Wind River

Director Taylor Sheridan

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene, Jon Bernthal

Rating R

Release Date August 4th, 2017

“An FBI agent teams with a town’s veteran game tracker to investigate a murder that occurred on a Native American reservation.”

Wind River is a crime thriller from up-and-coming writer and director Taylor Sheridan, the man who penned the scripts for Sicario and Hell or High Water. Sheridan prides himself on bringing together some of the absolutes best aspects of a great film, including creative and original screenplays, top-tier casts, fantastic cinematography, and an unrelenting score. The cast for Wind River includes Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Graham Greene, and John Bernthal.

Perfectly acted with a bone chilling score, Wind River is an atmospheric crime thriller from the uber-talented Taylor Sheridan. My anticipation and level of excitement was at a boiling point by the time this film finally made its debut at a theater near me. Initially it opened as a limited release, and interestingly enough I was actually able to finally see it while on vacation in Alaska. It still has yet to make it to theaters back home in southern Maine, which is an absolute travesty. To say Wind River is worth driving a few cities over to a theater that has it would be an understatement, because this is an experience well worth the extra time and gas money. Sheridan is masterful behind the camera in his ability to immerse viewers in the frigid Wyoming conditions presented on-screen. Similar to Sheridan's recent writing credit Hell or High Water, Wind River is a genuinely intimate portrayal of an intense and complex thriller. Sheridan has made a seamless transition from acting to writing and directing, after playing a big role in the earlier seasons of the hit series Sons of Anarchy, and even played a small role in Hell or High Water. He is certainly a multifaceted talent to watch in Hollywood. The only contributing factor weighing as heavily on the success of Wind River next to the directing and the acting is the score, which to me is an underrated yet immensely powerful tool. The score sets the tone and magnifies the most powerful scenes Wind River has to offer, helping to keep viewers eyes glued to the screen. Sorry, but bathroom breaks will have to wait. The cinematography is amazing as well, and I found myself in awe of the beautiful Wyoming scenery. I would certainly prefer to avoid the brutal weather they contend with in that neck of the woods, but I still can't discount the undeniable appeal of the picturesque views and close knit feel of the community. As dark as Wind River is for the majority of the runtime just shy of 2 hours, it will still manage to get a few laughs out of you, which is pretty impressive. I honestly can't say enough great things about this film and if a legitimate flaw exists I must've missed it, because this is quality filmmaking at its finest.

Wind River is absolutely loaded with acting talent, bringing together a strong supporting cast as well as a few of Hollywood’s staples. The talented cast is lead by Jeremy Renner and Elizabeth Olson, who develop masterful chemistry throughout the film. I am a huge Jeremy Renner fan and have been since his performance in The Hurt Locker, and Wind River is yet another opportunity for him to flex his acting muscles in a dramatic role. Many actors struggle with the ability to truly immerse themselves into a role, especially when playing a character with a complicated past, but Renner succeeds on all fronts. Elizabeth Olsen plays the role of a young FBI agent stumbling upon a situation she never could have anticipated to absolute perfection. I’m not sure if many people will share the same sentiment but Olsen was one of my favorite under-the-radar actresses well before she snagged a key role in the Marvel films. She seems to strive in dramatic roles, and Wind River fits her skill set perfectly. Veteran actor Graham Greene is amazing in a supporting role, and even considering the difficult subject matter of the film, he manages to lighten the mood at times offering a nice change of pace. Most viewers will recognize him but won’t know exactly what they’ve seen him in, but he is a great actor and gets it done here. I am a huge fan of Jon Bernthal, who most remember as Shane from The Walking Dead, and even though he plays a small part in this film, it is a damn crucial role. Bernthal comes in almost out of nowhere and has one of the most impactful performances in Wind River. The supporting cast was fantastic all around without a weak spot to speak of.

Wind River wraps up the crime thriller trilogy for writer and director Taylor Sheridan, rounding out the impressive duo of Sicario and Hell or High Water. It continues the epic run of top-notch storytelling, an a-list cast, and one of the most effective scores this year. If you've enjoyed Sheridan's first two films or simply have a genuine appreciation for a crime thriller that will stay with you well after you leave the theater, I can't recommend Wind River enough. Highly recommended.

Annabelle: Creation

Director David F. Sandberg

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson, Javier Botet

Rating R

Release Date August 11th, 2017

“Several years after the tragic death of their little girl, a dollmaker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, soon becoming the target of the dollmaker’s possessed creation, Annabelle.”

Annabelle: Creation is the follow-up to the underachieving 2014 horror film Annabelle, an extension of The Conjuring, which was inspired by the paranormal investigations of Ed and Lorraine Warren. Annabelle: Creation brings back the original writer Gary Dauberman, but they make a change with the director and bring in David F. Sandberg, the man who had his feature film debut recently with the successful horror film Lights Out, an idea based on a short film he also directed. The cast includes Stephanie Sigman, Miranda Otto, Lulu Wilson, and Javier Bote.

A vast improvement over its predecessor, Annabelle: Creation benefits from a talented director and some creative storytelling, but seasoned horror fans will be left wanting more. I was a huge fan of The Conjuring and I felt that the sequel was decent, but definitely paled in comparison to the original. The first Annabelle film, released after The Conjuring, was the first extension of what is now known as the "Conjuring Universe", but unfortunately it fell a bit flat for most critics and viewers, myself included. Annabelle: Creation starts from scratch and essentially serves as a prequel to the first film. So what did I think of the movie? It might be easier for me to break it down in a pros and cons format. First let me start with the pros, this is a crafty horror film utilizing some old school techniques to scare the audience. Director David F. Sandberg has an eye for horror, and he invests a great deal of effort in making sure that this is a film he could, and should, be proud of. Annabelle: Creation is half slow burn horror, and half creepy encounters mixed with jump scares, and everything works for the most part. You will feel very uneasy often, and will find yourself constantly scanning the screen for something that you know will be appearing very soon. That leads me to the cons, and I know this will sound like I didn't enjoy the movie even though I did, but at the end of the day Annabelle: Creation really isn't all that scary, at least to me anyway. It felt like the majority of the jump scares were set up in advance so that you knew something was coming, and to me that drastically impacts the effect of well-timed jump scares. Now, I am admittedly difficult to scare, and the last time I felt genuinely scared at the theater was during the first Paranormal Activity movie. I didn't know what to expect, and it honestly gave me chills and sent me home wondering if I would be able to get to sleep that night. Now THAT is the impact a horror movie is supposed to have on viewers. I had a sense of similar feelings during It Follows and The Witch as well. Annabelle: Creation was very creepy and dark, but it was just missing that something extra. I also felt like they really didn't do much with the R rating either, making me think that perhaps it was a marketing ploy to make viewers think the film pushes the limits more than it actually does. 

The cast for Annabelle: Creation is a bit on the younger side with Talitha Bateman and Lulu Wilson getting the bulk of the screen time. Lulu Wilson made quite an impression on me with her stellar performance in Ouiji: Origin of Evil, and her acting talents transitioned well to this role. She is an extremely talented young actress and is certainly one to watch. I'm not nearly as familiar with Talitha Bateman, who has played in a few less than great B movies, but Annabelle: Creation gave her an opportunity to shine and she took full advantage of it. I think she has a bright future ahead of her. I honestly felt like the rest of the cast was solid and benefited from some great direction, but nobody else really stood out as providing as much value as these two young actresses.

As I mentioned already, Annabelle: Creation is far superior to the first film, and the admittedly unsettling and genuinely creepy doll makes quite an impact. David F. Sandberg should be pleased with his first foray into the world of The Conjuring, and I still consider him to be one of the better up and coming horror directors. I just wish that Annabelle: Creation was a bit edgier, similar to his first feature film Lights Out, but considering that was a feature length adaptation of a short film he did, my guess is he didn't have quite the same creative freedoms he was afforded during that project. Sandberg also sets things up for not only the potential for another Annabelle, but he also sneaks in a very cool tease for another upcoming film in the “Conjuring Universe”. Annabelle: Creation isn't as scary as I hoped it would be, but this is still a high quality horror film that genre enthusiasts need to experience for themselves.

Atomic Blonde

Director David Leitch

Genre Action | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Eddie Marsan, John Goodman

Rating R

Release Date July 28th, 2017

“An undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.”

Atomic Blonde is a spy thriller from director David Leitch, the actor and stunt coordinator for films like Fight Club, 300, The Bourne Ultimatum, and many others. This is his first solo directorial debut. The film is based on Antony Johnston’s 2002 graphic novel The Coldest City. Charlize Theron and her production company Denver and Delilah Productions were sent the unpublished graphic novel 5 years prior, and Theron immediately decided this would be a passion project of hers. The cast includes Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, Eddie Marsan, and John Goodman.   

A sexy Charlize Theron heats up the Cold War in Atomic Blonde, and she is one blonde bombshell not to be messed with. This film benefited from a great deal of advertising and a gigantic marketing budget, and it was on my radar very early on. Each and every trailer added to the seemingly endless fun factor for this spy thriller. I am a little late getting this review posted but I did see Atomic Blonde on the first night, and I was quite pleased. The acting was top notch, the fight scenes were amazing, and my favorite aspect of the film aside from my undeniable attraction to Charlize Theron was the action sequences that took advantage of a stellar 80’s soundtrack. A few scenes sync the start of the music and the action perfectly, and for my money those scenes were pretty damn cool. Now I’m not talking to the level of Baby Driver or anything like that, but still a very creative addition. The plot did feel unnecessarily convoluted at times which does take away from the overall impact of the film, but luckily the pros far outweigh the cons. The stunts in Atomic Blonde are absolutely incredible from top to bottom and all of the stunt coordinators deserve a great deal of credit. This film has the John Wick feel to it which is undoubtedly high praise.

Atomic Blonde includes a stellar cast lead by a performance from Charlize Theron worthy of a standing ovation. I watched some footage on the training Theron did to prepare for the film and in a nutshell she refused to back down from a challenge when it came to the stunts the film required. Her determination and dedication to the role and the authenticity of the film allowed the director and stunt coordinators the ability to push the envelope, ensuring some pretty amazing action sequences throughout the film. Starring alongside Theron was the extremely versatile Scotland born actor, James McAvoy. I personally thought McAvoy's role in the thriller Split was easily one of his most impressive on-screen performances- and he kicks things into high gear once again with Atomic Blonde. As an actor, McAvoy's ability to fully immersive himself in a role is tough to match. He literally becomes his character and whether that character is easy to love or easy to hate, or maybe a little of both, you can be sure you will feel strongly one way or the other after yet another very convincing performance from one of Hollywood's premier talents. John Goodman plays a very small yet effective role, and the same goes for Toby Jones. I also enjoyed Eddie Marsan's performance, and felt that he was able to take full advantage of a crucial role. He has a long list of acting credits but I personally recognize him from the Showtime series Ray Donovan.

Atomic Blonde is a stylishly shot, adrenaline inducing 2 hours of quality filmmaking. David Leitch is successful in his solo directorial debut and I really appreciated how he wasn’t scared to take a few chances, which worked out in his favor. At its core Atomic Blonde is top-notch, bringing to the table all of the necessary ingredients of a high quality Hollywood film. I still feel that the writing could have been slightly better, or perhaps the final edits for the film could have been handled a bit differently, but I honestly feel like I am splitting hairs. If you’ve seem the trailers for Atomic Blonde, enjoyed John Wick, or any of Leitch’s previous work for that matter, you will be more than pleased by his latest film and I am confident it will become a classic in what has become somewhat of a niche genre as of late.

A Family Man

Director Mark Williams

Genre Drama

Cast Alison Brie, Gerard Butler, Willem Dafoe, Gretchen Mol

Rating R

Release Date July 28th, 2017 (Limited & On-Demand)

“A Chicago personnel recruiter is hungry to stay on top of his competitive profession, but when his son is diagnosed with cancer, his priorities are called into question.”

A Family Man is a drama based on the incessant need for work-life balance in today's society, but more importantly, how we react when those close to us fall victim to a terrible illness. The film is directed by Mark Williams, his directorial debut, and is written by Bill Dubuque. The cast includes Allison Brie, Gerard Butler, Willem Dafoe, and Gretchen Mol. An interesting side note, writer Bill Dubuque went on to write and co-create the recently released Netflix series Ozark starring Jason Bateman, and he also penned the script for the Ben Affleck thriller The Accountant. He is a very talented guy.

A Family Man suffers from the usual impact of a limited budget, but overall this is a film with plenty of heart, and a cast that takes pride in their work. I read numerous critic reviews shredding this film, which had me hesitant to say the least. Officially releasing in 2016, A Family Man was eventually given a direct to On-Demand release as well as a very limited theatrical release. Without the option of a theatrical screening in my area I decided to make the On-Demand purchase, and let's just say I didn't regret my decision whatsoever. As a guy, I rarely admit this fact but I am a sucker for films that tug at the heart strings, with 50/50 and A Fault in Our Stars ranking relatively high on the list, and although A Family Man isn't on the same level, it isn't all that far behind. This is a film about a very serious issue that continues to plague our society and the world over for that matter, and it is NOT taken lightly. From the directing, the writing, right down to the acting, everything felt genuine and heartfelt, and to me that was probably the most important thing. I was reminded of what it means to put the needs of others before your own, as well as how important it is to spend your time on this earth doing something good, rather than simply spending your days self-serving and trying to simply get ahead. Now sure this movie has its fair share of average acting at times and perhaps a hole or two in the plot, but the final product still succeeds in simultaneously generating tears and smiles from viewers. As I stated previously this isn't a great film, but it is a quality film with a powerful message, and to me that is more than enough. 

The cast for A Family Man includes plenty of well-known names, most notable veteran actor Willem Dafoe, Gerard Butler, and Allison Brie. Dafoe plays a relatively small supporting role yet adds quite a lot to the story. I felt that his performance was pretty good overall. Gerard Butler's performance felt a bit off to me early on, which may have been due to the fact that this is a very different role compared to what I'm used to seeing him in. I've seen Law Abiding Citizen at least 10 times, so safe to say that has had an impact. Butler grows on me throughout the film, and by the end I felt that he delivered a convincing and inspiring performance all things considered. Actress Allison Brie is great, and I'm really enjoying her role in the Netflix exclusive series GLOW. In A Family Man she gets very limited screen time which was a bit unexpected, but she took full advantage of the small role she was given. Gretchen Mol receives a great deal of screen time and does well overall, but I just can't help but wonder how Brie would have been in her role. India born actor Anupam Kher was amazing in his role, and truly exemplified the kindness and sincerity his character required. Dwain Murphy also deserves recognition as a nurse’s aide, contributing to some of the more heartfelt moments of the film. All in all the cast was solid and as good as I could have hoped for considering the low-budget limited release nature of this film. I do feel like I need to give kudos to Alfred Molina for a quality performance, Max Jenkins for a pivotal role as the oldest of the three children, and Julia Butters as the little sister who was simply as cute as can be.

A Family Man is a solid debut for director Mark Williams, and more than anything else it is an impactful story. For one reason or another, critics in general felt the need to tear the film apart citing a melodrama with downright unlikable characters, neither of which I can agree with. To me this is actually pretty simple, A Family Man is a film with limited resources yet it has the best of intentions. Is that enough to rave about it as an absolute must-see? Of course not, but for those of you willing to ignore a few shortcomings, this is a film well worth your time.

Dunkirk

Director Christopher Nolan

Genre Action | Drama | History

Cast Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 21st, 2017

“Allied soldiers from Belgium, the British Empire, Canada and France are surrounded by the German army and evacuated during a fierce battle in World War II.”

Written and directed by mastermind Christopher Nolan, the man responsible for hit films like Memento, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, The Dark Knight Rises, Inception, and the list goes on and on. Bottom line, what this guy touches more often than not turns to gold. Dunkirk is a historical drama based on a fierce battle during World War II when Belgium, The British Empire, and France found themselves surrounded and under fire by the German army after they made the decision to retreat. The cast includes Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Mark Rylance, Kenneth Branagh, Fionn Whitehead, Aneurin Barnard, Harry Styles, Tom Glynn-Carney, and Barry Keoghan. 

Dunkirk is edge-of-your seat mayhem with a bone chilling score, and quite possibly the best historical war film I have ever seen. This is an absolute masterpiece, and it is hard to fathom the fact that this is Director Christopher Nolan’s first historical drama. German-born composer Hans Zimmer, who also worked with Nolan on The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception, and Interstellar, is an absolute genius and contributed greatly to the moments of intensity. I honestly can’t recall the last time a movie made me so nervous and anxious, and Dunkirk had me feeling that way pretty much the entire time. All kidding aside, I feel like this film took a few years off my life. Nolan is such an artist that he made me feel like I was attempting to flee the beaches at Dunkirk. What I thought was maybe the most impressive aspect of this film is how authentic it felt. It is widely known that Nolan is not a fan of using CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) with his films, and attempts to avoid it at all costs, and the authenticity absolutely pays off. Not once did I feel like I was watching anything that looked even remotely fake- if anything I had to remind myself that what I was watching wasn’t actual footage of the event that took place during WWII. Nolan went as far as using actual naval destroyers for the sea battles in the film, and even opted for cardboard cutouts of soldiers during the wide shot scenes instead of CGI to show the thousands of soldiers on the beach (don't worry, you can't tell). You will find yourself scanning the faces of the soldiers with a feeling of inspired curiosity- you really can see the pain and feeling of utter defeat in their facial expressions. I was able to see Dunkirk in the IMAX and I cannot stress this enough, if possible, see it in the IMAX!! The majority of the movie was specifically filmed for IMAX theaters, and every bomb dropped, gunshot fired, plane crash, and even the surreal wide shot peaceful scenes, need the big screen visuals and thunderous sound to be fully appreciated. After thinking long and hard about what I had just experienced, my only gripe with Dunkirk is the fact that it doesn’t end with a scene showing the U.S. military gearing up to go clean up this mess (kidding, sort of).

Dunkirk is a unique film in terms of the cast, mainly because it really doesn’t involve all that much dialogue. Christopher Nolan was actually quoted as saying he studied various silent films to use as inspiration for the many wide shot beach scenes. Nonetheless, the cast is fantastic from top to bottom. Tom Hardy plays his role to perfection as per usual. Cillian Murphy delivers a very strong and emotional role, putting everything he had into his character. I really enjoyed Mark Rylance’s character, and felt that he added a lot to the film in a supporting role. Inexperienced actors Fionn Whitehead and Aneurin Barnard are given quite a bit of screen time, and even though the amount of actual lines they have is limited, they both do a phenomenal job. Kenneth Branagh is superb in his role as a high ranking officer. And lastly, young actors Tom Glynn-Carney and Barry Keoghan deliver masterful performances, with their characters contributing to one of the more emotional scenes in the film. Musical artist Harry Styles, formerly of the band One Direction, makes his feature-film debut in Dunkirk. Even though his individual contribution is overshadowed by the sheer visual beauty like many other great performances in this film, he actually has a very solid debut. Now if he can somehow find himself on Nolan's speed dial, he may have a decent acting career to look forward to. I'm honestly not sure if anyone will get nominated come Oscar season because of the type of film this is, but at the very least some supporting role nominations would be well-deserved.

I consider myself to be a big fan of war inspired dramas, either based on historical events or not. Some of my favorites include The Hurt Locker, Zero Dark Thirty, Lone Survivor, Black Hawk Down (fun fact, this was actor Tom Hardy's very first film), Hacksaw Ridge, and Tropic Thunder, to name a few (just kidding about Tropic Thunder, obviously). I recently read Generation Kill, the book based on the recon Marines and their part in the Iraq Invasion, and I am now re-watching the HBO miniseries that is based on the book (it is amazing, by the way). I'm on a bit of a war kick lately. I think I am starting to get off topic, but the point I am trying to make is I fancy myself a good war flick- I enjoy the brutality, the intensity, and when they are fact based, the historical significance of it all. Not only did Dunkirk provide me an amazing experience and one of the best I have had in terms of a war film, it also afforded me insight into the events that took place at Dunkirk, that I had no idea about previously. I am excited to read up on it further to try and gain a little knowledge, and that is all thanks to Christopher Nolan. I can comfortably say that Nolan is without question the front runner for best director come award season, and it simply isn’t even close. Do yourself a favor and see this one sooner than later.

The Big Sick

Director Michael Showalter

Genre Comedy | Romance

Cast Kumail Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, Ray Romano

Rating R

Release Date July 14th, 2017

“A couple deals with their cultural differences as their relationship grows.”

The Big Sick is a comedy drama based on a true story. It is directed by Michael Showalter, who previously directed the 2015 indie comedy Hello, My Name Is Doris. The film is written by Emily V. Gordon and Kumail Nanjiani. The cast includes Kamil Nanjiani, Zoe Kazan, Holly Hunter, and Ray Romano.

In the vein of unique comedy dramas like 50/50, The Big Sick brings to the forefront a powerful true story while genuinely entertaining its audience. After months of anticipation for this film to release, I was more than pleased with the final product. I referenced the Jonathan Levine directed comedy drama 50/50, which stars Joseph Gordon-Leavitt and Seth Rogan, because I feel that these film have similarities, and to be honest 50/50 is easily one of my favorite films. The Big Sick separates itself in a few different ways, one of which because it is a true story, and that allows everything to feel very grounded throughout. This story feels incredibly authentic, and it is very funny, sad, and above all else extremely entertaining. The Big Sick is about more than relationships, or even sickness for that matter, it is about the bond of family, friendships, and ultimately relationships as a whole. Audiences are given a glimpse of what it is like for a traditional Pakistani family living in Chicago and raising an aspiring stand-up comedian son, who has gravitated towards the American way of life. I am always fascinated by other cultures and how different their way of life is compared to that of my own, and as I have gotten older I have understood that more than anything else, different does not mean better, or worse, for that matter, it is just different. The Big Sick tells a very complicated story, and it tells that story in such a way that it pulls you in and makes you a part of it. This is fantastic storytelling. It doesn't tug at the heart strings as much as I thought that it would, but that certainly doesn't take away from the overall effectiveness of the story.

The Big Sick has the clear advantage of a very talented, yet perhaps underappreciated cast. Lead by one of the stars of HBO's hit comedy series Silicon Valley, Kumail Nanjiani (its actually easier to spell than you would initially think), the film is in good hands from the onset. Not only is the film co-written by Nanjiani, it is based on the incredible true story of how he met his longtime girlfriend. Nanjiani was a stand-up comedian at the time, and years later finding his footing in the acting world, he was able to play himself. I'll keep it simple by saying he did an amazing job. Most notably, I couldn't get enough of the interactions he had with his traditional Pakistani family, especially his brother, and how hilariously awkward they were. Starring alongside Nanjiani was the cute and talented Zoe Kazan, in the role of his real-life girlfriend. Kazan was fantastic in her role as she helped to bring to life a special story and make it feel as real as it did when it actually happened. And of course I need to give kudos to Ray Romano, the king of television. After watching the trailers I expected his role to be more quirky, but he had the perfect balance of funny and serious. He was the perfect choice to play the girlfriend's father. Holly Hunter was exceptional as the girlfriend's mother, and I really enjoyed the chemistry she shared with Romano. She embodied a strong spirit, projecting her character as independent yet still in need of love from those closest to her.

The Big Sick is a hilarious and touching film that has earned its rightful place as one of the best films of 2017. I am having a hard time saying that it is better than 50/50, just because that really is one of my favorite films to release in the last 7 years or so, but it is close. Both manage to squeeze into that rare category of comedy dramas that can also be considered romantic comedies, more so The Big Sick, without segregating a certain audience like most traditional romantic comedies would. And that in itself is an impressive accomplishment. This is a film that has a big heart, and not just because it is based on an amazing true story, but because it appeals to us as human beings in so many different ways. The Big Sick is a summer movie that that is absolutely worth your time. Highly recommended.

Spider-Man: Homecoming

Director Jon Watts

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr, Marisa Tomei

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 7th, 2017

“Following the events of Captain America: Civil War (2016), Peter Parker attempts to balance his life in high school with his career as the web-slinging superhero Spider-Man.”

From relatively inexperienced director Jon Watts, who's only other feature-film credit is the direct to On-Demand drama thriller Cop Car starring Kevin Bacon, Spider-Man: Homecoming is a continuation of Captain America: Civil War, delving right into the world of Peter Parker. Tom Holland was offered the role of Peter Parker, aka Spider-Man, previously held by Tobey Maguire, prior to Civil War where he made his first appearance as the full of personality crime fighter in the red spandex. The full cast for Spider-Man: Homecoming includes Tom Holland, Michael Keaton, Robert Downey Jr, Marisa Tomei, and Jon Favreau.

Hilarious and heartfelt, Spider-Man: Homecoming is not only a fantastic superhero movie, it is a coming-of-age comedy drama that successfully expands the genre stereotype. I thoroughly enjoyed the film even considering my lofty expectations, and that is also considering the fact that I did not have a chance to see it in the IMAX due to odd showtimes (I still went to my favorite theater with powered recliners though, obviously). For me Spider-Man: Homecoming is a Marvel superhero film with more substance than many of the others generally have, and as a fan of coming-of-age films in general, I really enjoyed the added layers. The story unfolds seamlessly taking place immediately following the events of Captain America: Civil War which I thought was a really nice touch. The pacing is exceptional and I never felt like the film was dragging at all. The touches of humor are found everywhere throughout the film, capturing genuine laughs from the audience. The tone of the film remains light for the most part, stepping outside of that a few times during some of the more pivotal scenes. I really enjoyed how well the film illustrated the growth of Peter Parker from young adolescent to a mature teenager, seemingly coming to the realization that life may be a bit more complicated than he initially thought. All in all Spider-Man: Homecoming is extremely entertaining, visually pleasing, and well-rounded enough to cater to a larger audience than the majority of the Marvel films may appeal to.

I absolutely loved the casting choices for Spider-Man: Homecoming. Tom Holland is the best casting decision for a Marvel franchise since they snagged Chris Evans as Captain America. Holland is the perfect teenager crime fighter/superhero, with his ability to be funny, witty, full of personality, and dare I say impossible to not root for. Robert Downey Jr. does not disappoint, and his partner in crime sort of speak Jon Favreau is great as well. I was extremely pleased with the casting of the films villain, played by none other than Michael Keaton. I am still holding out hope that the 1996 comedy Multiplicity will hit Blu-ray one of these days, I swear I have seen that movie 30 times. I actually bought it for someone as a gift a few years back when I stumbled upon a DVD copy at a Marshalls of all places for $2.99; I am still kicking myself for not grabbing my own copy. Back to the here and now, Keaton is one hack of an actor and he brings a tremendous amount of versatility to his role. He is far from the generic villain type we have come to expect. Even with a relatively limited role, the ageless Marisa Tomei makes her presence known. You almost forget how many amazing films she has been in, until of course New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick quotes My Cousin Vinny, the 1992 classic that earned her an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The rest of the supporting cast was great. 

Spider-Man: Homecoming is a breakout role for young actor Tom Holland, and is yet another impressive addition to the Marvel movie library. Holland has single handedly reignited Spider-Man for the masses and I am personally looking forward to his involvement in the realm of superhero movies going forward. Whether you are a fan of superhero movies or not, Spider-Man: Homecoming really does offer something for everyone and comes highly recommended.

The House

Director Andrew Jay Cohen

Genre Comedy

Cast Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Allison Tolman

Rating R

Release Date June 30th, 2017

“A dad convinces his friends to start an illegal casino in his basement after he and his wife spend their daughter’s college fund.”

The House is an R-rated comedy about a few adults desperate for cash, who decide to start an underground casino in their house. It is the feature-film directorial debut for writer turned director Andrew Jay Cohen, who previously penned the scripts for Neighbors 1 & 2, as well as Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. The House has an incredibly talented cast from the world of comedy, including Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick Kroll, Allison Tolman, and Ryan Simpkins.

Despite a relatively rudimentary plot, The House boasts a talented cast well equipped to churn out R-rated laughs with ease. I made my way to the theater with exceptionally tempered expectations thanks to a severe tongue lashing from critics, as well as a few friends telling me to proceed with caution. As a diehard Will Ferrell fan I decided to run the risk, and I'm glad that I did! Right from the opening scene The House had me laughing out loud pretty consistently right through the hour and a half runtime. The plot is paper thin, full of holes, and corny in a number of ways, but in all honesty who cares? Unlike Baywatch that suffered from a weak script thanks to audiences feeling like they deserved more, The House makes it clear from the beginning that the plot was designed to support the laughs and overall comedic chops of its cast, nothing less, and nothing more. I felt like I accepted this so early on that I was able to enjoy the ride, much like seeing a movie for the second time with expectations out of the way altogether. My lady, as well as the rest of the theater as far as I could tell, shared the same sentiment. Director Andrew Jay Cohen proves he has a future in the directing world with a successful debut (in my eyes at least).

The cast of The House is absolutely spot on, teaming up a few Saturday Night Live alums with two of the best characters in the FX series, The League. As I mentioned before, Will Ferrell can do no wrong in my mind. I actually find it hard to believe that certain people have such an issue with him as an actor. Sure he is a little over the top at times and can rub people the wrong way, but this guy is a true talent and he gives 110% to each and every role he plays. I think he is at his best when he plays the trademark Will Ferrell role of a straight-laced guy with a checkered past, similar to his iconic "Frank The Tank" character in the hilarious 2003 comedy Old School. His character in The House isn't quite streaking through the quads, but he still gets out of hand at times. Amy Poehler reignites the undeniable chemistry she has with Ferrell and delivers a fantastic performance. Without further ado, my favorite character in the film is easily Jason Mantzoukas, best known for his character Rafi in the FX series, The League. Mantzoukas embodies what it means to command the screen thanks to his limitless energy and captivating personality. He is so much fun to watch, and even during the scenes where you feel like maybe you should feel bad for the guy, you still can't help but laugh. He works extremely well alongside Ferrell and Poehler and I would be surprised if they don’t team up again soon. Mantzoukas co-star from The League, Nick Kroll, is a nice addition as well and it was fun to see these two go back and forth on the big screen. 

Critics are notorious for ripping R-rated comedies to shreds, almost out of principle it seems at times, and The House is easily one of the least deserving of the "hate train". Sometimes you need to simply enjoy something for what it is and appreciate everything it does well, and this is film full of laughs that does NOT take itself seriously, and I am more than fine with that approach. I walked out of the theater with a big smile on my face, repeating some of my favorite lines from the movie during the drive home. The House is certainly not perfect, but it is a summer comedy that I can comfortably recommend, and I am looking forward to checking out the deleted scenes once the Blu-ray releases in a few months.

Baby Driver

Director Edgar Wright

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm

Rating R

Release Date June 28th, 2017

“After being coerced into working for a crime boss, a young getaway driver finds himself taking part in a heist doomed to fail.”

Written and directed by the talented Edgar Wright, the man behind Shaun of the Dead, Hott Fuzz, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and The World's End, Baby Driver is a crime thriller that is much more than meets the eye. Critics have been absolutely ecstatic ever since they were allowed pre-release screenings, which just enhanced the ridiculous amount of excitement I already had for this movie. The cast includes Ansel Elgort, Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm, Jon Bernthal, Eiza González, and Lily James.

Taking full advantage of an epic soundtrack, Baby Driver is a rare combination of originality, smart writing, and sheer directorial talent. I can honestly say that my heart was beating right along with a few of the drum solos, and I felt the rush of adrenaline induced during each and every escape. My expectations going in were quite high, and I was truly impressed by the fact that even though I watched 3 or 4 high quality trailers prior to the release, I still felt like they were only a small glimpse of the full experience. So it is safe to say that my expectations were exceeded! Baby Driver shuns the conventional idea of a film falling easily into a certain genre, providing viewers a heist thriller that blends comedy, romance, growing pains, and above all else a big heart. As crazy as it gets at times, and it does get pretty wild, Baby Driver never strays too far from reality. I was actually a bit surprised by how gritty and violent it was at times, making it very clear why it earned the R-rating. Critics have been gushing about the film’s ability to sync the action with the soundtrack, and I was really interested to see how that played out, and man was it cool. A few of the more pivotal shootout scenes match up each gun blast with the beat, and it is downright exhilarating (as Jamie Foxx says in the movie, Tequila!). I also need to point out that Baby Driver has some of the best car chases in recent memory, giving films like Heat and The Bourne Identity a run for their money. I read that 95% of the stunts are genuinely performed, with only about 5% CGI used for some of the necessary touch-up.

Throughout Baby Driver you will notice various stylistic directing techniques utilized by Wright (he is a whiz behind the camera), so much so that I will need to watch this again soon just so I'm able to fully appreciate what he was able to accomplish here. The traditional old school romance that Wright is able to create for Baby (Elgort) and his love interest, played by Lily James, feels genuine and timeless, and also somehow effortless all at the same time. I read in an article that Wright worked hard to ensure that the romance was captivating for the audience, which was one of his primary goals with the film in terms of the overall backstory, and he certainly hit the nail on the head. I have a great deal of respect for Edgar Wright as a director, and I feel that he genuinely takes pride in his work. I actually met Wright 6 years or so ago in Kennebunkport, Maine. Full disclosure, I'm using the term "met" very loosely as I was a valet at the high end hotel he was staying at with actress and Maine native Anna Kendrick (they were an item at one point), and I assisted them with their luggage when they departed. Even though they only tipped me $10, it was still a pretty cool experience (I would have at least broken even with this movie if not for damn movie theater ticket price increases).

The cast that was assembled for Baby Driver is absolutely fantastic. Veteran actor Jamie Fox makes a huge impact in a supporting role. His Bats character is the epitome of what a sociopath looks like without the camouflage,- he wants people to know he's crazy. I loved every minute of his scenes. Jon Bernthal, who many remember as Shane from the earlier seasons of The Walking Dead, plays a brief but impactful role as well. Similar to Bats, he has quite a few screws loose, but the ability to trust or play well with others seems to be his most glaring weakness. Mad Men actor Jon Hamm is a man of many emotions, and I really enjoyed the complexity of his character. He is a truly talented actor and it shows. Kevin Spacey takes a break from House of Cards, and is great as always, taking command as the leader of the group. His character demands respect and he gets it. The sexy and ruthless Eiza González will undoubtedly steal a few hearts with her rebellious yet fun loving character, Darling. This was her first big role, and I think she handled it very, very well. One scene in particular has her going all kamikaze with two automatic weapons, and I can't seem to get this glorious image out of my head (this is a good thing by the way). Last but certainly not least, the star that anchors it all is The Fault in Our Stars actor Ansel Elgort. Unusually tall for an actor at around 6'3 or 6'4 (basically 4 times the size of Tom Cruise), Elgort delivers what I feel is a breakout role for him. He was amazing in The Fault in Our Stars, which I will fully admit was a tear-jerker, but the fact of the matter is only a certain segmented audience watched that film. Baby Driver should reach a much broader audience with the appeal of originality, as well as Edgar Wright's usual following, which will hopefully help significantly improve Elgort's fan base. The depth of his character is a unique experience in and of itself, and I think the audience will find themselves rooting for him to succeed very early on.

Baby Driver is an undeniably unique experience, fueled by humor and adrenaline. It feels almost like a music video transformed into a feature-length film, while somehow managing to combine pretty much everything viewers have an insatiable appetite for. The thing that blows my mind the mostabout Baby Driver is the fact that not only do so many different elements work extremely well, they come together seamlessly to create a final product that has to be seen to be appreciated. I understand that people tend to be he somewhat skeptical when critics universally rave about a film like they are with Baby Driver, but trust me when I say this is a work of art that each and every movie fan needs to experience. Highly recommended.

47 Meters Down

Director Johannes Roberts

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine, Yani Gellman

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 16th, 2017

“Two sisters, vacationing in Mexico, are trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean, with less than an hour of oxygen left and great white sharks circling nearby.”

47 Meters Down is a shark attack thriller from director Johannes Roberts. Originally titled 47 Meters Down, the title was changed to In The Deep during spring 2016 and it was given a VOD/Blu-ray/DVD set for August. A week before the scheduled release a studio purchased the film, changed the name back, and prepared it for a wide theatrical release. The cast includes Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Chris Johnson, and Yani Gellman.

47 Meters Down is a visceral shark attack thriller more than capable of seeking its teeth into an audience. Full disclosure, I had moderate expectations when I walked into the theater, especially considering the fact that this film wasn't even supposed to reach theaters originally. I fought the urge to compare 47 Meters Down to The Shallows, starring Blake Lively, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I was honestly impressed. 47 Meters Down is a back to basics shark attack thriller, pitting unsuspecting excitement seeking tourists up against some of the oceans most dangerous predators. The acting is very solid, and the scenario in which the characters find themselves in is relatively plausible (not that that matters all that much- it is a movie after all). The cinematography is spot on, the pacing is effective throughout, and the directing and score is top tier as well. I was honestly most impressed by the CGI, which I half expected to be average at best, but the sharks looked fantastic, and admittedly caused my heart to skip a beat or two. The characters were given enough of a backstory for viewers to invest in the preservation of their well-being, which I thought was important. By the final act, I was actually thinking beyond what was happening on–screen, and in some strange way thinking about how the events of the film will ultimately impact the lives of the two sisters. I was also impressed with the ending, which I found to be creative and thought provoking. A few things that I felt seemed out of place did take away from the level of intensity during some of the bigger scenes. For example, the oddly calm demeanor of the supporting cast felt out of place at times, specifically during radio contact with the bot while under water. However, that didn't take too much away from the overall impact of the film. Maybe they were trying to be realistic in the sense of how someone would act if they were trying to make sure the victim kept calm, but to me it just didn’t sit right. I did notice a couple other inconsistencies, but honestly I don’t feel it’s worth picking these things apart. 47 Meters Down is a very entertaining movie and that’s what matters.

47 Meters Down has a small yet very talented cast at its disposal. Leads Mandy Moore and Claire Holt anchor the cast and deliver great performances. Mandy Moore has been relatively quiet as far as movies go as of late, although she has been making waves with the hit series This Is Us. According to Moore's IMDb filmography, she has a few upcoming films on the horizon. A talented actress who seems to have grown over the years, Moore has fantastic chemistry with Holt and the two are a big reason why the film works. 47 Meters Down is the first lead role for Claire Holt, who also has a few films coming out soon. While she may be considered a B-rated film actress up to this point in her career, I think she proved that she has the ability to play a lead role with great results. I feel like a certain level of difficulty does exist when playing a role like this, compared to let's say a traditional horror film or slasher, with such a huge emphasis on believability as far as a life or death situation, and these two deliver the goods. The supporting cast is fine overall, not really providing or taking away too much from the film. The biggest name on the cast has one of the smallest roles, and that is fan favorite and veteran actor Matthew Modine, best known for his role as Pvt. J.T. "Joker" Davis in Full Metal Jacket (1987). As usual, Modine is a gem in front of the camera.

Summarizing how I feel about 47 Meters Down is surprisingly difficult, mainly because I thoroughly enjoyed it, yet I wouldn't consider it to be a really good movie necessarily. I'm honestly not quite sure how to explain that riddle of an explanation, but this is an example of safe filmmaking that in the end, simply works. The audience stays on the edge of their seat, the acting never feels corny or exaggerated, and the filming location is absolutely beautiful. Director Johannes Roberts is far from a household name, but he has caught my eye a few times now, first with the underappreciated horror film, The Other Side of the Door and now this. All in all, 47 Meters Down isn't quite a must-see in the theaters type of movie, but whether you see it at home or on the big screen, it will be an hour and a half well spent- that I can assure you.

All Eyez on Me

Director Benny Boom

Genre Biography | Music

Cast Demetrius Shipp Jr, Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, Jamal Woolard

Rating R

Release Date June 16th, 2017 (Tupac's Birthday)

“Tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur.”

All Eyez on Me is a biopic chronicling the life of controversial rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks, most commonly known by his stage name 2Pac, and is the first feature-film about his life. Born in East Harlem, New York, Tupac made his rise to fame after starting out as a backup dancer and MC for the alternative hip hop group Digital Underground, which he eventually became an official member of before going solo and launching his impressive career. Benny Boom directed the film, who previously directed the 2009 comedy Next Day Air, but he is mostly known for his work directing music videos. The cast includes Demetrius Shipp Jr, Danai Gurira, Kat Graham, and Jamal Woolard.

All Eyez on Me offers up enough nostalgia to satisfy the majority of 2Pac fans, but a generic script and lackluster directing limit its potential. I grew up a fan of rapper Tupac Shakur, and I still feel to this day that one of the more talented artists to blend music and acting talent died tragically on that chilly day in the Fall of 1996. It's strange because throughout my childhood certain moments resonate as vivid memories almost like I could transport myself to that very moment whenever I wanted. The death of Tupac Shakur is one of those moments, as I vividly recall 11 year-old me, living in sunny Florida at the time, sitting in our fancy R.V equipped with a television when the news broke about the shooting, and as young as I was, it truly shocked me. Tupac was larger than life, and now he was gone. The East Harlem native was taken well before his time at the young age of 25, and he had quite the future ahead of him. All Eyez on Me attempts to chronicle his life from the days when his father was a member of the Black Panther's, all the way up to his death. I personally felt like the majority of the facts checked out in terms of what I recall. I'm sure many details were left out or misconstrued, leading to outrage from people close to Tupac like actress Jada Pinkett Smith, who claims the film portrayed their relationship in a false light. Yet for reasons beyond my understanding she doesn’t actually clarify how it was different because I would love to know.

All Eyez on Me feels boring at times, jumping from one chapter to the next without much of a smooth transition. I also felt like the film lacked the "wow" moments it should have had, like the anticipation of Tupac walking out on stage, or just a genuine build-up in general so that viewers could really feel the larger than life icon he became, even if just for a short time. Very few of the bigger moments felt as big as they should have, and that’s too bad really. I'm convinced that directing played a large part in this, and I honestly would have loved to see what director John Singleton would have come up with. Singleton was initially attached to the film as the director but eventually left the project over creative differences with the studio. Apparently he disagreed with the overall portrayal of the late actor. It is worth noting that according to IMDb, Singleton is the only director to receive a blessing from Tupac's late mother to tell her son's story. Singleton was quoted as saying he hopes to someday direct his own Tupac Shakur film, on his own terms. Singleton is an accomplished director, best known for hits like Boyz in the Hood, Poetic Justice (also starring Tupac Shakur), Higher Learning, Shaft, Baby Boy, and Four Brothers (one of my personal favorites). Interesting fact, Tupac was dropped from his role in Higher Learning prior to filming because of legal troubles, which is covered in All Eyez on Me. The more I think about it the more I realize how much better this film could have been under Singleton's direction- damn you studio big wigs and your micromanaging of the individuals ten times more talented than you will ever be! Damn you, damn you, damn you.

The cast for All Eyez on Me was pretty well put together all things considered. Demetrius Shipp Jr. is a spitting image of Tupac Shakur and I definitely felt like it was Tupac himself on screen throughout the film. Shipp seemed to take his role very seriously, and I felt that he delivered an impactful performance, especially considering this was his first ever role. According to a 2017 cover story in Vibe magazine, written by Kevin Powell, Shipp was originally casted for the role way back in 2011, but the project was delayed numerous times. Shipp, a father of 3, was struggling financially working a few different jobs at places like Lowe's and Target, while on the verge of eviction from his apartment prior to finally getting the call that they were ready to begin work on the film. His father was a member of the Crips street gang that was originally founded in Los Angeles, CA, and he was also a music producer that worked with Tupac back in the day. During the interview with Vibe, Shipp talks about how ever since high school people told him he looked just like the late rapper, and after a close friend insisted he take part in an open audition for All Eyez on Me, he decided to give it a shot. This role will certainly change his life regardless of whether his acting career flourishes or not, but if he works hard I could see him progressing towards a solid career if given the right roles. After learning more about his life and where he came from, it was fitting that he was the man to portray Tupac. The supporting cast was pretty good, most notably the return of Jamal Woolard as Biggie Smalls, the man who portrayed the rapper in the 2009 biopic Notorious (definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it already). I also really enjoyed Dominic L. Santana as a spitting image of Suge Knight, the large and very unstable former CEO of Death Row Records.

As I mentioned before, I consider myself to have been a pretty big fan of Tupac throughout my formative years, and I continue to appreciate his music, so all things considered I enjoyed All Eyez on Me. I do feel that with a superior director this could have been a much better film, perhaps even close to the level of Straight Out of Compton, which is certainly a high bar, but they also had the tools at their disposal. One of the biggest advantages Straight Out of Compton had was proven acting talent and more resources, including the strong influence of rapper turned actor Ice Cube. I was anticipating the release for a while so I went to see All Eyez on Me the day after it came out, and decided to take some time to process my thoughts before writing a review, which has allowed me to appreciate the film more than I did upon leaving the theater. At the end of the day it was awesome to in some way relive what life was like before Tupac's death, and I really feel that any fan of the late rapper should see All Eyez on Me, and reserve judgment until they've experienced it for themselves.

Wonder Woman

Director Patty Jenkins

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 2nd, 2017

“Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.”

From director Patty Jenkins, who directed the 2003 drama Monster, Wonder Woman is the latest film in the DC Universe. Fans have been begging to have a female superhero on the forefront, and that time has come. Israeli actress and model Gal Gadot first appeared on screen as Wonder Woman in Batman v Superman, but due to a thrashing from critics she didn’t receive a great deal of positive feedback. Gadot seems to have taken her role as Wonder Woman extremely seriously, as it is noted that she trained for 9 months and gained 17 pounds of pure muscle for the character. Now that is dedication! The cast includes Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Connie Nielsen, Danny Huston, and David Thewlis.

Well-acted, funny, and genuinely entertaining, Wonder Woman is one heck of a film and a career defining performance for actress Gal Gadot. It's well documented that DC has had its troubles as of late, which is part of the reason why this film couldn't have come at a better time. I actually enjoyed Suicide Squad more than most critics, but I was definitely let down by Batman v Superman, also starring Gadot as Wonder Woman, which I felt lacked a much needed edge. With the new Justice League movie on the horizon, a powerful female superhero is here to save the day. I had high expectations for Wonder Woman after the early release praise from critics, and it did not disappoint. The collaboration of director Patty Jenkins and actress Gal Gadot seems to be a match made in heaven. Jenkins is far from a household name as she made her directorial debut with the 2003 drama Monster, which started Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci. Monster was a hit with critics but for one reason or another Jenkins focused on T.V. for a while, directing a couple episodes for The Killing and HBO's Entourage. With Wonder Woman, Jenkins proves she has an eye for great visuals, and she understands how to make a visually stunning film without sacrificing substance. I really enjoyed how Wonder Woman was able to toe the line between the superhero cinematic universe, and a very dark time when the world was truly at war. You get a glimpse at the harsh reality while still preserving your ability to be entertained. Wonder Woman is the rare superhero film that can hold its own up against some of the better action films of the past decade.

Wonder Woman brought together a fantastic and charismatic cast to ensure success of the film. I will admit that I had my reservations about Gal Gadot as Wonder Woman, not because she isn't attractive or athletic enough, because we all know she has both in spades, I just wasn’t sure of her ability as an actress to carry a film in the lead role. Well let me just say, she impressed the you know what out of me! In her very first lead role, Gadot exuded confidence from the beginning and never looked back. Not once did I question her ability as an actress, and it was almost like she was born to play this role. Strong, determined, smart, and downright lethal, Gal Gadot is the Wonder Woman fans deserve. I read that she went through re-shoots for the film, including stunts, while she was 5 months pregnant! They had to utilize some green-screen magic on her baby bump. This performance may very well have landed Gadot a spot in my top 5 list of favorite actresses, for several reasons. This may or may not have something to do with the strange fascination I had with girls that could beat me up when I was little, but we won't dive too deep into that. Chris Pine was amazing as expected, and I was actually really impressed by the chemistry he developed with Gadot. The two played off each other really well and made sure there was never a dull moment. Accomplished actor David Thewlis was great in his role, but I will admit I couldn’t get the vision of him as V.M. Vargas in Fargo season 3 out of my head. His character in that show is absolutely incredible. The supporting cast was amazing as well, especially the crew that Pine convinces to join in on the adventure. Just a great cast all around!

Wonder Woman is a fantastic film, period. It gets so many things right that viewers will ignore any flaws that it may have. You feel the pain and the struggle of the World War I victims, and you see what things were like on the front lines. Wonder Woman exemplifies selflessness, and is more concerned with the well-being of those around her than her own. What I also found fascinating is the fact that even though she dealt with significant culture shock entering into a world entirely new to her, instead of judging what she saw as strange or different she embraced this new world and all of its flaws. I'm not going to sit here and say that this is a movie about women empowerment blah blah, because to be quite honest that's been said enough already (apologies if I seem insensitive). Wonder Woman is empowering for the human race as a whole, because she embodies compassion, strength, and understanding, and we could all learn a lot from her. Do yourself a favor and see this film before it leaves theaters, you won't regret it. I will definitely be adding this to my collection when the Blu-ray releases.

It Comes at Night

Director Trey Edward Shults

Genre Horror | Mystery

Cast Joel Edgerton, Riley Keough, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo

Rating R

Release Date June 9th, 2017

“Secure within a desolate home as an unnatural threat terrorizes the world, a man has established a tenuous domestic order with his wife and son, but this will soon be put to test when a desperate young family arrives seeking refuge.”

It Comes at Night is the second film from talented director Trey Edward Shults. He previously directed the critically acclaimed indie drama Krisha (now streaming on Amazon Prime), which he filmed entirely in his own personal home, with the majority of his family members as the cast.  As a director, he seems to focus on the basis of human emotion and family dynamics. As an indie horror film that premiered at the Overlook Film Festival in Oregon, It Comes at Night has received a great deal of a praise from critics prior to it's release. The cast includes Joel Edgerton, Christopher Abbott, Carmen Ejogo, and Kelvin Harrison Jr.

Tense, unnerving, and beautifully shot, It Comes at Night is a uniquely crafted post-apocalyptic horror. Viewers are immersed in a world where optimism no longer exists, and survival is the only thing that matters. I was extremely excited to see It Comes at Night and I had relatively high expectations considering all of the early buzz and incredible trailers, and I'm pleased to say I wasn't at all disappointed. Now I understood going in to the theater this was not going to fit the criteria of a traditional horror film, and I expected a slow-burn style similar to The Witch. It certainly fit that mold for the most part, but this is even more of a thinking mans horror. The fear is very real, and from the opening sequence to the powerful final shot, you will be on edge. In order to truly appreciate It Comes at Night you need to try and find a way to let go of expectations, and simply become engaged with what is unfolding on screen. This is a film about human emotion, trust and distrust, and protecting one’s family and the lengths to which we will go to do so. The interactions between the characters hold just as much weight as the seemingly imminent threat everyone is trying so hard to protect themselves from. It's the idea of being on the brink of grave danger and not knowing what you're supposed to be scared of. What exactly is coming at night? I believe Shults succeeds in forging a connection between the characters on screen and the viewers themselves, because in a way you are both searching for the same answers, and the terrifying thing is that you may never really know what it is you are so scared of. The cinematography is absolutely amazing, and many of the shots beg to be freeze framed and experienced further. I loved the isolated and claustrophobic environment the film creates. If you watch It Comes at Night with an open mind and an understanding of what you are about to experience, it will provide you with a ton to appreciate and will leave you with the need to discuss further. This is the absolute epitome of leaving the "monster" in the shadows, and proving that the unseen can be just as scary. That being said, much like The Witch, The Babadook, or It Follows, or any other love them or hate them horror films, It Comes at Night will alienate some viewers but the overall impact of a film like this is simply undeniable.

Aside from directing and cinematography, acting is unquestionably one of the biggest strengths for It Comes at Night. Joel Edgerton is a proven actor with the ability to play a variety of roles, and here he proves that dramatic roles may be his calling card. His facial expressions and mannerisms are incredible, and he carries himself like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Christopher Abbott, who many will recognize from the HBO series Girls, is fantastic in his role. Abbott manages to match Edgerton's intensity stride for stride, and the two actors team up as quite the acting duo. Carmen Ejogo (Selma, Alien: Covenant) was another bright spot in a strong supporting role. The relatively unknown Kelvin Harrison Jr. (The Birth of a Nation) was amazing as a critical character in the film. In a sense he was a key component to bridging the emotional gap between Edgerton and Ejogo, who play his parents, and the people they cautiously allow into their lives. I really enjoyed his performance. Simply put, you will be hard pressed to find a weak spot in this cast. 

It Comes at Night will please the vast majority of the horror fan base, and will surely anger its fair share as well. Simply put, this movie is not for everyone. It's not going to hand you an explanation on a silver platter at every corner. It's going to challenge you, and allow you the opportunity to use your imagination. Regardless of any of that, this is a finely crafted piece of cinema that deserves a viewing regardless of opinion. This is filmmaking as an art form. 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales

Director Joachim Rønning, Espen Sandberg

Genre Action | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Johnny Depp, Brenton Thwaites, Javier Bardem, Orlando Bloom

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 26th, 2017

“Captain Jack Sparrow searches for the trident of Poseidon while being pursued by an undead sea captain and his crew.”

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is the 5th entry in the franchise that has grossed over 4 billion dollars worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo. The films caught on quickly thanks to Johnny Depp and his brilliant portrayal of the rarely sober, but undeniably likable pirate Jack Sparrow. The full cast includes Johnny Depp, Javier Bardem, Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelario, Geoffrey Rush, and Orlando Bloom

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is not without its flaws, but a return to the goofy feel of the original and what amounts to a real treat in the IMAX, should satisfy fans and newcomers. I am by no means a hardcore fan of the franchise, but I enjoy the films and I find myself drawn to the fun "let's not take things too seriously" mentality. For me, that allows viewers to appreciate the visuals, the humor, and lets not forget the incredible level of detail with the costume design. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales had me laughing and smiling for the majority of the film, although admittedly I entered the theater with tempered expectations. I enjoyed Johnny Depp's return as a stumbling bumbling drunken idiot. I felt like the humor was spot on even though many jokes fell flat, and I really enjoyed one cameo in particular which takes place in a jail cell, but I won't give anything away. The storyline has its fair share of inconsistencies without question, and at times it does seem to drag, but the conclusion ties together earlier films and makes you feel pretty good about the last 2+ hours. All in all, this is a solid movie that the entire family can enjoy.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales has an impressive cast which has become a staple of the franchise, and this time around they went ahead and added talented actor Javier Bardem to rival the great jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp). Bardem was fantastic in his role, and I felt like he truly immersed himself. I am a little on the fence about Depp's performance for a few reasons. For the most part Johnny Depp was as charismatic on screen as we have come to expect, but at times I felt like his heart wasn’t fully into his performance. Perhaps he is a little run down with the franchise or prefers to play a character with a bit more substance. Not to worry, for the most part he was great and brought his character back to life once again. Brenton Thwaites was a welcomed addition to the film and delivered a charismatic performance, and it seems that his career is beginning to take off. I also enjoyed Kaya Scodelario's role and thought she really took advantage of her opportunity as the primary female lead.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is a fun film that makes good use of the gigantic budget it is afforded, which makes for one heck of a fun IMAX film more than worth the price of admission. Critics have laid on a great deal of criticism, most of which is warranted, but at the end of the day what matters most is staying true to the franchise and ensuring fans leave the theater with a smile on their faces. In my opinion Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales accomplishes that goal, and even though it falls well short of what we would consider a great movie, it still earns its right to be seen on the big screen. Be sure to stick around through the credits for a bonus scene, and I mean all the way through the credits (the clean-up guy was giving me the stink eye for sure).

Baywatch

Director Seth Gordon

Genre Comedy

Cast Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra

Rating R

Release Date May 26th, 2017

“Devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchanan butts heads with a brash new recruit. Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.”

Baywatch is the feature film based on the TV show that ran from 1989-2001, which starred an actor and actress who graced the bedroom walls of teenagers everywhere when I was growing up, mine included. That would be the breathtaking Pamela Anderson, in case you didn’t grow up in the 90’s, and Night Rider himself, David Hasselhoff. A show that prided itself on bombshells in skimpy red bikinis patrolling the beach, Baywatch was destined to be a cult classic. Fast forward 27 years and the movie version is upon us. Baywatch stars Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Zak Efron, Priyanka Chopra, and Alexandra Daddario.

A talented and enthusiastic cast generate plenty of laughs and keep Baywatch from drowning, but a script with zero imagination severely limits its potential. I have been waiting months for this movie, and my expectations were sky high mainly due to a fantastic cast and an incredible marketing campaign. I thought to myself, "With such a great cast it would be impossible for this movie to be anything less than hilarious." Regrettably, Baywatch fell well short of my admittedly somewhat unrealistic expectations, and the worse part is how easily it could have been so much better. I was right about the cast and what they would bring to the table, because they were in fact hilarious, but the wheels fell off in another aspect of the film. So, where did Baywatch go wrong? Let me just start with the pathetic excuse for a script, which to my surprise was a joint effort between 9 different writers, 3 of which worked on the original show. It would have made more sense if they said that a group of 5th graders came up with it as part of a school project.

Now let's be clear for a second, I'm not necessarily bashing the jokes or funny situations throughout Baywatch, because it was able to get quite a few laughs out of me and kept me smiling for the majority, but the overall storyline was just shameful. It lacks identity and teeters between serious and slapstick, with no clear direction. The fact that a studio signed off on a script this bad with so much money on the line is beyond me. In no way did I expect an Oscar worthy narrative, I just wanted something that at least pulled me in beyond the gags, similar to 21 Jump Street for example. The balance is absolutely possible, so chalk it up as an opportunity missed. Phew, that got me a little worked up. Now that we are past that we can focus on the fact that the film does have positives, a good amount in fact. Some of the jokes do fall flat, but a fair share hit their mark, and hit it hard. As many critics and viewers have mentioned, Baywatch essentially earned its R-rating thanks to a plethora of di** jokes, and the majority are funny and at times downright painful to watch. Unfortunately the R-rated content most meat-eating, beer-drinking males were hoping for is relatively restrained. Sad, I know. Baywatch also includes a few amazing cameos, and at the end of the day it is an entertaining trip to the theater worth the price of admission. What will eat away at me for at least the next few days is the fact that it could have been much, much better.

The cast is fantastic all around, and the Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron chemistry came together nicely. The back and forth between these two is priceless, and at times it is the ultimate battle of the biggest egos on the beach. Johnson has such a powerful on-screen presence that any scene is simply that much better when he is involved. I hope to see these two collaborate again in the near future. I wasn't sold on Priyanka Chopra as the villain, but I didn't hate her performance. She just lacked that edge you want from a character that is supposed to be a ruthless drug kingpin. Relatively unknown actor Jon Bass was an unexpected bright spot in the cast, and as usual I enjoyed the presence of comedian Hannibal Burress. Burress has a unique style as a comedian, and he is starting to thrive as the token funny guy in feature films. He is an absolute riot in the recent Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg comedy Daddy’s Home. The eye candy is aplenty compliments of Alexandra Daddario, and the beautiful model turned actress Kelly Rohrbach. Daddario has proven her ability as a solid actress, but Rohrbach's performance took me by surprise. The cast saved Baywatch from complete and utter disaster, that is one thing I am sure of. 

Baywatch is like that friend you enjoy hanging out with but sometimes says or does the stupidest things and you wonder "What the heck is wrong with this guy?!" You think to yourself, "Man he has it made, good looks, great job, attractive girlfriend who makes him steak 5 nights a week,” yet for some reason he fails to live up to his potential. That, my friends, is this movie in a nutshell. Baywatch is funny, great to look at, and loaded with talent, but some idiot at the studio decided having a plot worthy of daytime TV just wasn't in the cards. Guys can gals will be pleased by the “scenery”, especially gals as a jacked Dwayne Johnson and shredded Zac Efron dominate the shirtless screen time. Keep your expectations in check and enjoy Baywatch for the visually pleasing albeit watered down raunchy comedy that it is, because at the very least you will get your laughs in one way or another and it will prepare you for a fun summer!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Director James Gunn

Genre Action | Sci-Fi

Cast Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 5th, 2017

“Set to the backdrop of Awesome Mixtape #2, ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2’ continues the team’s adventures as they unravel the mystery of Peter Quill’s true parentage.”

Directed and co-written by James Gunn, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the box office crushing 2014 film. Gunn is an incredibly talented and creative writer/director, and this franchise is lucky to have him on board. I fell in love with the first film so I was pretty excited when I found out they already had plans for a sequel. Funny how fast that’s announced when a movie starts making money as fast as they can print it, right? The incredibly talented cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, and Michael Rooker. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 also includes some really cool cameo appearances, but I won't ruin that for you. You're welcome

Relentlessly hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is one heck of a good time. I'll admit that when I first saw the trailer for the original film at the theater, I had zero knowledge of the movie or the comics that inspired it. I just knew that it looked like a lot of fun so I went to see it opening weekend, Well, I was blown away. This time around my expectations were much higher, but that didn't matter, as this was as good of a sequel as I could have hoped for. I laughed like a fool throughout the majority of the movie, and I challenge you to watch a scene with Baby Groot without a big smile on your face. In my personal opinion, up against all other Marvel films, The Guardians of the Galaxy 1 & 2 reigns victorious simply in terms of the "fun factor" (Civil War may be the exception). Although it does include a great deal of heart, you never find yourself overly concerned for the characters on screen, mainly because neither film takes itself all too seriously. To me this is a good thing, and rings especially true for Vol. 2. If you're able to see this in IMAX 3D, do yourself a favor and do so! The visuals are absolutely stunning and the 3D is top notch. Director James Gunn did a stellar job and he deserves a lot of the credit here as well. The music, the characters, the awesome CGI, The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 delivers on all fronts and I cannot wait for the next movie! Just be sure to stay for all 5 during/post credit scenes.

Much like the original film, the cast in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is amazing, and I would be hard pressed to find a weak spot. This cast is even better this time around with a few very welcomed additions. Chris Pratt reprises his iconic role and once again he is the charismatic knucklehead we have all come to love. Former professional wrestler turned actor Dave Bautista is the king of dry humor and poorly timed comebacks, yet somehow he will have you laughing regardless. Similar to the first film he rarely "gets it" and that is unquestionably the charm of his character. I could watch the back and forth between him and Chris Pratt's character all day long, no exaggeration. Kurt Russell was a welcomed addition but it is still the core of the cast that the audience will love most. I am honestly struggling to decide who my favorite character is but I feel like I need to settle on the character with the fewest lines, and that would of course be Baby Groot. I can barely begin to describe how great it is to have this little guy running around without a care in the world, it really is priceless. I actually just watched a car commercial that had him in it and I thought about buying it until I realized the car wouldn’t be nearly as fun without him in the passenger seat. I could go on and on with how much I really like this entire cast but I will allow you the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a triumphant sequel if I may be so bold, as it caters to fans of the original which is what matters most if you ask me. I purchased the original on Blu-ray 3D as soon as it came out and I have watched it multiple times since. These movies are non-stop fun and have incredible replay-ability, which to me is relatively rare these days. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was officially announced before the butter even hit the popcorn for Vol. 2 so that is definitely a good sign. It will remain high on my movie's “I can't wait to see list.” Whether you are a comic book fan or not, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 is a film that aims to please audiences of all ages, so take the kids or just carve out some time for a date night, it will be worth it! Highly recommended.

Free Fire

Director Ben Wheatley

Genre Action | Crime | Drama

Cast Cillian Murphy, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Sharlto Copley

Rating R

Release Date April 21st, 2017

“Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shootout and a game of survival.”

Free Fire is a crime thriller directed and co-written by Ben Wheatley. Wheatley most recently directed the indie drama High-Rise. The film takes place in Boston in the late 70's- the perfect setting for a guns blazing action flick. The cast includes Cillian Murphy, Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, and Sharlto Copley.

Lead by a charismatic and energetic cast, Free Fire is a throwback shoot-em-up style indie well worth checking out. I planned on seeing this movie right out of the gate because of the cast alone, and once the release grew closer I became that much more excited for what I expected to be a very entertaining indie flick. Receiving a limited release and only playing at my local art house theater, I was sure to make my way there opening weekend and I was not disappointed. The storyline sucks you in right away thanks to a stellar cast and a smartly written script. The dialogue is top notch allowing viewers the opportunity to immerse themselves, while experiencing some of the most ridiculous back and forth banter available in cinema today. Once the bullets start flying it can be difficult to decipher who is on which side but that is surely by design and attributed to the chaotic mess the characters find themselves in. Free Fire passes on the John Wick style stunts and instead relies on old fashioned running while screaming and hoping nobody shoots you. And guess what, it works. I really liked the 70's setting, specifically the outfits. They really never get old. Free Fire is hilarious and even the seemingly never-ending firefight is packed full of humor. I really liked the balance between fear of imminent death and damn I have a blood stain on my favorite suit. I genuinely enjoyed the film from start to finish and felt like everything came together to create a unique experience that should satisfy most fans of the genre, or simply fans of quality filmmaking in general. My biggest issue is that it seemed to drag a bit right around the 3rd act, which was unfortunate because of how seamless the film was as a whole, but that wasn’t enough to take away from the overall entertainment value.

The cast is easily my favorite aspect of Free Fire in terms of what it added to the experience. The foundation is built on the dialogue, and the way the characters play off each other. I am having a hard time deciding who my favorite character was but I narrowed it down to 2, Vernon played by Sharlto Copley, and Ord played by Armie Hammer. Copley will have you laughing in each and every shot he is in, whether through his ridiculous outfit, erratic behavioral, or his absolutely hysterical South African accent. Most of what comes out of his mouth will have you shaking your head wondering what the heck is this guy talking about? Hammer, who stays true to his name with an overbearing 6'5 frame, is crucial to the dynamic of the cast. He is as cocky as they come but I still found him to be one of the more appealing characters. He quickly cements himself as the "Big Brother" of the cast trying to keep things together, but even he isn't capable of maintaining order amongst this crew of misfits. Oscar winner Brie Larson was fantastic as expected, and the chemistry she shared with Cillian Murphy added quite a bit to the effectiveness of the film as well. After winning me over with her award-winning performance in Room, Larson is quickly becoming one of my favorite actresses and I really like her versatility as an actress.

Free Fire is a unique experience and most importantly, it felt like a movie the cast was proud to be a part of. Nothing felt thrown together, and true to many indie films that find their way into local art house theaters, it prides itself on originality. As I mentioned before, the dialogue is absolutely fantastic and I can't wait for the Blu-ray release so that I can pick this one up and laugh my butt off once again. Recommended.

The Fate of the Furious

Director F. Gary Gray

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Charlize Theron

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 14th, 2017

“When a mysterious woman seduces Dom into the world of terrorism and a betrayal of those closest to him, the crew face trials that will test them as never before.”

The Fate of the Furious is the 8th installment in the fan favorite The Fast and the Furious franchise, dating all the way back to the original release in 2001. I grew up watching these movies, and as a young sophomore in high school when the first move came out, I remember thinking, "Man it would be cool to be able to have a license and drive a car anytime I want." Granted the ability to drive or even better yet own one of the many amazing cars they have in these movies would be another level entirely. The latest entry is directed by F. Gary Gray, the man who brought us The Negotiator, the thrilling and underappreciated Law Abiding Citizen, and Straight Outta Compton. The stellar cast includes, Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Jason Statham, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Charlize Theron, Kurt Russell, Scott Eastwood, and Helen Mirren.

Action-packed, hilarious, and a heartfelt tribute to the beloved late Paul Walker, The Fate of the Furious is yet another stellar entry in the series. I have a special place in my heart for all of the films, although some are certainly better than others, and I own each and every one on crystal clear Blu-ray. Well I am pleased to admit I absolutely loved The Fate of the Furious and I thought it was the perfect way to reignite the franchise and take it in a seemingly new direction. After the trailer was unveiled I, like many other fans, was taken aback by Dominick Toretto's (Vin Diesel) decision to go rogue on his family, which means everything to him as engrained in us for almost 2 decades now. Not knowing why kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and certainly kept the blood pumping. When the smoke cleared, everything made perfect sense. The prevalence of humor has become a benchmark for the series and this entry is no different. To me that is a tribute to the chemistry the core of the cast has developed over the years. Chris Morgan deserves a great deal of credit as the man who penned the script. He was able to add an impressive level of depth to the story and took full advantage of the acting talents he had at his disposal. Morgan previously wrote Tokyo Drift, Fast & Furious, Fast Five, Fast & Furious 6, and most recently Furious 7. F. Gary Gray proved he is more than capable of grabbing the reigns of the series, picking right up where talented director James Wan left off with Furious 7. I was slightly concerned about that transition just because of what Wan has achieved in his career, but Gray is a man of many skills as well and has also worked with Diesel in the past. What is most mind-blowing to me is the simple fact that they are able to "one-up" themselves with each film, very much an uphill battle each and every time. People can complain all they want about how it used to be about street racing and what happened to that blah blah, but if they continued to make the same old movie over and over again, not only would these same people complain about that, they would flop in the box office and there would be no more franchise. Creativity and a passion for the series has kept The Fast and the Furious alive and I feel blessed to watch it flourish. I won't give anything away but the film also has a few tributes to the late Paul Walker's character Brian, one of which got me pretty good. They handled Paul Walker's death within the framework of the direction of the franchise perfectly with Furious 7, and it was really nice to see them keep his memory alive in the latest film.

It is rare to have a stunt heavy film such as this with literally no evident weakness in terms of the cast. I mean sure much of the cast is considered mid-level by Hollywood standards- Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris etc, but they have carved out the perfect niche with their characters within this franchise. The Fate of the Furious makes it a point to up the ante by adding not one, but two Oscar winning actresses. Charlize Theron is a fantastic addition to the franchise, even though she finds herself on the bad side of things. Helen Mirren has a small roll but is a very welcomed addition as well. I have been telling people over and over again, that Dwayne Johnson’s surprise role in Fast Five was huge for the franchise, and The Fate of the Furious just further proves that point. Now they add in the likes of Jason Statham alongside Johnson, and you have yourself what some may call a dream come true for fans of action flicks. Add in the continued success of the core cast, and of course the missing yet never to be forgotten pillar of the franchise Paul Walker, and you have yourself a recipe for success that shows no sign of slowing down.

The Fate of the Furious will satisfy fans and newcomers alike, but those expecting an Oscar-worthy film need not apply, this quite simply is popcorn entertainment at its finest. I refuse to refer to the franchise as mindless because each script is well-written, the cast works hard to bring their characters to life, and most importantly each and every person involved pours their heart into what eventually hits the big screen. I read that it was Paul Walker's dream to keep this franchise alive as long as possible, and Vin Diesel is determined to keep that dream alive. Go ahead Vin, continue to do your thing, and I will continue to stand in line on opening day. Highly recommended

The Void

Director Jeremy Gillespie, Steven Kostanski

Genre Horror

Cast Aaron Poole, Kenneth Welsh, Daniel Fathers, Kathleen Munroe

Rating Unrated

Release Date April 7th, 2017 (Limited & On-Demand)

“Shortly after delivering a patient to an understaffed hospital, a police officer experiences strange and violent occurrences seemingly linked to a group of mysterious hooded figures.”

Written and directed by Jeremy Gillespie and Steven Kostanski, who won the Jury Award for Best Feature at the Nevermore Film Festival, The Void is categorized as a horror/mystery/sci-fi film. The overall premise is rather mysterious when you watch the trailer but it has a very cultish vibe to it, and seems to appeal to old-school horror fans. The cast includes Aaron Poole, Kenneth Welsh, Daniel Fathers, and Kathleen Munroe.

Decent acting and a solid gore factor isn't enough to save The Void from a convoluted script and confusing premise, making this potential cult-classic a mediocre entry at best. I'm honestly not quite sure where to start. If you know me or have followed my site in any way you know that I am very much a legitimate fan of horror films. I have a special place in my heart for slasher films, particularly Friday the 13th, and my love and appreciation for horror has only grown over the years. After initial reviews for The Void surfaced I was pretty excited. Critics were saying it was a throwback to old school 80's horror which was quite the statement, and the trailer showed a great deal of promise. I had to find time to check this one out sooner than later so I pulled the trigger on the On-Demand purchase as the film received a limited release.

Well first things first, did these so-called critics even watch the movie? Or did they simply put together a review after just watching the trailer, because that’s what I feel like happened after actually watching it. The Void is a jumbled mess of horror and sci-fi, with the added element of an extremely poorly-written script. First of all, who is the main character and who are we as viewers supposed to care about? It is unclear from the beginning and only becomes more and more unclear as it goes along, and to me that is an issue. What irritates me most is it starts out very promising- instilling the much needed uneasy "what the heck is going on here" feel right from the very first 5 seconds of the film. But it quickly shifts into no man's land, and becomes a confusing sci-fi horror which disappointingly includes zero scares in my opinion, and not even a single jump scare. Sure it is plenty gory and gross in a variety of ways which is a plus, but the problem is that this isn't gore in the slasher or even Saw version of the term, but instead more of the strange tentacle sci-fi variety, if you get my drift. Some may appreciate that more than others, and it is clear they spent quite a bit of time with the overall look of everything, and the effects are impressive. I did a little research and according to IMDb's "Did You Know" section, the film is influenced by H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horror (I had no idea who that was either so you are not alone), which essentially revolves around secret cults who sacrifice humans to ancient, alien god-like creatures. Well that certainly makes sense and I wish I had known it previously because not only is that not my thing at all, but to me that is not scary. Now the people in the white what I can only refer to as old-school Ku Klux Klan (KKK) outfits, they are creepy, but if you asked me who or better yet what they actually are, you would probably get a blank stare because I literally have no idea. I wish I knew.

Acting takes a back seat in The Void but somehow it is still one of the brighter spots of the overall final product. It includes its fair share of cheesy acting from a bunch of no-name actors and actresses but they still manage to deliver a serviceable performance. Aaron Poole assumes what seems to be the lead role and actually does a pretty good job with it. Although he seems to have plenty of work as an actor, most of us won't recognize him because he generally works on short films and lesser-known television shows. He did have a small role in The Samaritan (2012), which starred Samuel L. Jackson. Co-star Kenneth Welsh was great and successfully portrayed a doctor who seemed to have more than a few secrets. This guy has a very impressive resume according to IMDb which started in 1964, and consists of 219 total acting credits to date. Now that is pretty damn impressive. The Canadian-born over 75-year-old actor looks pretty damn good for his age. With a better script and some clear-cut direction this cast would have been more than capable of ensuring this was a good horror film destined for cult-classic status, I feel confident in that.

Admittedly, I am being rather hard on this movie, mainly because I had high expectations and it really wasn’t at all what I expected it to be. If you enjoy films that are a mix of horror and a heavy dose of sci-fi than you may enjoy The Void a heck of a lot more than I did. But if you would prefer to watch something really scary that ends with at least a semblance of understanding to what you just spent an hour and 30 minutes watching, you should probably steer clear. It isn't a terrible movie, it's really not, it just should have and could have been a lot better than it is. Bottom line, if you have an indie horror itch that needs scratching, you can do better than The Void by quickly searching Netflix or Amazon Prime. If you need a few suggestions, feel free to contact me and I would be more than happy to provide more than a few recommendations.

Life

Director Daniel Espinosa

Genre Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, Hiroyuki Sanada

Rating R

Release Date March 24th, 2017

“A team of scientists aboard the International Space Station discover a rapidly evolving life form, that caused extinction on Mars, and now threatens the crew and all life on Earth.”

Life is a sci-fi thriller from director Daniel Espinosa, the man who brought us Safe House and Child 44. The film is said to be inspired by Alien, which released in 1979. The cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Ryan Reynolds, Rebecca Ferguson, and Hiroyuki Sanada. Ryan Reynolds was slated to play a bigger role in the film, but due to scheduling conflicts with The Hitman's Bodyguard he and Gyllenhaal essentially switched roles. This is also the first film to feature the two actors together.

Offering a stellar cast and a genuine thrill factor, Life is a sci-fi experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The first few trailers had me unsure as to what type of movie this was going to be, but once the final trailer released it was clear this was a true thriller in the sci-fi genre. Taking place entirely on the spaceship during an expedition to try and discover life on Mars, it can feel a bit limiting at times in terms of scope. Luckily, great directing and a stellar cast ensure the final product never even gets close to mediocrity. I expected a bit more in terms of backstory on the characters, but the route they decided to take worked. You learn enough about them to genuinely care for their well-being but nothing more, and that's fine. Life is built on the tense moments and the believability of life or death circumstances, and it all feels very, very real. This is one of the better sci-fi films I've seen in a while in terms of the overall impact it had on me. It’s very much an experience that will have you gritting your teeth in anticipation right up until the very end. Life may seem to be predictable at times, but trust me when I say it's all a front. It WILL catch you by surprise.

Life has an incredibly talented cast, that fact is simply undeniable. Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Reynolds are two of the most sought after actors in Hollywood today, and two of my personal favorites. The mix of screen time is a little uneven for the two stars but everyone has an opportunity to leave their mark. Ryan Reynolds is absolutely amazing as per usual, although it was a bit strange to see him in a role not cracking at least a few jokes. The other megastar Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastic as well, once again proving he is more than capable of expressing deep emotion in pretty much any role. Rebecca Ferguson performed quite well also but I found her character to be somewhat off putting (annoying really but off putting seemed more professional). All in all the stacked cast delivered on all fronts.

Life kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, and to be honest I may have even gripped the arm rests a time or two. The buildup is impressive in terms of overall pacing and it keeps the juices flowing. Although somewhat linear, Life has unique depth that warrants a viewing, so I recommend checking this one out sooner than later, if you haven't already.