The Secret Life of Pets

Director Chris Renaud, Yarrow Cheney

Genre Animation | Family | Comedy

Cast Louis C.K., Kevin Hart, Eric Stonestreet, Jenny Slate

Rating PG

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“Taking place in a Manhattan apartment building, Max’s life as a favorite pet is turned upside down, when his owner brings home a sloppy mongrel named Duke. They have to put their quarrels behind when they find out that an adorable white bunny named Snowball is building an army of abandoned pets determined to take revenge on all happy-owned pets and their owners.”

The Secret Life of Pets is directed by Yarrow Cheney and Chris Renaud, the duo behind Despicable Me 1 & 2. This is the third animated feature film for Illumination Entertainment, now owned by Universal Studios, the first two being the Despicable Me films and Minions. The film stars Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet (Modern Family), Kevin Hart, and Jenny Slate (Parks and Rec, Zootopia).

The Secret Life of Pets is a very imaginative and fun feel-good comedy for the entire family, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. If you are a pet lover you simply owe it to yourself to see this movie. I couldn’t even count the amount of times I found myself saying "that is definitely my dog/cat!" Kudos to the team behind the film for putting together something that such a widespread audience can appreciate. It is sure to please everyone from your 5-year-old to your 80-year-old grandmother! Although The Secret Life of Pets didn’t quite live up to the bar set by Inside Out or Zootopia (both of which included a much deeper message), it will stand on its own nonetheless. Also, as an added bonus we were treated to a Minions short film before the film which was absolutely hilarious. I love those little yellow guys. 

When it comes to animated films built on comedic chemistry between its voice actors, The Secret Life of Pets is easily of the upper echelon. The cast is lead by hilarious comedian turned TV star, Louis C.K., who is absolutely perfect for the role of Max. Eric Stonestreet, who most people will know from the comedy Modern Family, plays the role of Duke and as usual it is impossible to dislike the guy. Former SNL star, Jenny Slate was crucial to the success of the film in her role as the adorable little dog Gidget. As a big fan of Kevin Hart, I was not surprised to find that his role as the troublemaking rabbit was easily my favorite. Hart couldn’t help but to make an impression with his trademark over-the-top humor which fit perfectly.

The Secret Life of Pets is a fun-filled comedy for the entire family and a guiltless reason to visit the theater this summer. Given the fact that the plot and overall message isn't quite as far reaching as this years animated hit, Zootopia, I can't bring myself to place it at the top of the list of must-see movies but it is easily in the top 5. The Secret Life of Pets will satisfy your craving for pure unadulterated entertainment and is guaranteed to tickle your funny bone, so be sure to check it out sooner rather than later. Considering its success in the box office, my guess is we will see some sort of sequel. Bring it on!

Swiss Army Man

Director Dan Kwan, Daniel Scheinert

Genre Adventure | Comedy | Drama

Cast Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Daniel Radcliffe, Paul Dano, Timothy Eulich

Rating R

Release Date June 24th, 2016

“A hopeless man stranded in the wilderness befriends a dead body and together they go on a surreal journey to get home.”

Swiss Army Man is directed and written by Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, also known as Daniels shown on screen at the start of the film. The directing and writing duo took home the coveted Directing Award when the film premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival. Swiss Army Man is said to be the work of some extremely wild and crazy imaginations, bringing together a variety of unique elements to the film industry. The film stars Paul Dano, Daniel Radcliffe, and Mary Elizabeth Winstead. 

Swiss Army Man is a perfect example of filmmaking as a true art form, thought provoking and unique to its very core. I first experienced the trailer for the film at the theater 2 or 3 months ago and wasn't sure what to think, but I was intrigued. After finally seeing it, I honestly wasn't sure how to wrap my brain around this bizarre film. How someone was able to come up with something so absurd is baffling to be quite honest (obviously it's a good thing). Considering the far-fetched premise, I was genuinely impressed by how real the film felt. The characters truly came to life (sort of) and I felt a closeness to the events that were unfolding right before my eyes. The film was actually quite a bit funnier than I expected in a quirky sort of way, which felt like a nice touch and contributed to the overall entertainment value of the film.

Swiss Army Man puts some of the best acting I've seen in some time on display, taking advantage of a small and very committed cast. Paul Dano is absolutely incredible and he deserves a ton of credit for his clear dedication to his role. Daniel Radcliff and his sidekick, Manny are exceptional as well, and the on-screen chemistry between him and Dano is tremendous. In some strange way I actually feel for Daniel Radcliff and his struggle to shake the Harry Potter persona but this film is certainly a step in the right direction. Mary Elizabeth Winstead has very limited actual screen time but she is still great as expected. 

Swiss Army Man isn't for everyone and I'm sure it will rub some people the wrong way, but if you have an appreciation for quality film, this is an absolute must see. My only regret is that I wasn't able to see it when it had its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. I'm not sure how much recognition Swiss Army Man will receive come award season, but I will be genuinely surprised if it doesn't take home something or at least get a few nominations. People continue to say they want more original ideas in Hollywood. Well, it doesn't get much more original than this, folks! 

The Purge: Election Year

Director James DeMonaco

Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Frank Grillo, Elizabeth Mitchell, Mykelti Williamson, Raymond J. Barry

Rating R

Release Date July 1st, 2016

“Years after sparing the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlie Roan, a Presidential candidate targeted for death on Purge night due to her vow to eliminate the Purge.”

The Purge: Election Year serves as the third and newest entry in The Purge film series, with the first film releasing in 2013. Writer and director, James DeMonaco, is back at the helm, as he also wrote and directed the first two films. His previous work includes writing credits for The Negotiatior and Assault on Precinct 13. Frank Grillo made his debut in the second film, The Purge: Anarchy and is back for The Purge: Election Year, teaming up with co-star Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost). The film also stars Mykelti Williamson (Forrest Gump, Justified), Joseph Julian Soria (Max), and Betty Gabriel. 

The Purge: Election Year proves itself as a worthy sequel, building on a creative premise by offering fans a superior script, more gratuitous violence, and some great acting. It may say something about my sick and twisted sense of entertainment but I have genuinely enjoyed all 3 of The Purge films. But seriously, if people would get off their high horse for two seconds they would agree that it is an interesting and creative premise that allows our imaginations to run wild. At the end of the day it is just a movie and I'm not buying into that lunatic who went on a killing spree claiming he was influenced by the films. He made some very, very stupid decisions and wanted something to blame (rant over). The Purge: Election Year advances the overall direction of the film series and focuses a bit more on the political side of things but don’t worry, this film is anything but boring. I was entertained the entire time and even though I do feel like they could have expanded on the excessive violence related to The Purge (there goes my twisted imagination again), what they did worked and it worked well.

As far as acting goes, The Purge films somehow manage to pull double-duty sort of speak, meaning they offer viewers a talented cast even though they could have still made an entertaining film with lesser actors. I am glad they went the route they have! The first film had Ethan Hawke, the second film introduced Frank Grillo, who returns for The Purge: Election Year and he does not miss a beat! I really enjoy him as an actor and the level of intensity he brings to his role really helps to intensify the seriousness of the danger the characters find themselves in. This guy thrives as a straight-laced military type character and this film is no exception. Former Lost star, Elizabeth Mitchell, is a welcomed addition (she made her debut in the Angelina Jolie film, Gia) and she is great. I was very impressed by the chemistry between Grillo and Mitchell and felt like they played off each other quite well.

The Purge: Election Year satisfied my craving that has been burning hot since the first film hit theaters in 2013. Although I do consider this to be the best overall film in the series, I think The Purge: Anarchy took more advantage of the actual Purge activities within the city, which was a nice touch. It would have been nice to see them expand on that expectation within this film. The bottom line is simple, if you enjoyed the first two films, The Purge: Election Year will not disappoint and will instill even more faith in James DeMonaco and the future of The Purge films. 

The Purge: Election Year is now available VOD and streaming on FX Now. Watch the official trailer below.

The Shallows

Director Jaume Collet-Serra

Genre Drama | Thriller

Cast Blake Lively, Oscar Jaenada, Sedona Legge

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 24th, 2016

“A mere 200 yards from shore, surfer Nancy is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.”

The Shallows is an intense thriller directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, the visionary mind behind Unknown, Non-Stop, and Run All Night. The film stars accomplished actress, Blake Lively, who most recently starred in Savages and The Age of Adaline. Touted as the next generation Jaws, The Shallows certainly has some very big shoes to fill.

Including serine visuals matched only by its relentless thrill factor, The Shallows is a shark attack thriller more than worthy of the big-screen. Like many other movie fans out there in the world, I also wondered how a film centered solely around one woman hiding on a rock from a killer great white shark could possibly hold my attention for over an hour and a half. Well The Shallows grabbed ahold of me and held on tight, literally putting me on the edge of my seat for the entire film. It is very difficult to make me jump (I see pretty much every single horror or thriller that hits theaters) and this one got me a few times, which is a credit to the atmosphere as well as the calm before the storm feel the film elicits. This is a true thriller.

Considering its rather limited cast, The Shallows somehow manages to create a very solid backstory, as well as a sense of attachment to a few minor characters (spoiler-alert, a seagull may or may not steal the show). Blake Lively is incredible as expected and this just might be her most impressive role yet. She brings her character to life and epitomizes what it means for a human being to persevere in the face of imminent danger. As a viewer you can’t help but think to yourself, “How would I react in this situation?” As a huge bonus, Blake Lively is absolutely mesmerizing and I am truly thankful she was given this role (damn you Ryan Reynolds for stealing her away).  If the extremely intimidating great white shark had a name, I would give him a shout out as well, he certainly left quite an impression. Unfortunately, similar to the Somali pirate from Captain Phillips, he has very limited role potential, regardless of how talented he may be. 

The Shallows is as intensely beautiful a film as I can remember, making it genuinely unique in its own right. Each and every frame will leave you in awe with its sheer beauty. Trying to compare the film to a classic like Jaws would be unfair to both in different ways. I mean we are talking over 40 years since the first Jaws hit theaters. What matters to me is whether or not The Shallows delivered the entertainment value that I expected from a film with a visionary director and a big name actress, and I left the theater with a damn big smile on my face. Sounds like a win to me. Do yourself a favor and check out The Shallows sooner than later because this is a movie meant to be seen during the summer (unless you’re a big sissy that is).

Fathers and Daughters

Director Gabriele Muccino

Genre Drama

Cast Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried, Aaron Paul, Diane Kruger

Rating R

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“A Pulitzer-winning writer grapples with being a widower and father after a mental breakdown, while, 27 years later, his grown daughter struggles to forge connections of her own.”

Fathers & Daughters is a drama directed by Gabriele Muccino, who previously directed The Pursuit of Happiness and Seven Pounds, both starring Will Smith. He seems to have a preference for dramas that include a love story in one aspect or another. This latest project also has a stellar cast including Russell Crowe, Amanda Seyfried (Mean Girls, Dear John), and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad, Triple 9).

Fathers & Daughters is an emotionally charged drama sure to satisfy viewers craving more than a recycled script with an unsatisfyingly predictable story. Although overly ambitious, this is a film that deserves its fair share of appreciation, if only for the sheer will to tell an emotionally complicated story sure to pull at the heart strings. The film is not without its faults and certain aspects of the story felt incredibly rushed, reminding me of what you generally experience with a film adaptation of a book, which is not the case here. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of the film shines through in the end, leaving a sad, yet optimistic lasting impression.

The acting in Fathers & Daughters is without question the biggest check mark for the film. As I mentioned before, the film is definitely overly ambitious, primarily with the script, but the performances of the talented cast help to cover any potential blemishes. Veteran actor Russell Crowe delivers yet another spectacular performance in his role as a determined father fighting an uphill battle. Amanda Seyfried shines as a woman haunted by a traumatic youth, and former Breaking Bad star Aaron Paul delivers a very believable performance, continuing to prove that he can play just about any role. It would be wrong for me not to point out the very effective performance delivered by young actress, Kylie Rogers in the role of young Katie.

Fathers & Daughters is a powerful film that requires all of your attention as well as an abundance of empathy. Unlike many of the aptly named “tear jerkers” released in the past decade or so, this is a film that demands emotion organically and works very hard for each and every tear you may or may not shed during the just under 2-hour film. If you can appreciate a well-written, emotional story with well above average acting, Fathers & Daughters will suit you just fine.

Central Intelligence

Director Rawson Marshall Thurber

Genre Comedy

Cast Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Aaron Paul, Amy Ryan

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 17th, 2016

“After he reunites with an old pal through Facebook, a mild-mannered accountant is lured into the world of international espionage.”

Central Intelligence is directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, who previously directed Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, which has developed into a bit of a cult classic. He also directed the 2013 comedy, We’re The Millers. The film stars former professional wrestler turned actor, Dwayne Johnson, and successful pint sized stand-up comedian turned actor, Kevin Hart.

Central Intelligence flips the script by reversing the type-cast roles for two of Hollywood’s biggest names, and it works. Although some would argue that it fits in the category of “leave your brain at the door” style comedy, and don’t get me wrong I would have a difficult time arguing against that fact, but guess what? Who cares! Whether we want to admit it or not, audiences crave mindless humor, myself included, and Central Intelligence spares us the complex story line and instead sets the table for just under 2 hours of laugh-out-loud humor and good old fashioned buddy comedy. I left the theater entertained and I never felt board, and to be quite honest I am looking forward to seeing these two actors together again soon. Rumor has it they are in production for a new Jumanji film, which will also star Jack Black.

It took a little getting used to but I enjoyed the quality of the acting in Central Intelligence. Dwayne Johnson steps into relatively unfamiliar territory (not counting family movies of course) as he plays a fairly goofy role. At first I was a bit taken back by his character and unsure what I thought of this transformation, but I’ll admit it grew on me. He does a superb job balancing between his goofy character and a serious CIA agent while always maintaining his good nature, which should be well received by audiences. Kevin Hart played a much more grounded role compared to the overly eccentric roles he tends to play, which was refreshing and should please viewers who consider themselves sick of his usual routine. The audience is also treated with a surprise appearance from Breaking Bad star, Aaron Paul, who certainly makes his presence known.

I had high expectations for Central Intelligence and I was quite impressed with the final product. What we were given is a film that will most likely serve as the jumping off point for a successful Hollywood duo consisting of Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart. Granted this is the epitome of mindless entertainment, but that’s fine because Central Intelligence knows how to entertain fans of good comedy, so if you fall into that demographic I suggest you check it out. Also, this was leaps and bounds better than Ride Along 2, and when it comes to Ice Cube or Dwayne Johnson tearing up the screen with Kevin Hart, Dwayne Johnson > Ice Cube. Period.  

Me Before You

Director Thea Sharrock

Genre Drama

Cast Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Jenna Coleman, Matthew Lewis

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 3rd, 2016

“A girl in a small town forms an unlikely bond with a recently-paralyzed man she’s taking care of.”

Me Before You is the film adaptation of the best-selling novel written by Jojo Moyes. In the week following the release of the first trailer for the film, the book went from #141 to #3 on USA Today’s best-selling book list, which isn’t bad at all. The film serves as inexperienced director Thea Sharrock’s movie directorial debut. The cast of Me Before You includes Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones, Terminator Genisys), Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire), Janet McTeer (Maleficent), and Charles Dance (Game of Thrones).

Me Before You is a genuinely effective book to big screen adaptation that will surely satisfy fans of the book as well as newcomers unfamiliar with the source material. I fall into the percentage of viewers who have yet to read the book and I was very pleased with my overall experience. I felt that the crucial aspects of the film that had to work in order for the film to succeed somehow worked even better than I could have anticipated. Most notably the acting, script, and a fantastic soundtrack including songs from Imagine Dragons and X Ambassadors, that will surely sell quite a few copies. 

One of my favorite takeaways from Me Before You was easily the impressive cast. Lead by Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke, who is absolutely outstanding in her role, even as a slightly unrecognizable brunette.  She proves to be an actress with a diverse skillset able to step into each and every role that awaits her. She is incredibly cute from her bubbly personality to her strange yet oddly appealing wardrobe choices. Co-star Sam Claflin is quite impressive in his own right, managing to portray a character with very complex emotions. Overall though what anchors the film is the incredible chemistry between Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin, who develop a unique bond that somehow transcends the screen. I also really enjoyed Stephen Peacocke (Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, Hercules) in the role of Nathan who serves as the medical caretaker  to Will Traynor (Sam Claflin). He is perfect in his role and to me was invaluable to the overall effectiveness of the film.

The film was met with a great deal of controversy and although the point that was trying to be made is valid, one aspect of the general displeasure towards the film was seemingly overlooked. This is work of fiction based on a novel which was also a, wait for it, work of fiction. Even if the film were to be based on true events, the actions of any of the characters involved would be solely at the discretion of those individuals and would in no way represent any group or community. Okay (deep breath), rant over. With a very strong script, high quality acting, and the undeniable success of its paperback counterpart, Me Before You is the perfect date movie and should not be missed.  

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Director Dave Green

Genre Action | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Megan Fox, Will Arnette, Stephen Amell, Allen Ritchson

Rating PG-13

Release Date June 3rd, 2016

“As Shredder joins forces with mad scientist Baxter Stockman and henchmen Bebop and Rocksteady to take over the world, the Turtles must confront an even greater nemesis: the notorious Krang.”

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is the sequel to the 2014 film, which received less than favorable reviews. The 2014 film ended up doing rather well in the box office, even though the majority of its earnings were from foreign markets. At the end of the day, money is money. The sequel stars Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Kinney, and Stephen Amell. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is an entertaining popcorn-flick that delivers a healthy dose of nostalgia to casual and hardcore fans alike. I enjoyed the first film but I felt like this one put in extra effort to satisfy a very committed fan base. The sequel includes the welcomed addition of the hockey mask wearing Casey Jones and the idiotic yet nearly impossible to dislike duo Rocksteady and Bebop. Fans who grew up watching TMNT will find it difficult not to smile when watching the characters that helped to shape their childhood (for better or for worse). The film struggles to take off and never really seems to get a full head of steam after one of the early action scenes. I did enjoy the identity struggle the Turtles faced and I felt that an important message was conveyed. Something we battle with everyday which is the idea that it is okay to be different, because our differences make us who we are. Granted none of us are baby turtles that mutated and were subsequently trained by a martial arts master rat in the sewers of NYC, but you get my point. 

To say acting is an afterthought in this film would be an understatement. Fans voiced their collective displeasure over the casting of Megan Fox as April O’Neil, and I get it. She sucks as an actress, but so does Kristen Stewart, yet she continues to get roles (granted she tends to sleep with the directors but still). What Megan Fox is that Stewart isn’t? Ding ding ding, you guessed it. She is attractive! That is why she was given the role and the sooner people accept that the better. Would I have preferred Natalie Portman? You’re damn right I would have but that sweet goddess is busy making films that hope to be mentioned come award season (I just took a glimpse at her IMDb page and her profile photo made me a bit lightheaded, unreal). To conclude my April O’Neil rant, Megan Fox is good enough as an attractive female with mediocre to below average acting skills, Natalie Portman is the love of my life, and Paige Turco who played the role of April in 1991’s TMNT II: The Secret of the Ooze, remains my all-time favorite for the role. I also enjoyed Stephen Amell as Casey Jones and WWF/WWE wrestler Sheamus was fun to watch as Rocksteady. 

I was a hardcore fan of the mutant turtles turned crime-fighting ninjas growing up and to this day I consider the Ninja Turtle van I was given for one of my birthdays to be my all-time favorite toy (I must have been 7 or so as it was around the release of the first movie in 1990). In retrospect, I wish I hadn’t beaten the living crap out of it so it would have lasted longer but I had my fun. What can I say I was a destructive little boy. When the release of the 2014 remake/reimagining was announced I held out hope that it would be a darker film that focused on the realities of the struggles faced by the turtles. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Instead we were given a very goofy CGI heavy version of our childhood heroes. Although I have enjoyed the new films and appreciate a helping hand for the walk down memory lane, you just can’t compete with the first two and 1991’s The Secret of the Ooze remains my favorite (I literally choreographed every fighting scene in my living room as a kid while wearing a Ninja Turtles onesie). Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows is worth checking out for fans but I suggest keeping expectations somewhat reserved. 

The Conjuring 2

Director James Wan

Genre Horror

Cast Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, Franka Potente

Rating R

Release Date June 10th, 2016

“Lorraine and Ed Warren travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.”

The Conjuring 2 is the sequel to 2013’s successful horror film The Conjuring, which was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. The film chronicles the events that took place in Enfield, England from 1977-1979, known as the “Enfield Poltergeist.” James Wan returns to direct the sequel, and it is said that he turned down a formidable amount of money to direct Fast 8 so that he could direct this film instead. Wan himself said he was excited for the opportunity to direct another horror film (I guess he enjoys making people pee their pants). The film stars Patrick Stewart, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, and Franka Potente

The Conjuring 2 is yet another work of art from horror master James Wan, terrifying it’s viewers with an engaging story, a chilling atmosphere, jolting jump scares, and top-tier acting. Rarely is a sequel able to stand on its own after a very successful first film but this is a perfect example of exactly that. From the opening scene right up until the end credits, a sense of inescapable dread attaches itself to the audience and refuses to let go. The film includes a unique mix of everything horror fans want without overdoing it. With horror you either get it or you don’t, and James Wan gets it. As a director he seems to have an eye for horror in every respect, and the level of skill and ability he brings to a project seems to rub off on all involved. I felt like Wan stepped his game up with some unique camera work which provided a genuinely unique feel for viewers.

As I mentioned previously, the acting in The Conjuring 2 is absolutely fantastic. Patrick Stewart and Vera Farmiga reclaim the lead roles as Ed and Lorraine Warren, the real-life couple that spent years going face to face with ghosts and demonic entities. They both play their respective roles perfectly, and it certainly helps that Stewart and Farmiga are both very talented actors. Stewart is coming off a stellar performance in the second season of the FX series Fargo, and Farmiga continues to shine in the successful A&E series, Bates Motel. The supporting cast delivered a commendable performance as well, specifically Frances O’Connor who played the mother of the possessed little girl. Unfortunately I felt like they could have done better when casting the little girl, played by Madison Wolfe. Wolfe has built up quite the resume appearing in HBO’s True Detective, alongside Jennifer Lawrence in Joy, as well as the Bryan Cranston film Trumbo, but at the end of the day she simply wasn’t creepy enough. I’m not sure who I personally would have chosen, but the reincarnation of one of The Shining twins would be a great place to start.

The Conjuring 2 is a genuinely horrifying film brought to life by a talented director who quite frankly knows his sh*t. Regardless of whether you prefer jump scares or sheer terror, this film delivers on all fronts and for that reason will satisfy the most diverse group of horror fans. Even though I feel the final product could have been better with a few changes, The Conjuring 2 is a sequel more than worthy of its name and should not be missed.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping

Director Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone

Genre Comedy

Cast Andy Samberg, Imogen Poots, Sarah Silverman, Bill Hader

Rating R

Release Date June 3rd, 2016

“When it becomes clear that his solo album is a failure, a former boy band member does everything in his power to maintain his celebrity status.”

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is directed by Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone, both original members of The Lonely Island. The 3rd member (and clearly most popular) is Andy Samberg. The comedic trio was formed in Berkely, California, in 2001. They met in Jr. High and after college decided to take their act to the bright lights of L.A. Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping also stars Tim Meadows, Maya Rudolph, Sarah Silverman, and Imogen Poots.

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a hilariously creative collaboration for The Lonely Island trio, successfully mocking the music industry with relative ease. I enjoy Andy Samberg and I feel that he is funny even though he can be way too over the top at times. This film truly felt like the product of a great working relationship with everyone involved and what they came up with is something to be proud of. Some have compared the film to an SNL skit that lasts just under an hour and a half, but that isn’t entirely true. Granted it has that SNL skit feel to it at times but the story unfolds nicely and paves the way for a bit more meaning than expected. Although Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping might not quite crack my top 5 Judd Apatow produced films list, it was very entertaining and easily crawled into the top 10.  

As a film, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping includes goofy acting not intended to be taken seriously (or too seriously anyway). Is that a knock on the film? Not at all, it is simply a successful attempt at satire. It is clearly a knock on the music industry (thank you captain obvious), but it is much more than that. It is a clear-cut example of what our lives have become due to our infatuation and all-encompassing dependability on technology. Social media rules the world, I wish that weren’t true but it is simply our world today. Gone are the good old days when bringing an out of service pager to school felt cool (yes, that was me in middle school, full disclosure I was also a big Backstreet Boys fan).

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is a very entertaining and funny popcorn flick that will surely please fans of Andy Samberg or The Lonely Island crew in general. If you dislike Samberg it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that you will probably dislike the movie considering he is the lead. Samberg’s over the top brand of humor was kept in check and I felt that was a plus. I am honestly looking forward to the official release of the music videos from the movie, specifically “Equal Rights.” It was hilarious. If you feel like having some quality laughs while gaining some useful (and some just plain ridiculous) insight into the music industry, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping is the movie for you.

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.