BLAIR WITCH
dir. Adam Wingard
"The Blair Witch Project" is one of those seminal 90's horror classics alongside films like "Scream" that redefines genre and storytelling to revitalize horror and give it new life and given the most recent explosion of found footage scare flicks, I am surprised that this sequel was not made sooner but I'm glad this has come out when it has. This is an intensely scary treat for not only fans of the original film but horror fans in general.
Set many years after the original, Heather's brother sets out to find his sister and with the help of three of his friends and two somewhat kooky locals, they venture into the woods and that is when the film takes off with the noises and scares that are sure to kick some audience members to the back of their seat. That is where this movie truly shines and stands out. However, this movie is still far from a perfect horrorfest like the original as some of the moments in this new one feel like replays or reenactments of the original. It also doesn't help that some of the twists in the middle of the film feel like the writer is trying to pull the rug out from under you without scaring or disturbing you.
The final act make up for all of that as the speed of terror goes from a 2.5 to 11 in a snap with twists and turns that shock and terrify, all of which left me glued to my theater seat that by the end of the film, I felt like I had just gone on a roller coaster ride from hell. Enter if you dare to.
Rating: 4/5 Reels
Monday, September 19, 2016
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Bustin’ Makes This Real Good
GHOSTBUSTERS (2016)
dir. Paul Feig
Have No Fear, The
Following Review is Spoiler-Free
I
liked this movie. I really, really, really liked this movie. No, I have not
been paid or influenced by Sony or Sony Pictures. I liked this film because it
is hilarious, has some top notch ghost effects and action scenes and it isn't
just a photocopy of the original source material. Instead, we get a new take
that stands on its own while still maintaining its franchise roots which (for
some other movies) may be a hard feat to pull off, but, this one pulls it off spectacularly.
Are
there some flaws or things that could've been fixed? Sure. The pacing in act
2.5 gets a bit slow and there are moments that feel like they've been left in
to meet a longer runtime. The nods and winks to the original film do get a bit
heavy (the theme tune is played many times including in the films orchestral
score) but not so much that it feels like Gus Van Sant's "Psycho" or
"The Thing" Pre-make. The main baddie of the story could've had a
little more backstory and structure but there are some things that he does with
his motives that are different and not what you would normally see which makes
him a tiny notch above average.
However,
what saves the film from those story-breaking flaws are the charismatic
performances by McCarthy, Wiig, McKinnon, and Jones with the latter two practically
running away with the film in some scenes. Their characters are very well
written and fleshed out and were not trying to emulate or recreate the original
dynamics of Murray, Ackroyd, Ramis and Hudson. They ground their own motives
and meaning within the film's universe. I also like how the roles and molds of
a traditional team are turned upside down as there is no particular leader,
muscle, nerd, plucky sidekick, etc. They are a group with fleshed out individual
traits that make them unique and relatable.
Some
may accuse me of going in, quote, unquote, already knowing that I was going to
like this movie, that I liked it because it reminded me of the original/”brand name”, or
because the lead roles were given to women. When it comes to reboots, retellings,
remakes and re-quels (as in the case of Independence Day: Resurgence), I judge
a film based on what it brings to the table in terms of entertainment and
originality. Some do it well, some do it okay and some are too terrible to
mention or think about. These new “Ghostbusters” bring more than plenty to the
table and not just gizmos, gadgets and gimmicks. It is a fun spooktacular time with
plenty of laughs, slime and action and while that may sound clichéd, it comes
from the heart of someone who truly enjoyed (and perhaps maybe even loved) this new and refreshing summer
blockbuster.
Rating: 4.5 Reels
Thursday, June 16, 2016
A Fiercer, Scarier, and Smarter 'Conjuring'
The Conjuring 2
dir. James Wan
Most horror sequels have a tendency to be predictable and follow the same template as the first installment. You know where the evil is and when it will pop out and make you jump in your seat. Jason leaps at you with the machete, Freddy sneaks up on you in your dreams, and so on, tale as old as time. Being a fan of the first film, I expected this one to have the same tropes and construct with the characters and themes. I was wrong, dead wrong. This is one of the rare breed of horror sequel that is scarier than this original and raises the stakes for everyone including the audience.
Based on another one of Ed and Lorraine Warren's paranormal investigation cases (more specifically The Enfield Poltergeist), The film opens post-Amityville and we see our heroic duo famous but weary doing talk shows debating with skeptics about the incidents. Lorraine also worries that Ed might die in a future investigation after seeing a vision. They are then persuaded to visit a family in England who are being terrorized and discover something more sinister than they've ever faced before. When I say the stakes have been raised, that is just the tip of the iceberg. If the first installment was the first circle of hell, this one cranks it to the tenth, maybe even eleventh. Not since I rented the original "Evil Dead" when I was in high school have I been this scared. But the scares are just the beginning as the film also deals and balances weighty themes of faith, skepticism and facing our own fears. We care and fear for everyone as there is not one character that is disposable or purpose-less unlike in other horror franchises which have a habit of swapping out leads and side-characters like batteries in a remote. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga give fantastic and award-worthy performances as Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Conjuring 2 is scarier than the original and also more thought-provoking that leaves you not only breathless but also raises some interesting questions and discussions in the process. If you weren't frightened by true evil before, this one might just change your mind.
Rating: 4.5 Reels
dir. James Wan
Most horror sequels have a tendency to be predictable and follow the same template as the first installment. You know where the evil is and when it will pop out and make you jump in your seat. Jason leaps at you with the machete, Freddy sneaks up on you in your dreams, and so on, tale as old as time. Being a fan of the first film, I expected this one to have the same tropes and construct with the characters and themes. I was wrong, dead wrong. This is one of the rare breed of horror sequel that is scarier than this original and raises the stakes for everyone including the audience.
Based on another one of Ed and Lorraine Warren's paranormal investigation cases (more specifically The Enfield Poltergeist), The film opens post-Amityville and we see our heroic duo famous but weary doing talk shows debating with skeptics about the incidents. Lorraine also worries that Ed might die in a future investigation after seeing a vision. They are then persuaded to visit a family in England who are being terrorized and discover something more sinister than they've ever faced before. When I say the stakes have been raised, that is just the tip of the iceberg. If the first installment was the first circle of hell, this one cranks it to the tenth, maybe even eleventh. Not since I rented the original "Evil Dead" when I was in high school have I been this scared. But the scares are just the beginning as the film also deals and balances weighty themes of faith, skepticism and facing our own fears. We care and fear for everyone as there is not one character that is disposable or purpose-less unlike in other horror franchises which have a habit of swapping out leads and side-characters like batteries in a remote. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga give fantastic and award-worthy performances as Ed and Lorraine Warren.
The Conjuring 2 is scarier than the original and also more thought-provoking that leaves you not only breathless but also raises some interesting questions and discussions in the process. If you weren't frightened by true evil before, this one might just change your mind.
Rating: 4.5 Reels
A Crafted Mess
Warcraft
dir. Duncan Jones
Movies and Video Games have had a long and turbulent history ever since Universal decided to make a ninety-minute long teaser for an NES game and a subsidiary of Disney made a steampunk hyperdrived summer blockbuster based on two plumbers and a mushroom kingdom. There have been some good, some decent, and some horrific and terrible films based on games. Nevertheless, I think the films of the past get somewhat of a pass as they were walking on new ground. No one had ever made cinema based on this kind of material. We are now in the year 2016, the technology is better and you would think with the leaps and bounds that have been accomplished with the blending of story and effects that "Warcraft" would be a massive and wonderfully made fantasy epic with great writing, characters and action.
It isn't.
Instead, we get a summer film that requires you to either have a gigantic encyclopedia of lore on hand or have played the popular MMORPG since it's launch in 2004. But even if you know everything about the mythos and lore of "Warcraft", this movie still feels like a disservice to its fans by not showcasing the vastness of the universe. We only see four locales throughout the entire thing. No other races or kingdoms are showcased. It just goes back and forth between humans and orcs. I would talk about the acting and performances but I cant remember any of the characters or their motives. The entire first act feels like a "Previously on...." flashback that practically (and somewhat literally) skips the origins and backstories of the leads in order to get to the plot faster. What does that leave us, the audience, with? The visuals are impressive and nice but take a film like James Cameron's "Avatar". It masterly blended brand new FX technology with a timeless story that any audience could relate to and understand. Sure, it was somewhat clichéd but at least, it took the time and pace to establish its plot and characters. I can tell you who was who. Every act of this movie feels like it is just meeting a mandatory check list.
Ruthless Villain and World Ending Device - Check
Stoic and No-Nonsense Hero - Check
Plucky, Still Learning The Ropes Sidekick - Check
And so on and so forth.
The whole vibe of the film seems as if the makers and studio were more concerned about the possibility of a future franchise than making a worthwhile and entertaining blockbuster. Is it a good adaptation of the game? Yes and No. The key parts are there but the whole thing moves so fast that you don't get to fully immerse or understand the "Warcraft" universe and by the end, you just don't care. It is a shame because this material deserved much better than this.
Rating: 1 Reel
dir. Duncan Jones
Movies and Video Games have had a long and turbulent history ever since Universal decided to make a ninety-minute long teaser for an NES game and a subsidiary of Disney made a steampunk hyperdrived summer blockbuster based on two plumbers and a mushroom kingdom. There have been some good, some decent, and some horrific and terrible films based on games. Nevertheless, I think the films of the past get somewhat of a pass as they were walking on new ground. No one had ever made cinema based on this kind of material. We are now in the year 2016, the technology is better and you would think with the leaps and bounds that have been accomplished with the blending of story and effects that "Warcraft" would be a massive and wonderfully made fantasy epic with great writing, characters and action.
It isn't.
Instead, we get a summer film that requires you to either have a gigantic encyclopedia of lore on hand or have played the popular MMORPG since it's launch in 2004. But even if you know everything about the mythos and lore of "Warcraft", this movie still feels like a disservice to its fans by not showcasing the vastness of the universe. We only see four locales throughout the entire thing. No other races or kingdoms are showcased. It just goes back and forth between humans and orcs. I would talk about the acting and performances but I cant remember any of the characters or their motives. The entire first act feels like a "Previously on...." flashback that practically (and somewhat literally) skips the origins and backstories of the leads in order to get to the plot faster. What does that leave us, the audience, with? The visuals are impressive and nice but take a film like James Cameron's "Avatar". It masterly blended brand new FX technology with a timeless story that any audience could relate to and understand. Sure, it was somewhat clichéd but at least, it took the time and pace to establish its plot and characters. I can tell you who was who. Every act of this movie feels like it is just meeting a mandatory check list.
Ruthless Villain and World Ending Device - Check
Stoic and No-Nonsense Hero - Check
Plucky, Still Learning The Ropes Sidekick - Check
And so on and so forth.
The whole vibe of the film seems as if the makers and studio were more concerned about the possibility of a future franchise than making a worthwhile and entertaining blockbuster. Is it a good adaptation of the game? Yes and No. The key parts are there but the whole thing moves so fast that you don't get to fully immerse or understand the "Warcraft" universe and by the end, you just don't care. It is a shame because this material deserved much better than this.
Rating: 1 Reel
Sunday, June 12, 2016
A Darkly Askew View of Modern Day Relationships and Romance
The Lobster
dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
Within the first few minutes of "The Lobster", we get a sense that this dystopian world of relationships and love is darkly and humorously similar to ours. The concept is simple: If you aren't married to someone, you are sent to a hotel where you have 45 days to find a suitable partner. If you don't find a partner within that timeframe, you get turned into an animal of your choosing. The hotel looks and feels like if a dating website like eHarmony became sentient and decided to manifest in our reality. The staff have strict rules and partake with the guests to hunting rebel escapees that live alone in the forest. These rebels have strict rules as well with an emphasis on no romantic relationships of any kind. We see and experience both these societies through the eyes of David, played by Colin Farrell, who just wants to find someone to love. Each group is a reflection on what is going on with romantic relationships today. There is the one side which encourages and somewhat forces you to get married and spread the fruitful seed and the other side which says that individuality without relationships is better and being totally alone and isolated works better for the society as a whole. Think eHarmony vs. an Extremist version of a Hippie commune. The story is much more than a social statement on relationship trends and tendencies. At its core, it is a romance between two people from two different groups and it works. If anyone ever says to you that all romance films these days are the same, point them to this movie and see if they change their tune after watching it.
The film balances the dark realities with hilarious humor quite well. Every scene and moment is unexpected and can range from light, quirky satire that makes you laugh out loud to black, violent realisms that make you cringe and squirm in your theater seat. The cast does a good job at doing this and it never feels like they're phoning it in or taking it at a tongue-in-cheek face value. The music is great at this as well as it indicates to you when you can laugh and when you shouldn't. Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz have excellent chemistry together and I hope that they'll do another film like this together someday. I also really enjoyed the comradery of David's "friends" that he meets at the resort.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos has really tapped into the confusing and maze-like realities of modern day romance and relations. It has a similar (although this one is much more bleak) tone and parallel that director Spike Jonze showcased in his 2013 film, "HER". If you're looking for a perfect date movie, this is definitely not it. But, "The Lobster" is still a perfect pitch black satire that hits all the right notes and engages not only your emotions but your intellect as well long after you've experienced the film.
Rating: 5 Reels
dir. Yorgos Lanthimos
Within the first few minutes of "The Lobster", we get a sense that this dystopian world of relationships and love is darkly and humorously similar to ours. The concept is simple: If you aren't married to someone, you are sent to a hotel where you have 45 days to find a suitable partner. If you don't find a partner within that timeframe, you get turned into an animal of your choosing. The hotel looks and feels like if a dating website like eHarmony became sentient and decided to manifest in our reality. The staff have strict rules and partake with the guests to hunting rebel escapees that live alone in the forest. These rebels have strict rules as well with an emphasis on no romantic relationships of any kind. We see and experience both these societies through the eyes of David, played by Colin Farrell, who just wants to find someone to love. Each group is a reflection on what is going on with romantic relationships today. There is the one side which encourages and somewhat forces you to get married and spread the fruitful seed and the other side which says that individuality without relationships is better and being totally alone and isolated works better for the society as a whole. Think eHarmony vs. an Extremist version of a Hippie commune. The story is much more than a social statement on relationship trends and tendencies. At its core, it is a romance between two people from two different groups and it works. If anyone ever says to you that all romance films these days are the same, point them to this movie and see if they change their tune after watching it.
The film balances the dark realities with hilarious humor quite well. Every scene and moment is unexpected and can range from light, quirky satire that makes you laugh out loud to black, violent realisms that make you cringe and squirm in your theater seat. The cast does a good job at doing this and it never feels like they're phoning it in or taking it at a tongue-in-cheek face value. The music is great at this as well as it indicates to you when you can laugh and when you shouldn't. Colin Farrell and Rachel Weisz have excellent chemistry together and I hope that they'll do another film like this together someday. I also really enjoyed the comradery of David's "friends" that he meets at the resort.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos has really tapped into the confusing and maze-like realities of modern day romance and relations. It has a similar (although this one is much more bleak) tone and parallel that director Spike Jonze showcased in his 2013 film, "HER". If you're looking for a perfect date movie, this is definitely not it. But, "The Lobster" is still a perfect pitch black satire that hits all the right notes and engages not only your emotions but your intellect as well long after you've experienced the film.
Rating: 5 Reels
Saturday, June 4, 2016
A Funny, Snarky, and Quirky Summer Delight
Love & Friendship
dir. Whit Stillman
It is a true rarity that a period comedy piece comes along that is not just faithful to the storytelling and relevancy of Jane Austen but also make the characters and situations relatable to todays audiences. The last time I remember seeing anything like this was when I revisited Kenneth Branagh's 1993 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" after I had seen Joss Whedon's half-hearted hipster version.
Based on a work of Austen's entitled "Lady Susan", The story revolves around a widowed woman who goes to live with her in-laws while she searches for another, preferably wealthy, husband. Kate Beckinsale gives a deviously snarky and hilarious performance as the central character who is deliciously selfish in finding herself another man to live off of. I don't think that we're particularly supposed to side with her on her endeavors especially since she uses everyone around her including her own daughter who she wishes to give away and marry to a dim and unintelligent man for wealth alone. But, despite this, we go along with her and laugh with her when she makes a snarky observation about love and relationships.
The supporting performances are also stellar especially Chloë Sevigny who plays Susan's "BFF", Alicia. She shares the same snarky wit and views that Susan has and aids her in what could only be described as "love espionage". I found the other aspects of the film to be excellent as well such as the beautiful set and production design and the soundtrack which is one of the best film soundtracks composed of classical music that I have ever heard. It ranks up there with the likes of Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" and Milos Forman's "Amadeus".
In a summer full of sequels, superheroes and blockbusters, this one is a standout that deserves to be seen. It is an delightful film full of wit and charm. If you need a break from all the explosions and action seen in other films, go see this one. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 5 Reels
dir. Whit Stillman
It is a true rarity that a period comedy piece comes along that is not just faithful to the storytelling and relevancy of Jane Austen but also make the characters and situations relatable to todays audiences. The last time I remember seeing anything like this was when I revisited Kenneth Branagh's 1993 adaptation of William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" after I had seen Joss Whedon's half-hearted hipster version.
Based on a work of Austen's entitled "Lady Susan", The story revolves around a widowed woman who goes to live with her in-laws while she searches for another, preferably wealthy, husband. Kate Beckinsale gives a deviously snarky and hilarious performance as the central character who is deliciously selfish in finding herself another man to live off of. I don't think that we're particularly supposed to side with her on her endeavors especially since she uses everyone around her including her own daughter who she wishes to give away and marry to a dim and unintelligent man for wealth alone. But, despite this, we go along with her and laugh with her when she makes a snarky observation about love and relationships.
The supporting performances are also stellar especially Chloë Sevigny who plays Susan's "BFF", Alicia. She shares the same snarky wit and views that Susan has and aids her in what could only be described as "love espionage". I found the other aspects of the film to be excellent as well such as the beautiful set and production design and the soundtrack which is one of the best film soundtracks composed of classical music that I have ever heard. It ranks up there with the likes of Stanley Kubrick's "Barry Lyndon" and Milos Forman's "Amadeus".
In a summer full of sequels, superheroes and blockbusters, this one is a standout that deserves to be seen. It is an delightful film full of wit and charm. If you need a break from all the explosions and action seen in other films, go see this one. You won't be disappointed.
Rating: 5 Reels
God, Can I get a 'Do-Over' on the last 90 minutes of my life?
The Do-Over
dir. Steven Brill
I have never been the one to participate in the ever-growing backlash against Adam Sandler. I have liked some of his past studio efforts. I liked "Blended" cause it brought back the great chemistry between him and Drew Barrymore and I enjoyed "Pixels" for some of its funny moments and 80s flashback style. But, where I've defended him in the past for being a victim of overzealous former fans. Here, the overall consensus is the truth. This film is one of the biggest and most unfulfilling timewasters that I've seen in a long time. It's not funny, not enjoyable and overall, an unpleasant and sigh inducing experience.
Just because this is a NETFLIX exclusive film, doesn't give it a pass. This is just one of the films that are part of Adam Sandler's contract with the company. I did not have the misfortune of seeing his previous effort "The Ridiculous Six" but I was told by some that there was nothing to see, so I forgot about it. The "story" of the film involves David Spade as an unlucky character with a terrible wife and kids, job and so on. He bumps into his old high school buddy, played by Sandler, at a reunion who after having some "fun" adventures decides to give his buddy a new life with him by faking their own deaths. The plot from there gets muddled until a twist unfolds that is one of the most tacky, unsentimental and practically offending twists I've ever seen.
This film is not funny, period. Upon writing this review, there are handfuls upon handfuls of other comedies that you could be watching on NETFLIX besides this one. It's a shame because I know that the streaming service is trying to produce and distribute more worthwhile content besides "House Of Cards". It is also very disappointing that Adam Sandler has sunk this low with the comedy work. I want him to do better films but if he keeps making films like this, I highly doubt anyone would want to watch him and his compadres shtick anymore. This is bargain-bin dreck and even that is an understatement as I could go to my local Wal-Mart and find a better comedy with the same runtime as this one that wont leave you feeling empty and lifeless.
Rating: Zero Reels
dir. Steven Brill
I have never been the one to participate in the ever-growing backlash against Adam Sandler. I have liked some of his past studio efforts. I liked "Blended" cause it brought back the great chemistry between him and Drew Barrymore and I enjoyed "Pixels" for some of its funny moments and 80s flashback style. But, where I've defended him in the past for being a victim of overzealous former fans. Here, the overall consensus is the truth. This film is one of the biggest and most unfulfilling timewasters that I've seen in a long time. It's not funny, not enjoyable and overall, an unpleasant and sigh inducing experience.
Just because this is a NETFLIX exclusive film, doesn't give it a pass. This is just one of the films that are part of Adam Sandler's contract with the company. I did not have the misfortune of seeing his previous effort "The Ridiculous Six" but I was told by some that there was nothing to see, so I forgot about it. The "story" of the film involves David Spade as an unlucky character with a terrible wife and kids, job and so on. He bumps into his old high school buddy, played by Sandler, at a reunion who after having some "fun" adventures decides to give his buddy a new life with him by faking their own deaths. The plot from there gets muddled until a twist unfolds that is one of the most tacky, unsentimental and practically offending twists I've ever seen.
This film is not funny, period. Upon writing this review, there are handfuls upon handfuls of other comedies that you could be watching on NETFLIX besides this one. It's a shame because I know that the streaming service is trying to produce and distribute more worthwhile content besides "House Of Cards". It is also very disappointing that Adam Sandler has sunk this low with the comedy work. I want him to do better films but if he keeps making films like this, I highly doubt anyone would want to watch him and his compadres shtick anymore. This is bargain-bin dreck and even that is an understatement as I could go to my local Wal-Mart and find a better comedy with the same runtime as this one that wont leave you feeling empty and lifeless.
Rating: Zero Reels
Thursday, June 2, 2016
An 'X'-cellent Blockbuster
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE
dir. Bryan Singer
A lot of people forget but when the first "X-Men" film came out in 2000, it reignited the superhero movie genre just when it seemed to be on life-support and since then, this franchise has seen some ups and downs but has still managed to remain fresh and new in the minds of audiences. This latest installment just maybe the best X-Men film since the original. It isn't trying to reorganize or repair the foundation of the series (like with First Class or Days of Futures Past) or spinoff a character into another storyline/franchise (like with the two Wolverine films and the still unconfirmed and undetermined Gambit film). Instead, Bryan Singer reigns in the universe and its characters to make a coherent and entertaining blockbuster. In other words, its a film superhero film about story, not setups, teases or namedrops.
Taking place after the events of the previous entry, the resurgence of an all powerful mutant who thinks he is god, brings the gang back together with some new recruits. Oscar Isaac's performance as Apocalypse is the best villain performance in a superhero film that I've seen in a long time. He's a villain who isn't trying to back up his actions or overstuff them with long and rambling monologues but instead gives us some chilling, intense and somewhat frightening scenes such as one where he takes Michael Fassbinder's Magneto back to Auschwitz where his powers were born. The less I say about that, the better. Among some of the other scene stealing moments are the performances by the young and new actors playing Cyclops, Jean Grey and Nightcrawler and another movie stealing moment by Evan Peters as Quicksilver which I dare not give away as it is too good and smile-inducing to spoil. The pacing may be a bit slow for some but at least it's consistent and builds unlike the start and stop and start and stop patterns like some other superhero films. Bryan Singer brings some of the same flourish and bam action sequence directing that he brought back to the franchise with "Days of Futures Past" and even brings out some great emotional performances out of both James McAvoy and Michael Fassbinder during the films more dramatic scenes.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" maintains a balance of being both an individual summer blockbuster and continuing the franchise's canon storyline and it works. Is it better than "Batman V Superman" and "Captain America: Civil War"? In some respects, yes but that is like comparing three books in the same genre. Sure, they're the same genre but they are still three different stories. Still, "Apocalypse" is an amazing and x-cellent summer action-fest that succeeds on every level.
Rating: 4.5/5 Reels
dir. Bryan Singer
A lot of people forget but when the first "X-Men" film came out in 2000, it reignited the superhero movie genre just when it seemed to be on life-support and since then, this franchise has seen some ups and downs but has still managed to remain fresh and new in the minds of audiences. This latest installment just maybe the best X-Men film since the original. It isn't trying to reorganize or repair the foundation of the series (like with First Class or Days of Futures Past) or spinoff a character into another storyline/franchise (like with the two Wolverine films and the still unconfirmed and undetermined Gambit film). Instead, Bryan Singer reigns in the universe and its characters to make a coherent and entertaining blockbuster. In other words, its a film superhero film about story, not setups, teases or namedrops.
Taking place after the events of the previous entry, the resurgence of an all powerful mutant who thinks he is god, brings the gang back together with some new recruits. Oscar Isaac's performance as Apocalypse is the best villain performance in a superhero film that I've seen in a long time. He's a villain who isn't trying to back up his actions or overstuff them with long and rambling monologues but instead gives us some chilling, intense and somewhat frightening scenes such as one where he takes Michael Fassbinder's Magneto back to Auschwitz where his powers were born. The less I say about that, the better. Among some of the other scene stealing moments are the performances by the young and new actors playing Cyclops, Jean Grey and Nightcrawler and another movie stealing moment by Evan Peters as Quicksilver which I dare not give away as it is too good and smile-inducing to spoil. The pacing may be a bit slow for some but at least it's consistent and builds unlike the start and stop and start and stop patterns like some other superhero films. Bryan Singer brings some of the same flourish and bam action sequence directing that he brought back to the franchise with "Days of Futures Past" and even brings out some great emotional performances out of both James McAvoy and Michael Fassbinder during the films more dramatic scenes.
"X-Men: Apocalypse" maintains a balance of being both an individual summer blockbuster and continuing the franchise's canon storyline and it works. Is it better than "Batman V Superman" and "Captain America: Civil War"? In some respects, yes but that is like comparing three books in the same genre. Sure, they're the same genre but they are still three different stories. Still, "Apocalypse" is an amazing and x-cellent summer action-fest that succeeds on every level.
Rating: 4.5/5 Reels
Tuesday, May 10, 2016
A Strong and Lively 'Civil War'
Captain America: Civil War
dir. Anthony and Joe Russo
In the opening moments of the film, we know that this isn't just 'Avengers 2.5' or a shameless prequel or set-up to future events/films such as the upcoming "Doctor Strange" or any of the upcoming installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, 'Civil War' showcases a great balance of story and character intensity and summer blockbuster fun.
The intensity of the story comes from the previous encounters that both Captain America and the other Avengers have had from their inaugural battle in New York City to last year's fight with Ultron. The government wants to control them and sanction them with a registry but The Cap and some of the other Avengers don't agree which leads to a 'Civil War' with two factions and explores deep and political ideas that you don't usually see in a standard superhero film. The concepts and conflicts that present themselves show the maturity of all the Avengers. The story isn't just cobbled together or used for the purpose of name-dropping and scene setting like in other imitation style films like last summer's disastrous 'Fan4stic'.
The intense scenes are nail-biting but the film isn't totally serious and dark like 'Batman V Superman' was. We get a lot of levity and smile-inducing moments with Ant-Man and Spider-Man whom steals the show when he is on screen. If this film is meant to showcase and preview next summer's "Spider-Man: Homecoming", it succeeds and shows that newcomer Tom Holland is excellent in that role.
Flaws are minimal are only limited to it's somewhat overlong pacing and runtime (the film runs just over two and a half hours), the overall 'War' aspect feels more like an epic disagreement and the film's denouement felt more on par with "The Empire Strikes Back" and not an MCU installment.
Despite that, "Captain America: Civil War" is the perfect kickstart to this years blockbuster filled summer and only proves that Marvel Studios is afraid to balance somewhat mature themes with fun action sequences and to give other Marvel superheroes some overdue screentime. It's a fun and intense blockbuster and easily one of the best installments so far in Marvel's Cinematic Universe.
Rating: 4/5 Reels
dir. Anthony and Joe Russo
In the opening moments of the film, we know that this isn't just 'Avengers 2.5' or a shameless prequel or set-up to future events/films such as the upcoming "Doctor Strange" or any of the upcoming installments in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, 'Civil War' showcases a great balance of story and character intensity and summer blockbuster fun.
The intensity of the story comes from the previous encounters that both Captain America and the other Avengers have had from their inaugural battle in New York City to last year's fight with Ultron. The government wants to control them and sanction them with a registry but The Cap and some of the other Avengers don't agree which leads to a 'Civil War' with two factions and explores deep and political ideas that you don't usually see in a standard superhero film. The concepts and conflicts that present themselves show the maturity of all the Avengers. The story isn't just cobbled together or used for the purpose of name-dropping and scene setting like in other imitation style films like last summer's disastrous 'Fan4stic'.
The intense scenes are nail-biting but the film isn't totally serious and dark like 'Batman V Superman' was. We get a lot of levity and smile-inducing moments with Ant-Man and Spider-Man whom steals the show when he is on screen. If this film is meant to showcase and preview next summer's "Spider-Man: Homecoming", it succeeds and shows that newcomer Tom Holland is excellent in that role.
Flaws are minimal are only limited to it's somewhat overlong pacing and runtime (the film runs just over two and a half hours), the overall 'War' aspect feels more like an epic disagreement and the film's denouement felt more on par with "The Empire Strikes Back" and not an MCU installment.
Despite that, "Captain America: Civil War" is the perfect kickstart to this years blockbuster filled summer and only proves that Marvel Studios is afraid to balance somewhat mature themes with fun action sequences and to give other Marvel superheroes some overdue screentime. It's a fun and intense blockbuster and easily one of the best installments so far in Marvel's Cinematic Universe.
Rating: 4/5 Reels
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
A Fun 'Jungle' Ride
The Jungle Book (2016)
dir. Jon Favreau
Like with many classic children's books, there have been many filmic versions of "The Jungle Book", one for every generation in fact. This generation's version of Rudyard Kipling's classic is just as good as the ones that have come before it. Maybe even a little better due to the advances in digital filmmaking technology.
Jon Favreau brings the same blockbuster A game that he used on 2008's "Iron Man" to create a fully formed and vibrant world that blends seamless CGI imagery with the acting debut of Neel Sethi as Mowgli. Child actors may be hit or miss but this young actor really embodies Mowgli and I hope his acting career prospers and we can see more of him in future films. He also has an a-list voice cast to support him with the likes of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Oscar-Winner Ben Kingsley, and Christopher Walken giving some of the best voice work that I've seen and heard in a family film in a long while. The film does have some darker moments and designs than the other versions but that isn't a problem for very long as the story maintains a balance that doesn't stray too far from the story but also doesn't become another shot-for-shot remake.
Disney has been putting a lot of effort into what I could only call their "Classic Story Cinematic Universe" because these films aren't necessarily remakes or reboots. They're new adaptations of classic stories for new generations and they compliment their original animated classic counterparts making movies like this one, the perfect stepping stone for new classic Disney fans and just as good as the original animated film.
Rating: 3.5/5 Reels
dir. Jon Favreau
Like with many classic children's books, there have been many filmic versions of "The Jungle Book", one for every generation in fact. This generation's version of Rudyard Kipling's classic is just as good as the ones that have come before it. Maybe even a little better due to the advances in digital filmmaking technology.
Jon Favreau brings the same blockbuster A game that he used on 2008's "Iron Man" to create a fully formed and vibrant world that blends seamless CGI imagery with the acting debut of Neel Sethi as Mowgli. Child actors may be hit or miss but this young actor really embodies Mowgli and I hope his acting career prospers and we can see more of him in future films. He also has an a-list voice cast to support him with the likes of Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Oscar-Winner Ben Kingsley, and Christopher Walken giving some of the best voice work that I've seen and heard in a family film in a long while. The film does have some darker moments and designs than the other versions but that isn't a problem for very long as the story maintains a balance that doesn't stray too far from the story but also doesn't become another shot-for-shot remake.
Disney has been putting a lot of effort into what I could only call their "Classic Story Cinematic Universe" because these films aren't necessarily remakes or reboots. They're new adaptations of classic stories for new generations and they compliment their original animated classic counterparts making movies like this one, the perfect stepping stone for new classic Disney fans and just as good as the original animated film.
Rating: 3.5/5 Reels
Monday, April 11, 2016
An Entertaining and Influential Ride
Hardcore Henry
dir. Ilya Naishuller
It's hard to stand out cinematically in an age where almost everything has been seen and done. "Hardcore Henry" is one of those rare films that not only stands out but also has the makings of an cult classic that could change the way we look and make movies. Now, "Henry" does have some faults. Due to the audience literally being the main character, We don't get a lot of lead back story or motives except for bits and pieces such as a memory with Tim Roth playing "our" father. The villains don't get much of a backstory or motive either but neither do most superhero movie villains these days. As Alfred from "The Dark Knight" perfectly said it: "Some men just want to watch the world burn." Neither of those flaws, however, affected the overall experience for me.
Now, while, This isn't the first time this First Person POV style has been used to make a movie, films such as the 2012 remake of "Maniac" and the short but technically impressive FPS sequence in 2005's "DOOM", but the difference between those and this is gigantic. The filmmakers seemed to have developed a whole new way of making films instead of just using the gimmick to sell tickets and make a quick buck. There seems to be a great passion and drive to pull us, the audience, directly into the action and world that "Hardcore Henry" builds. Watching this in the theater, I felt nothing but a constant adrenaline rush and was excited to see what more over-the-top action and moments that this film was going to bring. When the movie was over, I felt like I had just spent an entire day in a amusement park on super speed. Some critics have managed to point out that this is just a boring video game movie that is on par with watching a play through of "Call Of Duty" on YouTube. To them I would argue this, if films like "Gravity" can be overproduced 3D roller-coaster rides that get critical acclaim, then why can't films like this take from that and instead of making Oscar-bait, creat something completely new and fresh. The filmmakers and the producers (one of whom is Timur Bekmambetov who directed "Wanted" and the upcoming "Ben-Hur" and has produced films like last year's "Unfriended") have succeeded in creating a thrilling cinematic experience that deserves to be cherished, studied and enjoyed for many years to come. This film isn't just "Hardcore", it's an influential action packed piece of cinema.
Rating: 5/5 Reels
dir. Ilya Naishuller
It's hard to stand out cinematically in an age where almost everything has been seen and done. "Hardcore Henry" is one of those rare films that not only stands out but also has the makings of an cult classic that could change the way we look and make movies. Now, "Henry" does have some faults. Due to the audience literally being the main character, We don't get a lot of lead back story or motives except for bits and pieces such as a memory with Tim Roth playing "our" father. The villains don't get much of a backstory or motive either but neither do most superhero movie villains these days. As Alfred from "The Dark Knight" perfectly said it: "Some men just want to watch the world burn." Neither of those flaws, however, affected the overall experience for me.
Now, while, This isn't the first time this First Person POV style has been used to make a movie, films such as the 2012 remake of "Maniac" and the short but technically impressive FPS sequence in 2005's "DOOM", but the difference between those and this is gigantic. The filmmakers seemed to have developed a whole new way of making films instead of just using the gimmick to sell tickets and make a quick buck. There seems to be a great passion and drive to pull us, the audience, directly into the action and world that "Hardcore Henry" builds. Watching this in the theater, I felt nothing but a constant adrenaline rush and was excited to see what more over-the-top action and moments that this film was going to bring. When the movie was over, I felt like I had just spent an entire day in a amusement park on super speed. Some critics have managed to point out that this is just a boring video game movie that is on par with watching a play through of "Call Of Duty" on YouTube. To them I would argue this, if films like "Gravity" can be overproduced 3D roller-coaster rides that get critical acclaim, then why can't films like this take from that and instead of making Oscar-bait, creat something completely new and fresh. The filmmakers and the producers (one of whom is Timur Bekmambetov who directed "Wanted" and the upcoming "Ben-Hur" and has produced films like last year's "Unfriended") have succeeded in creating a thrilling cinematic experience that deserves to be cherished, studied and enjoyed for many years to come. This film isn't just "Hardcore", it's an influential action packed piece of cinema.
Rating: 5/5 Reels
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
'Dawn' of a Cinematic Universe
Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice
dir. Zack Snyder
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW (Don't worry, It's okay to read)
Film based on DC Comics tend to become very divisive with both fans, moviegoers and critics. As both a comic book fan, a moviegoer and film critic, I can safely say that "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" is flawed but still highly entertaining. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe which gives you bits and bites of future films in each one of its installments, "BvS" throws everything at you during the film's Two and A Half Hour running time including the kitchen sink, the house and whatever rubble is left over from "Man Of Steel".
Now, before I continue talking about the good things that "BvS" offers, Let's look at the bad. Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor is one of them, in fact, his performance is the worst thing about this movie as he plays it like the illegitimate love child of Mark Zuckerberg, Jim Carrey's Riddler from "Batman Forever" and a hyped up and coked out Mickey Mouse. He is constantly chewing up the scenery which distracts from all of the other great things that "BvS" has to offer. Another flaw that this movie has is it's Two and A Half Hour running time. The running time wouldn't be a problem if the film had proper pacing but unfortunately, it doesn't.
Despite Eisenberg's Scene Eating and Long Running Time, Batman V Superman still is intensely entertaining. Ben Affleck's Batman/Bruce Wayne is the best cinematic interpretation since Michael Keaton. Henry Cavill is still great as the Man Of Steel and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is amazing. The climatic fight scenes are epic, frenetic and keep you on the edge of your seat.
"Batman V Superman" is flawed sure, but the pros outweigh the cons. It is an action packed first chapter to a much larger universe that DC wants to give the fans and moviegoers not the critics. Overall, I'd recommend it and even though Jessie Eisenberg and the slow pacing stall the movie a bit, "BvS" is still a great action-packed blockbuster
Rating: 4/5 Reels
dir. Zack Snyder
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW (Don't worry, It's okay to read)
Film based on DC Comics tend to become very divisive with both fans, moviegoers and critics. As both a comic book fan, a moviegoer and film critic, I can safely say that "Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice" is flawed but still highly entertaining. Unlike the Marvel Cinematic Universe which gives you bits and bites of future films in each one of its installments, "BvS" throws everything at you during the film's Two and A Half Hour running time including the kitchen sink, the house and whatever rubble is left over from "Man Of Steel".
Now, before I continue talking about the good things that "BvS" offers, Let's look at the bad. Jessie Eisenberg as Lex Luthor is one of them, in fact, his performance is the worst thing about this movie as he plays it like the illegitimate love child of Mark Zuckerberg, Jim Carrey's Riddler from "Batman Forever" and a hyped up and coked out Mickey Mouse. He is constantly chewing up the scenery which distracts from all of the other great things that "BvS" has to offer. Another flaw that this movie has is it's Two and A Half Hour running time. The running time wouldn't be a problem if the film had proper pacing but unfortunately, it doesn't.
Despite Eisenberg's Scene Eating and Long Running Time, Batman V Superman still is intensely entertaining. Ben Affleck's Batman/Bruce Wayne is the best cinematic interpretation since Michael Keaton. Henry Cavill is still great as the Man Of Steel and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman is amazing. The climatic fight scenes are epic, frenetic and keep you on the edge of your seat.
"Batman V Superman" is flawed sure, but the pros outweigh the cons. It is an action packed first chapter to a much larger universe that DC wants to give the fans and moviegoers not the critics. Overall, I'd recommend it and even though Jessie Eisenberg and the slow pacing stall the movie a bit, "BvS" is still a great action-packed blockbuster
Rating: 4/5 Reels
Sunday, March 27, 2016
A Powerful, Emotional and Inspirational Experience
Miracles From Heaven
dir. Patricia Riggen
Faith-based films walk a very tight and thin line between being available to all audiences and only appealing to a limited one. I am very happy to say that Miracles From Heaven can be enjoyed by anyone even if you aren't affiliated with a particular denomination. The reason why it can be enjoyed by anyone is that the story is a universal one: Families going through a trying time. It is also based on a true story that whether you believe or not, could happen to anyone and any family.
Jennifer Garner gives her best dramatic performance as Christy Beam, who just wants her daughter to get better from an unforgiving disease. Her faith and motherly strength are pushed to the limit as she tries to keep everything together with both her daughter and the rest of her family (her husband and other two daughters). There are great scenes of emotional depth and relatability that made me cry as I was watching it cause it reminded me of my own mother. The supporting cast gives good performances as well with one of the best being John Carroll Lynch as the local pastor whom supports Christy even when she stops going to church after what some ladies had said to her about her kid.
Miracles From Heaven may not be your cup of tea but if it interests you, like it did me, you'll enjoy it. It is a powerful, emotional and inspirational experience that is universal for all mothers and families.
Rating: 4.5/5 Reels
dir. Patricia Riggen
Faith-based films walk a very tight and thin line between being available to all audiences and only appealing to a limited one. I am very happy to say that Miracles From Heaven can be enjoyed by anyone even if you aren't affiliated with a particular denomination. The reason why it can be enjoyed by anyone is that the story is a universal one: Families going through a trying time. It is also based on a true story that whether you believe or not, could happen to anyone and any family.
Jennifer Garner gives her best dramatic performance as Christy Beam, who just wants her daughter to get better from an unforgiving disease. Her faith and motherly strength are pushed to the limit as she tries to keep everything together with both her daughter and the rest of her family (her husband and other two daughters). There are great scenes of emotional depth and relatability that made me cry as I was watching it cause it reminded me of my own mother. The supporting cast gives good performances as well with one of the best being John Carroll Lynch as the local pastor whom supports Christy even when she stops going to church after what some ladies had said to her about her kid.
Miracles From Heaven may not be your cup of tea but if it interests you, like it did me, you'll enjoy it. It is a powerful, emotional and inspirational experience that is universal for all mothers and families.
Rating: 4.5/5 Reels
A Wildy Timely and Wonderful 'Topia'
Zootopia
Dir. Byron Howard and Rich Moore
It is rare for me to come out of a movie theater and have a solid and definitive opinion about a film. I usually try to think it over and play it back a little in my head to find all of the intricate parts that made the film that way. However, as soon as "Zootopia" was over, I knew instantly that not only was this one of the years best movies but also one of the best Disney animated films ever made.
The story may seem basic as it plays like a normal buddy cop film but there is a lot more to it that not only kids but also adults can relate to and become emotionally involved in. It deals with stereotypes and prejudice that isn't forceful or overdramatic and instead the themes naturally evolve through the characters and story as it should. Judy Hopps wants to just be the best cop she can be but others around her only see the shortcomings and not her true potential and the same goes for her unlikely partner, Nick Wilde, a con artist fox and together, they have to solve a missing persons case. The voice acting and animation is, as usual, fantastic but the design of the characters and world is what makes this more outstanding and awe-inspiring than Big Hero 6 or, dare I say it, Inside Out. Its a very immersive experience. Overall, Zootopia has an amazing story, amazing characters, amazing animation, and is just an amazing film. Walt Disney Animation Studios has entered another renaissance and this film is prove positive.
Rating: 5/5 Reels
Dir. Byron Howard and Rich Moore
It is rare for me to come out of a movie theater and have a solid and definitive opinion about a film. I usually try to think it over and play it back a little in my head to find all of the intricate parts that made the film that way. However, as soon as "Zootopia" was over, I knew instantly that not only was this one of the years best movies but also one of the best Disney animated films ever made.
The story may seem basic as it plays like a normal buddy cop film but there is a lot more to it that not only kids but also adults can relate to and become emotionally involved in. It deals with stereotypes and prejudice that isn't forceful or overdramatic and instead the themes naturally evolve through the characters and story as it should. Judy Hopps wants to just be the best cop she can be but others around her only see the shortcomings and not her true potential and the same goes for her unlikely partner, Nick Wilde, a con artist fox and together, they have to solve a missing persons case. The voice acting and animation is, as usual, fantastic but the design of the characters and world is what makes this more outstanding and awe-inspiring than Big Hero 6 or, dare I say it, Inside Out. Its a very immersive experience. Overall, Zootopia has an amazing story, amazing characters, amazing animation, and is just an amazing film. Walt Disney Animation Studios has entered another renaissance and this film is prove positive.
Rating: 5/5 Reels
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Wrong Shelter, Great Time
10 Cloverfield Lane
dir. Dan Trachtenberg
It's tough to give a proper review to this one. Not because of its content, but due to all of the films more intriguing and interesting moments being what this generation would call "Spoilers". The twists and turns this movie weaves is outstanding and frustrating at the same time.
The film is a spiritual successor and not a direct sequel, spinoff, or remake to "Cloverfield". Spiritual Successors in film aren't anything new in cinema but this changes the game as it tells a brand new story while maintaining the originals mysterious and frightening tone. The story centers around Michelle, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is running away from her life when her car crashes and she wakes up in the basement shelter/home of Howard. John Goodman's performance as Howard is the most intense and scary of his entire career and a benchmark in how talented this actor truly is. The shelter is the main focal point of the film with the question being: What is happening outside? A infectious disease? Nuclear war? The mystery of this makes the film even better as we don't have the open ground of the original film to play in. The audience is confined in this space and we don't find out what the outside is like until the last act of the film.
I can't go into anymore detail without spoiling anything but I'll just conclude with this: If you love the original, this film will not disappoint you. If you never liked the original, you too won't be disappointed. 10 Cloverfield Lane is an intense, frightening, and thrilling film that I hope leads to more just like it. A true cinematic surprise.
Rating: 4/5 Reels
dir. Dan Trachtenberg
It's tough to give a proper review to this one. Not because of its content, but due to all of the films more intriguing and interesting moments being what this generation would call "Spoilers". The twists and turns this movie weaves is outstanding and frustrating at the same time.
The film is a spiritual successor and not a direct sequel, spinoff, or remake to "Cloverfield". Spiritual Successors in film aren't anything new in cinema but this changes the game as it tells a brand new story while maintaining the originals mysterious and frightening tone. The story centers around Michelle, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is running away from her life when her car crashes and she wakes up in the basement shelter/home of Howard. John Goodman's performance as Howard is the most intense and scary of his entire career and a benchmark in how talented this actor truly is. The shelter is the main focal point of the film with the question being: What is happening outside? A infectious disease? Nuclear war? The mystery of this makes the film even better as we don't have the open ground of the original film to play in. The audience is confined in this space and we don't find out what the outside is like until the last act of the film.
I can't go into anymore detail without spoiling anything but I'll just conclude with this: If you love the original, this film will not disappoint you. If you never liked the original, you too won't be disappointed. 10 Cloverfield Lane is an intense, frightening, and thrilling film that I hope leads to more just like it. A true cinematic surprise.
Rating: 4/5 Reels
Sunday, February 28, 2016
My Favorite Films of 2015
2015 was another great year for film that included many hits and misses. Out of the many films that I saw, these were the ones that stood out among the rest and made my own list of yearly favorites. Now, to clarify, I haven't seen every film (including The Revenant, Brooklyn, Bridge of Spies, etc.) but despite this, I did manage to clock in over 40 films so condensing it into a normal top ten list was quite a task. But nevertheless, These were the films that I enjoyed the most all year and that I highly recommend to rent or buy on home video or streaming.
My Favorite Films of 2015
Grandma
Inside Out
Jurassic World
Mad Max: Fury Road
Pawn Sacrifice
Spotlight
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Tomorrowland
The Walk
Wild Tales
Honorable Mentions
Age of Adaline
Irrational Man
Jupiter Ascending
Krampus
Spy
Tuesday, February 23, 2016
Marvelously Insane and Gleefully Profane
DEADPOOL
dir. Tim Miller
"Deadpool" starts by giving us a credit sequence that not only tells us what superhero clichés to expect (a british villain, a gratuitous cameo, etc.) but also lampoons it with the softness of a brick. It is hard to be fresh, new and inventive when so many comic book films come out each year. This year alone is bringing us SEVEN superhero/comic book films including this one. "Deadpool" stands out from the rest of those yet released as it isn't trying to name drop or set up events for future franchise installments. Instead, the film sets fire to those and gives us a fast and furiously action filled romp that lets the audience in on its own insanity.
Another one of the things that sets the film apart from others like it is that the central hero isn't exactly standing for "Truth, Justice, and The American Way" but instead stands for himself and his own self-interests. He isn't going to save the world unless there is something in it for him and him alone which makes the film even more hilarious and timely. Ryan Reynolds gives a career defining performance that I think is bound to be his most memorable unlike "Green Lantern" which is jabbed at throughout the film along with other comic book films and characters.
All of the supporting characters and actors are exceptionally well and the action scenes are fun and constant without being too over the top ala "Kick Ass" or "Punisher: War Zone". Overall, "Deadpool" is one of the best superhero films out there as it doesn't hide its insane and profane nature or try and set up a future installment of its own universe. "Deadpool" exists to be "Deadpool" and that is what makes it marvelous.
Rating: Four and A Half Reels out of Five
dir. Tim Miller
"Deadpool" starts by giving us a credit sequence that not only tells us what superhero clichés to expect (a british villain, a gratuitous cameo, etc.) but also lampoons it with the softness of a brick. It is hard to be fresh, new and inventive when so many comic book films come out each year. This year alone is bringing us SEVEN superhero/comic book films including this one. "Deadpool" stands out from the rest of those yet released as it isn't trying to name drop or set up events for future franchise installments. Instead, the film sets fire to those and gives us a fast and furiously action filled romp that lets the audience in on its own insanity.
Another one of the things that sets the film apart from others like it is that the central hero isn't exactly standing for "Truth, Justice, and The American Way" but instead stands for himself and his own self-interests. He isn't going to save the world unless there is something in it for him and him alone which makes the film even more hilarious and timely. Ryan Reynolds gives a career defining performance that I think is bound to be his most memorable unlike "Green Lantern" which is jabbed at throughout the film along with other comic book films and characters.
All of the supporting characters and actors are exceptionally well and the action scenes are fun and constant without being too over the top ala "Kick Ass" or "Punisher: War Zone". Overall, "Deadpool" is one of the best superhero films out there as it doesn't hide its insane and profane nature or try and set up a future installment of its own universe. "Deadpool" exists to be "Deadpool" and that is what makes it marvelous.
Rating: Four and A Half Reels out of Five
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
A Warm 'Choice'
The Choice
dir. Ross Katz
The Choice isn't a perfect movie but it doesn't have to be. Is it clichéd? Sure but what makes it work is the performances and chemistry between all the characters. Plus, the fact that this is the 11th film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel means that there is bound to be some expectation and similarities with previous incarnations of his work. I think there is even a reference to "The Notebook" with the lead character, Travis mentioning how the previous owners of the house next door, where his future love resides, used to live there and then left to stay in a nursing home. Benjamin Walker's performance as Travis is one of the highlights of the film. He is a leading man in the making. His chemistry with Teresa Palmer's Gabby is outstanding and well-grounded. The supporting cast is good too with some better than average performances by Tom Wilkinson and Tom Welling of "Smallville" fame. That isn't to say though that there aren't some flaws with the finished film. The third act gets a bit muddled and rushed instead of naturally playing out. Plus, The opening scenes practically give away the final act of the film which if you've seen almost every Nicholas Sparks film (like I have), you might be able to piece together on your own what is gonna happen near the end. It also feels like the film had some crucial scenes that were left on the cutting room floor to meet a under two-hour runtime. But even with those flaws, The Choice is still a very warm, funny and emotional film that gives you what you want in a romance. You'll smile, you'll cry and it'll make you think about the choices that we all make and while this film may be corny to some, at least the film and filmmakers treat the audience like mature adults unlike some other films in this genre that I've seen (cough, Fifty Shades, cough). It may not be as good "The Notebook" or "The Longest Ride" but it's still another nice addition to the Nicholas Sparks canon.
Rating: Three Reels out of Five
dir. Ross Katz
The Choice isn't a perfect movie but it doesn't have to be. Is it clichéd? Sure but what makes it work is the performances and chemistry between all the characters. Plus, the fact that this is the 11th film adaptation of a Nicholas Sparks novel means that there is bound to be some expectation and similarities with previous incarnations of his work. I think there is even a reference to "The Notebook" with the lead character, Travis mentioning how the previous owners of the house next door, where his future love resides, used to live there and then left to stay in a nursing home. Benjamin Walker's performance as Travis is one of the highlights of the film. He is a leading man in the making. His chemistry with Teresa Palmer's Gabby is outstanding and well-grounded. The supporting cast is good too with some better than average performances by Tom Wilkinson and Tom Welling of "Smallville" fame. That isn't to say though that there aren't some flaws with the finished film. The third act gets a bit muddled and rushed instead of naturally playing out. Plus, The opening scenes practically give away the final act of the film which if you've seen almost every Nicholas Sparks film (like I have), you might be able to piece together on your own what is gonna happen near the end. It also feels like the film had some crucial scenes that were left on the cutting room floor to meet a under two-hour runtime. But even with those flaws, The Choice is still a very warm, funny and emotional film that gives you what you want in a romance. You'll smile, you'll cry and it'll make you think about the choices that we all make and while this film may be corny to some, at least the film and filmmakers treat the audience like mature adults unlike some other films in this genre that I've seen (cough, Fifty Shades, cough). It may not be as good "The Notebook" or "The Longest Ride" but it's still another nice addition to the Nicholas Sparks canon.
Rating: Three Reels out of Five
Austen Zombified
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
dir. Burr Steers
Mashup films can either be quite fun and underrated like "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" or a bit too serious for it's own good like "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" seems to strike a good balance between these two extremes by not only being a good adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel but also being a fun, entertaining and elegant zombie killfest with some impressive action set pieces. However, one of the most glaring flaws of this film is that it seems that a lot of edited out to meet its PG-13 rating making about half of the action sequences rather bloodless and sanitized. There is still enough gruesomeness to suffice but it felt like I was watching a made for television version that is more on par with an episode of "The Walking Dead" than a theatrical feature. That aside though, the core of the film is still good with impressive characterizations of the book's classic leads including another great central performance by Lily James as Elizabeth Bennet. She seems to have a great talent for taking classic literary characters and making them all new again as she did last year with her outstanding portrayal of "Cinderella" in the new Disney live action version. She and the rest of the cast make the humor and elegance of the story stand out without it being too tongue-in-cheek.
Overall, Austen's shared universe (yes, I just said those words) gets the zombie treatment without taking away any of what has made her books timeless.
Rating: Three Reels out of Five
dir. Burr Steers
Mashup films can either be quite fun and underrated like "Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters" or a bit too serious for it's own good like "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter". "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" seems to strike a good balance between these two extremes by not only being a good adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel but also being a fun, entertaining and elegant zombie killfest with some impressive action set pieces. However, one of the most glaring flaws of this film is that it seems that a lot of edited out to meet its PG-13 rating making about half of the action sequences rather bloodless and sanitized. There is still enough gruesomeness to suffice but it felt like I was watching a made for television version that is more on par with an episode of "The Walking Dead" than a theatrical feature. That aside though, the core of the film is still good with impressive characterizations of the book's classic leads including another great central performance by Lily James as Elizabeth Bennet. She seems to have a great talent for taking classic literary characters and making them all new again as she did last year with her outstanding portrayal of "Cinderella" in the new Disney live action version. She and the rest of the cast make the humor and elegance of the story stand out without it being too tongue-in-cheek.
Overall, Austen's shared universe (yes, I just said those words) gets the zombie treatment without taking away any of what has made her books timeless.
Rating: Three Reels out of Five
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