James Ayala

Two kind of bio pics exist . The one that goes depth into telling a detailed life story and then you have Baz Luhrmann who”s visionary style prefers to bombard the senses so that you basically get drawn into without really wanting to. As the film begins you almost think you’re watching a music video. The films does settle down and is told through the eyes of Elvis”s manager Col Tom Parker a guy with many skeletons . At first it seems like this will be hanks vehicle but as the film progresses you will believe Austin Butler is Elvis Presley. It’s an incredible performance that I wonder if he will ever top. The film does gloss over the turbulent life of Elvis but it’s done in such an amazing style that what ever reservations I had early on, by the finale I walked out of the theater totally entranced by what I had just witnessed. For Baz lurhmann fans who know his work and style you will be over the moon. This film is a major accomplishment that will definitely be around Award season . Is it the definitive Elvis Bio pic I think not, it just doesn’t get deep into Elvis”s head but you will nonetheless be amazed. A couple of sequences I swore it was the real Elvis up on that stage . Butler had delivered here like I never thought possible. Definitely go see in a theater preferably Dolby equipped. I highly recommend this film to everyone . If you are a film nut line me it’s a must.

I originally thought , come on another Batman movie . I was not expecting to walk into a cinematic masterpiece. Matt Reeves has crafted a beautiful and brilliant film. We actually get to see the greatest detective ever at work. Robert Pattinson will make you forget every Batman that came before him . Everything works in this film . It’s a murder mystery wrapped in a DC COMIC. Don’t walk , run to see this film you will be absolutely blown away by the visionary masterwork .

I’ll begin by saying that as a teen my entire bedroom was filled with Elton John posters. I saw him at the Garden in New York in 1977 or 76. I was and still am a huge fan. The film covers his life and reveals so many details of his troubled life that I’m shocked he survived it all. The film is brilliant in the way it presents his music in telling Elton’s story . It’s a visually stunning film and the actors are all damm excellent. Taron Egerton jumps off the screen in an amazing performance. The fact that he was able to perform johns music vocally is something to behold. I don’t think we’ve ever seen this before. If he’s not up for an academy award I will scream. Not to compare to Bohemian Rhapsody but Rocketman is a much more honest film . Rhapsody’s played it safe and virtually erased Mercury’s sexuality. This film does not shy away from anything . It’s brutally honest. Much credit has to go to director Dexter Fletcher who crafts the film as fantasy and musical . For me this is the best Rock Bio ever done. I’ve seen it twice and suspect it will be with me always .

Brilliant film by first time director Bradley Cooper. A visually beautiful film to watch. Lady Gaga and Cooper connect in a way I haven’t seen in a film in years. Cooper will surprise many with his musical talent and well Lady Gaga is simply stunning . She delivers a truly great performance. Cooper co wrote and directs like a pro who’s been doing it forever. This film will stay with you long after it’s over. Could easily be best film of the year. Don’t miss this film!!!!!