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Den of Thieves

February 2, 2018

Director Christian Gudegast

Genre Action | Crime  | Drama

Cast Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., 50 Cent

Rating R

Release Date January 19th, 2018

“A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.”

Written and directed by Christian Gudegast, his directorial debut, Den of Thieves is a crime drama about a thief who finds himself stuck in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse while attempting to plan a daring bank robbery. Gudegast previously wrote the screenplays for the Vin Diesel film A Man Apart, and Gerard Butler's London Has Fallen. The cast includes Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Evidently inspired by heist films such as The Town and Baby Driver, Den of Thieves is a gritty and immersive crime thriller complete with testosterone infused gunfights and big egos. Now, just because I pointed out the inspiration drawn from the films I mentioned previously doesn’t necessarily mean Den of Thieves is on the same level, but it is certainly in the same neighborhood. Den of Thieves is a film where it definitely helps to check expectations at the door sort of speak, which isn't a knock on the quality of the movie, but instead to simply prepare for one heck of a fun ride. I was looking forward to Den of Thieves for quite a while because of the cast as well as my obsession with gritty heist films, and it exceeded my relatively moderate expectations. It hits all of the key points without trying to do too much, and it has a very clear identity from the beginning.

It is apparent from the opening scene that this is a movie where you are going to see large men puffing out their chests while engaging in a very dangerous "pissing contest" and firing automatic weapons at each other with zero remorse, which is a recipe for success if you ask me. I was genuinely impressed with Christian Gudegast's directing style, especially considering this was his first time in the director’s chair, and felt that his raw style fit this type of film perfectly. Gudegast also wrote the script, so he clearly had a vision in mind, and he put everything together nicely. Den of Thieves also has a pretty good twist to the story that caught me off guard, and was one of those "ah-ha" moments which I thought was pretty cool. I picked up on a few things that felt inconsistent within the plot during the film, but once the twist was revealed it all made sense. As raw and gritty as the film is, and let me tell you, it’s very gritty, it still has a solid element of humor that kept things just light enough. Den of Thieves isn't perfect, and you won't hear it mentioned during any award shows, but what you will get is all of the elements that matter when making a movie like this which amounts to one of the better heist thrillers I've seen in a while.

Den of Thieves assembles a cast that is actually perfect for this style of film, as the plot is built around a gritty sense of masculinity and a sort of defend your turf type mentality. Leading the way is veteran actor Gerard Butler who is no stranger to playing the role of a badass- just look no further than 300 or Law Abiding Citizen. Butler is the hardened head of the Sheriff department’s Major Crimes Division, and much like the criminals they hunt down, these guys play by their own rules. Butler has a ton of experience playing this type of character and he absolutely crushes it yet again. I was impressed with the depth hidden deep within his character as he battles his demons while following the Bill Belichick motto and above all else, doing his job.

On the other side of the fence leading one of the most notorious groups of criminals known for pulling off some of the most daring heists is Pablo Schreiber, most recognizable for his role as the fearless Army Ranger turned military security contractor in 2016's war drama 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. Schreiber is an imposing figure at just shy of 6'4, and he has the muscle to back up that big frame. It is a ton of fun watching Butler and Schreiber going toe to toe throughout the film. Even though Butler and Schreiber get the vast majority of the screen-time, O'Shea Jackson Jr (the son of rapper turned actor Ice Cube) delivers a very solid performance. Jackson Jr made his big screen debut in Straight Outta Compton, and most expected that he would continue to build on his acting career. In Den of Thieves, Jackson Jr plays the role of a guy seemingly stuck in the middle of an impossible situation, and he handles the role well. People love to bash on Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's acting career, but the simple fact is that he can be pretty damn good when given the right role, and I actually really enjoyed his character in this film. Fun fact- the first concert I ever attended was a 50 Cent & G-Unit concert- troubled youth some may say. I was also pleased with Mo McRae, Brian Van Holt, Evan Jones, and Maurice Compte in their respective roles. I never felt like the acting was corny at all and I thought the entire cast was fantastic from top to bottom, and the chemistry was top notch.

Den of Thieves injects viewers with a full dose of adrenaline right from the opening scene and never looks back, and that, my friends makes for a fun time at the theater. I was never bored, and at times I was literally on the edge of my seat, especially during one of the more tense scenes towards the end. I consider myself to be somewhat of a heist film junkie, having seen The Town and Inside Man at least 5 or 6 times each, and this did it for me. If you are in the mood for a movie that will make you want to hit the gym and the gun range, in no particular order, Den of Thieves will fit the bill like a charm. I just hope it does well in the box office so we can continue to get more movies like this. Recommended.

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The Greatest Showman

January 26, 2018

Director Michael Gracey

Genre Biography | Drama | Musical

Cast Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams

Rating PG

Release Date December 25th, 2017

“Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.”

The directorial debut for Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman is a musical drama highlighting the birth of show business as it is inspired by P.T. Barnum (Barnum & Bailey circus). While everyone may be familiar with Barnum & Bailey, few actually know where it all began. This inspirational story about never giving up stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, and Michelle Williams.

The Greatest Showman is a true rags to riches story including phenomenal performances sure to have audiences clapping when the curtain drops. It didn't receive the critic praise of last year's La La Land, not even close actually, but this is a musical that has the ability to move viewers and definitely appeals to all ages. What took me by surprise was the unique way the film made viewers feel like they were part of the struggle represented on screen,  which made it that much more impactful when things began to improve. Based on a true story, yet clearly exaggerated at times to make it more "Hollywood", P.T. Barnum was a family man with a big American dream, and what's not to love about that?

I feel like the primary underlying message of the film is something we can all practice more of in our lives, and that is accepting people for who they are, and embracing their differences rather than considering them outsiders. P.T. Barnum believed in people, l mean he really believed in them, and he gave a group of people who were considered "freaks" in the eyes of society to the point where they were scared to be seen out in public, a reason to wake up in the morning. Barnum instilled in them the belief that they are amazing just as they are, and he gave them the perfect stage to show people just how special they were, and it is truly amazing to experience the transformation. Barnum struggled with his ego, much like we all do at times, and dealt with his fair of ups and downs, but in the end he was able to achieve a much deeper understanding of what matters most in life. The Greatest Showman was the perfect movie to release during the holiday season and if you don't feel something at some point during the hour and 45 minutes, you may want to check your pulse. 

It is obvious from the beginning that the cast for The Greatest Showman is one of its biggest strengths. Lead by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams, and anchored by Zac Efron and Rebecca Ferguson, this is a cast full of talent. Jackman and Williams develop a genuine chemistry right from the beginning that carries on throughout the film, and that is a big reason why the story unfolds so seamlessly. I really couldn't tell you who actually sings during the performances nor do I care to do the research on that. All I know is the songs are amazing, especially The Greatest Show and This Is Me, both of which I couldn't get out of my head, and that is more than enough for me. I also really loved the entire supporting cast and their contributions to the film, mainly those that played the roles of the performers.

The Greatest Showman was a blast, and this is coming from someone who generally avoids musicals like the plague. I have always had an issue with feeling musicals are just too corny and couldn't hold my attention, but somehow this felt different. From the cast, to the soundtrack, right down to the costume design, The Greatest Showman comes together as an entertaining movie that you will want to experience again, and again, and again. I will be picking this one up on Blu-ray, and I can't wait to see what they include for special features. Try and check this one out before it leaves theaters if possible, and be prepared to have at least one if not two songs stuck in your head for a week or so- you have been warned.

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Insidious: The Last Key

January 24, 2018

Director Adam Robitel

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Kirk Acevedo

Rating PG-13

Release Date January 5th, 2018

“Parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet - in her own family home.”

From director Adam Robitel (The Taking of Deborah Logan), Insidious: The Last Key is the origin story for recurring character Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), and is set years prior to the previous films. The Insidious franchise has been very up and down in terms of critic and viewer feedback, and while the 3rd film wasn't great by any stretch, it was still creepy and a solid horror film overall, at least in my opinion anyway. I'm not sure how much life is left in this franchise, but I am pleased that they are continuing to try and keep the horror genre going. The cast includes Lin Shaye, Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Kirk Acevedo, Tessa Ferrer, Javier Botet, and Josh Stewart.

Insidious: The Last Key suffers from the usual inability to actually frighten viewers, but a cast that keeps things fun and a solid origin story make for an overall enjoyable experience. Full disclosure, I went to see this movie a 2nd time after feeling relatively unfulfilled the first time around. I'm not sure if that was due to high expectations or simply the fact that I was so focused on the backstory that I didn't appreciate some of the finer horror elements of the film, or possibly a combination of the two. Either way I enjoyed the film much more the second time around and really felt like it was a solid entry in the franchise, and if it is in fact the final film, a pretty good sendoff. Insidious: The Last Key really gets its bearing with what I consider to be a well-constructed origin story, taking us back to Elise's younger and extremely traumatic years. As far as horror films go, this was one of the better told stories and I really liked how the supernatural collided with real-life evil. I also really liked how they utilized "the key," without giving anything away- it was a pretty cool addition. Before I get ahead of myself let me make one thing very clear, this movie is far from perfect and quite honestly you really can't even put it in the same category as The Conjuring, Sinister, or It Follows, some of the better scare-factor horror films in the last few years. What Insidious: The Last Key is able to provide viewers is what should be considered a bigger budget B-movie horror that does enough to please newcomers, but more importantly it gives fans of the franchise the fix they were hoping for when they bought a ticket.

I suppose it should come as no surprise that the acting is one of the weaker aspects of a horror movie. What did take me by surprise is the fact that one of the weaker performances came from franchise staple and veteran actress Lin Shaye. Shaye, who has 200 acting credits according to her IMDb filmography, has been around the block to say the least. In general, I enjoy her as an actress when it comes down to a solid role in a horror movie that really isn't asking too much of her, which is essentially her trademark. Now, what annoyed me most for Insidious: The Last Key specifically is the fact that it seemed Shay was trying to over emphasize the majority of the key lines that she had and this really took away from her performance. Sure we expect her to puff out her chest and add some effect when she is referring to "the great beyond" for example, but doing that during the majority of the film felt corny and overdone. I hate to bash Shaye who has been a damn good franchise lead, and honestly this may fall on the shoulders of the director, but it took away from the overall experience for me. Aside from that, Shaye was her usual entertaining self.

Caitlin Gerard and Spencer Locke, relatively forgettable actresses who have dabbled in a few B-movie horror films and television shows, are okay if you keep your expectations low. On the flipside of that, they are both very attractive which as we horror fans know is a key element to any successful horror film, so you can at least check that box. Franchise regulars Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson, in their respective roles as Specs and Tucker have really grown on me. Now it's easy to sit back and say that these two guys are bargain bin actors playing a goofy role to try and keep things loose and fun, and sure that is all very much the truth, but in the Insidious universe it works. I was genuinely pleased to have these two as part of the cast, and the relationship they share with Shaye's character, Elise is one of my favorite parts of the film. An interesting tidbit of information is that Whannell is actually responsible for creating the Insidious franchise and has written the screenplay for every film.

Insidious: The Last Key isn't really a letdown necessarily in the sense that I don't really think viewers had that high of expectations. As a horror fanatic, I really hoped they would dig deep into their bag of tricks and deliver something that gave me chills down my spine, but unfortunately that was not the case (to be fair, I am NOT easy to scare). One thing the Insidious franchise is famous for is the ability to create a high quality "monster," or ghost, or demon, or whatever it may be for that specific film. Few things are more obnoxious than a horror movie with a corny looking monster and Insidious has always delivered on that front. On a side and completely unrelated note, as a horror fan I am still very angry and disappointed in Paramount for releasing that piece of crap movie Rings which lost the studio so much money that they cancelled the next Friday the 13th. Damn you Paramount! Overall I think fans of the Insidious franchise will be pleased with this latest entry and if the box office numbers hold up, we may be seeing a 5th entry in the franchise, because well cash is king, and that in itself would be impressive. Lin Shaye was actually quoted in an interview saying that regardless of whether or not another Insidious film is greenlit by the studio, she will follow writer Leigh Whannell wherever he goes.

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Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

January 17, 2018

Director Jake Kasdan

Genre Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Cast Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 20th, 2017

“Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game’s jungle setting, becoming the adult avatars they choose.”

From director Jake Kasdan (New Girl, Sex Tape), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the first Jumanji film since the 1995 version starring the late Robin Williams (RIP). This new version has some people fired up about the non-stop remake/sequel push from Hollywood, but a talented cast and a fun premise could and hopefully will provide a fun adventure comedy fit for all ages. The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan.

With an extremely talented cast and an immersive backstory, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is good old fashioned laugh out loud fun for the entire family. I actually went into the theater with relatively high expectations considering the cast, specifically the Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart combination that had me laughing my tail off in Central Intelligence. Well I am pleased to report that not only did the cast live up to expectations, but the movie as a whole delivered in all of the categories that mattered. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is packed full of hilarious one-liners but what really ignites the laugh factor is the creative use of role reversal for the characters. Basically each person that gets sucked into the videogame and becomes the avatar they have chosen ends up with the polar opposite of what they thought they were getting, and this leads to priceless moments and interactions between the characters. Beyond all of that, I was genuinely impressed with the overall backstory the film brings to life for viewers. The last thing I expected was for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to hit an emotional note in any shape or form yet somehow it manages to do just that, and it does it in such a natural and genuine way that you can't help but tip your hat to the writers. After months of anticipation, I left the theater excited for what I just experienced and I can't wait to see it for a second time.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is packed full of hilarious one-liners but what really ignites the laugh factor is the creative use of role reversal for the characters. Basically each person that gets sucked into the videogame and becomes the avatar they have chosen ends up with the polar opposite of what they thought they were getting, and this leads to priceless moments and interactions between the characters. Beyond all of that, I was genuinely impressed with the overall backstory the film brings to life for viewers. The last thing I expected was for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to hit an emotional note in any shape or form yet somehow it manages to do just that, and it does it in such a natural and genuine way that you can't help but tip your hat to the writers. After months of anticipation, I left the theater excited for what I just experienced and I can't wait to see it for a second time.

I mentioned the talented cast before but I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few more moments to touch on exactly what they brought to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. First and foremost, the chemistry between the entire cast is amazing. You never feel like any of the actors are bored or sleepwalking through scenes. Everyone seems excited and almost giddy for the opportunity to let loose and make a movie that allows them to have a little fun. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart deliver yet again and provide some of the best banter you will experience in the film *spoiler alert* (just kidding NOT a spoiler), and the majority of the laughs come at the expense of Kevin Hart's height, or lack thereof.

I really enjoyed Karen Gillan's character as well, and thought that she added a unique element to the dynamic between the characters. Most people will recognize Gillan as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy. I was admittedly a little surprised that Jack Black actually stole the show for me thanks to his ability to really take advantage of the humorous role reversal element. Without giving too much away, the perfect and beautiful blonde homecoming queen has the luxury of becoming a "fat middle-aged man" in the videogame, and from there the laughs just never really stop. I have been a Jack Black fan for quite some time, and even though he has had his fair share of duds, personally I think one of his best performances is Tropic Thunder, and I also really enjoyed his role in Orange County. He is just such a great comedic actor and I always find myself repeating his hilarious one-liners for weeks, sometimes even months. The cast is just fantastic from top to bottom.  

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is fun, hilarious, and most importantly it is easy to enjoy. Ignore the naysayers because this is a movie you won't even consider picking apart because it is just so loose and easygoing. I really appreciated the fact that in no way shape or form is this movie trying to be like the original. Instead it serves as a sort of tribute to a classic family film from the late, great Robin Williams. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle packs enough laughs and a really fun premise to keep the entire family entertained, so do yourself a favor and check this one out while it's in theaters. Highly recommended.

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Father Figures

January 5, 2018

Director Lawrence Sher

Genre Comedy

Cast Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, J.K. Simmons, Ryan Cartwright

Rating R

Release Date December 22nd, 2017

“Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.”

The directorial debut for Lawrence Sher, Father Figures is an outrageous R-rated comedy about two adult brothers in search of their biological father after their mother admits to lying to them their entire lives. The film was originally entitled "Bastards" but changed the name for obvious reasons. The script is written by Justin Malen who previously penned the script for Office Christmas Party. The cast includes Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, J.K. Simmons, and Ryan Cartwright.

Thanks to a boring backstory and a crap script from screenwriter Justin Malen, Father Figures slides into the lonely land of disappointing R-rated comedies. When I first saw trailers for Father Figures I was admittedly intrigued. I am a huge fan of comedies and I figured at the very least an R-rated comedy releasing during Christmas weekend would provide an opportunity to have a few drinks and head over to the theater for some uncensored fun. Well first and foremost, Father Figures is one of the most censored R-rated films I have seen in quite some time. The movie more or less got slapped with an R-rating because of the one-liners that are sexual in nature but it really isn't that bad. Beyond that, they do literally NOTHING with the R-rating aside from a classic bait and switch for people hoping to see a movie more along the lines of Super Bad, Knocked Up, The Hangover, or Horrible Bosses (original or the sequel). Now granted, some of the films I just mentioned are top-tier comedies, but what they have in common is the fact that they deserved to have an R-rating and they wore it like a badge of honor.

The script for Father Figures felt like a PG-13 movie through and through, and either the studio got into a battle with the ratings commission and were forced to take on the R-rating, or on the flipside they may have welcomed it hoping they would bring in the audience that enjoys raunchy comedy (I certainly fall into that group). I also have my doubts about screenwriter Justin Malen, and I will absolutely proceed with caution for any scripts he writes in the future. He recently wrote Office Christmas Party which included a stellar cast but he somehow managed to make that a boring movie, although it was much, much better than this. He is currently working on scripts for Sherlock Holmes 3 and Bad Teacher 2, so hopefully he starts expanding that imagination of his between now and then. The bottom line is this, the funny parts are few and far between, leads Ed Helms and Owen Wilson seemed disinterested in their respective roles and I can't blame them, and from start to finish the movie really doesn’t amount to much. An R-rated comedy with no replay-value is a slap in the face to the genre, and this ladies and gentleman is one of those movies.

It's actually hard to breakdown the performances in Father Figures due to the overall lackadaisical demeanor of the cast as a whole. I really like Ed Helms and Owen Wilson and they have each turned up some fantastic performances of their own, but Father Figures is definitely a step back for the duo. Comedian Kat Williams, who not long ago was bashed pretty hard for getting his ass beat by a 17-year old (to be fair Williams is 5 foot 5 and 145 lbs on a good day and some 17-year olds are big as hell), delivered a funny performance in a very limited roll. I found myself waiting for the scene where he comes in and they could have snagged quite a few more laughs with some additional screen-time for the pint-sized comedian. I also really enjoyed Terry Bradshaw's character even though it wasn’t quite up there with how hilarious he was in Failure to Launch.  One of the biggest travesties of this film is to only give my main man Christopher Walken about 5 minutes of screen-time- the guy is hilarious! Give Walken more lines and you might have something here, shame on you Justin Malen! Overall, a very lackluster performance by all involved weighed down by an unfunny script.

Father Figures isn't the worst movie of the year and it is definitely watchable, but it is a huge letdown when you put it in the category of hit R-rated comedies that have come out in the last decade. Even though the backstory is far from groundbreaking a superior script could have taken advantage of a solid cast and at least added enough laughs to keep the audience engaged. Instead, the movie has far too many slow points and what feels like meandering direction in terms of how the plot unfolds. With low expectations and a rental in the range of $1.50 Father Figures will serve as a decent watch, but I can't in good conscience recommend it beyond that.

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Pitch Perfect 3

January 3, 2018

Director Trish Sie

Genre Comedy | Music

Cast Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 22nd, 2017

“Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices”

From director Trish Sie, Pitch Perfect 3 is the third film in the extremely popular film series about the never boring acapella group The Bellas. The films are based on the book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, written by Mickey Rapkin. Kay Cannon is credited for writing the screenplay for all three films but each entry had a different director with Jason Moore directing the first film and actress Elizabeth Banks stepping in to direct the sequel. Now, it's time for Step Up All In director Trish Sie to take a crack at the series. The cast includes Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hailee Steinfeld, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, and Ruby Rose. Fun fact, successful songwriter Ester Dean made her acting debut in the original Pitch Perfect where she performed the well-known Rihanna song S&M, which she co-wrote.

Fat Amy and The Bellas make an enthusiastic return in Pitch Perfect 3, serving up a full helping of the music and humor fans have grown to love.  This movie is really funny, plain and simple. Now granted, in order to appreciate this brand of humor you need to have enjoyed the first two films as they tend to go hand in hand with each other. Screenwriter Kay Cannon is seemingly reluctant to stray from the recipe that has worked for the films so far and I am okay with that. I feel like Cannon's biggest focus is playing to the strengths of the cast that she has at her disposal, and that is a very smart way to write a movie script. Cannon will also be making her directorial debut in 2018 with the R-rated comedy Blockers, starring Ike Barinholtz, Leslie Mann, and John Cena, so keep an eye out for that.

Elaborating on my previous point as far as playing to the strengths of the cast, each and every scene is full of energy and a ton of laughs. I really liked how this film kept all of the running jokes alive from the first film, and for me Fat Amy's character and the hilarious back and forth banter coming from Gail (Elizabeth Banks) and John (John Michael Higgins) basically makes the movie for me. A Pitch Perfect film wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of fun musical performances and "mash ups" and the third entry gladly satisfies that need. Pitch Perfect 3 has its fair share of corny elements and a few gags that may not hit home as well as others, but the bottom line is that the majority of what they try to do works and works very well.

As far as acting is concerned, Pitch Perfect started out and continues to be built around Rebel Wilson and her Fat Amy character. I will admit that when I first watched Pitch Perfect in theaters 5 years ago I was a bit thrown off by this character, I mean an overweight female actress mocking herself to this extent was just something I wasn’t used to. But as she developed her character I realized it was more about personal empowerment than it was about simply making fun of herself and I thought that was pretty cool. Aside from that little tidbit of insight, Fat Amy is absolutely hilarious and each and every film she seems to have an endless supply of one-liners.

The only thing better than the perfectly timed and very uncomfortable comments are her facial expressions and mannerisms, they are just spot on and I can't get enough of it. Apparently, Wilson has expressed interest in doing a Fat Amy spinoff project, which I feel would be very well received as long as the writing stays up to par. My 2nd favorite character who plays a small role is easily veteran actor John Michael Higgins, who has a very impressive 132 acting credits according to his IMDb filmography, as well as an Emmy nomination. Higgins returns as John, the smart-mouthed and extremely sexist "commentator" of sorts and he is hilarious once again. He is rejoined by partner-in-crime Elizabeth Banks and they continue to have amazing chemistry together. Regardless of how ridiculous his comments tend to be, he manages to get a ton of laughs out of the audience each and every time.

Pitch Perfect 3 is far from perfect (see what I did there?), but as far as comedies go it will have you laughing pretty much the entire time and that’s a win in my book. I have been a fan of the films from the beginning and although I was sad to find out that Workaholics star Adam DeVine wouldn't be reprising his role of Bumper, everything still came together pretty well. The conclusion of the film felt like sort of a sendoff and a conclusion to the franchise but I wouldn't rule out a sequel if it brings in enough money. Plus if Rebel Wilson can get a Fat Amy spinoff off the ground, that may be enough to satisfy our comedic needs. Pitch Perfect 3 is a relatively wholesome comedy most of the family should enjoy, so add some laughter to this stressful time of year and check this one out sooner than later. Recommended.

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Top 10 Movies of 2017

December 21, 2017

Goodbye 2017!

This was yet another amazing (yet tumultuous) year for the film industry but it is coming to an end (crazy right?!). This is the time of year where we start thinking about some of our favorite movies throughout 2017...

See below for our Ted Takes Top 10 Movies of 2017 and click on the movie posters for our *SPOILER FREE* review of each movie. As always feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy viewing in 2018!!

Featured
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Coco
Coco
Thor: Ragnarok
Thor: Ragnarok
Blade Runner 2049
Blade Runner 2049
It
It
Wind River
Wind River
Dunkirk
Dunkirk
Baby Driver
Baby Driver
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman
Get Out
Get Out
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The Disaster Artist

December 21, 2017

Director James Franco

Genre Comedy | Drama | History

Cast James Franco, Dave Franco, Seth Rogen, Alison Brie

Rating R

Release Date December 8th, 2017 (Limited)

“When Greg Sestero, an aspiring film actor, meets the weird and mysterious Tommy Wiseau in an acting class, they form a unique friendship and travel to Hollywood to make their dreams come true.”

Directed by veteran actor James Franco, The Disaster Artist is a cult classic in the making, based on the behind the scenes madness that took place during the filming of Tommy Wiseau's The Room (2003). To this day Wiseau remains a man of mystery but one thing is for sure, he made a movie that people can't stop talking about nearly 15 years later, and that is very impressive. The talented cast includes James Franco, Dave Franco, Alison Brie, Seth Rogen, Zoey Deutch, Lizzy Caplan, Zac Efron, and Bryan Cranston.

Hilarious and surprisingly insightful, The Disaster Artist is a detailed and entertaining retelling of how the best worst movie ever reached cult status. I first became aware of Tommy Wiseau's The Room when I first started hearing rumblings of James Franco working on this movie. After doing some research, I was immediately intrigued, and the fact that A24 grabbed ahold of the film further increased my need to see it. First and foremost, The Disaster Artist is hilarious, but what intrigued me most was the emotional attachment to Tommy Wiseau the film creates, and the focus on his willingness to put himself out there despite his increasing vulnerability.

To me Wiseau cared more about what he could do for others than his own personal achievements, and the path that leads to the success of The Room is clear proof of that. We live in an era where movies that are incredibly bad can sometimes find themselves more widely appreciated than films specifically built for award season. Examples would be the painfully bad horror comedies such as the Sharknado films, or even Zombeavers. As viewers, we go in with expectations so low that we find a way to genuinely enjoy these movies, and this is usually because we don't take them very seriously.   

The cast is absolutely amazing from top to bottom, but I think it goes without saying that James Franco steals the show with his portrayal of Tommy Wiseau. From the long hair right down to the accent and mannerisms, Franco is spot on. Franco has developed into a great actor with plenty of notable roles but the dedication on display here is easily some of his best work. Tommy Wiseau is a very "unique" individual and he captures it all perfectly. Dave Franco, the brother of James Franco, steps into the role of the 2nd lead and he is fantastic as well. It probably comes as no surprise that the Franco brothers have genuine chemistry with each other, and they play off each other extremely well throughout the film. I also really enjoyed Seth Rogen's character, and I felt that he added a nice balance to the dynamic between the Franco brothers. I really can't say enough about the cast, and if you are a movie or television enthusiast you will recognize pretty much every actor and actress in the film.

The Room is a phenomenon for a damn good reason, and The Disaster Artist successfully broadens the reach of this cult classic. I read that prior to the premiere of The Disaster Artist, director and star James Franco stood in front of the audience and adamantly stated that this film is not making fun of Tommy Wiseau, but is simply touching on his talents as a director, writer, actor, and whatever the heck else he is credited for, as well as shedding some light on him as a human being. After seeing the movie, I actually agree with Franco's sentiment. The Disaster Artist simply provides the audience with an inside look at a man who dared to dream big. Did he spend a boat load of money on a movie that was considered to be so bad it's good? He sure did, but he also ignored the naysayers and made a movie on his own, the movie HE wanted to make, and that is pretty damn impressive. The Disaster Artist is very well done and extremely entertaining, be sure to check it out sooner than later. Highly recommended.

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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

December 13, 2017

Director Martin McDonagh

Genre Comedy | Crime | Drama

Cast Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Peter Dinklage

Rating R

Release Date November 10th, 2017 (Limited)

“A mother personally challenges the local authorities to solve her daughter’s murder when they fail to catch the culprit.”

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (let's just call it Three Billboards for short) is a dark comedy-drama written and directed by Martin McDonagh. McDonagh may not be a big name in Hollywood, but he is a unique and talented writer and director. His best work so far would be In Bruges and Seven Psychopaths, both similar films in terms of the dark comedy-dramas. The cast for Three Billboards includes Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Peter Dinklage, and Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea).

With stellar performances from the entire cast and a relentlessly crude yet effective sense of humor, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is easily the best dark comedy since Fargo. This movie is a blast, plain and simple. As long as you aren’t easily offended you will thoroughly enjoy each and every second of this film. I went in to the theater with lofty expectations due to early critic feedback as this was initially a very limited release, and it met and actually exceeded those expectations. To this day Fargo is one of my favorite films and is considered to be a cult classic by many. It was actually adapted into a very good T.V. show on network television as well. More importantly, it still stands as one of the best films from accomplished writer/directors the Coen brothers. Three Billboards Director Martin McDonagh seems to share a similar appreciation for dark humor mixed with crime evidenced by the 2012 film Seven Psychopaths, which he also wrote and directed. McDonagh smartly nabbed former Fargo leading lady Francis McDormand and got to work on his next masterpiece with Three Billboards.

Similar to Fargo, and even Seven Psychopaths for that matter, this film lives and dies with the cast and the unique interactions they have throughout the film, triggering a messy and extremely entertaining cause and effect during the two-hour runtime. Luckily everything comes together seamlessly. I really enjoyed each character and I liked how they fit into this dynamic of small-town "politics", for lack of a better word. The writing is smart, edgy, and creative, and even though it could make some viewers feel somewhat uncomfortable (at least at first), I felt that McDonagh did a great job of ensuring everything comes across as artistic expression. I was also rather impressed by the fact that Three Billboards manages to maintain its comedic edge throughout the film while still tugging at the heart strings a little bit. From the writing, to the directing, to the acting, right down to the cinematography, I'm finding it hard to narrow down a weakness with this film, it's just that good.

The cast for Three Billboards is absolutely fantastic. Veteran actress Francis McDormand is a force to be reckoned with and her performance brought me right back to 1996 where she delivered an epic performance in Fargo. She plays a character that has a mean streak like no other and she is very intimidating. What I enjoyed most about her performance was her ability to develop unique chemistry which each different character which was huge in terms of developing the backstory and subsequent chain of events that made Three Billboards so much damn fun to watch. One of my all-time favorite actors Woody Harrelson is in uniform yet again (I feel like he plays some sort of law enforcement official 9 out of 10 roles), and he is absolutely fantastic. As the chief of police he has quite the crew of misfits on his payroll and he does an amazing job balancing out the insanity.

As hard as it is to pick a favorite amongst a stellar cast I feel like Sam Rockwell's performance stood out to me most. I am a Rockwell fan in general even though if you mention his name most people will have no idea who you are talking about until you show them a picture. A veteran actor with 99 credits according to his IMDb filmography, he is best known for Iron Man 2, Seven Psychopaths, and The Way Way Back, which is a fantastic coming-of-age indie drama. Rockwell is a dynamic actor with enough personality and charisma to single-handedly carry a movie. His character in Three Billboards is an absolute riot and I honestly couldn’t picture anyone else playing this role as well as he did. Caleb Landry Jones, who most recently played pivotal roles in Get Out and American Made, delivers yet another great performance in Three Billboards. He plays a character that is sort of the Switzerland (neutral party) as far as the storyline is concerned and he is a huge contributor to the overall effectiveness of the film as a whole. I could go on and on talking about this cast and how much I enjoyed each and every performance but it would take all day.  

Three Billboards is one of my favorite films of the year for a few different reasons but mostly because I really liked how it pushed the envelope, and I am also a huge fan of dark comedies. The entertainment value is through the roof from the opening scene and I never felt bored, not even for a second. This is a movie that will satisfy a well-rounded group of genre enthusiasts for years to come.  Ever since I left the theater I have been looking forward to seeing Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri again and you can bet that I will be purchasing the Blu-ray on release day. Highly recommended.

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Coco

December 11, 2017

Director Lee Unkrich, Adrian Molina

Genre Animation | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, Renee Victor, Anthony Gonzales

Rating PG

Release Date November 22nd, 2017

“Aspiring musician Miguel, confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to work out the mystery.”

The latest from Disney/Pixar, Coco is an animated comedy about love and the importance of family. It is also about a young boy who is determined to follow his dream. Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3, who also co-wrote the script, and Adrian Molina, his directorial debut.  Coco is Pixar's very first animated musical, and is also Pixar's very first animated feature where the lead is a person of color.  The cast of voice actors includes Anthony Gonzalez, Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, and Renee Victor.

Visually striking, hilarious, and genuinely uplifting, Coco strongly reinforces the value of family and preserving the memory of loved ones no longer with us. Even though this is a Disney-Pixar film, it is absolutely an experience meant for the entire family. The film’s premise is based on The Day of the Dead, the Mexican holiday which translates to Día de Muertos in Spanish, and celebrates the lives of loved ones that have passed on. It takes place over multiple days and focuses on the gathering of family and friends to pray for and remember those who have passed, and to support their spiritual journey. I wouldn't consider myself to be a fanatic when it comes to animated films, but I do enjoy them and I tend to see as many as I can to break up the usual heavy dose of dramas, comedies, and thrillers. One of my favorite animated films in the last few years is Inside Out, mainly because I appreciated how deep the film was while still managing to be hilarious and entertaining throughout.

Coco is the only animated film as of late that I would put up next to Inside Out as it continues the trend of a powerful message and high entertainment value. Not only did Coco help to instill in me the true meaning of family, it also taught me about a fantastic and beautiful Mexican holiday and left me curious as to why we don't have something similar in the states. Perhaps we could develop our own variation of this popular holiday? As someone who has dealt with the loss of loved ones, I understand the importance of remembrance which at the end of the day is truly therapeutic, and the benefit is as much for those of us still on this earth as it is for those no longer with us. Coco is hilarious and will have you laughing out loud pretty much the entire time aside from those moments where the tears take you by surprise. I also really enjoyed the amazing visuals which were top notch. Coco is one of the most colorful and visually stimulating animated films I have ever experienced.

Coco has a stellar cast of voice actors who all come together to deliver one heck of a performance. Young actor Anthony Gonzalez is spectacular as main character Miguel. His performance ensures the character is truly brought to life. Veteran actor Gael García Bernal is fantastic as Héctor and develops genuine chemistry with Gonzalez. The chemistry they share contributes to the majority of the laugh out loud moments of the film. I also really enjoyed Benjamin Bratt as Ernesto de la Cruz and I felt like he was able to portray a somewhat complex character with ease.  Alanna Ubach is the boss of the house in her role as Mamá Imelda and you do NOT want to get on her bad side. Overall, the voice acting was stellar from top to bottom without a single flaw I can think of.

Aside from the 22-minute Frozen short which will no longer be shown after 12/7, Coco is easily one of the best animated films to hit the big-screen in the last few years. For me, Coco is more than just a movie, it’s a reminder to cherish the memories of those no longer with us, and it also manages to balance humor and a sense of drama effortlessly. As I mentioned before, this is easily my favorite animated film since Inside Out and I will definitely be adding it to my collection when the Blu-ray hits shelves. Highly recommended.

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Lady Bird

December 6, 2017

Director Greta Gerwig

Genre Comedy

Cast Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges

Rating R

Release Date November 3rd, 2017 (Limited)

“The adventures of a young woman living in Northern California for a year.”

Lady Bird is a coming-of-age comedy drama from actress turned director Greta Gerwig. Gerwig, who is a recognizable actress especially for fans of indie films (try not to hold Weiner Dog against her), and although she did co-direct the 2008 romance drama Nights and Weekends, Lady Bird is her solo debut. Gerwig first met lead actress Saoirse Ronan at the Toronto Film Festival in 2015 where they went over the script for the film in Ronan's hotel room and immediately connected. Gerwig was attending the festival for her film Maggie's Plan and Ronan was in attendance for her award winning romantic drama Brooklyn. The cast for Lady Bird includes Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Tracy Letts, Lucas Hedges, and Beanie Feldstein.

A well-rounded and very entertaining coming-of-age drama with a fantastic cast, Lady Bird paves the way for what should be a long and promising career for first-time director Greta Gerwig. As a huge fan of actress Saoirse Ronan, I was really looking forward to seeing this movie and I definitely had high expectations. Well, it did not disappoint! I am a sucker for coming-of-age dramas as long as the cast and script come together, and this film definitely had all of that in place. The blend of drama and humor will undoubtedly allow the film to reach a broad audience. Lady Bird dives right into the relationship between Christine and her mother Marion, which is the primary focus of the story. Christine's father Larry has assumed the full-time job of mediator between mother and daughter. What director Greta Gerwig has created for viewers is an up close and personal look at real-life family dynamics in action, more specifically the struggle that ensues when a college-bound teenager prepares to leave the nest.

One of the things I appreciated the most about this film is how authentic it felt. Relationships within any family can be messy and Lady Bird gives viewers a glimpse of the highest highs and the lowest lows, but it never strays from reality. Various aspects of Lady Bird actually hit home with me as well, and I feel like it is all too common that parents do what they can to shield their children from the harsh truth of real-life struggles. When I step back and really think about it, Lady Bird touches on pretty much every sensitive subject that has plagued society in the past decade seamlessly which is extremely difficult to do. Filmmakers today tend to avoid "toeing the line" due to fear of backlash but Gerwig seems determined to make her mark as Hollywood's next influential director. Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson reminds us that it is okay to be different, and more importantly it is okay to step outside your comfort zone because that is what makes life worth living.

The cast assembled for Lady Bird is absolutely fantastic from top to bottom. I am a huge fan of Irish actress Saoirse Ronan, and I feel like her talents are drastically underappreciated. Ronan has built herself a very solid acting career, most notably her Oscar nominated performance in Brooklyn, but even her lesser known performances in films like The Lovely Bones, Hannah, or The Grand Budapest Hotel. Ronan is quickly becoming one of the better actresses in Hollywood. In Lady Bird she yet again proves she is more than capable of taking on the lead role and capturing the emotions of the audience. Her character, Christine "Lady Bird" McPherson, is simply trying to find her rightful place in the world and Ronan delivers on that perfectly. Laurie Metcalf plays the role of Christine's loving yet overbearing mother, and she is fantastic. Metcalf develops a unique chemistry with Ronan that feels genuine and it is a real pleasure watching their relationship grow. Tracy Letts plays the role of Christine's father who is very much the submissive husband alongside Metcalf. Personally, I loved his character and felt like he balanced out the dynamic of the cast. Manchester by the Sea star Lucas Hedges makes his presence known yet again and is excellent as Christine's friend/romantic interest Danny. The rest of the supporting cast was great.

Lady Bird serves as sort of a look back on the world in the past few decades, with the characters constantly bashing pop culture and going out of their way to be "different". In many ways, the main protagonist reminded me of my little sister in High School, determined to mock stereotypes and forge a unique path. This may not be the path of least resistance but it sure makes for some quality entertainment. More than anything else, Lady Bird is a reminder that just because Society has a strong influence on our lives we can still choose our own path. Director Greta Gerwig is a unique talent in the director's chair and I am looking forward to watching her career grow. If you are like me and have a soft spot for coming-of-age films or just appreciate quality filmmaking in general, be sure to find time to see Lady Bird during its short run in theaters.

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Wonder

November 21, 2017

Director Stephen Chbosky

Genre Drama

Cast Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs

Rating PG

Release Date November 17th, 2017

“Based on the New York Times bestseller, WONDER tells the incredibly inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman, a boy with facial differences who enters fifth grade, attending a mainstream elementary school for the first time.”

From director Stephen Chbosky (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Wonder is a heartwarming story based on the New York Times bestselling novel from author R.J. Palacio. Born Raquel Jaramillo Palacio in Queens, New York, she is a graphic designer by day and a writer by night. She now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband, two sons, and two dogs. Having sold over 5 million copies worldwide, Wonder is her debut novel and has been on the New York Times bestseller list since March 2012. According to the official website, the book’s message of kindness has inspired the Choose Kind movement, which has been embraced by readers all over the world. Palacio came up with the idea for the book after an incident involving her three-year-old son and a young girl with facial birth defects while in line at an ice cream shop, much like an encounter the main character experiences in the book. The cast for the film includes Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson, Jacob Tremblay, Daveed Diggs, and Izabela Vidovic.

Staying true to its bestselling and inspiring source material, Wonder is genuinely heartfelt with a powerful message for viewers of all ages. When the film was first announced, I did a little research, and as someone with an interest in social psychology I made it a point to grab the book as soon as I could from my local library, and I was pleased to find that it was readily available. I absolutely loved the book, and I really appreciated how it was such an easy read considering the difficult subject it deals with. I actually refused to watch the trailer until I finished the book to ensure that I maintained a fresh perspective. I found myself really hoping the movie did the book justice, and the trailer and cast had me more than optimistic. Well, let me just say that Wonder is the best book to film adaptation since the tear-jerking The Fault in Our Stars, and that is not a comparison to be taken lightly.

Director Stephen Chbosky is given the tools he needed to craft an experience filmgoers can be proud to recommend to their friends and family. If any movie today is capable of feeling untarnished by the big movie studios, who always seem to feel like they need to adjust a detail here or a detail there to fit their agenda, Wonder is that movie. When it started I honestly felt like I had just finished the final page of the book, put it down and closed my eyes and began to slip away into my own personal world of Wonder. It really is that seamless. Currently, I do not have any kids of my own but if I did, I feel like it would be my duty as a good parent to make sure they read the book (or I would read it to them depending on their age), and have the chance to see the movie as soon as possible (even on a school night if necessary!). Considering the dark cloud of bullying that has been hovering over our schools for what seems like forever now, due in large part to the "Social Media" generation, Wonder is a reminder that even though it may take a joint effort from parents, kids, and young adults, the act of kindness is more powerful than any of us could ever imagine. I also really liked how the film was able to implement various aspects of Auggie's extraordinary imagination throughout some of the more impactful moments of the story, which was a big part of the book as well. By the end I wanted more than anything else to be buddies with this special kid.

I really can't say enough good things about the cast of Wonder as I felt that it was absolutely perfect and what I would have envisioned from the book. The chemistry between the cast is quite simply second to none. The hero of this story deserves to be mentioned first, and that is young actor Jacob Tremblay. I was first introduced to the Canadian born actor alongside Brie Larson in the hit film Room (2015). I knew right away this kid had a bright future in the film industry and he has not disappointed. From the narration to his natural acting talent, Tremblay fit the role of Auggie Pullman perfectly. Talented veteran actress Julia Roberts, one of the best to ever grace the big screen, is tremendous as well. Taking on the very important role of young Auggie's mom Isabel, Roberts is able to balance the role of loving and somewhat overbearing mother (for good reason of course), and she is easily the heart and soul of the cast. I also really liked the casting of Owen Wilson as the dad. He may not get a fair shake sometimes but Wilson has proven his worth in his fair share of heartwarming films, most notably Marley & Me (2008). He is the perfect best buddy/cool dad combo and his character’s relationship with his son is something we can all hope to aspire to. Actress Izabela Vidovic is stellar as Auggie's sister Via. Most viewers will recognize her as Jason Statham's daughter in the film Homefront, but the fairly unknown actress proves her value as an actress and then some. I really enjoyed Taveed Digg's (Black-ish) portrayal of the teacher we all wish we had, Mr. Browne. Young actors Noah Dupe (Suburbicon) and Bryce Gheisar are perfect as Jack Will and Julian. I also feel like I need to give a shout out to Mandy Patinkin who took on the pivotal role of Mr. Tushman. He was fantastic as well. Just to reiterate, the cast was amazing!

Wonder is the rare gem of a film that is as equally entertaining as it is meaningful. For most of my adult life I thought reading was a waste of time, and I always told people that if the book was really that good they will make a movie out of it and I will just watch the film adaptation. Now I still love movies (clearly), but I have become quite an avid reader and I really enjoy it. When such an amazing book comes to life on-screen it really is a special experience and I am thrilled that Stephen Chbosky and R.J. Palacion were able to collaborate and give us book and movie lovers one more reason to get up off our comfy couch and visit the movie theater. Be sure to check out Wonder as soon as you're able (I will be seeing it again soon) and lets all do what we can to become a part of the Choose Kind movement. Together we CAN make a difference. I also suggest that you have the tissues ready because you will have some tears running down your face before its all said and done. Highly recommended.

Watch the latest trailer below.

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Justice League

November 17, 2017

Director Zack Snyder

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, Ezra Miller

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 17th, 2017

“Fueled by his restored faith in humanity and inspired by Superman’s selfless act, Bruce Wayne enlists the help of his newfound ally, Diana Prince, to face an even greater enemy.”

From director Zack Snyder, Justice League is the ultimate DC superhero film that joins together the biggest names in the DC universe. Snyder has had an up and down directorial career, directing hits such as 300 and Watchmen, while also churning out his fair share of high budget duds, including Sucker Punch and his latest box office disappointment Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. DC fans have had a difficult ride in the past few years, but Wonder Woman's release raised their spirits significantly. Suicide Squad received a mixed reaction but I personally felt like it was pretty good overall. The impressive cast for Justice League includes Ben Affleck, Gal Gadot, Henry Cavill, and Ezra Miller.

Funny and entertaining overall, Justice League will meet tempered expectations but it is yet another DC movie lacking the edge that has made the Marvel franchise the gold standard. If you enter the theater with moderate expectations, you will walk out feeling like you got your money's worth. If you walk in with high expectations, you will more than likely be disappointed- simple as that. Like many viewers I knew Justice League could be hit or miss and I prepared myself for either outcome. I am pleased to report that I was entertained and felt that the film provided enough eye candy (I am referring to the action sequences not actress Gal Gadot, although on the other hand…) and humor, as well as a great deal of nostalgia for fans of the comics. The stunts and fight scenes were pretty good for the most part and it was fun to be able to get a glimpse at the origin stories. I did see Justice League in a regular theater and unlike Thor: Ragnarok, this is a film that will benefit greatly from a trip to an IMAX 3D theater. The CGI in general is instrumental to the overall effect of the majority of the scenes and will absolutely require high quality audio and video to take full advantage. Wonder Woman and The Flash were my favorite characters throughout the film, and Wonder Woman remains one of the best DC movies in my personal opinion. Justice League has some great laugh out loud moments, as well as its fair share of jokes that have a bit of a rough landing if you know what I mean.

My biggest issue with Justice League refers to the edge I mentioned earlier, which is that feeling a viewer has when a movie finds that extra gear. It just never really reached that point where I found myself in awe with a big smile on my face. I also found some of the CGI to be a bit strange, specifically whatever the heck was going on with the face of one of the actors (I won't be specific in an effort to avoid spoilers). For the majority of the film I honestly thought that they either replaced him with another actor or perhaps just turned him into a CGI character altogether. After talking with an avid DC fan after the film (consider this information to be unconfirmed), he told me that apparently due to contractual obligations involving this actor and another film he was working on, he was required to have a mustache which forced the Justice League crew to use CGI to make the mustache go "bye bye". What those of us with a keen eye for detail end up with is a very odd looking CGI effect in the lower half of this actors face. In my experience adding CGI can get expensive, I wonder how much it costs to get rid of a damn mustache?! Hollywood and their deep pockets. Now as far as Zack Snyder is concerned, I honestly like him as a director because he has made some great films, but part of me feels like he really needs an R rating to work with in order to truly bring his vision to life. An example is the fact that when the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice released on Blu-ray with the added 30 minutes of R-rated footage, fans quickly confirmed that the film as a whole was significantly better with the scenes that were ultimately cut out prior to the theatrical release.

The acting in Justice League is solid but not stellar by any means. My biggest issue remains with Ben Affleck as Batman, which I still have a hard time accepting. Similar to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, I felt like Affleck's acting felt forced and unnatural. It seems as though Affleck is Batman solely because he has such a strong influence in Hollywood, but that won't change the fact that he will never reach the bar set by Christian Bale, or even Michael Keaton for that matter. Gal Gadot continues her impressive run as Wonder Woman and pretty much steals the show. I am still amazed by her ability to take control of a film, and even though she is one of a few sharing the lead role this time around she makes her presence felt. And did I mention she is responsible for quite a few double takes thanks to that incredible Amazon warrior outfit of hers? Well that is definitely worth noting. I really liked the casting decision that brought in Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, AKA The Flash. Now I did hear rumblings from people that are fans of the CW series that felt like Grant Gustin, who plays The Flash in the show, should have gotten the nod for the film. Well whether people realize it or not, some actors are film actors and other actors are television actors, and that’s just the way it is. The aforementioned "Big Screen" isn't for everyone, and Ezra Miller took full advantage of the opportunity he was given and quickly became one of the best characters in the film. Miller contributes to the majority of the laughs and I felt like his comedic delivery was natural and he really did a great job of becoming his character. He came across as the "Sheldon" of superheroes (that is a Big Bang Theory reference, obviously). I also really liked Jason Mamoa as Aquaman, and he manages to steal a few scenes for himself as well. Amy Adams plays a small role but I felt like she portrayed her character better this time around compared to Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, as I felt her performance in that was just okay. Ray Fisher delivered a solid performance as Cyborg/Victor Stone. The rest of the supporting cast earned their paychecks.

Justice League is an entertaining superhero movie and I expect it will do well in the box office if only for the simple fact that it does bring together the core group of the favorite superheroes from the DC universe. Early feedback shows that it actually beat Wonder Woman's Thursday night release numbers which is pretty damn impressive. It could have and probably should have been better, specifically had they decided on a different director and perhaps a different actor to play Batman, but luckily the train stayed on the tracks nonetheless. I think the majority of fans will be pleased with Justice League and thanks to an awesome post-credit cut-scene, they have plenty to look forward to going forward.

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Thor: Ragnarok

November 3, 2017

Director Taika Waititi

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Kate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 3rd, 2017

“Imprisoned, the mighty Thor finds himself in a lethal gladiatorial contest against the Hulk, his former ally. Thor must fight for survival and race against time to prevent the all-powerful Hela from destroying his home and the Asgardian civilization.”

From director Taika Waititi, the man behind What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Thor: Ragnarok is the third entry in the franchise of solo Thor films. New Zealand native Waititi is quite the unique talent as he tends to play a role in some capacity in each of his films. In What We Do in the Shadows, the hilarious vampire spoof film, he plays one of the best characters in the film. In Hunt for the Wilderpeople, an amazing yet extremely underappreciated gem of a film, he plays a small but nonetheless hilarious character (if you have yet to see it I highly recommend it!). Waititi's career really began at Victoria University of Wellington, located in Wellington, New Zealand, where he met Flight of the Conchord's actor Jermaine Clement, and together they formed the comedic duo known as "The Humourbeasts," and well, the rest is history. Clearly humor is very important to Waititi when it comes to his films, and so far early critic feedback has pointed out the significant impact he has had on the Thor franchise. In Thor: Ragnarok, The God of Thunder finds himself imprisoned and thrown into the ring to face off against his former ally, The Hulk aka Bruce Banner, in a fight to the death. The cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Kate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel House.

Hilarious, light-hearted, and oozing with acting talent, not only is Taika Waititi's Thor: Ragnarok arguably the most complete Marvel film to date, it is an absolute blast to experience. I was already psyched about the next Thor film as a fan of the Marvel franchise in general, but once I found out that one of my favorite up-and-coming directors would be leading the way, I was like a kid waiting for Christmas morning to finally arrive. I fell in love (it's not weird I promise) with Waititi as a director after watching last year's Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and after Chris Hemsworth himself raved about the film and suggested people go see it, it made sense that Waititi and Hemsworth would cross paths sooner or later. Well they crossed paths alright, and let's just say it was basically love at first sight. Thor: Ragnarok is amazing, and what I really liked is how much of the New Zealand vibe Waititi was able to bring to the film, from the soundtrack to the casting decisions, right down to his general directorial style, it is clear from the get go that this is a Taika Waititi film.

This very well may be the funniest Marvel movie I have ever seen, with Captain America: Civil War the only other film even in competition with it. Personally, I feel like Thor: Ragnarok deserves the nod considering the fact that Civil War had just about every single Marvel superhero at its disposal, and Ragnarok was able to essentially make a mountain out of a molehill (that is still a saying right?). In no way am I saying that this film lacks the level of talent Civil War had, it is just a smaller group of key players as opposed to the entire team sort of speak. It includes so many classic lines that during the ride home my girlfriend gave me the "I know, I watched the movie" response, complete with the piercing dirty look, as I continued to quote line after line during the ride home. She had a rough day so I let it slide, but it certainly didn’t stop me from continuing down that road- I couldn’t help myself! I am actually tempted to start writing about some of my favorite scenes but I can't break my promise of a spoiler-free review, so I will save it for another time. I wish I could narrow down what I enjoyed most about Thor: Ragnarok, but everything came together seamlessly to the point where it is very difficult to focus on just one positive aspect. The fact that I can't seem to think of anything negative also helps. I feel like Waititi's vision and directing style allowed the cast to truly become their characters and just have fun with the roles they were given, and it really shows. I browsed through a ton of photos that were taken during filming, many of which include Waititi engaging in conversation with the cast, and in each and every photo the actors are either laughing or smiling ear to ear. It just seems like he is a joy to work with and I am really glad he was given this opportunity, because it’s very well deserved.

Considering it lacks the majority of the fan favorites from the Marvel Universe, the cast in Thor: Ragnarok is basically a dream come true. I mean come on now, the combination of Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Jeff Goldblum (every time I hear his name I think about Pineapple Express), Mark Ruffalo, Idris Elba, Tessa Thompson, and a scene-stealing role by director Taika Waititi, what's not to love?! As soon as it was officially announced that Waititi would be taking over directorial duties for Thor: Ragnarok, he was very open about the fact that he would be taking full advantage of what he called the extremely underutilized comedic talents of Hemsworth. And well, he was right! Hemsworth is an absolute riot and his comedic delivery is on point each and every time. For anyone who dismissed the all-female cast of the Ghostbusters remake out of sheer anger, you missed out on a classic Hemsworth performance proving that he is more than capable of getting well-deserved laughs out of an audience. Thor: Ragnarok reminds us why he was given this role in the first place. Tom Hiddleston is great and I really enjoyed the unique chemistry that has developed between him and Hemsworth over the years. So much has happened within this very complicated sibling rivalry, and this time around the audience gets a heavy dose of the hilarious back and forth.

Go ahead, chalk up the casting of Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster as yet another genius casting move for the Marvel franchise. Goldblum has that rare ability to always be entertaining when he is on-screen and he makes it seem so effortless. I hope he continues to make an appearance in the franchise going forward. New Zealand born actress Rachel House has perfect chemistry alongside Goldblum and I loved her as The Grandmaster's "right hand". Kate Blanchett was exceptional as the films villain and I once again really enjoyed Mark Ruffalo continuing his dominance as The Hulk/Bruce Banner. This is easily my favorite Ruffalo performance in a Marvel film. Director Taika Waititi is slowly becoming a household name, and if you are familiar with his previous films you know that he tends to take on supporting roles in all of his movies. I challenge you to try and watch any scene with Waititi's character without a smile on your face, it is literally impossible. His New Zealand accent brings true joy to my heart, and trust me when I say this is not an exaggeration. He is the epitome of a dual-threat and very well may be my favorite director who also takes on a role in his films. For fans of What We Do in the Shadows, it was recently announced that they are working on a TV version of the film which Waititi is directly involved in, so keep an eye out for that.

Thor: Ragnarok is an amazing addition to the vast collection of amazing Marvel films, and hardcore fans will surely be ecstatic. I also feel like viewers who maybe could care less about superhero films in general, or just simply have yet to see any of the other movies can still walk in to the theater and leave with a smile on their face. Thor: Ragnarok is a perfect example of pure filmmaking as it transcends the big-budget or the impressive CGI, and at the end of the day this is a beautiful work of art. As it stands right now, Thor: Ragnarok is the highest rated Marvel film, for good reason, and by early 2018 my guess is it will stand neck and neck with the next blockbuster of the franchise, Black Panther. I can't wait to see what Taika Waititi takes on for his next project. So do yourself a favor and get out to see Thor: Ragnarok as soon as possible, you can thank me later. I will be seeing it for a second time very soon and this will be added to my Blu-ray collection on release day. Highly recommended.

"All I've got is creativity, that’s it, that’s my job. At the moment I happen to be a filmmaker, but that’s not my job. My job is to express myself, and to share my ideas and my point of view. It happens to be I'm using filmmaking right now". – Taika Waititi

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Thank You for Your Service

November 2, 2017

Director Jason Hall

Genre Biography | Drama | War

Cast Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Beulah Koale, Joe Cole

Rating R

Release Date October 27th, 2017

“A group of U.S. soldiers returning from Iraq struggles to integrate back into family and civilian life, while living with the memory of a war that threatens to destroy them long after they’ve left the battlefield.”

The directorial debut for actor Jason Hall, who wrote the screenplay for American Sniper and was also an executive producer, Thank You for Your Service is a war drama that follows a group of soldiers who return home from Iraq and struggle to blend back in with civilian life. The film is based on the book of the same name written by David Finkel, which is actually a follow-up to his book The Good Soldiers, which takes a harsh look at the heroes who fought the Iraq War in 2007. The Good Soldiers is based on Finkel's first hand experiences during the Iraq War as he was imbedded there with a group of soldiers. After the conclusion of the war he traveled back home with a few of the men to monitor how well they were able to adapt once back home, which is precisely what the book Thank You for Your Service is based on. The cast includes Miles Teller, Haley Bennett, Beulah Koale, and Joe Cole.

Powerfully acted and bursting at the seams with raw emotion, Thank You for Your Service is a heartfelt reminder of the significant sacrifices made by our military. After seeing the trailer for the first time, I was extremely excited for this movie and I honestly watched the trailer probably 15 times- it was just that good. Prior to the film's release, I did my fair share of research in terms of what the film was based on, as I touched on in the introduction of this review, and that left me even more excited. I am genuinely fascinated by everything our military has done and continues to do for our country, having recently read the book Horse Soldiers (it was made into a movie called 12 Strong set to release in 2018), and I am currently reading Black Hawk Down which was brought to the big screen in epic fashion in 2001. What interests me most about the books I just mentioned are the first-hand accounts of what it was like for these soldiers, who were often times thrown into life or death situations with barely any advance notice. Thank You for Your Service takes things one step further and follows some of these soldiers after they have returned home from the Iraq War, giving viewers an intimate look at the lives of 3 men who came home missing a piece of themselves. A film like this requires stellar acting and a director with a keen eye for detail, and luckily we were given both. You watch these men laugh together, cry together, and more than anything else you watch them struggle to live the normal lives they once had. One of the ultimate struggles plaguing our society is isolation and the feeling that we are misunderstood, and that is where these men find themselves.

Fighting in a war is hard enough as it is, but holding on to immense guilt brought on by traumatic events can eat a person up inside. One specific scene stood out to me above the others where one of the main characters finally brings himself to try and get help only to have a senior officer question his bravery. This is a perfect example of the way our society has been programmed to avoid showing weakness no matter what, especially within the military, and it can become a much bigger issue. This film is about cause and effect, the idea of what happens to the next domino if the domino before it gets knocked down, and on from there. Our actions have consequences, and sometimes it is the events that are out of our control that haunt us the most. As hard as it is to watch at times, Thank You for Your Service will undoubtedly instill a deeper appreciation for what the men and women of the military do for our great country. PTSD, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is very real and is very much a deadly disease, with the rising suicide rate of former service members as proof. PTSD is not curable but is said to be manageable if the victim commits to treatment, but as the film points out the number of victims far outweigh the number of opportunities for treatment, and that truly breaks my heart. Thank You for Your Service stresses one important fact, and that is the inevitable vulnerability of these soldiers once they return home, which is a growing epidemic that we as a society need to band together to try and do anything we can to help.

I really can't say enough positive things about the acting in Thank You for Your Service. The cast is lead by yet another powerhouse performance from talented actor Miles Teller, who pours his heart into a very difficult role. Teller is a versatile actor but I am beginning to believe that dramatic roles are his bread and butter. He recently played a role in the real-life emotional drama Only the Brave, and I read an article where he talked about how nervous he was to take on that role as well as this role, and how he wanted to make sure he did each role justice. I think he did that and then some. Haley Bennett delivers a very solid performance alongside Teller. Bennett is a solid actress but she is by no means an A-lister, yet she holds her own next to arguably one of the best in the business for the foreseeable future. I really enjoyed Joe Cole's emotional performance as Billy Waller, one of the returning servicemen who returns to a life turned upside down. Similar to the rest of the core cast, Cole's facial expressions alone tell the story of a man who has been through the worst of the worst. He is beginning to build up a decent resume and I look forward to seeing him play other roles in the near future. Actor Beulah Koale basically comes out of nowhere and absolutely crushes a role pivotal to the success of the film. Aside from playing in 6 episodes of the latest season of Hawaii Five-0, Koale really hasn't been in anything significant. To me his success speaks volumes for the cast as a whole, as well as director Jason Hall's ability to get the most out of his acting talent.

Thank You for Your Service is a hard hitting emotional drama that feels authentic and genuine, and it is one heck of a directorial debut for Jason Hall. As the saying goes, you can't judge a book by its cover, and this is a perfect example of that. In an effort to raise awareness for PTSD, we are given a front row seat to some of the worst moments these men have experienced in their lives. I already had a deep appreciation for the men and women in our military and this film amplified those feelings. Thank You for Your Service reminded me that a member of the military could be hailed as a hero one minute, but the reality for a great deal of them is that once they return home to their family the real battle begins. Although I know they will be difficult to read, I do plan to pick up both of David Finkel's books so that I can have an even better understanding of the lives of these great men who are real American heroes. Highly recommended.

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Jigsaw

November 1, 2017

Director Michael Spierig, Peter Spierig

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Tobin Bell, Laura Vandervoort, Callum Keith Rennie, Matt Passmore

Rating R

Release Date October 27th, 2017

“Bodies are turning up around the city, each having met a uniquely gruesome demise. As the investigation proceeds, evidence points to one suspect: John Kramer, the man known as Jigsaw, who has been dead for ten years.”

From directors Michael and Peter Spierig, the brothers responsible for Daybreakers and Predestination (which is under the radar but actually really good), Jigsaw is the latest and seemingly final entry in the Saw franchise of torture horror films- although the potential for a series reboot has been discussed. I feel like fans of the franchise were on the fence about a sequel, primarily due to concern over a terrible movie leaving a bad taste in their mouths, which is certainly understandable. Considering the disaster that was Saw: The Final Chapter (2010), this is a justifiable concern. I wouldn't consider myself to be a hardcore fan of the franchise by any means, but I really enjoyed the first few films and considering the majority to be at least watchable. Let's see if Jigsaw can make a fan out of me yet! The cast includes Tobin Bell, Laura Vandervoort, Callum Keith Rennie, and Matt Passmore.

Jigsaw rolls out the red carpet for hardcore fans and brings to the table enough creativity and backstory to expand its target audience. I will fully admit that the Saw franchise as a whole got old for me personally, as I felt like it quickly reached the point where they were releasing new movies as nothing more than a quick "cash grab" without much creativity. The original Saw released in 2004, my senior year in high school (damn I'm getting old), and even though critics weren't overly enthusiastic, audiences were thrilled with the cat and mouse style horror thriller. Jigsaw reignites a franchise that many thought was dead in the water, and I personally felt nostalgic right from the start.

The Spierig brothers may not share the same level of directorial talent that original Saw director and horror mastermind James Wan possesses, but they are slowly building a very respectable resume, with the vampire flick Daybreakers and the unique and mind-bending sci-fi film Predestination. This time around the brothers are very much in sync and I felt like they took great pride in this opportunity. Jigsaw feels fresh and takes full advantage of the technological advances when it comes to its trademark gore factor. I personally found myself wincing quite a few times, and let's just say I've watched my fair share of movies where eye covering is basically mandatory. That being said, it doesn't feel forced or over the top, which helps with the overall effectiveness of the film. I was genuinely impressed by the creative and fairly elaborate backstory presented in Jigsaw. The events of the film unfold nicely and seem to fall into place just like perfectly placed dominos. The ending actually has a really cool twist that I certainly didn't see coming. Now granted Jigsaw has its fair share of inconsistencies and "why would you react that way?" moments, but none of them take too much away from the overall experience.

The cast for Jigsaw is solid all around and actually above average in terms of what you would expect from a horror film. Tobin Bell reprises his role as John Kramer, otherwise known as the Jigsaw killer. I was extremely pleased with Tobin's performance and I felt like he added a layer of emotional depth to his character rarely found in a horror film. Laura Vandervoort has a significant role and I was impressed with her performance. It was important for her to avoid coming across as corny or too over the top and I think she managed expectations well. Actor Matt Passmore, who only has a couple acting credits and was a truck driver for the Army prior to becoming an actor according to his IMDb filmography, exceeds expectations and delivers (see what I did there?) the performance of a veteran actor. Actor Callum Keith Rennie, who I personally recognized as a character from the Showtime series Californication as well as the classic film Memento, is solid as a rough around the edges detective. The rest of the supporting cast delivered a collective effort they should all be proud of.

Jigsaw caters to its fans first and foremost which is clearly the way it should be, but the film adds enough substance to appeal to a wider audience. Now this is far from a film that deserves critical acclaim but the final product is very entertaining and honestly much better than most people expected. If you can handle the trademark gore and see the value in a horror film during the Halloween season, Jigsaw is well worth the price of admission.

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The Snowman

October 27, 2017

Director Tomas Alfredson

Genre Crime | Drama | Mystery

Cast Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Val Kilmer, Chloë Sevigny

Rating R

Release Date October 20th, 2017

“Detective Harry Hole investigates the disappearance of a woman whose pink scarf is found wrapped around an ominous-looking snowman.”

From talented director Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), The Snowman is an intense crime drama centered around a woman's disappearance, leaving no evidence behind aside from her scarf left wrapped around an ominous snowman. The film is based on the best-selling novel of the same name from Norwegian crime-writer Jo Nesbø. The book is part of Nesbø's detective Harry Hole series of books. After the initial trailer dropped anticipation for the film was through the roof thanks to the source material as well as the cast, not to mention a trailer that set the tone for what looked to be a very dark thriller. The cast for The Snowman includes Michael Fassbender, Rebecca Ferguson, Val Kilmer, Chloë Sevigny, and J.K. Simmons.

Top notch cinematography and an effective score can't save The Snowman from greedy studio heads squandering the potential for an epic crime thriller. I feel like I need to start this review with a disclaimer pointing out the fact that I have yet to read the Jo Nesbø crime novel that this film is based on, thus I will not be comparing it in any way to its paperback counterpart. With that being said, The Snowman wasn’t as bad as I expected it to be. The film has been absolutely shredded by critics and users alike since its release and on one hand I get it, but I also feel like anyone who read the book had unrealistic expectations. The tone feels true to a Norwegian crime novel as it is very dark and ominous, completely free of any joy or humor. This is of course by design. As I mentioned the cinematography is fantastic, taking full advantage of the snowy backdrop. I was very impressed by the soundtrack/score which I felt contributed nicely to the overall feel of the film. I also enjoyed the ending more than I thought I would and I felt like the film came to a solid conclusion. I know that many fans of the book felt like the ending was rushed and sort of came out of left field but that is extremely common for a book that makes the transition to the big screen. There simply isn't enough screen time to include everything crucial to the story. I also found myself oddly intrigued by the Norwegian influenced soundtrack which was generally upbeat and catchy.

Now the cons absolutely outweigh the pros, which is how do I say this, not good. One of the most glaring blemishes on a film that had very high expectations is a screenplay that felt rushed and basically full of holes. I can't even begin to count how many scenes transitioned in such a way that it seemed they were simply running out of shooting time that day. During a few scenes, characters would be mid-conversation and one would just get out of the car and walk off for no apparent reason- very strange. The pacing also struggled because of this and I really felt the 2-hour runtime. The Snowman had a TON of potential and as far as I can tell, some bigwigs at the studio, who felt the film absolutely had to have a late October 2017 release, stole from audiences what could have been an epic crime thriller. With all that being said, The Snowman still managed to piece together a decent enough backstory to shock viewers once the pieces came together.

The cast for The Snowman is top tier, no question about that. Michael Fassbender and Rebecca Ferguson lead the way, with supporting roles from the likes of Val Kilmer and J.K. Simmons. Michael Fassbender is a very talented actor even though he has starred in some stinkers over his career. Fassbender does well in the role of the often disheveled and troubled detective Harry Hole, but I didn't feel as though he truly invested himself in the character. I just never quite felt like Fassbender made that transition and actually became Harry Hole, sort of speak. Rebecca Ferguson was very convincing in her role and I felt like she delivered the best overall performance. I'm honestly not quite sure how I felt about Val Kilmer's role in the film- it was strange to say the least. I would need to read the book to try and get a bit more backstory on him prior to making my final conclusion. J.K. Simmons was very solid although he really didn’t get very much screen time. I also really liked the role Chloë Sevigny took on, as it was crucial to the portion of the film where things began to come together.

The Snowman isn't the worst film of 2017 contrary to popular belief, but it is absolutely a letdown. A few of the more graphic scenes definitely stuck with me and may have slightly altered my sleeping patterns last night. Jo Nesbø set the table with a novel that already has a significant fan base and the studio got greedy and allowed a golden opportunity to slip through their fingers. It set the tone well and had some very impactful scenes but they just seemed to be few and far between. Director Tomas Alfredson said in an in interview that he wasn't surprised the film has been deemed a failure because it was in fact rushed to be released. It reminds me of the epic fail of HBO's True Detective Season 2, which had hoped to live up to the lofty standard set by the first season, only to fail due to a rushed timeline. HBO admitted to the misstep and gave writers an abundance of time to work on the 3rd season. I honestly do feel that the right people were put in place to make The Snowman as good as the trailer made it out to be, but the obstacles it encountered proved to be too much to overcome. I have zero doubt that if I had gone into the theater having first read the book I would be livid, but nonetheless I plan to grab the book at some point to see just how much the film decided to disappoint Nesbø fans. This is still a watchable crime thriller that I can suggest people check out as a cheap rental but it would be hard to justify a visit to the theater.

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Only the Brave

October 24, 2017

Director Joseph Kosinski

Genre Biography | Drama

Cast Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly

Rating PG-13

Release Date October 20th, 2017

“A drama based on the elite crew of firemen from Prescott, Arizona who battled a wildfire in Yarnell, AZ in June 2013, claiming the lives of 19 of their members.”

Only the Brave tells the true story of the Granite Mountain Hot Shots, an elite group of firefighters from Prescott, Arizona and the first ever municipal group of firefighters to become Hot Shots. Hot Shots are the firefighters who are sent to face the fires head on and are considered to be the best of the best. The film honors the memory of the 19 out of 20 men who lost their lives battling the unpredictable Yarnell Hill Fire in 2013. The film is based on the GQ article about the men who lost their lives entitled "No Exit", written by Sean Flynn. The cast includes Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, and Jennifer Connelly. 

Easily the most gut wrenching film of 2017, Only the Brave tells a powerful story that will stay with you long after the credits roll. A film like this goes well beyond the entertainment value it provides, offering viewers an intimate portrayal of a tight knit group of firefighters. The Granite Mountain Hot Shots were more than just firefighters, they were husbands, fathers, brothers, and sons. They were men that did a very dangerous job each and every day, and they did it for the right reasons. The small details of the lives of these brave men will stick with you, and my guess is it will remind you just how precious human lives really are. The emotional weight of Only the Brave is absolutely incredible, and I'm having a difficult time recalling a moment in a movie that hit as hard as one of the final scenes. A movie like this is supposed to hit viewers like a freight train and it does. I really enjoyed Only the Brave and as sad and tragic as this event was I'm glad the story is being told.

The cast in Only the Brave is absolutely spot on from top to bottom. I am a huge Miles Teller fan and I feel like he is painfully underrated as an actor. Teller plays a very crucial role and he was, without question, the man for the job. I am a big Taylor Kitsch fan as well and I really enjoyed the chemistry he shared with Teller. You couldn't help but smile about the relationship that develops between the two men who started out disliking each other. As usual Josh Brolin dominated a role where he is in a position of power. Brolin is a fantastic actor and I think he took full advantage of his opportunities with this role. Jennifer Connelly is solid in her role as Brolin's wife especially considering the level of emotional investment required by her character. Jeff Bridges was great as well and I always enjoy seeing him on the big screen. Each and every actor playing one of these brave men took on their respective roles with great pride and the level of comradery amongst the cast was infectious. 

Only the Brave is funny, moving, and unforgettable. This is a story of heroism as much as it is an appreciation of life. I feel for all of these men and their families, and their stories will stay with me. Even though I went in to the theater knowing the outcome of this tragic story, I still wasn’t prepared for it. Only the Brave is an example of a movie that people need to see, not just because it will provide genuine entertainment and help to boost the stock for Kleenex, but because you will be a better person for having taken the time to get to know these men in some small way. Highly recommended.

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The Foreigner

October 24, 2017

Director Martin Campbell

Genre Action | Thriller

Cast Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Murphy, Rory Fleck Byrne

Rating R

Release Date October 13th, 2017

“A humble businessman with a buried past seeks justice when his daughter is killed in an act of terrorism. A cat-and-mouse conflict ensues with a government official, whose past may hold clues to the killers’ identities.”

The Foreigner is a tense thriller from New Zealand born director Martin Campbell, the man behind Goldeneye, The Mask of Zorro, Casino Royale, and Edge of Darkness. The film is based on the 1992 novel The Chinaman, written by British author Stephen Leather. The cast includes Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Charlie Murphy, Rory Fleck Byrne, and Katie Leung.

Blending aspects of Jason Bourne and John Wick, Jackie Chan's The Foreigner is an extremely clever and absolutely brutal revenge thriller. Scrap anything you think you know about Jackie Chan as an actor, more specifically his character in the Rush Hour films. This is a new breed of Jackie Chan, hell bent on revenge, and boy is he a blast to watch. I had fairly high expectations for The Foreigner considering early feedback as well as Chan's undeniable commitment to martial arts, not to mention his willingness to commit 100% to the authenticity of this type of role. This is the story of a man who has endured the greatest pain life can inflict on a human being, and unfortunately this is not the first time. The only thing more dangerous than an angry man with nothing to lose is an angry man with nothing to lose who also has a Special Forces background. I mentioned before how smart of a film this was and I can't stress that enough. The backstory behind the events that set the plot in motion go much deeper than I expected and I felt like that helped to add more weight to the film. The Foreigner is never predictable, and from the opening scene it justifies the R rating, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats right up until the film’s credits. The bombing scene is especially brutal, similar to Patriots Day, so if you have a difficult time with graphic scenes like that you may have to look away. Considering the subject matter, which is dark to say the least, The Foreigner has a few feel good moments that I think audiences will really appreciate. I mentioned the Jason Bourne comparison and Chan's character has a similar badass presence to him, but I also felt like the score resembled the Bourne films, utilizing a dramatic clip of music during powerful scenes and more specifically the conclusion of the film. To me that was always a staple of the Bourne films that I really enjoyed. From top to bottom The Foreigner is a very well rounded thriller.

The cast in The Foreigner is nothing short of phenomenal, lead by veteran actors Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan, both playing characters with dark pasts. I would be hard pressed to think of a better all around performance from Jackie Chan. The actor has an astounding 134 total acting credits according to his IMDb filmography, and is best known by mainstream audiences for the Rush Hour films in which he starred alongside Chris Tucker. He has been working his tail off with 6 or 7 films in the works currently, but since 2010's The Karate Kid remake most of his films have been international or limited releases. From his mannerisms to the way he carries himself, right down to the constant look of a man who has lost everything, you can't help but root for him to come out on top. The Foreigner reinforces Chan's ability to play a pivotal role in a big budget movie and I can't wait to see this side of him again. Former James Bond actor Pierce Brosnan, with 83 acting credits to his resume, is amazing as expected. I really enjoyed Brosnan's character because of how many layers are peeled away throughout the film. My guess is audiences will be split on their feelings towards his character by the end, and those feelings will definitely fluctuate as the plot unfolds. Similar to Chan, Brosnan hasn't really had a big film release in a few years but his talent is also undeniable and I don't think anyone could have played this role better. Relatively unknown actor Rory Fleck Byrne, who has acted in mostly short films and television, is fantastic alongside Brosnan as his nephew and arguably the only other man with the skills to stop Chan's revenge spree. The supporting cast is fantastic without a weak spot to speak of.

The Foreigner is non-stop entertainment brought to life thanks to amazing source material and a stellar cast. As much as I love certain remakes as well as the blockbuster comic book movies that we have been treated to as of late, it's refreshing to go see and support an original idea based on a book most of us have never heard of. The Foreigner is one of those intense thrillers that begs to be watched multiple times just so that you can once again experience the way it makes you feel. It will definitely be a purchase for me once it hits Blu-ray. Step outside your comfort zone and check out The Foreigner in theaters. Highly recommended.

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Happy Death Day

October 19, 2017

Director Christopher Landon

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine, Rachel Matthews

Rating PG-13

Release Date October 13th, 2017

“A college student relives the day of her murder with both its unexceptional details and terrifying end until she discovers her killer’s identity.”

Happy Death Day is a horror thriller from director Christopher Landon, who previously directed Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones and Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse.  He also wrote the screenplays for Disturbia starring Shia LaBeouf, and Paranormal Activity 2, 3, and 4. Happy Death Day follows a college student who wakes up one day and finds herself murdered that evening, only to replay the same day over and over, which provides her the opportunity to discover who the killer is. The cast includes Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine, and Charles Aitken.

Drawing comparisons to Groundhog Day and Scream, Happy Death Day is a fun and fresh twist on the horror genre. After watching the initial trailer I was admittedly intrigued by the premise, regardless of whether or not it had been done before. I am a Groundhog Day fan (who isn't?!), and I enjoyed the Scream movies. I walked in to the theater with relatively tempered expectations expecting something a little goofy, but I am happy to report that I was impressed. More than anything else, Happy Death Day is entertaining from start to finish, and in this day and age that is saying something. The "Groundhog Day" aspect of the film is actually handled much better than I expected it to be, avoiding a feeling of repetitiveness and staying fresh throughout each "new day". Viewers will find themselves intrigued by the search to figure out who the killer is, and for the most part the main character makes realistic decisions in terms of how she decides to alter each new day. Happy Death Day does include a few solid jump scares but to say it is scary would be a stretch for me personally, although other more easily scared viewers may disagree. I also liked how well-rounded the film felt, adding in some general emotion with a backstory that holds much more weight than the traditional dumb slasher flick. I felt that the conclusion had its flaws but nothing too major to detract from the effectiveness of the film. Overall, Happy Death Day focuses on its strengths and successfully avoids its weaknesses, making for an entertaining movie experience that should appeal to a broad audience.

The cast for Happy Death Day is actually much better than I initially expected it to be. Granted, it is absent of any A-list talent but that shouldn’t really surprise anyone. What did surprise me was the performance of lead actress Jessica Rothe who is building herself a pretty decent resume having recently played a small role in the Oscar-winning musical La La Land. Rothe is very convincing in the lead role transitioning seamlessly from a character the audience is disgusted by to someone they genuinely care about and can maybe even relate to. This may not turn out to be a career jump starter for Jessica Rothe but at the very least it should give her a notch on her resume to be proud of. Israel Broussard is in the primary supporting role and gets a good chunk of screen time. I felt like he delivered a very solid performance and more importantly he developed some believable chemistry with Rothe. The Mississippi native is building himself a decent acting career and we may very well be seeing more of him. The rest of the supporting cast isn't necessarily noteworthy but is able to deliver solid performances all around.

Happy Death Day may not appeal to the traditional horror fan base like a slasher film would mainly because it does lack the majority of the key elements that make a slasher film great, which is gore and clothing optional college girls meeting their end after making several bad decisions. Now this film does include the PG-13 version of everything I just mentioned and they make it work, they really do, I just need to make sure that expectations are realistic. Happy Death Day is a slightly watered down slasher that includes better than average acting and a fun and fresh premise making it well worth a trip to the theater. Recommended.

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