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This was the introduction to what the Disney+ shows were going to be like…serialized MCU stories. This was a great intro because it showed how episodic stories can have mystery, build-up, surprises, and everything else. I’m also on team Ralph Bohner is a quicksilver variant. This show had Wanda go through the stages of grief. She has had a rough life but having to see her last line of family and hope killed twice broke her. The use of foreshadowing and intrigue made this something special when it came out. I’m excited for every single character to come back. I especially look forward to Darcy because it feels like they didn’t know what to do with her in the finale and there wasn’t even a “where is she going next?” moment. Story - 18% Characters - 20% Pacing - 18% Spectacle - 19% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 93% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

House Party: House Party is a light-hearted comedy that 100% screams 90s. While the introvert in me got anxiety from the party scenes, the party takes center stage for a large chunk of the film. Most comedies would spend 10 to 15 minutes tops on the big party scene. The whole premise is about getting to the party and having a great night despite countless hurdles. There were a few really good character moments but they didn’t come until the movie was nearly over. While I personally didn’t love the movie, this would definitely tickle the fancy of a lot of people. If you are interested, give it a watch. At worst, you will hit the credits and go “Meh, that was fine”. Story - 15% Characters - 16% Pacing -15 % Spectacle - 15% Entertainment - 15% Total score: 76% House Party 2: Such a step up from the first movie. There was still plenty of over-the-top humor but the characters actually go through a lot this time. The whole movie is about the idea of growing up and being mature, but not at the cost of what makes you, you. There was definitely more maturity to the story and it was nice to see Kid actually try to overcome the hurdles and do his best in school. This is a step in the right direction. It still has the silly humor, but brings real issues and drama to the forefront. The bullies are obnoxious as always. If you need a comedy with an actual decent story, watch this over the first one. Or watch both. They are equally mindless fun. Story - 18% Characters - 16% Pacing - 14% Spectacle - 15% Entertainment - 17% Total score: 80% House Party 3: This movie pushed the characters farther into their lives. Each movie was like a piece of their lives that everyone experiences the biggest change: High School, College, Adulthood/marriage. There were some funny moments, but it just wasn’t as solid as the second movie. The kids were honestly kind of obnoxious. All I can really say is the narrative is pushed further, but it is starting to get stale in concept by this point. It’s by no means a bad movie, just a step in the wrong direction. Story - 15% Characters - 16% Pacing - 15% Spectacle - 14% Entertainment - 15% Total score: 75% House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute: The fact this was a direct-to-video rather than a theatrical release is obvious. The plot was something a 12-year-old would write. It would not fly today because of how unapologetically offensive it is. The characters are over-the-top blahness. The B plot was more ridiculous than the main plot. It has the shortest runtime in the franchise but I wanted to turn it off eight minutes in. There were a few funny moments, but this played more like a crappy TV pilot for a comedy. Avoid this movie at all costs. Story - 11% Characters - 10% Pacing - 8% Spectacle - 10% Entertainment - 10% Total score: 49% House Party 5: Tonight's the Night: My complaints for this movie are similar to my complaints for the 4th movie. The whole thing is offensive and dumb. As I was watching, I realized it was made like a hybrid between a YouTuber-made film with the awful humor of those parody movies from the late 2000s. House Party as a franchise at this point was cashing in on the name and basic premise but without the genuineness of the characters. The first 3 movies, while not perfect, were bearable to watch and grew on you as you watched them. These direct-to-video movies were lazy. I will say, the toilet gag was pretty funny in this one. While not as bad as the 4th movie, this one is still a poor imitation of the original. Story - 12% Characters - 10% Pacing - 8% Spectacle - 13% Entertainment - 12% Total score: 55% House Party (2023): House Party was brought to our modern age and it was hit or miss. The story was a retread of the original, but the stakes are raised by throwing the party at Lebron’s. The first two-thirds of the movie were just fan service to the original movies from the bullies to the music dreams of the lead. The last act of the movie decided to jump the shark and oh my god, it became instantly so much better. It had some good jokes throughout, but the side quest in Act Three made the movie worth it. It was a fun modernization of House Party that could potentially bring the magic of the originals to a new, modern audience. Honestly, I didn’t even know there were 5 movies in this franchise prior to Wikipedia laying it out for me. It’s a fun comedy to watch if you just want to turn your mind off and enjoy nonsensical shenanigans. Story - 15% Characters - 16% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 18% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 83%

Clearly inspired by actual world governments mixed with the movie Battle Royale, this YA movie stood out in a busy time. Kinda insane that this movie came out the same year as The Avengers. It makes a pretty good political statement while adding exciting action. The book has a lot more backstory for Katniss’ dad and had more stuff involving Cinna and the arena. At its core, it followed the important parts of the book. I loved the first two books/movies when I was younger, and it has not changed. All the actors sell the world they are in. Some of the dialogue could have been done better but as a whole was fantastic. It feels like another world and it is done fairly well. I highly recommend this movie, even as a standalone. Story - 19% Characters - 18% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 18% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 89% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

This was my first time watching this movie and I was pleasantly surprised. It was kinda like the Disney Channel Original Movie version of the first film. It has a similar lesson of just being honest and not bringing others down for petty revenge. It doesn’t stand as much as a classic but this really holds its own. There are genuinely funny moments and it made me nostalgic for my high school days because the style and music were spot-on for the late 2000s. I wish I would have seen this sooner. It is underrated and needs to be seen by more people. Story - 17% Characters - 18% Pacing - 18% Spectacle - 16% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 87% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

This is a slightly better version of the Gal Gadot Wonder Woman movie. It is better in the fact that it leans a lot more heavily into the mythology of Wonder Woman. From her clay birth to the monsters and gods of Greek mythology. It also had the luxury of being modern so the invisible jet could be used. It has the same story arc and origins that we have seen in the Linda Carter and Gal Gadot interpretations. I think this was a solid entry and had enough action to satiate the thirst for violence. And of course, plenty of women power stuff as well. Well worth the watch. Story - 18% Characters - 17% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 18% Entertainment - 17% Total score: 86% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

This movie is essentially the movie It with a little bit of X-Men mutant skin. I had to make an asterisk for this one because it’s less a Marvel movie and more of a horror movie. It’s possible to hit a good balance for both but this is a horror movie with super-powered people. I actually really like it as a whole though and it doesn’t overstay its horror welcome clocking in at 1 hour 27 minutes without credits. I love the actors as well. Maisie being the wolf girl was a bit of a type casting but it’s fine. I definitely recommend giving it a stream for a horror night. Story - 15% Characters - 16% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 15% Entertainment - 16% Total score: 78% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

This movie is a bonafide classic of Millenials. So many things were quoted and meme’d since this film came out. The story is actually very thoughtful and shows how being mean does no good and you should be your authentic self and not change just to impress people. I always love that message because I’m a big supporter of the weird life rather than the generic, follower life. The characters are just as classic as the dialogue. This is definitely a product of the time because so many things in the movie would not fly today. This is a classic and a must-watch. Story - 20% Characters - 20% Pacing - 18% Spectacle - 17% Entertainment - 20% Total score: 95% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

They definitely wanted to try something this time around. The story came across as more of a cop thriller than what these movies usually are. It was basically a generic thriller with a Saw skin in a way. Chris Rock and Samuel L. Jackson definitely helped give this a boost in credibility. They had their usual jokey chops mixed with serious drama. They used the improved cast quality to make a bit more of an engaging set of characters. Everything does end up about how you expect. This is definitely a stand-alone picture. Plays to the good ole theme of cops being selfish and corrupt. It is a decent movie but could have used a bit more imagination for the plot. Story - 16% Characters - 18% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 17% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 85% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

An anime anthology of Batman set in the Nolanverse between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, but not necessarily canon. That is straight up the pitch for this movie. The stories were interesting enough. There was no real momentum because it started a new story every 10-15 minutes. The animation aspect was fantastic. It had anime vibes while still being a Batman cartoon at its core. I personally couldn’t get into it but I can see plenty of people loving this anime-inspired series of adventures. Story - 17% Characters - 16% Pacing - 15% Spectacle - 19% Entertainment - 16% Total score: 83% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

I'm a sucker for a good Christmas show and this thing checked all the marks for what I want from one. Humor, heart, and someone trying to get the perfect gift. This also confirmed Mantis and Quill are siblings which is adorable. James Gunn knocked this out of the park. I would love more Marvel specials like this! Story - 20% Characters - 18% Pacing - 18% Spectacle - 19% Entertainment - 20% Total score: 95% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

This was definitely an improvement from the first one. It still used Iron Man as a bit of a crutch, but Happy’s speech telling Peter no one will be the next Iron Man was heartfelt and what Peter needed to hear. This was an Epilogue of sorts for Phase 3 and the MCU as a whole. There was literally a sign that said “We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next” in the background. I love Mysterio. I’ve loved him since seeing him in the PS1 game “Spider-man”. This is a great summer blockbuster and inched us closer to Peter being the Spider-man we want him to be. Story - 16% Characters - 17% Pacing - 17% Spectacle - 18% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 86% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here

After a seven-year hiatus, the Saw franchise is back. This definitely felt like a modern production rather than keeping to the TV drama level of quality. Like every movie in the franchise, it kept the trend of a crazy twist at the end explaining everything. That twist includes how the real Jigsaw is in this film. I definitely feel like this had a bit more thought put into it and had time to be fleshed out. It still isn’t Oscar worthy but it continued the franchise in a way that doesn’t suck. This one could be seen as a stand-alone with plenty of easter eggs from past films. The only thing that ties this to previous films is Jigsaw himself. This one is actually worth a watch. Story - 18% Characters - 16% Pacing - 16% Spectacle - 17% Entertainment - 18% Total score: 85% Grade scale: 90%-100% = must watch 80%-89% = solid, but could be better 70%-79% = Not terrible, watch if the characters or story interests you 60%-69% = only watch for completionist reasons 0%-59% = just skip it, I find the positives and they don't exist here