Before I Fall

Director Ry Russo-Young

Genre Drama | Mystery

Cast Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Medalion Rahimi

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 3rd, 2017

“February 12 is just another day in Sam’s charmed life until it turns out to be her last. Stuck reliving her last day over one inexplicable week, Sam untangles the mystery around her death and discovers everything she’s in danger of losing.”

Before I Fall is a drama mystery, based on the book from author Lauren Oliver, which was originally published in 2010. Fox optioned the rights to make the book into a film around the middle of the same year. Fast forward about 7 years and here we are. The cast includes Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, and Medalion Rahimi.  

With a creative and engaging premise, Before I Fall is a genuinely entertaining film that is surprisingly inspirational at its core. With a relatively short runtime of just over an hour and a half, the film is paced well and never seems to overstay its welcome. I found myself immersed right from the beginning, and I really enjoyed the accompanying soundtrack as well. Regrettably, I have yet to read the book due to limited availability at my local library (yes I’m too cheap to buy it), but it has to become available at some point. The plus side of that is it allowed me to experience the film version without the commonly detrimental bias that comes along with comparing it to the book. I really enjoyed the concept and felt that the plot had impressive depth, especially considering it could have easily fallen into the hole of your traditional generic high school flick. Instead, Before I Fall cements itself as one of the better book-to-film adaptations in the last few years, and I look forward to finally reading it.

Before I Fall has a solid cast that performs about as well as anyone could have hoped.  Zoey Deutch is the lead in the film and by far my favorite of the bunch. As an actress, she is able to command the screen without forcing anything. I felt like she was perfect for this role, as she was able to display a wide range of emotion during the roller-coaster ride of events.  Most recently she was in Dirty Grandpa, Everybody Wants Some!!, and Why Him?, so this was a nice change of pace for her. I enjoyed Logan Miller's character and felt that his chemistry with Deutch was a big factor in the success of the film. Miller has a solid resume since joining the acting game in 2008, having starred in Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, as well as small roles in AMC's hit show The Walking Dead and A Dog's Purpose. Young actress Erica Tremblay was the cutest little girl in her role as the little sister, and she seems to be building up quite the resume. She currently has 10 acting credits according to IMDb, including a small role in the hit show The Killing, as well as the recent horror film The Bye Bye Man. I wouldn’t say the rest of the cast was necessarily noteworthy, but it was solid.

Before I Fall is a very entertaining film that will have you anticipating its inevitable climax. As I referenced before I can't speak to how the film holds up to the book, but judging by user reviews it seems to hold up pretty well. The idea of a "Groundhog Day" approach with a bit of a twist might seem played out, but it works, and at the end of the day that’s what matters. For me, Before I Fall was well worth the price of admission, and easily earns my recommendation for anyone who can appreciate the genre.

Get Out

Director Jordan Peele

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Rating R

Release Date February 24th, 2017

“A young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate.”

Get Out is a horror mystery written and directed by Jordan Peele, and is his directorial debut. Peele is well-known for his work on the hilarious Comedy Central skit show Key & Peele, and he has actually written quite a few episodes. His writing debut on the film side was last year's action comedy Keanu, which was very well received. Get Out began receiving substantial praise from critics who were allowed an early screening, setting the bar for expectations pretty high for Peele's debut. The cast includes Daniel Kaluuya (Sicario), Allison Williams (Girls), Catherine Keener (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Captain Phillips), and Bradley Whitford (Billy Madison, The Cabin in the Woods). 

Get Out is not only a game-changer for the horror genre, it is a potentially career altering debut for writer-director Jordan Peele. Rarely is a film capable of making you sit back in your seat in hopes of being able to take it all in, to truly absorb all that you just experienced. This is one of those films. Get Out has an identity all its own which it develops very early on, and builds on throughout. Officially considered a horror mystery, it has been referred to as some sort of genre hybrid, showcasing horror elements complete with jump scares, skin crawling tension, and a very fitting and impressive score, but also a potent dose of good old fashioned humor. All of this is true. How you ask? Well the trailers certainly highlight the latter, but the depth of the script, as well as the mounting tension, not only allows the humor to be effective and timely, it welcomes it. Each element of the film is smoothly transitioned, making sure that nothing feels forced. Personally I really appreciated that aspect of the making of this film. Get Out kept me guessing and had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the final act. I won't give anything away, but even if you generally have a difficult time with horror films, Get Out has the ability to appeal to a wide audience due to its blending of genre elements. I feel like it warrants mentioning that many critics are clinging to the racial undertones built into the premise, some of which going as far as to say the film needs to be seen because of how socially relevant it is in terms of the existence of racism in this country. Excuse me? I mean sure this is a fine example of intelligent writing, effectively mixing in societal elements sure to get a reaction out of the audience, but make no mistake, this is not a film about racial injustice that will be available in the history section of your local library. This is a good old fashioned horror flick- unnerving, violent, bloody, and unpredictable. Just what the doctor ordered (pun intended, you'll get it once you’ve seen the film). To say Jordan Peele made an impression as a director would be the biggest understatement of 2017. Not only did he display some serious skill behind the camera, he also wrote this amazing script to perfection. I enjoyed Keanu and I'm honestly really happy to see him find this level of success right out of the gate. I can't wait to see what he cooks up next.

Get Out boasts an extremely talented, yet underrated cast from top to bottom. Daniel Kaluuya was fantastic in the lead role, showcasing what I felt was an innate ability to display a wide range of emotions. His mannerisms and facial expressions really brought his character to life. His resume consists mostly of work in television so far, aside from a role in the cartel thriller Sicario, alongside Emily Blunt. It seems his career is beginning to take off having recently nabbed himself a role in marvel's Black Panther due out in 2018. I like him a lot as an actor and I think he has a great career ahead of him. Allison Williams is an actress of average talent, best known as of late for her role in the HBO series Girls, but she actually impressed me. She ditched that ditsy I think I'm smarter than I actually am attitude and it worked out for the best. One of my overall favorite characters in the film has one of the smallest roles, and that would be comedian turned actor Milton "Lil Rel" Howery, who now officially goes by LilRel. He had me laughing or at the very least smiling each time he was on-screen, and I feel like his presence and the dynamic he added really helped to bring the story together. Veterans Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford were great as well, and they effectively portrayed off-putting and mysterious characters. I feel like a significant amount of the credit for the success of the cast is owed to Peele and his ability to not only bring together a great group of actors and actresses, but also his ability to ensure he gets the most out of them. It seems he took a page out of Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick's handbook, instilling the simple yet effective mantra of "Do Your Job". Perhaps he also pushed the new mantra "No Day's Off", but I can't be sure as I am not familiar with the filming schedule.

Get Out was the horror movie I was waiting for, especially after that disaster of a money pit known as Rings (I am still waiting for an official apology from Paramount). My faith in the horror genre is officially reignited, and trust me when I say I needed the boost. My expectations were through the roof thanks to overwhelming positive early-release feedback, as well as my own personal anticipation for what I thought would be one of the best films of 2017. It did not disappoint. Not only am I having a very difficult time coming up with something I didn't like about this movie, I absolutely cannot wait to see it again. Do yourself a favor and Get Out (see what I did there?) to the theater and see this awesome movie, you deserve it! Can't find anyone to go with? Bite the bullet and see it by yourself if necessary, it's just that good. Highly recommended.

The Lego Batman Movie

Director Chris McKay

Genre Animation | Action | Comedy

Cast Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Ralph Fiennes

Rating PG

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.”

From director Chris McKay, The Lego Batman Movie is an indirect follow-up to 2014's The Lego Movie, which found great success. McKay was not involved with the 2014 film and he brings with him a brand new crew of writers. Even with all that taken into consideration, one view of this film’s trailer makes it clear it would follow rather closely in the footsteps of The Lego Movie. The stellar cast of voice actors includes Will Arnett (who also voiced Batman in The Lego Movie), Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Ralph Fiennes. 

The Lego Batman Movie is a very well written, fun-filled experience offering more than enough for viewers of all ages. I really enjoyed The Lego Movie which I considered to be a very pleasant surprise, as I wasn't sure what to expect. Back then the idea of a movie based entirely on Lego's seemed ridiculous to me. Well I was wrong, and similar to The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie offers us something that really comes to life, immersing viewers into an imaginatively creative world. I found myself laughing throughout the film and I really enjoyed the clever references to the DC Comics universe, although I’m sure there are many that I missed. It's amazing that a film made with Lego's (and plenty of CGI magic of course) can somehow manage to add a very real element of emotion surrounding its characters, to the point where you genuinely care about them. I don't care what anybody says, that is impressive. I took my little buddy to see this who is 12 and he loved it. I think he enjoyed The Lego Movie a bit more just because he wouldn't stop quoting the "Everything is Awesome" song during the ride home, but who can blame him, that was catchy! The Lego Batman Movie proved that the Lego films aren't going away anytime soon, and I'm sure that makes the peeps over at Lego pretty happy.

The cast of voice actors is easily one of the biggest strengths for The Lego Batman Movie, putting together a stellar cast of A-list talent. Will Arnett is amazing as Batman, taking full advantage of his skills as an effective comedic actor. Playing the other pivotal role alongside Arnett is hilarious comedian-turned-actor, Zach Galiafanakis in the role of The Joker. I'm a huge fan of his from his work in The Hangover films, undoubtedly his most memorable role, to his current role in the oddly entertaining FX series Baskets. Ralph Fiennes fit in nicely voicing Batman's trusty butler Alfred, who more often than not is the voice of reason. Michael Cera was a fantastic addition in the role of Robin, playing off Arnett with impressive ease.

The Lego Batman Movie put a smile on my face from start to finish and that was really all I could ask for. What I liked most about this movie is the fact that it can appeal to such a varied audience. You can appreciate this film as an adult, child, comic book fan, or even someone that isn't into comic books at all. It's simply very creative, witty, and fun. The Lego Batman Movie is absolutely worth seeing in theaters and once it releases on Blu-ray and DVD the replay-ability makes it worth a purchase as well. Highly recommended.

John Wick: Chapter 2

Director Chad Stahelski

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan

Rating R

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.”

John Wick: Chapter 2 is the sequel to the hit action film that took critics by storm in 2014. Chad Stahelski directed the first film and has returned for Chapter 2. The original was his directorial debut as he primarily has been a stunt/martial arts coordinator on films such as 300, The Matrix, V for Vendetta, and The Hunger Games, to name a few. Clearly he has a knack for this directing thing and I expect he will continue to build up that aspect of his already impressive resume. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan, Common, and Laurence Fishburne.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is a stylistic shoot-em-up thrill ride that stays true to the original, while adding impressive depth to the story. I will be the first one to admit that I was blown away by the first film a few years ago, partly because it felt like it came out of nowhere, but more importantly it had me on the edge of my seat! All I needed to know was that the stunt crew from The Matrix films were involved, and I was sold. Chapter 2 begins where the first film left off, delivering non-stop action with a hard-hitting soundtrack that matches up perfectly. Rarely does a sequel capture the feel of the original in such a way that you would swear you never left the theater after the first film. Aside from the obvious excitement the world of John Wick provides its audience, what I enjoyed most of all is the immersive world of hitmen for hire, complete with a deep understanding of rules that cannot be broken - a certain code so to speak. I wouldn't consider myself a gun enthusiast, not at all actually, but I honestly found myself in awe of the amazing weaponry at John Wick's disposal. One particular scene had me grinning ear to ear, which was when he went from a handgun to his strategically placed AR-15 to really lay into the bad guys. The sound that rifle made when it fired was what I imagine a Beethoven and Mozart compilation would sound like (if you're into that of course). Even though Wick is a badass, which he is undoubtedly, he still has to resort to his will, determination, and instincts to survive as he empties each clip and seamlessly transitions to perfectly choreographed hand to hand combat. It’s hard to explain, but even with the sad emotional backstory and the egregious amount of killing (headshots mostly, he hates wasting bullets), John Wick: Chapter 2 still maintains the same fun feel some of the best action films from the 90’s always had. But let’s forget about the 90’s, John Wick is the action star of today and that fact makes me very happy, he deserves the honor. Chad Stahelski deserves a lot of credit for his work on Chapter 2 as well as the original, his raw and gritty directing style is top notch.

Similar to the first film, John Wick: Chapter 2 boasts a very talented cast ranging from big names to an under the radar, yet impactful supporting cast. Keanu Reeves was born to play the role of John Wick, a calculated man of few words with a deadly reputation. I read up on the training Reeves went through to prepare for the role and even watched a few videos, and man, he really busted his ass, and his hard work paid off. Each and every fight sequence or gunfight he was involved in felt authentic and intense. The long awaited Neo and Morpheus reunion was truly satisfying as Laurence Fishburne was perfectly integrated into this world. He was fantastic as expected. I didn’t recognize Riccardo Scamarcio (Burnt), but he did very well with an integral role in the film. Ruby Rose (Orange is the New Black) seems to be everywhere as I just watched her in the new Resident Evil. She played a very effective and surprisingly intense villain. Common had some of the more incredible scenes with Reeves, and it was clear he worked his ass off for the film as well. Veteran actor Ian McShane was amazing and such a strong presence on screen, this guy is good in everything really.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is precisely what fans of the first film were hoping for, which is more of the same as well as an extra helping of everything we didn't even realize we wanted. The entertainment value is astounding and somehow the action never slows down, not even for a moment. The more I recall each and every breathtaking scene the more excited I am to see this again. I fully expect John Wick: Chapter 2 to thrive in the box office, even considering the stiff competition, and if it does, a sequel will surely be in the works. I can't wait! Oh and one more thing, John Wick is DEFINITELY back!! Highly recommended.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Director Paul W.S. Anderson

Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts

Rating R

Release Date January 27th, 2017

“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, humanity is on its last legs in Washington D.C. As the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes, Alice must return to where the nightmare began - Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.”

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is the conclusion (supposedly) to the film franchise based on the videogames. The Final Chapter is the 7th film in the live-action series of films (this is not counting any of the animated versions). Paul W.S. Anderson returns to the director's chair, having now directed all but 2 of the films, although he did write all of the screenplays. The cast includes Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, and Shawn Roberts.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter delivers fans what they were asking for, a respectable conclusion to one of the most successful videogames-turned-film franchises. Was it groundbreaking? Of course not, but who honestly expected it to be? I mean really, it is the culmination of a series of films based on a videogame franchise. Generally that alone is enough to keep expectations at a realistic level. But at the same time, I grew up playing the videogames and I really enjoyed all of the films. Although I do have a special place in my heart for Resident Evil: Afterlife, mainly because The Executioner was such a badass. In my opinion The Final Chapter serves as the perfect sendoff because of how well the story comes together, and I think that alone will please casual and hardcore fans alike. I was able to check out the film in IMAX 3D and it was worth it, non-stop action with some very impressive 3D effects. The score/soundtrack was solid but not quite up to par with a few of the earlier films.

The acting in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is solid and more than good enough for a film like this. From an overall casting standpoint compared to the other films in the franchise this one is probably middle-of-the-road for acting talent (the first film had Michelle Rodrigues who was born for films like this). Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice once again, and she is easily the biggest contributor as far as acting is concerned. Plus she is very easy on the eyes, so that also helps. I feel like at this point Jovovich has become iconic on-screen, similar to what Kate Beckinsale has developed into for the Underworld franchise. My second favorite character is Wesker, played by Shawn Roberts. Roberts again delivers a solid performance as the all-business hard to kill character, although I was a little disappointed with his somewhat limited screen time. Iain Glen, in the role of Dr. Isaacs, was the focus alongside Jovovich, which makes sense considering the significance of his character. Glen is believable and never comes across as too corny, which I can certainly appreciate. Although she struggles as an actress, Ali Larter looked the part as usual and it was nice to see her back. I actually really enjoyed Ever Anderson in her role as young Alice/The Red Queen. This was her very first role and she may have quite the career ahead of her. Fun fact, she has good genes and plenty of open doors as she is the daughter of star Milla Jovovich and director Paul W.S. Anderson. The multitalented Jovovich and Anderson were married in 2009, her 3rd marriage, and they have 2 children together. Ruby Rose from Orange is the New Black was a nice addition to the cast as well and definitely worth mentioning.The rest of the supporting cast was serviceable.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a popcorn action flick, complete with cool vehicles, good enough acting, and hordes of undead awaiting a violent demise. To pick apart this film is to admit you were never a fan of the videogames and if that is in fact the case, your opinion really doesn't hold all that much weight. Sorry, but that’s just the way it is. I enjoyed Resident Evil: The Final Chapter just as I enjoyed each film in the franchise that came before it. It was fun and worth the price of a movie ticket especially if you have the opportunity to see it in IMAX 3D. If you're a fan of the franchise definitely check this one out, and if you are a casual fan or simply someone who enjoys fun action flicks, you could do worse. Recommended.

Rings

Director F. Javier Gutierrez

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Vincent D'Onofrio

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“A young woman finds herself on the receiving end of a terrifying curse that threatens to take her life in 7 days.”

Based on the original Japanese remake The Ring (2002), Rings is the third film in the series based on a mysterious and chilling videotape that kills anyone unlikely enough to watch it. What started as an urban legend coming to life has evolved into much more. Rings is directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez, who has only one previous directing credit of the crime/drama Before The Fall (2008). The film credits 3 writers for the screenplay and the story, as well as Japanese writer Kōji Suzuki, who wrote the mystery horror novel the films are based on, The Ring (Ringu), which was originally published in 1991. Following in the footsteps of a very popular first film as well as a dynamic and extensive marketing campaign, Rings had people excited for its release. The cast includes Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Rings, which is terribly written, poorly acted, and severely lacking originality, is not only a bad horror movie, it is a slap in the face to the entire genre. I walked into the theater with average to slightly above average expectations due to a fantastic first film, and a mediocre but entertaining second film. What I got for the price of a movie ticket was something that you would expect from a direct to Blu-ray/DVD release. Rings is not at all scary, simple as that. The scariest aspect of the movie is the tape itself which we have all seen. Granted they add a few new parts to it but it's far from enough. They attempted a few poorly executed jump scares but I didn’t move in my seat once. By the end of the film I was convinced that they tried to borrow ideas from horror films like It Follows, Don't Breathe, and Final Destination, except they failed miserably. I honestly found the writing to be offensive, every few minutes the characters were spoon feeding viewers plot developments like we couldn't figure it out for ourselves ("Hey look it’s a door, perhaps we should open it to see what's inside? Shucks, the door is locked"). That is beyond frustrating. I was concerned about the inexperienced director and I had good reason to be, he had no idea what he was doing. Samara is creepy but she is severely underutilized in the film. Apparently creativity was not in the budget for this movie. Probably because they overspent on marketing, which will more than likely be the sole reason they make money on this disaster. Nice job guys, you got me! 

Horror movies are notorious for bad acting, that's just the nature of the beast. I get that. But there is quite a difference between bad acting, and terribly uninspired, and downright cringe worthy acting. Combine that with a script that could have been written by a 5th grader, and you have yourself a real gem of a horror film (yeah that is definitely sarcasm). Vincent D'Onofrio is one of the more well-known names in the cast and his performance was fine, he seemed to do his best with what he was given to work with. Not great, but okay. Johnny Galecki, best known as Leonard from The Big Bang Theory, plays a rough around the edges and supposedly badass biology professor. Typecast much? I mean, biology professor I get, but this guy is the opposite of rough around the edges. Now on to what really got under my skin- the lead roles played by Matilda Lutz and Alex Roe. I'm going to go right out and say it, Lutz is a talentless actress that is just plain bad on screen. The one thing she has going for her is her physical appearance, which honestly begins to suffer because of how bad of an actress she is. According to her short online bio she is also a model, perhaps that is the correct career choice for her. Maybe it's inexperience on her part without anything relevant on her resume, combined with a clueless director, but she was not good. Roe was pretty bad himself, offering up a dry character with little to no depth. I will say that I may be unfairly taking my frustrations out on the cast and I apologize for that, because the real culprits here are undoubtedly the director and the 3 writers, who seem to have put together this film as some sort of sick joke.

My girlfriend claims that she was so petrified of the first film when she saw it in theaters that she walked out halfway through, and still had nightmares for a week. Now THAT is the impact a real horror movie is supposed to have! Well, I was excited (again, sarcasm) to tell her that she could go see Rings and sleep like a baby that very night, because it is about as scary as an episode of Seinfeld. If a friend offers you a free ticket to go see this piece of trash I would tell them you would rather stay home and watch Zombeavers. I'm actually slightly angry that in some way this film sullies the good name of the first film, which I must re-watch as soon as possible to get this bad taste out of my mouth. I will go one step further and say that I am angry and feel that someone from the team behind the making of this film owes me a sincere apology. I would have asked the theater for a refund but this isn't on them. Perhaps they will fire everyone involved and have a chance at redemption with the fourth film? That would be nice but I won't be holding my breath. Take it from me and do your best Colin Kaepernick during the National Anthem impression, and sit this one out.

Patriots Day

Director Peter Berg

Genre Drama | History | Thriller

Cast Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons

Rating R

Release Date January 13th, 2017

“An account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis’s actions in the events leading up to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists behind it.”

Patriots Day is the film portrayal of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. It is directed and co-written by Peter Berg, the man who brought us Deepwater Horizon, Lone Survivor, and The Kingdom, to name a few. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, and J.K. Simmons. A great deal of controversy erupted after the initial announcement that the film was in development, with many saying Hollywood was just trying to cash in on a tragedy less than 4 years after it occurred. I watched an interview with Mark Wahlberg, a Boston, Massachusetts native, who stated he initially turned down an offer to star in the film. He was then told the film was going to be made whether he was involved or not, and he changed his mind thinking that at the very least his involvement could hold him accountable to do right by the city of Boston. And that is what he intended to do.

Patriots Day reminds us that in the face of pure hatred and terror, Boston Strong became the identity of a city that refused to be terrorized. This film is far from an attempt to sugarcoat the events that took place in April 2013, and in no way should it have been. The city of Boston was dealt a serious blow and what came to the forefront was the city’s ability to persevere, to not only take down these terrorists at all costs, but more importantly to not allow them to dictate the future. I watched the Boston Marathon Bombing HBO documentary which was heartbreaking, graphic, and also inspirational, and Patriots Day embodies a similar feel of a city that comes together and it really is special. I have friends who frequently attend the Boston Marathon, one of which who has actually run in it, and that was a very scary day for each and every person not only in this region, but in this country. Everyone involved was under a microscope from the very beginning and faced a great deal of public scrutiny, and I must say I commend them on their efforts. Not only did they put together a tasteful portrayal of that traumatic day, everyone who worked on the film put forth a valiant effort to honor the victims of this tragedy.

Patriots Day was perfectly casted from top to bottom. My favorite actor in the film was easily Mark Wahlberg, and it just so happens he is one of my favorite actors in general. As a Boston native (Dorchester, Massachusetts to be exact), Wahlberg easily faced the most pressure out of anyone involved with this film. The city of Boston had high expectations and deep down they knew he would do right by the film, and he did. Although he played a character that was actually a combination of two police officers, the first responder as well as an officer who knew the area inside out and was very helpful to the FBI during the investigation. His presence on screen was authentic and genuine, displaying true fear and raw emotion after that first blast near the finish line. The supporting cast was fantastic as well, right down the line from John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons, Kevin Bacon, and a surprisingly impressive performance from Jimmy O. Yang, who plays the quiet yet hilarious Jian Yang in HBO’s Silicon Valley. He played the role of Dun “Danny” Meng, the Chinese national who had his SUV stolen and was taken hostage by the bombers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before bravely escaping at a gas station.

Patriots Day shouldn’t be viewed as a painful way to relive that fateful day. It should be viewed as a way to remember a city that came together and became one. Retired Boston Redsox slugger Big Papi said it best when he shouted in front of a stadium full of Boston faithful, “This is our fu**ing city!” Boston natives are known for their attitude and strong will, which was put to the test on April 15th, 2013, when two terrorists set off bombs near the marathons finish line. Patriots Day is intensely engaging, well-acted, and thoroughly entertaining, but most importantly it reminds us that Boston will always persevere no matter what. The Patriots Day Boston Marathon will live on as a celebrated event held on a special day for the entire city, and if anything, it means even more now than it did 4 years ago. Highly recommended.  

A Monster Calls

Director J.A. Bayona

Genre Drama | Fantasy

Cast Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Toby Kebbell

Rating PG-13

Release Date January 6th, 2017

“A boy seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mom’s terminal illness”

A Monster Calls is an emotional drama directed by J.A. Bayona, who previously directed the Academy-Award nominated film The Impossible (2012). Bayona is currently listed as the director for the Jurassic World sequel, currently slated for 2018. The screenplay was featured in the 2013 Blacklist; a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, written by Patrick Ness, who received a writing credit for the film. After doing a bit of research, I learned that the novel was originally started by U.K. born British activist and writer Siobahn Dowd, who actually passed away tragically from cancer at the young age of 47. As per Ness’s author note in the book, “She had the characters, a premise, and a beginning. What she didn’t have, unfortunately, was time.” The film stars Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, and Toby Kebbell. Liam Neeson warrants a mention as he voices The Monster.

Well-written, touching, and deeply emotional, A Monster Calls is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression. Complete with storytelling ability as close to a book as you can get, the impact of the story will leave you speechless. A Monster Calls packs a visual punch, but as I stated, the strength lies in the storytelling and the sheer emotional depth. Creating genuine authenticity, this is a film that carefully manages a sensitive subject without the risk of forcing an emotional response from the audience. At the root of the story, A Monster Calls is about acceptance and the necessary stages of grief. Regardless of age, demographic, circumstance, etc, losing a loved one is a very difficult pill to swallow and the emotionally driven script touches on that in a very special way. Talented director J.A. Bayona creates a unique reality of a world dominated by this young boy's imagination, and the two somehow come together seamlessly. Even though the film employs a considerable amount of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), everything feels so intimate that you will never second-guess what is unfolding right before your eyes. Real or not, it simply does not matter.

A Monster Calls includes a uniquely talented cast, each with their own unique talents. Young U.K. born actor Lewis MacDougall is absolutely amazing in his role as the boy who is suddenly forced into adulthood. Previously starring in 2015's Pan, MacDougall is relatively new to the acting scene but has a few other films currently in the works. Starring alongside him is the ultra-talented Felicity Jones, who plays a character so full of emotion you feel like she could literally explode at any moment. I can only assume that Jones played a large part in ensuring the chemistry between herself and the young actor, who form a strong mother/son bond, transcends the screen. It was amazing. Jones most recently starred in Inferno and The Theory of Everything, and it seems that she is incapable of turning in a bad performance. The ageless queen of actresses Sigourney Weaver, is fantastic in her role as expected. Toby Kebbell, who formerly starred in Ben-Hur and Warcraft: The Beginning, was surprisingly effective in his role as the absent father. Last but not least, our favorite hero Liam Neeson as the voice of The Monster is just perfect!

A Monster Calls is a fantastic film and a true work of art, a fact that is difficult to argue.  Considering we just made it through the Holiday season, many of us more than likely feel run-down with the overly emotional, or sentimental films. I get that. But trust me when I say that A Monster Calls is in a class of its own, and quite simply deserves an opportunity to have an impact on you through the magic of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even considering the high expectations I had, and I can't wait to read the book! Highly recommended.  

Top 10 Movies of 2016

Click the below posters to access the *SPOILER FREE* reviews for the top 10 rated movies of 2016! On behalf of Ted Takes, happy viewing in 2017!!

Collateral Beauty

Director David Frankel

Genre Drama

Cast Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Michael Peña

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 16th, 2016

“An advertising executive encounters three mysterious figures who encourage him to move on from the past.”

Collateral Beauty is an emotional drama directed by David Frankel, best known for The Devil Wears Prada and 2008’s tear-jerker, Marley & Me. The film was initially set to be directed by Me and Earl and the Dying Girl director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, but he backed out of the project due to creative differences with New Line Cinema. The stellar cast includes Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, and Michael Peña.

Despite a premise overwhelmed with sadness, Collateral Beauty is a feel-good film about overcoming loss and rediscovering life. With sky-high expectations and an A-list cast, I found the film to be an enjoyable and emotional journey, with a few unexpected twists along the way. Critics have hammered Collateral Beauty non-stop since the December 16th release, and I honestly feel like the criticism is unwarranted. I had high expectations after initially watching the first trailer, and once the negative reviews began pouring in, I was understandably concerned. My first assumption was that the film was either convoluted in terms of the script, or simply corny and ineffective. Well, I’m happy to say it is neither of those things, not even close. I mean sure it won't get mentioned during the Oscar's but that’s okay, right? Having dealt with my fair share of significant loss throughout my life, I know first-hand how difficult it can be, and the fact is a “how-to roadmap” simply doesn’t exist for such grief. Collateral Beauty establishes how immeasurable the pain can be, but more importantly it reinforces how invaluable it is to express our emotions to those we love, or even a bunch of strangers for that matter. It may unfold slowly for some, but the overall message of the film is well worth the wait, trust me.

Collateral Beauty has a stellar cast, which above all else tends to make for rather high expectations. As I alluded to before, the performances won’t garner Oscar-worthy praise, but each character is well developed and fits perfectly into the storyline. Many would expect Will Smith to separate himself from the remainder of the cast but that wasn’t the case at all. Smith is incredible as usual, but I thought the writers did a fantastic job distributing the workload, allowing each actor the ability to bring their characters to life. The way the story unfolds is slightly reminiscent to one of my all-time favorite films, 2004’s drama Crash, which also starred Michael Peña. I felt like the entire cast did a fantastic job, but Peña stuck out to me as my favorite performance. As a supporting actor in most films, he tends to get overlooked but he has tremendous range as an actor, showcasing his ability to be funny and also his knack for a deep and dramatic role. His character in Collateral Beauty displayed incredible depth, especially given his somewhat limited screen time compared to Smith’s character. I also feel the need to mention Jacob Latimore, hailed as a “breakout star” by Variety and IndieWire, who is best known for Black Nativity and The Maze Runner. He plays a supporting yet vital role and I really enjoyed the energy he brought to his character.

Similar to the powerful message the film is able to convey, Collateral Beauty is not perfect. It may not be groundbreaking or Oscar-worthy, but it is still an impactful film with its heart in the right place, and it deserves to be appreciated. Like many of us, Collateral Beauty wears its heart on its sleeve which makes it vulnerable to criticism in many ways, but sometimes vulnerability is necessary to expose true beauty. As corny as that may be, I do believe that’s true, and this film reinforces that mindset. Tell the critics to get bent this time around, because Collateral Beauty is worth your time and your money. Recommended.

Manchester by the Sea

Director Kenneth Lonergan

Genre Drama

Cast Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges

Rating R

Release Date December 16th, 2016

“An uncle is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.”

Manchester by the Sea is an intensely emotional drama, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film takes place in an actual town called Manchester-by-the-Sea located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The town was known simply as Manchester until 1989, after a controversial campaign to change the name. Manchester by the Sea premiered at Sundance Film festival in 2016, and was previously featured on the 2014 Blacklist- the list of the most "liked" unmade scripts of the year. The film stars Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges.

Revolving around a difficult and understandably depressing subject matter, Manchester by the Sea is expertly acted and genuinely heartfelt. It honestly felt like an eternity from when I heard about this film to when it finally received a wide-release in my area, but it was well worth the wait. This is the epitome of film as an art form by way of showcasing human emotion in all its varying complexities. I had a pretty good idea what to expect from the premise as a whole but I was honestly taken back a bit in terms of just how deep and involved the script was, which was well beyond what was presented in the trailer or the synopsis. In my humble opinion, what makes the success of this film so impressive is the fact that it was built from the ground up with raw "ingredients," compared to that of the standard CGI-heavy super hero movie. Manchester by the Sea shines thanks to a deeply emotional and heartfelt script, flawless directing, and a uniquely talented and hardworking cast with incredible chemistry. To an extent I feel as though you need to have experienced a significant loss at some point in your life to truly connect with the emotions the characters are experiencing, and the fact that each and every individual handles loss in a variety of ways. But at the same time, what makes Manchester by the Sea such an impactful film is the depth of the characters, making it possible for audiences of varying backgrounds to appreciate the powerful message conveyed by the film. 

You simply can't deny the importance of the screenplay in terms of the success achieved by Manchester by the Sea, but none of that would matter without the performances delivered by an outstanding cast. I personally feel like Casey Affleck is easily the most underappreciated actor in Hollywood, and the guy delivers one incredible performance after another. Affleck seems to be the rare actor that is genuinely selective in terms of the projects he is willing to take on, and although he has starred in some great films, rarely are they big-budget releases that catch the attention of pretty much everyone worldwide. Every now and then his name will pop up as a supporting actor in a big Hollywood release, but generally when he is the lead, the film is almost always of the independent variety. I can just about guarantee the majority of you reading this have yet to even hear about Affleck's 2013 film Ain't Them Bodies Saints, where he starred alongside Rooney Mara and Ben Foster. If you can appreciate a quality indie film with an artful feel, check that one out. To no surprise Affleck is absolutely amazing in Manchester by the Sea, as he manages to display a range of emotion rarely seen, while playing the role of a man holding on to more pain than most of us will experience in our lifetimes. Affleck deserves a shot at Best Actor, no question about it. Another actor who deserves mentioning come award time is co-star Lucas Hedges. Hedges delivers what I consider a breakout role as he develops impeccable on-screen chemistry with Affleck. Michelle Williams delivers a beautiful performance by somehow perfectly matching Affleck's emotional intensity during the crucial scenes they have together. Overall, just an outstanding job by the entire cast bringing their characters to life while exhibiting the highest level of human emotion. 

As pointed out by star Casey Affleck when he recently hosted SNL, Manchester by the Sea is a seriously depressing film due to the all-encompassing "dark cloud" hovered over the characters, but it is so well-written and expertly acted that you will be captivated nonetheless. This is a fine example of a film that works because everything comes together perfectly. The script has depth, the directing style and cinematography make you feel like you are there, and most importantly the emotion displayed by the characters will undoubtedly give you chills. I had sky-high expectations and Manchester by the Sea met my expectations and then some. This is a film that feels very real, and includes real-life characters dealing with some of life's most trying times, so if you are expecting a cookie-cutter script with a fairy-tale ending, you will be disappointed. If you want to experience one of the best film's 2016 has to offer, look no further. Highly recommended. 

Office Christmas Party

Director Josh Gordon, Will Speck

Genre Comedy

Cast T.J. Miller, Jason Bateman, Kate McKinnon, and Olivia Munn

Rating R

Release Date December 9th, 2016

“When his uptight CEO sister threatens to shut down his branch, the branch manager throws an epic Christmas party in order to land a big client and save the day, but the party gets way out of hand...”

Office Christmas Party is a star-studded comedy from directors Josh Gordon and Will Speck, who previously worked together on Blades of Glory and The Switch. The title for the film was actually inspired by a Saturday Night Live (SNL) skit of the same name. Office Christmas party stars Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, T.J. Miller, and Olivia Munn. 

With a cast consisting of SNL alums as well as a few of Hollywood’s best, Office Christmas Party provides plenty of laughs and a script strong enough to remain entertaining throughout. Is it the best comedy of the year? Not even close, but I really don’t think it was trying to be. This is a clear-cut example of a film with a terrific cast and a smart enough script to ensure everyone involved has a good time, and viewers reap the benefits. I will point out that the writers attempt to provide the story with a bit of an emotional layer in an effort to appeal to audiences in a bigger way, but that doesn’t work quite as well as intended. You still feel for T.J. Miller and Jason Bateman's characters and the bigger meaning the writers attempt to convey, but this is certainly not a holiday movie that will bring a tear to your eye. It is a comedy through and through. None the less, Office Christmas Party had me laughing pretty much the entire time and that’s all I was looking for.

Office Christmas Party has a fantastic cast that is absolutely stacked. Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman are very familiar with comedic roles opposite each other after both starring in Horrible Bosses 1 & 2, The Switch, and The Break Up. This time around they both deliver top tier performances as expected. Aniston once again plays the character with pent up anger but as usually she looks damn good doing it. Not quite Horrible Bosses sexy dentist with a freaky side but still pretty damn good. I am a huge T.J. Miller fan and he was easily my favorite in the film. He isn’t nearly as funny as his Erlich Bachman character in the hilarious HBO series Silicon Valley, but he still brings his undeniably funny and distinct brand of humor. I would hate myself if I didn’t give a well-deserved nod to former SNL star Kate McKinnon. As usual she plays a very unique and awkward character, while earning her fair share of laughs. Between her facial expressions and over-the-top mannerisms, I challenge you to keep a straight face when she is on screen. Olivia Munn was solid but didn’t really stand out for me. Rob Corddry fit the role of angry, bitter guy people can’t seem to control perfectly. 

Office Christmas Party has an all-star cast and a talented crew of writers, ensuring a final product worth your time and more importantly your money. I can’t say I laughed quite as hard as my lady did during the movie but I certainly LOL’ed my fair share, trust me. Do yourself a favor and enjoy Office Christmas Party for what it is, a goofy and much needed light-hearted comedy for a hectic and inevitably stressful holiday season. Recommended.

Moonlight

Director Barry Jenkins

Genre Drama

Cast Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert, Trevante Rhodes

Rating R

Release Date October 21st, 2016

“A timeless story of human connection and self-discovery, Moonlight chronicles the life of a young black man from childhood to adulthood as he struggles to find his place in the world while growing up in a rough neighborhood of Miami.”

Moonlight is a powerful coming-of-age film directed and co-written by Barry Jenkins. Although Jenkins experience lies with short films for the most part, he does have experience with a somewhat similar subject matter. His other full-length film released in 2008 entitled Medicine for Melancholy, which he wrote and directed. Categorized as a romantic drama taking place over a 24-hour period, it received wide acclaim from critics as a limited release. Moonlight stars Mahershala Ali, Naomie Harris, Alex R. Hibbert, and Trevante Rhodes. 

Moonlight is much more than a movie, it is a powerful exercise in emotion that will continue to resonate well after the credits roll. This is the rare film that somehow manages to bring a sensitive issue front and center without feeling exploitative in any way. That is no easy feat especially in this day-and-age, trust me. You can't even cast a film without backlash for "whitewashing", or "yellowashing,” or even "bluewashing" (an all Blue Man Group cast perhaps?). Who knows what they will come up with next? All kidding aside, we live in a sensitive time and for that reason Moonlight absolutely needs to be experienced by each and every person in society. The seamless transition from a young boy to a teenager, and on to a grown man is a pleasure to experience, as heartbreaking as it may be at times. Our journey through life takes us to many different places, and may force us to face various inner demons, whether we are prepared for them or not. Moonlight proves that no matter what, staying true to oneself is the first step in becoming who you were meant to be from the very beginning. 

In what is shaping out to be an exciting award season for groundbreaking indie films, Moonlight finds itself leading the pack according to early pre-award season buzz. For a film to even be considered for many of the prestigious awards handed out when the time comes, acting is undoubtedly one of the primary determining factors. Moonlight may not include the A-list cast that everyone will immediately recognize, but I promise you the talent level is unmatched. Lead by veteran actor Mahershala Ali, the cast is extremely well rounded. Ali should be a familiar face for most of you, although he is far from a household name. He had a supporting role in The Place Beyond the Pines, and most recently he played a big part in The Free State of Jones. He also starred as the nemesis to Luke Cage in Marvel's exclusive Netflix series. Ali is dynamic in this role, as he totally invests himself in a rather complex character with a tough exterior, that over time proves to have a deeply hidden sensitive side yearning for an escape. The protagonist (or main character) starts as a young boy, develops into a teenager in high school, and eventually becomes a grown man, so clearly he has to be played by 3 separate actors. What I found interesting is the fact that each "version" of him has a different title due to the various nicknames he is given as he grows up. As a boy he is known as "Little" and is played by Alex R. Hibbert. As a teenager he is played by Ashton Sanders and is known as "Chiron,” and as an adult he is played by Trevante Rhodes and is known as "Black.” All 3 actors deliver extremely impactful performances and ensure the films message is delivered the way it was meant to be. 

Moonlight is an incredible film with a powerful and long-lasting message. Director Barry Jenkins proves that he has a knack for films like this and I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.  Hopefully he takes on his next project without an 8-year gap. Moonlight is deeply engaging but for some this can be construed as slow, so a certain level of patience is required. If you give Moonlight a chance, it will absolutely have an impact on you, I promise you that. If you are someone who likes to see the films guaranteed to be prevalent come award season, Moonlight should be at the top of your list. Highly recommended. 

The Edge of Seventeen

Director Kelly Fremon

Genre Comedy

Cast Hailee Steinfeld, Blake Jenner, Haley Lu Richardson, Woody Harrelson

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother.”

The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age dramedy (that's a drama/comedy for those of you unfamiliar with sophisticated Hollywood terminology) about a High School junior and the struggles she faces, not only as a typical awkward, often moody, teenager, but also in unexpected life events. It is written and directed by Kelly Fremon Craig and The Edge of Seventeen is her directorial debut. The film has an impressive cast including Hailee Steinfeld (Pitch Perfect 2), Woody Harrelson, Blake Jenner (Everybody Wants Some!!, Glee), Kyra Sedgwick, and Haley Lu Richardson (The Bronze).

With an incredibly smart and uniquely engaging script, as well as a very talented cast, The Edge of Seventeen is a coming-of-age film tailored for all ages. I'll admit, I enjoy and sometimes even prefer films of the coming-of-age variety, but this particular film raises the bar. Not only is the script smart, it’s insightful and has tremendous depth, touching on traditional family drama in a way that is engaging and emotionally enriching. This is the story of a teenager struggling to find herself while being dealt some of the worst cards life can offer, and it is a pleasure to experience. The characters come to life and develop complex relationships, even outside of the main character. Relatively inexperienced director/writer Kelly Fremon Craig out did herself, and I can't wait to watch her sure to be promising career unfold.

The Edge of Seventeen does a lot really well, and veering away from the impressive script for a second, the acting is also top tier. Hailee Steinfeld is dynamic in the lead role of misunderstood high school junior, Nadine. The range of emotion she is able to display speaks volumes for her talent as an actress. I am a huge Woody Harrelson fan and have been for as long as I can remember, the guy is a genius within the acting profession. Coming as no surprise to me, he is incredible in this film. As Nadine's history teacher, he has arguably one of the biggest influences on her as she navigates the treacherous road that is the high school experience. I could watch their scenes together over and over again. Kyra Sedgwick and Blake Jenner are perfectly cast as Nadine's mother and brother and the chemistry between them is almost otherworldly.

Unlike so many films that came before it, The Edge of Seventeen isn't built on one-liners, it's built on moments of raw emotion that will make you feel something. It is a crowd pleaser that will more than likely take you by surprise. Do yourself a favor and forget the notion that coming-of-age films are below you or are similar to what many consider to be "chick flicks". This is an example of quality filmmaking no matter what the genre and demands to be seen. I will be adding this to my entirely unnecessarily large Blu-ray collection and who knows, I may even see it a second time in theaters. Highly recommended.

Bleed for This

Director Ben Younger

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

Cast Miles Teller, Katey Sagal, Aaron Eckhart, Ciarán Hinds

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

“The inspirational story of World Champion Boxer Vinny Pazienza who, after a near fatal car crash, which left him not knowing if he’d ever walk again, made one of sport’s most incredible comebacks.”

Bleed for This is an emotional sports drama based on the life and career of boxing star Vinny "The Pazmanian Devil" Pazienza. The film is directed by Ben Younger, his first film since 2005's Prime. During an interview, the real Vinny Paz as he calls himself these days, now 53 years old, is quoted as saying the film is 1000% accurate. Bleed for This stars Miles Teller (Whiplash, War Dogs), Katey Sagal (Sons of Anarchy), Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), and Ciarán Hinds (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Woman in Black). 

A raw and intimate portrayal of a man and his will to fight, Bleed for This is a powerful story brought to life by a talented cast. I went into the theater relatively oblivious in terms of Vinny Pazienza's career, but I figured a fresh mind was the best way to experience the film. Not only was I blown away by Pazienza's story and the struggles he faced, I was thoroughly impressed by how raw and genuinely gritty the film felt in terms of the cinematography, score, etc.  At times you will feel the urge to look away during some of the more heart-wrenching moments but that speaks volumes to the effectiveness of the story. I felt invested in the pain experienced by the characters as well as the unbreakable bonds that were created. A career-defining performance by underappreciated actor Miles Teller invites the audience to not only experience what Pazienza went through during the most difficult time in his life, but to actually feel his pain, and in some small way relate to his incredible perseverance. Bleed for This feels reminiscent of Mark Wahlberg's boxing film The Fighter (also based on true events) as they do share many similarities, but overall I have to give the nod to Teller, especially considering Wahlberg's performance was slightly overshadowed by talented actor Christian Bale in the 2010 film.

As I touched on already, Bleed for This put together a cast that was born to tell this story. Lead by Miles Teller, who delivers a performance that should have people talking come award-season, the entire cast seemed to reach a level of chemistry not often found in film today.  This is easily Teller's best performance since 2014's drama Whiplash, which earned him a Best Actor nomination. Aaron Eckhart is outstanding in a supporting role as Pazienza's trainer Kevin Rooney. Rooney, a current trainer, formerly trained Mike Tyson for about 3 years at the beginning of his professional career in 1985. Eckhart effortlessly portrays a man with many demons, but at his core a kind heart and indestructible loyalty. Veteran actor Ciarán Hinds, with 107 credits on his iMDB page, plays Vinny's father Angelo. Hinds and Teller have a strong father/son bond evident throughout the film. Former Married with Children and Sons of Anarchy star Katey Sagal is great as the somewhat overbearing, but loving mother.

Bleed for This is not only an incredible sports drama based on true-events, it is a film so well made it should appeal to all audiences. Movies based on actual events are a dime a dozen these days and they always seem to be very "loosely based," which can be frustrating. As Confirmed by Vinny Pazienza himself, Bleed for This is as accurate as possible and actually toned down a bit in a few aspects, which is unheard of.  Do yourself a favor and take the time to check out this incredible true story, you won't be disappointed. Highly recommended and "Paz Approved". 

Arrival

Director Denis Villeneuve

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

Cast Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, Michael Stuhlbarg

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

“A linguist is recruited by the military to assist in translating alien communications.”

Arrival is a sci-fi drama brought to us by acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve. The screenplay for the film is based on the science fiction short story entitled Story of Your Life, written by author Ted Chiang. The film originally shared the same name but after negative feedback from test audiences, the title was changed to Arrival. The film stars Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Forest Whitaker, and Michael Stuhlbarg. 

Arrival is a thought provoking and hard hitting sci-fi drama, showcasing what may be the best performance of Amy Adams’s illustrious career.  Although it is science fiction, Arrival simply feels real, and that alone may be what sets it apart. I have heard a few comparisons to Christopher Nolan's Interstellar due to a few similarities. No offense to Nolan, who is a genius in his own right, but in my personal opinion Arrival is a superior film. Director Denis Villeneuve is putting together quite the resume, with hits like Prisoners and Sicario. Arrival is the newest notch in his belt and similar to the other two I mentioned, the strength of this film falls on the cast, script, and his proven talent behind the camera. Villeneuve struts his directorial muscles with impressive cinematography contributing perfectly to the feel of the film. The effectiveness of a quality score is commonly overlooked when it comes to what makes a film great, but the contribution made by Academy Award-nominated composer Jóhann Jóhannsson for Arrival is incredibly moving. It will give you chills (don't worry, it's of the positive variety).

The cast is absolutely outstanding in Arrival, lead by a masterful performance from Amy Adams. Within minutes into the start of the film, Adams’s character develops as a relatable and extremely empathetic individual. Jeremy Renner is incredible as well, helping to establish one of the best actor/actress tandems in recent memory. The two previously starred together in 2013’s hit film American Hustle. Forrest Whitaker deserves to have his name mentioned as he delivers a strong supporting role alongside Adam’s and Renner. Veteran actor Michael Stuhlbarg, who most recently played the role of Arnold Rothstein in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, also makes his mark with a strong performance. The rest of the supporting cast is unquestionably effective but the aforementioned leads and supporting actors carry the weight for the length of the film.

Arrival is a unique experience and not only will it have you mesmerized, it will catch you by surprise and have you talking long after the credits roll. Denis Villeneuve went to work with a cast and a script determined to impress, and that it does. If you enjoy being challenged intellectually or can simply appreciate quality filmmaking, Arrival is well worth checking out. Highly recommended.

Hacksaw Ridge

Director Mel Gibson

Genre Biography | Drama | History

Cast Andrew Garfield, Teresa Palmer, Sam Worthington, Luke Bracey

Rating R

Release Date November 4th, 2016

“WWII American Army Medic Desmond T. Doss, who served during the Battle of Okinawa, refuses to kill people and becomes the first Conscientious Objector in American history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.”

Hacksaw Ridge is a war drama based on the inspiring true story of Desmond T. Doss and his heroic actions during WWII and the Battle of Okinawa. The film is directed by the controversial yet very talented actor/director Mel Gibson. The impressive cast includes Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spider-Man), Teresa Palmer (The Choice), Sam Worthington (Avatar), and Luke Bracey (Point Break).

Hacksaw Ridge is an intensely compelling, finely crafted, and extremely graphic war drama, telling a powerful story of incredible heroism. It not only reminds us of the good old days of Saving Private Ryan and Black Hawk Down, it carves a place of its own as a phenomenal war drama. Rarely is a film able to deliver heartfelt drama as well as just enough humor to tickle its audience, but Hacksaw Ridge answers the call. Regardless of whether you love him or hate him, Mel Gibson yet again proves his ability to tell a story that includes violence at a level many have yet to experience on screen, let alone in real-life. The cinematography is second to none and provides a realistic backdrop for the war-torn battlefield of Okinawa. To avoid Hacksaw Ridge because of the graphic violence would be disappointingly contradictory. War is ugly, violent, and downright traumatizing, but we must face the reality in order to truly appreciate those who fought for us. The story is full of life and immensely engaging from start to finish, ensuring the just under 2 ½ hour runtime glides along smoothly. If I had to try and critique the film I would point out the fact that it does take a bit to get going, but the story is so fascinating and touching, boredom is the last thing you will experience.

Hacksaw Ridge delivers top notch acting from top to bottom. Andrew Garfield is amazing in his portrayal of Desmond T. Doss, expressing the raw emotion of a man with a strong belief system and a unique set of values. Vince Vaughn is incredible in a supporting role, offering a perfect blend of comedy and charisma. I also really enjoyed Sam Worthington's supporting role as one of the many men who misjudged Doss from the very beginning. Teresa Palmer plays a limited yet very effective role as Doss's love interest but she makes a positive impact on the film nonetheless. The strength of the cast was easily one of the best aspects of Hacksaw Ridge and everyone quite simply gave it their all.

Hacksaw Ridge tells an incredible story that is so heroic and selfless, at times I found myself feeling as though it must be fiction. Desmond T. Doss is a real American hero who symbolized the strength of staying true to oneself no matter what. His actions saved lives that almost certainly would have been lost without his strength and determination. The events that took place during WWII changed the lives of many and will forever live on as part of our history. Hacksaw Ridge is a very violent and justifiably realistic portrayal of war so viewer discretion is most certainly advised. With that being said, this is a film that should not be missed. Highly recommended.

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Director Mike Flanagan

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Lulu Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser, Henry Thomas, Kate Siegel

Rating PG-13

Release Date October 21st, 2016

“In 1965 Los Angeles, a widowed mother and her two daughters add a new stunt to bolster their seance scam business and unwittingly invite authentic evil into their home. When the youngest daughter is overtaken by a merciless spirit, the family confronts unthinkable fears to save her and send her possessor back to the other side.”

Ouija: Origin of Evil is the sequel to the money-making yet critically shredded horror film Ouija (2014). Taking a step back from the original, writer/director Mike Flanagan was brought on board to replace amateur director Stiles White (Ouija was his first feature-film). Ouija: Origin of Evil stars Lulu Wilson, Elizabeth Reaser, Henry Thomas, and Kate Siegel.  

Sticking with the tried and true formula reminiscent of old school horror, Ouija: Origin of Evil packs enough scares to satisfy the vast majority of genre fans. Terrific acting and a well-written script provide a believable and authentic feel to a horror film that is unquestionably leaps and bounds superior to its predecessor (although the bar was set extremely low). One of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to horror films is a corny feel, which to me discredits everything else the film may be doing well. Ouija: Origin of Evil does a good job avoiding falling into that hole. My biggest complaint, which admittedly is a huge flaw for a horror film, is that it’s only marginally scary (in my opinion anyway and I do have a high tolerance). It does maintain a creepy feel throughout, which deserves mentioning. The addition of talented director Mike Flanagan was a huge win for the film. He has a knack for quality horror and seems to understand how to create the right feel for viewers. He previously wrote and directed a few other horror hits, including Oculus as well as the Netflix exclusive Hush. Ouija: Origin of Evil may not be the scariest film you will have the opportunity of seeing, but it holds up as one of the better horror releases of a sub-par 2016.

Ouija: Origin of Evil gives the cast more than enough to work with and they take advantage of their opportunities. Even though it doesn't have the acting talent that Lights Out had, the cast is solid from top to bottom with strong performances all around. Elizabeth Reaser is fantastic in her role as the mother, and she is able to develop a strong chemistry with Lulu Wilson and Annalise Basso, who play her two daughters. To me Lulu Wilson's performance is most notable, primarily due to the fact that she plays such an important role that could make or break the film. Sometimes a horror film is forced to rely on the effectiveness of that "creepy little girl" and the 11 year-old actress was up to the challenge. We will be seeing her again in May 2017 when the Annabelle sequel hits theaters. Henry Thomas also delivers a formidable and effective performance as the priest (fun fact, he is the boy in the red hoodie riding the bicycle over the moon in the 1982 hit film E.T.). 

Ouija: Origin of Evil is a solid entry in the horror genre that gets most things right. Those of you seeking something scary beyond comprehension will be disappointed, but when is the last time a film that scary released anyway? The days of truly scary horror films may be behind us, although I really hope that is not the case. At the end of the day, this is a better than average horror film that deserves at least one viewing, maybe even two. Recommended.   

                   6.5/10                     82%                       6.5/10

The Girl on the Train

Director Tate Taylor

Genre Mystery | Thriller

Cast Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Luke Evans, Rebecca Ferguson

Rating R

Release Date October 7th, 2016

“A divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.”

The Girl on the Train is a psychological thriller directed by actor/director Tate Taylor (The Help, Get on Up). The film is based on the book of the same name written by Paula Hawkins. At the time of this review, the book stands as the fastest-selling adult novel in history (according to iMDB.com). The Girl on the Train has an impressive cast lead by Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, Sicario). The cast also includes Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett (The Magnificent Seven), Justin Theroux, and Edgar Ramirez (Point Break).

Although it falls short of its paperback counterpart, The Girl on the Train is an effective thriller with above average acting. I read the book this past spring and once you get through about a quarter of the book, you won’t be able to put it down. I was thrilled when I found out Emily Blunt would be playing the lead role in the film version as she is easily one of my favorite actresses. Critics were very hard on The Girl on the Train which had me concerned, but I also understood just how difficult it can be to transition a book to a film. The Girl on the Train is told in such a unique way with shifting perspectives that I knew it would be nearly impossible to come even close to the expectations set by the book. After finally seeing the film to allow myself the opportunity to form my own opinion, I enjoyed it. Perhaps that was partly due to having developed lower expectations but I felt that it was well acted and entertaining. It is important to mention that my girlfriend who went in having not yet read the book had nothing but good things to say. 

In The Girl on the Train Emily Blunt delivers a fantastic performance as troubled Rachel Watson. Rachel's character is full of seemingly insurmountable demons brought on by a failed marriage and more than her fair share of bad luck. The key with her character is the ability to draw sympathy from the audience, while continuing to solidify a feeling of uneasiness with her character and Blunt more than succeeds in that regard. Blunt occupies the majority of the screen time but in my personal opinion the next most notable performance is delivered by Rebecca Ferguson in her role as Anna. Best known for Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation, Ferguson is a beautiful and extremely versatile actress who is in the process of building quite the resume for herself. Veteran actor Justin Theroux (who most recently has delivered award-winning performances on HBO's recurring drama The Leftovers) more than pulls his weight in a pivotal role.   

The Girl on the Train was unable to live up to the high expectations set by the book but that shouldn’t deter people from giving it a chance. With a strong cast and a deeply involved story, it still stands as a solid thriller worth the price of admission. If you read the book I suggest lowering your expectations and if you are going in to the theater with a blank slate you will be impressed.

The Magnificent Seven

Director Antoine Fuqua

Genre Action | Western

Cast Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Haley Bennett, Vincent D'Onofrio

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 23rd, 2016

“Seven gun men in the old west gradually come together to help a poor village against savage thieves.”

The Magnificent Seven is a remake of the hit 1960 western of the same name which starred western action hero Steve McQueen. McQueen was one of the most popular actors in the world during his heyday, and his untimely death in 1980, due to a large tumor he attempted to have removed at a low-rate clinic in Mexico, served as quite a shock. Even though I was born 4 years after his death, his name has come up quite often and hopefully they continue to remake some of his old classics, if for no other reason than to remind people of the late star. The Magnificent Seven is directed by Antoine Fuqua, and stars Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, and Haley Bennett. 

The Magnificent Seven is a well-acted, impressively shot, western style shoot-em-up theater experience, with a surprisingly big heart. I went in to the theater expected a somewhat corny action comedy which would have been more than okay, but instead I was treated to a film with substance, not to mention a tug at the heart strings here and there. The Magnificent Seven reveals a strong backstory as the plot unfolds, which I felt helped to add significance to the story as a whole. One of my primary concerns was the fact that all too often a stellar cast is assembled and the final product is a convoluted mess, big egos getting in the way of hard work. With The Magnificent Seven, that is far from the case. Director Antoine Fuqua made the most of his cast and ensured that each and every actor invested in their characters, with no actor or character bigger than the overall greater good of the film. Fuqua has quite the impressive resume having directed hit films like Training Day, Shooter, and The Equalizer, just to name a few. Don’t let the runtime of just over 2 hours scare you, trust me when I say it will feel more like a quick hour and a half. 

Quality acting is a key component in The Magnificent Seven but the best part is simple, it all looks fun. The stellar cast clearly enjoyed the making of this film and it shows. With stars ranging from Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke, Chris Pratt, Haley Bennett, and many others, acting talent is evident in spades. The script ensures that each character comes to life on screen which is sometimes difficult to do with such a wide range of characters. Denzel Washington easily makes the biggest impact in his role but Chris Pratt and Ethan Hawke do a phenomenal job earning the love and admiration of the audience. Haley Bennett makes quite the impact in her role as a woman wronged who makes it very clear that even though she requires some help, she is more than capable of holding her own. Also, and more importantly, I am really digging her with red hair. Vincent D'Onofrio plays a very ridiculous role and will definitely have you chuckling. I feel bad leaving out the others because this film really does have a stacked cast, but trust me when I say they all more than earned their paycheck.

The Magnificent Seven is a damn fun time at the movie theater, and ends up being much more than what most would consider a popcorn flick. Simply put, it is well worth the price of admission. Unless of course you hate western themed action comedies with an A-list cast. I grew up watching bits and pieces of westerns with my dad who was a huge western fanatic, primarily anything with Clint Eastwood or John Wayne. He would always tell me that they were the biggest "badasses" around and people knew better than to mess with them. I thought that was pretty cool. My youth may have something to do with my appreciation for the remakes of old western classic's, and as far as quality goes The Magnificent Seven is up there close to the 3:10 To Yuma remake from 2007. Do yourself a favor and check this one out before it leaves theaters. Recommended.