Category: Movies

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“Kung Fu Panda 4”: Review

Jack Black is back as Po tries to master his inner spiritual leader training while also trying to find his next protege.  One thing about this newest addition, it shows audiences to not underestimate the most unlikely candidate.  It’s a message that is refreshing to see especially in this world.

In addition to Black, the film also brings back Dustin Hoffman who reprises his role as Shifu and brings new voices including Viola Davis as The Chameleon and Awakafina who is not new to the DreamWorks world as she was also in Migration which came out just a few months ago.  All of the voices bring their unique flair to the already familiar Kung Fu Panda family.

At just an hour and 34 minutes runtime, Kung Fu Panda will have you going on yet another Asian adventure where peace is definitely a virtue.  One thing about this fourth film, the ending does leave a few questions as to whether or not this is this end.  On one side, it does tie up loose edges where one could say this is the end, but also it leaves hope for a future if not for Po at least in his young Zhen protege.  All we can do is wait and see.

For now, Kung Fu Panda 4 came out in theaters March 8th and is currently playing in one near you.

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“Dune 2” Review

Journey back to Arrakis and follow the journey with Paul as he tries to avoid the inevitable future that he is destined.  In Dune 2, we see alot of character development including in Paul Attreides as he goes from a man trying to avenge his family, but learning the way of the ferman to suddenly embracing the inevitable fate of leading the very same people who tried to kill him.  Timothy Chalemet, reprising his role, does a fabulous job of showing this deep character development while facing  clear love triangle over the girl of his dreams and that of duty to Arrakis.

Similarly Zendaya returns as Chani, as she too is faced with challenges as she must decide whether or not to completely trust Paul and give him her heart or follow her own and not turn her back on her people.    It’s a choice that heightens as she realizes Paul’s change that leads him to a inevitable fate as he agrees to take the hand of Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh). 

Finally Rebecca Ferguson also returns as Paul’s mother, who also has much to consider.  Being with child, she makes a decision against death to drink the ultimate poison, transforming her into reverend mother to which she discovers truths not only about herself but also about the family she loves deeply.

All in all, Dune 2 continues the story of the house Attreides and will lead audiences on a desert adventure that will have one on the edge of their seats.  Expanding on the original, Dune 2 is nothing short of exceptional.  It’s Star Wars meets Interstellar, with slight nods to stormtroopers in clearly futuristic times.  It will hold you from the from moment on. 

Dune 2 came out in theaters March 1 and is currently playing in one near you.