Carson Kelly Blogs

  Written: April 27, 2025 After finally sitting down and watching Captain America: Brave New World, I can confidently say that this film absolutely reignited my excitement for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I loved it from start to finish. It was fun, exciting, easy to follow, packed with energy, and set up a thrilling future not only for Captain America but for the MCU as a whole. I know this film has been out for a couple of months now, and opinions online seem to be all over the place, but personally, I don’t understand the hate. This movie did exactly what it needed to do: deliver a strong, emotional, and action-driven Captain America story while also paving the way for future adventures. Watching Brave New World made me feel that familiar Marvel magic again, and it even has me hyped for Thunderbolts, which is just around the corner. Anthony Mackie really shines here as Sam Wilson/Captain America. You can tell he fully embraces the shield and the responsibility that comes with ...

  Written by Carson J. Kelly Finished Watching: April 27, 2025 After starting Smile 2 a few weeks to a couple of months ago, I finally crossed the finish line and wow, what a film. Directed once again by Parker Finn, Smile 2 builds on the eerie foundation of the first movie, but takes it in a much more psychological, trippy, and emotionally intense direction. It’s a sequel that manages to feel fresh without abandoning what made the original so effective, and in some ways, it even surpasses it. First and foremost, Naomi Scott absolutely shines in this film. She delivers a gripping, emotional performance that truly anchors the story. From her raw vulnerability to her fierce moments of terror and confusion, Scott proves herself as a perfect lead for this next chapter of the Smile saga. The supporting cast is equally fantastic, giving the story layers of humanity and tension that really pull you in. The music throughout Smile 2 is stunning, haunting, beautiful, and at times eve...

                                        YOU – Season 5, Episode 1: Official Review Written April 23, 2025  Published April 24, 2025 By Carson J. Kelly Special thanks to Netflix for the exclusive early screening of YOU Season 5, Episode 1. Netflix’s psychological thriller YOU returns with the beginning of its final season, and Episode 1 wastes no time pulling us right back into the unsettling yet addictive mind of Joe Goldberg. With this early peek at what’s to come, it’s safe to say that the final chapter is setting the stage for something bold, twisted, and entirely unforgettable. Episode 1 delivers a gripping and calculated reentry into the chaos, guilt, and charm that define the series. Penn Badgley reprises his role with a chilling charisma, giving longtime fans exactly what they came for, while hinting that the most dangerous chapters of Joe’s story may still lie ahead. ...

Back in 2009, James Cameron dropped a cinematic bombshell with Avatar, a film that not only defined a generation of moviegoers but reshaped what was possible in digital filmmaking. It was a phenomenon, a box office juggernaut, and a cultural touchstone, remembered for its groundbreaking 3D technology, lush alien environments, and the richly imagined world of Pandora. Fast forward over a decade, and Avatar: The Way of Water finally hit theaters not just as a sequel, but as a continuation of a legacy many weren’t sure could be matched. And yet, after finally sitting down and watching this epic sequel from start to finish in April 2025, I can say with zero hesitation that The Way of Water is a masterpiece in its own right a visual and emotional triumph that not only meets expectations, but exceeds them in ways that I didn’t even anticipate. This film is beautiful, heartfelt, intense, and absolutely mesmerizing. If the first film was about seeing the wonder of Pandora for the first time, T...

                          AVATAR (2009)  A Review by Carson J. Kelly                                Watched: April 12–13, 2025 | Written: April 13, 2025 There are rare moments in life when a film doesn’t just entertain—it immerses, transforms, and awakens something deeper within you. James Cameron’s Avatar (2009) is one of those rare cinematic experiences. Though I’m watching it for the first time well over a decade after its release—starting on the evening of April 12, 2025, and finishing around 1 AM the next day I can say without hesitation that it was worth the wait. Every single second. I hit play at 9:10 PM, unsure of what to expect beyond the iconic visuals I had glimpsed for years. But what unfolded was far beyond anything I imagined. This wasn’t just a movie; it was a world, a philosophy, and a deeply emotional journey. At its...

Image Copyright: Warner Brothers, Warner Bros Pictures, DC and DC Studios My Review of  Joker: Folie à Deux After the success of the original, "Joker: Folie à Deux" had a lot to live up to, but unfortunately, it falls short in almost every aspect. While there were some redeeming qualities, like Joaquin Phoenix’s dedicated performance, the film ultimately left me feeling more frustrated than entertained. The dark and gritty tone that made the first movie so compelling felt forced here, and the emotional depth that drew me in previously seemed replaced with unnecessary complexity and confusion. Acting and Performances:  There’s no denying that Joaquin Phoenix once again gives a powerful performance as Arthur Fleck. His portrayal of the Joker still exudes the same chilling intensity that made the first film remarkable. However, no matter how strong the acting was, it couldn't save the movie from a plot that felt more disjointed than cohesive. Often during Joker: Folie A Deux...

  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...