John Dotson

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts Review Banner

Review: ‘Transformers: Rise of the Beasts’

June 8, 2023 John Dotson Paramount+, Sci-Fi Films & Shows, Transformers 6 min read

When discussing Michael Bay movies, the conversation almost turns political. There are defenders of the filmmaker’s bombastic directing style, and there are the vicious Bay detractors who want the filmmaker’s career to die in a ferocious Armageddon-inspired asteroid-like explosion. Personally, this writer enjoyed the first Transformers. Mainly because Steven Spielberg’s fingerprints existed beneath Michael Bay’s cringe decisions. At the time, Spielberg had been shepherding the film to the big screen.

Events Reviews Travel Reviews

Review: Disney and Pixar’s Elemental Experience Tour

June 6, 2023 John Dotson Animation, Disney Studios, Exhibits & Experiences, Pixar 3 min read

Pixar Animation is on the brink of releasing its new film Elemental nationwide. This means marketing and promotion are gearing up to increase the awareness of the studio’s latest picture. Last week, we were invited to glance at a pop-up event called the Elemental Experience, described as a multi-city tour featuring thematic and immersive elements from the film for all children to enjoy.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse Banner

Movie Reviews Reviews

Review: ‘Spider-Man Across the Spider-Verse’ is an Animated Masterwork

June 1, 2023 John Dotson Animation, Comicbook Films & Shows, Marvel Animation, Sony, Spider-Man, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse 5 min read

A great Spider-Man story feels like a tragic coming-of-age tale. In the DNA of the character, tragedy spawns a hero who feels compelled to take action. The franchise is riddled with famous tragedies such as Uncle Ben or the infamous death of Gwen Stacy (one of the most talked about deaths in comic history). Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is undoubtedly a visually phenomenal

Movie Reviews Reviews

Review: ‘The Little Mermaid’ is Halle Bailey’s Moment

May 25, 2023 John Dotson Disney Studios, Family Films & Shows, Fantasy Films & Shows, The Little Mermaid 6 min read

For most of us growing up with Disney animated movies, the brand came with a sense of enchantment. The stories were presented in two-dimensional landscapes, but it was nonetheless engrossing. The storytelling, the characters, the immersive animated environments, everything felt like it had a soul. The live-action remakes have attempted to carbon copy these animated movies but instead have felt like

Movie Reviews Reviews

Review: ‘Fast X’ is Unapologetic Comical Chaos

May 17, 2023 John Dotson Action Films & Shows, The Fast and the Furious, Universal Studios 5 min read

Fast X is another genre reinvention for the franchise. But not the way one would expect. With Fast Five, the franchise dropped its street racing beginnings and made a heist movie. Fast and Furious 6 and Furious 7 took the James Bond route and made spy adventures. F9 had the boldness to tackle the genre known as “bad” movies, an admirable creative choice. Now, with Fast X, the inspired forces

Movie Reviews Reviews

‘Peter Pan & Wendy’ Review: A Magical Thoughtful Remake

April 28, 2023 John Dotson Disney Studios, Disney+, Family Films & Shows, Fantasy Films & Shows 5 min read

Peter Pan & Wendy sees another live-action remake from the visionary filmmaker David Lowery. As a director, Lowery brought his sensibilities to the remake of Pete’s Dragon and made it his own. The same is true of Peter Pan & Wendy. The broad strokes of the 1953 animated Peter Pan are in this new take on the fairy tale, but the song feels brand new. Consider the musical