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
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
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
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