If you are headed out this weekend, here are a couple of choices for you at the movies in a nutshell.
Joy
What a great cast! If you loved Silver Linings Playbook a few years ago where all four major actors were Oscar nominated, and so was the picture, this stars and is made by the same bunch. Sadly, it's not nearly as good. Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper, Robert DeNiro and a great supporting cast do what they can with what they are dealt. This is based on a true story of a woman named Joy in the 1970's, and I can't tell you exactly what she did, because they have gone to great lengths to keep it quiet.
And that is the main problem here. When you watch the preview, you have no idea what this movie is about. Being honest, the story is sort of interesting, and probably worth telling. But for many this will fall short. Way short. I would think this would make a way better, well done documentary than feature dramatic film. Our principles do well here in their performance. But I will warn you, if you are going tosee Bradley Cooper, watch quick, his role is central, but very limited screen time, and really not the star of this movie playing a character that goes nowhere.
Joy. Overall disappointing.
Concussion
This star Will Smith as the doctor that helped identify the brain disorder that has been and is affecting many former NFL players. This too is based on a true story, but many liberty's have been taken to make this more dramatic.
There is really nothing wrong with this movie, the main problem is there just isn't anything great about it either. This tells a story worth telling, as this doctor takes on the NFL. It's just too darn bad this movie gets in its own way halfway through. This is way better movie when it is dealing with the main issue, but side plots slow this down to a halt at times. Plus this doesn't have the guts it should, as even the movie seems to let the NFL off the hook.
Smith is really strong here, but for me the real star of this movie is the supporting cast, including Albert Brooks, and David Morse. This movie had all the potential to be something really special, but it ends up being a decent flick, just not one of the years best.
Concussion. It's good. That's it...simply good.
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Saturday, December 26, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Big Short
What a cast and what an interesting story, but is this a good movie? The Big Short is out this week.
Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and many others are featured here in this very insightful look into the events leading up to the collapse of the housing market in 2008. All of this is based on a true story, events and real people. This is told in a very interesting fashion, as it has to be with the subject matter zooming over most of our heads. I mean, who understands this stuff? And as creative as they try to be with that, it still is hard to follow and comprehend at times.
But, all of our performances by our main actors are really stellar. The writing is superb and the character development is terrific. There are plenty of Golden Globe nods here and they are all deserved. Even though this subject matter is a snoozer for most of us, this is told well. This has a nice pace for the most part, when it could have been real easy for this to be real boring.
This really does take you deep inside the big banks and Wall Street to show you just how corrupt the whole system was leading up to the horrible events of 2008 that left so many with so little. That is eye-opening and interesting. But not as interesting as the few guys that saw it all coming and tried to warn others, but were not accepted. This is also a niche movie, as it will find a audience who are movie goers, and not the once a year fan.
The Big Short. Quite good, may be a bit overrated, but still very good.
Steve Carell, Brad Pitt, Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale and many others are featured here in this very insightful look into the events leading up to the collapse of the housing market in 2008. All of this is based on a true story, events and real people. This is told in a very interesting fashion, as it has to be with the subject matter zooming over most of our heads. I mean, who understands this stuff? And as creative as they try to be with that, it still is hard to follow and comprehend at times.
But, all of our performances by our main actors are really stellar. The writing is superb and the character development is terrific. There are plenty of Golden Globe nods here and they are all deserved. Even though this subject matter is a snoozer for most of us, this is told well. This has a nice pace for the most part, when it could have been real easy for this to be real boring.
This really does take you deep inside the big banks and Wall Street to show you just how corrupt the whole system was leading up to the horrible events of 2008 that left so many with so little. That is eye-opening and interesting. But not as interesting as the few guys that saw it all coming and tried to warn others, but were not accepted. This is also a niche movie, as it will find a audience who are movie goers, and not the once a year fan.
The Big Short. Quite good, may be a bit overrated, but still very good.
MOVIE REVIEW - Daddy's Home
The new Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg comedy, Daddy's Home is out and it's a mixed bag. Fans will love it, critics will not.
This is a look at step-parenting through the prism of comedy. It's the story of how step and biological fathers can or cannot get along, all written through and extremely exaggerated story line featuring polar opposite characters and actors. All things being honest, there are some good laughs in this, and there is an attempted heart to be grown. But in the end, this turns out to be more mean spirited than maybe it was intended.
One of the main problems here is the writing, especially the part of the very young step children. Sadly, the writers chose to make them really selfish, heartless, even borderline unlikable. This was a chance to make this movie far better. Instead of allowing simply the adults to act like children to place the laughs on them. They also extended the children to act like shameful adults that puts their behavior in the same category. This was a colossal failure of this movie. Hard to cheer for kids with dirty mouths, and disrespectful attitudes. But the temptation is just too great and easy for them not to be so. If you think about it, every really great kid in a really great movie, they act like kids and not adults. (Example Ray in Jerry McGuire, and Opie on the Andy Griffith Show.)
Ferrell and Wahlberg are decent together. They are who they are, especially Farrell. It was good to see Linda Cardinelli back on the screen, been a long time since her wonderful stint on ER. There are some funny slapstick scenes and some really clever sights gags, but overall this is simply another Farrell comedy, that looks like the last one.
Daddy's Home. Same old thing, just a new wrapper. Some laughs, but a bunch of average.
This is a look at step-parenting through the prism of comedy. It's the story of how step and biological fathers can or cannot get along, all written through and extremely exaggerated story line featuring polar opposite characters and actors. All things being honest, there are some good laughs in this, and there is an attempted heart to be grown. But in the end, this turns out to be more mean spirited than maybe it was intended.
One of the main problems here is the writing, especially the part of the very young step children. Sadly, the writers chose to make them really selfish, heartless, even borderline unlikable. This was a chance to make this movie far better. Instead of allowing simply the adults to act like children to place the laughs on them. They also extended the children to act like shameful adults that puts their behavior in the same category. This was a colossal failure of this movie. Hard to cheer for kids with dirty mouths, and disrespectful attitudes. But the temptation is just too great and easy for them not to be so. If you think about it, every really great kid in a really great movie, they act like kids and not adults. (Example Ray in Jerry McGuire, and Opie on the Andy Griffith Show.)
Ferrell and Wahlberg are decent together. They are who they are, especially Farrell. It was good to see Linda Cardinelli back on the screen, been a long time since her wonderful stint on ER. There are some funny slapstick scenes and some really clever sights gags, but overall this is simply another Farrell comedy, that looks like the last one.
Daddy's Home. Same old thing, just a new wrapper. Some laughs, but a bunch of average.
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Sisters
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are funny people. And they are funny together with a real nice chemistry. Too bad they are way funnier than this movie.
Sisters in it's idea is a good one. Two sisters all grown up, very different than one another, each with a well developed character. They are both at a crossroads in life, and each looking for whats next. But, as it always is with these kinds of movies the perfect answer for every major decision in life is have a huge party. That always fixes the problems.
Being more than honest here. This movie is two hours long, and if you want to spend the middle 90 minutes of it watching other people party, then this is your movie. Plain and simple, that's what this is. A bunch of middle aged friends drinking themselves into a coma. Don't get me wrong, there are some funny moments in this movie. Fey, Peohler and cast are very funny at times, with some real fun pop culture references, and some slick improv. But the trouble is, the script is just not very good. These two should have held out for a better one. A way better one, or written one themselves as they did not write or direct this one.
There just isn't enough here to support two hours. This would have been way better at 90 total minutes, as this wears out its welcome at about that mark. No one can deny these two are funny, and can do great things together. But overall, it just doesn't happen here.
Sisters. Like many of Fey's choices especially in movies, a big opportunity wasted.
Sisters in it's idea is a good one. Two sisters all grown up, very different than one another, each with a well developed character. They are both at a crossroads in life, and each looking for whats next. But, as it always is with these kinds of movies the perfect answer for every major decision in life is have a huge party. That always fixes the problems.
Being more than honest here. This movie is two hours long, and if you want to spend the middle 90 minutes of it watching other people party, then this is your movie. Plain and simple, that's what this is. A bunch of middle aged friends drinking themselves into a coma. Don't get me wrong, there are some funny moments in this movie. Fey, Peohler and cast are very funny at times, with some real fun pop culture references, and some slick improv. But the trouble is, the script is just not very good. These two should have held out for a better one. A way better one, or written one themselves as they did not write or direct this one.
There just isn't enough here to support two hours. This would have been way better at 90 total minutes, as this wears out its welcome at about that mark. No one can deny these two are funny, and can do great things together. But overall, it just doesn't happen here.
Sisters. Like many of Fey's choices especially in movies, a big opportunity wasted.
Friday, December 18, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Star Wars:The Force Awakens
Not so sure there has ever been a more hyped move than this, but does it deliver? Well in short, yes.
For many fans this is the first real Star Wars since the early 1980's and I would be included in that. This reunites the characters we loved from the original trilogy, and helps us forget the Jar Jar Binks disaster from the recent past. This brings back the original actors we loved, all these years later and that is fun to see.
The story is so complicated, it makes no sense to explain it here. And of course real fans don't need a refresher. This is going to rewrite the record books on box office takes and is going to open up this franchise to a whole new generation of viewers. Many will think this is the greatest movie ever made, and I would say, "Can we please get a grip?" Clearly this is not the greatest movie ever made - but this is very good.
This really recaptures the feelings of the original in its story line, an how it was filmed...on film. The effects are as breath taking as they were in the original in 1977, we are only more used to them now. As opposed to when then we were all seeing them for the first time. What this movie is more than anything is simply entertaining. It checks in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, but it doesn't feel like it. as this zips along very well. Although, I think there is a bit of a slow start, but once Han and Chewy hit the screen, everything gets better.
Interestingly enough, the entire story line may be more on topic now that it was in the original run. The social implications of the contemporary era and climate of terror we live in today are similar to the plot line here in it's overall story. As good is fighting evil, with the hope that a hero shows up and good wins out. This is basically fine for all to see and there is something for everyone.
Star Wars:The Force Awakens. Flat out entertaining.
For many fans this is the first real Star Wars since the early 1980's and I would be included in that. This reunites the characters we loved from the original trilogy, and helps us forget the Jar Jar Binks disaster from the recent past. This brings back the original actors we loved, all these years later and that is fun to see.
The story is so complicated, it makes no sense to explain it here. And of course real fans don't need a refresher. This is going to rewrite the record books on box office takes and is going to open up this franchise to a whole new generation of viewers. Many will think this is the greatest movie ever made, and I would say, "Can we please get a grip?" Clearly this is not the greatest movie ever made - but this is very good.
This really recaptures the feelings of the original in its story line, an how it was filmed...on film. The effects are as breath taking as they were in the original in 1977, we are only more used to them now. As opposed to when then we were all seeing them for the first time. What this movie is more than anything is simply entertaining. It checks in at 2 hours and 15 minutes, but it doesn't feel like it. as this zips along very well. Although, I think there is a bit of a slow start, but once Han and Chewy hit the screen, everything gets better.
Interestingly enough, the entire story line may be more on topic now that it was in the original run. The social implications of the contemporary era and climate of terror we live in today are similar to the plot line here in it's overall story. As good is fighting evil, with the hope that a hero shows up and good wins out. This is basically fine for all to see and there is something for everyone.
Star Wars:The Force Awakens. Flat out entertaining.
Sunday, November 29, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Creed
Here comes one of the best of the year. The seventh in the Rocky franchise, Creed is the the second best of the series next to the Oscar winning original from 1976.
It's not often that there is applause at the end of a movie, but there was here. And it's deserved. This movie is the story of Apollo Creed's son that he never knew because of his death. His son is from an affair he had. Adonis (Micheal B. Jordan) his son, is a troubled young man who only wants to fight. So he leaves his full-time job to pursue his dream of being a champion boxer. And he tracks down, and enlists the help of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to manage him.
This is terrific in every regard. This movie is so careful to stand on its own, all the while channeling the magic of the original in its emotional feel. It's back to basics for this franchise. This series of course became a sort of eye rolling joke after a while, but there is no denying the original is fantastic in every regard, and so is this! I would see this again in a heartbeat.
Jordan is terrific, but the real story is Stallone. He is brilliant in this movie and not only should be Oscar nominated for this, but he should win for supporting actor. Stallone recaptures Rocky again just as he did when this character was new. This movie also boasts the best supporting cast since the original. This movie is filmed remarkably, edited magnificently and the overall production is first class in every aspect.
Creed. It's rare that one of the years biggest hits with fans will be one of the years most honored movies, but this one will. One of the years best pictures - period.
It's not often that there is applause at the end of a movie, but there was here. And it's deserved. This movie is the story of Apollo Creed's son that he never knew because of his death. His son is from an affair he had. Adonis (Micheal B. Jordan) his son, is a troubled young man who only wants to fight. So he leaves his full-time job to pursue his dream of being a champion boxer. And he tracks down, and enlists the help of Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) to manage him.
This is terrific in every regard. This movie is so careful to stand on its own, all the while channeling the magic of the original in its emotional feel. It's back to basics for this franchise. This series of course became a sort of eye rolling joke after a while, but there is no denying the original is fantastic in every regard, and so is this! I would see this again in a heartbeat.
Jordan is terrific, but the real story is Stallone. He is brilliant in this movie and not only should be Oscar nominated for this, but he should win for supporting actor. Stallone recaptures Rocky again just as he did when this character was new. This movie also boasts the best supporting cast since the original. This movie is filmed remarkably, edited magnificently and the overall production is first class in every aspect.
Creed. It's rare that one of the years biggest hits with fans will be one of the years most honored movies, but this one will. One of the years best pictures - period.
Saturday, November 21, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - New Releases This Week
The Night Before
Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie star in the new Christmas comedy, The Night Before. Right up front, this is a stoner comedy and there are some very, very funny moments in this. But there are also a few really harsh and regrettable decisions made in the name of "comedy" here that really don't work.
This is the story of three friends all in their early 30's that have a tradition of going out on Christmas Eve and party up a storm. And this is the final time they will be doing this as they have all grown up and seemingly gone their separate ways. They spend the night getting completely messed up on various drugs and other substances and looking at where they each are in life. Much of this is parody and works well. It also channels other Christmas movies, borrowing the premise from A Christmas Carol, and others. But this is a comedy where they don't know where to stop, stepping into a few scenes that are so amazingly offensive it's hard to sign off on it all the way.
Those parts don't make this a better movie, just a more desperate one. This could have stood up much taller on its own without really glancing off into the tasteless realms that it does a few times. It completely waters down the really funny parts that it does have. This is a hard R rated flick.
The 33
The new movie, The 33 is certainly a story worth telling. It's just a bit of a shame that this true story of an amazing experience wasn't given a slightly better script. It's always challenging to make a movie about actual events where everyone knows the outcome, and make it still engaging.
This is the story of the 33 miners from Chile that we all saw come to safety about 5 years ago in a truly remarkable fashion. They were buried underground for 64 days, and all made it to the top. The story is truly miraculous. But this movie tries so hard to be so many things, it forgets to be as interesting as it could be. It tells the story from the perspective of the miners trapped, and that's terrific. But on the surface, it gets bogged down in politics, and side plots that for me just do not work. The truly amazing part of this true story is the drilling and the technology that saved these men as it had never been done before. And they simply glaze over that aspect and that's a shame.
This stars Antonio Bandaras, Lou Diamond Phillips and a nice supporting cast. This is not a bomb by any means, as it is a good and inspiring story. It just needed to be as interesting and compelling of a movie as it was a true story.
scott@wqmx.com
Seth Rogen, Joseph Gordon Levitt and Anthony Mackie star in the new Christmas comedy, The Night Before. Right up front, this is a stoner comedy and there are some very, very funny moments in this. But there are also a few really harsh and regrettable decisions made in the name of "comedy" here that really don't work.
This is the story of three friends all in their early 30's that have a tradition of going out on Christmas Eve and party up a storm. And this is the final time they will be doing this as they have all grown up and seemingly gone their separate ways. They spend the night getting completely messed up on various drugs and other substances and looking at where they each are in life. Much of this is parody and works well. It also channels other Christmas movies, borrowing the premise from A Christmas Carol, and others. But this is a comedy where they don't know where to stop, stepping into a few scenes that are so amazingly offensive it's hard to sign off on it all the way.
Those parts don't make this a better movie, just a more desperate one. This could have stood up much taller on its own without really glancing off into the tasteless realms that it does a few times. It completely waters down the really funny parts that it does have. This is a hard R rated flick.
The 33
The new movie, The 33 is certainly a story worth telling. It's just a bit of a shame that this true story of an amazing experience wasn't given a slightly better script. It's always challenging to make a movie about actual events where everyone knows the outcome, and make it still engaging.
This is the story of the 33 miners from Chile that we all saw come to safety about 5 years ago in a truly remarkable fashion. They were buried underground for 64 days, and all made it to the top. The story is truly miraculous. But this movie tries so hard to be so many things, it forgets to be as interesting as it could be. It tells the story from the perspective of the miners trapped, and that's terrific. But on the surface, it gets bogged down in politics, and side plots that for me just do not work. The truly amazing part of this true story is the drilling and the technology that saved these men as it had never been done before. And they simply glaze over that aspect and that's a shame.
This stars Antonio Bandaras, Lou Diamond Phillips and a nice supporting cast. This is not a bomb by any means, as it is a good and inspiring story. It just needed to be as interesting and compelling of a movie as it was a true story.
scott@wqmx.com
Saturday, November 14, 2015
MOVIE REVIEWS - New This Week
My All American
This is a small movie about a really big, true story from the University of Texas' football program. It's the story of a young and overachieving football player named Freddie Steinmark as told through the eyes of former great football coach, Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart). Steinmark is an incredible personal story that is absolutely worth telling.
This is very reminiscent of movies like The Rookie, Remember The Titans, and others. National critics have been tough on this, and frankly I don't understand it. This is a family movie, with a story you don't know, told in a fashion that is mass appeal. Sure, there are better movies with stronger scripts and bigger budgets, but so what? We need movies for all kind of audiences, and this is a spot on family movie that all can enjoy. Perfect? Heavens no, but this is alright.
Love The Coopers
It is becoming more commonplace, where you put a bunch of big Hollywood names together on stage, and belch out a real dog. And this is the latest debacle. Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried, Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei, Olivia Wilde and many others got together to make a new holiday movie that was a very bad idea.
There are a few moments that are funny, but by and large this is a story about people you don't like, that are amazingly dysfunctional, and telling a story you wish had never been written. There is some real horrible writing here, and we finally get learn just how bad some of these actors really are. Filmed horribly with some seemingly silly filter on Keaton's face for much of it that is really elf absorbed and distracting. Wilde, who looks great on camera, turns in a dog of a performance, and why Helms and Seyfried are even cast here is beyond me. This is one of the dogs of the year.
This is a small movie about a really big, true story from the University of Texas' football program. It's the story of a young and overachieving football player named Freddie Steinmark as told through the eyes of former great football coach, Darrell Royal (Aaron Eckhart). Steinmark is an incredible personal story that is absolutely worth telling.
This is very reminiscent of movies like The Rookie, Remember The Titans, and others. National critics have been tough on this, and frankly I don't understand it. This is a family movie, with a story you don't know, told in a fashion that is mass appeal. Sure, there are better movies with stronger scripts and bigger budgets, but so what? We need movies for all kind of audiences, and this is a spot on family movie that all can enjoy. Perfect? Heavens no, but this is alright.
Love The Coopers
It is becoming more commonplace, where you put a bunch of big Hollywood names together on stage, and belch out a real dog. And this is the latest debacle. Diane Keaton, John Goodman, Amanda Seyfried, Ed Helms, Marisa Tomei, Olivia Wilde and many others got together to make a new holiday movie that was a very bad idea.
There are a few moments that are funny, but by and large this is a story about people you don't like, that are amazingly dysfunctional, and telling a story you wish had never been written. There is some real horrible writing here, and we finally get learn just how bad some of these actors really are. Filmed horribly with some seemingly silly filter on Keaton's face for much of it that is really elf absorbed and distracting. Wilde, who looks great on camera, turns in a dog of a performance, and why Helms and Seyfried are even cast here is beyond me. This is one of the dogs of the year.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - James Bond: Spectre
Daniel Craig is back as James Bond in the new saga, Spectre. For the record, I like Bond movies. He was been a superhero in movies of over 50 years, and somehow they keep this brand going strong.
This picks up right where Skyfall left off, with new characters and gadgetry. The enemy now is a new organization called Spectre that is bent on being the biggest gatherer of sensitive information from all the major governments in the world. They essentially want to spy on all the spy agencies on earth and basically become the worlds largest unstoppable terrorist organization.
This is pretty savvy. Bond movies have really tuned into the times we live in. This addresses the concern we all have about our private information, and the concern we have about other entities gathering information from the people that are supposed to keep us safe. This is highly topical and right on target. Thank goodness we have Bond and the Double 0 program to save the day.
Since Craig has taken over the Bond flicks, they seem to have a more dark tone to them. Well, after all we do live in some darker times in some regards than before, and the new Bond tackles that. This movie also celebrates some more of the humor that has been lacking recently in some Bond flicks, and that was good to see. What has always made these movies work is the willingness to be all things for all people.
This is very good in all regards. Craig is great again, and Christof Waltz is terrific as our main villain. This has all the good things you want from Bond. The amazing action, the humor, the beautiful women, and a story that is right on time. Great to have him back for the holidays.
James Bond: Spectre. Very entertaining. Well, well done.
This picks up right where Skyfall left off, with new characters and gadgetry. The enemy now is a new organization called Spectre that is bent on being the biggest gatherer of sensitive information from all the major governments in the world. They essentially want to spy on all the spy agencies on earth and basically become the worlds largest unstoppable terrorist organization.
This is pretty savvy. Bond movies have really tuned into the times we live in. This addresses the concern we all have about our private information, and the concern we have about other entities gathering information from the people that are supposed to keep us safe. This is highly topical and right on target. Thank goodness we have Bond and the Double 0 program to save the day.
Since Craig has taken over the Bond flicks, they seem to have a more dark tone to them. Well, after all we do live in some darker times in some regards than before, and the new Bond tackles that. This movie also celebrates some more of the humor that has been lacking recently in some Bond flicks, and that was good to see. What has always made these movies work is the willingness to be all things for all people.
This is very good in all regards. Craig is great again, and Christof Waltz is terrific as our main villain. This has all the good things you want from Bond. The amazing action, the humor, the beautiful women, and a story that is right on time. Great to have him back for the holidays.
James Bond: Spectre. Very entertaining. Well, well done.
MOVIE REVIEW - Our Brand Is Crisis
What a complete and total disaster. The latest movies from Sandra Bullock is a complete failure.
This is movie about political corruption, and the underhandedness that ensues in elections with the horrible people that are behind the shady candidates. Like we don't have enough of this in our daily lives, we need to pay a ticket price to watch it play out for entertainment? Plus this tells a story of a election in Bolivia from 15 years or so ago. Who cares?
This movie, I think was thinking it was real smart, and this was going to be an eye opening saga that we were all going to be shocked over. Please! We all know about these horrible people and the shady business politics is. This movie reeks of "we are smarter than you," but it's not. This movie also looks to be about 25 years late in thinking we all don't know this stuff and see it every single night on the news.
It takes a real bunch of total buffoons to take Sandra Bullock, and Billy Bob Thornton and have this be the worst opening of her entire career in a A-listed movie. But they did. They took a story no one cares about, created characters no one likes, and put it in a movie that makes people even more apathetic than they already are about the election system sometimes. What on earth were they expecting?
Our Brand Is Crisis. This is maybe one of the worst ideas for a major motion picture in a very long time.
This is movie about political corruption, and the underhandedness that ensues in elections with the horrible people that are behind the shady candidates. Like we don't have enough of this in our daily lives, we need to pay a ticket price to watch it play out for entertainment? Plus this tells a story of a election in Bolivia from 15 years or so ago. Who cares?
This movie, I think was thinking it was real smart, and this was going to be an eye opening saga that we were all going to be shocked over. Please! We all know about these horrible people and the shady business politics is. This movie reeks of "we are smarter than you," but it's not. This movie also looks to be about 25 years late in thinking we all don't know this stuff and see it every single night on the news.
It takes a real bunch of total buffoons to take Sandra Bullock, and Billy Bob Thornton and have this be the worst opening of her entire career in a A-listed movie. But they did. They took a story no one cares about, created characters no one likes, and put it in a movie that makes people even more apathetic than they already are about the election system sometimes. What on earth were they expecting?
Our Brand Is Crisis. This is maybe one of the worst ideas for a major motion picture in a very long time.
Monday, November 2, 2015
VARIOUS MOVIE REVIEWS -
Some movies are so not worth an entire review, there is a new way to package them here. As we get into real legit movie season, they will get the attention they deserve, while others will be lumped into this format. So let's start here.
The Last Witch Hunter -
I like Vin Diesel. We all like Vin Diesel. We just don't care for this. This is an over produced, uninteresting special effects fest, that doesn't do anyone any justice. Diesel plays a character that has been alive for centuries fighting against, and keeping the balance between the witch world and the modern world, as they walk among us. Boring, unoriginal and poorly done in about every way. Hard to make it to the finish of this one. At least Fast And Furious has three more installments in the years ahead. This is not worth your time.
Steve Jobs -
Wow! What a look at one of the great innovators of our lifetime. Or is he? This pic paints Steve Jobs, one of Apple's founders as one horrible person. Not really good at anything in his real life. This is the second movie about Jobs, and this one is equally not as good as the first, although very different. This is paced semi well, but I will tell you this is simply 2 hours of nonstop dialogue. This is not very compelling movie making, but there are decent performances. Micheal Fassbender is good as Jobs. Seth Rogen is then best thing in this movie in his supporting role, as is Kate Winslet. But this is simply not interesting, and gets in a long line of "computer guy" movies that just are not all that captivating.
Burnt -
Bradley Cooper is Hollywood's biggest leading man. But this is not good. Do anything else except go to this movie about a chef that no one cares about, in a story no one cares about. This was a bad career decision of the first order.
scott@wqmx.com
The Last Witch Hunter -
I like Vin Diesel. We all like Vin Diesel. We just don't care for this. This is an over produced, uninteresting special effects fest, that doesn't do anyone any justice. Diesel plays a character that has been alive for centuries fighting against, and keeping the balance between the witch world and the modern world, as they walk among us. Boring, unoriginal and poorly done in about every way. Hard to make it to the finish of this one. At least Fast And Furious has three more installments in the years ahead. This is not worth your time.
Steve Jobs -
Wow! What a look at one of the great innovators of our lifetime. Or is he? This pic paints Steve Jobs, one of Apple's founders as one horrible person. Not really good at anything in his real life. This is the second movie about Jobs, and this one is equally not as good as the first, although very different. This is paced semi well, but I will tell you this is simply 2 hours of nonstop dialogue. This is not very compelling movie making, but there are decent performances. Micheal Fassbender is good as Jobs. Seth Rogen is then best thing in this movie in his supporting role, as is Kate Winslet. But this is simply not interesting, and gets in a long line of "computer guy" movies that just are not all that captivating.
Burnt -
Bradley Cooper is Hollywood's biggest leading man. But this is not good. Do anything else except go to this movie about a chef that no one cares about, in a story no one cares about. This was a bad career decision of the first order.
scott@wqmx.com
Tuesday, October 27, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Rock The Kasbah
Bill Murray is making the best movies of his long career, and his latest is one of his best.
Rock the Kasbah will join last years off beat comedy, St.Vincent as among his best roles ever. This is also a story you have never even come close to seeing before and for me, when done properly, I always dish out major kudos for. This small indy movie is worth the ticket and really fun to watch. This is one of those drama-comedies that straddles the line nicely between both sides.
Murray plays this down and out music promoter, who never really made it big over his 40 plus year career. He somehow managed to hang on and make just enough to get by. He is a fast talker, and half truth teller to the extreme. He finds a young female act in Los Angeles and in a drunken conversation with some clown in the bar where she is singing, and is convinced to take this girl to Afghanistan to perform for the USO. Being promised big money he does. Then she dumps him while there, and she leaves him without money or passport.
While marooned, he discovers by accident a young women from Afghanistan who loves to sing. Problem is, she is prohibited by religious law to do so at any time, anywhere. But somehow he works it out where she sings on their version of American Idol in Afghanistan. Needless to say, this causes a HUGE public outcry and controversy. How will this be resolved?
This is absolutely terrific in every regard. The performances by Murray and his supporting cast of Kate Husdon, Zooey Dashanel, Bruce Willis, and other are simply fantastic. The writing is sensational and incredibly original and as this goes along, it simply gets better and better. The music is also wonderful. Plus, this is filmed so skillfully, you feel you are in the middle of one of the most dangerous places on earth.
This movie showcases very well the turmoil that is in Afghanistan. The struggle between the extremely traditional, and those who are open minded to a possibly more modern and updated country socially and economically. This is an easy movie to watch, and wraps up nicely when you are ready for it to. It says what it has to say and moves on, all the while carefully developing characters you have not met before, telling a story you have not seen previous.
Rock The Kasbah. Terrific.
Rock the Kasbah will join last years off beat comedy, St.Vincent as among his best roles ever. This is also a story you have never even come close to seeing before and for me, when done properly, I always dish out major kudos for. This small indy movie is worth the ticket and really fun to watch. This is one of those drama-comedies that straddles the line nicely between both sides.
Murray plays this down and out music promoter, who never really made it big over his 40 plus year career. He somehow managed to hang on and make just enough to get by. He is a fast talker, and half truth teller to the extreme. He finds a young female act in Los Angeles and in a drunken conversation with some clown in the bar where she is singing, and is convinced to take this girl to Afghanistan to perform for the USO. Being promised big money he does. Then she dumps him while there, and she leaves him without money or passport.
While marooned, he discovers by accident a young women from Afghanistan who loves to sing. Problem is, she is prohibited by religious law to do so at any time, anywhere. But somehow he works it out where she sings on their version of American Idol in Afghanistan. Needless to say, this causes a HUGE public outcry and controversy. How will this be resolved?
This is absolutely terrific in every regard. The performances by Murray and his supporting cast of Kate Husdon, Zooey Dashanel, Bruce Willis, and other are simply fantastic. The writing is sensational and incredibly original and as this goes along, it simply gets better and better. The music is also wonderful. Plus, this is filmed so skillfully, you feel you are in the middle of one of the most dangerous places on earth.
This movie showcases very well the turmoil that is in Afghanistan. The struggle between the extremely traditional, and those who are open minded to a possibly more modern and updated country socially and economically. This is an easy movie to watch, and wraps up nicely when you are ready for it to. It says what it has to say and moves on, all the while carefully developing characters you have not met before, telling a story you have not seen previous.
Rock The Kasbah. Terrific.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Bridge Of Spies
Here comes Fall, and some of the best movies of the year, and Bridge Of Spies is certainly one of them.
Tom Hanks, stars in this incredible true Cold War Story that showcases a remarkable story that you may know the basics of, but this movie spells out the whole amazing story. This takes place over a few year period from 1957, into the early 1960's when the Cold War with the Soviet Union was in full force. It's the story of a "spy swap" that tested both sides, the United States and Russia on their resolve in their belief systems. Democracy versus Communism, plain and simple.
Hanks plays Jim Donovan, who was a simple insurance lawyer in Brooklyn when the firm where he works is assigned to defend a recently captured Soviet spy in America. He defends the spy with vigor and diligence, making sure that he gets a fair trial, even when the system is asking he not. Donovan foresees that the death penalty may not be the right thing, and asks reminds the judge that there may be a day when the Russians have one of our guys, and a swap may be prudent.
And that becomes reality when the Soviets shoot down an American U2 pilot and capture him. Now we each have one. The government then contracts Donovan again, this time asking him to broker the swap as a private citizen and not as an official representative of our government. Donovan takes the job and begins a fascinating journey that takes him to the other side of the world to make the deal, all the while trying not to fire up even more tensions between the Superpowers.
This is just a very well done drama that is really back to basics movie making. You take a great story that most don't know. Write a great script, and cast the right guy in it. You find the right director (Steven Spielberg) create amazing sets, and costuming and you have a great flick. This is a wonderful period piece that takes us right back to an era gone by. This is intense, and suspenseful and reminds us just how good movies really can be if we do them right. This is amazingly refreshing, and just flat out good.
Some knowledge of the era is helpful before you go, but this is careful not to shoot over your head, and takes its time to explain carefully and set the stage so all can hang on. This is not an action flick with tons of effects, this is just straight forward movie making that is ushering in the strong movie season which is now upon us.
Bridge Of Spies. One of the years best movies.
Tom Hanks, stars in this incredible true Cold War Story that showcases a remarkable story that you may know the basics of, but this movie spells out the whole amazing story. This takes place over a few year period from 1957, into the early 1960's when the Cold War with the Soviet Union was in full force. It's the story of a "spy swap" that tested both sides, the United States and Russia on their resolve in their belief systems. Democracy versus Communism, plain and simple.
Hanks plays Jim Donovan, who was a simple insurance lawyer in Brooklyn when the firm where he works is assigned to defend a recently captured Soviet spy in America. He defends the spy with vigor and diligence, making sure that he gets a fair trial, even when the system is asking he not. Donovan foresees that the death penalty may not be the right thing, and asks reminds the judge that there may be a day when the Russians have one of our guys, and a swap may be prudent.
And that becomes reality when the Soviets shoot down an American U2 pilot and capture him. Now we each have one. The government then contracts Donovan again, this time asking him to broker the swap as a private citizen and not as an official representative of our government. Donovan takes the job and begins a fascinating journey that takes him to the other side of the world to make the deal, all the while trying not to fire up even more tensions between the Superpowers.
This is just a very well done drama that is really back to basics movie making. You take a great story that most don't know. Write a great script, and cast the right guy in it. You find the right director (Steven Spielberg) create amazing sets, and costuming and you have a great flick. This is a wonderful period piece that takes us right back to an era gone by. This is intense, and suspenseful and reminds us just how good movies really can be if we do them right. This is amazingly refreshing, and just flat out good.
Some knowledge of the era is helpful before you go, but this is careful not to shoot over your head, and takes its time to explain carefully and set the stage so all can hang on. This is not an action flick with tons of effects, this is just straight forward movie making that is ushering in the strong movie season which is now upon us.
Bridge Of Spies. One of the years best movies.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Sicario
Here comes a real powerful and intense movie for the fall with an all-star cast, Sicario.
Sicario stars Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt, Benecio del Toro, and a great supporting cast in one of the years best movies. But in fairness, this movie is certainly not for everyone. This is graphic, violent and very intense. It is a movie essentially about the cooperation, or lack of, between various crime fighting agencies of the U.S. Government and how they are attempting to deal with brutal drug cartels from Mexico.
This movie focuses mostly on the city of Juarez, Mexico which is just over the El Paso, Texas border. In real life is about the worst place on earth, resembling more of a third world country war zone than a city in North America. This actual story is far too complicated to go into in this short review, but these agencies are trying to keep a lid as best they can on the various cartels that are battling for power and supplying this country with tons of illegal drugs. Plus, this makes you wonder who really are he good guys, and who are not.
This is quite good, but you have to be willing to go to the mat with this one. It moves fast, and explains much along the way quickly. This takes you on various missions these crime fighters go on deep inside the worst places on the planet. This move does a great job of putting you right in the action with terrific photography, slick editing and an incredibly intense music soundtrack that makes your heart pound even on the chopper ride into Juarez.
This develops characters extremely well for a movie of this ilk. Oscar winner del Toro is again incredible, and should receive Oscar mentions again for this role. Blunt is great with her American accent as she plays an FBI agent well over her head in an incredibly dangerous part of the world. Brolin is almost always great in any movie including here, and the supporting cast is wonderful.
This is brutal at times, and is rated a hard R. This movie pulls very few punches and shows the horrendous conditions, and situations these people go to and live in. This is not for the squeamish. But if you love a good drug cartel, crime fighting flick that strives for authenticity, this is your movie.
Sicario. Really great, well done.
Sicario stars Josh Brolin, Emily Blunt, Benecio del Toro, and a great supporting cast in one of the years best movies. But in fairness, this movie is certainly not for everyone. This is graphic, violent and very intense. It is a movie essentially about the cooperation, or lack of, between various crime fighting agencies of the U.S. Government and how they are attempting to deal with brutal drug cartels from Mexico.
This movie focuses mostly on the city of Juarez, Mexico which is just over the El Paso, Texas border. In real life is about the worst place on earth, resembling more of a third world country war zone than a city in North America. This actual story is far too complicated to go into in this short review, but these agencies are trying to keep a lid as best they can on the various cartels that are battling for power and supplying this country with tons of illegal drugs. Plus, this makes you wonder who really are he good guys, and who are not.
This is quite good, but you have to be willing to go to the mat with this one. It moves fast, and explains much along the way quickly. This takes you on various missions these crime fighters go on deep inside the worst places on the planet. This move does a great job of putting you right in the action with terrific photography, slick editing and an incredibly intense music soundtrack that makes your heart pound even on the chopper ride into Juarez.
This develops characters extremely well for a movie of this ilk. Oscar winner del Toro is again incredible, and should receive Oscar mentions again for this role. Blunt is great with her American accent as she plays an FBI agent well over her head in an incredibly dangerous part of the world. Brolin is almost always great in any movie including here, and the supporting cast is wonderful.
This is brutal at times, and is rated a hard R. This movie pulls very few punches and shows the horrendous conditions, and situations these people go to and live in. This is not for the squeamish. But if you love a good drug cartel, crime fighting flick that strives for authenticity, this is your movie.
Sicario. Really great, well done.
Monday, October 12, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Walk
The new movie, The Walk is out with Joseph Gordon- Levitt, and is totally worth seeing.
This is based on a true story from 1974 about a French tight-rope, or wire-walker, Philippe who sets out to walk a line between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This movie in itself is a balancing act between a really interesting story, and one bogged down in the slow build-up. But in the end, the movie saves itself.
The World Trade Center was not quite finished when Philippe decided to attempt this incredibly illegal, and questionable stunt. So much of this movie, is the planning, and calculating on how to get the wire stretched across the 140 foot span between the towers, at a height of around 1,400 feet above the street. And being honest, that is pretty interesting stuff on how they did it. There's just way too much of it. Yes, this movie bogs itself down in its own intelligence for a while, and you may be on the verge of yelling, "C'mon! Let's go here!" Then it pays you off like you never see coming.
The actual walk is so wonderfully done that the slow burn to get there is a distant memory. It is spine tingling, and very intense. The photography and the way it is done, you are out there on the wire with Philippe, and you are nervous with sweaty palmed stuff. Plus, I saw this in splendid -D, and that was done wonderfully too. This is also available to you in IMAX in some areas and that would be terrific. There have been reports of patrons getting sick from the dizziness, the angles and the heights, which I guess is a possibility. But for me, it was simply thrilling. I walked across a wire between the World Trade Center towers, and I couldn't fall.
Among the things this movie does very well, is pay tribute to the now vanished towers. It is good to see them in all their glory again, proud and majestic. Philippe honors them in his dialogue, as does the movie by painting them as to what they really were. Structures so incredible, they became living, breathing things till the end. That is a really nice surprise in this movie. When it could have been easy just to use them as props.
The Walk. Thrilling, wonderful and worth the watch. Go get a thrill!
This is based on a true story from 1974 about a French tight-rope, or wire-walker, Philippe who sets out to walk a line between the twin towers of the World Trade Center. This movie in itself is a balancing act between a really interesting story, and one bogged down in the slow build-up. But in the end, the movie saves itself.
The World Trade Center was not quite finished when Philippe decided to attempt this incredibly illegal, and questionable stunt. So much of this movie, is the planning, and calculating on how to get the wire stretched across the 140 foot span between the towers, at a height of around 1,400 feet above the street. And being honest, that is pretty interesting stuff on how they did it. There's just way too much of it. Yes, this movie bogs itself down in its own intelligence for a while, and you may be on the verge of yelling, "C'mon! Let's go here!" Then it pays you off like you never see coming.
The actual walk is so wonderfully done that the slow burn to get there is a distant memory. It is spine tingling, and very intense. The photography and the way it is done, you are out there on the wire with Philippe, and you are nervous with sweaty palmed stuff. Plus, I saw this in splendid -D, and that was done wonderfully too. This is also available to you in IMAX in some areas and that would be terrific. There have been reports of patrons getting sick from the dizziness, the angles and the heights, which I guess is a possibility. But for me, it was simply thrilling. I walked across a wire between the World Trade Center towers, and I couldn't fall.
Among the things this movie does very well, is pay tribute to the now vanished towers. It is good to see them in all their glory again, proud and majestic. Philippe honors them in his dialogue, as does the movie by painting them as to what they really were. Structures so incredible, they became living, breathing things till the end. That is a really nice surprise in this movie. When it could have been easy just to use them as props.
The Walk. Thrilling, wonderful and worth the watch. Go get a thrill!
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Green Inferno
In all honesty, this may be the worst movie I have ever seen.
The Green Inferno is a new flick that is supposed to be scary - I think. It's that time of the year where scare is in. And sadly no one really makes scary anymore, they just make raunchy and horrible. And then there is this, which could be as objectionable as any movie in recent memory. This is nasty, distasteful, and about as offensive as a movie can get. Even in a genre where it seems all bets are off.
This is the story of a bunch of college kids who decide to become activists and travel to the Amazon in Peru, South America to protest a natural gas company. The company is on the verge of running an ancient tribe out of existence in order to drill for natural gas. They are bent on stopping them, armed with their cell phones, and social media. And they seem successful when the operation goes world wide on video, and the company backs down.
As our kids are returning, they are in a small craft plane crash and are trapped deep in the Amazon, where they are captured by this tribe. They soon find out that this tribe is bunch of ravenous cannibals, literally. This then becomes the story of how these kids can possible escape before they are literally, butchered, smoked, carved up and eaten by this tribe. Sound fun?
After the first friend is dismembered while he is still alive, and then prepared, seasoned, cooked, smoked and eaten for all to see, they then try to escape. This is loaded with extreme gore, blood, and flat out nastiness that is simply brutal to watch. They show adults and young children eating humans and enjoying every bit of it. This is so over the top, and sick, it loses all allure of the absolute minimal it had. They also decide to explore and show, at length, the ancient and horrible practice of female circumcision. This entire enterprise is simply flabbergasting, and insanely horrendous to watch.
This is brutal, ghastly, and appalling movie making. Nothing wrong with slasher flicks or the like, but this is line crossing in every regard. First off, the story is dumb, the acting is atrocious, and this paints everyone in an horrible light. The affluent students are the dumbest people on earth. And the tribe is painted as the worst people in the history of the world. This is simply a waste of time, money and effort. This is so horrible, I can't fathom anyone coming out out of this and feeling the slightest bit entertained.
If they set out to make this as brutal, and as totally disturbing as possible, they did it. This for some reason deals with every imaginable nastiness you can even think of for one hour and forty-five agonizing minutes.
The Green Inferno. As bad as movies can get.
The Green Inferno is a new flick that is supposed to be scary - I think. It's that time of the year where scare is in. And sadly no one really makes scary anymore, they just make raunchy and horrible. And then there is this, which could be as objectionable as any movie in recent memory. This is nasty, distasteful, and about as offensive as a movie can get. Even in a genre where it seems all bets are off.
This is the story of a bunch of college kids who decide to become activists and travel to the Amazon in Peru, South America to protest a natural gas company. The company is on the verge of running an ancient tribe out of existence in order to drill for natural gas. They are bent on stopping them, armed with their cell phones, and social media. And they seem successful when the operation goes world wide on video, and the company backs down.
As our kids are returning, they are in a small craft plane crash and are trapped deep in the Amazon, where they are captured by this tribe. They soon find out that this tribe is bunch of ravenous cannibals, literally. This then becomes the story of how these kids can possible escape before they are literally, butchered, smoked, carved up and eaten by this tribe. Sound fun?
After the first friend is dismembered while he is still alive, and then prepared, seasoned, cooked, smoked and eaten for all to see, they then try to escape. This is loaded with extreme gore, blood, and flat out nastiness that is simply brutal to watch. They show adults and young children eating humans and enjoying every bit of it. This is so over the top, and sick, it loses all allure of the absolute minimal it had. They also decide to explore and show, at length, the ancient and horrible practice of female circumcision. This entire enterprise is simply flabbergasting, and insanely horrendous to watch.
This is brutal, ghastly, and appalling movie making. Nothing wrong with slasher flicks or the like, but this is line crossing in every regard. First off, the story is dumb, the acting is atrocious, and this paints everyone in an horrible light. The affluent students are the dumbest people on earth. And the tribe is painted as the worst people in the history of the world. This is simply a waste of time, money and effort. This is so horrible, I can't fathom anyone coming out out of this and feeling the slightest bit entertained.
If they set out to make this as brutal, and as totally disturbing as possible, they did it. This for some reason deals with every imaginable nastiness you can even think of for one hour and forty-five agonizing minutes.
The Green Inferno. As bad as movies can get.
Monday, October 5, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Martian
An all-star cast leads the way in the new space adventure drama, The Martian.
Matt Damon leads a big cast in a movie that is being hailed by critics and fans alike. The Martian is also directed by Ridley Scott, and based on a huge novel from a few years ago, so it seems everything is in place for a really good flick. And overall, it is good. But I am not going to be quite as glowing as some of the national critics. I would call his great movie making, more than a great movie.
This is the story of a series of NASA manned missions to Mars in the future, although they do not make that overly clear when that is. NASA has a base on Mars for an extended missions, when a horrible storm hits, forcing the crew to abandon the base and escape the planet. During the storm, they lose one of their own crew, and assume him dead and are forced to leave him behind. Trouble is, he is not dead. This then becomes the story of trying to rescue him and bring him back alive, knowing it will take years for a mission to be a reality.
This is kind of a mix of a few movies. A bit Gravity, and bit Apollo 13, and a bit Castaway in it's story line. This movie looks great. The sets are magnificent no matter how they did them, either a combination of computers and real building, they look incredible. The special effects are so good, they are hardly special, they just look like part of the landscape. The props, and costuming are terrific, and the performances are strong for the most part.
Trouble here, this is a bit far-fetched and really tough to believe even for science fiction, being it's a movie that isn't a total fantasy. It's a bit too convenient and predictable at times. In fact, the big plot twist you''ll see coming from light years away. And some, not all of this at times looks a bit silly. What made Apollo 13 so great, was that it was truth, and based on real people. This goes for that feeling, but falls short of A13's amazing emotional impact.
But there is much to like here. This is good movie making, with a story that is really imaginative at times, and very formula at times. Like Gravity, this is escapism, and that's fine too sometimes. Is this a great movie? No. But it's pretty darn good.
The Martian. A much needed jump start to the fall movie season.
Matt Damon leads a big cast in a movie that is being hailed by critics and fans alike. The Martian is also directed by Ridley Scott, and based on a huge novel from a few years ago, so it seems everything is in place for a really good flick. And overall, it is good. But I am not going to be quite as glowing as some of the national critics. I would call his great movie making, more than a great movie.
This is the story of a series of NASA manned missions to Mars in the future, although they do not make that overly clear when that is. NASA has a base on Mars for an extended missions, when a horrible storm hits, forcing the crew to abandon the base and escape the planet. During the storm, they lose one of their own crew, and assume him dead and are forced to leave him behind. Trouble is, he is not dead. This then becomes the story of trying to rescue him and bring him back alive, knowing it will take years for a mission to be a reality.
This is kind of a mix of a few movies. A bit Gravity, and bit Apollo 13, and a bit Castaway in it's story line. This movie looks great. The sets are magnificent no matter how they did them, either a combination of computers and real building, they look incredible. The special effects are so good, they are hardly special, they just look like part of the landscape. The props, and costuming are terrific, and the performances are strong for the most part.
Trouble here, this is a bit far-fetched and really tough to believe even for science fiction, being it's a movie that isn't a total fantasy. It's a bit too convenient and predictable at times. In fact, the big plot twist you''ll see coming from light years away. And some, not all of this at times looks a bit silly. What made Apollo 13 so great, was that it was truth, and based on real people. This goes for that feeling, but falls short of A13's amazing emotional impact.
But there is much to like here. This is good movie making, with a story that is really imaginative at times, and very formula at times. Like Gravity, this is escapism, and that's fine too sometimes. Is this a great movie? No. But it's pretty darn good.
The Martian. A much needed jump start to the fall movie season.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Intern
The reinvention of acting great Robert De Niro continues, and now he stars opposite the wonderful Anne Hathaway in The Intern.
This is a charming and original little movie. But it would have been a bit better if it has been "little-er." This is a comedy and light drama of sorts, that comes in at 2 hours, and that is about 20 minutes too long for this type of movie. This was written and directed by the fabulous Nancy Myers who has a bunch of nice movies to her credit, so the principles are in place for a great movie. And there are things about this that are great.
De Niro plays Ben. He is a 70 year-old widower who is finding retirement difficult, so he applies for a senior intern program at a new start up online clothing retailer run by Jules (Hathaway). This is an office of about 200 young people who have no contact with anyone Ben's age. So he is an outcast at first, but in time becomes a fantastic example to those who have never been exposed to a gentleman his age. Including Jules, who finds out she needs Ben to be her balance in life and business, as she is trying to do too many things.
I really like the whole idea of this movie. There aren't many movies that place a real value on the older generation. This story is one of bridging the gap between the generations. It also shows that there may indeed be a place where experience is valued by young people who many need a helping hand, that was not lent to them growing up and being raised by more contemporary parents. This movie does make some loud social commentary about modern parenting, and younger values but is careful not to trash young families. But does show that they truly don't have all the answers either, even though they think they do.
The only real problem here is the length. This is flat out too long. There are a few silly scenes that really have no bearing on our story that could have been left on the editing floor easily. This wanders off base a time or two, but it doesn't destroy this. Overall, I would call this "entertaining." It's just a fun movie to watch.
De Niro continues to reinvent himself in the movies as a kinder, gentler soul. Hathaway makes any movie better, and the supporting cast here is terrific, lead by the lovely Rene Russo and Linda Lavin (where has she been?) . This also a nice, refreshing change for some balance at the theaters right now, and if fine for virtually anyone to see. Great date movie.
The Intern. Nice idea, nice message, and nice movie.
This is a charming and original little movie. But it would have been a bit better if it has been "little-er." This is a comedy and light drama of sorts, that comes in at 2 hours, and that is about 20 minutes too long for this type of movie. This was written and directed by the fabulous Nancy Myers who has a bunch of nice movies to her credit, so the principles are in place for a great movie. And there are things about this that are great.
De Niro plays Ben. He is a 70 year-old widower who is finding retirement difficult, so he applies for a senior intern program at a new start up online clothing retailer run by Jules (Hathaway). This is an office of about 200 young people who have no contact with anyone Ben's age. So he is an outcast at first, but in time becomes a fantastic example to those who have never been exposed to a gentleman his age. Including Jules, who finds out she needs Ben to be her balance in life and business, as she is trying to do too many things.
I really like the whole idea of this movie. There aren't many movies that place a real value on the older generation. This story is one of bridging the gap between the generations. It also shows that there may indeed be a place where experience is valued by young people who many need a helping hand, that was not lent to them growing up and being raised by more contemporary parents. This movie does make some loud social commentary about modern parenting, and younger values but is careful not to trash young families. But does show that they truly don't have all the answers either, even though they think they do.
The only real problem here is the length. This is flat out too long. There are a few silly scenes that really have no bearing on our story that could have been left on the editing floor easily. This wanders off base a time or two, but it doesn't destroy this. Overall, I would call this "entertaining." It's just a fun movie to watch.
De Niro continues to reinvent himself in the movies as a kinder, gentler soul. Hathaway makes any movie better, and the supporting cast here is terrific, lead by the lovely Rene Russo and Linda Lavin (where has she been?) . This also a nice, refreshing change for some balance at the theaters right now, and if fine for virtually anyone to see. Great date movie.
The Intern. Nice idea, nice message, and nice movie.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Black Mass
Here is a great example of a movie you have to stick with to really enjoy. Black Mass has some problems, but in the end it works.
Black Mass is based on the true story of Whitey Bulger, who became a very powerful organized crime leader with the "help" of the FBI. This has great cast, and is a well written piece, but it does get off to a very slow start in its two hour run.
Johnny Depp plays Bulger, and is very good in this large role, and one that is very different for him. Depp plays a character and not a caricature, and pulls is of nicely. This also boasts great actors like Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Benedict Cumberbatch and Peter Sarsgaard. All of our principles are solid, and there is also a very strong supporting cast behind them.
This takes place over about a 15 year period where Bulger came to power with the help of the Boston FBI. One of the main agents in that office was a childhood friend of Bulger and makes a deal with Bulger to be an informant for the FBI, to take down the Boston Italian Mafia. Which they do. Problem is, two agents within the Bureau turn a HUGE blind eye to Bulger and his gang over a long period of time and Bulger becomes very powerful and basically has a free pass to rob, extort and kill anyone he wants.
Well, clearly all things have to end and the noose tightens on Bulger and the FBI. So what happens in the end? How does this all play out for one of the biggest gangsters in US history, and the Boston FBI?
This movie absolutely staggers out of the gate and being honest, is very disjointed at the beginning. You have no real sense of where this is going and that's a problem. But as this goes on, and more characters are developed and introduced this becomes far more interesting and entertaining. This movie does not glorify Bulger, in fact is shows you just how brutal he really was. And how insanely corrupt Boston politics and rogue Federal Agents can be.
But being fair, this does get better as it goes along, but this is an opportunity missed of sorts. It can only climb as high as being good, when everything is there for this to be great. This is a nice comeback for Depp, but this will go down as just another decent movie in a year that average and decent are the rules of the day so far.
Black Mass. Good, not great.
Black Mass is based on the true story of Whitey Bulger, who became a very powerful organized crime leader with the "help" of the FBI. This has great cast, and is a well written piece, but it does get off to a very slow start in its two hour run.
Johnny Depp plays Bulger, and is very good in this large role, and one that is very different for him. Depp plays a character and not a caricature, and pulls is of nicely. This also boasts great actors like Joel Edgerton, Kevin Bacon, Benedict Cumberbatch and Peter Sarsgaard. All of our principles are solid, and there is also a very strong supporting cast behind them.
This takes place over about a 15 year period where Bulger came to power with the help of the Boston FBI. One of the main agents in that office was a childhood friend of Bulger and makes a deal with Bulger to be an informant for the FBI, to take down the Boston Italian Mafia. Which they do. Problem is, two agents within the Bureau turn a HUGE blind eye to Bulger and his gang over a long period of time and Bulger becomes very powerful and basically has a free pass to rob, extort and kill anyone he wants.
Well, clearly all things have to end and the noose tightens on Bulger and the FBI. So what happens in the end? How does this all play out for one of the biggest gangsters in US history, and the Boston FBI?
This movie absolutely staggers out of the gate and being honest, is very disjointed at the beginning. You have no real sense of where this is going and that's a problem. But as this goes on, and more characters are developed and introduced this becomes far more interesting and entertaining. This movie does not glorify Bulger, in fact is shows you just how brutal he really was. And how insanely corrupt Boston politics and rogue Federal Agents can be.
But being fair, this does get better as it goes along, but this is an opportunity missed of sorts. It can only climb as high as being good, when everything is there for this to be great. This is a nice comeback for Depp, but this will go down as just another decent movie in a year that average and decent are the rules of the day so far.
Black Mass. Good, not great.
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Perfect Guy
OK, every once in a while, we write one of these things up and keep it short and sweet because there just isn't much to say. And my mama told me, "If you can't say anything nice, say nothing at all."
The Perfect Guy has found an audience to a degree, and my gut feeling is that much of them would love to have their money back. This is beyond horrible. This is easily going to be one of the worst movies of the year, and will end up on many year end lists. More than likely mine.
This is the story of a beautiful young professional and successful woman and this ex-boyfriend that turns into this horrendous stalker dude. This has been done a thousand times before and done better just as many. The writing of this hunk of junk is so staggeringly bad in every single regard, it is literally laughable. Our characters are thin and amazingly bland. Our villain is so weak, so laughable, so meek, so incredibly bad that he takes the whole thing down with him. There is not one shred of originality in this. You may have a hard time making it to the end.
This does have a nice cast, and they all are completely wasted with the script which can only be described as Junior High caliber. Insanely predictable, not scary, not shocking, not anything except flat out bad. The direction is weak and the editing is very awkward at times. Plus, for the first half of this movie, they have some ridiculous romantic comedy, love story music running that I just could not get my head around. This looks unbelievably small budget and it feels like it too.
The Perfect Guy. Horrible.
The Perfect Guy has found an audience to a degree, and my gut feeling is that much of them would love to have their money back. This is beyond horrible. This is easily going to be one of the worst movies of the year, and will end up on many year end lists. More than likely mine.
This is the story of a beautiful young professional and successful woman and this ex-boyfriend that turns into this horrendous stalker dude. This has been done a thousand times before and done better just as many. The writing of this hunk of junk is so staggeringly bad in every single regard, it is literally laughable. Our characters are thin and amazingly bland. Our villain is so weak, so laughable, so meek, so incredibly bad that he takes the whole thing down with him. There is not one shred of originality in this. You may have a hard time making it to the end.
This does have a nice cast, and they all are completely wasted with the script which can only be described as Junior High caliber. Insanely predictable, not scary, not shocking, not anything except flat out bad. The direction is weak and the editing is very awkward at times. Plus, for the first half of this movie, they have some ridiculous romantic comedy, love story music running that I just could not get my head around. This looks unbelievably small budget and it feels like it too.
The Perfect Guy. Horrible.
Monday, September 14, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Visit
M. Night Shyamalan has had some large successes over the years, and also some terrible failures. His latest attempt is really neither, and that's the problem.
The Visit is a supposedly scary movie that is not really. The audience today couldn't decide if it was silly, or serious. There was some real laughter from the group at the screen, and I'm not convinced there was supposed to be. This movie just lies there, and really takes you nowhere. And pay no attention to all this "huge twist" stuff you've been hearing. It's nothing you won't see coming.
The Visit is the story of a young single mother (Jessica Hahn) and her two kids. She is estranged from her own mom and dad, and her two young kids have never met their grandparents. So, when mom decides to go on a cruise with her new boyfriend, she decides to send her kids to her parents house for a week so they can know each other. Right there, it sounds pretty dumb. Who would do that? Send her kids for a WEEK to someone you, yourself have not had any contact with at all in 15 years? Please!
So as the kids arrive, they find out that old Nana and Pappy are out of their collective minds, and have a sinister plan to kill the kids. Now isn't this a lovely story - Granny and Gramps serial killers of their own grand kids. Fact is, there is a plot twist that deals with this, but it doesn't work all that well. This is simply silly, amazingly uninteresting at best.
Shyamalan has lost a whole lot of his touch from the early days. But being fair, you can't have The Sixth Sense, or Signs every time out, and that's what we expect from him, and we don't get it much anymore. This is just a very forgettable movie, with cliche' performances, made on an adequate budget that simply goes nowhere. This is not scary, or suspenseful, but is mildly entertaining at times.
The Visit. A rental if your bored out of your gourd this fall.
The Visit is a supposedly scary movie that is not really. The audience today couldn't decide if it was silly, or serious. There was some real laughter from the group at the screen, and I'm not convinced there was supposed to be. This movie just lies there, and really takes you nowhere. And pay no attention to all this "huge twist" stuff you've been hearing. It's nothing you won't see coming.
The Visit is the story of a young single mother (Jessica Hahn) and her two kids. She is estranged from her own mom and dad, and her two young kids have never met their grandparents. So, when mom decides to go on a cruise with her new boyfriend, she decides to send her kids to her parents house for a week so they can know each other. Right there, it sounds pretty dumb. Who would do that? Send her kids for a WEEK to someone you, yourself have not had any contact with at all in 15 years? Please!
So as the kids arrive, they find out that old Nana and Pappy are out of their collective minds, and have a sinister plan to kill the kids. Now isn't this a lovely story - Granny and Gramps serial killers of their own grand kids. Fact is, there is a plot twist that deals with this, but it doesn't work all that well. This is simply silly, amazingly uninteresting at best.
Shyamalan has lost a whole lot of his touch from the early days. But being fair, you can't have The Sixth Sense, or Signs every time out, and that's what we expect from him, and we don't get it much anymore. This is just a very forgettable movie, with cliche' performances, made on an adequate budget that simply goes nowhere. This is not scary, or suspenseful, but is mildly entertaining at times.
The Visit. A rental if your bored out of your gourd this fall.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - American Ultra
This is a very interesting movie that really deserves bigger and better audience.
American Ultra is a real nice late summer flick starring Jessie Eisenberg and Kristin Stewart. Being fair, this movie has some of the same stuff as many other movies. It's violent, and it's graphic at times. Plus it takes on the CIA and demonizes them yet again, but that's nothing new in Hollywood. But it also has elements that you have never seen before, with a story that's original and fascinating and fun.
AU is the story of rival factions of the CIA and their long rumored mind-control and mind altering programs with experimentation on real humans. As the competition within the CIA heats up, what program will win out? Who will be promoted, and at what cost will they go to, to finally make the perfect CIA agent. One who can be unstoppable?
Meet Mike (Eisenberg). He is a late 20's stoner who doesn't even know he was an experiment years ago, and has no idea he is the last of the Ultra Program in the CIA. He is capable of far more than he knows. He lives with his stoner girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart). But when the CIA decides to kill him and rid themselves of the final chapter of a seemingly failed program, Mike is "activated" and now becomes virtually invincible to those who would do him harm
AU is fast paced, and very funny at times. This movie is quick and tidy and even though this may not be exciting enough for a large chunk of the movie going public, this is a really entertaining movie. This is very well written, and this story is original. Eisneberg and Stewart have real nice chemistry on screen, and the supporting cast is very strong. Yeah, this is kind of dopey at times, but so is virtually every other Eisenberg movie. I found this to be refreshing, and a real escape from day to day life and from the cookie cutter big action blockbusters that everyone seems to flock to.
American Ultra. Yes, this is set up for more, but I'm not convinced we need more. This is fine, fun and well done.
American Ultra is a real nice late summer flick starring Jessie Eisenberg and Kristin Stewart. Being fair, this movie has some of the same stuff as many other movies. It's violent, and it's graphic at times. Plus it takes on the CIA and demonizes them yet again, but that's nothing new in Hollywood. But it also has elements that you have never seen before, with a story that's original and fascinating and fun.
AU is the story of rival factions of the CIA and their long rumored mind-control and mind altering programs with experimentation on real humans. As the competition within the CIA heats up, what program will win out? Who will be promoted, and at what cost will they go to, to finally make the perfect CIA agent. One who can be unstoppable?
Meet Mike (Eisenberg). He is a late 20's stoner who doesn't even know he was an experiment years ago, and has no idea he is the last of the Ultra Program in the CIA. He is capable of far more than he knows. He lives with his stoner girlfriend Phoebe (Stewart). But when the CIA decides to kill him and rid themselves of the final chapter of a seemingly failed program, Mike is "activated" and now becomes virtually invincible to those who would do him harm
AU is fast paced, and very funny at times. This movie is quick and tidy and even though this may not be exciting enough for a large chunk of the movie going public, this is a really entertaining movie. This is very well written, and this story is original. Eisneberg and Stewart have real nice chemistry on screen, and the supporting cast is very strong. Yeah, this is kind of dopey at times, but so is virtually every other Eisenberg movie. I found this to be refreshing, and a real escape from day to day life and from the cookie cutter big action blockbusters that everyone seems to flock to.
American Ultra. Yes, this is set up for more, but I'm not convinced we need more. This is fine, fun and well done.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Man From UNCLE
More classic TV shows coming to the big screen, and this week it's The Man From UNCLE.
It would appear that they may be trying to catch the same lightning from the same bottle as the Mission Impossible series has. But being honest, they did not. And there is one basic reason why not. There is no star power here at all.
The Man From Uncle TV show from the 1960's was a very interesting concept that was very topical at the time. The Cold War was going on between the United States and The Soviet Union. There was insane distrust, and the world was seemingly on a course to nuclear war between the superpowers. So a secret intelligence agency was formed with the "sort of" cooperation between Russia and the USA, called UNCLE. And there were two of the finest agents from each side working together to root out people worse than themselves to ensure only the Cold War would continue, and not some wild card popping up threatening world "peace."
The agents were Napolean Solo from the USA and Illya Kuryakin, working together at a strange time in history. Great concept, but things are very different in the movie going public today. This movie is set in 1963, and even though it sets it up and explains it pretty well, you still have to have some Cold War knowledge to really get it. For the record, I liked this movie. I thought it was pretty well done, and captured the TV show pretty darn well with it's overall presentation. But there is no one to draw you in. This stars Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer as our agents, and sadly, they bring in no one. And sadly again, neither does the premise on today's movie going public, thus the sad opening of 13 million.
But this is pretty good. Yes, it is draggy in a few areas, and some of this story gets away from them a time or two, but this does have the Mission Impossible feel, and of course they all can track their roots back to James Bond movies. This has a nice villain, a decent story and some real fun humor to ensure that this won't take itself too seriously. But does all this sound familiar? Yes. They are simply late to the party. Very late. Been there, and done that.
The Man From UNCLE. For those who go to see it, it's a hit. But there's not enough interest to save it.
It would appear that they may be trying to catch the same lightning from the same bottle as the Mission Impossible series has. But being honest, they did not. And there is one basic reason why not. There is no star power here at all.
The Man From Uncle TV show from the 1960's was a very interesting concept that was very topical at the time. The Cold War was going on between the United States and The Soviet Union. There was insane distrust, and the world was seemingly on a course to nuclear war between the superpowers. So a secret intelligence agency was formed with the "sort of" cooperation between Russia and the USA, called UNCLE. And there were two of the finest agents from each side working together to root out people worse than themselves to ensure only the Cold War would continue, and not some wild card popping up threatening world "peace."
The agents were Napolean Solo from the USA and Illya Kuryakin, working together at a strange time in history. Great concept, but things are very different in the movie going public today. This movie is set in 1963, and even though it sets it up and explains it pretty well, you still have to have some Cold War knowledge to really get it. For the record, I liked this movie. I thought it was pretty well done, and captured the TV show pretty darn well with it's overall presentation. But there is no one to draw you in. This stars Henry Cavill and Armie Hammer as our agents, and sadly, they bring in no one. And sadly again, neither does the premise on today's movie going public, thus the sad opening of 13 million.
But this is pretty good. Yes, it is draggy in a few areas, and some of this story gets away from them a time or two, but this does have the Mission Impossible feel, and of course they all can track their roots back to James Bond movies. This has a nice villain, a decent story and some real fun humor to ensure that this won't take itself too seriously. But does all this sound familiar? Yes. They are simply late to the party. Very late. Been there, and done that.
The Man From UNCLE. For those who go to see it, it's a hit. But there's not enough interest to save it.
Friday, August 7, 2015
MOVIE REVEW - The Gift
Please welcome the creepiest movie of the summer, or any summer. The new thriller, The Gift is here to totally creep you out.
And it does! The Gift is a really terrific movie that finds your spine and gives it a twist like it hasn't had in a while. This movie is a great example of a story that understands what would be scary to you and capitalizes on it wonderfully.
This was written, directed and starred in by Joel Edgerton who's character Gordo, is nothing short of creepy and very authentic. Gordo is a 40 ish year old single guy who stumbles across an old high school friend Simon (Jason Bateman). Gordo is an exceptionally awkward veteran who decides to befriend Simon and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall), whether they like it or not. He chronically shows up unannounced and leaves a series of basically inappropriate gifts on their doorstep. But why?
Gordo seems to be hiding a secret or two, and so is Simon. Why is Gordo stalking them? And why can't Simon get him to stop? And why does Robyn seem to have a great deal of empathy for Gordo? These are fair questions, and are all answered nicely in this very well written, and directed script.
This movie has something to say, and that is very refreshing in today's scary movie making. Most, if not all don't. This does not rely and any special effects, blood, gore or silly storytelling. This finds a plot theme, and goes with it. And this is thoroughly topical for today's movie going public. Plus, after you see this, you may wonder if you really do know your spouse, or the people they bring with them. (No one may ever get married again after seeing this)
The Gift puts you on a slow burn that is hard to turn off. You simmer for a while and wonder where its really going. You may have heard of a major twist in this, and there is one. But you may figure it out like I did, if you pay close attention. This is a movie where you shouldn't get up to buy anything, or hit the bathroom, as there are many nuances to it, and shouldn't be missed.
The Gift. One of the really nice surprises so far in 2015. Well, well done.
And it does! The Gift is a really terrific movie that finds your spine and gives it a twist like it hasn't had in a while. This movie is a great example of a story that understands what would be scary to you and capitalizes on it wonderfully.
This was written, directed and starred in by Joel Edgerton who's character Gordo, is nothing short of creepy and very authentic. Gordo is a 40 ish year old single guy who stumbles across an old high school friend Simon (Jason Bateman). Gordo is an exceptionally awkward veteran who decides to befriend Simon and his wife Robyn (Rebecca Hall), whether they like it or not. He chronically shows up unannounced and leaves a series of basically inappropriate gifts on their doorstep. But why?
Gordo seems to be hiding a secret or two, and so is Simon. Why is Gordo stalking them? And why can't Simon get him to stop? And why does Robyn seem to have a great deal of empathy for Gordo? These are fair questions, and are all answered nicely in this very well written, and directed script.
This movie has something to say, and that is very refreshing in today's scary movie making. Most, if not all don't. This does not rely and any special effects, blood, gore or silly storytelling. This finds a plot theme, and goes with it. And this is thoroughly topical for today's movie going public. Plus, after you see this, you may wonder if you really do know your spouse, or the people they bring with them. (No one may ever get married again after seeing this)
The Gift puts you on a slow burn that is hard to turn off. You simmer for a while and wonder where its really going. You may have heard of a major twist in this, and there is one. But you may figure it out like I did, if you pay close attention. This is a movie where you shouldn't get up to buy anything, or hit the bathroom, as there are many nuances to it, and shouldn't be missed.
The Gift. One of the really nice surprises so far in 2015. Well, well done.
MOVIE REVIEW - Vacation
Here comes another movie series reboot, the Chevy Chase generational classic, Vacation.
To say that this probably shouldn't have been done would be an understatement. Being honest, there are far worse movies than this out there. This, overall is not very good but you and I have each seen worse. Much worse.
One of the main reasons this was needless is that the original from 1983 with Chase and crew, still stands up pretty well for what it is. The original Vacation has been enjoyed by a few generations now, and everyone seems to agree that it's still very funny no matter what age you are. This is simply an attempt to attract a new audience for this series, and ironically seems far more comfortable with the original one. This, in the grand scheme of things did very poorly in it's opening weekend with a measly 14 million for an attempted money grab.
This version stars Ed Helms as Rusty. He is now the grown son from the original story and is just as big of buffoon as his dad was. And he is trekking his family across the country on a road trip to Wallyworld again. Been here, and done that. Being fair there are some decent laughs from time to time but not nearly enough to warrant this remake.
Easily the funniest moments stem from the movie lampooning itself. They do make fun of the fact that there was an original and that is pretty funny. Also, there is some scene recreating from the original that have new twists and some of those are really funny. Quick, but funny. They also do create some funny new characters, especially the kids, and they help give this some new life.
But the big sellout just can't be avoided. Any real originality on an old idea sells out to a large amount of nastiness and bathroom humor galore. But even that is simply old and tired rehashed ideas from other movies that have been done to death. And that directly flies in the face of the original which was loaded with so much originality, the very formula has been copied for 30 plus years. This version is simply an old idea, that has no new ideas to offer. I would have suggested that if they would have remastered the original from 1983, and stuck it back in theaters, they may have brought in about the same amount of money opening weekend.
Vacation. Funny in spots, but not enough to stand firmly on it's own.
To say that this probably shouldn't have been done would be an understatement. Being honest, there are far worse movies than this out there. This, overall is not very good but you and I have each seen worse. Much worse.
One of the main reasons this was needless is that the original from 1983 with Chase and crew, still stands up pretty well for what it is. The original Vacation has been enjoyed by a few generations now, and everyone seems to agree that it's still very funny no matter what age you are. This is simply an attempt to attract a new audience for this series, and ironically seems far more comfortable with the original one. This, in the grand scheme of things did very poorly in it's opening weekend with a measly 14 million for an attempted money grab.
This version stars Ed Helms as Rusty. He is now the grown son from the original story and is just as big of buffoon as his dad was. And he is trekking his family across the country on a road trip to Wallyworld again. Been here, and done that. Being fair there are some decent laughs from time to time but not nearly enough to warrant this remake.
Easily the funniest moments stem from the movie lampooning itself. They do make fun of the fact that there was an original and that is pretty funny. Also, there is some scene recreating from the original that have new twists and some of those are really funny. Quick, but funny. They also do create some funny new characters, especially the kids, and they help give this some new life.
But the big sellout just can't be avoided. Any real originality on an old idea sells out to a large amount of nastiness and bathroom humor galore. But even that is simply old and tired rehashed ideas from other movies that have been done to death. And that directly flies in the face of the original which was loaded with so much originality, the very formula has been copied for 30 plus years. This version is simply an old idea, that has no new ideas to offer. I would have suggested that if they would have remastered the original from 1983, and stuck it back in theaters, they may have brought in about the same amount of money opening weekend.
Vacation. Funny in spots, but not enough to stand firmly on it's own.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - MIssion Impossible: Rogue Nation
They keep making Mission Impossible flicks, and we keep going. And that's a good thing.
This franchise has been very good to Tom Cruise over the years and with good reason. These are pretty darn good movies. These are basically fun, and entertaining along with being relatively exciting and on target topically. Being honest all of these movies in this franchise are about 20 minutes too long, including this one. But it's not a deal breaker.
In this installment, the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) is under fire from the CIA. They want the IMF disbanded and all of it's assets given to the CIA. They maintain that the IMF has gone rogue and can no longer be trusted to work in the best interest of national security. It's simply a power grab.
But the truth is, there is a rogue group out there causing world wide panic, and seem to be mirroring the IMF and other various intelligence agencies. The IMF is catching the heat, and is ordered disbanded. But our hero Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is still out there at large, and is hell bent on crushing the terrorist organization despite the cease order, on his own and save the IMF.
This is a totally entertaining movie that is well written and borrows many elements from James Bond. They have successfully created a very likeable hero in Hunt. And in movie after movie they continue to be smart and develop really nice villains that give movies like this real legs. This is full of incredible stunts, terrific chase scenes and action galore.
The supporting cast of Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin and Rebecca Ferguson is really strong. Ferguson especially is a great addition as she plays a real slick British Intelligence agent with incredible skills and a love thing for Hunt. Hoping she returns in the movies ahead as they have left that door open.
The stunt you see on the trailer of Cruise hanging on the side of a flying airplane on the outside is absolutely amazing. Seems all of these movies have their signature scene and this is theirs. Well done and totally enthralling. A wonderful and driving authentic music soundtrack adds a lot as well and it's always great to hear one of TV's greatest theme songs updated every few years.
Mission Impossible:Rogue Nation. It's good!
This franchise has been very good to Tom Cruise over the years and with good reason. These are pretty darn good movies. These are basically fun, and entertaining along with being relatively exciting and on target topically. Being honest all of these movies in this franchise are about 20 minutes too long, including this one. But it's not a deal breaker.
In this installment, the Impossible Mission Force (IMF) is under fire from the CIA. They want the IMF disbanded and all of it's assets given to the CIA. They maintain that the IMF has gone rogue and can no longer be trusted to work in the best interest of national security. It's simply a power grab.
But the truth is, there is a rogue group out there causing world wide panic, and seem to be mirroring the IMF and other various intelligence agencies. The IMF is catching the heat, and is ordered disbanded. But our hero Ethan Hunt (Cruise) is still out there at large, and is hell bent on crushing the terrorist organization despite the cease order, on his own and save the IMF.
This is a totally entertaining movie that is well written and borrows many elements from James Bond. They have successfully created a very likeable hero in Hunt. And in movie after movie they continue to be smart and develop really nice villains that give movies like this real legs. This is full of incredible stunts, terrific chase scenes and action galore.
The supporting cast of Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Jeremy Renner, Alec Baldwin and Rebecca Ferguson is really strong. Ferguson especially is a great addition as she plays a real slick British Intelligence agent with incredible skills and a love thing for Hunt. Hoping she returns in the movies ahead as they have left that door open.
The stunt you see on the trailer of Cruise hanging on the side of a flying airplane on the outside is absolutely amazing. Seems all of these movies have their signature scene and this is theirs. Well done and totally enthralling. A wonderful and driving authentic music soundtrack adds a lot as well and it's always great to hear one of TV's greatest theme songs updated every few years.
Mission Impossible:Rogue Nation. It's good!
Saturday, July 25, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Southpaw
The new boxing drama, Southpaw is out this week with an all-star cast and a ton of buzz.
This is directed by one of the really hot directors these days in Hollywood, Antoine Fuqua, and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, and Rachel McAdams. So everything seems to be in order for a really good movie. And that is sort of true.
Southpaw a bit over two hours and being fair, about ninety minutes of this is thoroughly depressing and for the most part painfully slow. But being fair again, this movie does make a new move near the end, and does finish with an emotional flurry that saves this from being one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
This is the fictional story of a boxer named Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal). He is married to Maureen (McAdams). He is the light heavyweight champion of the world and is a ticking time bomb mentally. His fighting style is self-destructive and so is his personality. His short temper, fueled by his poor upbringing are his worst enemy in life, as well as his biggest asset in the ring. This combination leads him into a situation ends up with the death of his wife, and Billy becomes unglued.
He looses everything. All his money, possessions, his dignity and his young daughter to social services. So, he must figure out how to get her back, and find his way back to the top, or at least to a normal life. He hires an old goat of a boxing trainer Ted, (Whitaker), to help him find his way back. But will Ted do it? And will Billy accept the challenge?
There is a lot very underachieving about this flick. This is very slow, and very dark and depressing for much of the first hour especially. In fact, you may find yourself checking out of this early. But if you hang with it, there is a nice finish. This movie gets a real shot in the arm that it desperately needs from the introduction of Whitaker into it. But that takes a while, in fact entirely too long. His character and his performance is without question the best thing in this movie. Most movies are better with him in it.
But the last thirty minutes is darn good, and very emotional that will speak directly to many patrons who go, who know nothing about boxing. The relationship between our characters becomes very intense, especially between Billy and his daughter. This is a more modern version of a Rocky type movie, with new camera techniques, and a solid soundtrack that features the likes of Eminem. Somehow Fuqua finds a way to bore us and send us into the doldrums for most of this, but he also finds a way to pay us off handsomely at the end.
Southpaw. Add it all up, and it just is another movie that really should have been better than it is.
This is directed by one of the really hot directors these days in Hollywood, Antoine Fuqua, and stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Forest Whitaker, and Rachel McAdams. So everything seems to be in order for a really good movie. And that is sort of true.
Southpaw a bit over two hours and being fair, about ninety minutes of this is thoroughly depressing and for the most part painfully slow. But being fair again, this movie does make a new move near the end, and does finish with an emotional flurry that saves this from being one of the biggest disappointments of the year.
This is the fictional story of a boxer named Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal). He is married to Maureen (McAdams). He is the light heavyweight champion of the world and is a ticking time bomb mentally. His fighting style is self-destructive and so is his personality. His short temper, fueled by his poor upbringing are his worst enemy in life, as well as his biggest asset in the ring. This combination leads him into a situation ends up with the death of his wife, and Billy becomes unglued.
He looses everything. All his money, possessions, his dignity and his young daughter to social services. So, he must figure out how to get her back, and find his way back to the top, or at least to a normal life. He hires an old goat of a boxing trainer Ted, (Whitaker), to help him find his way back. But will Ted do it? And will Billy accept the challenge?
There is a lot very underachieving about this flick. This is very slow, and very dark and depressing for much of the first hour especially. In fact, you may find yourself checking out of this early. But if you hang with it, there is a nice finish. This movie gets a real shot in the arm that it desperately needs from the introduction of Whitaker into it. But that takes a while, in fact entirely too long. His character and his performance is without question the best thing in this movie. Most movies are better with him in it.
But the last thirty minutes is darn good, and very emotional that will speak directly to many patrons who go, who know nothing about boxing. The relationship between our characters becomes very intense, especially between Billy and his daughter. This is a more modern version of a Rocky type movie, with new camera techniques, and a solid soundtrack that features the likes of Eminem. Somehow Fuqua finds a way to bore us and send us into the doldrums for most of this, but he also finds a way to pay us off handsomely at the end.
Southpaw. Add it all up, and it just is another movie that really should have been better than it is.
Friday, July 17, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Trainwreck
Lots of buzz about the new Amy Schumer written comedy, and Judd Apatow directed, Trainwreck.
Have to admit, in an era when comedies have fallen by the wayside for the most part, this is a pretty darn funny and topical movie that will absolutely speak directly to a generation. Although very edgy, this is done very well.
This is the story of Amy (Schumer). She is a 30ish young professional woman living in New York City. She comes from a broken home with a womanizing father, and she and her sister are left to go on with their lives. Her sister has taken a more even path. Getting married, and becoming a step mother, and also is having a baby of her own. Amy is a hard drinking, hard partying, extremely sexually active woman who pays little attention to who she sleeps with. Amy has never really grown up, and relies on her extreme lifestyle for all of her enjoyment, and has little time for people or any real intimacy.
She meets Aaron (Bill Hader), who is a very talented doctor of the star athletes during an interview as she is writing an article on him. They hit is off, and end up sleeping together, and eventually dating. Problem is, Amy is not emotionally available to him and two worlds collide. Aaron is grown up and Amy is not. Can they work out their problems in this modern romantic comedy? And yes, it's been a long time since When Harry Met Sally, or Sleepless in Seattle, but this is a great example of how good romantic comedies still can be if done properly.
This movie does a really nice job of addressing the issues and the pitfalls members of Schumer's age group have endured along the way. This is topical, and right on target. This is a bit offensive at times to some, but overall they do a nice job of throttling back on the amount of raunchiness that I was sure was on the way. Yes, this is edgy at times, and pushes an envelope or two, but nothing really blows by the line at 100 mph, and that's to its credit. You do feel the whole time, they are checking themselves to make a different kind of movie. Contemporary, but not too far gone.
Schumer is nice fresh face on the screen, and handles this first real starring role quite well. It's a long way from her standup as an actress, but it's still her. You can feel though that this might be her new thing, and she may find future roles limiting and play the same character. There are a ton of cameos in this movie, including Lebron James who is entertaining in his small role. Seeing him as we never have before.
This is quite funny from start to finish. There is not a signature scene here like many comedies, this is just consistently entertaining. It does grow a heart after a while, and allows are characters to be so, and not simply caricatures. That was a great decision. You root for our stars, and find them generally likeable through their flaws. This is well written, and well done.
Trainwreck. Not for everyone, but overall this is pretty fun stuff.
Have to admit, in an era when comedies have fallen by the wayside for the most part, this is a pretty darn funny and topical movie that will absolutely speak directly to a generation. Although very edgy, this is done very well.
This is the story of Amy (Schumer). She is a 30ish young professional woman living in New York City. She comes from a broken home with a womanizing father, and she and her sister are left to go on with their lives. Her sister has taken a more even path. Getting married, and becoming a step mother, and also is having a baby of her own. Amy is a hard drinking, hard partying, extremely sexually active woman who pays little attention to who she sleeps with. Amy has never really grown up, and relies on her extreme lifestyle for all of her enjoyment, and has little time for people or any real intimacy.
She meets Aaron (Bill Hader), who is a very talented doctor of the star athletes during an interview as she is writing an article on him. They hit is off, and end up sleeping together, and eventually dating. Problem is, Amy is not emotionally available to him and two worlds collide. Aaron is grown up and Amy is not. Can they work out their problems in this modern romantic comedy? And yes, it's been a long time since When Harry Met Sally, or Sleepless in Seattle, but this is a great example of how good romantic comedies still can be if done properly.
This movie does a really nice job of addressing the issues and the pitfalls members of Schumer's age group have endured along the way. This is topical, and right on target. This is a bit offensive at times to some, but overall they do a nice job of throttling back on the amount of raunchiness that I was sure was on the way. Yes, this is edgy at times, and pushes an envelope or two, but nothing really blows by the line at 100 mph, and that's to its credit. You do feel the whole time, they are checking themselves to make a different kind of movie. Contemporary, but not too far gone.
Schumer is nice fresh face on the screen, and handles this first real starring role quite well. It's a long way from her standup as an actress, but it's still her. You can feel though that this might be her new thing, and she may find future roles limiting and play the same character. There are a ton of cameos in this movie, including Lebron James who is entertaining in his small role. Seeing him as we never have before.
This is quite funny from start to finish. There is not a signature scene here like many comedies, this is just consistently entertaining. It does grow a heart after a while, and allows are characters to be so, and not simply caricatures. That was a great decision. You root for our stars, and find them generally likeable through their flaws. This is well written, and well done.
Trainwreck. Not for everyone, but overall this is pretty fun stuff.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - The Gallows
Summer time means scary teen movies that are supposed to draw large dollars, and create repeat visits by patrons at the movies. This will do neither one.
The Gallows is another attempt to start a series that looks like about 20 other franchises. They try to create a character that is dead, and his spirit lives on to terrorize those left behind for some reason. And he goes on a teen killing rampage because...well they are there... and they are always stupid enough to put them selves in harms way for no apparent reason.
This is the story of a high school that in 1993 put on a play called The Gallows. During the live performance, the hanging scene goes horribly wrong, and a student is actually hung in front of a live audience. Now his ghost, or spirit or whatever the heck it is, is back and haunting the school again.
And the reason is beyond ridiculous. For some reason, the same high school thinks it's a good idea to put on a 20th anniversary edition of The Gallows again in 2013. (What school would even consider that??) But as we move on they do, and the killing begins. Yes, this is set up for more to be made and we can all just sit around and hope this doesn't happen.
You have seen his movie in one way shape or form about a thousand times before. There is not one shred of originality here, and being honest, not one scary moment. This is one or those hand held herky-jerky (Blair Witch / Paranormal Activity) type of movie which also makes this fatiguing to watch. Can we just put an end to all of this please? This is just dumb and hard to watch, thankfully only 80 minutes.
The Gallows. Stop! Please!
The Gallows is another attempt to start a series that looks like about 20 other franchises. They try to create a character that is dead, and his spirit lives on to terrorize those left behind for some reason. And he goes on a teen killing rampage because...well they are there... and they are always stupid enough to put them selves in harms way for no apparent reason.
This is the story of a high school that in 1993 put on a play called The Gallows. During the live performance, the hanging scene goes horribly wrong, and a student is actually hung in front of a live audience. Now his ghost, or spirit or whatever the heck it is, is back and haunting the school again.
And the reason is beyond ridiculous. For some reason, the same high school thinks it's a good idea to put on a 20th anniversary edition of The Gallows again in 2013. (What school would even consider that??) But as we move on they do, and the killing begins. Yes, this is set up for more to be made and we can all just sit around and hope this doesn't happen.
You have seen his movie in one way shape or form about a thousand times before. There is not one shred of originality here, and being honest, not one scary moment. This is one or those hand held herky-jerky (Blair Witch / Paranormal Activity) type of movie which also makes this fatiguing to watch. Can we just put an end to all of this please? This is just dumb and hard to watch, thankfully only 80 minutes.
The Gallows. Stop! Please!
MOVIE REVIEW - Self / Less
Among all the big action and comedy flicks out this summer, there is a drama or two. A shame there isn't a better one.
Self / Less is a drama that on the surface appears to be a pretty interesting idea, but it fizzles shortly after the opening credits. This stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Kingsley, but it doesn't matter. All that does his have two darn good actors, performing in this dreadfully slow piece. And when I say slow, I mean slow.
S/L is the story of a rich New York City tycoon named Damien (Kingsley). He is dying of lung cancer and since he has unlimited funds, he hears of this new procedure called "shedding." It is a highly covert medical operation where the healthy mind of a dying person is put into a new "biologically engineered" new body to live on. When you have this done, you can have no contact with any part of your old life. You also have to take anti-rejection meds to keep you sane.
Damien has the procedure done, and ends up in the body of "Mark" (Reynolds). Problem is, we find out that these newer bodies are not engineered at all. When in fact they are other bodies that somehow end up dead and available for shedding. These doctors are not good people and they will go to great lengths to protect their secret, and business. So the action is on, that is Self / Less.
Problem is, this is so painfully slow you really don't know what to do with yourself. To say this is boring is being incredibly kind. This is a series of dull scenes, with whispered dialogue, and insanely stiff as this is supposed to be compelling to us. Clearly, this is a movie designed to make you think about medicine, and the ethics and morality of those ambitious enough to attempt to manipulate life.
But it's all you can to to stay awake during this thing, let alone think about it ramifications and the message it is trying to convey. Let's just call this a waste of time, money and talent and move on to the next thing as fast as we can.
Self / Less . This just does not work. A sleeping pill special.
Self / Less is a drama that on the surface appears to be a pretty interesting idea, but it fizzles shortly after the opening credits. This stars Ryan Reynolds and Ben Kingsley, but it doesn't matter. All that does his have two darn good actors, performing in this dreadfully slow piece. And when I say slow, I mean slow.
S/L is the story of a rich New York City tycoon named Damien (Kingsley). He is dying of lung cancer and since he has unlimited funds, he hears of this new procedure called "shedding." It is a highly covert medical operation where the healthy mind of a dying person is put into a new "biologically engineered" new body to live on. When you have this done, you can have no contact with any part of your old life. You also have to take anti-rejection meds to keep you sane.
Damien has the procedure done, and ends up in the body of "Mark" (Reynolds). Problem is, we find out that these newer bodies are not engineered at all. When in fact they are other bodies that somehow end up dead and available for shedding. These doctors are not good people and they will go to great lengths to protect their secret, and business. So the action is on, that is Self / Less.
Problem is, this is so painfully slow you really don't know what to do with yourself. To say this is boring is being incredibly kind. This is a series of dull scenes, with whispered dialogue, and insanely stiff as this is supposed to be compelling to us. Clearly, this is a movie designed to make you think about medicine, and the ethics and morality of those ambitious enough to attempt to manipulate life.
But it's all you can to to stay awake during this thing, let alone think about it ramifications and the message it is trying to convey. Let's just call this a waste of time, money and talent and move on to the next thing as fast as we can.
Self / Less . This just does not work. A sleeping pill special.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Terminator: Genisys
The Terminator series has been cranked up again, and although it's harmless enough this is an expensive money grab. That's all.
This movie was made for one reason and one reason only. To reboot this series and simply introduce it as an original idea to a new generation of movie fans that were not born when the originals were out. Being honest, this is not really a bad movie. There is some to like. The effects are great of course. The action is fine, and the story has some new twists and turns that keep you in the game.
Problem is, the whole time is just reeks of making a movie for no other reason to give Arnold Schwarzenegger a job, and make a ton of money hopefully from a new box office generation and some from those who remember the glory days of this series.
As much as they try, there really is nothing hew here to get excited about. The war with the machines is trying to be avoided by protecting Sarah Conner who hasn't given birth to the leader of the resistance yet, by time travel. Then there is time travel here, and there, and everywhere....enough please.
This movie tries to be smarter than the originals, but it's not. It tries to be original, but it can't. And it tries to be up dated, but it isn't. There is nothing wrong with the originals, and this is simply new box office fodder to try to profit off and old idea again. I say, save a ton of production costs and put the originals back in theaters with them digitally enhanced. They would do just as well, and be far more entertaining as they were made by far more skilled filmmakers.
Terminator:Genisys. A rental if you must in 90 days.
This movie was made for one reason and one reason only. To reboot this series and simply introduce it as an original idea to a new generation of movie fans that were not born when the originals were out. Being honest, this is not really a bad movie. There is some to like. The effects are great of course. The action is fine, and the story has some new twists and turns that keep you in the game.
Problem is, the whole time is just reeks of making a movie for no other reason to give Arnold Schwarzenegger a job, and make a ton of money hopefully from a new box office generation and some from those who remember the glory days of this series.
As much as they try, there really is nothing hew here to get excited about. The war with the machines is trying to be avoided by protecting Sarah Conner who hasn't given birth to the leader of the resistance yet, by time travel. Then there is time travel here, and there, and everywhere....enough please.
This movie tries to be smarter than the originals, but it's not. It tries to be original, but it can't. And it tries to be up dated, but it isn't. There is nothing wrong with the originals, and this is simply new box office fodder to try to profit off and old idea again. I say, save a ton of production costs and put the originals back in theaters with them digitally enhanced. They would do just as well, and be far more entertaining as they were made by far more skilled filmmakers.
Terminator:Genisys. A rental if you must in 90 days.
MOVIE REVIEW - Max
Max is the new movie about a wonderful military dog named Max who is suffering from PTSD. This is a very original and good idea. Too bad the writers went ahead and messed the entire premise up.
This great idea needed to be turned over to a much more in touch, and skilled set of writers who would have been far more interested in making a good family movie and not ones intent on grinding their own personal ax. All at a dogs expense. To say this was a wonderful idea thrown away, is the understatement of the movie year so far.
Max is in the Middle East with his marine handler Kyle, when the marine is killed in a firefight. Max survives and returns to America where the family of the fallen marine adopts him and his younger and troubled brother takes him over. Max is troubled, and is suffering too. The whole idea is for Max to somehow bring this family together and find himself again, all while honoring the memory of Kyle. At least that should have been the idea.
Instead, the writers demonize the military. They develop a subplot where a returning marine who was a friend of Kyles lies to the family about Kyle's death. Then proceeds to use the family for money, and a location so he can run an arms running racket to the Mexican Drug Cartel. He then kidnaps Kyles father and is bound and determined to kill him because he knows too much. The marine also wants to kill the younger brother, Max and the rest of the brothers 14 year old friends by executing them. What the heck are we doing?????
Also they make the marines in this country look like a bunch of boneheads, as they give "classified" information to a 14 year old they hardly know and asks him "not to tell anyone or I could get in big trouble". And they somehow can't even handle a dog on a leash. This movie also makes law enforcement look like dunderheads as well at many and various times during this agonizing film. What a great idea wasted on a few complete and total boneheaded writers.
This movie is ridiculously violent for a PG-13, where kids and animals are continuously in dire peril. Long dog fighting scenes that are brutal and downright sad. 14 year old's are encouraged to take on the gun and machine gun toting drug cartel with bicycles and a dog. What are these morons thinking??
The character of Max is developed nicely and is easily the best thing in this movie. The actual dog, (or dogs) bring a real nice character to life that you understand and like. That is well done, but that's where I will stop and tell you this is simply good idea flushed down the can.
Max. Idiotic writers. Sad and lousy product that started out as a really good idea.
This great idea needed to be turned over to a much more in touch, and skilled set of writers who would have been far more interested in making a good family movie and not ones intent on grinding their own personal ax. All at a dogs expense. To say this was a wonderful idea thrown away, is the understatement of the movie year so far.
Max is in the Middle East with his marine handler Kyle, when the marine is killed in a firefight. Max survives and returns to America where the family of the fallen marine adopts him and his younger and troubled brother takes him over. Max is troubled, and is suffering too. The whole idea is for Max to somehow bring this family together and find himself again, all while honoring the memory of Kyle. At least that should have been the idea.
Instead, the writers demonize the military. They develop a subplot where a returning marine who was a friend of Kyles lies to the family about Kyle's death. Then proceeds to use the family for money, and a location so he can run an arms running racket to the Mexican Drug Cartel. He then kidnaps Kyles father and is bound and determined to kill him because he knows too much. The marine also wants to kill the younger brother, Max and the rest of the brothers 14 year old friends by executing them. What the heck are we doing?????
Also they make the marines in this country look like a bunch of boneheads, as they give "classified" information to a 14 year old they hardly know and asks him "not to tell anyone or I could get in big trouble". And they somehow can't even handle a dog on a leash. This movie also makes law enforcement look like dunderheads as well at many and various times during this agonizing film. What a great idea wasted on a few complete and total boneheaded writers.
This movie is ridiculously violent for a PG-13, where kids and animals are continuously in dire peril. Long dog fighting scenes that are brutal and downright sad. 14 year old's are encouraged to take on the gun and machine gun toting drug cartel with bicycles and a dog. What are these morons thinking??
The character of Max is developed nicely and is easily the best thing in this movie. The actual dog, (or dogs) bring a real nice character to life that you understand and like. That is well done, but that's where I will stop and tell you this is simply good idea flushed down the can.
Max. Idiotic writers. Sad and lousy product that started out as a really good idea.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Ted 2
Sequels are a tricky thing sometimes. And the new Seth MacFarlane sequel Ted 2, is suffering from just that.
The offensive, wise cracking teddy bear is back, and being honest there are some really hilarious moments and lines in this movie. I mean laugh out loud funny. But they are few and far between, and mostly this shows there are only so many offensive things that a teddy bear can say and do. It is much like the original. And being honest again, this sequel is far more offensive than the original.
In this edition, Ted is involved in a court case where they are saying he is not a person. He wants to become a father with his new human wife, and they need to either adopt or go artificial. That whole basic premise is stupid to say the least, but who cares? The core audience that goes to see this could care less about that. They just want to hear Ted be funny, offensive and they want to see him to drugs and be the life of the party. And he is!
The main problem with this movie is simply it doesn't match up with what it preaches. It's a story about what it means to be human, but it could not have less soul. It just swims on the surface where it's safe and doesn't dare to go deeper. It simply sells out the lowest bidder again. I did love some of the really funny cameos in this movie, and much of the satire and parody of current life and pop culture was pretty darn funny.
Word of caution. I saw a few very young patrons (under 10 years of age or so) at the theater today and it baffled me. Yes, they were with their parents, but in all honesty this is so insanely offensive it is amazingly not for children. This a laced with hard, harsh profane language and incredibly offensive terms and labels. Plus, there is a ton of recreational drug use, and other highly adult visuals that young viewers will certainly be curious about. Just sayin'.
The trailer you'll see and the movie you get are two different things. And don't let the cute talking bear thing fool you. This is harsh, and sometimes very funny stuff, but it is nothing short of highly adult.
Ted 2. On par with the first. Funny at times, but more of the same.
The offensive, wise cracking teddy bear is back, and being honest there are some really hilarious moments and lines in this movie. I mean laugh out loud funny. But they are few and far between, and mostly this shows there are only so many offensive things that a teddy bear can say and do. It is much like the original. And being honest again, this sequel is far more offensive than the original.
In this edition, Ted is involved in a court case where they are saying he is not a person. He wants to become a father with his new human wife, and they need to either adopt or go artificial. That whole basic premise is stupid to say the least, but who cares? The core audience that goes to see this could care less about that. They just want to hear Ted be funny, offensive and they want to see him to drugs and be the life of the party. And he is!
The main problem with this movie is simply it doesn't match up with what it preaches. It's a story about what it means to be human, but it could not have less soul. It just swims on the surface where it's safe and doesn't dare to go deeper. It simply sells out the lowest bidder again. I did love some of the really funny cameos in this movie, and much of the satire and parody of current life and pop culture was pretty darn funny.
Word of caution. I saw a few very young patrons (under 10 years of age or so) at the theater today and it baffled me. Yes, they were with their parents, but in all honesty this is so insanely offensive it is amazingly not for children. This a laced with hard, harsh profane language and incredibly offensive terms and labels. Plus, there is a ton of recreational drug use, and other highly adult visuals that young viewers will certainly be curious about. Just sayin'.
The trailer you'll see and the movie you get are two different things. And don't let the cute talking bear thing fool you. This is harsh, and sometimes very funny stuff, but it is nothing short of highly adult.
Ted 2. On par with the first. Funny at times, but more of the same.
Monday, June 22, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Dope
Dope is an interesting new movie that takes us on a journey that we really haven't been on in a long time.
Dope is a wonderfully written script that translates very well to then screen. The story here is a good one, and to me that's where every good movie really starts. With a good story, and an original script. It dares to take us way inside the horrible drug culture that has taken over many suburbs of America, and do it with some drama and some comedy. All the while not losing it focus.
It's the story of three young high school seniors deep in the inner city of Inglewood, California who call themselves, "geeks." All are extremely intelligent. Their city has been taken over by the worst drug culture imaginable. Our three just want to go to college, and break free from their roots there. But they find that is far easier said than done. The long fingers of the drug culture stretch a long way. And somehow, no matter how hard our three try, they find themselves compromised and involved in the world they are trying to escape.
But the star of this movie is the story, and the amazingly creative turn this movie takes to show them the way out. I have to admit that some of this was leaving me a bit flat until it got really smart, and went in an entirely new direction that elevates this from good to very, very good.
This is not for everyone. This could be very offensive to many was the dialogue is written in the lingo of the area. Lots of offensive slang, and harsh language. But that does give this it's authenticity that it needs. Not very violent with most of it implied. This is a hard R rating and that is well deserved. A terrific music soundtrack helps give this a real slick pace as well. Fine performances and great character development make this sing right along too.
Dope. Not for all, but for some this is very good.
Dope is a wonderfully written script that translates very well to then screen. The story here is a good one, and to me that's where every good movie really starts. With a good story, and an original script. It dares to take us way inside the horrible drug culture that has taken over many suburbs of America, and do it with some drama and some comedy. All the while not losing it focus.
It's the story of three young high school seniors deep in the inner city of Inglewood, California who call themselves, "geeks." All are extremely intelligent. Their city has been taken over by the worst drug culture imaginable. Our three just want to go to college, and break free from their roots there. But they find that is far easier said than done. The long fingers of the drug culture stretch a long way. And somehow, no matter how hard our three try, they find themselves compromised and involved in the world they are trying to escape.
But the star of this movie is the story, and the amazingly creative turn this movie takes to show them the way out. I have to admit that some of this was leaving me a bit flat until it got really smart, and went in an entirely new direction that elevates this from good to very, very good.
This is not for everyone. This could be very offensive to many was the dialogue is written in the lingo of the area. Lots of offensive slang, and harsh language. But that does give this it's authenticity that it needs. Not very violent with most of it implied. This is a hard R rating and that is well deserved. A terrific music soundtrack helps give this a real slick pace as well. Fine performances and great character development make this sing right along too.
Dope. Not for all, but for some this is very good.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Jurassic World
They're back! The man made Dino's in the new movie, and a direct sequel to the original Jurassic Park, it's the new Jurassic World with Chris Pratt.
This of course is a can't miss with fans. It introduces itself to a whole new set of young fans who now get to sit in the theater and see the amazing CG technology bring these reptiles to life in incredible fashion. There was no doubt 20 years ago this was amazing and it still is today. The dinosaurs are incredible to say the least. That part of this is Hollywood at its best as far as special effects go.
Jurassic World though is a side step in the same direction as the original. There is not whole lot of new ideas at all. We are still asking the question of, "Should we be creating extinct monsters for public pleasure because we can?" The answer still appears to be the same as it was in 1993 on film, and that is - no! Dinosaurs had their 150 million year run, and every time we bring them back it all seems to go wrong.
This movie still makes loud social commentary too about greedy corporations that are willing to risk lives for their own profit. And it also shows our main characters making the exact same mistakes as they have in the three previous flicks. So in essence, JW takes no new risks and really no new directions at all. And for many movie purists and critics that will be a problem. But for fans that just want to see dinosaurs fight and eat humans, there will be no such problem.
We have some new dinosaurs and some of the old favorites. And there is no shortage of action scenes to keep everyone engaged. Being honest, there is plenty of human death, and death by the worst way imaginable Some of this could actually be way too intense for young viewers. Could be some bad dreams ahead. There are also some very intense fight scenes that may be too much for little ones. This has a PG-13 rating and that is probably accurate. My feeling is, this is the most intense and graphic of the series, but it has to be. The public demands it.
There is a bunch of general silliness with this too that does not make this better. Pratt plays an expert that can train raptors with his bare hands, and get them to listen to him as he attempts to connect with him. Although a new direction, it fails badly. I am not sure any thinking person buys the fact that these animals would have any interest in being harnessed by anyone or thing. Ridiculous plot line. And we had to create a character for Chris Pratt that make him cool.
But there is some nice humor and general fun with this, that makes it not take itself too serious and that helps. Incredible effects, and a fairly good pace keep this above water. Unlike the original, they waste no time pulling you into the action with our star animals. Long gone is the day of real story telling in these kinds of movies, as fans can't be bothered. They want action, they want to laugh, and they want to see cool, good looking, wise cracking stars on camera. And that's what they get here.
Jurassic World. A new era in this series has begun. Mission accomplished and it's alright. But there is nothing really new here.
This of course is a can't miss with fans. It introduces itself to a whole new set of young fans who now get to sit in the theater and see the amazing CG technology bring these reptiles to life in incredible fashion. There was no doubt 20 years ago this was amazing and it still is today. The dinosaurs are incredible to say the least. That part of this is Hollywood at its best as far as special effects go.
Jurassic World though is a side step in the same direction as the original. There is not whole lot of new ideas at all. We are still asking the question of, "Should we be creating extinct monsters for public pleasure because we can?" The answer still appears to be the same as it was in 1993 on film, and that is - no! Dinosaurs had their 150 million year run, and every time we bring them back it all seems to go wrong.
This movie still makes loud social commentary too about greedy corporations that are willing to risk lives for their own profit. And it also shows our main characters making the exact same mistakes as they have in the three previous flicks. So in essence, JW takes no new risks and really no new directions at all. And for many movie purists and critics that will be a problem. But for fans that just want to see dinosaurs fight and eat humans, there will be no such problem.
We have some new dinosaurs and some of the old favorites. And there is no shortage of action scenes to keep everyone engaged. Being honest, there is plenty of human death, and death by the worst way imaginable Some of this could actually be way too intense for young viewers. Could be some bad dreams ahead. There are also some very intense fight scenes that may be too much for little ones. This has a PG-13 rating and that is probably accurate. My feeling is, this is the most intense and graphic of the series, but it has to be. The public demands it.
There is a bunch of general silliness with this too that does not make this better. Pratt plays an expert that can train raptors with his bare hands, and get them to listen to him as he attempts to connect with him. Although a new direction, it fails badly. I am not sure any thinking person buys the fact that these animals would have any interest in being harnessed by anyone or thing. Ridiculous plot line. And we had to create a character for Chris Pratt that make him cool.
But there is some nice humor and general fun with this, that makes it not take itself too serious and that helps. Incredible effects, and a fairly good pace keep this above water. Unlike the original, they waste no time pulling you into the action with our star animals. Long gone is the day of real story telling in these kinds of movies, as fans can't be bothered. They want action, they want to laugh, and they want to see cool, good looking, wise cracking stars on camera. And that's what they get here.
Jurassic World. A new era in this series has begun. Mission accomplished and it's alright. But there is nothing really new here.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Insidious 3
Here comes another installment of the Insidious series, this would be number 3. A prequel.
As if having two of these wasn't enough, we have to go back to the well yet again to see what is happening still in "then further." Just like the first two. The funny thing about these movies is that they aren't bad movies. But they aren't great either. But they do suffer from being forgettable.
And that's understandable. Being fair, I see all of these movies, and other ones that resemble each other in one way shape or form. And it is hard to keep all these franchises straight. They all kind of look the same, and are the same.
In this version, it takes place before the other two and we learn a bit more about our principle characters and why they are the way they are. Now, not being cruel, I'm not so sure anyone really cares why Elise is the way she is, and how she handles being a medium between the living and the dead. But we do.
The downfall though of this is this franchise has simply run it's course. This is not scary, or original and it's just more of the same. In fact, it is exactly the same as the others. But to it's credit, it's short and tidy and does keep itself moving along. Too bad it's not an original path we are going down.
Insidious 3. For those following the series closely, a hit.
As if having two of these wasn't enough, we have to go back to the well yet again to see what is happening still in "then further." Just like the first two. The funny thing about these movies is that they aren't bad movies. But they aren't great either. But they do suffer from being forgettable.
And that's understandable. Being fair, I see all of these movies, and other ones that resemble each other in one way shape or form. And it is hard to keep all these franchises straight. They all kind of look the same, and are the same.
In this version, it takes place before the other two and we learn a bit more about our principle characters and why they are the way they are. Now, not being cruel, I'm not so sure anyone really cares why Elise is the way she is, and how she handles being a medium between the living and the dead. But we do.
The downfall though of this is this franchise has simply run it's course. This is not scary, or original and it's just more of the same. In fact, it is exactly the same as the others. But to it's credit, it's short and tidy and does keep itself moving along. Too bad it's not an original path we are going down.
Insidious 3. For those following the series closely, a hit.
Saturday, June 6, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Spy
Finally, a comedic movie from funny woman Melissa McCarthy that is different than the last few she's made. Spy is fun!
Spy is a comedy that isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good, and pretty darn funny. Spy is a satire and parody of the James Bond type movie that works on every level. It has a great cast that gives this really creative script a nice lift. Make no mistake, this could have gone either way. This could have been really bad, but they took the time to be creative and make this truly fun, and funny.
Meet Susan (McCarthy). She works for the CIA in a support role. She speaks to an agent in the field through an earpiece, Bradley (Jude Law), and makes sure that he is protected from harm. She is not respected at all, and seems like a wallflower to the agency. But when many agents have their cover blown, the CIA needs to send in an agent that the terrorists do not know. And that agent is Susan.
She goes on an international trip trying to diffuse a situation that is dire. A very portable nuclear bomb has been invented and it is about to be sold into the wrong hands that want to detonate in in New York City. So Susan is the best hope for the agency to save the day.
This movie is very funny, with tons of action to keep everyone engaged. This pokes plenty of fun at James Bond, and tons of other action type movies from era's past with real skill. And it does it all from the way it's written, to the way it's filmed, to the musical soundtrack. McCarthy is funny, and finally has broken away to a degree from the recent summer roles. This is her best true comedy in a long time.
The supporting cast is really strong as well. In addition to Law, Rose Byrne is really funny as the dastardly villain. She is perfectly cast, and the character they created is terrific. Allison Janney is funny too as the CIA boss, and real huge kudos to Jason Statham. He not only does comedy, and plays a bumbling CIA agent, he plays a parody of himself from tons of his own movies. He is really funny in this movie, and the willingness to poke fun at yourself, gives this a real nice flavor. Plus, there are a few funny cameos here.
This is not perfect, it is a hard R rated movie that is inappropriate for young viewers. There is a bunch harsh language and situations that does make rated accurately. It could have been softened of a stitch to give it a PG-13, but that's the world we live in today. By and large, action comedies are R these days. Overall this is very entertaining and fun. And this is set up nicely for more of these to be made.
Spy. Good summer fun!
Spy is a comedy that isn't perfect, but it's pretty darn good, and pretty darn funny. Spy is a satire and parody of the James Bond type movie that works on every level. It has a great cast that gives this really creative script a nice lift. Make no mistake, this could have gone either way. This could have been really bad, but they took the time to be creative and make this truly fun, and funny.
Meet Susan (McCarthy). She works for the CIA in a support role. She speaks to an agent in the field through an earpiece, Bradley (Jude Law), and makes sure that he is protected from harm. She is not respected at all, and seems like a wallflower to the agency. But when many agents have their cover blown, the CIA needs to send in an agent that the terrorists do not know. And that agent is Susan.
She goes on an international trip trying to diffuse a situation that is dire. A very portable nuclear bomb has been invented and it is about to be sold into the wrong hands that want to detonate in in New York City. So Susan is the best hope for the agency to save the day.
This movie is very funny, with tons of action to keep everyone engaged. This pokes plenty of fun at James Bond, and tons of other action type movies from era's past with real skill. And it does it all from the way it's written, to the way it's filmed, to the musical soundtrack. McCarthy is funny, and finally has broken away to a degree from the recent summer roles. This is her best true comedy in a long time.
The supporting cast is really strong as well. In addition to Law, Rose Byrne is really funny as the dastardly villain. She is perfectly cast, and the character they created is terrific. Allison Janney is funny too as the CIA boss, and real huge kudos to Jason Statham. He not only does comedy, and plays a bumbling CIA agent, he plays a parody of himself from tons of his own movies. He is really funny in this movie, and the willingness to poke fun at yourself, gives this a real nice flavor. Plus, there are a few funny cameos here.
This is not perfect, it is a hard R rated movie that is inappropriate for young viewers. There is a bunch harsh language and situations that does make rated accurately. It could have been softened of a stitch to give it a PG-13, but that's the world we live in today. By and large, action comedies are R these days. Overall this is very entertaining and fun. And this is set up nicely for more of these to be made.
Spy. Good summer fun!
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - San Andreas
This time of the year big computer generated action flicks come a dime a dozen. San Andreas is another one of them, but so?
Sometimes we need a little mindless action to take the sting out of real life sometimes. Especially when it isn't from the 5,000 superhero movies we are fed. San Andreas has some issues of course, but overall it's mission accomplished.
This is the story of the real life San Andreas fault in California and told in a fictional scenario of it unleashing record setting earthquakes that devastate southern Nevada, Los Angeles, and eventually the grand finale of San Francisco. There is plenty of CG effects that show absolute devastation, and there's enough human suffering to fill that need in tons of movie goers. There is also a huge soundtrack and plenty of dramatic effects, bells and whistles to go around. But this does have a fairly decent story.
It's the story of a small family in Southern California. Ray (The Rock) and Emma (Carla Gugino) are getting a divorce. They have a 20 year-old daughter Blake (Alexandra Deddario). They are all mourning the loss of another daughter that drowned a few years earlier. Now they all have to face the challenge of surviving these earthquakes. What this is in the end, is parents reuniting and going off to save their daughter and bring her home safely, and that's just fine.
Yeah, there's some general silliness, and plenty of eye rolling moments as there are with all of these big budget flicks. You can't help but wonder too the timing of this glorified look at the worst disasters that can impose their wrath in the aftermath of the real life Nepal earthquakes. The attempted humor that is infused into this does look a bit ridiculous as a result. I don't think there is much joking around in real quakes. But the movie maker can't help fact that you make movies when you do and life does go on.
Overall this is just summer escapism that fills the screen and your senses big time for about 2 hours. Truth is too, there is nothing really new as far as special effects are concerned and this does look like a ton of other big disaster movies. But alright, it'll do.
San Andreas. A nice rainy day matinee, may not be worth the full price ticket. Rental for your home theater too later.
Sometimes we need a little mindless action to take the sting out of real life sometimes. Especially when it isn't from the 5,000 superhero movies we are fed. San Andreas has some issues of course, but overall it's mission accomplished.
This is the story of the real life San Andreas fault in California and told in a fictional scenario of it unleashing record setting earthquakes that devastate southern Nevada, Los Angeles, and eventually the grand finale of San Francisco. There is plenty of CG effects that show absolute devastation, and there's enough human suffering to fill that need in tons of movie goers. There is also a huge soundtrack and plenty of dramatic effects, bells and whistles to go around. But this does have a fairly decent story.
It's the story of a small family in Southern California. Ray (The Rock) and Emma (Carla Gugino) are getting a divorce. They have a 20 year-old daughter Blake (Alexandra Deddario). They are all mourning the loss of another daughter that drowned a few years earlier. Now they all have to face the challenge of surviving these earthquakes. What this is in the end, is parents reuniting and going off to save their daughter and bring her home safely, and that's just fine.
Yeah, there's some general silliness, and plenty of eye rolling moments as there are with all of these big budget flicks. You can't help but wonder too the timing of this glorified look at the worst disasters that can impose their wrath in the aftermath of the real life Nepal earthquakes. The attempted humor that is infused into this does look a bit ridiculous as a result. I don't think there is much joking around in real quakes. But the movie maker can't help fact that you make movies when you do and life does go on.
Overall this is just summer escapism that fills the screen and your senses big time for about 2 hours. Truth is too, there is nothing really new as far as special effects are concerned and this does look like a ton of other big disaster movies. But alright, it'll do.
San Andreas. A nice rainy day matinee, may not be worth the full price ticket. Rental for your home theater too later.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Aloha
The new Cameron Crowe written and directed romantic movie, Aloha has every too it needs to be really something special. Sadly, it's not.
Look at this cast. Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, John Krasinsky, and Danny McBride. Plus, it was written by a wonderful writer and set in Hawaii. What could possibly go wrong? Well being honest, there isn't really isn't anything totally wrong with this as much as there is simply not enough right with it.
This is the story of Brian (Cooper). He is a former military man who made some huge self - destructive decisions in his career, and now he has to start all over again at the bottom. So he is now in the employ of a private military contractor named Carson (Murray). He is stationed back in Hawaii where he runs into an old girlfriend, Tracey (McAdams). They have been broken up for about 12 years, and she now married with kids to Woody, (Krasinsky). But the two of them reconnect to a degree.
Brian is being escorted on his new deploy by Allison, (Stone). She is an Air Force fighter pilot who is strictly by the book. She is also a dreamer and quietly lonely and has an instant attraction to Brian. So what this turns into is one man, two women, and the struggle it is for all of them. Where will Brian end up? With Tracy, or Allison. Being fair, you know the answer almost immediately.
With all of these really good people this should be great, but it's not. Sadly and stunningly this could have been filmed in a studio in Hollywood as they take almost no advantage of the amazing Hawaiian landscape. Second, this script has a nice idea, but is so disjointed and fast moving you don't believe most of it. It's simply too convenient. Our three mains Cooper, Stone, and McAdams do their level best to make its sing, but it can only squeak. The problem here is Cameron Crowe.
There are some nice flashes of goodness here. Cooper is easy to watch, and is Hollywood's biggest leading man now. Stone is always great when she gets the right role. I love her in most projects as she is versatile and fun. Her screen presence is awesome always and makes any picture better when the script is right. She and Cooper save this from the scrap heap. McAdams is fine in the small role they wrote for her, and the rest of the supporting cast does what they can with the little they are given.
I think the allure here for this great cast was Crowe. He has written some wonderful scripts, and I think most were thinking this had the chance to be another Jerry MacGuire. It is not. This is not a bad movie, and many will really enjoy this. Being honest I enjoyed a whole ot of this. But in the end you walk away thinking there was just something missing, and a wonderful opportunity may have just slipped away.
Aloha. Not a swing and a miss, but a bloop single to left. Should have been an upper deck home run,.
Look at this cast. Bradley Cooper, Emma Stone, Rachel McAdams, Alec Baldwin, Bill Murray, John Krasinsky, and Danny McBride. Plus, it was written by a wonderful writer and set in Hawaii. What could possibly go wrong? Well being honest, there isn't really isn't anything totally wrong with this as much as there is simply not enough right with it.
This is the story of Brian (Cooper). He is a former military man who made some huge self - destructive decisions in his career, and now he has to start all over again at the bottom. So he is now in the employ of a private military contractor named Carson (Murray). He is stationed back in Hawaii where he runs into an old girlfriend, Tracey (McAdams). They have been broken up for about 12 years, and she now married with kids to Woody, (Krasinsky). But the two of them reconnect to a degree.
Brian is being escorted on his new deploy by Allison, (Stone). She is an Air Force fighter pilot who is strictly by the book. She is also a dreamer and quietly lonely and has an instant attraction to Brian. So what this turns into is one man, two women, and the struggle it is for all of them. Where will Brian end up? With Tracy, or Allison. Being fair, you know the answer almost immediately.
With all of these really good people this should be great, but it's not. Sadly and stunningly this could have been filmed in a studio in Hollywood as they take almost no advantage of the amazing Hawaiian landscape. Second, this script has a nice idea, but is so disjointed and fast moving you don't believe most of it. It's simply too convenient. Our three mains Cooper, Stone, and McAdams do their level best to make its sing, but it can only squeak. The problem here is Cameron Crowe.
There are some nice flashes of goodness here. Cooper is easy to watch, and is Hollywood's biggest leading man now. Stone is always great when she gets the right role. I love her in most projects as she is versatile and fun. Her screen presence is awesome always and makes any picture better when the script is right. She and Cooper save this from the scrap heap. McAdams is fine in the small role they wrote for her, and the rest of the supporting cast does what they can with the little they are given.
I think the allure here for this great cast was Crowe. He has written some wonderful scripts, and I think most were thinking this had the chance to be another Jerry MacGuire. It is not. This is not a bad movie, and many will really enjoy this. Being honest I enjoyed a whole ot of this. But in the end you walk away thinking there was just something missing, and a wonderful opportunity may have just slipped away.
Aloha. Not a swing and a miss, but a bloop single to left. Should have been an upper deck home run,.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Tomorrowland
The new George Clooney and Disney flick Tomorrowland is here. Could be the yawner of the year so far.
TL is a huge, two-hour ten minute computer generated flick with a big star, and virtually nothing else to hang its hat on. Holy cow, I saw through this whole thing and I still have no real idea what it was all about. And I think that's been the big knock on this thing in general. Now that Clooney has to sell out to big CG action movies because that's all that's out there to make, it still smacks of "I am smarter than you." And that has been a pervasive theme in so many of his flicks. They are simply pompous.
The story here really isn't one. And moreover, you simply don't care what they are saying for much of this. It's the story of a place that does not exist (Tomorrowland), and they never really make it totally clear why it exists, or where. This does take on a sort of environmental agenda from time to time, especially near the agonizing end. But honestly, they can't even really commit to that. They sort of do. Like they sort of commit to everything else in this movie. This movie is simply not enough of anything to appeal to any committed fan base.
Thank goodness there is Brit Robertson in this movie. She is a wonderful, and fresh, young star that I am really liking. She just finished up a run in the latest Nicholas Sparks movie, The Longest Ride, and even though that project was marginal, she was really good. And she's really good here. She is very well rounded and capable of many things, and I feel very good things are on her horizon. She saves this from being absolutely awful, and keeps it simply highly mediocre.
I don't know what is going on with Clooney these days. His projects lately have just been, well bad. For Hollywood's supposed biggest star, he is fizzling fast. A reinvention may be in order soon. This is a flick that someone like him should have politely turned down and moved on. But, in today's movie making climate, what else is there for him to really make? That's in his defense, and a fair question in general.
Tomorrowland is big, clunky, terribly written, and just a large waste of time and 200 million or so.
TL is a huge, two-hour ten minute computer generated flick with a big star, and virtually nothing else to hang its hat on. Holy cow, I saw through this whole thing and I still have no real idea what it was all about. And I think that's been the big knock on this thing in general. Now that Clooney has to sell out to big CG action movies because that's all that's out there to make, it still smacks of "I am smarter than you." And that has been a pervasive theme in so many of his flicks. They are simply pompous.
The story here really isn't one. And moreover, you simply don't care what they are saying for much of this. It's the story of a place that does not exist (Tomorrowland), and they never really make it totally clear why it exists, or where. This does take on a sort of environmental agenda from time to time, especially near the agonizing end. But honestly, they can't even really commit to that. They sort of do. Like they sort of commit to everything else in this movie. This movie is simply not enough of anything to appeal to any committed fan base.
Thank goodness there is Brit Robertson in this movie. She is a wonderful, and fresh, young star that I am really liking. She just finished up a run in the latest Nicholas Sparks movie, The Longest Ride, and even though that project was marginal, she was really good. And she's really good here. She is very well rounded and capable of many things, and I feel very good things are on her horizon. She saves this from being absolutely awful, and keeps it simply highly mediocre.
I don't know what is going on with Clooney these days. His projects lately have just been, well bad. For Hollywood's supposed biggest star, he is fizzling fast. A reinvention may be in order soon. This is a flick that someone like him should have politely turned down and moved on. But, in today's movie making climate, what else is there for him to really make? That's in his defense, and a fair question in general.
Tomorrowland is big, clunky, terribly written, and just a large waste of time and 200 million or so.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Pitch Perfect 2
The original Pitch Perfect was a big surprise hit, but it can't hold a candle to Pitch Perfect 2 that raked in 70 million dollars in weekend one. More that the original brought in in its entire run.
This will be quick and tidy. This movie picks up after the first movie left off. The wonderful A Capella female collegiate group, The Bellas is now a 3-time national champion and many of our girls are getting ready to graduate and move on. Trouble is, it's a hard reality that most of them do not want to face.
During a performance for the president, The Bellas have a rather unfortunate, embarrassing and inappropriate incident on stage. So they are suspended from competing in future competitions. But they can compete in the World Championships which is overseen by a different body. So they decide to and try to rebuild their reputation.
First off, the music in this movie is fantastic yet again as it was in the first movie. All of the singing with no instruments is terrific and the music in general is overseen in the movie by Mark Mothersbaugh from Akron. And it is simply sensational. This is also loaded with wonderful satire and parody. This is pretty darn funny at times, and entertaining all of the time. This makes fun of itself, it also satirizes the modern college experience and many things in society. All of it very well done.
Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson are back as our main characters and all are funny again. We do welcome Hailee Steinfeld as a new character and it seems she could be here to take this franchise over if more are made, and if Kendrick chooses to move on. And I'm guessing she will. The supporting cast is strong, and overall so is this movie. The target audience will love this, and see it again and again.
Pitch Perfect 2. Perfect again for it's fans.
This will be quick and tidy. This movie picks up after the first movie left off. The wonderful A Capella female collegiate group, The Bellas is now a 3-time national champion and many of our girls are getting ready to graduate and move on. Trouble is, it's a hard reality that most of them do not want to face.
During a performance for the president, The Bellas have a rather unfortunate, embarrassing and inappropriate incident on stage. So they are suspended from competing in future competitions. But they can compete in the World Championships which is overseen by a different body. So they decide to and try to rebuild their reputation.
First off, the music in this movie is fantastic yet again as it was in the first movie. All of the singing with no instruments is terrific and the music in general is overseen in the movie by Mark Mothersbaugh from Akron. And it is simply sensational. This is also loaded with wonderful satire and parody. This is pretty darn funny at times, and entertaining all of the time. This makes fun of itself, it also satirizes the modern college experience and many things in society. All of it very well done.
Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow and Rebel Wilson are back as our main characters and all are funny again. We do welcome Hailee Steinfeld as a new character and it seems she could be here to take this franchise over if more are made, and if Kendrick chooses to move on. And I'm guessing she will. The supporting cast is strong, and overall so is this movie. The target audience will love this, and see it again and again.
Pitch Perfect 2. Perfect again for it's fans.
Friday, May 15, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Mad Max: Fury Road
The Mad Max series has been rebooted and it's going to be a gigantic success, without question.
This version of the original stars Tom Hardy (Max) and Charlize Theron. The futuristic story of course is one of the world gone mad, where the world has essentially been destroyed because of various wars over oil and other "things." So the earth has been left a barren wasteland where survival is king.
There are various war lord criminal types that have all, and the masses have none. Not even water. Life is a horrible, horrible venture. You know the original story and set up. But there are those that are still determined to try to make a difference, and find life better than they have.
It you remember the original, you remember this is not for everyone. This is weird at times, with really strange and "out there" characters. This also is the movie with strange and exotic cars and trucks that stage lengthy fast paced battles, and action scenes that seemingly never really end. This is the same movie, and it has been rebooted very well, and is wildly entertaining.
This could be the action movie of the summer. This has again long and drawn out exciting action sequences that for some reason do not wear out their welcome. Yes, it is violent but not gruesome. This has somehow been remade in the way that is really not offensive or overly vulgar. This does have an R rating, but more than likely for some disturbing images, and overall feel of some intense action. But I has seen PG-13 far more questionable than this one. And being fair, I don't think too many families with small kids are going to load up and go see this.
This movie also keeps the same theme as the original making some load social commentary amidst all the action. Hardy is fine as the enigmatic Max, and Theron I thought was incredible in this movie as Imperator Furiosa. She carried the day and gave this a real nice feel. Theron is really an amazing actor, as she is so beautiful, but they can make her so tough, and unattractive in some roles. She is insanely versatile, and was perfectly cast here.
Mad Max. This could be one of the really fun and exciting movies of the summer.
This version of the original stars Tom Hardy (Max) and Charlize Theron. The futuristic story of course is one of the world gone mad, where the world has essentially been destroyed because of various wars over oil and other "things." So the earth has been left a barren wasteland where survival is king.
There are various war lord criminal types that have all, and the masses have none. Not even water. Life is a horrible, horrible venture. You know the original story and set up. But there are those that are still determined to try to make a difference, and find life better than they have.
It you remember the original, you remember this is not for everyone. This is weird at times, with really strange and "out there" characters. This also is the movie with strange and exotic cars and trucks that stage lengthy fast paced battles, and action scenes that seemingly never really end. This is the same movie, and it has been rebooted very well, and is wildly entertaining.
This could be the action movie of the summer. This has again long and drawn out exciting action sequences that for some reason do not wear out their welcome. Yes, it is violent but not gruesome. This has somehow been remade in the way that is really not offensive or overly vulgar. This does have an R rating, but more than likely for some disturbing images, and overall feel of some intense action. But I has seen PG-13 far more questionable than this one. And being fair, I don't think too many families with small kids are going to load up and go see this.
This movie also keeps the same theme as the original making some load social commentary amidst all the action. Hardy is fine as the enigmatic Max, and Theron I thought was incredible in this movie as Imperator Furiosa. She carried the day and gave this a real nice feel. Theron is really an amazing actor, as she is so beautiful, but they can make her so tough, and unattractive in some roles. She is insanely versatile, and was perfectly cast here.
Mad Max. This could be one of the really fun and exciting movies of the summer.
Saturday, May 9, 2015
MOVIE REVIEW - Hot Pursuit
Here comes the the big summer movies, and here comes the dog of the year. Reece Witherspoon and Sofia Vergara star in Hot Pursuit.
How awful is this "comedy?" It is so terrible, that even the makers of the putrid mess decided to mercifully keep this hunk of junk to a very short 80 minutes or so. This is a typical summer "buddy comedy" for girls, that forgot to be typical. Actually typical and ridiculously unoriginal would have been a welcome change from this horrible dry-heave of a movie.
Meet Rose (Witherspoon). She is a young female officer in the San Antonio police department. She is also the daughter of a well decorated cop who has passed on. She is insanely dedicated and a by the book cop who has ended up in the evidence room waiting for her next big assignment. And she gets one.
Her job is to accompany with wife (Vergara) of a Mexican Drug Lord who is going to testify against her husband and enter the witness protection program. So Rose and a U.S. Marshall go to pick her up, and it goes terribly wrong. After a shootout, Rose and the wife find themselves on the road trying to flee the assassins, and the cops, and the news media. So this is the story of these two on the road trip back to Dallas, trying to stay alive.
Let's recap. Vergara is a funny woman, but in all honesty she does one thing. She has only one role she accepts and can do well. And that is what she does, only they really handcuff her and really only let her look amazing, and speak basically only when spoken to. She is not funny, and most of that is because the writing is so bad you can almost smell it.
Witherspoon can do many things well. Let's remember she has an Oscar that she totally deserved from Walk The Line. She can be funny, and very versatile. But why on earth she did this movie, is beyond me. She never, ever, ever, ever stops talking in this movie in some clumsy southern accent someone drummed up for her. The writing is horrible, and would someone PLEASE tell her to quit talking in this movie? And someone tell her physical comedy is NOT her strong suit. - At ALL!
It is hard to put into words just how bad this thing really is. It's not funny, original, or anything even close to resembling anything worthy of your time, or money. When two stars get together and make something this bad, the word embarrassing comes to mind. And this is.
Hot Pursuit. Vomitus. Cringe worthy.
How awful is this "comedy?" It is so terrible, that even the makers of the putrid mess decided to mercifully keep this hunk of junk to a very short 80 minutes or so. This is a typical summer "buddy comedy" for girls, that forgot to be typical. Actually typical and ridiculously unoriginal would have been a welcome change from this horrible dry-heave of a movie.
Meet Rose (Witherspoon). She is a young female officer in the San Antonio police department. She is also the daughter of a well decorated cop who has passed on. She is insanely dedicated and a by the book cop who has ended up in the evidence room waiting for her next big assignment. And she gets one.
Her job is to accompany with wife (Vergara) of a Mexican Drug Lord who is going to testify against her husband and enter the witness protection program. So Rose and a U.S. Marshall go to pick her up, and it goes terribly wrong. After a shootout, Rose and the wife find themselves on the road trying to flee the assassins, and the cops, and the news media. So this is the story of these two on the road trip back to Dallas, trying to stay alive.
Let's recap. Vergara is a funny woman, but in all honesty she does one thing. She has only one role she accepts and can do well. And that is what she does, only they really handcuff her and really only let her look amazing, and speak basically only when spoken to. She is not funny, and most of that is because the writing is so bad you can almost smell it.
Witherspoon can do many things well. Let's remember she has an Oscar that she totally deserved from Walk The Line. She can be funny, and very versatile. But why on earth she did this movie, is beyond me. She never, ever, ever, ever stops talking in this movie in some clumsy southern accent someone drummed up for her. The writing is horrible, and would someone PLEASE tell her to quit talking in this movie? And someone tell her physical comedy is NOT her strong suit. - At ALL!
It is hard to put into words just how bad this thing really is. It's not funny, original, or anything even close to resembling anything worthy of your time, or money. When two stars get together and make something this bad, the word embarrassing comes to mind. And this is.
Hot Pursuit. Vomitus. Cringe worthy.
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