This week there is a nice crop of new movies for streaming, or DVD buying and rental. With movies becoming more accessible for home use more quickly now, it's almost like going to the movies at home, and for a great price. And with your big flat screen TV, it really is a great experience if the theaters are not your thing.
This week, some really big movies that maybe you didn't catch in theaters. But then, there is Frozen which you and your kids have probably seen 10,000 times already! I will link you back to my original review too so you can help make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or hit pay on your remote. So let's see what's out this week
New This Week
Frozen (G)
You have seen this a dozen times maybe, but today it makes it all the way to your living room. An undeniable smash hit. Great music and a good story that you'll watch every holiday from now on.
American Hustle (R)
For the adults. A fantastic cast put together for this timed piece back to the 1970's. Story a small time con artists that try to make the big time. Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Amy Adams, and Jennifer Lawrence. One of the best movies of 2013. Tons of Oscar nominations.
Saving Mr. Banks (PG-13)
A story you don't know with big stars you do. Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson, and Paul Giamtti star in the true story of Walt Disney and his attempt to negotiate the movie rights to make Mary Poppins with it's writer. Could be a bit overrated, but interesting.
Mandela: Long Road To Freedom (R)
Idris Elba is a great actor, and he is Mandela. This got lost at the theaters in the big movie rush Luckily, we can watch it at home now.
scott@wqmx.com
Monday, March 17, 2014
DVD - New on DVD and Streaming
This week we have a wide array of DVD releases that are primarily for adults. Most of these received a ton of critical success, but most here had underachieving box office success. In case you missed these because of your busy schedule during the late year release dates and holiday running around, you can link back to my original review from the theater run.
Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or hit that play button on your remote. Be mindful, these are only the major theater releases, and not TV series, or older movies making their way onto DVD or Blu-Ray as well this week.
New For You This Week
Out Of The Furnace (R)
This hard as nails drama has a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, and others. A tough look at many aspects of small town America that have been decimated by recession, broken promises, and an era gone by.
Homefront (R)
Jason Stathum stars in his annual action flick. This too has a nice cast, and was written by Sylvester Stallone.
The Book Thief (PG-13)
This huge book came to the big screen with tons of hype at years end. As good as this story is, the movie was lost in end of the year hype at the movies. WWII story set in the heart of Nazi occupied Europe.
Inside Llewyn Davis (R)
The remarkable Coen Brothers and their 2013 offering. Very well received by critics, not so much by the fans. Never really got to huge release.
scott@wqmx.com
Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or hit that play button on your remote. Be mindful, these are only the major theater releases, and not TV series, or older movies making their way onto DVD or Blu-Ray as well this week.
New For You This Week
Out Of The Furnace (R)
This hard as nails drama has a star-studded cast including Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, and others. A tough look at many aspects of small town America that have been decimated by recession, broken promises, and an era gone by.
Homefront (R)
Jason Stathum stars in his annual action flick. This too has a nice cast, and was written by Sylvester Stallone.
The Book Thief (PG-13)
This huge book came to the big screen with tons of hype at years end. As good as this story is, the movie was lost in end of the year hype at the movies. WWII story set in the heart of Nazi occupied Europe.
Inside Llewyn Davis (R)
The remarkable Coen Brothers and their 2013 offering. Very well received by critics, not so much by the fans. Never really got to huge release.
scott@wqmx.com
MOVIE REVIEW - Mr. Peabody And Sherman
Generally, I don't review too many animated movies. There are way too many of them, most have the same formula. And really, what are you going to say about a most of these movies? They are a built in love fest before they hit theaters.
Enter Mr. Peabody And Sherman. For most who see this, they will have no idea this was a cartoon in the 1960's that was part of the Rocky and Bullwinkle franchise. (Who?) Anyway, 50 years later with incredible animation techniques and an unending and salacious appetite for animated movies, this has made it to the theaters.
Mr. Peabody is a dog that is a genius. He is blessed with immense intelligence and lives with his "son" Sherman, who is a young boy. Peabody is world famous and has invented all kinds of amazing things in his incredible house, including the "Way Back." The Way Back, is a time machine that is kept as a secret with Sherman, and together they take amazing journeys to important times past in history. And that's what they do here.
This has been updated for today's world, in both story lines, relevance, and in movie making. This is a fast paced, action based and for the most part pretty fun. They spend a few minutes up front explaining to the novices who Peabody is, and how he and Sherman came to be family. They create a fun Peabody that is intelligent, and barks out incredibly difficult dialogue for most of this movie. This is not some Disney, 4th grade singing and dancing flick. This is actually kind of a thinking man's animated movie, and that should be applauded. Oh yeah, don't panic! There of course is some silly "poop" humor here. Whew! (Gotta have that.) But overall this has a brain.
These two and others fly off to actually important historical times, and through fun, slick animation, and a terrific musical soundtrack, slightly expose us to things that most animated movies do not. Overall this is pretty fun and imaginative. A strong list of celebrity voices too, gives this a nice lift. Is this perfect? Well, no. But it is pretty fun. A bit ADD at times, but enjoyable for young and old alike.
Mr. Peabody And Sherman. No matter if you remember him or not, fun.
Enter Mr. Peabody And Sherman. For most who see this, they will have no idea this was a cartoon in the 1960's that was part of the Rocky and Bullwinkle franchise. (Who?) Anyway, 50 years later with incredible animation techniques and an unending and salacious appetite for animated movies, this has made it to the theaters.
Mr. Peabody is a dog that is a genius. He is blessed with immense intelligence and lives with his "son" Sherman, who is a young boy. Peabody is world famous and has invented all kinds of amazing things in his incredible house, including the "Way Back." The Way Back, is a time machine that is kept as a secret with Sherman, and together they take amazing journeys to important times past in history. And that's what they do here.
This has been updated for today's world, in both story lines, relevance, and in movie making. This is a fast paced, action based and for the most part pretty fun. They spend a few minutes up front explaining to the novices who Peabody is, and how he and Sherman came to be family. They create a fun Peabody that is intelligent, and barks out incredibly difficult dialogue for most of this movie. This is not some Disney, 4th grade singing and dancing flick. This is actually kind of a thinking man's animated movie, and that should be applauded. Oh yeah, don't panic! There of course is some silly "poop" humor here. Whew! (Gotta have that.) But overall this has a brain.
These two and others fly off to actually important historical times, and through fun, slick animation, and a terrific musical soundtrack, slightly expose us to things that most animated movies do not. Overall this is pretty fun and imaginative. A strong list of celebrity voices too, gives this a nice lift. Is this perfect? Well, no. But it is pretty fun. A bit ADD at times, but enjoyable for young and old alike.
Mr. Peabody And Sherman. No matter if you remember him or not, fun.
Saturday, March 15, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - The Single Moms Club
Tyler Perry is making a ton of films these days. And The Single Mom's Club makes another case that he is probably making too many.
The SMC, is about 5 single women in modern society that are raising children on their own, for various reasons. In each case, the father is not known, or around to help out sufficiently or at all. And in some cases is actually hindering the parenting process. These women are from all walks of life, and mixed ethnicity's giving this a real diverse feel which is necessary. The women all become friends by way of a school discipline of all of their kids. The women who don't know one another have to work together on a school dance as punishment.
Along the line, the women develop a bond as they all have many things in common. They become friends and form this club they call, The Single Moms Club, where they support each other and help each other move on with every day things, and help each other move forward. If this sounds uninteresting, you would be right. Although, this is a movie that the vast majority of those who go will like, and the critics will hate.
One thing that is undeniable about this, the various story lines are relevant to many single women. That is worth applause and gives this a bit of cred. But there are just simply far too many problems here to save it. Perry, who has a part in this movie, has a movie formula that works though. Make them quick, and on a budget, in one area and make them as topical as possible. They generate him a pile of money, and that's fine. But the quality of the sheer quantity of the movies he is making, is really starting to suffer.
This is written poorly overall. And being brutally honest, there is some horrendous acting in this movie. I mean, like whoa! There are far too many characters, and and way too many sub plots to really keep you focused. This tries to be a drama at times and a comedy at times, and it's neither. What this is, is a movie that is begging a certain sect to go see it, and they will. And because of the relatability they will like this. But I think what they will actually like, is singularly the subject of this movie, and not the actual movie.
A bunch of the attempted humor is simply awful. Really childish stuff by and large, and so old and over done it just doesn't work. All being attempted by actors who don't specialize at improvisational humor on camera. And it sticks out like a sore thumb. Many of the situations are ridiculously stereotypical, and insulting to your intelligence. In short, this looks like it was thrown together quickly, and without a great deal of money. The very formula that made Perry a reputable film maker is starting to catch up with him. The past few projects have really looked cheap, and quick, and that's a shame.
The Single Moms Club. Just not good.
The SMC, is about 5 single women in modern society that are raising children on their own, for various reasons. In each case, the father is not known, or around to help out sufficiently or at all. And in some cases is actually hindering the parenting process. These women are from all walks of life, and mixed ethnicity's giving this a real diverse feel which is necessary. The women all become friends by way of a school discipline of all of their kids. The women who don't know one another have to work together on a school dance as punishment.
Along the line, the women develop a bond as they all have many things in common. They become friends and form this club they call, The Single Moms Club, where they support each other and help each other move on with every day things, and help each other move forward. If this sounds uninteresting, you would be right. Although, this is a movie that the vast majority of those who go will like, and the critics will hate.
One thing that is undeniable about this, the various story lines are relevant to many single women. That is worth applause and gives this a bit of cred. But there are just simply far too many problems here to save it. Perry, who has a part in this movie, has a movie formula that works though. Make them quick, and on a budget, in one area and make them as topical as possible. They generate him a pile of money, and that's fine. But the quality of the sheer quantity of the movies he is making, is really starting to suffer.
This is written poorly overall. And being brutally honest, there is some horrendous acting in this movie. I mean, like whoa! There are far too many characters, and and way too many sub plots to really keep you focused. This tries to be a drama at times and a comedy at times, and it's neither. What this is, is a movie that is begging a certain sect to go see it, and they will. And because of the relatability they will like this. But I think what they will actually like, is singularly the subject of this movie, and not the actual movie.
A bunch of the attempted humor is simply awful. Really childish stuff by and large, and so old and over done it just doesn't work. All being attempted by actors who don't specialize at improvisational humor on camera. And it sticks out like a sore thumb. Many of the situations are ridiculously stereotypical, and insulting to your intelligence. In short, this looks like it was thrown together quickly, and without a great deal of money. The very formula that made Perry a reputable film maker is starting to catch up with him. The past few projects have really looked cheap, and quick, and that's a shame.
The Single Moms Club. Just not good.
Friday, March 7, 2014
New On DVD and Streaming
Understanding that not all get to go to the theaters to see the latest movies, this week we will look at the hottest DVD and streaming movies that are out. We will look at only major DVD and movie releases and not TV series, or older movies finally making their way onto Blu-Ray.
Since movies are released faster than ever to home viewing formats, you really are not all that far behind. I will post these on Tuesdays, as that is the day most new DVD's and streaming begin. I will also link you back to my written review of that movie in the theater to help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or hit pay on your remote.
New This Week
Hunger Games:Catching Fire (PG-13)
The second in the Hunger Game series, and where the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman made his debut.
12 Years A Slave (R)
Won the Oscar last week for Best Picture. This is a harsh movie that won't be suitable for everyone.
Oldboy (R)
Josh Brolin, and the wonderful Elizabeth Olsen star on one of the strangest movies of the year. This is a small Independent movie that will is an acquired taste for sure.
scott@wqmx.com
Since movies are released faster than ever to home viewing formats, you really are not all that far behind. I will post these on Tuesdays, as that is the day most new DVD's and streaming begin. I will also link you back to my written review of that movie in the theater to help you make an informed decision before you rent, buy, or hit pay on your remote.
New This Week
Hunger Games:Catching Fire (PG-13)
The second in the Hunger Game series, and where the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman made his debut.
12 Years A Slave (R)
Won the Oscar last week for Best Picture. This is a harsh movie that won't be suitable for everyone.
Oldboy (R)
Josh Brolin, and the wonderful Elizabeth Olsen star on one of the strangest movies of the year. This is a small Independent movie that will is an acquired taste for sure.
scott@wqmx.com
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - Son Of God
Son Of God is the first in a new wave of Biblical movies that are coming this year. Noah is next officially, with some more faith based movies sprinkled in.
Son Of God is the story of adult Jesus and his disciples, as they walk from city to city, spreading the word that Jesus is indeed the son of God. It chronicles many Biblical stories even the most casual church goer would know. It takes us from Jesus meeting, and befriending Peter, to Mary, and the rest of the faithful followers, all of them hoping that Jesus is in fact, the Messiah.
The story then takes us to Jerusalem, where Jesus of course is finally arrested and charged with religious high crimes by the high priests against the church. This takes us through the trial and crucifying of Jesus, and eventually to his rising three days later. And then beyond.
Son Of God is told very simply and easily and that is to its credit. A good decision here, was to make this a "pure" movie. This is not a big special effect laden take on the ancient story. It is told nicely through dialogue, and easy to follow Biblical stories. It has a very good cast, most are relative unknowns and that was the movies best decision. That helped keep this very authentic, and help you focus on the characters and movie message instead of Hollywood stars.
This checks in at 2 hours and 20 minutes and being honest, it is way too long. Much of this could have been shortened down, especially the death sequence both leading up to, and after it. And with full disclosure, that area of the movie is very graphic, bloody, and could be a bit too intense for some. It is not as brutal as The Passion Of The Christ a few years ago, but nonetheless, it is tough to watch at times. It does though, leave at the end with a sense of hope, that you might expect.
Son Of God. This has problems and is definitely not perfect. But it is good timing as we head into the Easter season. A big alternative to the rest of the box office right now, and this will find an audience. We need all kinds of movies for all kinds of audiences. This will bring people to the movies, who never go, and that's a good thing period. Certainly a niche movie, as some will not even consider going to this, while others may see this multiple times.
Son Of God is the story of adult Jesus and his disciples, as they walk from city to city, spreading the word that Jesus is indeed the son of God. It chronicles many Biblical stories even the most casual church goer would know. It takes us from Jesus meeting, and befriending Peter, to Mary, and the rest of the faithful followers, all of them hoping that Jesus is in fact, the Messiah.
The story then takes us to Jerusalem, where Jesus of course is finally arrested and charged with religious high crimes by the high priests against the church. This takes us through the trial and crucifying of Jesus, and eventually to his rising three days later. And then beyond.
Son Of God is told very simply and easily and that is to its credit. A good decision here, was to make this a "pure" movie. This is not a big special effect laden take on the ancient story. It is told nicely through dialogue, and easy to follow Biblical stories. It has a very good cast, most are relative unknowns and that was the movies best decision. That helped keep this very authentic, and help you focus on the characters and movie message instead of Hollywood stars.
This checks in at 2 hours and 20 minutes and being honest, it is way too long. Much of this could have been shortened down, especially the death sequence both leading up to, and after it. And with full disclosure, that area of the movie is very graphic, bloody, and could be a bit too intense for some. It is not as brutal as The Passion Of The Christ a few years ago, but nonetheless, it is tough to watch at times. It does though, leave at the end with a sense of hope, that you might expect.
Son Of God. This has problems and is definitely not perfect. But it is good timing as we head into the Easter season. A big alternative to the rest of the box office right now, and this will find an audience. We need all kinds of movies for all kinds of audiences. This will bring people to the movies, who never go, and that's a good thing period. Certainly a niche movie, as some will not even consider going to this, while others may see this multiple times.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
MOVIE REVIEW - Non-Stop
I am a Liam Neeson fan. He has successfully reinvented himself as this middle-aged, semi believable common man, action hero over the past few years. And the Taken series (of which there will a another) has been a big success.
But Non-Stop is an interesting idea for a mid-winter action movie, with it focusing on United States Air Marshall's. Of course, they are undercover, and are on every flight in the U.S.. This is sort of a story of who they are, and a airliner disaster story, and a movie that deals with the real threat of terrorism that sadly still exists on every flight, try as we might. But this is where the set up is going to end, as this has a sad and for some, a bothersome storyline.
Neeson plays an Air Marshall, Bill. In the opening scene before he gets on a trans-Atlantic flight as Marshall, they establish this him as a fragile, chain smoking, drunken, depressed, divorced, not kept, suicidal, sad excuse of a man. Understanding you have to invent an interesting character for the movie, but I hardly think that is the typical United States Air Marshall. Because this is an action movie, he really isn't all that horrible of a Marshall, and somehow finds a way to save the day. That is not a spoiler, you know Liam Neeson is not going to die in this movie. And for some reason Julianne Moore is in this movie, but she is not needed. Her part is so small, could have been handled by anyone. Plus, she sells no tickets to any movie - anywhere.
The flight to London from the U.S., has been silently taken over by someone who has calculated this to the nines. They are demanding 150 million dollars into an account that bears Bill's name. The whole idea is to frame him for the crime of hijacking this plane and make him responsible for the deaths of everyone that will be killed on this flight one way or another, while they get away with the money. So, who on this flight is actually the hijacker? That is Non-Stop.
Non-Stop do a degree is basically just that. It paces along quite well, with enough happening on screen to hold your interest for the most part. Some of this is of course silly, and far-fetched, but hey, it's an action movie. They do a fairly good job of creating characters as the movie rolls along that make the soup a little tastier. And Neeson, although he kind of plays the same character for the most part he does in Taken, is fine.
But, they are not very cunning in making you guess who the bad guy really is. They blow that early in the movie and I don't think they know that. Also, many people who pay to see this will be put back, and possibly offended when they find out who the "bad guys" really are. It simply will not sit well with many. And in the end, that is part of movie making. Trying to create polarizing moments and characters to attempt to make things more intersting.
But that is the big failure of this movie. The writers took the easiest way out imaginable. They didn't think to take the time to create a villain that is original, and complex, and has his/her own story that would have taken some thought and imagination. That was the absolute strength of the blockbuster, Captain Phillips. They took the time, and used their creativity to make a villain with his own story that was interesting and powerful, and to a degree empathetic. It takes vision and talent to write that well, that just doesn't fly here, no pun intended. The bad guys are just an after thought. Glaring flaw of the movie, and it's not really recoverable. Lazy, stale writing.
Non-Stop. In the end too formula, too predictable, and too easy to really be good. Opportunity wasted. Fair at best.
But Non-Stop is an interesting idea for a mid-winter action movie, with it focusing on United States Air Marshall's. Of course, they are undercover, and are on every flight in the U.S.. This is sort of a story of who they are, and a airliner disaster story, and a movie that deals with the real threat of terrorism that sadly still exists on every flight, try as we might. But this is where the set up is going to end, as this has a sad and for some, a bothersome storyline.
Neeson plays an Air Marshall, Bill. In the opening scene before he gets on a trans-Atlantic flight as Marshall, they establish this him as a fragile, chain smoking, drunken, depressed, divorced, not kept, suicidal, sad excuse of a man. Understanding you have to invent an interesting character for the movie, but I hardly think that is the typical United States Air Marshall. Because this is an action movie, he really isn't all that horrible of a Marshall, and somehow finds a way to save the day. That is not a spoiler, you know Liam Neeson is not going to die in this movie. And for some reason Julianne Moore is in this movie, but she is not needed. Her part is so small, could have been handled by anyone. Plus, she sells no tickets to any movie - anywhere.
The flight to London from the U.S., has been silently taken over by someone who has calculated this to the nines. They are demanding 150 million dollars into an account that bears Bill's name. The whole idea is to frame him for the crime of hijacking this plane and make him responsible for the deaths of everyone that will be killed on this flight one way or another, while they get away with the money. So, who on this flight is actually the hijacker? That is Non-Stop.
Non-Stop do a degree is basically just that. It paces along quite well, with enough happening on screen to hold your interest for the most part. Some of this is of course silly, and far-fetched, but hey, it's an action movie. They do a fairly good job of creating characters as the movie rolls along that make the soup a little tastier. And Neeson, although he kind of plays the same character for the most part he does in Taken, is fine.
But, they are not very cunning in making you guess who the bad guy really is. They blow that early in the movie and I don't think they know that. Also, many people who pay to see this will be put back, and possibly offended when they find out who the "bad guys" really are. It simply will not sit well with many. And in the end, that is part of movie making. Trying to create polarizing moments and characters to attempt to make things more intersting.
But that is the big failure of this movie. The writers took the easiest way out imaginable. They didn't think to take the time to create a villain that is original, and complex, and has his/her own story that would have taken some thought and imagination. That was the absolute strength of the blockbuster, Captain Phillips. They took the time, and used their creativity to make a villain with his own story that was interesting and powerful, and to a degree empathetic. It takes vision and talent to write that well, that just doesn't fly here, no pun intended. The bad guys are just an after thought. Glaring flaw of the movie, and it's not really recoverable. Lazy, stale writing.
Non-Stop. In the end too formula, too predictable, and too easy to really be good. Opportunity wasted. Fair at best.
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