Hardcore Henry

Director Ilya Naishuller

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Haley Bennett, Tim Roth, Sharlto Copley, Cyrus Arnold

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“A first-person action film from the eyes of Henry, who’s resurrected from death with no memory. He must discover his identity and save his wife from a warlord with a plan to bio-engineer soldiers.”

Hardcore Henry is an action film shot entirely from the first-person perspective. The film is directed and co-written by Ilya Naishuller (his debut feature film), and is inspired by his 2013 short film/music video Biting Elbows: Bad Motherfucker. The short film/music video features the very same first-person action and shares many other similarities. Hardcore Henry stars South African actor Sharlto Copley, who is known for District 9 (one of my favorite sci-fi films) as well as the 2015 film Chappie. It premiered in 2015 with the title Hardcore at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and was so popular that it spurned a bidding war, eventually to be purchased by STX Entertainment with a wide-release commitment. The film was shot almost entirely with a GoPro Hero 3 camera, utilizing a mask/helmet contraption.

Hardcore Henry is a uniquely entertaining and very enjoyable film which is all that really matters at the end of the day. Is it gimmicky? Sure it is, but the question that needs to be asked is whether or not you are buying into this new and creative method of filmmaking. I certainly did. It does feel like a roller coaster ride in many ways and that may cause some issues for people who get nauseous easily. I was slightly concerned when the film started because I wasn’t sure if I could handle the first-person perspective for over an hour and a half but within 10 minutes or so I was completely engaged and had no issues. As many critics have pointed out, Hardcore Henry is severely lacking when it comes to plot and storyline but a film like this can get by without one. This time around it’s all about having fun.

Judging the acting in Hardcore Henry is somewhat reminiscent to that of the acting in Chappie delivered by the South African rap group Die Antwoord. What I mean is the film is very over the top much of the time and never really felt “dramatic” to the point where you would be critiquing the acting in that sense. I thought Sharlto Copley was fantastic and incredibly versatile as an actor which is nothing new for him. He seemed to really embrace his role and the impact he had on the film was vital to its success, no question about that. He was quoted as saying making this film was one of the more challenging experiences of his acting career. Haley Bennett  (known for Marley & Me and The Equalizer) did a solid job and to say she was incredibly beautiful would be an understatement.  She is starring in a film with Emily Blunt later this year and that will surely create a whirlwind of excitement for me. Accomplished actor Tim Roth plays a small role as Henry’s father but he leaves his mark nonetheless. I found it interesting that the film’s IMDb page does not credit an actor in the role of Henry. This is due to the fact that the character was played by more than 10 different cameraman and stuntmen, including director Ilya Naishuller.

I enjoyed Hardcore Henry and I felt like the “gimmick” it was offering its audience really worked well when it mattered most. It is a unique film that steps into some unfamiliar territory as far as filming techniques and approach. With that being said, I do feel like it might not be for everyone. If you can handle the roller-coaster ride that is Hardcore Henry and can appreciate gratuitous violence with a comedic twist (I know I can), check this one out while it is in theaters because that is undoubtedly the way it is meant to be seen.

Eye in the Sky

Director Gavin Hood

Genre Drama | Thriller | War

Cast Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman, Barkhad Abdi

Rating R

Release Date April 1st, 2016

“A military officer in command of a drone operation to capture terrorists in Kenya sees her mission escalate from “capture” to “kill” just as a nine-year old girl enters the kill zone.”

Eye in the Sky is a drama focused on modern-warfare with a strong political overtone surrounding the premise of the film. Directed by Gavin Hood (he has quite the acting resume and played a role in this film) who previously directed X-Men Origins: Wolverine and 2013’s Ender’s Game. The film stars veteran actress Helen Mirren, Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul, as well as accomplished actor Alan Rickman. Rickman has an extensive acting resume and is widely known for his role as Professor Severus Snape in the Harry Potter films. The film also stars Somalian actor Barkhad Abdi who was previously nominated for an academy award for his role in the 2013 hit film Captain Phillips. It was nice to see him on-screen again.

Eye in the Sky was an incredible film that will not only put you on the edge of your seat but it also presents many very difficult and arguably unanswerable questions. I would not consider myself to be an expert on politics, not even close actually considering I once registered republican and voted democrat by accident (or was it the other way around?). I wish I was kidding but I’m not. Bottom line is this film raises political questions about the ethical, moral, and legal dilemmas surrounding drone warfare and the questions are not easily answered. Where do you draw the line when taking into account collateral damage? Honestly I’m just glad that I am not the one responsible for making that decision. Eye in the Sky will surely draw comparisons to the 2014 film Good Kill starring Ethan Hawke and January Jones and as enjoyable as that film was this is simply better.

The acting in Eye in the Sky is absolutely incredible and certainly Oscar-worthy in my personal opinion. Helen Mirren is astounding in her role as the accomplished and very demanding military Colonel Katherine Powell. Aaron Paul, the former star of the groundbreaking AMC series Breaking Bad, delivers an emotional performance and serves as the films moral compass especially considering it all comes down to his finger on the trigger. Alan Rickman is amazing in his role as Lt. General Frank Benson and it was truly bittersweet realizing this was one of his last roles as he recently passed away. The 69 year-old actor received a cancer diagnosis that was kept very much contained to close friends and family. He passed away in London on January 14th, 2016. His acting talents will be missed and I really hope his name is mentioned come award season. His grand finale and final role is the voice of the Blue Caterpillar in Alice Through the Looking Glass which will release in May.

Eye in the Sky is a gripping edge of your seat thriller packed with suspense right until the very end. I am a huge fan of war films and The Hurt Locker is one of my all-time favorites mainly because it is such an intimate portrayal of war. Eye in the Sky takes it one step further and focuses on the hot-button topic of drone warfare, which allows our military to execute a target from thousands of miles away. I actually covered my eyes many times because the suspense was nearly unbearable, which is very unlike me. The technology utilized by our military to accomplish such a feat is jaw-dropping to say the least (seriously where can I get one of those surveillance beetles?). Eye in the Sky is a tense drama that will undoubtedly raise your blood pressure to dangerous levels and potentially take years off of your life, but trust me when I say that this is a film that should not be missed.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

Director Kirk Jones

Genre Comedy

Cast Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 25th, 2016

“A Portokalos family secret brings the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding.”

Directed by Kirk Jones, who also directed Nanny McPhee and What to Expect When You're Expecting, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is a follow-up up to the 2002 film that received plenty of love from critics. The entire cast is back from the first film including Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, and an extended cameo from John Stamos. I mean why not right? The guy is clearly ageless.rite here...

The vast majority of critics seem to be in a state of disagreement on this topic but I personally thought My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 was a more than worthy sequel. It brought the gigantic (and crazy) Greek family from the original film back on the big screen (some definitely aged better than others) and it was like they haven’t missed a single beat. The script is well written all things considered and made for a seamless transition from the first film. The way it all unfolded felt authentic and I thought My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 conveyed a genuine admiration for its fans and catered to them generously. My favorite aspect of the film was the focus on generational differences and expectations in life in general. Even though this is very much a comedy it has a strong message about the importance of relationships and what it means to truly value and appreciate that special person in your life.

The acting in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is not great but it’s solid and that's all that really matters. Inadequacies rear their ugly heads during the more serious scenes but rest assured they are few and far between (which is a good thing, trust me). I really enjoyed Bess Meisler in her role as the great grandmother Mana-Yiayia. She was able to get plenty of laughs out of the audience with nothing more than a facial expression or an awkward dance in the street. I attempted to figure out her age but I failed miserably (I figure she is so old Google lost track). The cast has incredible chemistry and it seemed like everyone had a great time making this film. Brooklyn native and former *NSYNC member Joey Fatone returned for the sequel and let’s just say it looked like he has been eating well. Real well.

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 is an enjoyable film with good intentions, simple as that. It's not trying to reinvent itself in cinema lore. It's not an amazing film by any stretch but it is a light hearted, extremely fun, big family comedy aiming to please fans of the original and it did one heck of a job. If you enjoyed the original film that came out an astounding 14 years ago (wow that makes me feel old), then I say gather up the family in the minivan and go see My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 right away. 

The Bronze

Director Bryan Buckley

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Melissa Rauch, Gary Cole, Haley Lu Richardson, Thomas Middleditch

Rating R

Release Date March 18th, 2016

“A foul-mouthed former gymnastics bronze medalist with local celebrity status reluctantly trains a rising Olympics aspirant.”

The Bronze is written by Big Bang Theory star Melissa Rauch (Howard’s main squeeze Bernadette) along with her husband Winston (some guy who directed a short film oddly titled The Condom Killer). The film is directed by Massachusetts' native Brian Buckley who has mostly short films on his resume prior to The Bronze, which earned him a nomination for the Grand Jury prize in the drama category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival. Bronze stars Melissa Rauch (obviously) along with Gary Cole (The Office, Pineapple Express) and Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley).

Well ladies and gentleman it’s like I always say, sometimes in life low expectations are actually a blessing in disguise. Actually it is more along the lines of set the bar low and you are bound to impress, yeah that’s the one. For my recent trip to the theater to see the little known film The Bronze, that sentiment couldn’t have rang more true. I was impressed. It was a rare breed of raunchy comedy with some heart. The first half an hour or so was slow and the humor was overly dry at times, but once it found that extra gear it was an enjoyable film. I expected to have some laughs but I didn’t expect an engaging story that kept me guessing right until the very end. The Bronze is unpredictable when it matters most and that allowed for a certain uniqueness generally found in independent films such as this

Let’s face it, Big Bang Theory actress Melissa Rauch has a mousy voice and a mousy face to go along with it. But who really cares, that's just part of who she is and I still think she's cute. It was refreshing to see her play America’s foul-mouthed spoon fed Olympic sweetheart with plenty of attitude and confidence. Her character lacked depth early on but once we were able to peel away the layers she transformed into a unique individual battling some inner demons. Thomas Middleditch did well and basically played the same character as he does in HBO’s Silicon Valley (just less successful and believe it or not a bit more confident). I really enjoyed Gary Cole as Hope’s father and I felt like they had fantastic chemistry together. I just wish the writing would have allowed for a Bill Lumbergh Office Space quote at some point, I would have settled for after the credits even.  Seems like an opportunity missed.

As far as bottom line entertainment value, The Bronze delivers. I was expecting a raunchy low-budget comedy that more or less went through the motions but it was so much more than that. The Bronze is a little slow when the gun fires but reaches the finish-line with plenty of laughs and a smart enough script that actually manages to tap into some genuine emotion. I did not see that coming. The Bronze isn’t quite a gold or silver medal winner but the triple back flip-somersault-cartwheel landing (I absolutely just made that up) isn’t half bad.

The Program

Director Stephen Frears

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

Cast Ben Foster, Chris O'Dowd, Guillaume Ganet, Jesse Plemons

Rating R

Release Date March 18th, 2016

“An Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong’s performances during the Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances. With this conviction, he starts hunting for evidence that will expose Armstrong.”

The Program, not to be confused with the 1993 cult-classic college football film of the same name, is directed by Stephen Frears (Philomena) and tells the story of the rise and fall of world-renowned cyclist Lance Armstrong. The cast includes Ben Foster (Lone Survivor, Alpha Dog), Jessie Plemons (Breaking Bad, Fargo Season 2), and Chris O’Dowd (St. Vincent, Girls).

The Program tells the incredible true story about a man who was beloved the world over, and it tells it in a way that will suck you in. I enjoyed the film and felt that it was well-made and had a strong sense of purpose but it was not without its fair share of faults. I will admit that I am not all that knowledgeable when it comes to Lance Armstrong the person and I was a little disappointed that the film did not delve more into his personal life and struggles outside of cycling. The writing felt lazy and instead of exposing the juicy behind the scenes details of Lance Armstrong’s personal life, the writers seemed content with offering just enough to keep you interested. Admittedly it would be difficult to cram all of the details of Armstrong's life into a 1 hour and 43 minute movie, but the script needed to be re-worked.

The acting in The Program is fantastic and I will say I didn’t expect anything less. Ben Foster absolutely steals the show and is a big reason why the film works at all. His character is full of emotion, intensity, and a will to win no matter what the cost. The fact remains that Armstrong did beat cancer while accomplishing some amazing things and Foster consumed the epitome of what that meant and really brought his character to life. Jesse Plemons was also strong in his supporting role. Chris O’Dowd did well as the relentless journalist determined to protect the integrity of the sport even if it meant bringing down its single most important contributor. 

The Program is an entertaining film that tells a story that I feel everyone needs to experience for themselves. We did get a glimpse at the other side of Lance Armstrong but the film didn’t dig nearly deep enough. I feel the same way about Lance Armstrong as I did prior to watching the film and even though he did cheat to gain a competitive advantage, he is still someone who displayed incredible desire and did whatever he needed to do in order to be the best. Did he do it the right way? Of course not and he knows that. But as a cancer survivor fighting an uphill battle in life in general as well as in the sport he loved, Lance Armstrong fought hard and he fought right up until the very end. The Program introduces the audience to a man that made mistakes, but more importantly it showed us a man with a conscience. A man that desperately wanted to do something good with his life, no matter what the cost. What would you have done?

The Brothers Grimsby

Director Louis Leterrier

Genre Action | Comedy

Cast Mark Strong, Sacha Baron Cohen, Rebel Wilson, Penelope Cruz

Rating R

Release Date March 11th, 2016

“A new assignment forces a top spy to team up with his football hooligan brother.”

The Brothers Grimsby is Sacha Baron Cohen’s latest foray into his own personal raunchy, boundless, sometimes difficult to watch brand of humor. It is directed by Louis Leterrier who also directed Now You See Me and The Transporter 1 & 2, to name a few on his resume. The film also stars Mark Strong who has a lengthy background of action films and quality roles in television. With Cohen teaming up with Strong and Leterrier behind the lens, The Brothers Grimsby held decent promise. 

The Brothers Grimsby attached itself comfortably to my fairly low to moderate expectations. It actually felt significantly tempered compared to Cohen’s controversial 2009 film Bruno which caused me to slouch in my seat uncomfortably right from the opening scene. In retrospect, seeing that in the theater was a horrible idea. One thing fans of Sacha Baron Cohen films will pick-up on right away is the fact that the film does not include any of the “reality-based” footage found in Borat and Bruno. Probably because he is too recognizable at this point or the style of film simply didn’t allow it. Instead it is shot like a standard action comedy, for the most part anyway. The Brothers Grimsby is a sloppy attempt at an action/comedy and even though it takes a big swing every chance it gets, it strikes out more times than Hall Of Famer Reggie Jackson (MLB’s all-time strikeout leader). It does manage to hit a few out of the park and I will admit I am a little ashamed about the scene that had me laughing the hardest. Let me just say it involved elephants, lots and lots of elephants. It is worth pointing out that the film includes a much better backstory for the two brothers than I expected. Cohen’s persona in The Brother’s Grimsby is funny but only when he works at it, which is different compared to Borat who made you laugh just by simply appearing on screen. I mean that mustache? Classic.

The first-person action element the film provides is creative and fun to watch but only accounts for a small portion of the film. I felt that Leterrier did a commendable job considering what he had to work with but that is praise that only goes so far. To be quite honest, it was a bit of a surprise seeing Leterrier direct this sort of a film and even more of a surprise, a shock really, to see Mark Strong in this role. I mean granted he plays a badass secret agent but the situations he finds himself in are hard to watch at times. I mean this is not the Mark Strong we know from the AMC series Low Winter Sun or 2014’s Kingsman: The Secret Service, or even better, his role as the maniacal and egotistical mob boss in the violent superhero flick Kick-Ass (let’s try and forget about the sequel, it’s better that way). Letterier may have been desperate (this is his first film in 3 years) but Strong has some serious explaining to do. Fingers crossed that sitting in a bathtub naked with Sacha Baron Cohen isn’t something he enjoys. 

The Brothers Grimsby is an enjoyable film for viewers that can appreciate (or stomach) Sacha Baron Cohen’s racy brand of humor but it doesn’t offer much beyond that. I had some good laughs and I will check it out again once it releases on Blu-ray/DVD but I can’t bring myself in good conscience to suggest seeing this in theaters. Unless of course you have a sick sense of humor that demands an immediate viewing. You know who you are.

10 Cloverfield Lane

Director Dan Trachtenberg

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Jr.

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 11th, 2016

“Waking up from a car accident, a young woman finds herself in the basement of a man who says he’s saved her life from a chemical attack that has left the outside uninhabitable.”

10 Cloverfield Lane is the directorial debut for Dan Trachenberg, who is the co-host of the weekly internet broadcast The Totally Rad Show, whatever the heck that is. The script for the film was originally entitled The Cellar, but it was tweaked and Cloverfield was eventually added pre-marketing. Interestingly, the film was created in secret and was officially announced only 2 months prior to release, with a debut trailer shown at theater screenings for 13 Hours (which was my first glimpse at the trailer). Producer J.J. Abrams did confirm that the film is not a Cloverfield sequel but did not deny a connection to the 2008 film. 10 Cloverfield Lane stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead , John Goodman, and John Gallagher Jr.

Simply put, 10 Cloverfield Lane is a masterful film that focuses entirely on what makes a movie great; a well-written script, top notch acting, and to my surprise some very impressive directing. You will find yourself sucked in right from the beginning and you will be on the edge of your seat throughout. 10 Cloverfield Lane is the epitome of a character-driven film and things become so tense and unpredictable that you will do your best to save the bathroom break for after the movie. Trust me. My biggest issue with the film is the ending, or last 10 minutes I guess I should say, and it boggles my mind because it felt unnecessary. Whether the ending was climactic, anti-climactic, or a mystery altogether, it could have been executed a thousand different ways. I won’t give anything away (because I am not a huge jerk) but I will say that the ending felt forced in order to justify having Cloverfield in the title. 

As a white-knuckle thriller in a very claustrophobic environment that puts a microscope on the cast, chemistry is of the utmost importance. The chemistry between the three leads in 10 Cloverfield Lane is some of the best I have ever seen. If you are expecting to see late 80’s/early 90’s Roseanne John Goodman, well let me just say you are in for a traumatizing surprise. Goodman is beyond creepy in his role as conspiracy theorist Howard, and he manages to portray a unique and highly unpredictable individual with some very dark secrets. I will be honest and say that I am not all that familiar with Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s work even though she has quite the resume. She really shines here and I hope to see more from her. John Gallagher Jr. plays the perfect supporting role and provides an important balance between the clashing of the other two characters.

Whether or not changing the name was a marketing ploy or a cash-grab attempt, 10 Cloverfield Lane was a true pleasure to experience and will serve as quite the notch in the belt of director Dan Trachenberg. Regrettably, the final act was disappointing to say the least but the film’s ability to hold up considering that is impressive.  Do yourself a favor and see 10 Cloverfield Lane soon because it is only a matter of time before someone spills the details and ruins it for you.

Zootopia

Director Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Genre Animation | Action | Adventure

Cast Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Shakira 

Rating PG

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy.”

Disney’s newest animated entry is directed by Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt), Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), and Jared Bush (Big Hero 6). The ultra-talented cast of voice actors consists of Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, Nate Torrence, J.K. Simmons, and Shakira, to name a few. Zootopia is Disney’s 6th animated feature film to include no human characters

As a grown man without any kids that enjoys animated films (it sounds a little weird saying it out loud), I was actually genuinely excited to see Zootopia and I had considerably high expectations. Zootopia was so much fun that I left the theater feeling like a kid again. The animations were incredible, the story was well-written and touching, the humor was relentless, and the overall creativity of the film was a genuine pleasure to experience. Watching the animals interact like human beings is a joy to see for kids and adults alike, but the story which is about perseverance and the ability to defy expectations no matter what should really resonate with the older audience.  

Zootopia is full of fun little creative surprises like an iPhone with a carrot on the back instead of an apple, or the fact that in a busy city square all of the animals are walking around with their faces glued to their phones just as people do in this day and age. Sad but true. Let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure we can all relate to the idea of sloths at the DMV because that folks, is real-life. The cast did a fantastic job and I enjoyed Ginnifer Goodwin in her lead role as the voice of bunny Judy Hopps. She was the perfect fit. I must admit that my favorite character was the scheming fox, Nick Wilde (voiced by Jason Bateman), as his smooth talking and back and forth banter with Judy was infectious. I read that originally the film was to focus on Nick Wilde and his character, but after receiving test audience feedback the studio decided to adjust to script to make Judy the main character. I think it would have been a hit either way!

Zootopia is an absolute must-see for fans of Disney movies or fans of animated films in general. It is by far the most fun and creative animated entry since Inside Out, which I thought was fantastic. With the viewer market the way it is today the success of a film like Zootopia depends on the adult audiences almost as much as it does on the kids. Luckily, Zootopia appeals flawlessly to all age groups and is a true joy to experience. Do yourself a favor and see this one right away because you will hear plenty more about Zootopia come awards season. 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

Director Glenn Ficarra, John Requa

Genre Comedy | War

Cast Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman

Rating R

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“A journalist recounts her wartime coverage in Afghanistan.”

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot (a widely used military term for WTF) is directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa who also teamed up to direct Focus (also starring Margot Robbie) as well as Crazy Stupid Love (one of my favorites), which starred Ryan Gosling and Steve Carell. It is based on the book “The Taliban Shuffle”, written by Kim Barker, and is her memoir chronicling her experiences in Afghanistan as a war journalist. Based on true events (obviously), the film stars Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, and The Hobbit himself Martin Freeman. We are also blessed with the presence of the ageless Billy Bob Thornton, who recently starred alongside Freeman in the first season of the FX series Fargo.

I am a huge fan of realistic war-time films, past and modern day, with The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty serving as my most recent favorites. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is something of a hybrid type film in the sense that it is part raunchy comedy and part love story, all the while shedding light on the serious drama and political aspect of the events that took place when the journalist first arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2002. I was entertained for the vast majority of the film and had some good laughs but struggled with the film’s slow pacing and the somewhat convoluted message. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot tends to play a bit of tug-of-war with the viewer bouncing back and forth between lighthearted humor and a dramatic overtone. I will say that overall I was pleased with the conclusion of the film which is what matters most at the end of the day. Plus I am picking apart a film based on true events, is that even allowed? Honestly, I’m not sure.  Making that decision is well beyond my paygrade.

The acting in Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is commendable and I think they did a great job putting together a group of experienced and versatile actors. Stand-up comedian turned actress Tina Fey is still trying to prove herself as a serious actress and I felt like her performance was a step in the right direction. Her character had depth and she was able to portray Barker as a woman desperate to break free from her stagnant and unfulfilling life. She shows signs of her range as an actress in Sisters but the comedy in that film far outweighed everything else. The absolutely stunning Margot Robbie continues to find role after role and she stands her ground once again. Martin Freeman was also quite impressive in his role as a freelance photographer. Christopher Abbott, who I automatically picture as Marney’s pushover boyfriend in the HBO series Girls, is nearly unrecognizable with his full beard and is actually believable as native Afghan and translator/liaison Fahim Ahmadzai. He is starting to make a name for himself as an actor and is building up quite the IMDb resume. 

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot is an entertaining war dramedy (drama/comedy hybrid) that has something for everyone. Unfortunately it does seem to lose its way at times and suffers from pacing issues. Should this deter you from checking it out in theaters? I don’t think so. If you like Tina Fey as an actress and find yourself in the mood for a love story with a bit of a twist, Whiskey Tango Foxtrot should easily satisfy that craving. 

The Other Side of the Door

Director Johannes Roberts

Genre Horror

Cast Sarah Wayne Callies, Jeremy Sisto, Sofia Rosinsky, Javier Botet

Rating R

Release Date March 4th, 2016

“After her young son is killed in a tragic accident, a woman learns of a ritual which will bring him back to say goodbye, but when she disobeys a sacred warning, she upsets the balance between life and death.”

The Other Side of the Door is co-written and directed by Johannes Roberts who has a surprisingly limited resume consisting mostly of low budget direct-to-dvd horror films. Born in Cambridge, England, Roberts seems to have a preference for films in the horror or thriller genre, generally a mix of both. Alexandre Aja, who produced the film and also directed The Hills Have Eyes, has been rumored to be pushing for a remake of Stephen King’s Pet Sematary (which scared me pretty good back in the day). The potential project has yet to gain any steam but this film strikes a resemblance to the plot of the 1989 horror film. The Other Side of the Door did get a theatrical release, although limited, and the film stars Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break, The Walking Dead) and journeyman actor Jeremy Sisto (Law & Order, Clueless). 

Considering we are very much in the age of throw away horror films, The Other Side of the Door is a very pleasant and considerably unexpected surprise. Even though the film relies only slightly on a creepy forest environment it still manages to put the 2015 film The Forest to shame (granted the bar was set pretty low). To put it kindly, as a horror film The Forest does not even belong in the same genre as The Other Side of the Door, and honestly had they released in reverse order it may have served as some positive inspiration. A quality ghost story is a difficult undertaking as a few missteps can cause the overall effectiveness of the film to fall flat on its face. Without relying too much on jump scares (although it has plenty trust me) The Other Side of the Door manages to create a feeling of tension that can and will make your skin crawl. The feel of the film is very much grim and dark right from the start and as a viewer you are forced to expect the worst at every turn. 

The acting in The Other Side of the Door is certainly above average. Jeremy Sisto performs well in a limited role and lead Sarah Wayne Callies shines as the driving force for the film. As the second big-name actress from The Walking Dead series to star in a theatrically released film (Lauren Cohan recently starred in The Boy) Callies proves she deserves an opportunity. Becoming a recognizable face after her role in the hit Fox series Prison Break, her character in The Other Side of the Door displays significant emotional depth as she makes it impossible for the audience to not emphasize with her situation. Sofia Rosinsky is also quite effective in her role as the daughter in the film. 

The Other Side of the Door is a well-constructed ghost-story-style horror film that gives the audience plenty to rave about. The film unfolds rather patiently and somehow deeply instills a feeling of fear that is reminiscent of some of the better horror films in the last decade or so. Director Johannes Roberts really impressed me and may very well be on his way to directing and even writing other successful horror films. He seems to take a similar approach to The Witch director Robert Eggers this time around as The Other Side of the Door builds on the idea that the monster is much scarier in the darkness, only allowing the audience a peek from time to time at the evil that will soon overcome them. It is not a front-runner for the best film of the year but I am not easily scared and I can comfortably put The Other Side of the Door on my short list of favorites for 2016. It is worth checking out for any true horror fan. 

Room

Director Lenny Abrahamson

Genre Drama

Cast Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers, Wendy Crewson

Rating R

Release Date January 22nd, 2016

“After five-year-old Jack and his mother escape from the enclosed surroundings that Jack has known his entire life, the boy makes a thrilling discovery.”

Directed by Lenny Abrahamson who also directed the unique film Frank, Room is the story of a life altering traumatic experience that brought a mother and son as close as humanly possible. The film is written by Emma Donoghue and is based on her book of the same name that has received its fair share of acclaim. Room is a work of fiction that feels very much like a film based on a true story due to situations such as The Cleveland abduction, which was eventually made into a low budget direct-to-rental film.

I am embarrassed to admit that I went to see Room in early December and yet I am just now getting around to writing this review. What can I say people, life happens (that and I procrastinate A LOT, keep that between us). Room was initially given a limited release and I was able to see it at the local art house theater in my town, as the bigger theaters did not start showing the film until the Oscar buzz hit full circle. I was thrilled for the opportunity to see Room and I was more than pleased with this low budget yet high reaching film. Simply put, Room is an amazing film. I spoke to a few people prior to seeing Room and they were hesitant as they thought it would be hard to watch considering the source material. Trust me when I say this concern is very much unfounded as the film isn’t nearly as graphic as it could have been.

Room is a masterful example of quality storytelling and exceptional writing. Even though I have yet to experience the book for myself (I hope to read it soon) I am sure that the film is the best on-screen representation that it could possibly be. The real winners here are the cast as the acting in Room is unbelievable and the fact that Brie Larson, an underrated 26-year-old actress, won the 2016 Oscar for Best Actress does not surprise me one bit. The character she portrays on-screen wins the audience over right from the beginning, and the will to survive that her character exhibits is a pleasure to experience. I absolutely must give credit to 9-year-old actor Jacob Tremblay who put on a performance well beyond his years. Tremblay is able to portray his character as a young boy with a highly developed imagination considering the very small confines of the world around him, as far as he can see anyway.

Room is a powerful film that should easily claim its rightful place in cinema lore. Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay display an on-screen chemistry that is nearly impossible to replicate and an absolute pleasure to witness, through tears and through laughter.  You would swear this is an actual mother and son struggling through times tougher than most of us will ever know. Room deserves to be seen and I hope that Larson’s well-deserved Best Actress Oscar gives this film the exposure it should have received from the beginning. 

Triple 9

Director John Hillcoat

Genre Crime | Thriller

Cast Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul, Woody Harrelson

Rating R

Release Date February 26th, 2016

“A gang of criminals and corrupt cops plan the murder of a police officer in order to pull off their biggest heist yet across town.”

When I watched the first trailer for Triple 9 my excitement for the film was borderline manic as I found myself telling anyone that would listen about how great it was going to be. Triple 9 is a crime thriller directed by Australia born John Hillcoat, who also directed Lawless and The Road, and is written by Matt Cook who is fairly new to film according to his IMDb page. The film stars Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Anthony Mackie, Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead), Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kate Winslet, and Clifton Collins Jr. With a cast like this and a premise designed to get our imaginative juices flowing Triple 9 looked like a guaranteed success. 

Right out of the gate I will say that Triple 9 was unable to meet my high expectations. To use a 4th Of July analogy, Triple 9 isn’t quite the Jason Pierre-Paul blowing his hand into bits of mangled meat, but it is also a far cry from the light up the sky spectacle the American people have come to expect from such an exciting holiday. Simply put, I expected it to be great. The action is aplenty and the shoot outs and car chases are exhilarating which is an obvious plus, but Triple 9 simply attempts to bite off more than it can chew and it shows. The storyline unfolds similar to the spinning of a spiders web and the unavoidable end result is the plot and its characters becoming the fly stuck somewhere in the middle.

What should come as no surprise to anyone is the fact that the acting in Triple 9 is top tier as expected. Initially, I was unsure as to who out of the impressive cast would get the most screen time but they actually did a good job of spreading it out. To me a big flaw in the writing is the mistake of not better executing character backstories in an effort to allow the viewers an opportunity to care about the characters on screen. Each and every actor in the film has the talent necessary to handle the task but for one reason or another, the focus shifted away from character development which hurts the film in the long run.

Triple 9 is an entertaining thrill ride that gives the audience a glimpse into the world of organized crime, corrupt cops, and the thin line that separates them. Unfortunately, it does underachieve all things considered mainly due to the high expectations brought on by such a star studded cast. What is most frustrating to me is the simple fact that a few minor changes could have made a world of difference. If I were given the opportunity to sit down with director John Hillcoat and writer Matt Cook prior to the films release, I would ask that they lock themselves in a room, watch season 1 of True Detective followed by The Departed, and then make the necessary changes to make this film what we all expected it to be. As hard as it tried, it just never quite achieved that gritty edge that it needed. Triple 9 is still worth seeing and will certainly make for an enjoyable trip to the theater but it’s not the instant classic I hoped it would be.   

Risen

Director Kevin Reynolds

Genre Action | Adventure | Drama

Cast Joseph Fiennes, Tom Felton, Peter Firth, Cliff Curtis

Rating PG-13

Release Date February, 19th 2016

“Follows the epic Biblical story of the Resurrection, as told through the eyes of a non-believer. Clavius, a powerful Roman Military Tribune, and his aide Lucius, are tasked with solving the mystery of what happened to Yahshua in the weeks following the crucifixion, in order to disprove the rumors of a risen Messiah and prevent an uprising in Jerusalem.”

I will admit that I was skeptical of Risen initially, partly due to the fact that the release seemed to come out of nowhere or was just simply overshadowed by big name releases like Deadpool. The cast also seemed to lack any names I recognized. Once the buzz for the film began circulating I couldn’t help but get sucked in as I started to realize that Risen had the potential to be a powerful film. Directed and co-written by Kevin Reynolds, who also directed 1995’s big budget film Waterworld (it was a bust but still popular), Risen seemed to pick up momentum and actually released with fairly high expectations. After finally making my way to the theater I am more than pleased to report that I enjoyed the entire hour and 47 minutes of the Biblical drama.

Considering it includes a fairly unknown cast (unless you're a Harry Potter fan), Risen is a film that delivers top-notch acting from top to bottom. Lead Joseph Fiennes who plays Clavius is no stranger to old-age filmmaking, having played a role in the 2014 portrayal of Hercules as well as a starring role in the series Camelot. Fiennes was invested in his character in such a way that viewers will have no choice but to admire the flawless execution he exhibits. Viewers will also recognize Cliff Curtis who plays a vital role in the film, as he recently starred in AMC's Walking Dead spinoff, Fear The Walking Dead, and has quite the acting resume. The rest of the cast has a plethora of experience between them and ensure that this very important story is told just as it should be. Character development was clearly an important focus and it shows.

Risen is well shot and felt true to the time period in my personal opinion, with meticulous set design and quality costumes. The soundtrack for the film felt authentic and helped to emphasize the dramatic tone. I was genuinely impressed by Reynolds directing style which I found to be both intimate and creative. I had concern that Risen might be over the top in certain respects but it never felt that way, holding true as a dramatic period piece with clear intentions. The film did have a small scale feel to it but I think that may have played to its advantage as far as making the viewers feel that much closer to the story. 

Risen is a powerful film with a story that unfolds like a well-written book, which in this circumstance seems to make perfect sense. Even though I do consider myself to be religious, I admittedly attend church infrequently and primarily only attend during important holidays and other family engagements. I do not feel that lessens my beliefs in any way and I found myself genuinely engaged in the story from the beginning. Risen is an enjoyable film that should appeal to more than just the religious audience, which will allow it to get more exposure.  If you are seeking a well told story and a quality balance of substance over flare, you should give this film a chance.

The Witch

Director Robert Eggers

Genre Horror

Cast Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw

Rating R

Release Date February 19th, 2016

“A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.”

The Witch is the directorial debut for production designer and costume designer Robert Eggers, who is widely known for his obsessive attention to detail. Sometimes a fresh take on a struggling genre is precisely what viewers need and deserve and The Witch aimed to be exactly that. Premiering at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival where Eggers won the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category, The Witch follows a Puritan family in 1630’s New England who encounter forces of evil beyond their isolated farm. 

I consider myself to be a horror fan right down to my very core, dating back to my youth with a genuine appreciation for the slasher genre of horror films. I still enjoy slasher films but as an adult I now seek horror films that can instill a feeling of genuine fear and psychological distress rarely found today. The Witch is certainly a needle in the haystack. Right out of the gate The Witch is dark, ominous, unsettling, and borderline traumatizing while setting a permanent tone of despair. Genuine fear is that feeling on the back of your neck making your skin crawl, the feeling that tells you to look away while at the same time creating a desire to experience everything happening right before your eyes.  

The acting in The Witch is top-notch and it makes for a genuinely convincing period piece. Granted, I will need to watch it a second time to catch some of the dialogue I missed due to the strong English accents but that is par for the course if you ask me. It is nearly impossible to individually credit the performances of the relatively unknown cast because a weak spot does not exist. I was in awe of the performances during the entire film. Robert Eggers makes his mark with extraordinary costume design and production design. His attention to detail could quite possibly be the best I have personally experienced. The Witch shines in many important categories of filmmaking, and it would be a travesty (at least in my opinion) if it does not receive its fair share of nominations next year.

The Witch is a deeply satisfying, slow burn style horror film that has earned its place in the horror genre. It will surely follow you home from the theater, crawl into bed next to you, and enter your nightmares in an all-consuming fashion. A market will always exist for viewers that crave cheap jump scares and recycled scripts but fans of true horror deserve to be acknowledged and finally something worthwhile is here. The Witch is an intimate portrayal of a family’s battle with true evil and is not for the faint of heart. You have been warned.

Zoolander 2

Director Ben Stiller

Genre Comedy

Cast Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig

Rating PG-13

Release Date February, 12th 2016

“Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business.”

On the heels of the Zoolander 2 release I felt the need to wipe the dust off the old Zoolander DVD to get myself a refresher of all things Derek Zoolander. It’s crazy to think that it came out 15 years ago, only a few weeks after 9/11. Zoolander seemed to lay the groundwork for utilizing multiple cameos, something that the HBO series Entourage began doing with huge success. I almost forgot about the early cameo from Donald Trump as well as the Paris Hilton cameo towards the end of the movie (where is she these days, rehab?). I guess I need to renew my subscription to Us Weekly. Nonetheless, director/writer/actor Ben Stiller decided 15 years was long enough to prepare audiences for a Zoolander sequel. Side note, I highly doubt the film was in development for that long.

I actually enjoyed Zoolander 2 more than I thought I would, thanks in part to my tempered expectations, but also the fact that this film is good old fashioned goofy fun. Zoolander 2 has an identity which is very clear throughout, and the return of Derek Zoolander and Hansel felt as smooth as you could hope for after 15 years. The majority of the original cast is back with a few welcomed additions, specifically Penelope Cruz, as well as a bunch of funny cameos. Zoolander 2 maintained the hilarious chemistry of the running joke between Zoolander and Hansel’s unfathomable stupidity and Mugatu’s (Will Ferrell) wit and ability to take advantage of their incredible ignorance.

Zoolander 2 feels boring at times and sometimes drags but the hour and a half runtime is far from excessive and I was thankful for that. The route Stiller and the other writers decided to take with Zoolander 2 is a bit of a double-edged sword in the sense that it will please fans of the first film but is unlikely to attract any newcomers. The sequel does up the ante a bit with the flash and visual appeal which is a nice addition.

Zoolander 2 is a very respectable sequel to a film that was very much a love it or hate it split for viewers back in 2001. It stays true to the unique brand of slapstick humor and manages to provide plenty of laughs. Zoolander 2 isn’t great but what matters is the simple fact that fans of the original will be happy they made a sequel. With that being said, do what I did and grab a Ziploc bag full of Skittles and a Rockstar energy drink and enjoy Zoolander 2 for what it was meant to be. Plus if watching Justin Bieber get shot 50 times by an Uzi is up your alley, that alone might be worth the price of admission.

How to Be Single

Director Christian Ditter

Genre Comedy | Romance

Cast Dakota Johnson, Alison Brie, Leslie Mann, Rebel Wilson

Rating R

Release Date February, 12th 2016

“New York City is full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, and what Alice, Robin, Lucy, Meg, Tom and David all have in common is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love.”

How to Be Single felt like a film that wasn't quite sure if its own identity. On one hand you have the raunchy over the top comedy that is portrayed in the trailer, on the other hand it attempts to touch on real love stories and life lessons. What I found most confusing and almost frustrating is the fact that this apparent identity crisis continued right up until the ending credits. Perhaps the writer was off his meds but someone needs to review the script, I mean come on guys that's amateur hour. The film did include its fair share of funny moments and some solid one liners but overall it was very much hot and cold. Watching Rebel Wilson, a.k.a. Fat Amy, do the walk of shame all over New York City is funny for the most part but eventually grows stale. At least the guys she sleeps with are 4's at best, much more realistic compared to the studs in the Pitch Perfect films.

The acting in How to Be Single is similar to what you would expect from a relatively big budget sitcom without the laugh track. Dakota Johnson is effective when she has the “I'm an inexperienced girl in the big city” look on her face but that runs its course. She's not a dramatic actress nor should she need to be for this film. Rebel Wilson plays her usual character which works. 

Anders Holm (Workaholics) plays a bartender/owner who is also a non-committal ladies man. His character is supposed to portray the "player" persona pending reformation but I honestly had a difficult time escaping the Workaholics character I'm used to seeing him play. He is entertaining but any time he attempts to give serious life advice my brain goes on autopilot. Leslie Mann (Knocked Up, This Is 40) is fantastic as usual and I enjoyed watching her character unfold.

How to Be Single is an enjoyable movie overall but unfortunately the low points rear their ugly head far too often not allowing this film to make its mark. Trying to become something more than what the trailer portrayed was a mistake in my opinion and will prove costly in the long term. As the film is trying to say from the beginning, you need an identity to make it in this world, so pick one and stick to it damnit. I was promised a raunchy comedy and as far as I'm concerned it was false advertising, I might need to get in touch with OJ's lawyers. I think I have a real case here.

Deadpool

Director Tim Miller

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Gina Carano, T.J. Miller

Rating R

Release Date February 12th, 2016

“A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool.”

As I waited patiently in my very comfortable movie theater seat staring at a gigantic IMAX screen just before the opening sequence of Deadpool, I crossed my fingers hoping my high expectations would be met. And well, they were. And then some. What is resonating most with me sitting here writing this review fresh from the theater in my pajama pants no less, is just how damn fun the movie was. Deadpool is an hour and 45 minutes of vulgar, unapologetic, action-packed, anti-superhero fun and boy was it worth the price of admission.  I laughed more times than I can count and shook my head in sheer disbelief during the majority of the film. 

First off, you do not need to be a fan of superhero movies or comic books to enjoy this film. What you do need is an open mind and a good sense of humor. I am telling you this in confidence so please don’t crucify me but I know very little about comics, and by very little I mean nothing whatsoever, aside from what I’ve picked up from episodes of Big Bang Theory. I have no issue with comics and the only explanation I can think of for why they were left out of my childhood is the likely fact that I simply didn’t have the space for them under my bed. Too many Playboy magazines I suppose. Troubled youth, what can I say. Deadpool made me wish I knew a bit more about comics because I felt like I missed some of the “inside jokes” that everyone else in the theater seemed to get (damn you Pamela Anderson).

I think it is safe to say that right about now Ryan Reynolds is essentially Baby Jesus for comic book fanboys the world over. This is of course assuming you believe in the man upstairs and if not, perhaps a unicorn made out of Skittles would be a better analogy? Reynolds is cocky, full of personality, funny, and admittedly a physical specimen when the role calls for it. Bottom line is he was made to play Deadpool and he absolutely crushed it. I knew coming in that Ryan Reynolds was an amazing actor and he was already one of my favorites. I mean the guy is incredibly versatile and his ability to shift from a romantic comedy to a role such as this is impressive. Try to envision a combination of Ryan Reynolds in the film Waiting… and Van Wilder (both classic films) only 10 times more ridiculous and superhuman to top it all off. Too good to be true? I thought so too, but Ryan Reynolds is Wade Wilson, Wade Wilson is Deadpool, and well that is great news for everyone.

I have enjoyed pretty much all of the superhero films, Iron Man, Captain America, Ant-Man, The Avengers etc, but Deadpool steps outside the box and it made for one heck of an entertaining movie. I mean this was the most fun I have had at the theater in a while and it actually makes me want to read the comics (I probably won’t but that still counts for something). It comes as no surprise to me that a sequel was already announced and it can’t come soon enough!

Southbound

Director Roxanne Benjamin, David Bruckner, Patrick Horvath, Radio Silence

Genre Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Kate Beahan, Matt Bettineli-Olpin, Susan Burke, Zoe Cooper

Rating Unrated

Release Date February, 5th 2016 (Limited Release) now available via On Demand & i-Tunes

“Five interlocking tales of terror follow the fates of a group of weary travellers who confront their worst nightmares - and darkest secrets - over one long night on a desolate stretch of desert highway.”

Southbound is a very unique anthology style horror film with 4 intertwining stories, put together as a joint effort involving some highly talented yet relatively unknown individuals. The film credits a total of 4 directors, one of which is made up of 4 members collectively known as Radio Silence. The other 3 directors include Roxanne Benjamin, David Bruckner, and Patrick Horvath. With the exception of Horvath, this same group all worked together on the 2012 horror film V/H/S. Southbound is a creative collaboration with the primary goal of rejuvenating old school horror by any means necessary.

Southbound feels quite similar to the hit 2014 horror film It Follows, sharing a similarly eerie and effective score, oddly outdated décor, and retro-style directing. Before seeing It Follows in theaters, I almost forgot how important a quality score is when it comes to setting the tone and creating the right atmosphere. Most horror films today rely on cheap jump scares but Southbound has one simple goal, to instill the feeling of fear without the potential for escape. The anthology style of filmmaking ensures that the film has something for everyone, with each intertwined tale retaining its own personal brand of horror.

As an indie film with a limited budget, the acting is actually very good. Southbound technically includes two lead actors in terms of the story itself but the amount of screen time is split fairly evenly. What I found fascinating is that the two male leads, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Chad Villella who play Jack and Mitch, the first two characters introduced on screen, are members of Radio Silence who also directed the film. The entire cast seemed to take pride in the roles they were playing and the chemistry was evident throughout. I cannot stress enough the amount of genuine talent surrounding this project and I look forward to what’s next for this group.  

Southbound is a breath of fresh air for a struggling genre that desperately needs some positive momentum. With a strong potential for replay ability, I hope more films follow suit and continue to build on the values that make horror films great. Southbound epitomizes the very core of desperation with its character development, establishing the precise point where a human being begins to question the will to live. If you personally value artful filmmaking, have a certain level of appreciation for independent films, or simply enjoy quality horror films, Southbound is definitely worth your time.

The Choice

Director Ross Katz 

Cast Benjamin Walker, Teresa Palmer,  Maggie Grace, Alexandra Daddario

Genre Drama | Romance

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 5th, 2016

“Travis and Gabby first meet as neighbors in a small coastal town and wind up in a relationship that is tested by life’s most defining events.”

The Choice is the 11th Nicholas Sparks book to get made into a movie, that’s impressive I must say. Let me get one thing out of the way right now, I would not consider myself to be a fan of Nicholas Sparks or his books. Do I have an issue with his books? No, of course not but I am a guy and I’m pretty sure I don’t quite fit his demographic, so it’s okay. With that being said, Sparks may have had something to do with the rise of Ryan Gosling’s career after his book turned movie The Notebook became a success and continues to be a favorite of females everywhere. I am not ashamed to admit that I am fan of Gosling as an actor (the guy simply has what it takes) so perhaps that makes me a fan of Sparks in some strange and indirect way.

I decided to earn myself some brownie points and take the lady to see Nicholas Sparks’ newest book turned film The Choice on opening night, what can I say I’m one of the good ones. She was excited because it is her favorite out of his books and to be honest I didn’t expect much more than a Lifetime network quality film. Well I have good news and women everywhere can rest easy because I was actually pleasantly surprised by the film. 

Considering The Choice was only an hour and a half long and generally its tough translating a book to film due to time limitations as it is, it was still able to tell a story that felt full and complete. I thought the acting was good and Benjamin Walker played the lead male role of Travis with plenty of personality and southern charm. Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies) was fantastic in her role as Gabby and let me just say she is very easy on the eyes (this is a plus for the guys trust me). It may be very “Shallow Hal” of me to say that casting an unattractive female lead in a love story makes zero sense but it is supposed to be believable right? Casting acting veteran Tom Wilkinson who got his start in 1976 as Travis’ widowed father was huge in terms of the believability of the story. He is a fantastic supporting actor.

Is it for everyone? No, of course not but The Choice is an enjoyable film and certainly one that you should take your favorite girl to see on date night, especially if you’re too cheap to buy jewelry. And for the record no I did not cry during the movie, although towards the end I did get a bit of dust in my eye. They really should do a better job of cleaning those theaters, what are we animals? Also, I learned something interesting along the way which is the fact that every Nicholas Sparks book including The Choice takes place in North Carolina. Apparently old Sparky (my new nickname for Sparks) is born and bred in NC and lives there to this day. Well go Tar Heels, I guess (I just like their color North Carolina blue).

Hail, Caesar!

Director Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Genre Comedy | Drama | Musical

Cast George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Tilda Swinton

Rating PG-13

Release February, 5th 2016

“A Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio’s stars in line.”

Joel and Ethan Coen, brothers who are 3 years apart, have developed quite the working relationship as a directing and writing duo over the years with 13 combined Oscar nominations. They tend to cast the same actors in their films, including Joel Coen’s wife Frances McDormand, who appeared in Raising Arizona, Fargo, Burn After Reading, and now the newest film for the two brothers Hail, Caesar!. Only actor Steve Buscemi has appeared in more Coen brothers films, having appeared in a total of 6 over the years.

The Coen brothers are notorious for taking audiences out of their comfort zone with their own personal style of filmmaking, with films ranging from brutally violent to quirky and goofy. They tend to mix it up. This approach is good and bad mainly because it is fairly unlikely that every film will appeal to the same audience. Each film includes one or multiple Coen brothers’ trademarks, whether it be centered around a botched crime of some sort, a focus on a specific but generally not so distant time period, or characters with stereotypes from the specific region the film takes place. Either way, it is clear the Coen brothers are involved.

The premise for Hail, Caesar! is quite creative and allows viewers an opportunity to get a peek behind the scenes of 1950's Hollywood and very much serves as homage to the era. The film industry has changed drastically over the years and it was fun to get a glimpse of how business was handled back then. Hail, Caesar! includes deeply engaging dialogue as well as crafty and seemingly unintentional humor. The film also has a deeper layer to it for those who care to look that far.

As to be expected considering the lofty Coen brothers standards, the acting in Hail, Caesar! is exceptional. The stellar cast includes Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, and Jonah Hill, amongst others. Brolin is in the lead role so he gets the vast majority of the screen time but I was a bit surprised by the limited roles for Johansson and Hill. Everyone delivered and the on screen chemistry was perfect.

Hail, Caesar! is yet another creative and uniquely crafted film to add to the Coen brothers directorial resume. Unfortunately, it didn't quite deliver the entertainment value some of their other films were able to offer and did have its slow points. Nonetheless, Hail, Caesar! is still one of the better films in theaters right now and deserves to be seen, especially for diehard fans of the Coen brothers.