The LEGO Ninjago Movie
Director: Charlie Bean, Paul Fisher, Bob Logan
Screenwriter: Bob Logan, Paul Fisher, William Wheeler, Tom Wheeler, Jared Stern, John Whittington
Cast: Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Zach Woods, Jackie Chan
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Rated PG | 101 Minutes
Release Date: September 22, 2017

The LEGO Movie franchise has proven that if you build it, they will come. Coming off of two widely successful films, The LEGO Movie and The LEGO Batman Movie, comes The LEGO Ninjago Movie – based off their Ninjago LEGO toyline. While the film is still set in the same LEGO world and has the same LEGO quirks – the self deprecating humor and pop culture nods – the film doesn’t pack the same punch as its predecessors. Which is ironic, because this is the most action-packed LEGO movie of them all. It’s filled with ninja action, mechs, and so much more. But a lackluster story that seems to be at odds with itself makes The LEGO Ninjago Movie the weakest of the three films. My full review below.

Queen Of Katwe
Director: Mira Nair
Screenwriter: William Wheeler
Cast: Madina Nalwanga, David Oyelowo, Lupita Nyong’o, Martin Kabanza, Taryn Kyaze, Ivan Jacobo, Nicolas Levesque, Ethan Nazario Lubega, Ronald Ssemaganda, Nikita Waligwa, Edgar Kanyike, Esther Tebandeke
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Rated PG | 124 Minutes
Release Date: September 23, 2016 (Limited) | September 30, 2016 (Nationwide)

Looking past all the animated features, Marvel superheroes, and Star Wars films, Disney has also been making a name for itself telling inspiring sports stories. Queen Of Katwe is just one of those films that we rarely see from a major studio, but when they put it out, you can be sure they have made every effort to make sure that it will strike an emotional chord or, in this case, make the right moves. For this film is no ordinary based on a true story about any sport, it’s about a young girl who makes it out of the slums of Uganda by playing the game of chess. A mind game so to speak where your next move could be your last. But there is also so much more to this than just moving pieces on a board. The reality is that this film is driven by themes of family and perseverance, overcoming those terrifying obstacles called real life, and realizing that even though there will be some losses, you can still come out a champion. My full review below.