This week, some very successful movies are available to you on your streaming service. And again, there is something for everyone.
Keep in mind, we only give you major motion pictures to review, and not straight to DVD or TV series or games coming on line now. Where applicable, I will link you back to my review from the movies original theater run to help you make the best decision you can before you buy, rent, or hit pay on your remote.
New This Week
Transformers: Age Of Extinction
This is another in the long line of this franchises long and loud movies. There are some fresh faces and ideas, but it's still Transformers - again.
Chef
Right now this is my pic for the best movie of the year so far. What a refreshingly fun, funny, and clever movie. You have never seen this story before. Great adult comedy.
scott@wqmx.com
Monday, September 29, 2014
Saturday, September 27, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The Equalizer
The Equalizer is out this week with Denzel Washington. I have always wondered what took this so long to come to the big screen, but now it's here.
For those who don't know, The Equalizer is based on a CBS-TV show that ran from 1985-1989 and starred a great actor named Edward Woodward. It was an intense show, that was part of a real nice Wednesday block that consisted of Mike Hammer (Stacy Keach) at 8pm, Magnum P.I. (Tom Selleck) at 9pm and The Equalizer (Woodward) at 10.
The Equalizer is named Robert McCall. He is a retired secret agent of sorts. He is middle aged, and worked for "The Agency." He is a highly trained killer and spy, with mad skills in virtually every facet of extreme military training. McCall is trying to leave that world behind and live a normal life under the radar, with no one knowing of his past. But there is something within McCall, where he just can't let it go when he sees a horrible injustice, and he - with the skills to make it right. So when you have no where else to turn, you hire, The Equalizer.
In this addition, McCall (Washington) is working at a home improvement store. He spends his nights in an all night cafe reading literature. He then befriends a very young Russian prostitute (Chole-Grace Moretz) . She is a nice young girl who wants better for herself, and McCall senses that. One night she turns up beaten to a pulp by her pimps, and McCall has to do something. As he pursues his plan of justice for the perpetrators, he discovers this is way bigger than he originally thought. But he is undeterred. McCall pushes on - alone as usual.
This is such a great premise as it is actually a superhero movie of sorts, with the difference being our hero is a real man. Yeah, it's a bit far fetched at times, but so what? This, for it's shortcomings is always entertaining. Albeit, it may be a bit too long. But what this really does well, is feel very much like the TV show. And for me, that shows respect to the franchise, and not trying to rewrite an idea that was already well enough conceived. They didn't just "borrow" the franchise.
As the show did, this is a slow burn effect. It is in no hurry to tell it's story. The develop characters well, and write dialogue that is intelligent for an action movie. This also has a dark feel to it, and a hugely masculine, hard driving soundtrack that is ominous, just like the TV show. This is violent, but not gratuitously. McCall can be a ruthless killer, even with his motives being just and pure. And he only targets those who need targeting.
Washington is very well cast, and word was that there were many that wanted this role, and you understand why, as there may be a bunch of these. This is set up for more, and the premise lends itself well to it. Moretz, has joined the major leagues now starring with Washington. I am glad to see this as she is immensely talented and needs better projects. Her character could be in future movies in this series as well.
The Equalizer. This is not perfect, but this is quite good. And a great chance to finally have a series that could have some great staying power.
"Odds against you? Need help? Call the Equalizer."
For those who don't know, The Equalizer is based on a CBS-TV show that ran from 1985-1989 and starred a great actor named Edward Woodward. It was an intense show, that was part of a real nice Wednesday block that consisted of Mike Hammer (Stacy Keach) at 8pm, Magnum P.I. (Tom Selleck) at 9pm and The Equalizer (Woodward) at 10.
The Equalizer is named Robert McCall. He is a retired secret agent of sorts. He is middle aged, and worked for "The Agency." He is a highly trained killer and spy, with mad skills in virtually every facet of extreme military training. McCall is trying to leave that world behind and live a normal life under the radar, with no one knowing of his past. But there is something within McCall, where he just can't let it go when he sees a horrible injustice, and he - with the skills to make it right. So when you have no where else to turn, you hire, The Equalizer.
In this addition, McCall (Washington) is working at a home improvement store. He spends his nights in an all night cafe reading literature. He then befriends a very young Russian prostitute (Chole-Grace Moretz) . She is a nice young girl who wants better for herself, and McCall senses that. One night she turns up beaten to a pulp by her pimps, and McCall has to do something. As he pursues his plan of justice for the perpetrators, he discovers this is way bigger than he originally thought. But he is undeterred. McCall pushes on - alone as usual.
This is such a great premise as it is actually a superhero movie of sorts, with the difference being our hero is a real man. Yeah, it's a bit far fetched at times, but so what? This, for it's shortcomings is always entertaining. Albeit, it may be a bit too long. But what this really does well, is feel very much like the TV show. And for me, that shows respect to the franchise, and not trying to rewrite an idea that was already well enough conceived. They didn't just "borrow" the franchise.
As the show did, this is a slow burn effect. It is in no hurry to tell it's story. The develop characters well, and write dialogue that is intelligent for an action movie. This also has a dark feel to it, and a hugely masculine, hard driving soundtrack that is ominous, just like the TV show. This is violent, but not gratuitously. McCall can be a ruthless killer, even with his motives being just and pure. And he only targets those who need targeting.
Washington is very well cast, and word was that there were many that wanted this role, and you understand why, as there may be a bunch of these. This is set up for more, and the premise lends itself well to it. Moretz, has joined the major leagues now starring with Washington. I am glad to see this as she is immensely talented and needs better projects. Her character could be in future movies in this series as well.
The Equalizer. This is not perfect, but this is quite good. And a great chance to finally have a series that could have some great staying power.
"Odds against you? Need help? Call the Equalizer."
MOVIE REVIEW - This Is Where I Leave You
What an opportunity wasted. Plain and simple.
The new comedy, This Is Where I Leave You has a good cast, star power, and a great release time of the year to be wildly successful. But this movie does what countless other before it do. Gives these actors virtually nothing to work with.
This is the story of the Altman family from the East Coast. The four children are all grown up and all have their own lives. Then their father dies. As all events like this do, they bring all of the family together in the same place at the same time. And as a thoroughly modern comedy would dictate, all of their dysfunction.
Mr. Altman's final wish was for all of his kids to be in the same house for a solid week together, and his widow has demanded that they do it. As they do, they bring all of their kids, spouses, and girlfriends with them, along with all of their dysfunction too. In short, that's what this movie attempts to do. Showcase the dysfunction and try to find the humor in it as we all try to relate it to out own lives. And at times they pull it off. Problem is, it's only at times.
This boasts the cast of Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, the lovely Rose Byrne, and a very solid supporting cast that are all talented, but are given a terrible script. All over an idea that isn't all that bad. This movie suffers from trying entirely too hard, and much of this feels terribly forced.
Sadly, this movie can't get out of its own way for much of it. This movie does have a beating heart, and there are some very nice scenes that we all can relate too. And this has some very nice moments and some funny ones too. But too many sophomoric comedic decisions are made that really take the wind out of the sails. I don't know about you, but I am not obsessed with toddlers potty training, but they certainly are.
Also there are about 1,000 jokes about their 70 year-old moms breasts and that gets old quick. Plus, we have to hear countless jokes about various bathroom and locker room subject matter that doesn't make this a better movie, just a more mediocre one. This is a good example of this - if you've seen the preview, there is no reason to see the movie. Well, except for an attempted plot twist at the end, that they think is smarter than it actually is. You more than likely will see it coming.
This Is Where I Leave You. Terrible title, horrible script, and a very below average comedy. Big chance out the window.
The new comedy, This Is Where I Leave You has a good cast, star power, and a great release time of the year to be wildly successful. But this movie does what countless other before it do. Gives these actors virtually nothing to work with.
This is the story of the Altman family from the East Coast. The four children are all grown up and all have their own lives. Then their father dies. As all events like this do, they bring all of the family together in the same place at the same time. And as a thoroughly modern comedy would dictate, all of their dysfunction.
Mr. Altman's final wish was for all of his kids to be in the same house for a solid week together, and his widow has demanded that they do it. As they do, they bring all of their kids, spouses, and girlfriends with them, along with all of their dysfunction too. In short, that's what this movie attempts to do. Showcase the dysfunction and try to find the humor in it as we all try to relate it to out own lives. And at times they pull it off. Problem is, it's only at times.
This boasts the cast of Jason Bateman, Tina Fey, Jane Fonda, the lovely Rose Byrne, and a very solid supporting cast that are all talented, but are given a terrible script. All over an idea that isn't all that bad. This movie suffers from trying entirely too hard, and much of this feels terribly forced.
Sadly, this movie can't get out of its own way for much of it. This movie does have a beating heart, and there are some very nice scenes that we all can relate too. And this has some very nice moments and some funny ones too. But too many sophomoric comedic decisions are made that really take the wind out of the sails. I don't know about you, but I am not obsessed with toddlers potty training, but they certainly are.
Also there are about 1,000 jokes about their 70 year-old moms breasts and that gets old quick. Plus, we have to hear countless jokes about various bathroom and locker room subject matter that doesn't make this a better movie, just a more mediocre one. This is a good example of this - if you've seen the preview, there is no reason to see the movie. Well, except for an attempted plot twist at the end, that they think is smarter than it actually is. You more than likely will see it coming.
This Is Where I Leave You. Terrible title, horrible script, and a very below average comedy. Big chance out the window.
MOVIE REVIEW - A Walk Among The Tombstones
This was a big book, and now it's a movie. Liam Neeson stars in A Walk Among The Tombstones.
This is the story of a retired, down and out cop, Matt (Neeson). He was involved in a horrible shooting where he killed 2 robbery suspects, and severely wounded another in 1991. Trouble is, he did it while drunk. So he leaves the force, and becomes an "off the books" of unlicensed private detective in New York City.
Flash forward to 1999. Matt is hired by a small time drug trafficker to try to find two men who abducted and killed his wife. Matt reluctantly takes the job, and in short order finds out that he is dealing with really horrible men, who are targeting small time drug operators wives. These men abduct, then torture, and do simply unspeakable things to these women before they kill them. Of course they are doing it for money, but they have no intention of returning the women even if the ransom is made.
Matt finds that these men have some ties to the DEA, but doesn't really now how. As he closes in on the suspects, he starts to battle his own demons from the past. Matt has no real fear of much of anything, even dying. Will this be a plus as he pursues these insane men, who are obsessed with killing and death? How does the DEA fit in? And can these killers be caught -alive?
This is one of those stories that might actually read better than be watched. I can see how this could be a very compelling read as some of this may play out better in your minds eye, than in your two actual eyes. This is not for everyone. This features some really gruesome stuff, and features death, dismemberment, and torture. The story is intense, and isn't for the faint of heart.
Neesom leads a no-name cast, and that was a good decision. You need Neesom to sell tickets and to play this large role. But the fact that you really don't know the rest of this cast, gives this a total sense of real. This is filmed in natural, gritty, and ugly parts of New York and that is a great decision too, as it gives this the sense of grime this story requires. There are a few slow spots in this, and Neeson has been razzed as he basically plays the same character he does in the Taken (not related) series, but neither one is a deal breaker. This is not a great movie, but it is a typical decent early fall release.
A Walk Among The Tombstones. Tough stuff. Goer beware.
This is the story of a retired, down and out cop, Matt (Neeson). He was involved in a horrible shooting where he killed 2 robbery suspects, and severely wounded another in 1991. Trouble is, he did it while drunk. So he leaves the force, and becomes an "off the books" of unlicensed private detective in New York City.
Flash forward to 1999. Matt is hired by a small time drug trafficker to try to find two men who abducted and killed his wife. Matt reluctantly takes the job, and in short order finds out that he is dealing with really horrible men, who are targeting small time drug operators wives. These men abduct, then torture, and do simply unspeakable things to these women before they kill them. Of course they are doing it for money, but they have no intention of returning the women even if the ransom is made.
Matt finds that these men have some ties to the DEA, but doesn't really now how. As he closes in on the suspects, he starts to battle his own demons from the past. Matt has no real fear of much of anything, even dying. Will this be a plus as he pursues these insane men, who are obsessed with killing and death? How does the DEA fit in? And can these killers be caught -alive?
This is one of those stories that might actually read better than be watched. I can see how this could be a very compelling read as some of this may play out better in your minds eye, than in your two actual eyes. This is not for everyone. This features some really gruesome stuff, and features death, dismemberment, and torture. The story is intense, and isn't for the faint of heart.
Neesom leads a no-name cast, and that was a good decision. You need Neesom to sell tickets and to play this large role. But the fact that you really don't know the rest of this cast, gives this a total sense of real. This is filmed in natural, gritty, and ugly parts of New York and that is a great decision too, as it gives this the sense of grime this story requires. There are a few slow spots in this, and Neeson has been razzed as he basically plays the same character he does in the Taken (not related) series, but neither one is a deal breaker. This is not a great movie, but it is a typical decent early fall release.
A Walk Among The Tombstones. Tough stuff. Goer beware.
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - No Good Deed
The new thriller, No Good Deed hits theaters this week, and that alone is just flat out too bad. What a thud.
Idris Elba is a great actor, who I have liked in a ton of movies, but this is not his finest hour. Elba has seemingly taken his Brinks Truck full of cash from Thor, and other hits, and has decided to start producing his own movies like this one. It's a shame this choice was a terrorizing women movie. And with current events happening in the real world, this is ill-timed, and certainly ill advised.
Elba stars as Colin. He is an escaped con, who gains his freedom by killing a DOC guard, and an elderly DOC driver on his way back from a parole hearing. He then goes on to locate his ex-fiance' and proceeds to kill her because she didn't wait for him while he was in jail. Why do we tell you this here? Because you know it's going to happen. Colin is a psychopath who is violent, and is suspected in killing a lot of women in the past.
He then finds Terri. She is very nice woman living in suburban Atlanta with two small children. After staging a car crash, Colin then comes knocking on Terri's door in need of help, which of course she provides willingly. Her husband is out of town, and her marriage is on the rocks, so she is a bit vulnerable. This highly educated woman then invites Colin in, gives him tea, washes his clothes, gives him dry clothes, fixes his wounds, announces her husband is away for the weekend, all the while exposing her children to a total stranger at night during a horrible storm. Who in the world would do this? Insanely insulting.
Of course Colin then begins terrorizing her and the kids. Terri figures it out that this stranger she was contemplating sleeping with a few minutes ago after the kids are asleep, is really a bad guy. Hello? But why? Well there is a plot twist at the end that tries to explain it to you, but you more than likely won't care by then.
This is just horrible on about every level. Besides being ill-timed, and advised, the script is amazingly lame and incredibly unoriginal. This develops the dumbest characters ever, and strongly reinforces stereotypes we are working so hard to erase all the way around. Every character has been in every single movie like this that has come before it. This poorly written, directed, and thought out. The best thing that cane be said about this, is that it's about 80 minutes long. Which is good, because I could not take much more. This is just insulting - period.
No Good Deed. This deed - is no good.
Idris Elba is a great actor, who I have liked in a ton of movies, but this is not his finest hour. Elba has seemingly taken his Brinks Truck full of cash from Thor, and other hits, and has decided to start producing his own movies like this one. It's a shame this choice was a terrorizing women movie. And with current events happening in the real world, this is ill-timed, and certainly ill advised.
Elba stars as Colin. He is an escaped con, who gains his freedom by killing a DOC guard, and an elderly DOC driver on his way back from a parole hearing. He then goes on to locate his ex-fiance' and proceeds to kill her because she didn't wait for him while he was in jail. Why do we tell you this here? Because you know it's going to happen. Colin is a psychopath who is violent, and is suspected in killing a lot of women in the past.
He then finds Terri. She is very nice woman living in suburban Atlanta with two small children. After staging a car crash, Colin then comes knocking on Terri's door in need of help, which of course she provides willingly. Her husband is out of town, and her marriage is on the rocks, so she is a bit vulnerable. This highly educated woman then invites Colin in, gives him tea, washes his clothes, gives him dry clothes, fixes his wounds, announces her husband is away for the weekend, all the while exposing her children to a total stranger at night during a horrible storm. Who in the world would do this? Insanely insulting.
Of course Colin then begins terrorizing her and the kids. Terri figures it out that this stranger she was contemplating sleeping with a few minutes ago after the kids are asleep, is really a bad guy. Hello? But why? Well there is a plot twist at the end that tries to explain it to you, but you more than likely won't care by then.
This is just horrible on about every level. Besides being ill-timed, and advised, the script is amazingly lame and incredibly unoriginal. This develops the dumbest characters ever, and strongly reinforces stereotypes we are working so hard to erase all the way around. Every character has been in every single movie like this that has come before it. This poorly written, directed, and thought out. The best thing that cane be said about this, is that it's about 80 minutes long. Which is good, because I could not take much more. This is just insulting - period.
No Good Deed. This deed - is no good.
Friday, September 12, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The Drop
You can tell that the weather has changed, kids are back in school and fall is in the air. As a result of all of this, the tenor has changed at the movies and the adult movies are here.
A new drama called The Drop is new this week and is terrific. The fall and winter always bring out the stories that are big on story, acting and direction. And The Drop is here to usher this new wave of great movies in for 2014.
The Drop is a great story that takes place in Brooklyn - modern day. This is the story of Marv (James Gandolfini) and Bob (Tom Hardy). They are cousins that have a bar called Cousin Marv's that is a local neighborhood joint. Years ago, Marv and his gambling ways, lost the bar that carries his name to the Russian mob. Although he still has his name on it, it's not his, and is used as a "drop bar." A drop bar is a place where cash is dropped off every single day that is illegal in one way or another. Then at the end of the day, the Russian mob comes in and picks up the money.
Bob and Marv are essentially owned by the mob. Problem is, Marv is longing for the good old days when he was the local crime kingpin, and he was getting rich off other people's misfortune. So he decides to double cross the Russian mob, and reclaim at ton of cash as his life is closing in on him. And who is Bob? A seemingly quiet young man, afraid of life and women. He finds an abandoned puppy, and through this encounter meets up with Nadia. She is a local girl looking for love as well. But who is she? And what about Bob? And who will be caught in the crossfire, if the Russian mob finds out who is duping them?
It is so good to see the late Gandolfini on the screen again. He is amazing and perfectly cast in a role that was made for him as the washed up, and frustrated Marv. I am also a big Tom Hardy fan, and he is wonderful as the reluctant Bob. We don't see Hardy in many movies, and I love him in about everything he's in. The supporting cast is wonderful and this is a great, great story.
This movie looks terrific. This really propels you to the bowels of Brooklyn and you feel like your part of the old neighborhood. This is a movie that is a true slow burn suspense thriller. It takes its time telling you a great story, but it's pacing is really strong. You feel like you are in the room, and watching it all play out with you as witness. There is some isolated violence that is necessary, but this really uses its head and keeps its credibility from start to finish. This is in limited release, but worth a drive to find it.
The Drop. One of the years best so far.
A new drama called The Drop is new this week and is terrific. The fall and winter always bring out the stories that are big on story, acting and direction. And The Drop is here to usher this new wave of great movies in for 2014.
The Drop is a great story that takes place in Brooklyn - modern day. This is the story of Marv (James Gandolfini) and Bob (Tom Hardy). They are cousins that have a bar called Cousin Marv's that is a local neighborhood joint. Years ago, Marv and his gambling ways, lost the bar that carries his name to the Russian mob. Although he still has his name on it, it's not his, and is used as a "drop bar." A drop bar is a place where cash is dropped off every single day that is illegal in one way or another. Then at the end of the day, the Russian mob comes in and picks up the money.
Bob and Marv are essentially owned by the mob. Problem is, Marv is longing for the good old days when he was the local crime kingpin, and he was getting rich off other people's misfortune. So he decides to double cross the Russian mob, and reclaim at ton of cash as his life is closing in on him. And who is Bob? A seemingly quiet young man, afraid of life and women. He finds an abandoned puppy, and through this encounter meets up with Nadia. She is a local girl looking for love as well. But who is she? And what about Bob? And who will be caught in the crossfire, if the Russian mob finds out who is duping them?
It is so good to see the late Gandolfini on the screen again. He is amazing and perfectly cast in a role that was made for him as the washed up, and frustrated Marv. I am also a big Tom Hardy fan, and he is wonderful as the reluctant Bob. We don't see Hardy in many movies, and I love him in about everything he's in. The supporting cast is wonderful and this is a great, great story.
This movie looks terrific. This really propels you to the bowels of Brooklyn and you feel like your part of the old neighborhood. This is a movie that is a true slow burn suspense thriller. It takes its time telling you a great story, but it's pacing is really strong. You feel like you are in the room, and watching it all play out with you as witness. There is some isolated violence that is necessary, but this really uses its head and keeps its credibility from start to finish. This is in limited release, but worth a drive to find it.
The Drop. One of the years best so far.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
DVD - New Streaming and DVD's September 16
This week there are two distinctly different movies out, but both really big hits. And movies that depending on who is watching them, will be viewed many times over.
Keep in mind we only feature movies here that are major motion picture releases, and not any that are straight to DVD, or TV series. Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review from the theater run to give you all the information you need before you rent, buy or hit pay on your remote.
New This Week
The Fault In Our Stars -
Very heavy drama dealing with teen cancer. Predictable at times, but this found a big audience. Nice young cast and a nice mix of veteran actors too.
Godzilla
The reboot of the original from 1954 of sorts. This was Godzilla's 29th starring role, and this was a major hit bringing in 96 million it's first weekend.
(Also out)
Draft Day -
The movie about the Cleveland Browns and their fictitious college draft. Kevin Costner stars, filmed in Cleveland.
scott@wqmx.com
Keep in mind we only feature movies here that are major motion picture releases, and not any that are straight to DVD, or TV series. Where applicable, I will link you back to my original review from the theater run to give you all the information you need before you rent, buy or hit pay on your remote.
New This Week
The Fault In Our Stars -
Very heavy drama dealing with teen cancer. Predictable at times, but this found a big audience. Nice young cast and a nice mix of veteran actors too.
Godzilla
The reboot of the original from 1954 of sorts. This was Godzilla's 29th starring role, and this was a major hit bringing in 96 million it's first weekend.
(Also out)
Draft Day -
The movie about the Cleveland Browns and their fictitious college draft. Kevin Costner stars, filmed in Cleveland.
scott@wqmx.com
Thursday, September 4, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The November Man
Pierce Brosnan is back on the screen in The November Man.
This is a good example o a movie that critics are going to find reasons to hate. And those that go to see it, are going to really like. Yes there are some holes in this, and this is not perfect. But so what? For heavens sake it's a September movie, and a nice change of pace at the theaters now.
Brosnan plays a former CIA agent who has left the agency after a job goes horrible wrong. But he is called back into the game being asked to pull out a female CIA agent who is deep undercover in Russia. In fact, she is the right hand woman for the man who would be the next Russian President.
The trouble is, the CIA has rogue motives and agents within, and suddenly the CIA is at war, with...the CIA of sorts. Our hero ends up being a patsy, and at direct odds with his younger protege. He also is trying to smuggle out the key witness to many horrible crimes within Russia. She could be the key to the Russian elections, and the balance of power between the USA and Russia. Problem is, a ton of people are trying to kill them. Will they make it?
As you watch this movie, it does have a James Bond feel to it. But, it's clear they are trying to develop a great character for Brosnan, all while being careful not to steer to close to his Bond days. Brosnan is very good in this movie. I am a fan by the way. For the most part he chooses good projects (although I didn't need to see him, or hear him sing in Mama Mia.) He is likable and has a nice way on screen. This movie is certainly not perfect, but it's a good way to get Brosnan back on screen, and re-kick start his career.
This has plenty of action and moves along nicely and checks in at about 100 minutes- tidy! If you miss this during its theater run, this would be a real nice Saturday night viewing on your streaming service in a few weeks.
The November Man. Not an award winner, but nothing really wrong here.
This is a good example o a movie that critics are going to find reasons to hate. And those that go to see it, are going to really like. Yes there are some holes in this, and this is not perfect. But so what? For heavens sake it's a September movie, and a nice change of pace at the theaters now.
Brosnan plays a former CIA agent who has left the agency after a job goes horrible wrong. But he is called back into the game being asked to pull out a female CIA agent who is deep undercover in Russia. In fact, she is the right hand woman for the man who would be the next Russian President.
The trouble is, the CIA has rogue motives and agents within, and suddenly the CIA is at war, with...the CIA of sorts. Our hero ends up being a patsy, and at direct odds with his younger protege. He also is trying to smuggle out the key witness to many horrible crimes within Russia. She could be the key to the Russian elections, and the balance of power between the USA and Russia. Problem is, a ton of people are trying to kill them. Will they make it?
As you watch this movie, it does have a James Bond feel to it. But, it's clear they are trying to develop a great character for Brosnan, all while being careful not to steer to close to his Bond days. Brosnan is very good in this movie. I am a fan by the way. For the most part he chooses good projects (although I didn't need to see him, or hear him sing in Mama Mia.) He is likable and has a nice way on screen. This movie is certainly not perfect, but it's a good way to get Brosnan back on screen, and re-kick start his career.
This has plenty of action and moves along nicely and checks in at about 100 minutes- tidy! If you miss this during its theater run, this would be a real nice Saturday night viewing on your streaming service in a few weeks.
The November Man. Not an award winner, but nothing really wrong here.
MOVIE REVIEW - Boyhood
The new nostalgic drama Boyhood is a small Indy flick that has been around for a few weeks now, with some nice success. This is an award winner, and has enjoyed wonderful critical reviews in very limited release.
Boyhood might be the best example in years of how you will potentially receive this movie, as it is dependent on where you are in life, and who you are. Up front, with its length, and its subject matter this is clearly not for everyone.
Boyhood is the story of a young boy and his sister who are growing up in the early 2000's culminating in the modern day. They are being raised in Texas by a young, single mother, who has a long history of making bad decisions in life. Their dad, is also a non-qualified parent who shows up a few days a month to see his young kids and be a Disney dad on a shoestring budget.
We watch these kids grow up before our eyes, and see all the really lousy stuff many young people have over the past generation or so. Constant mistakes being made my self-absorbed parents, who insist on putting their needs ahead of the kids. This movie is a very loud commentary of the state of some parenting today, and it's not pretty. This movie is not saying that all parents and all situations are this bad, or complicated. But it's nearly impossible to watch this and not feel like you are, or know someone in the movie. And that's great movie making.
This movie gives parents and grandparents more than a quick glimpse, it gives you a full on stare into the parts of typical kids lives you may be afraid to confront. But it's worth it. If you've ever had a real question about why some kids are the way they are, this movie goes to great lengths to give you the reasons why. The whole time you are wondering if these kids are going to be alright despite all the junk they've been through. Will they be? Who knows? It's still a work in progress.
This is a groundbreaking movie that takes the time to tell an interesting story. And that is also part of the problem. This is 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is a movie goers movie. Meaning, if you go to the movies twice a year, this is no your flick. But this is powerful, effective and eye opening. For some this will be a horrible indictment on modern parenting. And for others, they will see themselves as the kids, trying to grow up in a world or turmoil, drama and insane decision making.
Again, this movie will say very different things to different people.
Boyhood. Well done. A very strong movie, told very well. Tough story, great movie making.
Boyhood might be the best example in years of how you will potentially receive this movie, as it is dependent on where you are in life, and who you are. Up front, with its length, and its subject matter this is clearly not for everyone.
Boyhood is the story of a young boy and his sister who are growing up in the early 2000's culminating in the modern day. They are being raised in Texas by a young, single mother, who has a long history of making bad decisions in life. Their dad, is also a non-qualified parent who shows up a few days a month to see his young kids and be a Disney dad on a shoestring budget.
We watch these kids grow up before our eyes, and see all the really lousy stuff many young people have over the past generation or so. Constant mistakes being made my self-absorbed parents, who insist on putting their needs ahead of the kids. This movie is a very loud commentary of the state of some parenting today, and it's not pretty. This movie is not saying that all parents and all situations are this bad, or complicated. But it's nearly impossible to watch this and not feel like you are, or know someone in the movie. And that's great movie making.
This movie gives parents and grandparents more than a quick glimpse, it gives you a full on stare into the parts of typical kids lives you may be afraid to confront. But it's worth it. If you've ever had a real question about why some kids are the way they are, this movie goes to great lengths to give you the reasons why. The whole time you are wondering if these kids are going to be alright despite all the junk they've been through. Will they be? Who knows? It's still a work in progress.
This is a groundbreaking movie that takes the time to tell an interesting story. And that is also part of the problem. This is 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is a movie goers movie. Meaning, if you go to the movies twice a year, this is no your flick. But this is powerful, effective and eye opening. For some this will be a horrible indictment on modern parenting. And for others, they will see themselves as the kids, trying to grow up in a world or turmoil, drama and insane decision making.
Again, this movie will say very different things to different people.
Boyhood. Well done. A very strong movie, told very well. Tough story, great movie making.
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