11/16: Monthly Recap

As the year is coming to an end, I’ve been slowly evaluating my interests in terms of movie viewings, and to an extent, writing about it. I usually try to get a good number of movies per month but other things are happening and I’m fine with it. I haven’t seen a lot than I’d like, and that’s ok. I haven't written much either, but it's all right. That just means there are more great movies to look forward to. This month is certainly no different. Here are the movies I’ve seen this month.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the latest movie to grace the Harry Potter Universe. Focusing on the adventures of Newt Scamander, this installment introduces a magical world outside the London world that we’re used to, opening the doors to a new realm of magic. Set in New York in the 1920’s, Newt Scamander arrives to America for his own reasons, only to have some of his creatures accidentally set loose in the city, threatening the exposure of wizarding folk. 

Kubo and the Two Strings

Kubo and the Two Strings is a tale where past meets the present. The movie opens with a voiceover narration and a woman trapped in the middle of the sea during a thunderstorm. The approach on storytelling makes it seem that the narrator is simply passing on the story of the woman, but it is when the titular character is introduced, an eye already missing from his face. At present day, it is later revealed that Kubo has quite a past, and must now journey to protect himself, learning about his roots and source of power along the way.

Trailer: Beauty and the Beast

I don't think I've been as this excited for a Disney live action movie as I am right now with Beauty and the Beast. I've struggled to find a performance of Emma Watson's that I liked beyond her years in Harry Potter, and based on this trailer she looks like she's going to do great. The set also looks fantastic. 

Doctor Strange

Doctor Strange is Marvel Studio’s newest addition to their universe, introducing characters and stories that deal with the mystical realm. The new superhero is in the form of Stephen Strange, a bright neurosurgeon whose life takes a turn when he loses his abilities due to an accident. He goes and seeks for a way to heal, leading him to the door of The Ancient One, and his journey to becoming the next superhero. Note: this review contains spoilers.