Dfschohr-532-549658 Reviews

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

[9/10 · 4 December 2013]

Having never read the series of books, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, I went into the first film with an open mind, and my expectations were met. Not the biggest fan, but definitely enjoyable. Now with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, the budget is nearly doubled, the cast is well rounded, and the costume and set design is award worthy.

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson)have both miraculously survived The Hunger Games, by both vowing to kill themselves with the poisonous berries. In doing this, Katniss has sparked a rebellion throughout the districts, and President Snow (Donald Sutherland) is now in need of help from the over-seer of games, Plutarch Heavensbee (Phillip Seymour-Hoffman), who has multiple tricks up his sleeve for the special edition of the 75th Hunger Games

Jennifer Lawrence is absolutely sensational. Such a true, honest, brilliantly layered performance. Lawrence has become one of Hollywood's hit girls, and quite frankly, she deserves every ounce of it, she's fantastic. I've never been the biggest Josh Hutcherson fan, but I must say he does a fine job in the sequel. Woody Harrelson is always a treat to watch. Harrelson and Lawrence have great on-screen chemistry, few elements of father/daughter, few elements of brother/sister, equaling up to a terrific mentor/protégé relationship. You can never go wrong when hiring Phillip Seymour-Hoffman onto your cast, and he steals every scene. Seymour-Hoffman is my personal favorite actor of all time, I've always looked up to him since I was child. The film is layered with fantastic supporting roles from Jeffrey Wright, Amanda Plummer, and Jenna Malone.

Francis Lawrence has taken this story and elevated it to another level. The film looks incredibly beautiful, and with its budget it should. Catching Fire is by far Francis Lawrence's best film. Constantine is still a damn fun and awesome film, but Lawrence's edition to The Hunger Games series immerses you into this wonderful, oddly unique world.

Catching Fire is one hell of a fun time at the movies. Every teen girl and fan of the books are sure to be obsessing over the film for years to come. The costume and set design is sure to garnish up Oscar nominations, if not the wins. The film runs slightly to long for me, but it's not by much, maybe some tighter edits, the film could have been perfect. I give The Hunger Games: Catching Fire an "A"

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty

[10/10 · 4 December 2013]

At one point in all of our lives, we are bound to question the direction we are taking our lives, and the decisions we've made or haven't made. Some people live extremely sheltered, never getting witness some of the curveballs or left-hooks that life throws at. Thus, is the case of Walter Mitty, a LIFE magazine employee, who has day-dreams of himself performing heroic stunts and living a more adventurous life then he does now.

LIFE Magazine is preparing to put out their last issue while transitioning into LIFE Online. Walter Mitty (Ben Stiller) has lost a photo negative by legendary photographer Sean O'Connell (Sean Penn), which is supped to be the last issues cover. Walter Mitty then sets out on a journey around the world to find Sean and the missing photo.

Ben Stiller is truly at the top of his game. Stiller's acting is sensational, truly heart-felt and honest, there is not one scene that Stiller isn't in and he captures you and transports you into this fantastical journey. Kristen Wiig is sweet and relaxed as Walter's love interest. Wiig, who we all know is hilarious, prospers and glows as Cheryl Melhoff. Stiller and Wiig together are perfect, such great on-screen chemistry. Adam Scott as Walter's Boss, is irritating and hilarious. Patton Oswalt has a brief role, and has quite a few laughs. Sean Penn is also terrific, even though his character is mostly talked about, when his ten minute scene comes, you truly understand who he is.

Ben Stiller's directing has never been more intriguing. Still takes an older story and brings it into the modern world, flawlessly. Still and Steve Conrad the films screenwriter, have adapted a film that the whole family can enjoy, even though it's aimed at an older audience.

The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty is sure to garnish up Oscar buzz for directing and adapted screenplay. This is such a fun film, I can't remember a film with such a whole-hearted story that has done this well in a long time. I give The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty an "A+"

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

Dallas Buyers Club

[10/10 · 4 December 2013]

Homophobic, drug-addicted, alcoholic, womanizer, cowboy, diagnosed with AIDS, can all describe Ron Woodruff, the subject of Jean-Marc Vallee's new bio-pic Dallas Buyers Club. Matthew McConaugnhey plays Woodruff and has one of "Hollywoods" scariest body transformation every caught on film.

It's 1985 Dallas, Texas in the heart of local rodeo country. Upon being electrocuted on the job, Ron Woodruff (Matthew McConaughey) awakens in the hospital to the news of him having contracted the HIV disease. After hearing of his thirty day life expectancy, Ron begins to find ways to procure the AZT drug, but when once his supply is up, Woodruff ventures to Mexico, where a non-licensed physician prescribes him non FDA approved drugs. With these drugs, Ron starts up the Dallas Buyers Club, where there is no fee for the medicine but there's a four hundred dollar monthly fee.

Matthew McConaughey gives the best performance of his career, next to his role in Jeff Nichols, Mud. McConaughey's transformation is hauntingly exquisite. The stages of weight-less is dominant in the film, from the opening scene of a sickly looking Woodruff having intercourse with two women in a rodeo bull pin, to his disturbingly thin, turkey neck after seven years with the disease. McConaughey will most certainly receive an Oscar nomination. There would be no Dallas Buyers Club without Rayon played by Jared Leto. Leto gives his best performance and with no doubt will be nominated for supporting actor. I was wholly absorbed in Leto's role. His transformation as a transgender male, battling the disease is frighting, note-worthy, and aggressively captivating. Jennifer Garner is also quite good in her role as Ron's Doctor. Steve Zahn, and Dennis O'Hare also provide fantastic minimal, supporting roles.

Jean Marc Vallee directs such a fine, touching film about a man with so much hate in his heart who grows, through his disease to learn to have an open heart and mind, which allows him to have true friendships with the unlikeliest of people. Such a remarkable film with so much heart, intuition, and bravery that should be enjoyed by everyone.

The film comes extremely heavy-handed in its subject matter, there will be the few who will hate the films pacing, but Dallas Buyers Club is one of the best films of the year. I give Dallas Buyers Club an "A+"

Bridesmaids (I) (2011)

Bridesmaids Review

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

Annie (Kristen Wiig) and Lillian (Maya Rudolph) have been best friends since their childhood, and now with Lillian getting married Annie is chosen to be her Maid of Honor. Annie is now forced to help her best friend through the happiest time of her life, when secretly Annie wants to find someone to love. Lillian then adds a whole heap of characters in her bridesmaids group including her fiancé's bosses, wife Helen (Rose Byrne), and her soon to be sister-in-law Megan (Melissa McCarthy).

I absolutely love Kristen Wiig, she is smart, funny, and also one of the few remaining SNL cast members that I enjoy. Wiig and Annie Mumolo, who makes a great cameo in the film, teamed up together to write their first comedic feature and blew me away with the amazing writing. Its a refreshing change to see real women with real problems struggling to control their lives, then seeing some ditzy blonde going to the mall. Kristen Wiig can also act, her dramatic timing is just as good as her comedic timing. I can't wait to see what her next film will be. Im hoping a nice indie dramedy.

Rose Byrne has become one of my new favorite women in films this passed decade. She was amazing in "Wicker Park", "Sunshine", "The Dead Girl", and just recently "Insidious". She started her comedy improve kick with "Get Him To The Greek", and having blown everyone out of the water, Judd Apatow decided to put her in Bridesmaids.

Now the person who single-handedly stole the whole movie was Melissa McCarthy. I remember seeing her small cameo in "Go", and thought she was funny. Then John August put her in his small film "The Nines", co-starring with Ryan Reynolds. And now she has been able to jump to a major supporting role in a big comedy and nails every line that comes out of her mouth. A particular part of hers that had me on the floor laughing, involved her character's experience on a cruise ship.

The only thing wrong with the film is that it is about twenty minutes to long. But other than that, Bridesmaids is a fantastic comedy. I give Bridesmaids an 8.5 out of 10

Cracks (I) (2009)

Cracks Review

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

At an elite British boarding school, a group of girls idealize their mysterious swim teacher Miss G (Eva Green). Miss G tells the girls stories of her adventures before she decided to become a teacher. Di (Juno Temple), the leader of the group, and Miss G's right hand girl, has a teenage crush on her incredibly attractive teacher. But when Fiamma (Maria Valverde), a new student from Spain, joins the group of girls, Miss G becomes infatuated with Fiamma. But Fiamma does not care for Miss G's attention. She is a highly intelligent young women who has not been held captive in a boarding school her whole life, and Fiamma starts to notice that Miss G is not who she seems to be.

Eva Green is remarkable as Miss G. Every time she is on screen I could not help but stare into her eyes, she is absolutely gorgeous. Green displays serious fierceness in her role as Miss G. She strikes every note right, and she cuts to the heart of the audience with just a simple look. She reminds me a lot of Marion Cotillard, they both have the eyes that tell a story of their own. Also check out Eva Green in "The Dreamers".

Juno Temple is perfect as Di. She knew how to give her character the soft, and pompous creepiness that it needed. Maria Valverde who played Fiamma was the weakest of the main cast but that does not mean anything. She still held her own against Green and I truly enjoyed what she brought to the role. I can't wait to see what these young actresses do next.

The film is directed by first timer, Jordan Scott who is Ridley Scott's daughter, and it felt like she made this movie with complete ease. I hope her next film is just as good. I give Cracks a 9 out of 10

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides

[4/10 · 17 November 2013]

"On Stranger Tides" marks the fourth film in the Pirates saga. Except this one does not star Orlando Bloom or Keira Knightly. It is Johnny Depp and Geoffrey Rush reprising their roles as the infamous Captain Jack Sparrow and the now peg-legged Barbossa. New comers to the film are Ian McShane as Blackbeard, and Penelope Curz as his daughter Angelica. Personally I was sick and tired of the Pirate movies after the third installment, but when I saw the trailer for "On Stranger Tides" I was very curious to see it. Then the trailer played over and over again and I could already tell that the film was going to be awful. But I still went to see it.

Jack Sparrow (Depp) is in possession of a map that leads the way to the Fountain of Youth. Barbossa (Rush) accompanies Sparrow for the journey, but with just the intention of killing Blackbeard (McShane). On the way they meet beautiful, yet insanely vicious mermaids. A few invulnerable zombies, who make voodoo dolls that really work, and the Spanish Monarch.

Johnny Depp does nothing special with his character, he does tone down the drunken walk, and slur but he does all the same facial features, and wise-cracking jokes. Depp has been disappointing me with his movie choices lately. I enjoyed Rango, but "Alice in Wonderland" was just an awful movie with a big cast, and the Gothic touch of Tim Burton, and it failed miserably. Then he made "The Tourist" and how that movie got nominated for any award is beyond me. "The Tourist" is the perfect example of a movie not to make. The cast helped in no way to pull the story through, it is extremely boring during their monologues, and whoever wrote the film made the twist ending extraordinary stupid. Yeah thats the word to use, STUPID! Come on Johnny step up your game.

Penelope Cruz adds nothing special to the screen besides her beautifulness, and every time she spoke I wanted her to stop talking. I have not seen a lot of Penelope Cruz films that I personally took a liking to, but I thought she was truly exceptional in Vanilla Sky, which is on my top ten favorite films. Ian McShane was dreadful as Blackbeard, it seemed like he was always yelling. Mcshane showed is comedic talent in "Hot Rod" which is a funny movie just over the top at some points. I heard he is amazing in HBO's "Deadwood". I also enjoyed him in "Agent Cody Banks". But when we got to the finale of this film I could not have been happier to see these characters off the screen. I was just kidding about "Agent Cody Banks".

How could I forget Geoffrey Rush, who has just come off of the Oscar winning film "The Kings Speech", and decides to put back on the pirate costume for a fourth time. He is peg-legged in this one, and has aged drastically. Rush was inexplicably untalented this time around. Which sucks because he is what drove most of the films for me. Barbossa's cameo at the end of the second film is probably one of the best parts to me of that film. But none of his scene were done well in this one. That brings me to the director Rob Marshall, who was way off the mark with this film. His pervious movies include "Memoir's of a Geisha", "Chicago", and "Nine" so its safe to say he was trying something new, but failed with the whole two hours and fifteen minutes of the film. The best of the series is "The Curse of the Black Pearl" and continues in order to get progressively worse. I give Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides a 4 out of 10.

Troll Hunter (2010)

The Troll Hunter

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

The Troll Hunter is a Norwegian mocumentary, that follows a group of students making a documentary on a bear poacher. But when they follow the poacher one night into a closed of part of the forest, they learn that he is hunting trolls, which are killing off all the bears.

From the moment the film started I knew I was gonna be in for one hell of a ride. This film is a lot like Rare Exports, where they take their over the top subject seriously but add a layer of humor that is subtle enough for the audience to still stay intrigued.

The trolls in the film look amazing. There are multiple species of trolls and they all look like the old mythology pictures that we've seen in books. Most of the shots where the crew interacts with a troll seemed flawless, very nice work of CGI. Also the sound in the film is top notch. I loved the eerie sound of the crew creeping through the woods, and the beastly yell of the trolls.

This is truly a special film that needs to be seen in theaters, but if you have On Demand it should be under the movie section, so definitely check it out. I give The Troll Hunter a 9 out of 10

Hesher (2010)

Hesher Review

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

TJ (Devin Brochu) is a thirteen year old kid, who a few months after losing his mom in car wreck, is riding his bike through a housing development when he crashes and in his anger throws a rock through a window. This summons the long haired, tattooed, heavy metal listening, Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt). Who was squatting in the house TJ through the rock into. After this point Hesher will not leave poor little TJ and his family alone.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt was great as the title role, not his best acting job which is "The Lookout", but pretty damn close. From the moment Hesher entered the frame I knew I was going to be watching one crazy ass movie. Now the film never tells us one thing about Hesher, but I thought in doing that it created more of a character that stands out on the screen.

Devin Brochu is truly a remarkable kid actor. He has the on-screen presence that most kid actors lack. There are scenes where TJ is being bullied, and they happen to be the worst scenes in the film. Its not because of Brochu it's because of the teenage actor who played the bully, all of his dialogue was absolutely awful, and plus the kid was very pale and reminded me of the movie "Powder" but with spiky red hair.

Natalie Portman who plays Nicole, a clerk at a local supermarket that saves TJ from the bully. Portman is great at playing the weird, awkward, indie girl and it shines through in this movie. She also helped produced the movie, so if it wasn't for her, "Hesher" might not have been.

Rainn Wilson plays Paul, TJ's father. Paul is depressed and has not changed his clothes or left the couch since he lost his wife. Wilson gives the best performance of his acting career. Every scene that Wilson was in he stole it. Im not going to give anything away, but there is a scene when Paul is arguing with TJ and he has a moment of self-realization, and it was heartbreaking.

This is Spencer Susser's first feature film, in which he co-wrote and directed and he could not have done any better, well maybe just writing the dialogue for the bully a little bit better. But other than that, "Hesher" is one hell of an entertaining movie. I give "Hesher" an 8.5 out of 10

Rare Exports (2010)

Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

In 2003 there was a short film released on the internet called Rare Exports Inc. Then in 2005, with the success of the first short, director Jalmari Helander was able to make the sequel, Rare Exports: The Official Safety Instructions. Now, Helander has made the feature length film Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale and it is extremely creative, and original.

Some of the townsfolk in Lapland, Finland are trying gathering the herd of reindeer that will feed them for the cold winter, but they find the herd mysteriously slaughtered. Meanwhile a group of scientists are excavating an ancient grave site on the Korvatunturi Mountain. The grave belongs to Santa Claus, but not the jolly fat man everyone is familiar with. This particular Santa, instead of rewarding the good children, he kills the naughty.

This is one film that I never lost focus on. It's beautiful scenery, great acting, fantastic camera work, and the overall suspense that is created is done flawlessly. Now im not trying to give away any spoilers to this film because its amazing how it unfolds. I also recommend watching the two short films (which are on youtube) but not until you watch the full-length film. I think you would appreciate the shorts even more after the full length movie. I give Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale a 9 out of 10.

Thor (2011)

Thor Review

[7/10 · 17 November 2013]

In year three of Marvel bringing together their set-up for The Avengers, Thor starts this summer out on an alright start.

After going against his fathers wishes, the powerful and egotistical Thor is banished from his beautiful kingdom of Asgard to Earth.

The film is down right entertaining, especially the first half and it is all thanks to Chris Hemsworth, who single handedly won me over as Thor. I can't explain how pleased I was with Hemsworth's acting, he played the arrogant warrior that is Thor perfectly. Now if only Chris Evans can pull of Captain America, I honestly think The Avengers will be the biggest movie of all time. Anthony Hopkins was a great addition but I just wish he would have had more screen time. I believe Natalie Portman is one of the greatest actresses of my generation, she knows how to connect with the audience. But sadly she did not bring her A-game on this one, it might have been the screenplay, but all of Portman's dialogue falls flat.

The first hour of the film flies by in the blink of an eye, and all of it was extremely engaging. Then the film begins to drag when they keep showing how well Thor is adapting to human culture. We get it the first three times, no need to keep forcing it to the audience. I really loved what Kenneth Branagh did with most of this film, and for his first time directing a big Hollywood budget movie he did a damn good job at it. I would rather watch Thor than Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen any day. I give Thor an 7 out of 10

Everything Must Go (2010)

Everything Must Go

[10/10 · 17 November 2013]

I feel very blessed to have been on this lucky streak of good movies, and if Bridesmaids turns out to be as good as everyone is saying, then that will make six excellent movies in a row. Everything Must Go rounds out the fifth spot on the excellent movie streak, but it is in the number one spot of the best movies so far this year.

Nick Halsey (Will Ferrell) was fired from his job due to his alcoholic tendencies. When Nick arrives home, he finds all of his possessions scattered amongst the front yard, all the locks on the doors changed, and a note from his wife who has left him. Now Nick must sell all his belongings and try to start a new life while living on his front lawn.

Will Ferrell is one of the funniest men on the planet, and to see him break from that comic form and possess the soul of a man who is tired of his life is a very special thing. In the first half of the film you never see Ferrell's character without a beer in hand. If he is out he goes and buys some more. Nick is the type of man who works hard, and supports his wife, he is also a recovering alcoholic, but just can't make it through the day without being drunk. You root for the guy, you want him to do well, but he just doesn't have that motivation any more. Thats where Rebecca Hall and Christopher Jordan Wallace come in.

Rebecca Hall plays Samantha, a pregnant women who has given up her dream of being a professional photographer to be a teacher, cause her husband got relocated for his job to Arizona. Except one thing, she moved before her husband, who stayed back in New York for some reason. The whole film you never see her husband or for that fact Nick's wife either. But you don't need to because that's not what drives the story. Ferrell and Hall have magical on screen chemistry, they don't play romantic interests, just neighbors who really need something special in their life's.

Christopher Jordan Wallace, son of rapper The Notorious B.I.G. plays Kenny a smart, charismatic kid who befriends Nick in his time of need, and helps him pawn of all of his belongings. Wallace does a great job for a kid actor, he is very calm and worked well alongside Ferrell. Christopher Wallace also portrayed the younger version of his father in the film "Notorious".

This is Dan Rush's first time writing and directing, but he does one hell of job. He tells a story that could easily have fallen flat. There was a moment when I thought the film was about to go in a cheesy direction, but with Ferrell's acting it made the scene truly emotional. This film is an hour and a half and its paced very slowly, but it is so worth your time. I give Everything Must Go a 9.5 out of 10

The High Cost of Living (2010)

The High Cost of Living

[10/10 · 17 November 2013]

When I saw Garden State Zach Braff won me over with his writing, directing, and acting skills. Now he has not written or directed a full film since, but he has most certainly acted in a bunch. The High Cost of Living marks Braff's finest acting work yet.

Henry Welles is an American drug dealer living in Montreal, and one night after turning down the wrong way on a one way street, he strikes a pregnant women, and leaves her lying there in the road. With his conscience weighing on him, and not knowing what happened to the women, he tracks her down, and they slowly develop a relationship, without her knowing he is the one responsible for the accident.

When I saw the trailer I thought I had this film figured out. I was wrong, and I give full credit to who ever cut the trailer because they decided to leave out a key part of the story. Im not gonna give it away but it makes the film that much more authentic. Isabelle Blais is absolutely spectacular Nathalie, the pregnant women. This is the first film I have seen her in as a leading actress, and she is very relaxed, she knows how to play with her emotions to make for the best scene.

The same can be said for Braff who in my opinion deserves an Oscar nomination. His subtlety of delivering complex, emotional dialogue is extremely accurate. When he is on screen by himself, he knows how to fill the frame with his body language. He knows how to make the audience connect with his character's. Braff is similar to how Natalie Portman acts, and I guess thats why they work so well together in Garden State.

This is Deborah Chow's first full length film, and she could not have done any better. I can't wait to see what is in store for her next. This is the type of film that I inspire to make. A film that keeps the audience fully invested, and intrigued by it's characters, and scenery. I doubt the film will get a wide release, but I was able to watch the film on Time Warner Cable's On Demand, Tribeca Film Festival category. So if you have that category on your On Demand check out the film. I give The High Cost of Living a 10 out of 10

The Beaver (2011)

The Beaver

[10/10 · 17 November 2013]

The Beaver may be an odd title, especially for Mel Gibson to star in. But with an intelligent script by Kyle Killen, a great cast, including the director herself Jodie Foster. The Beaver is the story of Walter Black who finds a raggedy beaver puppet, and in the aftermath of his failed suicide attempt, decides that the puppet is his new voice.

This film marks the return of Mel Gibson, and it is the best film of the year so far. Gibson strikes every emotional note right, and it cuts to the core of you. I couldn't help thinking about where he went(mentally) during those scenes. Was it that he was pulling from a real life situation, or is it that he is just one of "those" actors. When the beaver speaks you can see Gibson mouthing the words, but you can clearly see Walter Black standing there, still suffering, and struggling to break free from all of his pain and Gibson knew exactly how to portray that on screen. The first Oscar-worthy performance of the year.

Jodie Foster is absolutely perfect as Meredith Black. Her and Gibson have smart, and heart- felt chemistry on screen. Now, I have never seen any of the other films Foster has directed but she made this film flawlessly. It touches on some dark humor, and of course some serious mental issues, but it never drags, and it consistently keeps you drawn to these characters.

Then in the subplot, we get Meredith and Walter's son Porter played by Anton Yelchin, who is making money, to go on a trip before college to see all these historical sites where something has changed in the blink of an eye, by writing papers for his classmates. I connected to Yelchin's story a little more than I did with Gibson and Foster's. But I guess it's because I am more around that age, and know that teenage angst. All of the characters in this film are fully developed. They are real people, with real problems, in the real world.

The Beaver may have an odd take of dealing with mental issues. But I bought every minute of this film. I could totally see a man who is at the end of his rope and wants to to end his life, take on a whole new persona, even if it is through an old, worn-out beaver. I give The Beaver a 10 out of 10.

The Best Man Holiday (2013)

The Best Man Holiday Review

[8/10 · 17 November 2013]

Having just seen the first film The Best Man (1999) a few months ago and having enjoyed it, I was excited to see what director Malcolm D. Lee had in store for his beloved characters in, The Best Man Holiday.

Harper Stewart (Taye Diggs) is in the midst of financial problems, with a baby on the way, and no one wants to publish his new novel. Harper starts pondering the idea of writing a biography on his estranged friend and NFL running back Lance Sullivan (Morris Chestnut). Christmas is around the corner so Lance and his wife Mia (Monica Calhoun) invite the whole gang over for the holidays.

The whole cast is excellent. Taye Diggs gives another great performance, nice to see him making films again. Morris Chestnut and Monica Calhoun are remarkable together, such great on-screen chemistry. Nia Long and Regina Hall are both hilarious and both deliver superb dramatic work. Terrence Howard scores eighty percent of the laughs and also has some truly heart felt scenes. This is such a big cast, and everyone plays off of each other extremely well.

Malcolm D. Lee has a few films under his belt, and he can add The Best Man Holiday right near the top. This works on so many levels. Most heavy-handed religious films I try to steer away from, because they are extremely typical and most characters are stereotypes, but this one works. The film does have a few scenes that I believe could have been cut out or rewritten, especially a a child birthing scene that is ludicrous and sucks you right out of the drama that has just unfolded. Overall, the film is worth the time, I give The Best Man Holiday an 8 out of 10.

Thor: The Dark World (2013)

Thor: The Dark World

[7/10 · 17 November 2013]

Personally, I feel that all of these superhero movies are getting played out. I was excited and along for the ride just like everyone else when this whole superhero craze started. Now after the Iron Man Trilogy, Captain America, Thor, and The Avengers films have come out out, we can see which hero can truly hold their own movies and which ones should just stay with the group.

After the events of Thor and The Avengers, Thor: The Dark World picks up two years after Thor (Chris Hemsworth) left Jane (Natalie Portman) in the first film. Loki (Tom Hiddelston) stands trial for his actions on Earth and is imprisoned. The Dark Elf, Malekith, is resurrected when Jane's body is possessed by the Aether. Thor soon comes back for Jane, bringing her back to Asgard, where Malekith and the Dark Elves wage war to receive the Aether.

Chris Hemsworth is and interesting actor, Thor is not the superhero to have his own movie. I'm not a fan of 3D, and I'm especially not a fan of 3D when there are multi-colored buildings and rainbow roads popping out at me, it's brain-numbing. Tom Hiddleston is sensational, I love his character work with Loki, its extremely fascinating and impressive. Natalie Portman, once again is missed place here. She is one of my favorite actresses, but everything falls flat with with her character. I just don't care. Anthony Hopkins does his usual "Hopkins" soft, mono-tone whisper, then yells at the top of his lungs.

The film definitely has its flaws, but it has a few perks also, a few great fighting sequences and Loki's masterful illusions. I wasn't the biggest fan of the first film, I definitely enjoyed it and have watched it a few times since, I think Thor: The Dark World might be slightly better, but not by much.

Alan Taylor, the films director, does a fine job with some of Thor and Loki's fighting sequences but for the most part when its dialogue driven, most scenes fall flat, and the CGI is overwhelming. I give Thor: The Dark World a 7 out of 10.

Parkland (2013)

Parkland

[7/10 · 17 November 2013]

Dallas, Texas-November 22, President Kennedy rides in the backseat with his wife, Jackie, by his side, while his motorcade drives through an overpopulated Dealey Plaza. Multiple gun shots ring out, three bullets fatally strike the thirty-fifth president. It's a day I'll never forget, and I wasn't even there. Hell, I wasn't even born.

With the fiftieth anniversary of the assignation of JFK approaching rapidly, I decided to watch the new film that takes the doctors and nurses at Parkland Memorial Hospital, who fought rigorously to save John Fitzgearld Kennedy life.

Zac Efron is Dr. Charles James Carrico, one of the residents and Parkland. Efron is not terrible, but for me he's not interesting to watch, too much dull dialogue delivery. Paul Giamati is Abraham Zapruder, a women's clothing manufacturer who stood and filmed thirty yards away from where the assignation took place. Giamatti gives the best performance in the film, not to say he is not followed by other strong actors such as Billy Bob Thornton, Jacki Weaver, Marcia Gay Harden, Colin Hanks, and Ron Livenston. They all do a great job, the film just lacked a certain intensity. Unlike, Oliver Stone's JFK, Parkland is a calm reserve film that meanders too much in constricted areas.

Peter Landesman is a first time director who nailed the look and feel of the sixties, but as you may have guessed, the film never really goes anywhere. Truly disappointing. I still say give it a watch, just to see all these terrific actors work side by side. I give Parkland a 7 out of 10.

Brother's Justice (2010)

Brother's Justice Review

[8/10 · 17 November 2013]

The mocumentary film genre started to blossom in the 1980's with Christopher Guest's This is Spinal Tap. Which is one of my favorite comedies. Then after about 1985 mocumentaries died off. Until, Sacha Baron Cohen started the genre back up, with his successful hit Borat. Now comes Dax Shepard's attempt in the mocumentary world with Brother's Justices.

Brother's Justice is the mocumentary that follows Dax Shepard, who has left the comedy world, and is trying to make a martial arts movie, that he wrote. He starts pitching the script without giving any plot details, so everyone thinks he is crazy for trying to make this film. The mocumentary is filled with great celebrity cameos from Jon Favreau, Tom Arnold, Bradley Cooper, David Koechner, Michael Rosenbaum, and Ashton Kutcher.

I found this mocumentary to be extremely funny. Most of it was shot in 2006, and then progresses throughout the years. This is along the lines of I'm Still Here the mocumentary, that Casey Affleck and Joaquin Phoenix created a year back. It follows an actor who gives up what he is known for to reinvent himself in another way. Brother's Justice is more light- hearted funny, than I'm Still Here is, but is absolutely ridiculous, and insanely hilarious. This is not a film in theaters. It is playing at the Tribeca Film Festival, or is playing on Time Warner Cable's On Demand. I give Brother's Justice an 8 out of 10.

Water for Elephants (2011)

Water For Elephants Review

[5/10 · 17 November 2013]

Water For Elephants is the story of an elder man reflecting on his life during the Great Depression, and how he joined the most famous, yet disastrous carnival ever. Sounds like an awesome movie, right? Not quite.

Francis Lawrence has made two major films, one being Constantine and the other I Am Legend. So I thought Water for Elephants would be out of Lawrence's league, but I was wrong. Francis Lawrence did a great job, nothing special, but he was able to keep things moving and entertaining. The problem is Robert Pattinson. No offense to him, but every film I have seen him in he has shown that is range of emotion is the same in every movie. When he gets sad, he squints his face really hard, when he gets angry he widens his eyes and bits his teeth. Finally, when he delivers his dialogue its in the same soft whisper tone every time. I wish there would have been more for Hal Holbrook to do, who plays the older version of Pattinson, but all of his scenes fall short, due to actors around him, and the way his scenes were edited together. I have no problem with Reese Witherspoon, she is stunningly beautiful, and she can act. But in this film all of her lines came out with the same melodramatic, soap operaish feel that Robert Pattinson has. Thank God for Christoph Waltz, who's acting single-handedly stole the film. Waltz, listens to the actors saying their dialogue, and then reacts, he does not force, he lets things come natural. Another great add to the cast was Rosie, the genius elephant. Every time she was on screen, I was mesmerized.

The film was shot beautifully, and has moments that I genuinely enjoyed. But the two leads just seemed to bored with the script to care. I give Water For Elephants 5 out of 10.

Go (1999)

Go! Review

[9/10 · 17 November 2013]

"Go" is John August's first feature film. Since then August has been writing for some of Tim Burton's film including "Big Fish", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and the upcoming "Frankenweenie" film. In 2007 August wrote and directed a film called "The Nines"(review will come this month), which as become one of my favorites. Directed by Doug Liman(Swingers, The Bourne Identity) , "Go" tells three intertwining stories on Christmas Eve night.

The first one is Ronna's(Sarah Polley) story, a struggling grocery store clerk who needs to make her rent on time. Her co-worker Simon, his heading to Vegas with his pals, and needs Ronna to take his shift. Ronna needs the money the money she takes it. While working she is approached by two men buying gallons of orange juice. The two men say that Simon always gets them ecstasy, and they were wondering since he was gone if she could score some for them. Ronna agrees. Her night to come would involve a drug dealer, played viciously by Timothy Olyphant, drug bust, a Christmas rave, and getting hit by a miata.

Then there is Simon's who gets Ronna to take his shift so he can go to Vegas. When he arrives they dine at a buffet. Some of the friends eat the shellfish, and fall ill, and unable to partake in their night in Vegas. This leaves Simon and his friend Marcus(Taye Diggs). Their night starts off very nicely at a strip club, but all hell breaks loose when Simon touches one of the dancers, causing the owner and his son to hunt down Simon, even if it means following them back to Los Angeles.

The third and best story involves Adam and Zach who are day time T.V. stars and closet homosexuals and having relationship problems, played by Jay Mohr and Scott Wolf. They are the two men that ask Ronna to get them ecstasy. But it turns out they were caught a while back buying some pot, and they are trying to get their record clean, so they are helping out in a police investigation. The detective in charge of the case is Burke(William Fichtner), and he ask the boys to stay for Christmas Eve dinner with him and his wife. They agree. Burke has a secret agenda though. He wants to use their celebrity to help gain them more sells for his confederated product business on the side.

This film is very Pulp Ficiton esque, in the way of the intertwining timelines, and all of the cool, hip talk about sex, and drugs. So many films try and pull this off, but none have really come close to being a good film. Go is definitely a great film. I have owned it for years and decided to pull it off the shelf and give it a new and updated review. Go has tons of charisma, and wit and most of the performances are outstanding. William Fichtner's being my favorite. If you have not seen Go, then go and rent it. I give Go a 9 out of 10

Insidious (I) (2010)

Insidious

[8/10 · 17 November 2013]

Leigh Whannell, and James Wan have the knack for the low-budget, suspenseful storytelling. They proved it with Saw(the original) and Dead Silence, which may be more cheesy then I had liked. But now comes their third theatrical film together, Insidious. Their take on the worn- out haunted house, ghost stories.

The film stars Rose Byrne as Renai, and Patrick Wilson as Josh they are a married couple who have three kids, Dalton(11), Foster(6), and Callie(baby), and they are trying to get settled in their new house. Weird occurrences begin to happen around the house, sending Renai into a panic, so they decided to move. Their son Dalton has fallen into a coma, and they are able to take care of him from home. More weird occurrences take place, that involve Renai seeing demonic creatures. So they decide to call in ghost hunters, one played by Leigh Whannell, and they begin to explain Astro Projection. Which basically is an out of body experience while you sleep, and their son has gone to far into the world they call, "The Further" How will they get him out?

I might have given you more information then you would have liked, but it is so hard to describe this movie because its very slow, it builds tension and when it goes for a scare it gets you. It only fails within the showing of "The Further". But I blame that on their budget. This film soars above so many recent horror films that have been released within the passed few years. I can't wait to see it again. I give Insidious a 8 out of 10.

Scream 4 (2011)

Scream 4 Review

[7/10 · 17 November 2013]

I am a huge fan of the Scream trilogy, so I was reluctant to the news of a fourth film coming out, but also extremely anxious to see what the "master of horror" Wes Craven would bring to the table once again. So I sat with anticipation waiting to see the set photos of Ghostface, along with the cast. Then when the trailers were released I geeked out over them a thousand times, looking at every frame to see if they gave anything away. They did not. Plus nobody could see the absurdly odd twist of an ending to come.

On the last stop of her book tour, Sidney Prescott(Neve Campbell) returns to her hometown of Woodsboro, CA . Dewey Riley(David Arquette) is now Sheriff, and Gale Weathers now Gale Weathers-Riley(Courtney Cox), has a bad case of writers block. Sidney's cousin Jill(Emma Roberts) and her friends Kirby(Hayden Panettiere), Charlie(Rory Culkin), and Robbie(Erik Knudesen) all have a tradition with all the students every year where they have a Stabathon, and watch the series of horror films called Stab, which are based on Sidney's life. With all this going on the body count piles up, and everyone scrambles to find out who the killer is.

There is much to like about Scream 4. The first fifteen minutes are incredibly funny and genius. Then the film falls into a bit of a slump. I found myself not caring about Gale and Dewey's relationship, and Emma Robert's acting skills are not up to par with her other cast members. Anthony Anderson and Adrian Brody don't add anything special to the film, and Marley Shelton, who I think is not a bad actress, was awful as Deputy Hicks. Hayden Panettiere looks gorgeous, and surprisingly she can act. Panettiere's character, Kirby is the one with the best dialogue, the coolest name, and what felt to me the least amount of screen time. Then comes the explanation of the killer's motive, which somehow in my mind would definitely be plausible but it was not executed properly. Overall its the least favorite of the series for me, but I have talked to other people who really enjoyed it. So I say check it out, but you might be disappointed. I give Scream 4 a 7 out of 10.

African Cats (2010)

African Cats Review

[8/10 · 17 November 2013]

In 2009 Disney Nature brought us "Earth" which is absolutely amazing but we had seen it before with the television series "Planet Earth", and if it feels familiar, its because they are from the same British producer, and director. Then a year later we get "Oceans", which is personally better than "Earth", and follows life under the sea, and crams in the underlying tone of needing to respect nature, because of the human qualities they share with us. Now in 2011, we get African Cats which is so far the best of the Disney Nature films.

Keith Scholey, and Alastair Fothergilland have made a documentary that children, and adults will love. The film follows three stories in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. A younger cub named Mara, and her aging lioness mother Layla. Fang, the leader of the pride, who must protect his family from Kali, and his adult sons who want dominance over the land, and Sita, a cheetah mother who has the difficulty of raising five newborns all by herself in the tough African Savannah.

The storytelling has been done to almost perfection, The first fifty minutes was undoubtedly the most compelling footage of the film, and is where the documentary flourished. Another great thing was that it let us clearly see the view of each animal it followed. Layla wants nothing more than to protect her cub Mara, Fang wants to remain king of the land, but seems a little to cowardly to do so, Kali wants to dethrone Fang and take over of his land, and Sita's mission is to train/protect her babies to become the best predators they can be. Where the film failed, was the choice of repeating a lot of the same tribal songs, during that last half- hour which made it drag a little. But overall this is a fulfilling, intriguing, and heart-felt documentary. I give it an 8 out of 10.

Side note: While sitting in the theater a trailer came on that stars a young red head girl and Heather Graham, called "Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer". The trailer did not describe what the film was about, but it is most definitely was a children's movie, and it looked like you would be catastrophically dumber after watching it. So if your gonna take your kid to see a movie anytime soon, make it African Cats, and not Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2, or Hop.

Nebraska (2013)

Nebraska

[10/10 · 2 November 2013]

Alexander Payne, in my opinion, has never made a bad film. From Election, About Schmidt, Sideways, to The Descendants, Payne has mastered the genre referred to as Dramedies. His new film Nebraska never falls short, and has one of my favorite performances of the year.

Woody Grant (Bruce Dern) believes he has won a million dollars. His wife Kate (June Squibb), and his two sons David (Will Forte) and Ross (Bob Odenkirk), all know its a scam. They try to tell Woody but, Woody won' t listen, and wants to go to Lincoln, Nebraska to collect his winnings. David and Woody then drive from Billings, Montana to Nebraska, while encountering old friends and family.

Bruce Dern gives his best performance of his career. Dern fully envelops a style, a walk, and mannerisms for Woody, and you can see it in every frame. It's rare that you can point that stuff out about a performance. Don't get me wrong, I know that there are plenty of exceptional actors, but there is something truly special about Derns performance. He deserves a nomination. June Squibb is annoyingly perfect as the mother and wife, always nit- picking, but she is hilarious, and unlike her brief role in About Schmidt, Squibb soars on screen.

Will Forte is perfect as a the former alcoholic, now straight-laced son. Forte has an off beat way about his acting, but I think he will be extremely successful in the future, if he continues to do more dramas. Bob Odenkirk, although the role is limited, Odenkirk delivers some huge laughs.

Alexander Payne chose to film in black and white, and it looks incredibly beautiful. The black and white contrasts the vast, empty landscape perfectly. Payne has made another fantastic film. Might not do as well as The Descendants did for him a few years ago, but I believe critically this film will do well, might be hard for the general audience though. I give Nebraska a 10 out of 10.

The Dirties (2013)

The Dirties

[9/10 · 2 November 2013]

At one point in all our lives we experience or witness an act of bullying. Whether you choose to say or do something about it is up to you. The Dirties writer, director, and lead actor Matt Johnson, takes on the subject of bullying, adds his love of film, and creates one of the most shocking and unsettling films of the year.

Matt (Matt Johnson) and Owen (Owen Williams) are two film buffs, who are constantly being picked on by a group they have labeled, The Dirties. Matt and Owen create a video of compilations of scenes from their favorite movies, to show to their film class. The Dirties, being the closed-minded teens that they are, mock Matt and Owen. Matt then schemes up a plan for them to get their revenge, while catching it all on video. The plan grows more extreme by the minute, resulting in one of the most intense endings I've seen all year.

Matt Johnson is absolutely terrific. Johnson has created a film, where he adapts himself into his story and creates a truly dark, twisted, complex character. Listening to Matt on Kevin Smith's SModcast Episode: 273, he explains how he researched the shooters from Columbine High's home videos. Matt continues to say, and I'm paraphrasing, that these videos were nothing abnormal, and that they were very similar to the videos he made when he was younger. Leading to the point that violence in movies, are not responsible for the deranged actions these shooters took. Growing up making movies with my friends, we have some twisted minds between the collection of us, and I can tell you that none of us have ever been tempted to go shoot up a school. When I was in eighth grade I had written a twenty page screenplay about a man going back to a high school reunion, and starts reminiscing on a kid who was bullied and brought a gun to school, killed the bully, then killed himself. The Dirties has inspired me to go back and re-write that script, just for fun.

Everyone must see this film. It's haunting, exhilarating, and has a pure love of film that shines on the screen. Kevin Smith and his partners were smart for jumping on this film and giving it the light of a day it deserves. The Dirties will be hard for some to watch, but if you get through it, you'll be left with one hell of a punch to the gut. I give The Dirties a 9 out of 10.

The Book Thief (2013)

The Book Thief

[8/10 · 31 October 2013]

There is always something distinct and unique about opening a new book. The newly bound, crisp page smell, the vivid and detailed wording of sentences waiting for you to mull over and lose yourself in. From the opening scene in The Book Thief, you can smell and feel the coldness nipping at your nose, unfortunately you can tell the film suffered some major cuts in the adaptation process of the screenplay, but doesn't harm the film too badly.

On the train to her foster parents, young Liesel Meminger's (Sophie Nelisse) little brother passes away. Upon arriving to her new home, Liesel butts heads with her new mom Rosa (Emily Watson), while Hans (Geoffrey Rush) teaches Liesel how to read. World War II then breaks out, and their lives cross path with a Jewish run away, Max (Ben Schnetzer). Hans and Rosa then shelter the young man in their basement.

Sophie Melisse gives a terrific first time performance. Her blonde hair, wide blue eyes and ability to speak English and German add for a truly outstanding, and heart-warming performance. Geoffrey Rush gives another fantastic role. Rush and Nelisse have some of the films best scenes. Rush worked extremely well with the new up and coming actress, their chemistry is flawless. Emily Watson is also superb. Her character reminded me a lot of Watson's character in War Horse. Ben Schentzer gives a breakout performance, hope to see him more films soon.

Brian Percival, of Downton Abbey fame, paced the film well. His directing was beautifully captured by Florian Ballhaus. But how a book gives you so much detail and lets your imagination fill in the blanks, the film does not. The film felt extremely gutted. Towards the end of the film situations unfolded slightly to fast, but what do you expect when you're adapting a five hundred and fifty page book into a two hour movie.

Overall, The Book Thief is a terrific, heart-warming film that everyone can enjoy. Not one bad scene. I give The Book Thief an 8 out of 10.