The Conjuring: Last Rites Review!

The Conjuring: The Last Rites gives the chills and a satisfying conclusion to the solo Conjuring films! The movie’s director is Michael Chaves who previously directed the third entry into the series, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). The story is by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick who also had story and screenplay duties on the third Conjuring movie. Producer and director of the first Conjuring film, James Wan, also gets story credit. The screenplay is by Johnson-McGoldrick, Ian Goldberg, who wrote the screenplay for the Conjuring Universe film, The Nun II (2023), and also Richard Naing is part of the writing group and also worked on the second movie of The Nun. This covers the very beginning of the paranormal investigations by Ed and Lorraine Warren in 1962. 

This was followed by the first Conjuring (2013) movie by their case involving Annabelle. Then, the case with the Perons in 1971. Next, The Conjuring 2 (2018) opens in 1975 with the Warrens investigating the Amitville murders that raised their profile. It introduced The Nun and focused on the Enfield  poltergeist in London, 1977. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021) is set in 1981 with the first demonic possession trial that involved Arne Johnson. It is 1964, Young Ed (Orion Smith) and Young Lorraine (Madison Lawlor), how is pregnant, are meeting with a woman at an antique shop. Lorraine. She mentions that her grandfather at the shop was hearing voices. The woman had stopped by the shop and finds her grandfather has died, hanging himself! 

She continues, “Something changed, I could feel it.” Chills started running through me here. Ed and Lorraine turn to the store room. Lorraine reassures Ed and then walks into the dark room. She walks past dolls and masks. Several clocks tick and then one clock strikes the hour and everything goes quiet! Lorraine walks up to a covered object and pulls off the white sheet. It is an antique long mirror with carvings of three babies at the top. Lorraine introduces herself and she is told by a voice, “I feed on your fear”! She reaches out with her fingertip and the mirror cracks. Lorraine sees a demonic reflection of herself, fearful images and then her baby going into labor! Ed races with Lorraine in his car through the rain. They reach the OB emergency room, it is a difficult birth with blood on Lorraine’s belly, the doctor encourages her to push. 

Then, the lights go out. Lorraine looks over the doctor to the darkness in the hall. Lorraine gives birth, but there is a problem with the baby. She screams to hold her baby and repeats, “Please, bring her back.” The baby starts to cough and then cry. The nurse asks about the baby’s name and Lorraine says, “Judy Warren.” I love the sinister mixed with the hope of a birth. A similar scene was in the supernatural horror movie, The Seventh Sign (1988). Then, we get home movies of Judy growing up, taking her first steps and riding a merry-go-round with her mother, now played by Vera Farmiga, and father with Patrick Wilson back as Ed Warren. Vera Farmiga returns as Lorraine Warren and last appeared as the character in The Nun. Wilson also appeared in that film and also returned for another franchise film, Insidious: The Red Door (2023) which he also directed. 

As a young girl, Judy goes up crying to her mother and tells her that she can’t make the terrifying visions go away. Lorraine has her calm, face to face, reciting a nursery rhyme, “Lucky Locket” from 1842. This calms Judy and runs through the movie with her focus on the story. We move then to 1986. We see the suburbs of West Pittston, Pennyslvania. Then, to the house of the Smurl family, a large family of eight, with the young girls running around, twins Carin (Tilly Walker) and Shannon (Molly Cartwright). Walker was in the sci fi show, Neuromancer. The is the first film for Cartwright. There is the grandfather, John (Peter Wright) comfortable in his lounge chair in the chaos. Also there is the grandmother, Mary (Kate Fahy). Sisters, Heather (Kila Lord Cassidy) and Dawn (Beau Gadson) arguing while entering the kitchen. Cassidy played Anna O’Donnell in the thriller, The Wonder (2022). Gadson played Young Princess Margaret in the drama show, The Crown. 

Then, we have the mother, Janet (Rebecca Calder) at the center of the family. Calder was Mrs. Adam in the horror movie, The Cursed (2021). The father, Jack (Elliot Cowan), enters the house after driving up from work. Cowan played Lewis Pirenne in the sci fi series, Foundation, adapting Isaac Asimov works. Lastly, is their dog, Simon. Heather is worried about getting her hair ready for her confirmation. Her mother, Janet, of course calms her down and helps with Heather’s hair. At the confirmation, Jack is busy using his video camera to record Heather. The Smurls are a regular large family with activity going on, but a strong family unit. Later, at Heather’s birthday party, she is shown her present, a mirror that Grandpa got at a swap meet. This is the antique mirror with Warrens complete with the tiny crack made by Lorraine! The evil is not destroyed and is ready to take more innocents! 

A cake is brought out and Heather is about to blow out the candles, but they snuff out before she can do so. The lights go out and a ceiling light falls knocking over Heather and giving her a cut to the head! There is text explaining that the Warrens have retired. This was after a heart attack, Ed suffered in 1981, with the events of The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). It is stated that this was the last case of TheWarrens. This moves to a church where the Warrens are giving a lecture about the supernatural. The audience scoffs comparing them to Ghostbusters. A students asks Ed why they retired. Lorraine answers that they are still making presentations and planning on writing a book. Later, at a restaurant, they discuss the lecture with Judy (Mia Tomlinson) now an adult. Thomlinson played Anne Bonny in The Lost Pirate Kingdom (2021) documentary series. She brings up the heart attack that had her parents stop their investigations. Ed is busy talking with the waiter. Lorraine notices Judy silently whispering the “Lucky Locket” rhyme! 

Five Antique Mirrors out of Five! 

#TheConjuringLastRites, #VeraFarmiga, #PatrickWilson, #MiaTomlinson, #BenHardy, #BeauGadsdon, #KilaLordCassidy, #RebeccaCalder, #ElliotCowan, #MollyCartwright, #TillyWalker, #KateFahy, #PeterWight, #SteveCoulter, #OrionSmith, #MadisonLawlor 

Top Ten Favorite Movies of 2025!

These are the ten favorite films up to the summer of this year! The first is Sinners masterfully directed and written by Ryan Coogler. The most fascinating part was Coogler’s terms in first-dollar gross, final cut, and ownership of the film after twenty-five years from its opening on April 18th of this year. It is a powerful story that is part vampire horror merged with blues music all set in the 1932 period after WWI. The twins, Smoke and Stack, are twins both played by Michael B. Jordan. They are cleverly identified by red and blue. The setting up of the juke joint takes some part of the beginning and I took it as slow paced, but I suspect that there might be something that I missed watching the film. I watched many behind the scenes and analysis of the movie, but I think I would fall short of just a surface review.

I would say the same of the second film, Warfare co-written and co-directed by Alex Garland. I was just stunned by his previous movie, Civil War (2024) about war time correspondents, veteran Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) and rookie photographer, Jessie Collin (Cailee Spaeny). It revealed powerful scenes of war through the journalist witnessing them. Warfare also has Ray Mendoza, former Navy SEAL who participating in the Iraq War events, he is the co-director and co-writer. This makes for an honest and harsh depiction of war. It takes away from Hollywood conventions of a war movie. There is Lieutenant, in charge of Alpha One, Erik played by Will Poulter. Elliot Miller, the sniper, Cosmo Jarvis portrays him. Communications is handled by Mendoza played by D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai. 

Since it is not a typical war film, the characters don’t fall into tropes, we don’t instantly get into their life stories. It really feels like a glimpse into these events and it is painful. Warfare, Civil War, and Sinners are all streaming on HBO Max. I hope to review the two new films, but just don’t feel I can write a review to do justice to them. I highly recommend these movies and will add they are challenging, Sinners has thrills, but they are all are complex films. In terms of entertainment, the finest is K-Pop Demon Hunters, it is a phenomenon similar to Barbie (2023) for that aspect. It has just invaded pop culture around the world that the casual person may know a song, characters, and basic plot. One of the drivers for its popularity is the songs, it has made a sensation of Ejae, singer and songwriter for the movie.  

Then, there is the brilliance of the director, Maggie Kang, who created the concept of the movie. Next, perfect casting, Arden Cho is a standout as Rumi, Mira played by May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo playing Zoey. This film skyrocketed the creative talent to the mainstream. Beautiful animation with a story that centers on the darkness that is inside of Rumi. It transcends simple anime, but I found it fascinating that there are many anime tropes, but gives them twists and a clever story. It is of course streaming on Netflix. The next film may be less well known and had a shorter time in theaters, one day, but my fourth favorite movie is Red Sonja. This film is probably not known to most film goers, I tell others and they mistake it for the 1985 flick. For some people, after watching a movie, it drops out of their memory and they can’t remember if they have seen it. For me, fan of the character, and presented with a new version of the She-Devil with a Sword.  

It just swings around my brain like a spear. I’m fascinated with this Hyrkanian world. Red Sonja is directed by M.J. Bassett who really brings a love of the character and building the world. I was stunned by Matilda Lutz’s portrayal of Sonja. Also, the comic book origins of characters reflected here. Then, we have Wallis Day as Annisia, a match for Sonja. Lastly, we have Robert Sheehan as Dagan. He makes for a great villain, there is a nice character twist for him, his innovations are about to conquer the world. Dagan’s obsession is his weakness which he doesn’t understand. The action is intense, when Sonja takes out four guards, I kept thinking she should cut a bloody swath through the empire. The movie captures the power of Robert E. Howard’s Hyperborea. The fifth movie is The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The problem with the MCU is the films and tv shows is just too much to keep track, but you can go in cold to this movie.  

The problem with the MCU is the films and tv shows is just too much to keep track, but you can go in cold to this movie.  This FF film also doesn’t require the viewer to know anything about the comics. In fact, expectations of Marvel’s First Family from the comics will work against viewers. My favorite part is the movie’s loving tribute to Jack Kirby. This is from the 1964 setting, the designs, and of course the character of Rachel Rozman named after Kirby’s wife, Roz. It is impressive world building with director, Matt Shakman. Then, we have a first rate cast that features Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm, Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, then Joseph Quinn playing Johnny Storm, and finally Ben Grimm portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Plus, H.E.R.B.I.E.! I love the world of Earth-828 so much that I made a trip to Disneyland to see the FF. Even with the cosmic threat of Galactus, the Fantastic Four calms everyone and give them hope! 

This of course dovetails to another superhero movie at #6, Superman! James Gunn, writer and director refreshed the super films. The film brushes away the dusty darkness to reveal the blue and red of The Last Son of Krypton. The scale has expanded beyond David Cornswet’s Superman, Lex Luthor played by Nicholas Holt, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. There is just fun with the genius of Mr. Terrific (Ed Gathegi) and his awesome T-Spheres. Metahumans of all kinds, some world building to fill a pocket universe, and Krypto! Superman set up the second season of The Peacemaker to continue to the next movie, Man of Tomorrow! The number seven movie is The Conjuring: The Last Rites still in theaters. Review is coming up! Michael Chaves is the film’s director, his earlier horror movies just lacked the tension, but it is here in this part of The Conjuring Universe! It is of course currently playing in theaters. 

The driving force of these films is the acting duo of Vera Farmiga playing Lorraine Warren and Patrick Wilson as Ed Warren. The best married couple in horror movies! This is the last film of The Conjuring movies, there are other films in the franchise, centers on the last case of The Warrens. It goes back to the beginning so we also have an ending. Clever. The daughter of Ed and Lorraine, Judy (Mia Thomlinson) also becomes important with her boyfriend, Tony Spera (Ben Hardy), ex-police officer, assisting everyone on the case. Tony is interesting with a very funny part when he proposes to Judy. Very early in the film, I felt chills, that’s all I need for a horror movie. Something demonic is within an antique mirror that was left by the young Warrens and end up with the Smurl family. Great cameos and wrap up of the story of Ed and Lorraine Warren! 

Ballerina is the number eight movie for me. Personally, it ranks at the top of the Wick films. A showcase for Ana de Armas as an action hero. She was in the action comedy, Ghosted (2023) and of course was Paloma in the Bond film, No Time to Die (2021). Ballerina makes de Armas lethal as Eve Maccaro, a protector not an assassin like Wick. The film still has the fighting that is blunt and visceral like the other movies in the Wick series. Eve is an imperfect character, I love character with flaws, bent on revenge. Eve is challenged since she faces larger and multiple opponents, but her training by Nogi (Sharon-Duncan Brewster) tells her to fight like a girl! This was also the title of the Evanescence song that ran on the end titles. Like Wick, Eve becomes a figure out of Slavic mythology, the Kikimora, a night spirit that could helpful or dangerous. 

The best part is that it cleverly weaves through the last two John Wick movies from Eve’s perspective. It is directed by Len Wiseman who co-wrote and directed Underworld (2003) with another powerful female lead. It has the return of many of the John Wick players, including Keanu Reeves back as John Wick, Winston (Ian McShane), Charon (Lance Reddick), his last film!, and Anjelica Huston as The Director of the Ruska Roma. So passing up this film will leave a gap in the Wick movies. They are joined by Norman Reedus (Daniel Pine), former member of a cult of assassins and Catalina Sandino Moreno (Lena), a current nember of the rogue assassins. Behind them all is The Chancellor (Gabriel Byrne)! #9 and #10 are Disney films. I’m going to put Snow White at number 9. There was so much backlash to this film, but for me, I walked out of the theater and I was smiling. It made me happy and I think that is the point of movie going. 

Snow White is a fantasy adaptation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), Disney’s first animated movie, which in turn was based on the 1812 Brothers Grimm fairy tale. One adaptation should not compared to the other because ultimately you have to go back to the original. It had the queen forced to wear iron slippers and dance until she died. The character of Snow White is wonderfully played by Rachel Zegler. She was also in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023). The lead is not an innocent girl lost in a forest, Zegler brings more to Snow, she is a young woman who has lost her parents and tries to fulfill the dreams of her father and herself Zegler’s singing is great as well as Andrew Burnap who plays Jonathan. He is not a prince, but a leader of rebels resisting the queen. 

Director Marc Webb has refreshed the story which may have been too far for some, but it is beautiful world building and a plus for me with the live action adaptations. The songs are by the duo, Pasek and Paul, who also crafted the songs for The Greatest Showman (2017). Next the Dwarves, there are many moments that are fun, and though I didn’t like their appearance in the first trailer, they work. The Dwarves, though, don’t figure strongly in the beginning and ending. Gal Gadot has fun as the Evil Queen who doesn’t have a name though names are important in this telling. She was Regina in the series, Once Upon a Time. The extent of her powers is unknown. What is a mystery with the story is that Dwarves mine for gems, but their relationship to the rest of the kingdom is confusing. A kind king and queen never give a look to the Dwarves? Shouldn’t this wealth be the reason for the Evil Queen’s interest? Snow White is worth a watch now on Disney+. 

#Sinners, #RyanCoogler, #MichaelBJordan, #Warfare, #AlexGarland, #RayMendoza, #WillPoulter, #CosmoJarvis, #DPharoahWonATai, #CivilWar, #KirstenDunst, #CaileeSpaeny, #KPopDemonHunters, #MaggieKang, #Ejae, #ArdenCho, #MayHong, #JiYoungYoo, #RedSonja

#MJBassett, #MatildaLutz, #WallisDay, #RobertSheehan, #FantasticFourFirstSteps, #MattShakman, #VanessaKirby, #PedroPascal, #JosephQuinn, #EbonMossBachrach, #Superman, #JamesGunn, #DavidCornswet, #NicholasHoult, #RachelBrosnahan, #EdGathegi

#TheConjuringLastRites, #MichaelChaves, #VeraFarmiga, #PatrickWilson, #MiaThomlinson, #BenHardy, #BallerinaMocie, #LenWiseman, #AnaDeArmas, #KeanuReeves, #IanMcShane, #LanceReddick, #AnjelicaHuston, #NormanReedus, #CatalinaSandinoMoreno, #GabrielByrne 

#SnowWhite, #MarcWebb, #RachelZegler, #AndrewBurnap, #GalGadot 

  

Strolling Through the (Theme) Park One Day: Disneyland and the FF!

Disneyland, yesterday, Wednesday was just hot, 93°, a chance to catch up with the 70th anniversary and see the Fantastic Four! There was a 70th anniversary structure, Celebrate Happy, that was like spires of the castle. This was in the plaza between the parks. One of the tasks that I set was getting the Disneyland 70th Anniversary key. This was a handle with the iconic “D” with lights up, a round see-through plastic middle, and a plastic tip shaped like the castle. The tip looks like you turn the key, but you just slide the key into the lock stations around the park. The first lock station was at the firehouse, It is a decorative watch face, insert the key, and there will be a fire truck siren. 

I like checking on Main Street Cinema, they are currently showing, So Much That We Share: A Tribute To The Sherman Brothers. It is a documentary that screens on the multiple screens inside. Next to it was Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln now replaced with Walt Disney - A Magical Life. This opened on July 17th and is said to last a year before roating with Great Moments. It has rooms of theme park designs, nothing new, a display of Mickey Mouse hats, and the room outside the theater. This had the puppet that was one of the early animatronic attempts, a Jungle Cruise crocodile, and Jose and the canoe of talking flowers from the Enchanted Tiki Room. 

                                   The Disneyland 70th Anniversary lock station at Toon Town, author’s photo. 

On the other side is two pirates and the smiling pig from Pirates of the Caribbean, one of the dancer dolls, a flying fish, and a goose from It’s A Small World. Onwards, I was focused on meeting the Fantastic Four. The FF started meeting guests on July 25th and this continues until September 21st. This is at Tomorrowland with a stage next to the entrance of Space Mountain. There are banners of the team along the former People Mover track. It is interesting that the Fantastic Four, in movie costumes, meet at Disneyland rather than the MCU Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventures. This was my primary reason to go to the park to see the characters from Fantastic Four: First Steps. 

The second group, missed the first group with Reed Richard using the 70th Anniversary Key, was The Human Torch and The Thing. They use their superhero names, not their real identities. The Thing looks great, right out of the movie, he has his fists balled. I brought along Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 to get signed. Johnny Storm signed for both since Ben Grimm was ready for battle. The comic book was difficult for me to find, but I thought the characters would only be around for a limited time, so this was for fun. The FF had poses using their powers, but c’mon, gotta do the 4 gesture! I went to find the Tomorrowland lock station, I was told by a cast member that it was between Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and the Little Green Men Store Command. 

               Mister Fantastic talks with H.E.R.B.I.E. at the Fantastic Four meet and greet, Tomorrowland, author’s photo. 

I activated the Tomorrowland lock station and also checked out Star Traders. By that time, Mister Fantastic was at the meeting place, plus H.E.R.B.I.E. I had earlier met two technicians. He had a long conversation with a little girl with lots of giggling from him. He also wished me a happy birthday, I had my birthday button on, all of the FF gave happy birthdays with the meeting. My birthday was earlier, but I haven’t been to the park since last year. Then, Mister Fantastic flipped through the comic and later had a conversation with H.E.R.B.I.E. He asked the robot if he liked waffles and pancakes, hilarious! Astro Blasters opened that time so I also took a ride! Then, I found the pressed penny machine by the Space Mountain exit. 

This was pennies for the 70th anniversary. Another machine was for medallions. Then, it was time for the last member of the FF, Invisible Woman, who also looked through the comic. Meeting all of the Fantastic Four was now complete, I went on to find the Disney 70th Anniversary lock stations. Fantasyland was at the Fantasy Faire to the left of the castle. I took a relaxing ride on the Mark Twain steamboat. Next, was a visit to Haunted Mansion, but the lock station was not by the mansion itself. The cast members at the mansion sent me over to the shops at New Orleans Square. It actually was across from the Pandora store past the restrooms. I liked this station since it plays a little jazz. 

  A hearty lunch at Tiana’s Palace with Muffeleta Sandwich, Cornbread, Beignets, and Mint Julep!, photo by the author. 

I returned to the mansion to tell the cast members. I don’t understand guests who just leave without giving pointers to them. There was a new shop next to the mansion, Madame Leota’s Somewhere Beyond, it has some nice theming with the crystal ball, haunted merch. The best part was the cast member who gave a happy birthday greeting and pointed out some tips about the pressed penny machines. It has been so long, I forgot about Cast Compliments, and just gave a few today. Across from Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is Louis' Critter Club where there was the lock station, playing Winnie-the-Pooh music, and had the pressed penny machine! 

By this time, I was hungry and tired, so walked over to Tiana’s Palace for a Muffuletta Sandwich, $15.29, Buttermilk Cornbread, $3.99, and some Beignets! They don’t have the option of Mint Julep, $7.29, at the drink section so I went over to the Mint Julep Bar to get one. By the time, I returned the food was unfortunately cold. In terms of effects, the lock station at the Adventureland Bazaar was the best, it is at the corner where Aladdin’s magic lamp was located. Lights sparkle on the Magic Carpet, music, kinda magical. 

                                           Mickey and Friends Halloween Cavalcade float, author’s photo. 

When I rested a bit, there was the Mickey and Friends Halloween Cavalcade. This is very short parade, the Main Street vehicles, the fire truck and double decker buses go by with the characters. It was not roped off, cast members clear the street before the parade arrives, just take a seat on Main Street. There was a Happy Halloween float with Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Chip n’ Dale had masks. Lastly, Cruella is driven in the yellow jitney. It was back on the key quest. I was told about the key station near the end of Frontierland and the beginning of Fantasyland. Actually, it was a turn from there to the red stage coach next to Galaxy’s Edge. It has a soap barrel that sends out bubbles. 

The Galaxy’s Edge station is across from Rise of the Resistance. I took a Blue Milk, $8.99, break at the Milk Stand. One guest didn’t know what was Blue Milk so I pointed out it was coconut and rice milk, refreshing on a hot day. I had a conversation with Resistance spy, Vi Moradi, in front of the Millennium Falcon. She wished me a happy Origin Day. Then, it was walking over to Toontown for the last lock station next to Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin. It was not exactly the last station. I found that I had backtrack since you have to keep the key into the lock until the icon lights up on the side of the key! At the park exit, there is a lock station at the Mickey topiary, this unlocks a panel at the side of the ky. 1 of 9 70th anniversary pins, in my case it was Space Mountain. An exhausting, but eventful day at Disneyland! 

#Disneyland, #70thAnniversary, #Disneyland70thAnniversaryKey, #SoMuchThatWeShareATributeToTheShermanBrothers, #WaltDisneyAMagicalLife, #JungleCruise, #EnchantedTikiRoom, #PiratesOfTheCaribbean, #ItsASmallWorld

#Tomorrowland, #FantasticFour, #TheThing, #HumanTorch, #MrFantastic, #InvisibleWoman, #BuzzLightyearAstroBlasters, #MarkTwain, #HauntedMansion, #MadameLeotasSomewhereBeyond, #TianasBayouAdventure, #LouisCritterClub 

#TianasPalace, #MuffeletaSandwich, #Beignet, #MintJulepBar, #AdventurelandBazaar, #MickeyAndFriendsHalloweenCavalcade, #GalaxysEdge, #RiseOfTheResistance, #BlueMilk, #MilkStand, #ViMoradi, #MillenniumFalcon, #ToonTown, #RogerRabbitsCarToonSpin, #MickeyTopiary 

Happy Birthday Keanu Reeves!

Happy Birthday Keanu Reeves!  He started in television and appeared in the hockey drama Youngblood (1986) playing the goalie Heaver. Next, he was in th drama, River’s Edge (1986) before playing Chevalier Danceny in Dangerous Liasions (1988). Then, he took the iconic part as Ted Theodore Logan in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989) with Alex Winter as Bill S. Preston, Esq. 

Reeves had another memorable part as Johnny Utah in the action movie Point Break (1991). He reprised his role as Ted Logan to explore the afterlife in Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey (1991). Reeves was also in the drama My Own Private Idaho (1991) written and directed by Gus Van Sant. Next, he was Jonathan Harker in the horror film, Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992). He was in the Shakespearean adaptation, Much Ado About Nothing (1993). 

The Bernardo Bertulucci film, Little Buddha (1993), displayed to me Reeves acting ability playing Siddhartha. Then, Reeves played Jack Traven in the action movie Speed (1994) with co-star Sandra Bullock. In 1994, the band Dogstar was formed with Reeves playing bass. Next, he had the lead in the sci fi film, Johnny Mnemonic (1995). He matched wits with Al Pacino’s John Milton in The Devil’s Advocate (1997). Another iconic part was playing Neo in The Matrix (1999), a sci fi masterpiece written and directed by the Wachowskis, along with co-stars Carrie-Ann Moss as Trinity and Laurence Fishburne as Morpheus. 

The next films of The Matrix Trilogy were filmed back to back with The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and Neo embraced his destiny in The Matrix Revolutions (2003). The anime, The Animatrix (2003) had Reeves and Moss voice their characters. He followed up the trilogy playing John Constantine taking on supernatural threats in Constantine (2005) based on the comic book. In 2006, Reeves played opposite Bullock in the time lost romance, The Lake House, a remake of the South Korean film, Il Mare (2000). Reeves was in the computer animated drama, A Scanner Darkly (2006). He was in the sci fi remake, The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008). Reeves played Kai in the fantasy action movie, 47 Ronin (2013). 

Then, he was in another iconic part in the action film, John Wick (2014). Reeves was in the thriller Knock Knock (2015) with Ana de Armas. The Key and Peele’s comedy Keanu featured the voice of Reeves. He returned as the assassin The Baba Yaga in John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017). Fishburne joined the franchise as the Bowery king. Reeves was back in John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (2019). He played himself in the comedy Always Be My Maybe (2019). Reeves voiced Duke Caboom in Toy Story 4 (2019). He returned as Ted in Bill & Ted Face the Music (2020). He also played Neo again in The Matrix Resurrections (2021) with Moss also back as Trinity. 

Also in 2021, Keanu Reeves worked with Matt Kindt and Ron Garney on his comic book series, Brzrkr. Reeves continued the story of Brzrkr with the novel, The Book of Elsewhere, writing with China Mieville. In development is a Brzrkr film to be directed by Justin Lin. He voiced Shadow in the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) film. This year, he played John Wick again with the film, Ballerina, co-starring with de Armas. He also plays the angel Gabriel in the comedy, Good Fortune. Reeves will be on Broadway with Bill & Ted co-star, Alex Winter in Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot! Excellent! Happy Birthday Keanu Reeves!

#KeanuReeves, #Youngblood, #RiversEdge, #DangerousLiasions, #BillAndTedsExcellentAdventure, #AlexWinter, #PointBreak, #BillAndTedsBogusJourney, #MyOwnPrivateIdaho, #BramStokersDracula, #MuchAdoAboutNothing, #LittleBuddha 

#Speed, #SandraBullock, #Dogstar, #JohnnyMneumonic, #TheDevilsAdvocate #TheMatrix,#TheWachowskis, #CarrieAnnMoss, #LaurenceFishburne, #TheMatrixReloaded, #TheMatrixRevolutions, #TheAnimatrix, #Constantine, #AScannerDarkly, #TheDayTheEarthStoodStill, #47Ronin

#JohnWick, #KnockKnock, #AnaDeArmas, #Keanu, #JohnWickChapter2, #JohnWickChapter3Parabellum, #AlwaysBeMyMaybe, #ToyStory4, #BillAndTedFaceTheMusic, #TheMatrixResurrections, #Brzrkr, #MattKindt, #RonGarney, #TheBookOfElsewhere, #ChinaMieville, #SonicTheHedgehog3, #Ballerina, #GoodFortune, #WaitingForGodot