1039 replies to this topic

[tdalton]

Really, Michael Bay?  In what regard?

 

IMO, this last M:I-film was the most enjoyable since the first one.  And very far removed from Bay´s style.

 

I thought that Ghost Protocol was probably the least-enjoyable entry in the series, even less so than Mission: Impossible II.  There are some cool set pieces in Ghost Protocol, most notably Cruise's prison escape in the beginning and his aerial stunt work in Dubai, but that's what the film ultimately feels like, just a bunch of set pieces strung together by an almost non-existent story.

[Janus Assassin]

MI:2 is garbage compared to the rest of them. In GP, the whole hotel sequence in Dubai is the best moments in any film I've ever seen.

[tdalton]

Mark Romanek ("One Hour Photo") is in negotiations to direct a prequel to The Shining

[Iceskater101]

Wow a prequel to the Shining would be interesting. 

[tdalton]

Here's Stephen King's thoughts on the project from around the time that Doctor Sleep was published:

 

 

There’s a real question about whether or not they have the rights to ‘Before the Play,’ which was the prologue cut from the book — because the epilogue to the book was called ‘After the Play.’ So they were bookends, and there was really scary stuff in that prologue that wouldn’t make a bad movie. Am I eager to see that happen? No I am not. And there’s some real question about what rights Warner Bros. does still have. The Shining is such an old book now that the copyright comes back to me. Arguably, the film rights lapse — so we’ll see. We’re looking into that. I’m not saying I would put a stop to the project, because I’m sort of a nice guy. When I was a kid, my mother said, ‘Stephen if you were a girl, you’d always be pregnant.’ I have a tendency to let people develop things. I’m always curious to see what will happen. But you know what? I would be just as happy if it didn’t happen.

 

 

Given that King doesn't seem to be all that on board with it, I can't say that I'm overly looking forward to it either.  While I do think that there could be a terrific film made from the idea, I'd like for it to at least be something to which King has at least given his blessing, if not something that he's actually involved in making.  

 

Ideally, and I can't believe that the studios haven't decided to go this route, I'd like to see them perhaps make a new trilogy out of the whole thing.  They could start with this new film, Overlook Hotel, and then remake The Shining into a film that actually adapts King's novel, and then finish it off with the inevitable adaptation of Doctor Sleep.

[007jamesbond]

The November Man feature former Bond star PB and a former Bond girl from QOS 

 

[Iceskater101]

Fifty Shades of Grey trailer released. 

 

If you're curious..

https://www.youtube....h?v=vh8DEcVtopg

[tdalton]

SEEN:

Mitt - 3
In the Blood - 2.5
RoboCop - 2
Non-Stop - 3

300: Rise of an Empire - 1
 
LOOKING FORWARD TO:
Godzilla
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes
The Expendables 3
Sin City: A Dame to Kill For
The Equalizer
November Man
Gone Girl

[007jamesbond]

[thecasinoroyale]

'Sin City: A Dame To Kill For' Red-Band trailer:

 

http://io9.com/sin-c...role-1612127874

 

Eva Green just...well...WOW. Yes.

 

 

 

AND in other news, sad to report that James Shigeta has died aged 81. Known to many as Mr Takagi in 'Die Hard'. Little screen-time, but such a brilliant role and scene shared with Alan Rickman. RIP Mr Takagi!

 

[x007AceOfSpades]

The Expendables 3 - 2014 - 2/5 - Directed by Patrick Hughes - Starring too many to name, look it up on IMDb

The Expendables Franchise, what to really make of it. The first film is a cool concept, a group of mercenary's (essentially) played by a few new guys like Couture, Statham, and Crews, but packed with men from the 80's and 90's action scene, unfortunately that film is one I greatly despise. The second film is what the first film needed, more focus on the other characters, more action, more violence, more everything. With the third film, it's like the shift was to focus more on the young crowd, but last I checked, my friends my age couldn't care less about these films the way an older man or a die hard fan like myself and others can. This third installment in the franchise is probably the more serious one in terms of plot, as the Expendables go on a mission to eliminate Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson, the original leader of The Expendables, which then forces Barney (Sylvester Stallone) to recruit some new members into the team.

 

If it wasn't for this leaking online nearly a month before it's wide release (Ouch, Lionsgate!), I probably would've waited for Netflix, but seeing early isn't bad either. It wasn't nearly as atrocious as I was expecting it to be, but seriously, man? It's like Stallone understood what was wrong with the first film and improved with the second. Yes, many think the second film sucks, but I love it, it was mindless fun and what I wanted the first film to be, and also because I love Jean-Claude Van Damme. Here, he's trying to cater to the young audience with an inexcusable PG-13 rating. Last I checked, young movie goers would rather see something like Transformers than this, because of the age barrier. You can bring in young "actors" like Ronda Rousey(LOL), Victor Ortiz, Glen Powell, and Kellan Lutz, but it's not going to change a thing.

 

Let me start by mentioning the very few positives this film has. Wesley Snipes and Antonio Bandera's kicked ass and were exciting to watch on screen. It was great to see Snipes and Bandera's in a major film again, as it's been some time, and it was funny to see Snipes make fun of his actual prison sentence for Tax Evasion. Harrison Ford may not have had the most action scenes in this, but he's still got it. It was nice to see him in an action film again. Mel Gibson can surprisingly play a pretty good villain, when given something actually good.

 

The Negatives, here we go. The pacing, holy S*** is it awful. Once the second film started, it never really let go. It had it's pauses, but was good at pacing itself. With the third film, it took nearly an hour to set up the  film and the mission. The violence. When I heard this was PG-13, I figured it wasn't going to have body parts flying or heads being decapitated by a helicopter blade, but at least try to make it interesting. The action in the first two at least felt over the top and old school like the films from the 80's & 90's, here it was like watching any other action film; so much for being an old school action film, Sly! It felt incredibly watered down, which is a shame, because after the crazily fun second film, this is like a damn episode of Teletubbies in comparison.

 

Too much focus on the new blood, while it could be good, it wasn't here. It's like they were shoving them at us. This further made it feel less and less like some old school action film with a cast of guys, and more like some random summer action film. I want to see Dolph Lundgren and Jason Statham be tough guys, not Kellan Lutz and Victor Ortiz trying to be tough guys. Disappointing to see these new guys get more screen time then Statham, Lundgren, Couture, Snipes, Crews, and Banderas. Ronda Rousey is the worst of the bunch. I watched this putting aside my distaste of her as a fighter and looked at her as "Ronda Rousey, The actress", and my god can she not act. Her "Tough girl" looks are hilarious, and line delivery is cringe worthy. Was Gina Carano too busy or something?

 

Oh and how come modern Hollywood still can't get the Hollywood Action girl right? James Cameron turned Ellen Ripley from a strong willed female character, to a full fledged bad ass in Aliens. Gina Carano was bad ass in Haywire even Mila Jovovich was bad ass in those awful Resident Evil movies. Maybe Dana White threw money at Stallone and had her cast, or Stallone thought she was the greatest thing since sliced bread. Hell, even Emily Blunt was bad ass in the more recent film, Edge Of Tomorrow. Frustrating to see female action film characters 90% of the time cut from the same mold.

 

The direction, led by Patrick Hughes is abysmal. At least Stallone got a veteran action director in Simon West for Expendables 2, here the action felt like something I'd seen from, again, any other action film. I understand it's rare to see an action film look so good, but is it too much slow down with the quick cuts? It isn't going to make your film look so "gritty" and "raw" Oh and that CGI, with a budget of $90Million and shooting in Bulgaria where there's a tax cut on the film and big back lot, is it so much for there to be good CGI that is passable, and not something done last minute? Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes had a budget of $90Million and the CGI was great. I watched this with the same expectations I had for the second film, low, but this film never managed to rise to the equation. It's an action film trying to be something it shouldn't be. It dropped the humor and excessive violence and all the fun that made the last few fun, in favor of a new audience, but like I said, the younger audience would rather see something like Transformers due to the fact that it is more accessible to their age and more fitting.

 

I put aside Ronda Rousey and other pressing issues I had that made me not want to see this, but in the long run,The Expendables 3 is a massive disappointment, whether you enjoyed the first two or not, you aren't missing much here. Stallone shot himself in the foot with this one. This film is pretty much dead on arrival now.

 

Locke - 2014 - 4/5 - Directed by Steven Knight - Starring Tom Hardy

Who knew that a film taking 99.9% of the duration in the main character's car would be so fascinating and appealing. Steven Knight's Locke is about a man, Ivan Locke (Tom Hardy), a construction foreman who is scheduled to take place in a very important concrete pour the following morning is driving to London to see the birth of his child from a woman whom he had a one night stand with many months prior. With his job on the line, and the difficulties with his family, Ivan sets out to make everything right.

 

Didn't see a trailer for this film, but some of the praise and early reviews for this film really got me interested in it, especially when I read that the film is in the main characters car the whole time. It's easy to see that film like this could potentially fail, but Knight handles everything so very, very well, that Locke return prevails more than anything. Knight and Tom Hardy's powerful acting have your attention for 85 minutes.

 

With most films, there is the standard three acts, or sometimes even five. Here with Locke I saw it as three different storylines, all being condoned through phone calls. They don't go by the typical act one, act two, act three structure, since it's all being done simultaneously. Even after being fired from his job, Ivan Locke, through the constraints of his car, still makes sure that everything is in place and A-Okay for the concrete pour by calling and talking to his assistant and getting the crew and the time ready. Locke calls his home to break the news to wife about his infidelity and states that he must do this, so he can right a wrong (something that harkens back to his childhood) and lastly calls the woman bearing his child to reassure her that he will be there for her and the baby.

 

Hard to imagine a film like this actually looking quite good, but the cinematography is very appealing. Yes, it takes place in a car and uses practically every angle and transition you can think of, but my god did it look very well done. The music score is quite well, though when uses sparsely, and the scenes of Locke talking to his "father" are some of the best, as Hardy seems to switch persona's with the snap of your fingers.

 

Locke is a very fine film, deserving of it's praise for sure. Knights writing and directing is excellent and Tom Hardy's one-man show is a sight to see. There is really not much else that can be said about this great film. This will most likely be forgotten by the end of the year when more, bigger films come out and such, but Locke is to not be missed by any means.

 

The Purge: Anarchy - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by James DeMonaco - Starring Frank Grillo

If it wasn't for Frank Grillo, I probably would've skipped this film altogether. I think the idea of the purge, where for 12 hours, any and all crime is legal is a great concept for a horror/thriller film, but was poorly executed when the first film was Ethan Hawke running around in the dark for 80 minutes. With this film, Anarchy, it's everything that the first film should've been.

 

Frank Grillo plays our protagonist, and he's out and about with revenge on his mind; to kill the man who killed his son a year ago and got off on a technicality. His plans are interrupted when he comes to the aid of a woman and her daughter as well helping a young couple in order to survive the night. With his plans coming to a halt, he must bring them to safety and locate a car to carry out his personal agenda, all while trying to make it through the purge.

 

I guess I have to thank the first film for having such a huge opening weekend and exceeding box office expectations, because if that didn't happen this sequel wouldn't be. It really what the first film should have been, showing the sheer panic and anarchy that the purge is. The Purge: Anarchy for the most part is a thriller, dropping the horror vibe altogether in favor of suspense and some action, which is good, though at times there is a sense of a creepy atmosphere. Also, there's a sort of Carpenter-esque vibe I picked up with this film, as I would say that Escape From New York was probably a model on how to have this film with the mayhem.

 

The acting for the most part is pretty decent, it isn't exactly amazing, but Frank Grillo seriously kicked ass in this. Grillo needs to look into more leading roles in action and thriller films. While the character is nothing more than your typical man with nothing to lose, but he actually tries, and succeeds, to make you give you a damn about him. Grillo for me, played what felt like Frank Castle, AKA The Punisher, all he needed was a skull on his shirt. Seriously, this was like his audition for the character. Take note, and pay attention Marvel.

 

Sure this film isn't mind blowing, as it as cliches and some other pressing issues, but god damn did I have a good time watching this. It's easy to look past this or not enjoy this, but I was able to enjoy this surprisingly. It's a major improvement over the disappointing first film. The Purge: Anarchy is simply that, anarchy.

 

The Monuments Men - 2014 - 1/5 - Directed by George Clooney - Starring George Clooney

Remember when The Monuments Men was supposed to be released in December 2013 and was heavily considered to be a top film for awards consideration? Well when It finally got released in February of this year, boy was this slammed by critics, and rightfully so.

 

This is a war film, but the real war in this film is a small band of men who get together to re-acquire the art that Hitler and the German army have seized before they are destroyed at the end of the war. It's a different type of war, but that's okay, as it offers a new light and a new side to World War II, instead of the typical WWII feats that have been made in the past. Take a story about real men risking their lives to save what is accomplishments, and at heart, culture, could be really interesting, and possibly turn out to be quite good.

 

Art is a great thing, but boy does this film not care give you any reasoning as to why it is. I know, I know, what a stupid question. What I'm really trying to say is that  film is so damn lazy at trying to give you the same emotional feelings that these characters have for the art. Like I said, I like art, but this film is so incredibly dull, I could care less whether or not they failed or succeeded at obtaining the art. Generally, World War II films are pretty enjoyable, for the most part. So when a film like this, which has a pretty damn good real story to go with is made, how do you make it interesting or tense like a WWII film like say, Saving Private Ryan? Well, you just can't, because Clooney can't make this interesting story an interesting film.

 

The film may boast a highly impressive cast, but there is no real depth to them. They are about as two dimensional as they come, and have no personal connection with the audience. The tone, Christ does this film try to be overly serious than it has to be, and when it does it becomes this boring dramatic dreck, and then it tries to be light hearted, except it doesn't come off as remotely funny at all. There's nothing remotely funny about war, or any of the subject matter, so why even bother putting humor in, in the first place? Would Saving Private Ryan been cool with humor? No! Oh and why is this film so boring? Sure I've seen my fair share of films with a rather slow pace, but The Monuments Men is the first in recent time to have a slow pace and be quite boring.

 

Thinking about this film believe it or not, actually hurts. It's not because it is difficult to explain it, but rather difficult to want(if this makes sense) to explain. This is a film that is painful to get through, in fact that is an understatement; this film downright sucks. It's a shame too, cause I was greatly looking forward to this, but I knew something was wrong when Clooney said he was delaying it to focus on the effects (what fucking effects?!), but he probably delayed it to spare him from releasing a heavy Oscar bait film to be heavily trashed by critics during awards season.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: (Most anticipated are highlighted in bold and red)

Inherent Vice

Exodus

Gone Girl

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Noah

Dom Hemmingway

Transcendence

Dawn Of The Planet Of Apes

Hercules

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

The Green Inferno

The Drop

The Judge

Fury

Horrible Bosses 2

 

HAVE SEEN:

RoboCop - 1/5

Need For Speed - 4/5

Sabotage - 1.5/5

Nymphomaniac - 4/5

300: Rise Of An Empire - 0/5

Takedown: The DNA Of GSP - 4/5

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 3/5

Neighbors - 0/5

Godzilla - 2.5/5

X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 5/5

The Raid 2 - 0/5

22 Jump Street - 4/5

Deliver Us From Evil - 4/5

Under The Skin - 5/5

Edge Of Tomorrow - 4.5/5

Non-Stop - 3/5

The Monuments Men - 1/5

Locke - 4/5

Enemy - 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy - 3.5/5

The Expendables 3 - 2/5

[Iceskater101]

The next movie in 2014 I want to see is Guardians of the Galaxy!

[x007AceOfSpades]

Lucy - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by Luc Besson - starring Scarlett Johansson

Well this was a rather interesting film, though I won't say it's complete crap, because, well I enjoyed it for the most part, in fact I enjoyed it probably more than I should have, then again, I'm not complaining that looking at Scarlett Johansson for 89 minutes from the front row wasn't nice, because well, it was.

 

Scarlett Johansson plays the title character, Lucy, a woman is forced by a man, Mr. Jang, to become a drug mule. The drug she has inside of her begins to leak into her system, and she begins to change rapidly. She becomes smarter and quicker, and all around more badass! The drug is CPH4, a powerful drug that in large quantities, allows her to access her brains capacity beyond 10% Usage. Eventually the drug will cause her to die, and eventually her brains capacity increases more and more, faster and faster, Leading her to come into Contact with Professor Samuel Norman, where she plans on giving all of her knowledge about the brains capacity, all while Mr. Jang and his associates seek her out along with the packages of CPH4.

 

I was pretty delighted, but worried when I saw that this was written and directed by Luc Besson, especially his last film, The Family was incredibly disappointing, but this film turned out to be not so bad. The myth of accessing beyond 10% of your brains capacity is interesting. The film Limitless had a similar concept, but what makes this film different is of course the action as well as the added science fiction element per se. Though the theories in the film make it really interesting stuff, there is no denying that this film incredibly silly, and the final 20 minutes of the film just go into full blown "WTF" mode.

 

Though Morgan Freeman is shown heavily in the trailers, he is in this for probably about for maybe 25 minutes, though his character is pretty much by the books, it's always good to see him in a film, for me though. And then there's Scarlett Johansson. I had a pretty big crush on her my freshman and sophomore years of high school, so looking at her in this was a treat for my eyes haha! She kicked as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Please make a goddamn Black Widow film already, Marvel!), and I've always wanted her to do action films. She actually does a pretty damn good job here, and she shows that while be undeniably beautiful, she can also do action and kick ass.

 

I don't want to say that Lucy is a return to form for Besson, since maybe Hollywood is finally getting to him, but this is a pretty decent film (I know, I'm rating it higher than it should be, but so what) even though it's pretty damn far fetched and silly. This is nothing more than a summer action film, so if you're expecting something mind blowing or thought provoking, please, look elsewhere. With Lucy, you're getting action, some Sci-Fi, and Scarlett Johansson, turn your brain off and just watch!

 

Joe - 2014 - 4.5/5 - Directed by David Gordon Green - starring Nicolas Cage

It's here ladies and gentlemen, the return of Nicolas Cage. A bit strange to say that, but David Gordon Green's southern drama Joe is a return to form for Cage, and he most certainly doesn't disappoint in this slow burning film. Joe Ransom (Nicolas Cage) is an ex-convict who tries to stay out of trouble, while living his plain life. Gary Jones (Tye Sheridan) is a 15 year boy with an abusive, alcoholic father, leading Gary to approach Joe for a job as a lumberjack. As the film unravels, Joe looks to become something of a role model for Gary and the two form a friendship.

 

Nicolas Cage proves that although he has made a slew of bad films (excluding Lord Of War and Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans) in the last ten years or so, he is still a damn good actor. He plays the character of Joe so brilliantly as this grizzled man. Looking beefed up and packing a sweet beard, Cage becomes this character and you just lose yourself watching him. You forget that it's Nicolas Cage watching, because you're so used to him in bad films, but here it's just beautiful the way he interacts with others and just works his ass off. Tye Sheridan is becoming someone to look out for. I enjoyed his acting very much in last years Mud and with this film, it's a lot different than expected. Though both of his characters can make you feel sympathetic, this character is certainly darker and layered. Sheridan is just fantastic here.

 

This is only the third film from director David Gordon Green that I have seen (the other two being Your Highness and Pineapple) and for me this is incredibly different than the previous two. While the difference between genres is night and day, Green executes beautifully how Rural Southern life is. It can be pretty or it can be ugly, and he shows both sides. The same thing with the people too. Green doesn't try to sugar coat anything here, he isn't afraid to show how dark it can be in areas here, mainly with the character of Wade, Gary's abusive father, played excellently by Gary Poulter who delivers one of the most haunting performances in recent times.

 

The film is mainly focused on our two leads, Cage and Sheridan, we explore them throughout. With Cage's Joe, we know that he's a man who has been in jail for violence, and has some occasional run ins with the law as well as town villains. We know that he's a man who is just trying to get by and stay out of trouble as much as possible, but push him over the ledge too far and you'll be wishing you're dead. Gary on the other hand, is someone who is trying to help out at home and escape his abusive father, by doing some good. He's a young man that his looking for a friend or maybe even a father figure. He isn't a frail man, he is tough and strong mentally, though there's a lot that he can learn from and eventually become a strong man.

 

I really can't convey my love for this film in words, in fact my review really does no justice to explain how great this film is. It's fantastically directed and written, scored brilliantly, and acted simply masterfully. Joe is one of those films that comes around not so often, a film that just takes you and sucks you in completely. This was one hell of a film, and is definitely one of the best of the year, though it'll probably be forgotten at the end of the year. Nicolas Cage turns in what could possibly be his best career performance. Well done, Nicolas Cage, welcome back!

 

Snowpiercer - 2014- 4.5/5 - Directed by Bong Joon-ho - starring Chris Evans

Bong Joon-Ho's Snowpiercer takes place in the year 2031, after an experiment, CW7 which is to counteract global warming causes an ice age that kills just about all life on earth. Those that survived are on board a massive train known as The Snowpiercer. The Snowpiercer travels a massive global track where the poor are in the tail section and the elite in the front. Curtis, one of the inhabitants in the tail section, leads a revolt with the rest of the people to the front of the train.

 

God was this film a delight and quite a surprise at the same time. I wasn't really sure of what to expect. It sounded interesting just based on the premise alone, but this film took me by storm. It simply kicked ass. The film carries a pretty dark tone and dark atmosphere, but yet still capable of being fun, which is strange because that could lead to this film failing, but Snowpiercer just excels. It's a unique type of science fiction film to come along in recent years.

 

Joon-ho manages to make the action look fun, despite the undertone of the film, as well as making it look great as well. Each action scene is shot so eloquently and just downright perfect and done so damn well. For being his first English language film, Joon-ho doesn't go the Hollywood route. There isn't that happy ending or anything remotely in the vain of Hollywoodness. It's Joon-ho and his South Korean style of filmmaking. It manages to keep you engaged throughout as it's unpredictable and and certainly intense.

 

Snowpiercer features a large cast that includes Chris Evans, Jamie Bell, Song Kang-ho, Go Ah-sung, Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer, Ewen Bremner, John Hurt, and Ed Harris. The acting is very good, and outside of Captain America and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chris Evans proves to be a really good leading man. His character is interesting enough to carry the film on, and Swinton gives a performance that just makes you wishing for her death any time soon. The production design on the train is a big reason alone to watch this. 20 train carts, and all are significantly different. The tail section is dirty and grimy and the front is vibrant and electric. The cinematography in these spaces are excellent and never feel like the same angles or shots are being reused and the action scenes are just beautifully done.

 

All in all, Bong Joon-ho's Snowpiercer is a more than solid film and a fine addition to the science fiction genre. It's a great film to come out this that certainly should not be missed. Oh and Harvey Weinstein requesting 20 minutes to be cut is ridiculous. This film is perfect as is.

 

Noah - 2014 - 2.5/5 - Directed by Darren Aronofsky - starring Russell Crowe

How do you take this story from the bible and stretch it into a two and a half hour film? Well, ask Darren Aronofsky, who manages to tell the story of Noah and his ark, albeit making it a biblical blockbuster in the process. This film expands on the classic bible story by adding in mythical creatures, battle scenes, and just all around fantasy elements, that for me bring the film down.

 

I won't go into the usual plot synopsis paragraph, because well, we all know the story of Noah and his ark. The acting here is actually quite good, Russell Crowe is great Noah, even though he's a bit of an asshole towards the end of the film. Jennifer Connoly is great as Noah's wife and as usual beautiful, Emma Watson is Meh, Ray Winstone is typicall bad guy though played well, Anthony Hopkins is in this for a short amount of time, though decent. I also liked the voice acting from Nick Nolte, Kevin Durand, Frank Langella, and Mark Margollis for The Watches, despite looking silly, the voice acting was stellar.

 

On a technical level, this film is really great, the cinematography from Matthew Libatique, Aronofsky's regular cinematographer is great here and the battle scene looks great, along with the overall flood scene, despite it being heavily aided by CGI. I feel the film was a bit long and dragged in spots, but nonetheless, still great. Production and location was great, as it really boosted the film up to another level and had an epic feel to it. Clint Mansell's score, another Aronofsky regular, is just awesome, Mansell is at his best when he teams with Aronofsky.

 

The rest, well, that's another story. The CGI, for the most part is good, though in other spots, looks outdated and silly. The pacing is a love/hate thing here for me. It can move at a good pace and hold your interest, and at other times, drag. The first half of the film is also a love/hate. It follows the mold from the bible story, which is good, only to add in stuff that is ultimately not needed. The first half is ultimately too silly to simply enjoy and like I said, goes into biblical blockbuster mode. After that, when Noah and his family are on the Ark, it's quite stellar, and the scene of Noah talking to his family while you hear the screams of everyone outside the Ark, is just chilling.

 

I applaud Aronofsky for making this film and trying to add his own spin on it. This film isn't a complete disaster as it manages to be really interesting and brilliant at the same time, but others it goes back to Blockbuster mode. It's a really conflicting film for me, because it can be energetic and simply good and dull all together. Jesus, this is harder than I expected trying to properly review this. I guess What I'm trying to say is I knew Aronofsky was going to approach this way he normally approaches films, but with adding an epic scope to it, but for me it just took me out of the film. I understand that this film does require CGI and whatnot, but is it too much to ask for an overall interesting biblical film? I didn't hate it, no, because that second half was like a saving grace for me, but the first half just wasn't what I was truly wanting to see from a great director like Darren Aronofsky.

 

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - 2014 - 1.5/5 - Directed by Kenneth Branagh - starring Chris Pine

What makes the character of Jack Ryan interesting? Obviously it was there for Harrison Ford and Alec Baldwin, but here with Chris Pine it's almost non-existent. To some, Ryan just isn't that interesting because he doesn't kick ass like say Jason Bourne or James Bond, but in the novels, he's quite an interesting guy, even with no action. In the end it's whatever Hollywood wants, even if it means creating a generic espionage script for a great character like Jack Ryan.

 

In Shadow Recruit, Jack Ryan (Chris Pine) an analyst for the CIA working a cover job in the CIA. Ryan is sent to Russia to investigate Viktor Cherevin (Kenneth Branagh), a Russian mogul suspected of hiding funds after Russia loses a vote in the United Nations. As Ryan digs deeper, he finds that Cherevin is to cause a catastrophic attack which could make the American Dollar useless, along with weakening other global markets.

 

The Bourne Franchise, The James Bond Franchise, and hell, The Mission: Impossible franchise are all Espionage action. What makes The character interesting and films like The Hunt For Red October and Clear And Present Danger is that they are essentially espionage thrillers. All are interesting, but you just can't turn this character into a James Bond like by giving him a gun. That isn't like Ryan. This is not an espionage thriller, it may try to be one, but it's just another copy and paste spy film, seen one, you've seen 'em all.

 

While the trailer tried to make it seem action packed, this film really isn't, which makes it somewhat decent. The action scenes feel very forced as a form of trying to please the audience so they aren't bored with the flat characters on screen. The characters are typical and feel like you've seen them dozens of times and the performances feel phoned in, with Pine not being charismatic enough or even compelling for you to find him remotely interesting as this character. Keira Knightley is the typical love interest thrown in the middle of everything, Costner, the Senior CIA Agent, and Branagh as the generic as can be, Russian Baddie. Sounds interesting right? No it isn't, in fact it's dreadful.

 

The direction feels lazy as it tries to convey the thriller and action appearance, but the lackluster plot doesn't engage you with interest. Like I said, you've seen this film before. It wants to be a smart espionage thriller, but with typical action scenes and cliches throughout, it's hard to really take the film serious, especially when the final half hour is like one you've seen before. Bad guys trying to blow something, Newbie good guy must stop them. Once the film ended it's a bit below "meh" territory, and then you'll eventually forget about it.

 

It's a shame that this happened to this character, as I feel the late Tom Clancy probably wouldn't have liked this very much. It uses the characters from Clancy, but this is not his fucking work. Tom Clancy is one of the greatest espionage writers, up there with John Le Carre and Ian Fleming, hell even Robert Ludlum. This is Hollywood's Jack Ryan, NOT Tom Clancy's. The last true espionage thriller I saw would be Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. If I'm going to watch a Jack Ryan film, it'll either be The Hunter For Red October or one of Ford's films, those are true Jack Ryan films. Good try though, Hollywood, you tried to reboot a character, and failed.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: (Most anticipated are highlighted in bold and red)

Inherent Vice

Exodus

Gone Girl

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Dom Hemmingway

Transcendence

Dawn Of The Planet Of Apes

Hercules

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

The Green Inferno

The Drop

The Judge

Fury

Horrible Bosses 2

 

HAVE SEEN:

RoboCop - 1/5

Need For Speed - 4/5

Sabotage - 1.5/5

Nymphomaniac - 4/5

300: Rise Of An Empire - 0/5

Takedown: The DNA Of GSP - 4/5

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 3/5

Neighbors - 0/5

Godzilla - 2.5/5

X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 5/5

The Raid 2 - 0/5

22 Jump Street - 4/5

Deliver Us From Evil - 4/5

Under The Skin - 5/5

Edge Of Tomorrow - 4.5/5

Non-Stop - 3/5

The Monuments Men - 1/5

Locke - 4/5

Enemy - 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy - 3.5/5

The Expendables 3 - 2/5

Lucy - 3.5/5

Joe - 4.5/5

Snowpiercer - 4.5/5

Noah - 2.5/5

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - 1.5/5

[Iceskater101]

Just saw Guardians of the Galaxy! check out my review over in the last movie you have seen thread.

 

I won't copy and paste it. All I will say is that I recommend that everyone should see it!

[007jamesbond]

Just saw Guardians of the Galaxy! check out my review over in the last movie you have seen thread.

 

I won't copy and paste it. All I will say is that I recommend that everyone should see it!

 

I want to go watch it but friend think it too silly........did you go alone or with friends.......

[Matt_13]

See it with someone.

[Iceskater101]

 

Just saw Guardians of the Galaxy! check out my review over in the last movie you have seen thread.

 

I won't copy and paste it. All I will say is that I recommend that everyone should see it!

 

I want to go watch it but friend think it too silly........did you go alone or with friends.......

 

 

Go alone! I mean I went with a friend, but I never have an issue with going to movies by myself.

[tdalton]

Just saw Guardians of the Galaxy! check out my review over in the last movie you have seen thread.
 
I won't copy and paste it. All I will say is that I recommend that everyone should see it!

 
I want to go watch it but friend think it too silly........did you go alone or with friends.......

 
Go alone! I mean I went with a friend, but I never have an issue with going to movies by myself.

I prefer to go alone as well. Means there's one less person in the theater that's there to talk or use their phone while the film is playing.

[x007AceOfSpades]

Guardians Of The Galaxy - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by James Gunn - starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, with Vin Diesel, and Bradley Cooper

I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy Marvel's Guardians of The Galaxy, but I'm actually quite surprised. I enjoyed Captain America: The Winter Soldier for the most part until it went full blown Michael Bay in the second half, but yet I still thought it was decent. Guardians Of The Galaxy does what none of the previous Marvel Films has done since 2008's Iron Man. Be Pretty damn good, yet still fun.

The film follows Peter Quill, or Star Lord (Chris Pratt), who comes into possession of a highly powerful orb, only to have a bounty on his head for it. After being sent to prison, he forms an unlikely alliance with new inmates that joined him: Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax The Destroyer (Dave Bautista), Groot (Vin Diesel), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper). Together, they escape the prison and go on the run with all of the galaxy out for them and the orb.

This was a pretty big risk for Marvel, as Guardians Of The Galaxy isn't nearly as popular as Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor, or Captain America. Yet they still went forth, and this easily their best film since the first Iron Man film. It may not be as epic as that film, but It still does a good job of being cool, and interesting. It was great to see fresh faces in the Superhero genre, as Marvel has long dominated it since 2008 when the Superhero craze took off. These aren't your average superheroes. They don't have super powers, yet they still manage to kick ass. They're babies right now, but for a baby, they pack a damn good punch.

Our Heroes have such great chemistry too! Chris Pratt does a good job of playing Quill, he's easily the most developed character of everyone and is very energetic, he isn't overly serious or egotistical, he's funny, yet badass. Gamora, played by Zoe Saldana is a character that nearly rounds off at being fully developed, but doesn't quite reach it, but she's all around just an awesome character. Dave Bautista is probably the best, for me, out of everyone, his dialogue and line delivery is great and he killed it as Drax. Bradley Cooper's voice for Rocket is perfect. I always thought long before he was casted, that he'd be a great voice, and I was right. Without Cooper, there is no Rocket Raccoon. Vin Diesel is Groot, literally, and Benicio Del Toro plays Mugatu (Just kidding, he plays Tivan, The Collector, not Mugatu from Zoolander).

The visual effects are great, especially the rendering for Groot and Rocket which look flawless. The worlds and the sets are crazy and awesome and definitely feel that this is Marvel's biggest film yet. It has a rockin' 70's Soundtrack to go with it to hide the generic music score, and it happens to balance out comedy and action very well, a great 50/50 balance. Each character has their own fair share amount of screen time to shine and equally show off. The film isn't overly long, it cuts right down to it in the first 10-15 minutes and just goes from there, and pacing is definitely not an issue here. Having said all of that, it doesn't go without saying that Guardians Of The Galaxy does have some flaws.

This seems to be a popular trend with Phase Two of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having the final act be a Michael Bay-esque extravaganza and of course some city/planet getting practically destroyed, or just sheer destruction. Granted it wasn't as bad as the last three Phase Two films, it's getting old now Marvel. Also, the last big action scene is too long, much like the previous Phase two films. Another popular trend is the weak villains in this second phase. Guy Pearce was a Joke as Kilian/Mandarin (LOL), Christopher Eccleston wasn't dark or edgy as much as he tried, and Robert Redford just didn't have villain appeal and I didn't like the return of Hydra.

Lee Pace plays Ronan, the films villain, and like the first three, he isn't intimidating or really fleshed out for a villain, let alone frightening despite looking it. I guess it's too much to write an actual good villain. Same goes for the secondary villain too. Oh and I was hoping we would delve more into Thanos, as he appeared at the end of The Avengers, and still not much is really being explained about him. Where was Benicio Del Toro as Mugatu the whole time? Who IS HE? Yes he's the collector of relics and species, but, like Thanos, we still don't know much about him. Call me the oddball, but after the first five or six times, "I am Groot!" got old and annoying. Lastly, this film is pretty entertaining, by James Gunn needs to direct action scenes better in the future.

I wouldn't call this a return to form for Marvel, but whatever they had going on here in Guardians Of The Galaxy hit most of the right notes with me. I think the biggest now that I think about it is the fact that these heroes really are just heroes and not superheroes. This isn't a superhero film, it's a science fiction adventure film, and pretty good one too. It's not the five star masterpiece people are falling in line to say it is, because it's far from it, but Guardians Of The Galaxy is a very good film, no more, no less!

Sign me up for Guardians Of The Galaxy 2!

 

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by Matt Reeves - starring Andy Serkis and Jason Clarke

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes is a major improvement over Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes, like a really big one, especially for me since I absolutely hated Rise. Director Matt Reeves manages to craft together one of finest summer films of the year, and a great science fiction film altogether that makes for a very pleasant viewing.

 

The drug known as ALZ-113 becomes a virus and is the cause of the collapse of human civilization, with civil unrest, economical collapse, and martial law following. Ten Years later, The ape Caesar is the leader of a new generation of apes living peacefully amongst themselves. The come across a small group of human survivors who eventually plead to use the dam located near their village for a source of power to be allocated to their encampment. A man, Malcolm, begins a trust with Caesar, but another ape, Koba, who sees only the bad in humans is upset by this, and his actions could lead to a war between the apes and the humans in San Francisco.

 

The plot is very straightforward, there's no nonsense, no twists, no useless secondary characters, no subplots, no bullshit. It's told in a very straightforward way in two hours and it succeeds in doing so. Reeves does what Rupert Wyatt (director of Rise Of The Planet Of The Apes) failed to do. Created a film that was a little more than an effects laden summer blockbuster. It's much more appealing visually and just all around better. It's strange how some of the humans match so well with the apes, when you think of their characters. When emotional scenes come on, they hit the right notes well and better than Rise.

 

I don't like heavy doses of CGI, I really don't. I'm also not expecting Fox to go out of their way and have actors in makeup and all that sort like the original films. The CGI here for the apes is astonishing. It's actually brilliant how much better it is compared to Rise. The level of detail, especially in the motion captures of course is just awesome. WETA does yet, another spectacular job. The sets, be it the Ape village or the human encampment, combined with the post-apocalyptic view are incredible. Such incredible work throughout, and the cinematography is great.

 

The acting, be it in wardrobe or a motion capture suit is great. Jason Clarke is great as our lead, Malcolm, but the real leading man is Andy Serkis, who is amazing once again as Caesar and his presence in each scene is powerful. Toby Kebbel who plays Koba also does a great job playing the films antagonist. Gary Oldman does a great job playing Gary Oldman, as I haven't seen him turn in a good performance since Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Keri Russell has a problem properly conveying the right emotions for scenes.

 

The first act of the film is absolutely fantastic, it brings us into the lives of both the apes and humans, it quickly establishes everything it needs to and gets the film going. After that, I wouldn't say it gets boring, because it rarely is boring, but with Malcolm and his group working on the damn and Malcolm working on developing trust, the film slows down a bit. Though this is understandable as it is very central to the plot, as it sets up for what Koba will do later in the film. The third act then goes into action territory, but it's necessary action, not just action scenes that the screenwriters and Reeves threw in for the summer season. If the big action scene wasn't there, the film wouldn't work. The climax which features Caesar and Koba was a bit underwhelming, as we were both introduced to them in Rise and both evolve through this film, when It's time for their showdown, it should be a damn spectacle. Good versus bad, right versus wrong. That's what it was, but it didn't pack the intended punch or hit the right notes for me.

 

Though Clarke is exceptionally well, he is pretty forgettable by end of the film, which I found puzzling, considering he, along with Caesar change considerably throughout the film, and when it's over, it's as if you could give two shits about Malcolm. While the second act is all on Malcolm and Caesar, it would've been great to focus more on the humans back in the camp and learn more about Oldman's character, because he just appears wasted and is an afterthought. The film also could've used some better pacing, is it doesn't get boring, just slows down.

 

It is really great to see a summer blockbuster actually use elements and styles very well, as Dawn Of The Planet Apes proves to be one of the most engaging films of the summer and better blockbusters made. I can see why one would go to great lengths to call this near perfect or even a masterpiece, be it on socially or just a film Critic. I don't see it though. I'm not saying this is a bad film, I just don't see this as the masterpiece people are saying it to be. A big improvement, but still has flaws. Overall, I enjoyed this more than I was expecting to, and I'm on-board for a third film.

 

Dom Hemingway - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by Richard Sherman - starring Jude Law

It's really easy to see why one wouldn't like Richard Sherman's Dom Hemingway, as the extreme profanity can be quite off-putting and some could even say that there isn't no real structure to it, but goddamn was Jude Law so hysterical as the titular character. Dom Hemingway is one of the best safecrackers in the UK, and having been released from prison after being incarcerated for 12 years, he seeks out the money that is rightfully owed for the job that put him away.

 

While this isn't an award winning performance by Jude Law, there is no denying the fact that he is energetic as Hemingway and very funny throughout the film's duration. It's one of Law's best performances in recent time. The rest of the cast is rounded off with Richard E. Grant who plays Hemingway's closest and most loyal friend, Dickie, and the two have some good chemistry together, and Grant is just as good on screen. Demian Bichir plays Ivan Fontaine, the former employer of Hemingway, and Emilia Clarke plays Hemingway's daughter, Evelyn, and both have minimal screen time in the film.

 

For the most part this film is basically just a character film, running on the back of Law as Dom Hemingway, but the structure can be a bit off and the film has it's fair share of flaws, but it doesn't necessary make it a bad film either. The first half is just wonderful, though the second tends to lose steam. Also worth noting the opening scene is just priceless. All in all, Dom Hemingway is pretty much a film that isn't for everyone, in the end, you'll either laugh your ass off and enjoy it, or be bored throughout and dislike it. So all I can say is sit back, relax, and enjoy Dom Hemingway

 

Transcendence - 2014 - 2.5/5 - Directed by Wally Pfister - starring Johnny Depp

I skipped this one in theaters after hearing all the bad reception, but Transcendence isn't all that bad of a film, though I'm not saying it's something I would rewatch, because I certainly wouldn't. It's a refreshing science fiction film to come, it has a really intriguing plot, but the execution is a bit half-assed.

 

Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) believes that through a sentient computer, we can make the world a better place. When he his killed from anti-technology terrorist organization, RIFT, His friend, Max (Paul Bettany) and his Wife, Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) upload his conscious to a computer, and Will remains in tact. As time passes, Will, and his Wife, Evelyn, create their dream that was "Transcendence". Though the things that Will and his technology can do are highly impressive, He becomes too strong and his then viewed as a threat to not just the country, but the world.

 

It's a really interesting idea, and the script by Jack Paglan topped Blacklist back in 2012 for most favored screenplay that isn't in production. That was until Christopher Nolan and Alcon acquired it and Nolan cinematographer, Wally Pfister was set to make his directorial debut, executive produced by Nolan and his wife/producing partner, Emma Thomas. The one thing is this film is horribly structure and terribly paced. The first act of the film moves at a considerate rate and isn't all that bad, but after that slowly begins to lose steam and wind down much. It doesn't bore you, because it's interesting stuff, it just isn't structured well enough to make you give two shits.

 

Johnny Depp is starring in a film that isn't backed by Disney for the first time in what feels like forever, and he isn't all that impressive. Whether it's him in physical form or his voice, but the guy looks like he's bored out of his damn mind, and phones in his performances. The film really lies on the shoulders of Rebecca Hall who plays his wife, Evelyn, who really treads on the "decent" line of acting. She isn't bad, just at times she's either underwhelming or overwhelming. The rest of the cast including Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Morgan Freeman, and the other Mara Sister, really don't deliver much, though it's not their fault, their characters just aren't fleshed out enough are essentially wasted.

 

Visually this film is pretty appealing to the eyes, thanks to Pfister being a longtime cinematographer and all, so this film manages to look really impressive. It may not boast the elaborate sets or action scenes that Pfister has shot for Christopher Nolan, but it manages to be enough. The super computer lab building is really nice looking, despite looking pretty, uh, white, but hey, it interests me. This film could've used tighter editing to speed the film up much more and be structured better as well. Some things happen a little too fast, and way too slow. It needs a balancing point here.

 

Transcendence isn't the disaster that critics made it out to be, but it also isn't the next great science fiction film no matter how interesting the premise is, based on the films execution. Wally Pfister can be a good, hell a great director, though I would make sure his next project is chosen wisely.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: (Most anticipated are highlighted in bold and red)

Inherent Vice

Exodus

Gone Girl

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Hercules

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

The Green Inferno

The Drop

The Judge

Fury

Horrible Bosses 2

 

HAVE SEEN:

RoboCop - 1/5

Need For Speed - 4/5

Sabotage - 1.5/5

Nymphomaniac - 4/5

300: Rise Of An Empire - 0/5

Takedown: The DNA Of GSP - 4/5

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 3/5

Neighbors - 0/5

Godzilla - 2.5/5

X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 5/5

The Raid 2 - 0/5

22 Jump Street - 4/5

Deliver Us From Evil - 4/5

Under The Skin - 5/5

Edge Of Tomorrow - 4.5/5

Non-Stop - 3/5

The Monuments Men - 1/5

Locke - 4/5

Enemy - 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy - 3.5/5

The Expendables 3 - 2/5

Lucy - 3.5/5

Joe - 4.5/5

Snowpiercer - 4.5/5

Noah - 2.5/5

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - 1.5/5

Guardians Of The Galaxy - 3.5/5

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - 3.5/5

Dom Hemingway - 3.5/5

Transcendence - 2.5/5

[x007AceOfSpades]

The Grand Budapest Hotel - 2014 - 5/5 - Directed by Wes Anderson - starring Ralph Fiennes

I can't believe this is only the second film from Wes Anderson that I have seen. The Grand Budapest Hotel is about the concierge at the hotel of the same name, Gustave H (Ralph Fiennes) and the misadventures, with the new lobby boy and apprentice, Zero Moustafa (Tony Revolori). Following the death of Madame D (Tilda Swinton) Gustave has been known to cater to older women at the hotel, and after years of doing so with Madame D, he has been put front and center as the man responsible for her death.

 

This film from start to finish was just an absolute blast! It never slows down and never moves too fast. It's simply just flowing and is just nothing short of hilarious and is just ambitious. This features an all star cast that includes Ralph Fiennes, Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum, Saoirse Ronan, Edward Norton, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric, Harvey Kietel, Bill Murray, Own Wilson, Lea Seydoux, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, with Jason Schwartzman, Tom Wilkinson, and Jude Law The characters are all so interesting, whether it's a leading, supporting, or cameo role, You genuinely are invested in them and their actions as well as what they are going to do next. The dialogue is impeccable and well colorful.

 

Ralph Fiennes is just flawless and seemlessly carries this film when he is needed. Some of his finest acting to date, he just perfectly embodies Gustave so damn well and is a treat to watch him perform as the energetic, charismatic, witty concierge of the Grand Budapest Hotel. Though they have limited screen time, I absolutely loved Adrien Brody and Willem! Brody was hysterical when he was onscreen, and the two's first encounter with Gustave and Zero had me laughing nearly uncontrollably. Dafoe was perfect as Jopling, the cold blooded, man of few words, assassin hired by Dimitri (Brody) and you can't take your eyes off of him! Literally everyone in this film gave such awesome performances, it's crazy. No half-assing from anyone.

 

One of the easiest things to notice in The Grand Budapest Hotel is how beautiful it looks. Lavish, colorful, and vibrant sets everywhere. Hell even the prison Gustave gets sent too is excellent and appealing looking. Being that this is the only the second film from Anderson I have seen, this is by far the appealing to the senses. It's beautifully shot, and for featuring the same style of shots and panning throughout it's run time, it's not bad, in fact it never is. It's just so damn appealing, that I'm using that word again, so soon.

 

I'm really doing no justice at describing how perfect this film is, the only way to know is for you to see it yourself. If I learned a couple of things from The Grand Budapest Hotel it's that great comedies do exist, and that I need to see more of Wes Anderson's filmography. The Grand Budapest Hotel is my third favorite film of the year!

 

Chef - 2014 - 4.5/5 - Directed by Jon Favreau - starring Jon Favreau

I remember seeing the trailer for this some months ago and being curious about it, but it seemed to come and go and I completely missed it, much to my dismay. However, I've finally got the chance to see this film and I liked it, in fact, I really liked it, probably more than I should have (I know, I use that saying way too much).

 

Jon Favreau plays Chef Carl Casper, working in a Los Angeles restaurant who suddenly quits his job, after being denied the right to let his creative side shine through a new restaurant menu. This all happens after the restaurant is given a low score due to the current menu that Casper isn't really too fond of. Casper eventually goes back to his cooking roots in Miami, Florida with his son and ex-wife, where he obtains a food truck and his love and passion for food and cooking is restored.

 

If this film doesn't make you hungry, then you seriously have something wrong with you. After being involved in major blockbusters including Iron Man 1 & 2 and Cowboys & Aliens, Favreau seemingly returned to smaller films, the result is Chef, written, produced, and directed by Favreau himself. It's comedy film, but at it's core it really is a father/son drama, with Carl Casper trying to be the father he should be by bonding once again with his son, all while trying to fix his career. It is a comedy, but not an uproariously one, though it doesn't mean it's boring. When it's supposed to be funny and make you laugh and smile, you laugh and smile. The film has you under it's control for it's duration.

 

Jon Favreau's acting as Carl Casper is sensational. He's a relatable guy, in the kitchen and out, and turns in a great performance even while handling the writing and directing duties. John Leguizamo plays his friend and co-worker in the kitchen, Martin, and Leguizamo brings this energy that you can't help but love and his interactions with everyone is just so great. Emjay Anthony play's the son, and is just brilliant to watch on screen. Robert Downey Jr. has one scene, and plays himself (as expected) and Scarlett Johansson is in it for maybe 15-20 minutes, but I'd do anything to cook her food. The rest of the cast is rounded off with Bobby Cannavale playing Tony, the sous chef, Sofia Vergara playing Carl's ex-wife Inez, Oliver Platt as Ramsay Michel an online food critic, and Dustin Hoffman as Riva, the owner of the Los Angeles restaurant.

 

The film moves at such a great pace it's ridiculous. Never feels boring or tiring, the plot keeps moving and evolving and holds your interest until the ending credits are finished. Packed with an exquisite soundtrack and overloaded a bit much with twitter. Chef is a warm, heart-felt film that just tugs on you in all the right spots and doesn't cease to amaze. There really isn't much to say about this film, other than that it's good to see Favreau return to something great and just all around exquisite!

 

The Signal - 2014 - 3.5/5 - Directed by William Eubank - starring Brenton Thwaites and Laurence Fishburne

I remember seeing the trailer for this film with Godzilla and being really interested in it. It looked genuinely interesting. Now that I finally got the chance to see this, William Eubank's The Signal plays out like a full length Twilight Zone episode. It's how I felt after watching it, and I've noticed others have too. It's certainly something different to come along this summer, but it's quite good and offers a change of pace compared to blockbusters and sequels.

 

The Signal opens up with three young adults, Nic (Brenton Thwaites), Hayley (Olivia Cooke), and Jonah (Beay Knapp) are traveling to California to drop off Hayley. Along the way, they come into contact with NOMAD, a hacker that nearly got Nic and Jonah expelled from MIT begins to taunt them with mysterious emails and locates them. Nic and Jonah grab his IP Address and track him down to Goodsprings, Nevada, and set out to confront him. They locate him in the middle of the Nevada desert in an abandoned house. Nic blacks out and finds himself in a mysterious underground research facility being question by Dr. William Damon (Laurence Fishburne).

 

There's several shifts in the film in terms of tone and mood. In the beginning it's almost like some sort of horror film, when they go to visit NOMAD's abandoned house, and the scene is even shot like in a found footage matter and gives off a Blair Witch Project vibe. In the middle it somewhat continues that horror film nature, before turning into somewhat conventional science fiction with the ending going into an action film of the sorts. Though throughout the film there's an unsettling atmosphere, that really goes well with the ominous and sometimes vague nature of the film.

 

The acting is quite good, as Brenton Thwaites is a good actor and solid as the leading man, and Laurence Fishburne turns in a veteran performance that is just as good. There really isn't a lot of depth to some of these characters, we don't really know much about them other than minor basic stuff that the film told us or let us find out. We get glimpses via flashbacks into the lives of Nic and Hayley along with their relationship, but it really doesn't do much to add a layer of depth so to speak. I suppose you can say that we should be paying attention to these characters NOW, in their current situation, then BEFORE, but it's still a minor gripe of mine. Though they grow a bit strong towards the end, it's not nearly enough, though I am not saying that it's easy to not care for them.

 

In terms of visual style, The Style isn't a breakthrough in that sense, though on a low budget I was really impressed with how the film looked. It was really kept to a low and wasn't really completely eye catching, but some of the shots in the film and the sets, particularly that of the research facility are just all around great. This is a film that could have been stretched to nearly two hours, but clocking in at 90 minutes or so, got to tell the story, thanks to great pacing and wonderful film editing. Towards the end of the film, there's some eye catching stuff, mainly in the effects department and CGI and some (unnecessary) slow motion, but it's a rather nice looking little science fiction film.

 

The ending or rather final act of the film can be somewhat predictable and the film's final moments really are something. It's a love it or hate it thing, which I'm torn on. I think the ending, hell the final act could've benefited from some better writing and better execution. Had that of happen, there's no telling how much more it would have lifted this film up, as it already had been. It was engaging throughout though, that's a given. It had my interest from start to finish. The Signal really is an interesting science fiction film to watch. Aside from some issues, it's still very good.

 

3 Days To Kill - 2014 - 1/5 - Directed by McG - starring Kevin Costner

When the trailer came out, we were all lead to believe that this was going to be an action thriller about a former CIA agent coming back into the game for one last mission in hopes of saving his life, all whilst trying to make amends with his estranged. What we really got was a weak family, father-daughter drama, spread out over some dull action film.

 

Kevin Costner plays Ethan Renner, a CIA operative who has since left the organization and has been diagnosed with a terminal cancer and is expected to live between two to five months. He goes back to Paris, France where he tries to save his relationship with his estranged daughter, Zooey (Hailee Steinfeld). However, he comes into contact with a woman, a CIA agent, Vivi (Amber Heard) who has works directly for the CIA director and says that she can give Ethan a cure if he finds and kills an international terrorist by the name of "The Wolf". The same man he inadvertently ran into in his last mission.

 

The main plot line takes course over three days (hence the films dull, generic title), but honestly feels like a damn week, due to the fact that film is so horribly paced and drags too much and is longer than it should be. This film tries to fit in so many genres it's ridiculous. Action, (family) drama, and even comedy, and is completely inconsistent in what it's supposed to be. The characters are typical as well. The father who gets back in the game to save his life and reconcile with other family member, the nagging wife, and the whiny teenage daughter.

 

And the acting is exactly that too. Costner in an action film is kind of funny. Maybe he thought if Liam Neeson could do it, so could he, but Neeson is a badass, Costner isn't, and Costner is duller than ever and lacks energy or charisma to embody his character to its potential. If there ever was one. Oh and why is Amber Heard trying so hard to come off as attractive, yet a badass female character. Her character comes off as the complete opposite, and for all you care, are just waiting for Costner to put a bullet in her head, except she's "crucial" to the "plot".

 

The action scenes are uninspired, yet are the only things that makes the film move forward at a good speed, before coming to quick halt and back peddling again. It lacks an emotional or action thriller charge that makes the film remotely interesting. I like Luc Besson, and enjoyed his latest film a lot, Lucy but when he's writing and producing films for Hollywood, Jesus, has he been producing S*** lately. Like the tone of the finished film, the script is just all over the place. Going back to the trailer, It's not like 3 Days To Kill looked any good in the first place, no matter what vibe it gave off. This is just a weak film period.

 

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - 2014 - 0/5 - Directed by Marc Webb - starring Andrew Garfield

I had really low expectations before watching this. This seemed to be just another Spider-Man 3 all over again. In the end, I don't know where to being, probably because this was way worse than I could ever imagine it to be.

 

There's just no redeeming quality in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Really there isn't. The plot is all over the place and is just bloated with one, two many characters, and too many subplots going on. Peter still hasn't evolved from the first film, nor as the relationship with Gewn Stacy. Peter is moping around for a good 70% of this film, and it's just off putting. Dane DeHaan as Harry on paper is actually quite good, but in the film it isn't. Sure Harry in the comics was a dick towards the end, but he wasn't a snooty ass, with some smug teenager grin and an annoying voice.

 

This latest reboot is the attempt of making the character of Spider-Man a littler more, say, darker. I know, I hate using that word, especially when it comes in describing a super hero film, but It seems like since Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy, Hollywood is out to go a similar route in like ground the hero in reality. Spider-Man isn't that guy. Sure he can be somewhat serious at times, and has his own pressing matters to deal with, but Spider-Man is more of a light hearted character and comic book. Marc Webb's films don't get that. If Sam Raimi could nail it (mainly the first two films) why is it so hard to do something similar, while still maintaining your own identity? But that's asking for too much time and effort right?

 

The pacing, my god, is it just completely horrible. For starters, this film is just way too long, at nearly two and a half hours. There's subplots that could have definitely been dropped, and the overall plot with Harry could have been dropped as well. It honestly doesn't do much other than introduce another character in the franchise and set up a final showdown in the climax of the film and throw more unnecessary stuff at the screen. Drop the parent's plot line already, I think we figured it out by now what really happened, we don't need Peter whining anymore. Focus on Peter and Gwen further developing both together and separate, and have Electro the only villain, albeit fleshing him out and adding in some more layers. As well as dropping the Rhino character. Screw the Sinister Six.

 

This film just gives off a dull vibe, and doesn't even try to entertain, as the action scenes and camera work alone aim to impress and dazzle with an emphasis on the 3D experience and such. The score by Hans Zimmer, and whatever the hell the Magnificent Six are, is an improvement over James Horner's lackluster score for the first film, but it still doesn't add much to the film, and is hardly memorable. It's just a slight improvement. Harry becoming the Green Goblin was of course expected, but my god, was his suit of armor designed by a chap named Stark or something? It looked like it was recycled from Spider-Man 3 and Dane DeHaan's acting and that horrible Goblin Laugh was just atrocious. Not to mention Denis Leary popping up as Capt. George Stacy, though he looked more like Tommy Gavin waiting for a drink.

 

For me, the biggest part that this film chose to focus on more than anything was Peter and Gwen, and while they're great and all, should this sequel be an improvement over the dull first film, and not a horrid retread? Thinking about this film more and more hurts my head. Just plain awful.

 

I, Frankenstein - 2014 - 0/5 - Directed by Stuart Beattie - starring Aaron Eckhart

My original review for this was a little too much to be posting on here, though you can check it out here.

I, Frankenstein Review on Letterboxd

TL;DR, it's one of the worst films ever made and worst films of 2014. I will fight tooth and nail to defend that statement I just made.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: (Most anticipated are highlighted in bold and red)

Inherent Vice

Exodus

Gone Girl

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

American Sniper

Blackhat (May have limited release at the end of the year to qualify for awards)

Hercules

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

The Green Inferno

The Drop

The Judge

Fury

Horrible Bosses 2

HAVE SEEN:

RoboCop - 1/5

Need For Speed - 4/5

Sabotage - 1.5/5

Nymphomaniac - 4/5

300: Rise Of An Empire - 0/5

Takedown: The DNA Of GSP - 4/5

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 3/5

Neighbors - 0/5

Godzilla - 2.5/5

X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 5/5

The Raid 2 - 0/5

22 Jump Street - 4/5

Deliver Us From Evil - 4/5

Under The Skin - 5/5

Edge Of Tomorrow - 4.5/5

Non-Stop - 3/5

The Monuments Men - 1/5

Locke - 4/5

Enemy - 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy - 3.5/5

The Expendables 3 - 2/5

Lucy - 3.5/5

Joe - 4.5/5

Snowpiercer - 4.5/5

Noah - 2.5/5

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - 1.5/5

Guardians Of The Galaxy - 3.5/5

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - 3.5/5

Dom Hemingway - 3.5/5

Transcendence - 2.5/5

The Grand Budapest Hotel - 5/5

Chef - 4.5/5

The Signal - 3.5/5

3 Days To Kill - 1/5

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - 0/5

I, Frankenstein - 0/5

[tdalton]

Warner Bros. wants Matthew McConaughey to play Randall Flagg in Stephen King's The Stand

[x007AceOfSpades]

Boyhood - 2014 - 5/5 - Directed by Richard Linklater - starring Ellar Coltrane

How often does a film come around that is just simply beautiful and so full of rich, raw talents, and just so perfect in every way imaginable. Twelve years in the making and yet there is literally no words that can describe Richard Linklater's Boyhood. This isn't a new American classic, this is a cinematic masterpiece. A rare film of just art and mastery that in today's time, seems more and more rare to come across. This is easily the greatest coming of age film made.

 

After viewing this, I've come to terms that there really is no real central plot in Boyhood. It's a film that spans through the life a young, innocent boy, Mason (Ellar Coltrane) that will channel through time, twelve years to be exact, to a teenager, and to a young adult. It's made up of moments in life, The little things and the big things in it. You see this little boy and his environment change over the years, and it's just such an amazing experience to see. From being a schoolyard boy, to seeing your first nude girl picture, to being bullied in middle school, to your first kiss, your first job, car, and then eventually moving out and starting your life. Your future.

 

I loved how Linklater and Co. didn't uses dates to tell us what time we were in while watching the film. Instead, using music, clothing style, and the surrounding, we find out for ourselves. It's a brilliant way of doing so, because it just further sucks you into this film. Running at nearly three hours long, this isn't a boring film by a mile. It just pulls you further and further. The acting is stellar, no, that's mildly putting it. The acting here feels so real, from Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette as Mason's parents, Lorelei Linklater as Mason's sister. But the real treat is Ellar Coltrane as Mason. This is his acting debut and we're seeing him act through time and it doesn't fade. The young man is a natural, and he felt so real on screen. Simply amazing to see the cast grow throughout the filming of this.

 

A lot of people have said it, and I will say it too. This film was almost like a mirror image of my childhood. It brought up small moments and little moments from my childhood and eventful years to come. Alexander Payne's Nebraska was an incredibly close film for me in 2013, but Richard Linklater did that times a hundred for the foreseeable future for me. As I sit here typing this up, in my early twenties, I feel like I just saw myself growing up again. It literally put tears in my eyes. We're born, we grow up, we love, we make choices, we make sacrifices, we die. It's life.

 

This film more than anything didn't just make me even more proud of the family I have, or the mother and father who raised me through the good times or the bad times. This film made me proud of myself and believe in myself more than I have ever felt in my entire existence. It made me appreciate life, no matter the circumstances. Boyhood is a masterpiece. There is no other way to put it. This is cinematic art before our eyes.

 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: (Most anticipated are highlighted in bold and red)

Inherent Vice

Exodus

Gone Girl

The Hobbit: The Battle Of The Five Armies

American Sniper

Blackhat (May have limited release at the end of the year)

Hercules

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

The Green Inferno

The Drop

The Judge

Fury

Horrible Bosses 2

HAVE SEEN:

RoboCop - 1/5

Need For Speed - 4/5

Sabotage - 1.5/5

Nymphomaniac - 4/5

300: Rise Of An Empire - 0/5

Takedown: The DNA Of GSP - 4/5

Captain America: The Winter Soldier - 3/5

Neighbors - 0/5

Godzilla - 2.5/5

X-Men: Days Of Future Past - 5/5

The Raid 2 - 0/5

22 Jump Street - 4/5

Deliver Us From Evil - 4/5

Under The Skin - 5/5

Edge Of Tomorrow - 4.5/5

Non-Stop - 3/5

The Monuments Men - 1/5

Locke - 4/5

Enemy - 4.5/5

The Purge: Anarchy - 3.5/5

The Expendables 3 - 2/5

Lucy - 3.5/5

Joe - 4.5/5

Snowpiercer - 4.5/5

Noah - 2.5/5

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit - 1.5/5

Guardians Of The Galaxy - 3.5/5

Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes - 3.5/5

Dom Hemingway - 3.5/5

Transcendence - 2.5/5

The Grand Budapest Hotel - 5/5

Chef - 4.5/5

The Signal - 3.5/5

3 Days To Kill - 1/5

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 - 0/5

I, Frankenstein - 0/5

Boyhood - 5/5

[x007AceOfSpades]

Just read the script for Christopher Nolan's upcoming science fiction film, Interstellar. Granted it's the first draft by Jonathan Nolan and doesn't have Christopher's input in it (obviously), but a lot of it matches up well with the three trailers that have been released, in fact too well, so who knows what Christopher added in or took out. Other than that, I'm not sure what's better. Interstellar or The Dark Knight Rises.

 

James Bond to face off with an imposing, iconic Henchman in Bond 24. Shooting slated to begin in December

 

Having said that, some images as well as a somewhat more in depth synopsis on Michael Mann's next film have been released. No longer under the working title of Cyber, the film is officially titled Blackhat, the cyber terrorism film had it's unveiling at SDCC a month ago at the Legendary Pictures Panel. The film is still slated for it's wide release of January 16th, 2015, though Legendary and Universal are working on getting the film a late 2014 limited release (a la Zero Dark Thirty, Lone Survivor, American Sniper) To qualify for awards consideration. Also been said that Atticus Ross and Harry Gregson-Williams are composing the score.

 

[thecasinoroyale]

Lord Richard Attenborough dies aged 90, five days short of his 91st birthday.

 

 

http://www.dailymail...es-aged-90.html

[Call Billy Bob]

"Welcome... to Jurassic Park!" Such a loss, he will be missed. RIP

[thecasinoroyale]

I for one am thrilled for this: Ron Howard and Tom Hanks to unite again for 3rd Robert Langdon film 'Inferno'.

 

http://www.denofgeek...-browns-inferno

 

('The Lost Symbol' is skipped due to copyright issues or something...!)

[x007AceOfSpades]

I for one am thrilled for this: Ron Howard and Tom Hanks to unite again for 3rd Robert Langdon film 'Inferno'.

 

http://www.denofgeek...-browns-inferno

 

('The Lost Symbol' is skipped due to copyright issues or something...!)

That was announced a while ago my friend.

[thecasinoroyale]

........it was?! I only heard confirmed dates and those attached to it this morning!

 

Goodness I must be out of touch...

[Call Billy Bob]

Oh look... another reboot...

 

http://www.hollywood...ot-works-728353

[tdalton]

Oh look... another reboot...

 

http://www.hollywood...ot-works-728353

 

'Why?' is the only question that really comes to mind.