak accidents, this film has it all and it is definitely the film for not just horror fans but Stephen King fans as well. For a film that's based on a short story, this feature really delivers bloody entertaining fun. The lead actor Theo James brings a fantastic double role performance as well as the wind up toy monkey. The gory deaths were shocking yet laugh out loud fun. Stephen King dose an amazing job once again for the horror genre. A definite high 8/10.

17/02/2025

Captain America: Brave New World Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 15th of February, myself and three mates watched the fourth Captain America movie but overall 35th movie in the MCU, Captain America: Brave New World. Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with President Thaddeus Ross. He must soon discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red. To be honest, this was good exceptional film but it lacked the sparks of excitement that the previous installments had. It felt more like a political conspiracy superhero film rather than just a superhero action thriller but it still held up in its own way. It had a good story that makes senses and plus the cast were great, especially Anthony Mackie as the title character and Harrison Ford as Thaddeus Ross aka Red Hulk, Giancarlo Esposito as the side villain Sidewinde and Tim Blake Nelson as the main villain Samuel Sterns aka The Leader. Considering this was secretly a sequel to The Incredible Hulk (2008) it was surprisingly good and after seeing Red Hulk in this film, it makes you miss The orginal Hulk (Bruce Banner) before he became Smart Hulk.
The action was spectacular and the graphics are to be praised too. I thought it was a good film but not the best in the series. All and all this film gets a 7.5/10.

27/12/2024

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 26th of December, me and two friends watched the third entry in the Sonic film series, Sonic The Hedgehog 3. Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite to battle Shadow, a mysterious new enemy with powers unlike anything they've faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, they seek out an unlikely alliance to stop Shadow and protect the planet. This film without a doubt is the best installment to date given it's incredible story heartbreaking story, fun action and amazing comedy. The story itself is very well written and it delivers great humor, a dark tone and unbelievable funny moments. Very well structured and incredibly fantastic. The performances of the cast couldn't be better especially Jim Carrey who did an excellent yet a hilarious job not just as Dr Robotnik/Eggman but as his grandfather Professor Gerald Robotnik. He really gives a very funny performance better than ever in this entry. Keanu Reeves however delivers a mind blowing and dark spectacle of a role as Shadow The Hedgehog. The way he speaks certain quotes in the film completely sends chills down your spine and plus it really gives you John Wick vibes too. I personally could not have picked a better suited for this role. The action scenes were certainly a roller-coaster of a ride and it's fun to enjoy again and again. I'm conclusion, it's the best movie thus far and I can't wait to see what the sequal brings. Definitely a very good 9/10.

18/11/2024

Gladiator 2 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 17th of November, five friends and I watched the sequal to Ridley Scott's Gladiator (2000), Gladiator 2. Years after witnessing the death of Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius must enter the Colosseum after the powerful emperors of Rome conquer his home. With rage in his heart and the future of the empire at stake, he looks to the past to find the strength and honor needed to return the glory of Rome to its people. This movie holds alot of strength and honor to its predecessor in so meny ways and it's deemed worthy of a sequel. After 24 years, the second movie still holds up as it is faithful to the orginal movie in a spectacular form. An absolute masterpiece of a motion picture and meny would say it is as good as the first one if not better but me personally, I 100% believe it is superior/better than the first film. The battle scenes was phenomenal, the Colosseum arena fights were mind-blowing and the story was well paced, well written and well told. The cast themselves were incredible such as Paul Mescal who is the central character who is the son of Russell Crowes Maximus. He delivered a magnificent performance. Pedro Pascal was very good and a delightful equal to Maximus. Connie Nielsen was very good reprising her role as Lucilla. Denzel Washington on the other hand was brilliant and gives a captivating Oscar worthy performance in the movie. Ridley Scott's directing skills never ceases to amaze fans everywhere and he has once again outdone himself. This film was certainly worthy waiting over two decades for and it deserves a 9/10.

04/11/2024

Venom: The Last Dance Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 3rd of November, me, my girlfriend and six other friends saw the third and presumably the final entry in the Venom film series, Venom: The Last Dance. Eddie Brock and Venom must make a devastating decision as they're pursued by a mysterious military man and alien monsters from Venom's home World. This fine superhero trilogy certainly went out with a big bang and it definitely was Venom at its finest indeed and a worthy conclusion. It is sad to see this beloved comic book character go but at least hopefully it will be for the time being. The story is well paced, action packed and full of emotion at its core and it gives the audience something to remember this trilogy by, friendship and teamwork. Tom Hardy absolutely gave a steady and fantastic performance as the title character once again. I for one was entertained and amazed by this movie, I very much consider this to best installment in the trilogy without a doubt. It had great action, cool special effects and amusing humor. Six years of three spectacular stories revolving around this iconic Marvel character was a good thrill of the ages. I really hope we get to see Tom Hardy's Venom again in a future project or better yet a future Spiderman movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hands down, it is the best Venom film and it really deserves a well earned 8.5/10.

21/10/2024

Smile 2 Review
By Arlan Wells-Raynes

On the 20th of October, seven of us watched the sequal to 2022's Smile, Smile 2. About to embark on a new world tour, global pop sensation Skye Riley begins to experience increasingly terrifying and inexplicable events. Overwhelmed by the escalating horrors and pressures of fame, she must face her dark past to regain control of her life before it spirals out of control. Hands down, this was a spectacular and fantastic horror masterpiece and a worthy two year wait for a sequel. It packed to the brim with thrills and chills, twists and turns. Every scene in this movie really keeps you on the edge of your seat as you watch it as it delivers mind blowing, horrific but amazing story telling. The jump scares in this movie no doubt almost make you soil yourself every time and it is what makes a supernatural horror such as this worth watching. Naomi Scott gives a performance of a lifetime that will amaze you as well as scare the crap out of you because she is so good at it, plus her singing is a spectacle to behold. The writing and the direction of this entertaining film was great in almost every way and in all honesty, this was better than the first one, the first was brilliant though but however this one was better. Every terrifying moment in this motion picture will leave you thinking about this film for years to come. All and all, like the first movie which was the best horror movie of 2022, Smile 2 is the best horror film of 2024. This movie gets a well deserved 9.5/10.

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