Movies Films | Rivenmaster Raves

December 31, 2023February 5, 2024

Percy Jackson and the Olympians a Mythological Adventure

The Story:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a thrilling Disney series that follows the adventures of a young demigod named Percy Jackson adapted from the popular book series written by Rick Riordan. Released in 2023, this series takes viewers on an action-packed journey through the world of Greek mythology.

The story revolves around Percy, played by Walker Scobell, a troubled twelve-year-old boy who discovers that he is the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. As he attends Camp Half-Blood, a training ground for demigods, Percy learns about his true identity and the existence of a vast network of gods, monsters, and magical creatures.

In the first season, titled “The Lightning Thief,” Percy is accused of stealing Zeus’ lightning bolt, the most powerful weapon in the world. Determined to clear his name and prevent a war between the gods, Percy embarks on a dangerous quest across the United States with his loyal friends Annabeth, daughter of Athena, and Grover, a satyr. Along the way, they encounter various mythological creatures and face perilous challenges.

As the series progresses, Percy’s adventures continue in subsequent seasons, exploring different quests and battles against powerful foes. They encounter Hades, the god of the Underworld, in “The Sea of Monsters,” and face off against the Titan Kronos in “The Titan’s Curse.” Each season delves deeper into the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, introducing new gods, monsters, and epic battles.

Throughout the series, Percy grapples with his identity as a demigod and the responsibilities that come with it. He struggles with his relationship with his father, Poseidon, and contends with the expectations placed upon him by the gods. Alongside his friends, Percy learns to harness his own powers and find the strength within himself to overcome the challenges he faces.

The Cast:

The cast quickly comes together as a Trinity of outstanding young actors portraying their characters in such a convincing way that instantly turns fantasy into reality for the viewer.

You might immediately recognize Percy played by “Walker Scobell”. Walker has quickly made a name for himself especially in his two previous films. “The Adam Project” and “Secret Headquarters”. Walker is extremely talented making his character come alive with the use of his emotional expression which quickly convinces you that his character is real.

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“Leah Jeffries” who plays Annabeth Chase also brings much talent to the table and demonstrates her prowess as a young actor in this series. Leah is also known from previous films such as Beast and Something from Tiffany’s. You can be sure that this young lady has a great acting career ahead of her.

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“Aryan Simhadri” plays Grover, best friend and guardian of Percy. Grover is part human and part goat making him not only the most unique of the three, but also a hero who manages to keep Percy from losing his cool while helping him understand his place as a demigod. Aryan is also no rookie to the film industry. While this may be one of his first major film appearances, IMDB lists him with a total of 25 actor credits to his name.

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Although the series has currently only begun having released its first 3 episodes, you can be sure it’s going to be a hit to all the fans of the book and to both young and old fantasy film fans.

Also, could this be Disney’s way of finishing what we have been missing because the 3rd film of the original series was never made? I guess we will all just have to wait! Hurry go get caught up on it now. Disney Plus awaits…. Log in to Disney Plus

Summary:

Percy Jackson and the Olympians is a captivating blend of fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age themes. It explores the timeless themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery while immersing viewers in a world of gods and monsters. With its compelling characters, thrilling plotlines, and stunning visuals, the series promises an exciting and unforgettable journey into the realm of Greek mythology.

Watch it on Disney Plus

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023

A Monster Calls Moving and Captivating.

“A Monster Calls,” directed by J.A. Bayona, is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged film that explores the power of storytelling and the complexities of grief. Based on the novel by Patrick Ness, the movie follows the journey of a young boy named Conor, who is struggling to cope with his mother’s terminal illness.

The film begins with Conor’s vivid and terrifying nightmares, which reflect his inner turmoil. He is haunted by a monstrous tree that comes to life and tells him stories. This tree, voiced by Liam Neeson, serves as a metaphor for Conor’s emotions and acts as his guide through the difficult process of accepting his mother’s impending death.

One of the most striking aspects of “A Monster Calls” is its stunning visual imagery. The use of dark and muted colors creates a somber and melancholic atmosphere that perfectly mirrors Conor’s emotional state. The animation sequences, which illustrate the stories told by the monster, are beautifully crafted and add a magical element to the film.

The performances in the movie are exceptional, particularly from the young actor Lewis MacDougall, who portrays Conor with remarkable maturity and depth. He effectively conveys the character’s anger, sadness, and vulnerability, allowing the audience to empathize with his pain. Felicity Jones, who plays Conor’s mother, delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the essence of a loving parent facing her own mortality.

The film’s exploration of grief is both poignant and relatable. Conor’s struggle to come to terms with his mother’s illness is depicted with raw honesty. Through his interactions with the monster and the stories it tells, Conor learns valuable lessons about loss, forgiveness, and the complexity of human emotions.

Ultimately, “A Monster Calls” is a powerful and moving film that tackles the universal themes of grief and acceptance. It reminds us of the importance of storytelling as a means of understanding and processing our emotions. The movie’s ability to provoke deep introspection and evoke strong emotions makes it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience.

Last but not least:

Trust me this movie will take you by surprise if you thought it was a kid’s film. The story unfolds slowly so just allow yourself to be drawn into the plot allowing the writer and director to bring you to the conclusion. Having watched so many films and written a number of reviews myself, I have I have a hard time not getting ahead of the story. While the ending may not entirely surprise you like “The Sixth Sense”, it’s similar in the way it drops hints along the way.

While not a new film, having been released in 2016, it is available on Netflix. You can also stream A Monster Calls by renting or purchasing on Google Play, Amazon, and Vudu.

I highly recommend this film.

April 29, 2023April 29, 2023

Sweet Tooth an entertaining and captivating Triumph

I just finished marathoning Season 2 of Sweet Tooth on Netflix. If you have been missing out on this one, you’re in for a treat. Do start with Season One, as it’s totally worth every minute of viewing time.

The Story

Sweet Tooth is a popular Netflix series that has captured the attention of viewers worldwide. The show is based on a comic book series of the same name by Jeff Lemire. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus has wiped out most of humanity, and hybrid children are born with animal features.

The story revolves around Gus, played by Christian Convery from Vancouver, Canada. Christian portrays a young boy who is part deer and part human. He lives in a secluded forest with his father, who has sheltered him from the outside world. When his father dies, Gus sets out to find his mother, who he believes is still alive. Along the way, he meets a tough loner named Jepperd, (Nonso Anozie) who becomes his protector and guide.

The show is a thrilling adventure that takes viewers on a journey through a world that is both beautiful and dangerous. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the relationships between them are heartwarming. The show also tackles important themes such as family, survival, and the impact of technology on society.

Sweet Tooth is an excellent example of how a post-apocalyptic story can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good adventure and wants to see how humanity can survive and thrive even in the most challenging circumstances.

Sweet Tooth (Christian Convery)

Convery’s performance as Gus is remarkable, as he manages to convey the innocence and vulnerability of a child while also portraying the strength and resilience needed to survive in a post-apocalyptic world. The show’s creators have done an excellent job in casting Convery, as he is a perfect fit for the role.

Throughout the series, Convery’s performance is consistently impressive, and he manages to hold his own alongside the more experienced actors in the cast. His ability to convey emotion and deliver lines with conviction is a testament to his talent and dedication to his craft.

Although Christian is just 13 years old, he has played alongside some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He most recently was seen on the big screen as ‘Henry’ in the comedy-horror-thriller Cocaine Bear alongside Keri Russell and O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Some of his past credits as listed on IMDB include Highland Films’ drama Tiger Rising (2022); Disney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2021); Paramount Pictures’ Playing With Fire (2019); Amazon’s critically acclaimed film Beautiful Boy (2018) opposite Timothee Chalamet and Steve Carell; Netflix’s Pup Academy (2019-2022); Disney’s Descendants 3 (2019); Marvel’s Venom (2018); Syfy’s Van Helsing; CW’s Supernatural (2016) and more.

Synopsis

Overall, Sweet Tooth is an excellent series that is made all the more enjoyable by Convery’s performance. He is a rising star in the acting world, and his portrayal of Gus is sure to be remembered for years to come. Everything about the series is captivating, the characters, the music score, the directing, the scenery, the special character makeup and effects, all make this the one to watch. I can’t wait for Season 3 as I’m sure we will see Sweet Tooth finally be reunited with his mother.

If you haven’t watched Sweet Tooth yet, I highly recommend it, as it is an excellent example of the talent and skill that can be found in the world of acting. Parents should be advised that the series is rated TV-14 for some mild language and violence.

You can watch both season 1 & 2 now on Netflix.

SEASON ONE TRAILER

SEASON TWO TRAILER

For more about Christian Convery visit: