T2 is an enjoyable production but principally aimed at idolizing the original for fans. The soundtrack includes remixed pieces of Underworld's "Born Slippy (Nuxx)" and Iggy Pop's "Lust for Life" as callbacks to the first feature. A few well-placed vignettes of old footage are strategically woven into the narrative. Additionally, much of the dialogue recalls the former film. Renton has a conversation with Veronika that references the famous "Choose Life" speech: "Choose Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and hope that someone, somewhere cares..." The pacing is equally brisk and there are plenty of random vignettes that will make you laugh. One entertaining bit has Renton and Simon distracting the clientele of a Protestant pub with an anti-Catholic chant after robbing them blind. In another scene, Renton and Begbie discover the presence of the other in a most amusing way. The scene is perfectly shot. The irreverent humor is still is there, although it's neither revolutionary nor necessary. T2 works but it needs the other to exist. It has been fashioned as an exceptionally well-made companion piece. fastfilmreviews.com

Life is an intense, heart-pounding saga that never lets up. The production design is dazzling. The opening scene, an uninterrupted nearly 7-minute take, is a marvel. The ISS set is constructed like a labyrinth and it's easy to feel claustrophobic within. That adds to the tension as I was riveted throughout. Screenwriters Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese have worked together before (Zombieland, G.I. Joe: Retaliation, Deadpool). The script gives us just enough detailed jargon to seem cerebral but without getting bogged down in a lot of intellectual mumbo jumbo. They have a sophisticated take on this outer space thriller that really elevates the presentation into something classy. I mean let's be clear. At heart, this is a formula sci-fi horror tale and nothing more. Don't go in expecting to have your mind expanded. Nevertheless, it is nice to see something that isn't part of some larger franchise. The action entertains a lot better than some warmed over reboot or sequel. Life is worth living....er uh I mean watching. fastfilmreviews.com

My Life as a Zucchini flies by in a scant 70 minutes but mines more depth of emotion than a drama twice its length. The nature of the production allows the disturbing script to deal with sensitive problems that might be off-putting in a live action movie. As performed with stop motion puppets the weighty issues take on a poignant charm. Sometimes children find themselves without a mom or a dad. The circumstances are many: some have passed on, others arrested, deported, or maybe they have just simply abandoned them. It's a heartwarming tale that doesn't sugarcoat the toughest thing a youngster may ever have to face. Yet somehow kids manage to weather the tribulations that life throws at them. The narrative delves into the need for a child, and anyone really, to feel loved. My Life As A Zucchini received an Oscar nomination for Best Animated Feature Film well before it was even available in theaters. Now it has been officially released and it's still pretty hard to find. I suspect most people will have to discover this lovingly crafted gem once it's available to rent. And please do seek it out. It's an unconventional delight. fastfilmreviews.com

Beauty and the Beast is a production designer's dream. The sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, and costumes are beyond compare. In particular, there's a physicality to these locales that make you believe that these places do indeed exist. The town is a quaint fairy tale community and the majestic castle has an impressive gothic air. The overall look is so fully realized, you'll forgive that the plot holds no surprises. Yes for all its charm, this merely remains a beautifully realized imitation of its predecessor. The accomplishment is undeniably gorgeous but not visionary. If the very idea of a live-action reimagining of Beauty and the Beast offends you, then this picture will not change your perceptions. On the other hand, if you're intrigued by the idea, then the movie will be a delight. I'm pleased to say I was thoroughly entertained. fastfilmreviews.com

Kong: Skull Island is a mindless popcorn flick but it's still pretty entertaining. This is a lot less ambitious than previous interpretations. Kong's noble savagery is still apparent, but the main thrust of this action is little more than monsters run amok. The original fantasy had a self-contained plot with a poignant message. This entry exists as an intro to a beast that will go on to star in more installments. That modifies the narrative in a pretty significant way. In more cosmetic changes, the production is envisioned as a period piece as it moves the time frame back to 1973. 70s rock music blares on the soundtrack as helicopters loom in search of a mysterious figure in the jungle. Allusions to a certain Francis Ford Coppola directed war film are deliberate. Yet, I'm still not sure whether it's intended to be so intellectually shallow. I suppose there's joy in the simplicity of just the spectacle. Let's put it this way, the less you think about it, the better it gets. fastfilmreviews.com