Fifty Shades Darker (Rated R)

Romance, love and obsession carry the second installment of passionate love to the next level. 'Darker' picks up where 'Grey' left, with Anastasia Steele moving on with her life and Christian Grey is chasing after her again. Steele is now an assistant to a powerful editor at a publishing company and Grey continues to load up on millions of dollars through his various businesses. However, it doesn't keep Grey busy enough to forget about Steele. Just like her name, she is initially guarded but Grey finds his way back in with power, romance and determination. It's the fantasy of many women - to be desired relentlessly that makes this movie addictive. There is a new side of suspense and thriller, as Steele now has a stalker that brings out another dark side of Grey. Sex and passion maintain intensity, but with more connection and less aggression.  The upside to the film: these characters show growth and have more realistic dialogue. The downside: at times the editing of scenes are disconnected, and leave thoughts lingering. Overall, Fifty Shades gets better with every movie.

MEVOE Grade: A 

John Wick: Chapter 2

John Wick wants to leave the life of being an assassin and retire in his massive compound with his dog. However, what he wants comes with another unexpected price. Wick made a blood oath before he decided to change his ways. Now, he must fulfill an assassination that only makes him hate life more. From the very beginning of the movie, its clear, there will be bloodshed and lots of back breaking fights for the entire two hours. This film is not about acting, its about entertainment and action. Though the dialogue between characters reveals some secrets and how entangled the crew of assassins works, its almost underwhelming because the action is so intense. Expect to be entertained. 

MEVOE Grade: B+

Get Out

It's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner 2017 style, when an African American man meets his white American girlfriend's parents. This film goes beyond the surface of race and transforms into a dark comedy thriller. Chris Washington (Daniel Kaluuya), who is African American, is going to meet his girlfriend, who is white, Rose Armitage's (Allison Williams) family for the first time. 

Beyond the anxiety of meeting parents for the first time, this film exposes the indirect racism, stereotypes and second class experience African Americans experience as minorities in America. 

From the initial encounter with Armitage's family, Chris she's a shift in language from her parents, as if to bette relate to Chris. It goes deeper when Chris finds out the family only wants to use him for his body parts, not his value as a person.  Prompting the question: Does America see Africans as human beings or commodities only to benefit white people and their longevity. 

MEVOE Grade: A

The Great Wall (PG-13)

Based in 11th century China, two mercenaries, hungry and broke, are searching for black powder, used in explosives. They have learned China has plenty of it. If they can find it, they will have power in their eastern countries. However, a battle with a mysterious animal, leads them to the Great Wall of China. First they are held captive, then China's army learns they can help them battle the vicious animals that plan to destroy humanity. This film was unexpectedly good. There was enough action, character development and great special effects, that make it a solid movie. 

MEVOE Grade: B+

Fist Fight (Rated R)

Ron Strickland (Ice Cube) and Andy Campbell (Charlie Day) are teachers at one of the worst high schools in their district. Its the last day of school and seniors have taken over with ridiculous pranks. One prank goes too far and Strickland loses his job. It's all Campbell's vault. Strickland decides they will settle the matter with a fist fight on the last day of school. Rumors spread and news about the fight goes viral. Campbell is the less aggressive character and tries to talk his way out of the fight, but it doesn't work. Expect plenty of funny, awkward and unbelievable moments. This is a comedy that really delivers lots of laughs! 

MEVOE Grade: A