Office Christmas Party

Director Josh Gordon, Will Speck

Genre Comedy

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

Rating R

Release Date December 9th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Moonlight

Director Barry Jenkins

Genre Drama

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

Rating R

Release Date October 21st, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

The Edge of Seventeen

Director Kelly Fremon

Genre Comedy

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

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Bleed for This

Director Ben Younger

Genre Biography | Drama | Sport

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

Rating R

Release Date November 18th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Arrival

Director Denis Villeneuve

Genre Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi

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

Rating PG-13

Release Date November 11th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Hacksaw Ridge

Director Mel Gibson

Genre Biography | Drama | History

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

Rating R

Release Date November 4th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Ouija: Origin of Evil

Director Mike Flanagan

Genre Horror | Thriller

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

Rating PG-13

Release Date October 21st, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

                   6.5/10                     82%                       6.5/10

The Girl on the Train

Director Tate Taylor

Genre Mystery | Thriller

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

Rating R

Release Date October 7th, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

The Magnificent Seven

Director Antoine Fuqua

Genre Action | Western

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

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 23rd, 2016

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

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

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

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

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

Sully

Director Clint Eastwood

Genre Biography | Drama

Cast Tom Hanks, Anna Gunn, Aaron Eckhart, Sam Huntington

Rating PG-13

Release Date September 9th, 2016

“The story of Chesley Sullenberger, who became a hero after gliding his plane along the water in the Hudson River, saving all of his 155 passengers.”

Directed by the ageless and generally controversial Clint Eastwood, Sully is a drama based on true events. On January 15th 2009, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger made an emergency landing in New York’s Hudson River after US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese. Known as the “miracle on the Hudson”, the film proves that much of the story remained a mystery to the general public. Sully stars Tom Hanks, Aaron Eckhart, Valerie Mahaffey, and Delphi Harrington.

Sully is a finely crafted drama, allowing viewers the opportunity to experience the miraculous story of a man that more than deserves to be called a hero. Director Clint Eastwood implements his unique ability as a storyteller, allowing the events to unfold in a way that feels real and heartfelt. To me the film felt similar to Flight starring Denzel Washington, mainly due to the humanistic focus of the story as well as the many layers involved in terms of the event itself. Although Flight lacks the important “based on true events” aspect, I can’t help but acknowledge the fact that it left more of a lasting impression comparatively. Nonetheless, Sully is a well-made film that tells a special story.

Sully delivers incredible acting from top to bottom which proves to be a crucial component to the overall impact of the film. Tom Hanks yet again proves how dynamic he is as an actor and he steps seamlessly into the shoes of Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. It is obvious how closely Hanks worked with Sullenberger to ensure he had his mannerisms and overall behaviors mimicked perfectly. Aaron Eckhart is exceptional in his role as co-pilot Jeff Skiles. Although it may be easy for some to underrate Eckhart’s performance in terms of how significant it was to the success of the film, I feel that would be a mistake. The chemistry between Hanks and Eckhart is a thing of beauty, simple as that.

Sully has been held in high regards by critics for good reason. It is quite simply a film that should be experienced by anyone who can appreciate a story of heroism in the face of unimaginable adversity. Although it is very much a powerful story with more than enough reason to clap once the credits appear on screen, I still expected more of a hard hitting film considering the man behind the camera. Still, Sully serves as a notch in Eastwood and Hank’s cap and should not be missed. Recommended. 

Wiener-Dog

Director Todd Solondz

Genre Comedy

Cast Charlie Tahan, Greta Gerwig, Zosia Mamet, Danny DeVito

Rating R

Release Date June 24th, 2016

“A dachshund passes from oddball owner to oddball owner, whose radically dysfunctional lives are all impacted by the pooch.”

Wiener-Dog is a dark comedy directed by Todd Solondz, whom previously directed Happiness, Storytelling, and Dark Horse. The film is considered a comedy drama but falls more in the category of dark comedy. Wiener-Dog stars Keaton Nigel Cooke, Tracy Letts, Greta Gerwig, and Kieran Culkin (brother of Mr. Home Alone himself Macauley Culkin).

Director Todd Solondz must have stock in Zoloft and other antidepressant medications because after watching his latest film Wiener-Dog, you will need something with clinical strength to uplift your mood. I was warned that in order to enjoy the film you must have the ability to appreciate Solondz dark sense of humor and "unique" style as it relates to filmmaking. Much to my surprise, this proved to be a task I was unprepared for. I'm not sure what I expected the film to be like but this was far from anything I thought it would be. It was overly depressing, dry, and held a feeling of hopelessness throughout (thankfully it is only an hour and 30 minutes). If they decided to create a genre of film that was the opposite of coming-of-age, Wiener-Dog would fit right in. I am unfamiliar with any of Solondz previous work but I feel pretty good about skipping anything he has made in the past or anything he releases in the future. Do me a favor and look the guy up on IMDb, the look on his face in his profile picture screams "point me in the direction of the nearest building so that I can nose dive from the roof." I wish I was kidding. Actually I looked through a few more of his photos and this guy makes me feel very uncomfortable. 

I can't bash on the acting in Wiener-Dog because it was solid and by far the highlight of the film. The problem with that is the fact that the actors play such depressing roles you find it impossible to invest in any of them. You feel bad for them, which speaks to how effective the performances are. The film plays out in somewhat of a chapter format which seemingly tells various short stories, some of which are connected and others that aren’t at all. Danny DeVito is phenomenal as usual and I also really enjoyed the chemistry between Greta Gerwig and Kieran Culkin. If I was rating the acting alone I would say it deserves at least a B, maybe even a B+. 

The bottom line is simple, Wiener-Dog is very much an acquired taste somewhere along the lines of black licorice or Moxie (both if which I despise, especially black licorice), meaning that fans of the film will most likely be few and far between. I actually have a very high tolerance for films that stray from what we would consider normal or acceptable in society, but believe it or not I do have a line, and although it is rarely crossed, clearly it is possible. I would suggest avoiding this one unless you feel the need to walk around for a week with drooped shoulders and a very bleak outlook on life. After I finished it, I had no choice but to watch 2 ½ episodes of Spongebob Squarepants just to lighten my mood and allow myself a few hours of light unadulterated sleep.

Blair Witch

Director Adam Wingard

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Corbin Reid, Brandon Scott

Rating R

Release Date September 16th, 2016

“After discovering a video showing what he believes to be his vanished sister Heather, James and a group of friends head to the forest believed to be inhabited by the Blair Witch.”

Blair Witch is a found footage style horror film directed by Adam Wingard, the man behind V/H/S 1 & 2, You’re Next, and The Guest. Although many of his films have remained fairly under the radar, he has proven a knack for producing quality horror films. It was entitled The Woods originally, and the fact that it would be a 3rd Blair Witch film wasn’t announced until only 2 months prior to release. In an effort to protect its secrecy the film was filmed in Vancouver, Canada as opposed to Burkittsville, Maryland where the original was filmed. According to IMDb, Blair Witch was in the filming process for over 5 years before anyone knew it was actually happening.

Blair Witch attempts to revitalize a sleeper hit that released nearly two decades ago, and although certain aspects of the film do make an impact, the final product falls short of expectations. Let’s face it, this film was fighting an uphill battle from the beginning. The 1999 film was a fresh idea and caught audiences by surprise, serving up many sleepless nights for those brave enough to see it in theaters.  The idea of a found footage film was simply unheard of, and because of that it felt incredibly authentic and therefore truly frightening. Fast forward to 2016 and audiences are essentially numb to the effects at this point. You really need a fresh idea in order to make it work, and I’m not sure many of those are still out there. Blair Witch does put its best foot forward, providing quality acting, and overall a very solid and sequel worthy premise. It just really isn’t all that scary, and needless to say when it comes to a horror movie, that is an issue.

The acting in Blair Witch was surprisingly good, all things considered. I mean generally horror films can skate by with average to below average acting, especially when it comes to found footage style films (The Gallows anyone?!). The two primary leads include James Allen McCune and Callie Hernandez. McCune previously held recurring roles on AMC’s The Walking Dead as well as the hit Showtime series Shameless.  Hernandez on the other hand is relatively unknown but seems to be getting more work now according to her IMDb page. Both played solid and convincing roles and most importantly keep the audience from shaking their heads at the Achilles heel of horror films, which is terrible acting. Kudos to them.

Blair Witch serves as a more than worthy sequel to the 1999 money printing machine of a film, and should at the very least erase the joke of an actual sequel that preceded it. It includes effective cinematography, above average acting (at least for a horror film), as well as a creepy and unpredictable feel throughout. Although I slept like a baby after I saw the Blair Witch, it could very well keep you up for a week. I feel like Adam Wingard's newest film is still worth checking out for horror fans, and considering all of the mixed reviews out there, you might as well try and make your own opinion this time around. 

Don't Breathe

Director Fede Alvarez

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Daniel Zovatto, Dylan Minnette, Jane Levy, Stephen Lang

Rating R

Release Date August 26th, 2016

“A trio of reckless thieves breaks into the house of a wealthy blind man, thinking they’ll get away with the perfect heist. They’re wrong.”

Don’t Breathe is an original thriller directed and co-written by Fede Alvarez, the man behind 2013’s Evil Dead. Originally called A Man in the Dark, the title Don’t Breathe wasn’t announced until its premiere at the SXSW film festival in 2016. The film stars Stephen Lang, Jane Levy, Dylan Minnette, and Daniel Zovatto.

Don’t Breathe is a tense white-knuckle thriller that will surely satisfy genre fans and anyone seeking a unique premise with an edge. After first viewing the trailer I categorized the film as sharing similarities with the Netflix original film Hush. Instead of a deaf girl living in the woods as the victim who proves to be much more resourceful than expected, Don’t Breathe introduces the audience to a blind military vet who starts as a victim and quickly develops into much, much more. The film is well-written and expertly acted, delivering a dark and gritty environment as immersive as it is unpredictable. The film’s biggest fault in my opinion is the overall believability of the premise, but at the end of the day, who can honestly disprove whether or not the events that unfold could actually take place? Granted the story is fiction, and is far from claiming that it is based on actual events, but still the strength and effectiveness of the film very well may live and die by the viewers ability to buy in. Far-fetched or not, I was certainly on the edge of my seat.

As I mentioned previously, Don’t Breathe benefits from top-notch acting that deserves to be recognized. We are first introduced to the characters played by Jane Levy (Shameless, Evil Dead) and Dylan Minnette (Prisoners, Goosebumps), and both plays their respective roles quite well. Levy and Minnette are tasked with playing characters with a fair amount of backstory, especially Levy, and they deliver believable and chemistry-driven performances. On the other end of the spectrum, veteran actor Stephen Lang delivers a chillingly effective performance as the blind man seemingly protecting his home and his belongings. Levy’s character quickly sheds its skin and reveals a dark side, made believable by his talent as an actor and ability to truly immerse himself into a role. With over 113 acting credits to his resume according to IMDb, Lang is most memorable to me for his role in 2009’s blockbuster film, Avatar. His role as Colonel Miles Quaritch really set the tone for the film and added a level of balance to the high-level CGI the film employed. Lang’s IMDb page shows that he is in pre-production for Avatar 2, 3, and 4, set to release in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Titanic director James Cameron loves his money.

Don’t Breathe accomplishes many things, most of which is the films ability to feel fresh and unique among a variety of disappointing 2016 releases. Although it really isn’t a horror film, it will still appeal to fans of the struggling genre. Regardless of the predisposed notions you may or may not have, Don’t Breathe brings enough to the table to warrant a trip to the theater and maybe even a Blu-ray purchase down the road. Recommended.

Hell or High Water

Director David Mackenzie

Genre Crime | Drama

Cast Chris Pine, Ben Foster, Jeff Bridges, Katy Mixon

Rating R

Release Date August 12th, 2016

“A divorced dad and his ex-con brother resort to a desperate scheme in order to save their family’s farm in West Texas.”

Hell or High Water is directed by David Mackenzie, his next project after directing 2013’s sleeper hit, Starred Up. The film is written by Taylor Sheridan who also wrote 2015’s cartel drama Sicario, his very first writing credit. As an actor just now transitioning into writing, fans of the FX series Sons of Anarchy would recognize him as Deputy Chief, David Hale. The crime drama has a very impressive cast including Chris Pine, Ben Foster, and Jeff Bridges.

Hell or High Water, a gritty heist drama set in West Texas, will leave a lasting impression and is easily one of the best films of 2016. It combines beautiful cinematography, incredible acting, and a uniquely engaging story. The film’s script serves as a character study of sorts, providing audiences an in-depth view of both sides of the law. The chemistry between Chris Pine and Ben Foster quickly develops into a bond only brothers could share, leaving little doubt as far as what they are willing to do for each other. The West Texas setting is absolutely picturesque considering the premise and overall message of the film. Director David Mackenzie and writer Taylor Sheridan (Sicario) click on another level and truly bring the story to life. I also really enjoyed the attention to detail shown by Mackenzie, with an accurate and often times very bleak portrayal of West Texas and its economic issues.

With Hell or High Water it's difficult to narrow down the greatest strength of the film, but acting is undoubtedly near the top of that list. The cast is absolutely incredible and I can't picture anyone else doing a better job. Ben Foster is a very talented actor but is easily the least known out of the leads in the film. He built a reputation as a loose cannon starting with Alpha Dog, right on through 3:10 to Yuma where he starred alongside Russel Crowe, and The Mechanic where he tussled with Jason Statham. Ain't Them Bodies Saints was an under the radar gem of his that truly showcased his skills. Foster is a fantastic actor and understands how to develop a character. The other two lead actors need no introduction, Chris Pine and Jeff Bridges. Pine and Bridges find themselves on opposite sides of the law but the two actors provide the perfect balance and undoubtedly bring out the best in each other.

Hell or High Water is one heck of an experience and should not be missed. I can’t wait to see it a second time so that I can really appreciate some of the smaller details I may have missed. Rarely does a film effectively deliver all aspects of great filmmaking, but when they do, the end result is something special. Audiences may be relatively in the dark as of right now when it comes to this little known gem, but come award season, Hell or High Water will be on everyone's radar. Highly recommended.

War Dogs

Director Todd Phillips

Genre Comedy | Drama

Cast Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, Ana de Armas, Jeff Pierre

Rating R

Release Date August 19th, 2016

“Based on the true story of two young men, David Packouz and Efraim Diveroli, who won a $300 million contract from the Pentagon to arm America’s allies in Afghanistan.”

Originally titled Arms and the Dudes, War Dogs is a comedy/drama based on real-life events. The film is directed by The Hangover director Todd Phillips, and serves as his first non-Hangover film since 2010’s Due Date. This is also his first drama. War Dogs stars Miles Teller, Jonah Hill, Ana De Armas, and Bradley Cooper. The film’s release has been met with a bit of controversy as the real life Efraim Diveroli (played by Jonah Hill) is suing pretty much everyone attached to the film for what he considers unauthorized use of his story. Sure buddy, good luck with that.

War Dogs is a uniquely inspired comedy drama that feels like a mix between Lord of War, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The Big Short. I really enjoyed the overall experience and felt that the film met my high expectations, which was no easy task. War Dogs is very much a comedy and the laughs come early and often, with both leads pulling their weight. I found myself laughing at scenes with little to no dialogue which made me feel a bit ridiculous, I suppose that is a good sign. The story is absolutely insane but somehow doesn’t feel far-fetched (it is based on actual events, so maybe that’s why?). My only real issue with the film would be the slower pace of the 2nd half compared to the hilarious and lively first half. I can’t complain too much considering we had to have a conclusion to the story, but the ride was so much damn fun.

I expected above average acting for War Dogs and the final product certainly delivered. Jonah Hill and Miles Teller have incredible chemistry together, making for a very successful yet unconventional bond. I am a huge fan of both actors and felt like they did a phenomenal job keeping the audience entertained and most importantly making sure the film was far from boring. Interestingly enough, Jonah Hill gained quite a bit of weight after losing 40lbs prior to his role in 22 Jump Street. It seemed he was putting on the weight for this role but come to find out the man he portrayed in the film is very much of average size. Very odd. The only thing that makes sense to me is the fact that Hill was more or less ridiculed by people saying that he was funnier when he was fat. Well he is certainly fat once again, and to be quite honest he does seem to be funnier as well.

War Dogs is a highly entertaining film that simply has a lot of good things going for it. Generally big-budget Hollywood films based on actual events are very “loosely” based, but from the research I have done this one seems to be pretty spot on aside from some of the usual exaggerations. I mean this is just a crazy story and I’m glad Todd Phillips stepped up and put it on the big-screen. If you are a fan of Todd Phillips, Jonah Hill, Miles Teller, or simply value quality entertainment that actual teaches you a few things, War Dogs is worth every penny.

Jason Bourne

Director Paul Greengrass

Genre Action | Thriller

Cast Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, Vincent Cassell

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 29th, 2016

“The CIA’s most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.”

Jason Bourne is directed by Paul Greengrass and is the 5th installment in the franchise, the 4th with Matt Damon in the lead role. 2012’s The Bourne Legacy starred Jeremy Renner and also included a different director. After getting hounded by fans since 2007’s The Bourne Ultimatum, Damon and Greengrass agreed to return for another film. Jason Bourne also stars Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander, and Vincent Cassell.

Jason Bourne attempts to reignite the franchise with the return of Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass and even though it is enjoyable, the homecoming feels a bit uninspired compared to previous entries. I wanted to love Jason Bourne, I really did. On one hand the film delivered to fans the finely crafted action they have become accustomed to, but didn’t break any new ground. I am a huge Bourne fan and prior to the release of Jason Bourne I actually picked up the Blu-ray collection of the previous films. Although Matt Damon found himself in incredible shape for the film considering his seasoned age of 45, somehow his character that would usually send a chill down the spine of anyone on the other end of his crosshairs, felt like just another guy. Jason Bourne was supposed to be that much more dangerous considering the plot of the new film, but it seemed that somewhere along the line he lost his edge.

Matt Damon is an amazing actor and I have enjoyed his films for years, dating all the way back to 1997’s Good Will Hunting. We were introduced to his iconic Jason Bourne character in 2002, and Damon never looked back. He took on the Bourne role effortlessly and epitomized the badass nature we have grown to love about Jason Bourne. The lack of success with this film shouldn't fall on Damon, I personally think it was a lack of creativity. They had all of the tools to work with and instead of a fireworks display of a film, they played it safe and basically shackled an iconic character that was primed for a return. My hope is that the fire still burns for Damon after this film and he comes back better than ever. I have said it before and I will say it again, Julia Stiles is a bad actress. She just is. Yes she did well in 10 Things I Hate About You, but similar to Kristen Stewart, I am pretty sure she was more or less playing herself. Tommy Lee Jones was great as usual but man did he look old, I guess that becomes inevitable when you’re pushing 70. Keep fighting Tommy!

Jason Bourne was an entertaining film but you can’t help but compare it to prior entries and when doing so it falls short. It felt tired and sluggish compared to the high-octane thrill ride we have become accustomed to. I commend the effort by Greengrass and Damon and like many other fans out there, I am pleased they made another film. I just really wish it were better. Jason Bourne did pretty well in the box office and I have heard a few rumblings that maybe another film is in the works. If that is in fact the case, bring back the character we all know and love, please!! Perhaps my expectations were too high and maybe I just need to see it for a second time. Either way, I will give it another try once it releases on Blu-ray to make my final judgment. For a well-written action/thriller you could do worse than Jason Bourne, just be sure to keep your expectations in check.  

Suicide Squad

Director David Ayer

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Margot Robbie, Scott Eastwood, Will Smith, Jared Leto

Rating PG-13

Release Date August 5th, 2016

“A secret government agency recruits a group of imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency, which inevitably leads to chaos.”

Suicide Squad is directed and written by David Ayer, the man behind Street Kings, End of Watch, and Fury. Suicide Squad releases as the next DC Universe film, following the shaky release of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. The cast includes Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Jared Leto, Joel Kinneman, Jai Courtney, and many more.

Suicide Squad is a DC Universe project to be proud of, jam-packed with impressive visuals, non-stop action, and relentless humor, hitting the mark where Snyder’s Batman v Superman failed to. Similar to the villains portrayed in the film, Suicide Squad is absolutely oozing with personality. I loved the soundtrack, the immersive comic-book feel, and I also really enjoyed the backstories and flashbacks that were included. My DC Universe knowledge is severely lacking so it was helpful. Could it have been better? Sure. But I look at the final product with the glass half full approach, and the understanding that this is a step in the right direction in terms of what the DC Universe will be able to provide in the future. 

Suicide Squad includes a cast that looks amazing on paper, and it does not disappoint. Will Smith and Margot Robbie lead the charge in their respective roles as Deadshot and Harley Quinn. Smith is hilarious and delivers punchline after punchline, and true to her character Margot Robbie is cuckoo for cocoa puffs. Jared Leto put forth his best effort in an attempt to match Heath Ledger’s joker from The Dark Knight. He impressed me but the bar was simply set much too high. Joel Kinneman was very effective and had dynamic chemistry with the rest of the cast. I was pleasantly surprised to see Mindy Project star and co-writer, Ike Barinholtz in the film. Although his role was somewhat limited, the audience is exposed to him early on and he does a fantastic job helping to set the tone for the unique mix of psycho killers and quality humor.

With Suicide Squad, the majority of critics definitely dropped the ball and left me questioning whether or not this predetermined hatred towards the DC Universe and unwavering love for Marvel is actually a thing. Perhaps the conspiracy theories are a little bit much but what I know is the simple fact that when I spend my money at the theater (especially the high price of IMAX 3D) I expect to be entertained, and Suicide Squad not only sent me home happy, it left me wanting more. That ladies and gentleman, is the definition of entertainment. Ignore the haters and check this one out soon so that you can form your own opinion. You will be glad you did. Side note, early focus groups suggested that the film be reworked as they considered it to be too dark. Combine that with the rumblings of the many deleted scenes including a number of scenes with The Joker, and I expect a very impressive extended and/or unrated edition to be released on Blu-ray when the time comes. Can't wait!!

Nerve

Director Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Genre Crime | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Dave Franco, Emma Roberts, Kimiko Glenn, Juliette Lewis

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 27th, 2016

“A high school senior finds herself immersed in an online game of truth or dare, where her every move starts to become manipulated by an anonymous community of “watchers.””

Nerve is unique cyber thriller directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman. The directing duo worked together on the documentary Catfish, Paranormal Activity 3 & 4, as well as the recently released indie horror film, Viral. Schulman is the older brother of Yaniv Schulman, known by most as “Nev” from the MTV show Catfish, which I will admit is an oddly addictive show. The film stars Emma Roberts, Dave Franco, Emily Meade, and Miles Heizer. Nerve is also the big-budget film debut for musical artist and television personality Richard Colson Baker, better known as Machine Gun Kelly.

Nerve is a high-energy thrill-ride fueled by adrenaline, bright lights and club music, a successful recipe for the big screen. The film should appeal to a wide audience but unquestionably targets the “social media” generation. I really enjoyed the pace of the film and it certainly triggered a few nerves of my own during some of the more daring scenes. The soundtrack was instrumental (see what I did there?) in the success of the overall flow of the film. Right from the start, I felt that Nerve had an identity and planned to stick with it. The biggest flaw in my opinion is that this film has a clear dedication to a certain audience, mainly the 18 to early 20-something range of viewers, but the fact that it can still appeal to those of us “slightly” out of that age range is an accomplishment in itself. The far-fetched yet somehow believable enough premise had some initial plot inconsistencies that were quickly cleared up, which helped put my mind at ease.

Nerve boasts a quality cast from the leads on down to the supporting cast. I am a big fan of Dave Franco who I feel got his first big break in 21 Jump Street. He is a very solid actor who is more than likely struggling to get out of his brother James Franco’s shadow, but I think he is getting there. He was genuinely likable in his role and had fantastic chemistry with his co-star Emma Roberts. With a diverse acting career so far, including American Horror Story and We’re The Millers, Roberts is a talented and naturally beautiful actress who is building a nice career for herself. Franco and Roberts absolutely steal the show when they are on screen together, making it feel believable that they are the fan favorites for this “game”. I also enjoyed Emily Meade’s performance (you may recognize her from HBO’s dramatic series The Leftovers). Miles Heizer was a nice addition as he played the timid character similar to his role in the show Parenthood. Machine Gun Kelly and his 6’3 ½ frame did surprisingly well as the film’s nemesis. Acting was definitely a strong point for Nerve and easily one of the selling points.

I went to see Nerve expecting something gimmicky and overly flashy, but I was pleasantly surprised by a film that held my attention and certainly entertained me. I was also impressed by the films overall message which would certainly resonate with anyone who studied or has an interest in social psychology. The idea that people behave differently when part of a crowd or hiding behind a mask or more importantly, a screen, is very real and very much a problem in society today. People act out on the internet and feel less responsible for their actions, but Nerve reminds us otherwise. You are responsible for the things you do online and you WILL be held responsible, cyber-crime and cyber bullying is illegal. Didn’t expect for a movie like Nerve to teach you a little something huh? Well neither did I, now do yourself a favor and check out this cyber-thriller sooner than later.

Lights Out

Director David F. Sandberg

Genre Horror

Cast Teresa Palmer, Maria Bello, Billy Burke, Emily Alyn Lind

Rating PG-13

Release Date July 22nd, 2016

“When her little brother, Martin, experiences the same events that once tested her sanity, Rebecca works to unlock the truth behind the terror, which brings her face to face with an entity that has an attachment to their mother, Sophie.”

Lights Out is the directorial debut for David F. Sandberg, the man behind the short film the movie is based on. Sandberg released the short film in 2013 and it has been considered somewhat of a cult classic ever since. Fans have been very vocal in their push for the short film to be made into a feature-film and they finally got their wish. Lights Out has a stellar cast including Maria Bello, Teresa Palmer, Gabriel Bateman, and Alexander DiPersia.

Lights Out shines as a modern-day horror film with stellar acting, a smart and effective story, and most importantly relentless jump scares and a chill factor that will not be soon forgotten. The film takes advantage of the most successful horror film elements, including great acting, which is rare for a horror, a story with just enough detail without overdoing it, and a very, very creepy ghost. Many critics have compared Lights Out to a few of the more highly rated horror films in the past year or so, including Goodnight Mommy, It Follows, and The Witch to name a few. Mike Flanagan's work on this film reminded me of an interview with the director of The Witch Robert Eggers, where he stated that the monster is scariest in the shadows, essentially meaning you never really want a clear view of what is providing the fear because it reduces the power it has over the audience. Lights Out clearly has the same mindset and by definition keeps the fear in the shadows making for a very effective film, sure to genuinely scare its viewers. 

Lights Out is a rarity when it comes to the cast, primarily due to the two big names Maria Bello and Teresa Palmer. Bello has been around for years while building up an acting resume of over 60 credits. She started off small but has played a pivotal role in some huge dramas in the past decade or so, including A History of Violence and most recently the hit film Prisoners. Teresa Palmer has taken off in a very diverse way, playing in a variety of comedy and romance films including Warm Bodies and The Choice, and also recently had a role in the robbery thriller Triple 9. Bello and Palmer play mother and daughter in Lights Out and they delivery top-notch performances, allowing their characters to develop, making the pain from their past feel as real as possible. Alexander DiPersia and Gabriel Bateman both deliver fine performances in their supporting roles.

Lights Out will shine as one of the better all-around horror films in the past few years, and that statement is well deserved. We are force fed mediocre horror films year in and year out, mainly due to the fact that studios know we will spend the money to see them because we crave horror. When the rare gems like It Follows, Goodnight Mommy, The Witch, and now Lights Out come around, horror fans rejoice and share a collective sigh of relief thinking there is in fact light (or better yet dark) at the end of the tunnel. I expect great things from David F. Sandberg and I hope he delivers with his next feature-film, which is the sequel to the disappointing 2014 film Annabelle, slated for a May 2017 release. Make us proud David!! Do yourself a favor and see Lights Out sooner than later, it’s worth it.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates

Director Jake Szymanski

Genre Comedy

Cast Zac Efron, Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza

Rating R

Release Date July 8th, 2016

“Hard-partying brothers Mike (Adam Devine) and Dave (Zac Efron) place an online ad to find the perfect dates (Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza) for their sister’s Hawaiian wedding. Hoping for a wild getaway, the boys instead find themselves outsmarted and out-partied by the uncontrollable duo.”

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a comedy directed by Jake Szymanski and is his debut feature-film. Believe it or not, the film is actually based on a true story involving two brothers from New York who posted a Craiglist ad in 2013 for dates to their sister’s wedding. The roller coaster ride landed them on The Today Show which inevitably landed them a book and movie deal. The film stars Zac Efron, Adam DeVine, Anna Kendrick, and Aubrey Plaza.  

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a raunchy comedy filled with laughs and enough heart to still qualify as a date night option. As a fan of the comedic actor Zac Efron has developed into (Neighbors 1 & 2, That Awkward Moment), as well as a huge fan of Workaholics star and co-creator, Adam DeVine, I had high expectations for this film right from the start. I definitely enjoyed it and felt that the screenplay was interesting enough yet simple. The chemistry between the cast was spot on and it was clear how much fun they were having. I was pleasantly surprised by a deeper message revealed towards the end of the film, although it definitely took a back seat to the humor. What bothers me is the fact that I genuinely feel like Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates could have been better, and that may simply be my high expectations blurring my overall opinion but I expected an instant classic. I’m not sure what exactly it was missing, but something tells me I will enjoy it even more the next time I see it. Considering this is the work of a rookie director, the final product was pretty damn solid all things considered.

For a raunchy comedy, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates includes above average acting from a stellar cast consisting of Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Adam DeVine, and Aubrey Plaza. Efron did well and once again I enjoyed his ability to really immerse himself in a comedic role, which he has clearly found success with. I was actually most impressed with DeVine and the fact that he quite simply stole the show. I understand that some people get bored with his exaggerated brand of humor which he puts on full display in Comedy Central’s Workaholics series, but his character is well-rounded enough that pretty much everyone should be genuinely impressed with his performance. Kendrick was solid as expected and displayed fantastic chemistry with Efron throughout the film. My biggest disappointment was Plaza and her “bad girl” persona mainly because it felt very forced to me. As the film comes to a conclusion, you begin to understand why she acts the way she does but it still left me feeling a little meh and I generally enjoy her work. She played a relatively similar role in Dirty Grandpa but I felt like she was a bit more believable in that.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates is a crowd pleasing comedy that admittedly is best enjoyed after enjoying a few adult beverages, but aren’t most comedies? After watching a few of the outtakes during the credits I realized that the Blu-Ray release of this film will be incredible with the amount of deleted scenes and gag reels. I can’t wait! If you consider yourself a fan of comedy or better yet have a soft spot for Adam DeVine or Workaholics in general, you owe it to yourself to check this one out and enjoy some good old fashioned R-rated humor.