Money Monster

Director Jodie Foster

Genre Crime | Drama | Thriller

Cast Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Jack O'Connell, Caitriona Balfe

Rating R

Release Date May 13th, 2016

“In the real-time, high stakes thriller Money Monster, financial TV host Lee Gates (George Clooney) and his producer Patty (Julia Roberts) are put in an explosive situation when an irate investor (Jack O’Connell) takes over their studio.”

Money Monster is directed by veteran actress Jodie Foster, who previously directed Little Man Tate, Home for the Holidays, and 2011’s The Beaver (the movie where Mel Gibson ran around talking to people with a beaver hand puppet like a crazy person). She also directed episodes for a few hit Netflix shows, including an episode for House of Cards and a few episodes of Orange is the New Black. Money Monster serves as Foster’s first big-budget release and has an all-star cast including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Jack O’Connell (Unbroken).

Money Monster is an exciting film genuinely determined to impact viewers well beyond the traditional theater experience. As what seems to be a direct mocking of Jim Cramer’s CNBC show Mad Money, Money Monster seeks to uncover the discrepancies and once again prove that more times than not, Wall Street is shady. A story as old as time, right? Even though Money Monster is lacking in the originality department, it still delivers a fantastic cast, a determined director, and a plot intriguing enough to suck in its audience for the entirety of its hour and 38 minute runtime.  The film falters in terms of the writing, attempting to set the stage for a seemingly complex twist that falls a bit short. But in all honesty, with this cast I wouldn’t have considered simplifying things either. And like me, I’m sure everyone involved with the film would have preferred better overall execution.

Money Monster includes stellar acting with very few weak spots, especially when focused on George Clooney, Julia Roberts, or even Jack O’Connell. I have always been and always will be a huge George Clooney fan and once again, he does not disappoint. I will see pretty much any film that he has a lead role in, no questions asked. I watched O Brother, Where Art Thou? 4 or 5 times and I still have only a vague idea what the hell was going on in that Coen Brother’s movie. The big 3 (no that is not an NBA reference) are all that really matter as they get the vast majority of the screen time in Money Monster. The other big players in the film that move the plot along are Caitriona Balfe (Now You See Me, Escape), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), and Dominic West (The Wire). All of which deliver commendable performances, and ensure that nothing comes unglued.

Money Monster is an enjoyable film that is well worth the price of admission. Unfortunately, it is unable to establish enough of a “wow” factor to set itself apart. Jodie Foster holds her own behind the camera, and the acting is top notch, but an overly ambitious screenplay slowed things down in the final stretch. Regardless, Money Monster is entertaining and is in no way a bust, it just could’ve been something special.

The Nice Guys

Director Shane Black

Genre Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger

Rating R

Release Date May 20th, 2016

“A mismatched pair of private eyes investigate the apparent suicide of a fading porn star in 1970s Los Angeles.”

The Nice Guys is directed and written by Shane Black who has quite the impressive resume. In 1987, when he was 26 years old he wrote the screenplay for a buddy cop action comedy entitled Lethal Weapon, starring Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. You may have heard of it. He also wrote and directed Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and Iron Man 3, both starring Robert Downey Jr. He is responsible for a number of other high quality screenplays, but the point is the guy has talent, that is undeniable. His newest film The Nice Guys stars Hollywood megastars Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe, as well as Matt Bomer, Kim Basinger, and Angourie Rice.

The Nice Guys is as infectiously entertaining as it is polarizing, delivering epic performances from two of Hollywood’s leading men. You can easily tell this is a Shane Black screenplay as his personal touch is felt throughout. He understands what it takes to make a successful buddy comedy packed with action, heart, and humor (in no particular order). Even though The Nice Guys warrants the R-rating, the humor is smart and consistent and never at risk of wearing out its welcome. The events take place in the late 1970’s, yet it still has the feel of a fresh and unique take on a tried and true formula. The Nice Guys might not have you laughing out loud every two seconds, although you will plenty believe me, but it will do you one better and put a smile on your face that will last the entire two hours. This is the rare circumstance where I actually would have preferred a longer film just to watch these guys in action a little longer.

The acting in The Nice Guys is top notch all the way around, finding a weak point would be like trying to find a blemish on a model after 10 hours of make-up and wardrobe. The chemistry between Ryan Gosling and Russel Crowe is absolutely incredible. Each and every single scene these two amazing actors had together were as smooth as butter and felt effortless, almost like they know something every other acting duo wish they knew. I also have to point out that Ryan Goslings facial impressions throughout the film are absolutely priceless. I barely recognized Matt Bomer (White Collar, Magic Mike) as he played a very unfamiliar role. Veteran actor Keith David (Dead Presidents, Crash) also deserves some kudos for his performance even though he is credited on IMDb simply as “older guy.” David has an incredible 260 credits on his IMDb acting resume, ranging from movies, T.V., to video games. That is unreal. I also really enjoyed Angourie Rice in her role as Holland March’s (Ryan Gosling) daughter. She was very convincing as a young teenage girl who was often the mature one of the group. 

The Nice Guys is Lethal Weapon for a new generation, and I for one welcome it with open arms. It was everything I hoped it would be; well written, expertly acted, hilarious, fun, and genuine. It is a full serving of Ryan Gosling and Russell Crowe at their best, and who doesn’t want that? The Nice Guys aims to please and it does that and then some, so get off your ass and go see it. You will NOT be disappointed.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

Director Nicholas Stoller

Genre Comedy

Cast Chloe Grace Moretz, Rose Byrne, Seth Rogen, Zac Efron

Rating R

Release Date May 20th, 2016

“After a sorority moves in next door, which is even more debaucherous than the fraternity before it, Mac and Kelly have to ask for help from their former enemy, Teddy.”

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is the sequel to the 2014 film that was very well received by viewers and critics alike. Nicholas Stoller returns to the director’s chair but this time around he actually wrote the screenplay as well. Stoller is building himself a decent resume directing both Neighbors films, as well as the hilarious comedies Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him to the Greek. He is currently filming the new animated film, Storks. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising stars Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, and Chloe Grace Moretz.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising follows up the success of the first film by sticking with a similar formula, which is that of raunchy humor and endless prank wars. And much like the first film, it works. This is a simple and effective example of a fun time at the theater. We are again greeted with a cast we can’t get enough of, consisting of Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, Rose Byrne, and the welcomed addition of Chloe Grace Moretz. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising does up the ante in a rather unexpected area, adding heart and some genuine emotion tangled in between a script consisting of warranted and seemingly boundless R-rated humor. The characters experience genuinely touching moments that add surprisingly effective depth to their respective backstories, making this a sequel worth making. As a nod to Stoller, I was pleasantly surprised by the script and felt that the story didn’t quite unfold as I expected, which was refreshing. Some of the jokes fall flat, but most are well received leaving a more than favorable balance.

Surprisingly enough, the weak point in Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is easily the acting. The core of the cast which is Seth Rogen, Zac Efron, and Rose Byrne, take care of business as expected. Chloe Grace Moretz does well and is a welcomed addition. I have been a fan of hers dating back to 2010’s Kick-Ass. I feel that the weakness of the acting fell on the other sorority sisters, namely Kiersey Clemons (Beth) and Beanie Feldstein (Nora), who got the majority of the screen time alongside Grace Moretz. Clemons and Feldstein weren’t terrible but I feel like they were vastly outperformed by the rest of the cast, and therefore came across as less believable in their roles. Feldstein did accomplish somewhat of a character niche as the out of control loose cannon of the group. 

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising wasn’t my all-time favorite movie and I can admit that without hesitation. But (yes, there is always a but), I honestly enjoyed the movie from start to finish and felt that it served as a more than worthy sequel. Case in point, if you enjoyed the first film you will undoubtedly enjoy this one. I do feel that the overall entertainment value could have been improved with one or two cast changes but its nothing I intend on shedding too many tears over. Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is not without its flaws, but it is a very effective comedy with enough heart to warrant a genuine recommendation.

Green Room

Director Jeremy Saulnier

Genre Crime | Horror | Thriller

Cast Imogen Poots, Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat, Patrick Stewart

Rating R

Release Date April 29th, 2016

“After witnessing a murder, a punk rock band is forced into a vicious fight for survival against a group of maniacal skinheads.”

Green Room is directed and written by Jeremy Saulnier, who most notably directed and wrote the 2013 intensely violent film Blue Ruin that rocked the independent film world.  Saulnier sure seems to have a feel for tense thrillers. Green Room stars Patrick Stewart (Star Trek), Anton Yelchin (Star Trek), Imogen Poots (That Awkward Moment, She’s Funny That Way), and Alia Hawkat (The Final Girls). 

Green Room is a white-knuckle thriller that keeps the audience off balance, utilizing the authentic and chilling feel of true evil lurking around every corner. And I am not referring to ghosts, demons, or the boogeyman, I am referring to the scariest evil of all, evil that comes in the form of a calm and collected group of skin heads hell bent on tying up any loose ends. It kept me on the edge of my seat for its entirety and what I enjoyed most was the false sense of security afforded by the even-keeled Patrick Stewart. As the plot unfolds you can’t help but feel the sense of dread and terror invading the lives of this punk rock band. Green Room is extremely violent and pulls very few punches in that respect. But it is worth noting that it shows just the right amount of gore to get the point across, and isn’t trying to turn anyone’s stomach. The winning formula here is tension and the film has it in spades.

The cast is fantastic in Green Room and they held things together quite well. Patrick Stewart unquestionably stole the show and fans of his work will be genuinely surprised to see him play this character. I will say that for a script like this to work you need a talented cast that can really sink their teeth into their respective roles, and Stewart did just that. I hope to see him in similar roles in the future. Stewart’s Star Trek co-star Anton Yelchin held his own as well, and did a solid job making the predicament he found himself in believable. I also enjoyed actresses Imogen Poots and Alia Hawkat, who played complex characters with some demons of their own.

Green Room is a film that lives and dies by the tension it creates and it was a true pleasure to experience the raw goodness of it all. It is one thing to put a bunch of people in a room and make it clear that something very bad is about to happen to them, but it is another thing entirely when you are able to make it nearly impossible for the audience to decipher in what direction the film is going. Jeremy Saulnier is a clearly talented writer and director and I hope he continues to allow fans of quality film the ability to experience his art. Green Room was given a limited theatrical release but it is worth driving that extra 20 or 30 minutes to see it, so what are you waiting for?!

Captain America: Civil War

Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Genre Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan

Rating PG-13

Release Date May 6th, 2016

“Political interference in the Avengers’ activities causes a rift between former allies Captain America and Iron Man.”

Captain America: Civil War is a follow-up to 2014's successful film Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Civil War and The Winter Soldier share the same directors, brothers Joe Russo and Anthony Russo. Prior to directing The Winter Solider, they had an interesting directorial resume and it seems they worked on the majority, if not all, of their projects as a two man team. Together they directed the 2006 comedy You, Me, and Dupree, but aside from that they focused almost primarily on directing episodes for TV, namely Arrested Development, Happy Endings, and Community. They also worked on the little known sitcom Carpoolers, which ran from 2007-2008, and helped give actor T.J. Miller (Silicon Valley, Deadpool) his start as his first comedic role. Captain America: Civil War stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Anthony Mackie, Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Paul Rudd, and many others.  

Captain America: Civil War is a triumphant achievement in filmmaking, and one of the more entertaining movies to release in the past decade. This is the most excited I have been about the stars and stripes since 2011, when Seal Team 6 took out Bin Laden. Seriously, I was pumped up. I felt like I was at a concert because of how often the audience clapped after some of the more epic scenes. Captain America: Civil War executes the rare balance between non-stop superhero action and the humanistic aspect of war that takes into account collateral damage. In a sense it felt similar to the issues raised in the recent modern-day war film, Eye in the Sky. It actually makes you think beyond the surface of a movie pumped full of action. This is a feat Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice attempted to achieve but failed miserably. Perhaps Zack Snyder lacks the vision the Russo brothers seem to possess. Or maybe as far as actors with emotional complexities, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr are on a level Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill simply are not. Either way, this is a clear and decisive victory for Marvel in 2016. I realize I am getting off topic so let me just reiterate the one point that needs to be made, which is the fact that Captain America: Civil War is an incredibly entertaining film with a balance rarely achieved this day and age. My only complaint is the unfortunate realization that a vast majority of the remaining 2016 movie releases will fall short of what this film achieved. That is a fact.

It almost feels silly to touch on the quality of the acting in Captain America: Civil War, I mean honestly, where do I start? I have been racking my brain and for the life of me I cannot think of another film that includes this amount of A-list acting talent. Obviously the closest to compare would be the Avengers films but this is still a step up. The addition of Paul Rudd (Ant-Man) made a huge impact on the film. He was absolutely fantastic and took the comedic dynamic to another level. It was great to have Sebastian Stan (The Winter Soldier) on screen with the rest of the crew thanks to the undeniable chemistry he has with Chris Evans. I was blown away by Chadwick Boseman in his role as the Black Panther, I mean that guy is a badass. He nailed the character perfectly right down to the accent, and even though I was initially disappointed that Michael B. Jordan didn’t get the nod as Black Panther, I am very pleased with who they chose. I am definitely looking forward to Marvel’s Black Panther releasing in 2018. Another pleasant surprise was 19-year old UK born actor Tom Holland, in his role as Spider-Man. As far as overall entertainment value is concerned, he may just be my favorite addition to the film in terms of the direct impact his character had. Captain America: Civil War reinforces one age old saying, which is the fact that you simply cannot have too much of a good thing, and amen to that! 

Captain America: Civil War is a film that begs to be seen in IMAX 3D, and it isn’t so much the 3D aspect, which is still great and comparable to The Winter Soldier. It is the incredible action scenes that deserve to be experienced on a huge screen accompanied by speakers that will rattle your brain (in a good way of course). Writing this review has proved to be very difficult for me because I want so badly to talk in detail about this movie. I want to mention the many surprises, plot twists, and memorable action scenes that I continue to replay over and over in my head. Or just the many perfectly timed jokes that had me chuckling like a child. But rest assured, as I will not allow my journalistic integrity to waiver, and I will allow you the viewer to enjoy this masterpiece for yourself. Just be sure to see Captain America: Civil War soon because my guess is before too long someone will start force-feeding you spoilers. So go now, and enjoy!! 

Keanu

Director Peter Atencio

Genre Comedy

Cast Keegan Michael-Key, Jordan Peele, Will Forte, Jason Mitchell

Rating R

Release Date April 29th, 2016

“Friends hatch a plot to retrieve a stolen kitten by posing as drug dealers for a street gang.”

Just as the movie poster reads, Keanu is brought to us by the visionary minds of Key & Peele (strong words but justifiable), the hilarious Comedy Central bred duo comprised of Jordan Peele and Keegan Michael-Key. Technically it all started with MADtv but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The film is directed by Peter Atencio, who also directed the Key & Peele series for Comedy Central in its entirety from 2012-2015. Keanu serves as the feature-film debut for Key & Peele, and is written by Jordan Peele and Alex Rubens. The film also stars our favorite rapper turned actor Method Man, as well as Luis Guzman, Will Forte, and Nia Long.

I got my first glimpse of the Keanu trailer at the theater quite a while ago (I want to say 6 months or so but I am terrible with time), and I immediately marked April 29th on my calendar. I mean sure it was a ridiculous premise, but I knew I would be seeing this movie no matter what. I am happy to say that it was well worth the wait! Keanu had me laughing and smiling for the entire hour and 40 minutes and I never once looked at the clock wondering when it was going to end (I also had to pee, I was able to ignore that urge as well). The film unfolds just as a quality action/comedy should, by providing an endless supply of both without feeling repetitive or too over-the-top (believe it or not). It never felt slow and it seemed to end just when it needed to. Keanu’s cute little face and his high pitched trademark kitten meow never gets old. It took every ounce of willpower I had to not stop at the pet store and get a Keanu of my own on the way home. I commend everyone involved with this film for their ability to take source material that is beyond ridiculous and craft some good old fashioned entertainment.  

The acting in Keanu is overshadowed (in a positive way) by the incredible chemistry between Key & Peele, and to be quite honest I find it hard to believe this is only their first feature-film as a duo. They play off each other extremely well, somehow finding a way to magnify each other’s strengths while covering-up any potential weaknesses. The cast is anchored by a hilarious and off-the-wall Will Forte. Even though he has a smaller role his impact is undeniable. Method Man doesn’t quite top his memorable performance in 2001’s How High (I mean how could he?), which I’ve admittedly seen 20 times at least, but he delivers a strong performance as leader of the “Blips” gang. Keanu definitely stole the show and was as cute as can be, not to mention a natural on-screen, all 7 or so of him (according to Jordan Peele, 7 cats and/or kittens assumed the role).

Keanu is a rare breed of action/comedy, finding a way to seamlessly combine laugh-out-loud humor (or LOL as the kid’s say), gang violence, drug trafficking, and last but not least the cutest damn kitten you've ever seen. What we end up with is a final product very much light-hearted and genuinely entertaining. What I think impressed me most was how effortless it all felt, nothing felt forced and everything seemed to come together with ease. If you have a soft spot for well-choreographed slow motion gunfights, snot bubble quality humor, and kittens so damn cute they should be illegal, Keanu is the movie for you. Check it out as soon as possible and keep an eye out for Key & Peele’s next venture, the bar has been set. 

The Huntsman: Winter's War

Director Cedric Nicolas-Troyan

Genre Action | Adventure | Drama

Cast Jessica Chastain, Chris Hemsworth, Emily Blunt, Charlize Theron

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 22nd, 2016

“As a war between rival queen sisters Ravenna and Freya escalates, Eric and fellow warrior Sara, members of the Huntsmen army raised to protect Freya, try to conceal their forbidden love as they combat Ravenna’s wicked intentions.”

The Huntsman: Winter’s War is directed by Cedric Nicolas-Troyan. He did not direct 2012's Snow White and the Huntsman but he did serve as the visual effects supervisor and earned himself an Oscar nomination. That's impressive. Less impressive is the fact that the man that did direct the previous film, Rupert Sanders (in his directorial debut no less), had an affair with actress Kristen Stewart effectively ending his marriage, as well as her relationship with Twlight star, Robert Pattinson. The studio thought better of having Sanders or Stewart anywhere near the next film, which was probably for the best. Drama, drama, drama. The Huntsman: Winter's War stars Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth, Emily Blunt, and Jessica Chastain. 

The Huntsman: Winter’s War is an overall enjoyable film that unfortunately fails to live up to expectations. Armed with a stellar cast, a big budget, and plenty of eye-opening CGI, audiences were lead to expect a final product that should at the very least improve upon Snow White and The Huntsman. Instead The Huntsman: Winter’s War took a few steps back, selling itself short and again suffering from consistent pacing issues. What felt like a weak and generally uninspired script kept the film from accomplishing the "wow factor" that is needed to make that leap from good to great. The cast was certainly an improvement, essentially replacing below average actress/homewrecker Kristen Stewart with love of my life and A-list actress Emily Blunt, who was fantastic as the Ice Queen. I also felt pretty good about the addition of rising star Jessica Chastain, who is quite possibly the most attractive redhead on this entire planet. Don't worry ladies, Chris Hemsworth puts his best foot forward yet again, and delivers some very impressive action sequences. 

The quality of the acting in The Huntsman: Winter's War is well above average as expected. I would be hard pressed to find a weakness as far as acting is concerned. The film was actually a lot funnier than I expected and I had quite a few good laughs, mostly thanks to the chemistry between Chris Hemsworth, Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) and Rob Brydon. What I found interesting is the fact that Frost and Brydon, both of relatively average height 5'7 and 5'8 respectively, both play dwarfs that refuse to leave Hemsworth's side. As cool as the CGI was, turning these two into bantering dwarfs may have had the biggest impact on the entertainment factor of the film, at least in my opinion anyway.

I enjoyed The Huntsman: Winter's War, I did. But all things considered it was a bit of a letdown and that is difficult to ignore. Viewers simply deserved something better, something epic. It just wasn't meant to be. Fans of Snow White and the Huntsman, as well as Hemsworth, Blunt, Chastain, and Charlize Theron, will have plenty to appreciate, but average viewers might be better off waiting for the Blu-ray/DVD release. Perhaps amateur director Nicolas-Troyan was overwhelmed by the acting talent he had at his disposal and may have been better suited focusing on the visuals? We will never know for sure I suppose. 

Everybody Wants Some!!

Director Richard Linklater

Genre Comedy

Cast Zoey Deutch, Blake Jenner, Tyler Hoechlin, Ryan Guzman

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“A group of college baseball players navigate their way through the freedoms and responsibilities of unsupervised adulthood.”

Richard Linklater has had quite the diverse career as a director thus far, having crafted the likes of Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, School of Rock, Bernie, A Scanner Darkly, and Boyhood, to name a few. Clearly as an artist he prefers to mix it up, which I think says a lot about him in terms of his versatility as a director and screenwriter. Everybody Wants Some!! is directed and written by Linklater. According to him, the film is a continuation of his 2014 film Boyhood (a project that took an astounding 12 years to complete), which ended with a guy showing up at college and meeting his new roommates and a girl. Filming was split between Texas State University and the downtown area in San Marcos, Texas.

Everybody Wants Some!! is well-written, insightful, real, and genuinely entertaining. If I had to categorize the form or type of entertainment I would say it is of the “smart” variety. The film passes on the opportunity for cheap laughs, especially considering the Animal House meets Old School-esque setting. Instead the smartly-written script allows for the development of complex characters each with their own unique personality. The late 70’s/early 80’s setting is intoxicating and the mustaches and clothing from that era is just perfect. I found myself laughing out loud on numerous occasions but what I enjoyed most was the dialogue, which felt fresh, creative, and extremely articulate. I have replayed some of the interactions between the characters in my head and I can’t wait to see the movie again. Everybody Wants Some!! requires the audience to exhibit some patience because it might be right up until the credits appear on screen before you fully realize just how great of a film it really is.

The acting in Everybody Wants Some! is perfect and I really enjoyed the cast. The chemistry was incredible and the characters played off each other very well. I read that Linklater actually had the cast live together for months in a guest house he has on his property so that the idea of a bunch of guys living in a house together would be as authentic as possible. 23 year-old Blake Jenner plays the lead role of incoming freshman Jake. He has a fairly short acting resume thus far consisting of mostly short films and non-recurring television roles. Jenner was perfect for his role as he epitomizes the wholesome all-American who may or may not be on the cusp of peer-pressure induced shenanigans. The relatively unknown cast of actors and actresses all perform well and seem to be given plenty of support and direction in their respective roles. 

Everybody Wants Some!! offers the audience Richard Linklater’s own personal brand of smart and insightful filmmaking, to the point where it will reinforce faith in genuine artistic integrity. Linklater’s films tend to serve as character studies of sorts and his newest work definitely carries that same feel. Everybody Wants Some!! will make you laugh and it will keep you entertained, but what really stood out to me was how much heart the film had, and that above all else will ensure an infinite shelf-life. Be sure to check this one out sooner than later.

Barbershop: The Next Cut

Director Malcolm D. Lee

Genre Comedy

Cast Ice Cube, Cedric The Entertainer, Regina Hall, Anthony Anderson

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 15th, 2016

“As their surrounding community has taken a turn for the worse, the crew at Calvin’s Barbershop come together to bring some much needed change to their neighborhood.”

The original Barbershop first released in 2002 and received a very warm welcome from critics. Fast forward 14 years and we have the 3rd entry in the Barbershop franchise (is this even considered to be a franchise?), Barbershop: The Next Cut. What I find interesting is the fact that all 3 films have a different director. This I suppose isn’t all that uncommon for other genres of film but I think it tends to be rare for comedies. Malcolm D. Lee steps up to the plate for this entry. In 2013, Lee directed The Best Man Holiday, as well as the lowly and very unnecessary Scary Movie 5.

I was dealing with a whirlwind of expectation and uncertainty when Barbershop: The Next Cut finally released. 14 years after the first film released, my expectations were modest at best but initial feedback for the film had me taken aback to say the least. I found my way to the theater to experience Barbershop: The Next Cut for myself and let me just say it put a big smile on my face. I had a recurring feeling of nostalgia throughout the entire film which was amazing, and to put it in simple turns this is a damn funny movie. Granted it feels very much like a comedic skit with limitless freedom for the actors, but it works. And it works well. I suppose it helps when the majority of the cast has experience in stand-up comedy and general improve. One of my favorite aspects of this belated sequel is easily Lamorne Morris, who plays the cat loving weirdo Winston Bishop in the hit Fox comedy New Girl. He basically plays the same character in Barbershop: The Next Cut and the role fits him like a glove (not like the O.J. glove, this one ACTUALLY fits).

A quality film relies on quality acting, right? At least to a certain extent. Barbershop: The Next Cut includes plenty of acting talent but the real strength lives and dies with comedic actors full of personality that can improvise until the cows come home (that is still a saying right?). Ice Cube sets the tone with his ability to play the serious and somewhat calculated role amongst all of the goofiness around him. As I mentioned before, Lamorne Morris is fantastic. I was also genuinely impressed with Common and he seems to have grown into a very solid character actor. And to give praise to one of my favorite and incredibly underrated actors, J.B. Smoove (best known for his Curb Your Enthusiasm character Leon Black), he was an incredibly effective and hilarious addition to the cast with his character One-Stop. He gets a solid amount of small roles in movies and television including his role as the cabbie in Date Night but he is underused. His talents need to be appreciated! 

Barbershop: The Next Cut is undoubtedly one of the feel-good movies of 2016. It has everything we desire as an audience; humor, heart, and creativity. Ice Cube could have pushed for a halfhearted sequel to make some easy cash but he didn’t. Instead he decided to shed some light on the serious issue with violence in the city of Chicago and even though the film is actually filmed in Atlanta, it feels genuine. I visited Chicago recently myself and I really feel that it is a great city that sometimes gets a hard rap. Nonetheless, Barbershop: The Next Cut is quality entertainment and should not be missed. 

The Jungle Book

Director Jon Favreau

Genre Adventure | Drama | Family

Cast Neel Sethi, Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray

Rating PG

Release Date April 15th, 2016

“The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don’t have his best interests at heart.”

The Jungle Book originally released in movie format in 1967 and became an instant classic. It began in 1894 as a collection of stories written by English author Rudyard Kipling. Fast forward to 2016 and we have the new and technologically superior version of The Jungle Book brought to us by director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Cowboys & Aliens). The film has a stellar cast of voice actors including Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken, and Scarlett Johansson.  The Jungle Book is a live-action adaptation of the 1967 film, but the filmmakers decided to adapt elements from the novel to make it more adventurous and dangerous.

The Jungle Book is incredibly entertaining, immersive, hilarious, and to be quite honest one of the more genuinely satisfying experiences I have had at the movie theater in quite a while. I made sure not to leave any stone unturned as I went to see it in IMAX 3D and boy was it worth the extra $5. Right away I was in awe of the world that was created for the audience and honestly I still have a difficult time believing the film is essentially 100% CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) and green screen. The Jungle Book sets a new standard for what CGI is capable of and it has me extremely excited for the future. The animals were very realistic in their movements and on-screen presence and I read that they were created using actual animal behavior, which was then re-created by the actors using motion-capture VFX.  

The voice acting in The Jungle Book is absolutely top notch and I would be lying if I didn’t say that Bill Murray stole the show as the voice of Baloo the bear. I wouldn’t go as far as to agree with the older couple exiting the theater who stated, “Bill Murray made the movie,” but he certainly had quite an impact. I felt like they did a great job casting Neel Sethi as Mowgli who was the only actual human actor in the film. As an actor he delivered a genuine feel for his authentic presence and somewhat of a fish out of water appeal in the beginning. He gracefully transitioned into a resourceful and very determined little boy who above all knew exactly what he wanted out of life and where he felt he should call home. Idris Elba was the perfect choice for dreaded nemesis Shere Khan (the tiger), as he possesses an authoritative and very frightening tone to his voice. I certainly wouldn’t cross him as a real-life human being or voice actor.

The live-action adaptation of The Jungle Book is an amazing experience and one that should not be missed. The more I think about it the more I realize the fact that this film appeals to everyone. Whether you are able to achieve a nostalgic sense of your childhood or enter as a newcomer with sky-high expectations for an experience like no other, The Jungle Book will not disappoint. Granted IMAX 3D will probably break the bank if you take the entire family out to see it, sacrifices must be made and this is one that will be worth it in the end, I promise you that. Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book gets the Ted Takes stamp of approval. The Jungle Book 2 has already been announced, you’re welcome in advance.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Director Zack Snyder

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 25th, 2016

“Fearing that the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the Man of Steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs.”

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is directed by Zack Snyder who previously directed Man of Steel, Suckerpunch (which was a bust sadly), the violent comic book film Watchmen, and probably the best film on his resume, the 2006 hit 300. Snyder has a resume that easily places him with the upper echelon of directors who have turned comic books into hit films. The cast includes Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, and Lawrence Fisburne. Snyder previously defended his decision to cast Affleck as Batman by stating that he pictured Batman as a bigger and stronger character compared to a somewhat leaner Christian Bale who starred in The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises, both films directed by acclaimed director Christopher Nolan.

I'm going to come right out and say it, I was disappointed with Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. I wanted so badly to love it so that I could tell all of the haters out there to stick it where the sun doesn't shine but it just wasn’t meant to be. Did I hate it? No, but it just wasn’t the movie I was hoping for. The plot felt like it was all over the place shifting between different storylines without much of a clear direction, at least in my opinion anyway. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice had plenty of action but it just wasn’t enough to satisfy that itch that is usually easily scratched by a Christopher Nolan directed film. I actually really respect Zack Snyder as a director and I enjoyed Watchmen. I even added it to my movie collection. I suppose the bar was set a bit too high by Nolan and the Dark Knight films, I mean who can be expected to follow-up a Heath Ledger Joker and Tom Hardy Bane? Jessie Eisenberg, I like you as an actor but the shoes were much too big to fill my friend.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice includes a fantastic cast as far as talent is concerned. Love him or hate him I think Ben Affleck is a talented actor and director, although whether he was the right choice for Batman I am still on the fence about. Henry Cavill is undoubtedly the right fit for Superman and he also played the role in Man of Steel. He has a very dominating presence and portrays the superhero the right way. I really like Jesse Eisenberg as an actor but the 5’9 150lb or so actor should stick to roles that are a bit more believable for him, although he does play the mentally unstable card pretty well. Amy Adams is a fantastic actress but she is just meh in her role, I think Natalie Portman would be a better fit for Lois Lane. Wishful thinking I suppose.

I genuinely wish I could say that I really enjoyed Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, I really do. I just feel like it ended up being just an average film with a huge budget that was unable to live up to expectations. The buzz is that fans have organized a petition asking that the studio release an R-rated version of the film and apparently director Zack Snyder is considering this option. He has confirmed that he has at least 30 minutes of additional footage that was set to release when the film hit Blu-ray/DVD as well as a few variations to other scenes in the film that would have warranted an R-rating. Perhaps a bit more leeway with the content is exactly what Snyder needed. This other version might see a late summer release if it does in fact happen. Only time will tell.

Hush

Director Mike Flanagan

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast John Gallagher Jr, Kate Siegel, Michael Trucco, Samantha Sloyan

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016 (Limited Theaters & Netflix)

“A deaf woman is stalked by a psychotic killer in her secluded home.”

Directed and co-written by Mike Flanagan, who also directed Oculus and the yet to be released horror film Before I Wake, Hush is an intimate take on the horror genre. Filmed in less than 18 days, Hush contains under 15 minutes of actual dialogue, meaning that 70 minutes of the hour and 127 minute run-time go by without a single word being spoken. Flanagan co-wrote the film with his new wife, Kate Siegel who stars in the film. Siegel met Flanagan while auditioning for his 2013 horror film Oculus, a role she ended up getting. She was quoted in an interview as saying when she met Flanagan she immediately thought, "This is a man I would do anything to work with." So naturally, they were soon married.

Hush is a great film and a breath of fresh air for a struggling genre. I really enjoyed it and felt like it utilized a tried and true formula, while separating itself with some unique elements, making it feel fresh and innovative at the same time. Hush puts the audience in the victim’s shoes during the film's most tense moments to experience what it's like to lack the ability to hear or speak, which I thought  was very effective. Hush includes everything a successful horror film needs; a psychopathic killer, resourceful victim, great writing, intimate style of directing, and a quality score that really sets the tone for the film. If I were to offer a bit of criticism I would say that Hush is certainly more thriller than it is horror but it does blend the two together quite well.

Hush has a very limited cast but each actor pulls their weight and helps to make this gruesome scenario feel like a reality. Kate Siegel is fantastic in the lead role and she made it rewarding for the audience to see her character develop the way it did. Siegel was asked whether or not having her husband direct the film added any extra pressure and she said that he is such a supportive director and husband that if anything, it made her more comfortable. John Gallagher Jr. is exceptional as the masked man, coming across perfectly as a crazed killer who takes pleasure in the suffering of others. Michael Trucco, who is traditionally a television actor, makes an impact in his brief on screen appearance.

Hush is a tense, dark, and uniquely crafted thriller that is a welcomed entry in the horror genre alongside the likes of The Strangers and You're Next, to name a few. Director and screenwriter Mike Flanagan seems to have a genuine appreciation for the horror genre and I am excited to see what he has in store for us. Considering Hush is a direct to Netflix streaming release, which is incredible by the way, I can comfortably say that you won't find a better and more accessible newly released film. To be honest it felt like I was cheating the system somehow watching a movie this good as soon as it released without having to invest in a movie ticket or giant bag of overpriced popcorn. Check this one out sooner than later.

Demolition

Director Jean-Marc Vallée

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, Chris Cooper, Heather Lind

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

“A successful investment banker struggles after losing his wife in a tragic car crash.”

Demolition is directed by Jean-Marc Vallée who previously directed Dallas Buyers Club and Wild. The film is written by Bryan Sipe who recently wrote the 2015 romantic drama The Choice. The film stars Jake Gyllenhaal, Naomi Watts, and Chris Cooper and debuted at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

My expectations were somewhat in the middle of the road but Demolition proved to be a very entertaining and engaging film. I enjoyed the experience of watching the main character Davis, played by Jake Gyllenhaal embark on his full-fledged journey of soul searching. Davis is a unique individual battling some complex emotions and uncertainties to the point where he begins to question his own life and what it all means. Gyllenhaal steals the show and Demolition wouldn’t even be on my radar if this role were to have been given to a less capable actor. While I feel the writing is strong, it does stumble and feels a bit convoluted at times. It also suffers from some pacing issues and has its fair share of “lull you to sleep” periods. Luckily when things slow down the characters are brought back into focus and all is right in the world.

Gyllenhaal is absolutely incredible in Demolition and he once again proves why he is one of my favorite actors. The guy is simply amazing and his rare talent began to shine all the way back in 2001 when he starred in the cult classic Donnie Darko. Since then he has starred in one hit after another and Gyllenhaal is capable of making an average to mediocre script shine with his acting ability. The character he plays in Demolition has many layers and he transitions between them seamlessly. Naomi Watts and Chris Cooper are also fantastic in their respective roles. Gyllenhaal and Cooper previously starred together in the 2005 war based drama Jarhead, and in this film it is clear that their chemistry has remained intact over the years.

Demolition is a deeply engaging character study that includes some of the best acting you will experience in 2016. It is not without its faults and does suffer from pacing issues that lend to the film feeling slow and almost boring at times. If you can appreciate filmmaking as an art form and enjoy something that feels a little different and less commercialized (as the hipsters would say), Demolition is well worth checking out.

Hardcore Henry

Director Ilya Naishuller

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

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

Rating R

Release Date April 8th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Eye in the Sky

Director Gavin Hood

Genre Drama | Thriller | War

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

Rating R

Release Date April 1st, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2

Director Kirk Jones

Genre Comedy

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

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 25th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

The Bronze

Director Bryan Buckley

Genre Comedy | Drama

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

Rating R

Release Date March 18th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

The Program

Director Stephen Frears

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

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

Rating R

Release Date March 18th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

The Brothers Grimsby

Director Louis Leterrier

Genre Action | Comedy

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

Rating R

Release Date March 11th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

10 Cloverfield Lane

Director Dan Trachtenberg

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

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

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 11th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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