MYOLDLADY (2014 - September 10)
Comedy | Drama
1 hr. 47 min.
Rated: PG-13 | For thematic material and some sexual references. Common Sense Media says: OK for 14+. Profanity is very sparing, which makes the words ("d--k," "s--t") have an even stronger impact when they're heard. There's also some kissing, off-screen sex, and casual/social drinking.
Grade: B- | This is a very good film yet not a great film. A disappointment considering the stellar cast. The performances alone are worth the time. It is Kevin Kline like you likely never seen him and Maggie Smith is superb as usual.
Director: Israel Horovitz Writers: Israel Horovitz (screenplay), Israel Horovitz (play)
Stars: Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas, Maggie Smith | See full cast and crew
Mathias
Gold (Kevin Kline) is a down-on-his-luck New Yorker who inherits a
Parisian apartment from his estranged father. But when he arrives in
France to sell the vast domicile, he's shocked to discover a live-in
tenant who is not prepared to budge.
His apartment is a viager — an ancient French real estate
system with complex rules pertaining to its resale — and the feisty
Englishwoman Mathilde Girard (Maggie Smith), who has lived in the
apartment with her daughter Chloé (Kristin Scott Thomas) for many years,
can by contract collect monthly payments from Mathias until her death.
22 Jump Street
(2014 - June 13)
Action | Comedy | Crime
1 hr. 42 min.
Rated: R | Crude, vulgar, profane, sophomoric, toilet humor. Common Sense Media says OK for 16+ Read more
Grade: D+ | No, I never saw 21 Jump Street and I never watched the TV series either. However, this film was just about what I expected. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum do have good 'buddy chemistry' but with the pervasive vulgar language well stocked with 'F' words and genitalia jokes their characters are not really very likeable or sympathetic, for that matter neither are any of the other characters. The dialogue and the script are very predictable. Total Hollywood gutter comedy, everything reduced to the lowest common denominator, perhaps that's their way to satisfy the diversity and equality agenda. Lots of gay jokes interspersed with pro-gay platitudes to prove the jokes aren't homophobic. I found the film, for the most part, quite humorless. Not worth the drive (or walk) to the theater.
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller
Writers: Michael Bacall (screenplay), Oren Uziel (screenplay), 5 more credits
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube | See full cast and crew
Warning - This trailer is the R rated versionwith the accompanying strong language
After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in
store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when
they go deep undercover at a local college. But when Jenko meets a
kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the
bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership. Now
they don't have to just crack the case - they have to figure out if they
can have a mature relationship. If these two overgrown adolescents can
grow from freshmen into real men, college might be the best thing that
ever happened to them.
Edge Of Tomorrow(2014 - June 6)
Action | Sci-Fi
1 hr. 53 min.
Rated: PG-13 |
Grade: C+
| I was anticipating something intriguing in this film, in a word 'fail'. Yes, it repeats which is expected but it does so to great excess so much so that it becomes tedious. The acting didn't bother me but the script did. Consequently we end up with a predictable film that lacks the excitement it should have had. It should have been an exceptional film yet was just slightly above average.
Director: Doug Liman
Writers: Christopher McQuarrie (screenplay), Jez Butterworth (screenplay), 2 more credits
Stars: Tom Cruise, Emily Blunt, Bill Paxton | See full cast and crew
The epic action of "Edge of Tomorrow"
unfolds in a near future in which an alien race has hit the Earth in an
unrelenting assault, unbeatable by any military unit in the world.
Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.
But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.
Based on the acclaimed novel "All You Need is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.
Lt. Col. Bill Cage (Cruise) is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously dropped into what amounts to a suicide mission. Killed within minutes, Cage now finds himself inexplicably thrown into a time loop—forcing him to live out the same brutal combat over and over, fighting and dying again…and again.
But with each battle, Cage becomes able to engage the adversaries with increasing skill, alongside Special Forces warrior Rita Vrataski (Blunt). And, as Cage and Rita take the fight to the aliens, each repeated encounter gets them one step closer to defeating the enemy.
Based on the acclaimed novel "All You Need is Kill" by Hiroshi Sakurazaka.
MALEFICENT(2014 - May 30)
Action | Adventure | Fantasy | Family
1 hr. 37 min.
Rated: PG | For Sequences of Fantasy Action, Frightening Images and Sequences of Fantasy Violence
Grade: B- | It's not that Malficent is a bad movie, it should have been a great movie but it disappoints. It looks good and was promoted with great promise. Casting, I think is one of the major problems. It's all about Angelina Jolie (Maleficent) and that, quite simply, is not enough. I
found the prosthetic cheek bones very distracting and totally
unnecessary. Sharlto Copley (Stefan) was Machiavellian right from the start and not likely someone the young Maleficent would fall for. Elle Fanning (Aroura/Sleeping Beauty) is far from endearing and not attractive enough for the role. Brenton Thwaites (Prince Phillip) is a nice looking person but as the 'handsome young Prince' is a goofy looking teenager and not what one would call handsome at all.
The film is probably too dark and may even be too scary for the young audience it should be attracting. The concept of an old well known story told from the villain's point of view has an attraction but the results this time are not satisfying. I kept thinking 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'The Last Temptation of Christ', two previous attempts at the same idea, neither of which succeeded very well. The 'Big Reveal' at the end was so telegraphed from the earlier Disney film Frozen, that what is supposed to be a surprising twist, is really no surprise at all, nor does it have any pleasing songs to reel you in. If you want a visual feast Maleficent may fill the bill for you but if you're going for a good story it likely won't satisfy.
Director: Robert Stromberg The film is probably too dark and may even be too scary for the young audience it should be attracting. The concept of an old well known story told from the villain's point of view has an attraction but the results this time are not satisfying. I kept thinking 'Jesus Christ Superstar', 'The Last Temptation of Christ', two previous attempts at the same idea, neither of which succeeded very well. The 'Big Reveal' at the end was so telegraphed from the earlier Disney film Frozen, that what is supposed to be a surprising twist, is really no surprise at all, nor does it have any pleasing songs to reel you in. If you want a visual feast Maleficent may fill the bill for you but if you're going for a good story it likely won't satisfy.
Writers: Linda Woolverton, Charles Perrault (based from the story "La Belle au bois dormant" by), 9 more credits
Stars: Angelina Jolie, Elle Fanning, Sharlto Copley | See full cast and crew
A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land's fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal - an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces a battle with the invading king's successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom - and perhaps to Maleficent's true happiness as well. Written by Walt Disney Pictures
Million Dollar Arm(2014 - May 16)
Biography | Drama | Sport
2 hr. 4 min.
Rated: PG | Mild language with some suggestive content. Read more
Grade: A- | Neither am I a baseball or a cricket fan but this looked like an interesting story to me. There are obvious comparisons to the 1969 Tom Cruise film 'Jerry Maguire', which I must confess, I could never sit through although I started to several times. Perhaps after Million Dollar Arm I might try again. I really liked this film. I enjoyed seeing the stunning India locations. Then there were the intriguing depictions of the bleak surroundings the dearth of opportunities that were the future for the Million Dollar Arm contestants. A stunning reminder of why their life changing dreams of winning was so important. This is the true story of those dreams coming to life. This is somewhat more interesting to me than a fictional Jerry Maguire.
Director: Craig Gillespie Writer: Thomas McCarthy (screenplay)
Stars: Jon Hamm, Aasif Mandvi, Alan Arkin | See full cast and crew
Based on a true story, Disney's "Million Dollar Arm" follows JB
Bernstein, a once-successful sports agent who now finds himself edged
out by bigger, slicker competitors. He and his partner Aash (Aasif
Mandvi) will have to close their business down for good if JB doesn't
come up with something fast. Late one night, while watching cricket
being played in India on TV, JB comes up with an idea so radical it just
might work. Why not go to there and find the next baseball pitching
sensation? Setting
off for Mumbai with
nothing but a gifted but cantankerous scout (Alan Arkin) in tow, JB
stages a televised, nationwide competition called "Million Dollar Arm"
where 40,000 hopefuls compete before two 18-year-old finalists, Rinku
and Dinesh (Suraj Sharma, Madhur Mittal), emerge as winners. JB brings
them back to the United States to train with legendary pitching coach
Tom House (Bill Paxton). The goal: get the boys signed to a major league
team. Not only is the game itself difficult to master, but life in the
U.S. with a committed bachelor makes things even more complicated-for
all of them. While Rinku and Dinesh learn the finer points of baseball
and American culture, they in turn teach JB the true meaning of teamwork
and commitment. Ultimately, what began as a purely commercial venture
becomes something more and leads JB to find the one thing he was never
looking for at all-a family. (c) Walt Disney Pictures
GODZILLA(2014 - May 16)
Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi
2 hr. 3 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Intense sequences of destruction, mayhem and creature violence Read more
Grade: C+ | I grew up with memories of the dreadfully awful Japanese Godzilla movies, consequently I really dreaded seeing this American remake. To my surprise it really wasn't that bad, considering the genre and comparing it to other such films. I am not, however, looking forward to the sequel that is sure to come. Brian Cranston does a nice job as does Aaron Taylor-Johnson. If you are looking for art...don't bother. If you just want some mindless diversion and an excuse to eat some popcorn go.
Director: Gareth Edwards Writers: Max Borenstein (screenplay), Dave Callaham (story)
Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston, Ken Watanabe, Sally Hawkins | See full cast and crew
In Summer 2014, the world's most revered monster is reborn as Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures unleash the epic action adventure "Godzilla." From visionary new director Gareth Edwards ("Monsters") comes a powerful story of human courage and reconciliation in the face of titanic forces of nature, when the awe-inspiring Godzilla rises to restore balance as humanity stands defenseless. (c) Warner Bros.
The Amazing Spiderman 2(2014 - May 02)
Action | Adventure | Fantasy
2 hr. 22 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Plenty of Sci-Fi action and violence, property damage and fairly mild language ("damn," "hell," etc.) Read more
Grade: B- | I'm growing tired of the flood of Marvel Comics based movie. They all start to become interchangeable just pick the super hero and insert into the same action formula. I did watch the 3D version and there are times when it really works as he swings through the city, you get that roller-coaster sensation. I liked that. The story is just more of the same, however. If you are a die hard Spiderman fan you will probably enjoy the latest installment of course there will always be the debate over the Tobey Maguire vs Andrew Garfield interpretations. Let's not even get into the plausibility of the story...it's a comic book but after so many sequels The Amazing Spiderman becomes less and less amazing.
Director: Marc WebbWriters: Alex Kurtzman (screenplay), Roberto Orci (screenplay), 7 more credits
Stars: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jamie Foxx | See full cast and crew
We've always known that Spider-Man's most important battle has been
within himself: the struggle between the ordinary obligations of Peter
Parker and the extraordinary responsibilities of Spider-Man. But in The
Amazing Spider-Man 2, Peter Parker finds that a greater conflict lies
ahead. It's great to be Spider-Man (Andrew Garfield). For Peter Parker,
there's no feeling quite like swinging between skyscrapers, embracing
being the hero, and spending time with Gwen (Emma Stone). But being
Spider-Man comes at a
price: only Spider-Man can protect his fellow New Yorkers from the
formidable villains that threaten the city. With the emergence of
Electro (Jamie Foxx), Peter must confront a foe far more powerful than
he. And as his old friend, Harry Osborn (Dane DeHaan), returns, Peter
comes to realize that all of his enemies have one thing in common:
OsCorp. (c) Columbia
Walking With The Enemy(2014 - April 25)
Action | Drama | History
2 hr. 4 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Frequent war violence but little else to worry about. Read more
Grade: B | I have a special interest in stories
of the holocaust since I have had several Jewish friends who survived
the holocaust, some who hid, fled the Nazis and some who lived through
concentration camps. A friend of mine's Hungarian father hid from the
Nazi Gestapo and their Hungarian collaborators eventually escaping to
the west. I would like to have seen more exposé. This is an era and a subject about which most people know precious little. Walking With The Enemy
is an intriguing story. This is a film that you can enjoy with your family. It presents an educational opportunity, a chance to teach the
horrors of war and man's inhumanity to man. How a society can loose its
way through prejudice, bigotry, fear and hatred. It's a good film not a great one but I do recommend it.
Director: Mark SchmidtWriters: Kenny Golde (screenplay), Richard Lasser (additional screenplay material)
Stars: Jonas Armstrong, Ben Kingsley, Hannah Tointon | See full cast and crew
Inspired by a true story, "Walking with the
Enemy" is an unforgettable film of love, courage, and sacrifice. Set in
Hungary during the final months of World War ll, a young man sets out
to find his displaced family by stealing a Nazi uniform to pose as an
officer. Filled with suspense and danger, he undertakes extraordinary
measures to reroute his family and other Jews to safety by disrupting
the activities of the German occupiers.
(2014 - April 25)
Horror
1 hr. 39 - min.
Rated: PG-13 | Intense sequences of violence and terror, some sexual content, brief backside nudity, some language, and smoking throughout. Common Sense Media says OK for 14 and up. Read more
Grade: C
| This is a sometimes annoying somewhat standard fare from England's
iconic horror film studio Hammer. The studio that made its living off of
Vincent Price, Peter Cushing, Christopher Lee and John Carradine from the 1950s through the 1970s during
the same period The Quiet Ones is set. You might even call it a period
piece an homage to Hammer Horror of the past. The studio has had a revival recently, you may recall The Woman in Black starring
Daniel Radcliffe (reviewed in my 2012 Picks and Pans page). The Quiet Ones as a follow up is not quite as strong. This film set in the 1970s employes the 'free love' morals and pervasive smoking so common to the
era. Unfortunately it relies too much on the loud 'jump' type shocks rather than a strong story or script. The story is weak and implausible. The
direction and acting are both somewhat less than stellar and occasionally it uses the dreaded 'found footage' shaky handheld camera
technique. A sequel to The Woman in Black is their next release stated for a 2015 opening. Let's hope they do a little more fine-tuning on that one. On a positive note, it was light on profanity and nudity.
Director: John Pogue Writers: Craig Rosenberg (screenplay), Oren Moverman (screenplay), 2 more credits
Stars: Jared Harris, Sam Claflin, Olivia Cooke | See full cast and crew
A university student (Sam Claflin of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire") and some classmates are recruited to carry out a private experiment -- to create a poltergeist. Their subject: an alluring, but dangerously disturbed young woman (Olivia Cooke of "Bates Motel"). Their quest: to explore the dark energy that her damaged psyche might manifest. As the experiment unravels along with their sanity, the rogue PHD students are soon confronted with a terrifying reality: they have triggered an unspeakable force with a power beyond all explanation.
BEARS(2014 - April 18)
Documentary
1 hr. 17 min.
Rated: G |
Grade: B+ | Cute, cuddly, adorable baby animals, breathtaking scenery, what's not to like here? How can this not be a home run? Yet Disneynature seems to have only hit a triple with 'Bears'...a good thing but there's still no run scored. Watching the trailers these past several months gets you all excited to see the film but then it doesn't live up to the hype. It's good but it needed something more, perhaps a little better narration, that's not to say that the delivery by John C. Reilly is bad, yes it is a bit corny at times, but ultimately it's just not that interesting. The story is lacking. The mother bear, Sky, which they eventually describe as such a perfect role model for her cubs habitually makes one mistake after another (apparently in an effort to make the story dramatic), she puts her cubs in peril again and again. I really wanted to be charmed by this film and quite simply, I wasn't. 'Bears' fizzled to an end that left me thinking...that was it? Even the scenery became less moving as the film wound down to its lackluster conclusion. Good but not great.
Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
Stars: John C. Reilly | See full cast and crew Grade: B+ | Cute, cuddly, adorable baby animals, breathtaking scenery, what's not to like here? How can this not be a home run? Yet Disneynature seems to have only hit a triple with 'Bears'...a good thing but there's still no run scored. Watching the trailers these past several months gets you all excited to see the film but then it doesn't live up to the hype. It's good but it needed something more, perhaps a little better narration, that's not to say that the delivery by John C. Reilly is bad, yes it is a bit corny at times, but ultimately it's just not that interesting. The story is lacking. The mother bear, Sky, which they eventually describe as such a perfect role model for her cubs habitually makes one mistake after another (apparently in an effort to make the story dramatic), she puts her cubs in peril again and again. I really wanted to be charmed by this film and quite simply, I wasn't. 'Bears' fizzled to an end that left me thinking...that was it? Even the scenery became less moving as the film wound down to its lackluster conclusion. Good but not great.
Directors: Alastair Fothergill, Keith Scholey
In an epic story of breathtaking scale, Disneynature's new True Life
Adventure "Bears" showcases a year in the life of a bear family as two
impressionable young cubs are taught life's most important lessons. Set
against a majestic Alaskan backdrop teeming with life, their journey
begins as winter comes to an end and the bears emerge from hibernation
to face the bitter cold. The world outside is exciting-but risky-as the
cubs' playful descent down the mountain carries with it a looming threat
of
avalanches. As the
season changes from spring to summer, the brown bears must work hard to
find food-ultimately feasting at a plentiful salmon run-while staying
safe from rival male bears and predators, including an ever-present wolf
pack. "Bears" captures the fast-moving action and suspense of life in
one of the planet's last great wildernesses-Alaska! Directed by Alastair
Fothergill ("Earth," "African Cats" and "Chimpanzee") and Keith Scholey
("African Cats"), "Bears" arrives in theaters April 18, 2014, to
celebrate Earth Day.(c) Disney
Transcendence(2014 - April 18)
Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi
1 hr. 59 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Sci-fi action and violence, some bloody images, brief strong language and sensuality. Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+ Read more
Grade: C- | Walley Pfister's directorial debut is pretty much a bust. Transcendence despite a talented cast is confusing and unlikely. The thing this film transcends is logic. I does have some interesting visuals and it is not heavy laden with sex or profanity. It's like Max Headroom releasing his inner Vincent Price.
Director: Wally PfisterWriter: Jack Paglen
Stars: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman | See full cast and crew
Dr. Will Caster (Johnny Depp) is the foremost researcher in the field of
Artificial Intelligence, working to create a sentient machine that
combines the collective intelligence of everything ever known with the
full range of human emotions. His highly controversial experiments have
made him famous, but they have also made him the prime target of
anti-technology extremists who will do whatever it takes to stop him.
However, in their attempt to destroy Will, they inadvertently
become the catalyst for
him to succeed-to be a participant in his own transcendence. For his
wife Evelyn (Rebecca Hall) and best friend Max Waters (Paul Bettany),
both fellow researchers, the question is not if they can...but if they
should. Their worst fears are realized as Will's thirst for knowledge
evolves into a seemingly omnipresent quest for power, to what end is
unknown. The only thing that is becoming terrifyingly clear is there may
be no way to stop him.(C) Warner
Heaven Is For Real(2014 - April 16)
Drama
1 hr. 40 min.
Rated: PG | Thematic material including some medical situations and brief mild language
Grade: B | This is a good family friendly film, not a classic but quite serviceable. The casting choice of Greg Kinnear as Todd Burpo was pivotal to the success of this film. Kinnear has an uncanny talent for portraying a likeable everyman and does so in spite of a fairly pedestrian screenplay based on a phenomenally successful #1 best seller, "Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back". Kinnear has great support from an able cast including Margo Martindale, and six year old newcomer Connor Corum who is credible and adorable as the four year old preacher's son Colton Burpo. It is not heavy handed preaching but more of a matter of fact delivery which non-believers will still probably find unscientific...dumb...simplistic...unconvincing. Are there spots of corniness, yes, sure but that can be found in the best of films, sometimes that's part of their charm. I was underwhelmed, I wanted a little more out of this film but it delivers a good message and an enjoyable visit to your local cinema whether by yourself or the whole family, take the kids if you got 'em.
Director: Randall WallaceWriters: Todd Burpo (book), Chris Parker (screenplay), 2 more credits
Stars: Greg Kinnear, Connor Corum, Kelly Reilly, Thomas Haden Church | See full cast and crew
Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book of the same name,
HEAVEN IS FOR REAL brings to the screen the true story of a small-town
father who must find the courage and conviction to share his son's
extraordinary, life-changing experience with the world. The film stars
Academy Award® nominee and Emmy® award winning actor Greg Kinnear as
Todd Burpo and co-stars Kelly Reilly as Sonja Burpo, the real-life
couple whose son Colton (newcomer Connor Corum) claims to have visited
Heaven during a near death experience. Colton recounts the details of
his amazing journey with childlike innocence and speaks matter-of-factly
about things that happened before his birth ... things he couldn't
possibly know. Todd and his family are then challenged to examine the
meaning from this remarkable event. Written by
Sony Pictures Publicity
The Railway Man(2013 - December 26 [Australia] 2014 - April 11 [USA Limited release])
Biography | Drama | War | World War II
1 hr. 47 min.
Rated: R | For intense prisoner of war violence. No sex and nudity, no profanity to speak of
Grade: B+ | This is a great story, not told as
well as it should have been, which is a flaw in the screenplay and the direction.
Considering the strength of the story, the film is a bit disappointing
but still very much worth seeing. The acting is first rate with a strong cast. I'd have given the film an A- had the
direction and script been a little stronger.
Director: Jonathan Teplitzky Writers: Frank Cottrell Boyce (screenplay), Andy Paterson (screenplay), Eric Lomax (book)
Stars: Colin Firth, Nicole Kidman, Stellan Skarsgård | See full cast and crew
Based
on the true story of a former British Army officer who was tormented as
a prisoner of war at a Japanese labor camp during World War II. Years
later at home in England he discovers that the man responsible for much
of his treatment is still alive and sets out to confront him.
Draft Day(2014 - April 11)
Drama | Sport
1 hr. 49 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Brief strong language including a few of the "F" and its variations and sexual references. Common Sense Media says: Nothing too risque. Ok for teens if the language isn't an issue for you. Read more
Grade: B-
| I am not a big
football fan so I dreaded sitting through this film. Surprisingly, this
is not a bad film. Not a great film but not too bad either. It held my
interest throughout (and that was five min. after my screening of Oculus
so I could have been experiencing movie fatigue but I found myself
intrigued). Perhaps part of that is because this football film does not
take place on the field, bur almost entirely inside GM offices...on the
phone...yeah, sounds like a boring premise right? Nonetheless, they
manage to pull it off.
Director: Ivan Reitman Writers: Scott Rothman, Rajiv Joseph
Stars: Kevin Costner, Chadwick Boseman, Jennifer Garner | See full cast and crew
On the day of the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver (Costner) has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must quickly decide what he's willing to sacrifice in pursuit of perfection as the lines between his personal and professional life become blurred on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with dreams of playing in the NFL.
(2014 - April 11)
Horror
1 hr. 45 min.
Rated: R | Some Disturbing Images, Brief Language, Terror and Violence.
Common Sense Media says: Outstanding horror flick has gore, children in peril. Read more
Grade: B | Thankfully
they don't rely on the hateful 'found footage' technique that is so
common in the horror film genre these days. The shifting from past to present and back again keeps the story interesting and the viewer guessing. The R rating is not for profanity, sex or nudity, still it is not something you want to take children to see. The frightening and often violent images could stay with a child for a lifetime, the film would be far too intense for children under 16 or 17 years. As far horror films go, however, this
one is pretty good. I liked it.
Director: Mike FlanaganWriters: Mike Flanagan (screenplay), Jeff Howard (screenplay), Jeff Seidman (based on a short screenplay by)
Stars: Karen Gillan, Brenton Thwaites, Katee Sackhoff | See full cast and crew
Ten years ago, tragedy struck the Russell family, leaving the lives of
teenage siblings Tim and Kaylie forever changed when Tim was convicted
of the brutal murder of their parents. Now in his 20s, Tim is newly
released from protective custody and only wants to move on with his
life; but Kaylie, still haunted by that fateful night, is convinced her
parents’ deaths were caused by something else altogether: a malevolent
supernatural force unleashed through the Lasser Glass, an antique mirror
in their childhood home. Determined to prove Tim’s innocence, Kaylie
tracks down the mirror, only to learn similar deaths have befallen
previous owners over the past century. With the mysterious entity now
back in their hands, Tim and Kaylie soon find their hold on reality
shattered by terrifying hallucinations, and realize, too late, that
their childhood nightmare is beginning again.
Bad Words(2014 - March 28)
Comedy
1 hr. 29 min.
Rated: R
| Crude and vulgar gratuitous sexual content, brief nudity and
Language. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 16 & under. In
my opinion kids 16 and 17 should not be subjected to this trash...18 and
older shouldn't be subjected to this trash, which includes a 9 year old
encouraged to use profane language and succeeds in getting him to do so
but the bad behavior is not limited him swearing. Expect to hear
repeatedly most of the words from the worst list. Read more
Grade: D+ | Seems that Jason Bateman has joined the ranks of the actors/writers/directors that feel a need to showcase their lack or morals by shoving it into your face on screen. Dragging a child through the gutter and calling upon him to use vulgar language and to do things things that in most communities would put the adult at risk of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and possibly child abuse, is just plain wrong, but Hollywood gets a pass hiding behind claims of artistic integrity and freedom of expression. Beyond the above weaknesses the story is predictable and trite and ends just where it could have moved forward possibly redeeming itself. Why is Guy Trilby (Bateman) doing what he is doing. We do learn why but what is he going to do when the spelling bee ends would be a much more compelling story. What could have been a charming, funny morality tale, instead becomes a vulgar, trashy, narcissistic exploit with little social redeeming value and very little humor. The film does have a few clever lines and a couple of laughs but they are not worth the hour and 29 minutes of your life.
Director: Jason BatemanGrade: D+ | Seems that Jason Bateman has joined the ranks of the actors/writers/directors that feel a need to showcase their lack or morals by shoving it into your face on screen. Dragging a child through the gutter and calling upon him to use vulgar language and to do things things that in most communities would put the adult at risk of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and possibly child abuse, is just plain wrong, but Hollywood gets a pass hiding behind claims of artistic integrity and freedom of expression. Beyond the above weaknesses the story is predictable and trite and ends just where it could have moved forward possibly redeeming itself. Why is Guy Trilby (Bateman) doing what he is doing. We do learn why but what is he going to do when the spelling bee ends would be a much more compelling story. What could have been a charming, funny morality tale, instead becomes a vulgar, trashy, narcissistic exploit with little social redeeming value and very little humor. The film does have a few clever lines and a couple of laughs but they are not worth the hour and 29 minutes of your life.
Writer: Andrew Dodge (screenplay)
Stars: Jason Bateman, Kathryn Hahn, Allison Janney | See full cast and crew
Warning this is the R rated trailer, it contains profanity.
Jason Bateman ("Identity Thief") makes his feature directorial debut with the subversive comedy "Bad Words." Bateman stars as Guy Trilby, a 40-year-old who finds a loophole in the rules of The Golden Quill national spelling bee and decides to cause trouble by hijacking the competition. Contest officials, outraged parents, and overly ambitious 8th graders are no match for Guy, as he ruthlessly crushes their dreams of victory and fame. As a reporter (Kathryn Hahn of "We're the Millers") attempts to discover his true motivation, Guy finds himself forging an unlikely alliance with a competitor: awkward 10-year-old Chaitanya (Rohan Chand of "Homeland"), who is completely unfazed by Guy’s take-no-prisoners approach to life.
Noah(2014- March 28)
Adventure | Drama
2 hr. 17 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Disturbing Images, Brief Suggestive Content and Violence Read more
Grade: D+ | AN EPIC FLOOD OF NONSENSE!!! What was Paramount Pictures thinking when they signed on to this big budget fiasco. The say in their promos that they have taken artistic license but believe they are true to the spirit of the biblical story. They have in fact taken license but it isn't artistic and there is precious little that is true to the spirit of the biblical story. When they point out, 'May not be suitable for children under 13.' you have to be a bit suspicious.
What has happened to Russel Crowe's mind? It must have suffered permanent damage from involvement in The Man with the Iron Fists
debacle from RZA. There was some evidence of damage in his tone deaf performance in Les Misérables, and Darren Aronofsky, what can be said of the mind of this darling of the
Hollywood establishment but that he apparently never had a grip on his
from the start. To misquote another piece of Hollywood drivel, 'You lost me at hello'.
NOAH
is a 'bait and switch' fraud of BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS, tempting the
moviegoer with the biblical NOAH brand only to leave them awash with a
flood of environmentalist, science fiction gobbledegook using as little
of the source material as is secular human(ist)ly possible. If you would
like to see a Michael Bay's Transformers (pick any of them) meets Cecil B. DeMille's The Ten Commandments meets Joseph Ruben's The Stepfather then NOAH may be right up your alley.
The only reason this film gets a Grade D+ and not lower is because of it's production values i.e. the sets, costumes, special effects etc. and the acting is serviceable. Even if they had marketed this film as a Sci-Fi story and they abandoned the ties to the bible and changed the names of the characters it would still be worthy of no more than a C-, and would still not even be on par with John Carter. This production of NOAH is a waste of time, money, resources, talent and braincells.
Director: Darren Aronofsky Writers: Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel
Stars: Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Anthony Hopkins | See full cast and crew
With sweeping visuals grounded by strong performances in service of a timeless tale told on a human scale, Darren Aronofsky's Noah brings the Bible epic into the 21st century.
The Biblical Noah suffers visions of an apocalyptic deluge and takes measures to protect his family from the coming flood.
AN EPIC FLOOD OF NONSENSE!!!
DIVERGENT
(2014 - March 21)
2 hr. 20 min.
Rated:
PG-13 | Some sensuality, intense violence and
action and thematic elements. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 13
& under. Read more
Intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality.
Grade: B- | I liked this as much or better than The Hunger Games, definitely better than the Twilight series. It's a good movie but falls somewhat short of a great movie. I commend those responsible for using restraint. There is little if any profanity and the romantic leads don't jump right into bed but make a conscious and mutual decision to take their relationship slowly. There are good examples of admirable qualities in the lead characters, determination, dedication, honesty, loyalty, courage, importance of family ties and human compassion. The full review can be read on the home page of the blog.
Director: Neil Burger
Divergent is a thrilling action-adventure
film set in a world where people are divided into distinct factions
based on human virtues. Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is warned she is
Divergent and will never fit into any one group. When she discovers a
conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet) to destroy all Divergents,
Tris must learn to trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) and
together they must find out what makes being Divergent so dangerous
before it's too late. Based on the best-selling book series by Veronica
Roth.
God's Not Dead
(2014 - March 21)
Drama
1 hr. 53 min
Rated: PG | Brief scenes of physical violence including verbal abuse and domestic violence.
Stars: Shane Harper, Kevin Sorbo, David A.R. White | See full cast and crew
1 hr. 53 min
Rated: PG | Brief scenes of physical violence including verbal abuse and domestic violence.
Grade: C | The film is ambitious but falls short of its goals. One local critic opined that it is unfair to the open minded. What? Should we talk about how fair academia has been in treating those that are believers. What a doofuss, isn't that the bigot calling the kettle black! I am so tired of the proud 'educated' folks that so loudly and boldly proclaim their own social evolution and enlightenment that function as blinders to seeing their own bigotry and bullying that they wear so prominently on their own bloody sleeves. Our schools and universities have become anti-Christian social engineering propaganda mills rather than the temples of learning they were intended to be, but I digress. The film is somewhat monotone and feels like a promotional vehicle for 'The Newsboys', a popular gospel/rock boy band. The characters are one dimensional, simplistic and basically black or white. The message is admirable and good but the methodology is weak. It is a film that you can take the entire family to see free of profanity and sex. There are a couple of scenes of violence that could be disturbing to the very young. God's Not Dead falls short but is still worth a look.
Director: Harold Cronk
Writers: Hunter Dennis (story), Chuck Konzelman (story), Cary Solomon (story) Director: Harold Cronk
Stars: Shane Harper, Kevin Sorbo, David A.R. White | See full cast and crew
Present-day college freshman and devout Christian, Josh Wheaton (Shane
Harper), finds his faith challenged on his first day of Philosophy class
by the dogmatic and argumentative Professor Radisson (Kevin Sorbo).
Radisson begins class by informing students that they will need to
disavow, in writing, the existence of God on that first day, or face a
failing grade. As other students in the class begin scribbling the words
"God Is Dead" on pieces of paper as instructed, Josh find himself at a
crossroads, having to
choose between his faith and his future. Josh offers a nervous refusal,
provoking an irate reaction from his smug professor. Radisson assigns
him a daunting task: if Josh will not admit that "God Is Dead," he must
prove God's existence by presenting well-researched, intellectual
arguments and evidence over the course of the semester, and engage
Radisson in a head-to-head debate in front of the class. If Josh fails
to convince his classmates of God's existence, he will fail the course
and hinder his lofty academic goals. With almost no one in his corner,
Josh wonders if he can really fight for what he believes. Can he
actually prove the existence of God? Wouldn't it just be easier just to
write "God Is Dead" and put the whole incident behind him? GOD'S NOT
DEAD weaves together multiple stories of faith, doubt and disbelief,
culminating in a dramatic call to action. The film will educate,
entertain, and inspire moviegoers to explore what they really believe
about God, igniting important conversations and life-changing decisions.
--(C) Official Site
Muppets Most Wanted
(2014 - March 21)
1 hr 46 min
Rated: PG | Some Mild Action Common Sense Media says OK for kids 5+. Read more
Grade: C | Pretty much a humorless rehash of old tired material and stale jokes. Lame performances by the human leads Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey and Ty Burrell. Completely safe for children but more than likely torture for parents to sit through.
Director: James Bobin
Writers: James Bobin, Nicholas Stoller, Jim Henson (based on) (as Disney's Muppet properties and characters)
Stars: Ricky Gervais, Ty Burrell, Tina Fey | See full cast and crew
Muppets Most Wanted takes the entire Muppets gang on a global
tour, selling out grand theaters in some of Europe’s most exciting
destinations, including Berlin, Madrid and London. But mayhem follows
the Muppets overseas, as they find themselves unwittingly entangled in
an international crime caper headed by Constantine—the World’s Number
One Criminal and a dead ringer for Kermit—and his dastardly sidekick
Dominic, aka Number Two, portrayed by Ricky Gervais. The film stars Tina
Fey as Nadya, a feisty prison guard, and Ty Burrell as Interpol agent
Jean Pierre Napoleon.
(2014 - March 7)
Comedy | Drama
1 hr. 39 min.
Rated: R | Some Sexual Content, Language and Violence. Common Sense Media says OK for kids 16+. Read more
Grade: C+ | This latest offering from Wes Anderson is billed as a whimsical, witty farce, however is is not nearly as witty as it or clever as it claims to be. It started out with great promise, I was enthralled as the film began to unfold but by a third of the way through I was beginning to lose interest, by two-thirds of the way through the attempts to be quirky was wearing thin and before it ended I was checking my watch. There was some unnecessary sexuality and definitely too much profanity, frequently including “s--t," “bitch” and “f--k.” This film is also more violent than that of Mr. Anderson's previous works. The film has a feeling of working too hard to be funny and in the end it just became tedious. There is a lot of talent involved in the making of this film nonetheless it remains a forgettable film that falls short of its goals.
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Stefan Zweig (inspired by the works of), Wes Anderson (story), 2 more credits
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric | See full cast and crew
Director: Wes Anderson
Writers: Stefan Zweig (inspired by the works of), Wes Anderson (story), 2 more credits
Stars: Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham, Mathieu Amalric | See full cast and crew
Wes Anderson heads to Europe for the first time with this Indian Paintbrush production starring Saoirse Ronan, Ralph Fiennes, Bill Murray, and Jude Law.
Gustav H., the famous concierge at a legendary hotel situated in the
Alps during the 1930's becomes the center of a farcical whirlwind of
suspicion when one of his institution's oldest and richest patrons turns
up dead, and she suspiciously leaves him her most priceless work of art
-- a Renaissance painting of a boy with an apple. Infuriated that she
left anything of value to anyone else, the woman's greedy and nefarious
heir uses all manner of underhanded and illegal tactics to pin her death
on Gustav and to silence anyone who questions his objective of
inheriting every penny of her estate, leaving Gustav's trusted lobby boy
Zero to clear Gustav's name and prove that the grand lady's killer is
none other than her own son. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
300: Rise Of An Empire(2014 - March 7)
Action | Drama | Fantasy
1 hr. 43 min.
Rated: R | Strong sustained sequences of stylized bloody violence throughout, a sex scene, nudity and some language. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 16 & under. Read more
Grade: C+ | If
you're a fan of the original "300", there's enough to enjoy in this odd 'sidequel', for the lack of a better term, because the action happens after, before and concurrently with "300". It may try too hard
to tie into the original movie and goes overboard with the exposition,
but "Rise of an Empire" is an epic spectacle filled with fantastic
visuals that could stand on its own and ultimately does work as a worthy follow-up.
Director: Noam Murro
Writers: Zack Snyder (screenplay), Kurt Johnstad (screenplay), 1 more credit Director: Noam Murro
Stars: Sullivan Stapleton, Eva Green, Lena Headey | See full cast and crew
Years
before King Leonidas led his 300 Spartan warriors against the
unstoppable Persian army, a young Athenian warrior named Themistocles
(Sullivan Stapleton) killed the Persian King Darius, leaving his son
Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and the commander of his fleet Artemisia (Eva
Green) seeking revenge against Greece. Years later, as Xerxes' forces
take on Leonidas' Spartans, Themistocles and Artemisia's fleets clash on
the open seas trying to get an advantage in the ongoing war between
empires.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman(2014 - March 7)
Animation | Adventure | Comedy
1 hr. 32 min.
Rated: PG | Brief Rude Humor and Some Mild Action
Grade: C+
| High expectations but bland remake of the original TV series. It's not a horrible animated film, it's just not an exceptional film. There have been so many animated films as of late and they are all pretty much on the same level, serviceable and perhaps entertaining for the kids but not so much for the parents who take them. I saw the 3D version and wouldn't recommend it, it has little to add to the experience, just a way for the studio to charge more for the tickets. The animation harkens back to the paintings of banal big eyed waifs of the 60s.
Director: Rob Minkoff Writers: Jay Ward (based on the series produced by), Craig Wright (screenplay), 3 more credits
Stars: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Stephen Colbert | See full cast and crew
Mr. Peabody (Ty Burrell), the most accomplished canine in the world, and
his boy, Sherman (Max Charles), use a time machine called the Wabac to
embark on outrageous adventures. However, when Sherman takes the Wabac
without permission to impress his friend Penny (Ariel Winter), he
accidentally rips a hole in the universe and causes havoc with world
history. It's up to Mr. Peabody to mount a rescue and prevent the past,
present and future from being permanently altered.
Son Of GodDrama
2 hr. 18 min.
Rated: PG 13 | Not quite as bloody and violent as The Passion of the Christ | Read more
Grade: C+ | I expected this to be better and wanted it to be better. Unfortunately it is a very bland retelling and often violent retelling of the story of Jesus. Costumes are serviceable, the CGI and miniature model sets are unconvincing, and the acting, Oh, the acting! Sadly this film quickly devolves into a heavy handed melodrama. Roma Downey's scenes are particularly egregious. Her over acting is epic. The film is an abridgment of the History Channel's The Bible miniseries focusing solely on Jesus' ministry years, his death, and resurrection. There are truly some moving and touching moments, especially for believers, but they are far too few. There are many liberties taken with the source material and it has a particular Catholic doctrinal bent, with which I have no issue, but the theological direction is obvious. I give the filmmakers kudos for making a film intended for family viewing (or my C+ grade would have been lower). Son Of God is worth a view, but don't go expecting a classic.
Director: Christopher SpencerWriters: Richard Bedser, Christopher Spencer, 2 more credits
Stars: Diogo Morgado, Amber Rose Revah, Sebastian Knapp | See full cast and crew
This major motion picture event -- an
experience created to be shared among families and communities across
the U.S. -- brings the story of Jesus' life to audiences through
compelling cinematic storytelling that is both powerful and
inspirational. Told with the scope and scale of an action epic, the film
features powerful performances, exotic locales, dazzling visual effects
and a rich orchestral score from Oscar®-winner Hans Zimmer. Portuguese
actor Diogo Morgado portrays the role of Jesus as the film spans from
his humble birth through his teachings, crucifixion and ultimate
resurrection.
Non-Stop(2014 - February 28)
Action | Mystery | Thriller
1 hr. 46 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and drug references. Common Sense Media says OK for kids 14+. Read more
Grade: C- | Non-Stop is an illogical, implausible, unbelievable and forgettable film. It is one more in a long line of Hollywood drivel that portrays US military men and police officers as unscrupulous, alcoholic, villains who's loyalties and morals are for sale for a little cash. It is also quite liberal in its use of profanity.
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Grade: C- | Non-Stop is an illogical, implausible, unbelievable and forgettable film. It is one more in a long line of Hollywood drivel that portrays US military men and police officers as unscrupulous, alcoholic, villains who's loyalties and morals are for sale for a little cash. It is also quite liberal in its use of profanity.
Writers: John W. Richardson (screenplay), Christopher Roach (screenplay), 3 more credits
Stars: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy | See full cast and crew
Liam Neeson reunites with Unknown director Jaume Collet-Serra) for this airborne thriller about an Air Marshal racing to stop the villain who has framed him as a hijacker during a non-stop flight from New York to London. From the moment we first meet Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson), it's apparent his nerves are frayed. After furtively knocking back a stiff drink in the airport parking lot, he enters the crowded terminal to board a plane bound for London. Carefully observing his fellow travelers along the way, Marks eventually ends up seated next to nervous flyer Jen (Julianne Moore), who begins to breathe easier once she's seated near a window. Later, as the plane hits cruising altitude, Marks receives a mysterious text message stating that a passenger on the flight will be killed every 20 minutes unless $150 million is deposited into a secure bank account. But the harder Marks works to identify a suspect, the deeper he implicates himself in what becomes a deadly hostage crisis unfolding at 30,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean. When it's revealed that the account for the ransom money is in Marks' name, the FAA revokes his marshal status and the media paints him as a hijacker. As the frightened passengers begin to turn on Marks, he suspects the true culprit may not even be on the plane. And with the help of Jen and perceptive airline hostess Nancy (Michelle Dockery), he attempts to clear his name and protect the passengers by any means possible. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
The Wind Rises"Kaze tachinu" (original title)
(2014 - February 21) ~ 2013 - July 20(Japan)
Animation | Biography | Drama
Rated: PG-13 | There is a lot of smoking in the film and animated war, fire and earthquake violence that might be frightening to very youngest viewers. Also a lot of scenes of walking on the wings of moving airplanes but nothing one would call offensive. Very educational and family friendly.
Grade: A- | Hayao Miyazaki's Final Studio Ghibli Film Soars in 'The Wind Rises' Trailer
Hayao Miyazaki is something of an animation legend. He helmed such classics as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro, but recently the 72-year-old announced his retirement. Before he calls it a career, however, he has delivered one more classic film. Thank you, Mr.Miyazaki.
'The Wind Rises' in a different approach in terms of tone takes a departure from much of Miyazaki's previous movies. Rather than being anchored in an action-adventure-fantasy element, 'The Wind Rises' is an historical drama with a touching love story embedded as its subplot.
'The Wind Rises' is a bio-pic of Jiro Horikoshi, a man so obsessed with airplanes as a child determined to followed his dreams and eventually became a designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
Hayao Miyazaki is something of an animation legend. He helmed such classics as Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro, but recently the 72-year-old announced his retirement. Before he calls it a career, however, he has delivered one more classic film. Thank you, Mr.Miyazaki.
'The Wind Rises' in a different approach in terms of tone takes a departure from much of Miyazaki's previous movies. Rather than being anchored in an action-adventure-fantasy element, 'The Wind Rises' is an historical drama with a touching love story embedded as its subplot.
'The Wind Rises' is a bio-pic of Jiro Horikoshi, a man so obsessed with airplanes as a child determined to followed his dreams and eventually became a designed Japanese fighter planes during World War II.
'The Wind Rises' was the highest-grossing Japanese film in Japan in
2013 and received critical acclaim. It won and was nominated for
several awards, including nominations for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, the Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Japan Academy Prize for Animation of the Year.
The
film is a visual feast, but more than just eye candy it is an
intriguing story. As I watch it I kept thinking I would love to see a
live action version of this film.
Director: Hayao Miyazaki Writers: Hayao Miyazaki (comic), Hayao Miyazaki (screenplay)
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt | See full cast and crew
In "The Wind Rises," Jiro dreams of flying
and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian
aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted from a young age and unable
to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927
and becomes one of the world's most innovative and accomplished airplane
designers. The film chronicles much of his life, depicting key
historical events, including the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the
Great Depression, the tuberculosis epidemic and Japan's plunge into war.
Jiro meets and falls in love with Nahoko, and grows and cherishes his
friendship with his colleague Honjo. Writer and director Hayao Miyazaki
pays tribute to engineer Jiro Horikoshi and author Tatsuo Hori in this
epic tale of love, perseverance, and the challenges of living and making
choices in a turbulent world.
3 Days To Kill(2014 - February 21)
Action | Crime | Drama
1 hr. 40 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Language, intense sequences of violence, intense sequences of action and some sensuality. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 13 & under. More on child suitability
Grade: C | Mediocre action/comedy/family drama that just never really works. There are moments where it is adventurous and amusing even some touching relationship moments, but it never jells. The entire premise is so implausible, so incredulous that it becomes annoying. Don't you just hate it when all these covert operatives race through the crowded city streets, drive against traffic, on the sidewalks and never have a serious accident and no pedestrians are hurt, or when they gun down people on the streets and there is never any local law enforcement interference, never any local repercussions? Boy, I do. That's what makes it 'common' Hollywood fodder. There is nothing new here, in fact I couldn't help but think I'd seen this a few months ago starring Liam Neeson, except that the story is set in Paris rather than Istanbul, it didn't work for Liam either, and for many of the same reasons. It runs just over an hour and a half but it felt like it took 3 Days To See.
Director: McG Writers: Adi Hasak (screenplay), Luc Besson (screenplay and story)
Stars: Kevin Costner, Hailee Steinfeld, Connie Nielsen | See full cast and crew
A terminally ill Secret Service agent is coaxed out of retirement for
one last job in exchange for an experimental drug that could save his
life, and give him more time with his estranged family. For decades
Ethan Runner (Kevin Costner)
has kept his dangerous career a carefully guarded secret -- not even
his wife and daughter know what he really does for a living. Shortly
after receiving a grim medical diagnosis, Ethan decides to give up his
dangerous career for one last shot at being a decent husband and father.
Meanwhile, Ethan has been tasked with watching his daughter while his
wife goes out of town for a few days. But when the agency offers Ethan a
life-saving cure in exchange for capturing a notorious terrorist, he
reluctantly accepts. Now, with his daughter's safety in his hands for
the first time in a decade and the powerful drug's debilitating side
effects taking hold, the hunt begins. Amber Heard, Hailee Steinfeld, and Connie Nielsen co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
(2014 - February 21)
Action | Adventure | Drama
1 hr. 38 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Intense battle sequences, disaster-related action and brief sexual content
Grade: D+ | Just plain silly sword and sandals melodrama. I saw the 3D version. The script is atrocious i.e. a gladiator in the ring faces the erupting volcano and declares thrusting his sword to the sky, "We who are about to die salute you!". There is so much potential in the concept but so little fulfilled. The costumes were OK but the CGI was less than stellar, and what was with Kiefer Sutherland's weird accent? Once again, director's poor decisions, the volcano erupts the city is in shambles yet when it comes time for the evil Corvus (Sutherland) to make his escape, the streets are clear of rubble. Kit Harington as Milo looks good but he doesn't have much to work with. I could say if you want to go for the lavish effects, but it just wouldn't be true.
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson Writers: Janet Scott Batchler (screenplay), Lee Batchler (screenplay), 1 more credit »
Stars: Kit Harington, Emily Browning, Kiefer Sutherland | See full cast and crew
Set in 79 A.D., POMPEII tells the epic story of Milo (Kit Harington), a
slave turned invincible gladiator who finds himself in a race against
time to save his true love Cassia (Emily Browning), the beautiful
daughter of a wealthy merchant who has been unwillingly betrothed to a
corrupt Roman Senator. As Mount Vesuvius erupts in a torrent of blazing
lava, Milo must fight his way out of the arena in order to save his
beloved as the once magnificent Pompeii crumbles around him.
RoboCop(2014 - February 12)
Action | Crime | Sci-Fi
1 hr 48 min
Rated: PG-13 | Intense sequences of action including frenetic gun violence throughout, brief strong language, sensuality and some drug material. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 14 & under. Read more
Grade: C | While
"RoboCop" is a decent sci-fi action flick, it lacks the dark humor,
great villains, and shocking action that made the original a fan
favorite. Despite
being a well-executed film, if you have seen the 1987 original you
can't help but compare the two and when you do compare the them, the
original is superior in absolutely every way except maybe the special effects. As
a sci-fi action movie, on its own, it's pretty decent but the moment
you start comparing it to its predecessor, it becomes a bit of a
disappointment. Perhaps if they brake new ground in a likely sequel they'll have a little
better luck next time.
Director: José PadilhaWriters: Joshua Zetumer (screenplay), Edward Neumeier and Michael Miner (1987 screenplay)
Stars: Joel Kinnaman, Gary Oldman, Michael Keaton | See full cast and crew
In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational
conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas,
their drones have been used by the military for years – and it’s meant
billions for OmniCorp’s bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their
controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden
opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) – a loving
husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime
and corruption in Detroit – is critically injured in the line of duty,
OmniCorp sees their chance to build a part-man, part-robot police
officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more
billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing:
there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice.
Labor Day(2014 - January 31)
Drama
1 hr. 51 min.
PG-13 | Thematic material, brief violence and sexuality. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 13 & under. Read more
Grade: C | Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin are compelling couple, but
they can't quite rescue 'Labor Day' from its inane writing or direction. It begins with genuine intrigue and promise. There is dramatic tension and briefly you are drawn in by the acting but the film soon devolves into a vapid melodrama founded on a highly improbable plot. It doesn't take long for the wheels fall off as it serves up an almost laughable parody of the 1990 Patrick Swayze
Demi Moore potter's wheel scene from 'Ghost' as Frank (Josh Brolin) teaches Adele (Kate Winslet) how to bake an peach pie. In an unedited blooper Frank asks Henry (Gattlin Griffith) for a wrench while working on the car. He tells him he
wants a "ratchet wrench" when in fact what he is asking for is a "box
end wrench", just sayin'. And of course there is the odd message that it's OK to harbor a fugitive because he might be the man of your dreams.
Director: Jason Reitman Writers: Jason Reitman (screenplay), Joyce Maynard (based on the novel by)
Stars: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin, Gattlin Griffith | See full cast and crew
Labor Day centers on 13-year-old Henry Wheeler, who
struggles to be the man of his house and care for his reclusive mother
Adele while confronting all the pangs of adolescence. On a
back-to-school shopping trip, Henry and his mother encounter Frank
Chambers, a man both intimidating and clearly in need of help, who
convinces them to take him into their home and later is revealed to be
an escaped convict. The events of this long Labor Day weekend will
shape them for the rest of their lives.
(2014 - January 17)
Action | Mystery | Thriller
1 hr 45 min
Rated: PG-13 | Intense Action, Brief Strong Language and Sequences of Violence. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 13 & under. Read more
Grade: C | This is the
fifth "Jack Ryan" film (and the second reboot of the franchise), "Shadow
Recruit" casts away the traditional roots and reinvents the character
for a new generation. The first half is pretty strong but the pay off of the second half is less compelling, a bit of a let down. Even though, it's still got enough 'umph' to recommend it. "Shadow Recruit" is not a bad reboot of the Jack Ryan series, but neither is it a particularly memorable one. I like Chris Pine but I wouldn't be look for a Chris Pine sequel. As a thriller it's worth a watch, or check it
out at later on Blu-ray.
Director: Kenneth Branagh Writers: Adam Cozad, David Koepp, 1 more credit
Stars: Chris Pine, Kevin Costner, Keira Knightley | See full cast and crew
To his friends and loved ones, young Jack Ryan (Chris
Pine) appears to be an ordinary executive; however, he has secretly
worked for the CIA for years. Ryan was originally brought in to crunch
global data, but when he uncovers a carefully planned scheme to crash
the U.S. economy and spark global chaos, he becomes the only man with
the skills to stop it. Now a full operative, Ryan finds himself caught
between his secretive handler, his clueless fiancee and a brilliant
Russian leader.
2014 - January 10
Action | Adventure
1 hr. 38 min.
Rated: PG-13 | Violence, Some Sensuality and Intense Combat Action. Common Sense Media says Pause for kids 13 & under. Read more
Grade: C- | In ancient Greek theater they held competitions where all the playwrights staged plays on the same subject. Everyone already knew the story and how it ended the only difference was the route the playwright took to get to the well known end. Some became classics still performed today, but you have to suspect there were some that were a far cry from classic. This film's telling is one of those forgettable entries. It's not a really truly awful movie but there's nothing noteworthy either. Remarkably, Kellan Lutz' acting is not the worst of the cast, although he doesn't do himself any favors when he opens his mouth either. Scott Adkins as King Amphitryon and Liam Garrigan as Iphiclies are guilty of some classic 'bad guy' over acting. Finish director Renny Harlin has rounded up a support team that has done a admirable job. The sets, costumes and CGI panoramas are quite respectable. Unfortunately, the story and dialogue is not. I saw the 3-D version, I don't think it added that much to the experience and the fast then slow movements during the warrior fight sequences (popularized by Zack Snyder) became distracting and tedious. If you were to take a screen capture at any point in the film you'd be hard pressed to distinguish it from 300, The Immortals, Gladiator, Pompeii, Clash of the Titans, Troy or any number of recent sword and sandal 'epics'. If gladiator/sword and sandal costume sagas are your thing, Hercules is little more than a guilty pleasure. Although it's based on a classic, a classic it's not. At least it's not laced with gratuitous sex, nudity or profanities.
Director: Renny HarlinWriters: Sean Hood, Daniel Giat, Renny Harlin, Giulio Steve
Stars: Kellan Lutz, Gaia Weiss, Scott Adkins | See full cast and crew
In the epic origin story THE LEGEND OF HERCULES,
Kellan Lutz stars as the mythical Greek hero – the son of Zeus, a
half-god, half-man blessed with extraordinary strength. Betrayed by his
stepfather, the King, and exiled and sold into slavery because of a
forbidden love, Hercules must use his formidable powers to fight his way
back to his rightful kingdom. Through harrowing battles and
gladiator-arena death matches, Hercules embarks on a legendary odyssey
to overthrow the King and restore peace to the land.
Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones(2014 - January 3)
Horror | Thriller
1 hr. 24 min.
Rated: R | Pervasive language, some violence, graphic nudity and some drug use.
Grade: D+ | There is nothing new or interesting in this latest offering from the tired Paranormal franchise. You would have to be a diehard fan of the genre to find this movie intriguing in any way. It is also a blatant exercise of pandering to draw an Hispanic audience. For a Horror/Thriller it isn't at all horrific nor is it very thrilling.
Director: Christopher LandonWriter: Christopher Landon
Stars: Andrew Jacobs, Jorge Diaz, Gloria Sandoval | See full cast and crew
A young California Latino named Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) is designated for possession by the same malevolent demon who previously claimed Kristi and Katie. Christopher Landon (son of Highway to Heaven actor Michael Landon) wrote and directed this spin-off/sequel produced by Oren Peli and Jason Blum. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
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