Carson Kelly Blogs

  Written by Carson J. Kelly | Originally Reviewed May 22, 2022 Some films transcend genres, going beyond the sum of their parts, and in doing so, tap directly into our cultural soul. Top Gun: Maverick is one such film, a modern classic that doesn't just pay tribute to its 1986 predecessor but builds upon it in ways that feel powerful, relevant, and deeply emotional. As a long-time fan of action cinema and legacy sequels, I can say with complete confidence that this was a special film, one that easily joins my personal list of all-time favorite movies. It’s rare to find a film that accomplishes what Maverick does: honoring the past while propelling a beloved franchise into a bold new future. It’s even rarer to find one that captures the hearts of both new audiences and longtime fans without sacrificing a shred of authenticity. For me, Top Gun: Maverick was a perfect film, and in this review, I’ll take you through the reasons why. The Legacy of Maverick: A Story Decades in th...

  Originally written on: May 20, 2022 By Carson J. Kelly “I feel the need… the need for speed.” Some films define an era, shape a generation, and leave an unmistakable echo in the halls of cinematic history. Top Gun , released in 1986 and directed by the late Tony Scott, is exactly that type of film. With Tom Cruise’s breakout performance as the brash, confident naval aviator Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and a soundtrack that refuses to age, Top Gun doesn’t just entertain it soars . Though I originally wrote this review on May 20, 2022, decades after its release, the emotional weight, stylistic bravado, and sky-blazing energy of Top Gun are still as exhilarating as ever. This film, with all its charm, adrenaline, and cool-factor, truly ranks as one of the greatest pieces of 1980s American cinema and one of Tom Cruise’s most iconic performances. 🎖️ The Maverick Spirit: A New Era of Cool When Top Gun hit theaters, it didn’t just showcase Navy jets it introduced a new archetyp...

  THE BATMAN Review  Written on: March 4, 2022 It is rare for a film to leave me utterly speechless upon first viewing, yet The Batman (2022), directed by Matt Reeves, did exactly that. Released into a cinematic landscape abundant with superhero adaptations, Reeves' iteration of the iconic Dark Knight is a mesmerizing departure from previous portrayals, cementing itself not merely as an excellent comic book movie but as one of the definitive Batman experiences ever brought to the screen. From the opening sequence alone, we are introduced to a Gotham City unlike any other dark, gritty, rain-soaked, and relentlessly oppressive. Reeves constructs a city so vividly grim and gothic, one can almost taste the bitter air and feel the tension lurking in its alleyways. Gotham has always been as much a character in Batman's narrative as the Caped Crusader himself, and here it is depicted with haunting authenticity. It's a living, breathing entity reflecting the inner turmoil and mora...

Review originally dated: November 20, 2020 "I'm Spider-Man." Not the other Spider-Man. Not Spider-Man's sidekick. Spider-Man. That's the journey at the heart of Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales , and I absolutely loved experiencing it. Following the incredible Marvel’s Spider-Man in 2018 was never going to be easy, but rather than simply attempting to repeat Peter Parker's adventure on a smaller scale, Insomniac gives Miles an identity, a neighborhood, powers and relationships that make this game feel distinctly his own. The result is another fantastic Spider-Man game.

Review originally dated: November 20, 2020 Two years ago, I fell in love with Marvel’s Spider-Man . Now, with the arrival of the PlayStation 5, Peter Parker's adventure has returned with Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered . And underneath all the upgrades, this remains the same game I absolutely loved in 2018. That's ultimately the most important thing. The incredible story is still here. The characters are still here. The combat is still fantastic. Swinging through New York is still ridiculously fun. And Peter Parker's journey still hits just as hard.

Review originally dated: December 28, 2018 Marvel’s Spider-Man was already one of my favorite games of 2018, so the idea of getting three additional story chapters before the year was even over sounded fantastic. Now that The Heist , Turf Wars, and Silver Lining are all available, The City That Never Sleeps feels like a strong extended epilogue to an already incredible game. It isn't another full Marvel’s Spider-Man campaign, nor does it need to be. Instead, the DLC takes characters and storylines established throughout the main game and gives them room to breathe while setting up some potentially very interesting developments for the future. And yes, it gave me another excuse to spend several hours swinging around New York. I'm certainly not complaining. The Heist Of the three chapters, The Heist immediately stood out because of Felicia Hardy. Black Cat's history with Peter gives their interactions a different energy than many relationships in the base game. She'...

Review originally dated: September 14, 2018 There are certain superhero games where, after only a few hours, you know you are playing something special. Marvel’s Spider-Man is one of those games. Insomniac Games has delivered an absolutely incredible interpretation of Spider-Man that understands not only what makes the superhero exciting, but what makes Peter Parker such an incredible character in the first place. And I absolutely love it. Rather than telling us another Spider-Man origin story, Marvel’s Spider-Man introduces us to a Peter Parker who has already been Spider-Man for years. He knows how to fight. He knows how to swing. He has encountered villains before. He has relationships, responsibilities, and history. That decision gives the entire game a confidence that I immediately fell in love with. This Is Peter Parker The greatest strength of Marvel’s Spider-Man is its story. There are massive superhero battles, incredible villains, and enormous action sequences, but Insomni...