Life

Director Daniel Espinosa

Genre Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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

Rating R

Release Date March 24th, 2017

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

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

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

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

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

The Blackcoat's Daughter

Director Oz Perkins

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, Emma Roberts, James Remar

Rating R

Release Date March 31st, 2017 (Streaming on Netflix)

“Two girls must battle a mysterious evil force when they get left behind at their boarding school over winter break.”

The Blackcoat's Daughter is a horror thriller from actor-turned-director Oz Perkins, who also penned the script. This film is his directorial debut. First releasing in 2015, it was originally titled February, which will quickly make sense once you start watching. It took nearly 17 months for film distributor A24 to get a U.S. release after playing at a variety of film festivals. According to IMDb, star Emma Roberts had trouble sleeping after first reading the script, yet she toughened up and still took on the role. That's impressive. The full cast includes Kiernan Shipka, Lucy Boynton, Emma Roberts, and James Remar.

A calculated and visceral horror experience, The Blackcoat's Daughter is a slow moving, yet effective debut for director Oz Perkins. Indie horror films are always a gamble, but I generally tend to give anything A24 is willing to attach itself to a fair shake, as they deliver more often than not. This is yet another notch in their belt. The Blackcoat's Daughter is the epitome of slow burn horror, which tends to be very love it or hate it for most viewers. The usual jump scares found in many horror films nowadays are completely nonexistent, which is entirely fine by me. A horror film such as this is built on atmosphere, acting, and a chilling score, which all come together to create a very unnerving experience that pays off in the end. The tension and general feeling of unease is palpable.

I also really enjoyed the old school horror elements that were used, reminiscent of Psycho or Bates Motel, which makes sense considering director Oz Perkins role as young Norman Bates in Psycho II (1983). Off topic, but fun fact nonetheless, many will recognize Perkins as the highly intelligent, yet very odd character Dorky David Kidney in Legally Blonde. Perkins also adapts the less is more approach similar to what was used with hit indie horror The Witch, also from A24. He allows the slow opening shots and overall visuals the opportunity to have an impact on the audience, and I liked that aspect. It might be easy to dismiss The Blackcoat's Daughter early on because everything seems to move at a snail's pace, but give it a chance and it will not disappoint. Does that mean this is a horror film that should satisfy everyone who decides to give it a shot? Absolutely not, many people will bash it for the variety of reasons I mentioned. Some may call it an acquired taste, but I feel that the artsy feel and old school horror elements will undoubtedly satisfy true horror fans, while inevitably letting down those seeking jump scares and other elements found in most of horror films today.

The acting is absolutely fantastic from top to bottom, with the entire cast helping to cement the inescapable feeling of dread the film creates. Young actress Kiernan Shipka is horrifying in one of the lead roles, coming across as not only creepy but definitely unpredictable, or better yet downright unhinged. Her character’s transformation during the film is an experience in itself. Emma Roberts is no stranger to horror, and I am a big fan of her work. She channels much of the vibe given off by Shipka and really adds to the overall effect of keeping viewers on edge. Lucy Boynton rounds out the cast as far as the primary roles are concerned, and she is stellar as well. Her character is instrumental as far as the believability and overall execution of the film, and she delivers in a big way. I also liked the casting of James Remar in a small but important role. If you watched Dexter you will remember him as Dexter's adopted father. This is a very well put together cast that didn't exhibit any weaknesses as far as I could tell, supporting roles included. 

The Blackcoat's Daughter is a satisfying horror film for a variety of reasons, but casual viewers should proceed with caution to ensure this is in fact a film they will enjoy. Perkins definitely has an eye for old school style horror and I'm looking forward to what he comes up with in the future. The Blackcoat's Daughter is a limited release and only available On-Demand currently in most markets, but it is absolutely worth the cost and an hour and a half of your time.

CHiPs

Director Dax Shepard

Genre Action | Comedy | Drama

Cast Michael Peña, Dax Shepard, Jessica McNamee, Adam Brody

Rating R

Release Date March 24th, 2017

“A rookie officer is teamed with a hardened pro at the California Highway Patrol, though the newbie soon learns his partner is really an undercover Fed investigating a heist that may involved some crooked cops.”

CHiPs is the feature-film reincarnation of the popular T.V. show that made its debut in 1977 and ran until 1983, starring Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox. Even though I was born a year after the show stopped airing I somehow have vivid memories of watching it, and I remember really enjoying it as well. The film version is directed by actor turned director Dax Shepard, casting himself in one of the lead roles. The rest of the cast includes Michael Peña, Jessica McNamee, and Adam Brody.

CHiPs stumbles due to a weak script and no real identity, but if you can appreciate silly humor Dax Shepard and Michael Peña will have you belly laughing nonetheless. First and foremost, this movie had next to nothing in common with the original show, aside from the title and the motorcycles. I can only assume the decision was made to use the name in the hope of pulling in fans of the original show. Although it seems to me the demographic that watched the show religiously back in the late 70's/early 80's wouldn’t really be into a movie like this, but what do I know? Fun fact, during the entire run of the show (6 seasons) the lead characters never fired their guns, not once. Bottom line, the show was a crime drama and this is well, not. CHiPs (the movie) is very much the definition of the love it or hate it R-rated comedy that focuses all of its energy on getting laughs, and basically lets everything else go by the wayside. I was looking forward to this for quite some time, mainly because of the cast and what seemed like a decent premise, and all in all I still left the theater feeling entertained. It didn't blow me away by any stretch of the imagination, but I was never bored and laughed about as much as I could have hoped to. CHiPs is raunchy, ridiculous, over-the-top, and will definitely offend some viewers, but that is essentially the definition of slapstick comedy. It could have been much better, no questions about that, but it still serves its purpose. As a director Dax Shepard did some great things, as a writer, he has plenty of room for improvement. Still, the ability to write, direct, and star in a big movie like this, that is impressive.

The original show was all about the chemistry between the two leads and the CHiPs movie has that in common. The cast is without a doubt one of the film’s biggest strengths. Dax Shepard split his time between directing and acting as he put himself in one of the lead roles. Shepard is actually a bit more reserved in his role compared to some of his other films and I actually enjoyed his character. His backstory is equal parts ridiculous and plausible, which somehow works for the most part. Casted alongside him is one of my favorite actors, the very versatile Michael Peña. I have been a huge fan of Peña ever since Crash, which is one of my all-time favorite films. He is a unique actor in his ability to play a goofy and hilarious character one movie and take on a very serious role the next. He is hilarious in this role and the chemistry he develops with Shepard is without a doubt the saving grace for the film. Kristen Bell, the wife of Dax Shepard, has a small role in the film but I must acknowledge the fact that she is absolutely gorgeous. I love that he has her in pretty much any film he directs. The supporting cast takes a backseat to the leads but everyone held their own. The film also includes an entertaining cameo from former CHiPs leading man Erik Estrada.  

CHiPs may be riddled with flaws but it had the theater I was in laughing out loud the majority of the time, myself included, and for me that alone is worth the price of admission for a pre-summer comedy. On the other hand, those of you who demand a little more should probably hold off until the Blu-ray/DVD release. It's difficult for me to recommend this to everyone simply because disliking the movie as a whole is a very realistic possibility, but if you can lower your expectations and maybe even have an adult beverage or two, CHiPs will put a smile on your face and send you home happy.

Power Rangers

Director Dean Israelite

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Dacre Montgomery, RJ Cyler, Naomi Scott, Ludi Lin

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 24th, 2017

“A group of high-school kids, who are infused with unique superpowers, harness their abilities in order to save the world.”

Directed by Dean Israelite (Chronicle), Power Rangers is the 3rd feature-length film for the long running franchise. After making its television debut in 1993 with Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, they were just getting started. To date, not counting the latest film, Power Rangers has accounted for more than a dozen T.V. adaptations, two feature-length films, a Green Ranger comic book, and an endless supply of merchandise. Actor Jason David Frank, known by most as the Green Ranger and White Ranger, is the longest running Power Ranger having been involved in 8 different versions of the show, and both movies. He is not in the latest film but is rumored to have a cameo appearance. The cast for the 2017 version of Power Rangers includes Dacre Montgomery, Naomi Scott, RJ Cyler, and Ludi Lin.

With slick new armor sure to make longtime fans giddy, Power Rangers has more of an edge than ever before, while never forgetting where it came from. I was a HUGE Power Rangers fan growing up, specifically the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, as it made its debut when I was a very impressionable 9-year-old boy. I always thought the idea of "morphing" was the coolest thing ever, and have spent far too much time wondering what it would be like to be able to do so. That was always part of the appeal of the show, the fact that regular teenagers became Power Rangers- it just made it feel attainable somehow. I also thought I could be just like Deion Sanders until freshman year of high school, so at the end of the day, what did I know? Power Rangers definitely has its fair share of clichés and cheesy moments, but all in all this is the gritty version I was hoping it would be. The cheesy moments are a necessary evil when it comes to the Power Rangers we all know and love. Its simply part of the appeal. The writers clearly made the depth of the characters an area of focus, and I am glad they did. Each of the soon to be Power Rangers are battling their own demons, and must find a way to let their guards down and become vulnerable to each other in order to truly become a team. This adds an emotional element generally absent from the franchise. They also delve more into Zordon's backstory which I thought was a nice addition. The reincarnation of Rita Repulsa is absolutely terrifying compared to the corny villain I remember from the T.V. Show. A few of her earlier scenes are scarier than the entire Rings movie. Granted that really isn't saying much, but in all seriousness they did a great job with her character.

Many have complained that Power Rangers lacks a true identity, constantly bouncing back and forth between gritty and cheesy, but I feel like that is by design. We all need to understand and do our best to recall the source material, because they are not trying to reinvent the wheel here. The goal all along was to attract longtime fans while doing their best to appeal to newcomers, and I think they accomplished that. During the movie I will admit, I found myself slightly disappointed that the fight scenes weren’t a bit more intense and/or violent, but after giving it some thought I realized that my brain is tuned to Captain America: Civil War level expectations, and this is NOT that. And that’s okay. As I mentioned before, Power Rangers has a cheesy or campy sensibility that adds to the authenticity. As much as I thought I wanted a gritty version up to the level of The Dark Knight, I realize now that is unrealistic, and if anything it would take away from what Power Rangers has built over 2 ½ decades. While collecting my thoughts after getting home from the theater, I turned the T.V. on and noticed that the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie was on. Naturally, I was intrigued and decided to start it from the beginning. Let me just say that although this adaptation is a bit corny, which is certainly a homage to the original show, it is basically Pulp Fiction compared to the 1995 movie. No exaggeration.

Power Rangers put together a very impressive cast, including huge names like Bryan Cranston and Elizabeth Banks, both playing supporting yet pivotal roles. Cranston takes on the role of Zordon, the ultimate leader and voice of reason for the Power Rangers. During the scenes he was in I half expected Jesse Pinkman to burst into the control center telling Walt he was needed at the lab (just a little Breaking Bad humor, you get it). Banks assumes the role of well-known villain Rita Repulsa, and she sells the character quite well and the make-up team deserves a ton of credit. As far as the teenagers are concerned, Dacre Montgomery (Jason, Red Ranger) is the leader of the group who also gets the bulk of the screen time. He delivers a fine performance and helps to balance the dynamic of the cast. My personal favorite, although Montgomery is a close second, is RJ Cyler (Billy, Blue Ranger). As an autistic teenager, he plays the most unique character in the group, and he is definitely the funniest as well. I was thrilled when I found out he nabbed this role, as he starred in one of my favorite coming-of-age films, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (he plays Earl, just in case you were wondering). I really cannot think of anything negative to say about the casting, they were spot on from top to bottom. Unfortunately I have bad news for the original Pink Ranger, Amy Jo Johnson, who was my childhood crush (one of many if I am being honest). You have been replaced by the new you, the U.K. born Naomi Scott (Kimberly, Pink Ranger). Don't worry, she is well over the age of 18.

Power Rangers is very much an origin story, in the sense that the majority of the film is dedicated to the buildup of these teenagers actually becoming Power Rangers. I see this as a negative and a positive, and here is why- as a fan, I would have loved to have seen more of the characters wearing the armor and battling bad guys, because simply put, they look really damn cool. On the flip side, the film sets itself up perfectly for a sequel, and thanks to a post credits scene that you should definitely stay for, I am actually pretty amped up for it. I won't give anything away but they seem to be heading in exactly the direction I hoped they would. I can't seem to get "Go Go Power Rangers" out of my head, which is certainly bittersweet. It is already rumored that a six movie story arc is in the planning stages, but obviously that is dependent on the success of this film. Overall, Power Rangers should be judged as an extension of the show that first graced our childhoods in 1993, with just enough of an adult spin to satisfy the grownups. I genuinely hope Power Rangers does well in the box office so they can green-light the sequel sooner than later. What are you still doing here?! Go see it!

The Belko Experiment

Director Greg McLean

Genre Action | Horror | Thriller

Cast John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, John C. McGinley

Rating R

Release Date March 17th, 2017

“In a twisted social experiment, 80 Americans are locked in their high-rise corporate office in Bogotá, Colombia and ordered by an unknown voice coming from the company’s intercom system to participate in a deadly game of kill or be killed.”

The Belko Experiment is an action thriller directed by Greg McLean (Rogue, The Darkness) and written by James Gunn, the man who brought us Dawn of the Dead and Guardians of the Galaxy. With the outrageous premise of a twisted social psychology experiment, forcing office workers to kill each other in order to survive, it certainly turned some heads when the first trailer surfaced. The cast includes John Gallagher Jr., Tony Goldwyn, Adria Arjona, and John C. McGinley.

Well-written, fast-paced, brutally violent, and unapologetic, The Belko Experiment is a thrilling guilty pleasure not to be missed. Admittedly, I was reluctant to go see it right at release not only because it was limited to a few theaters in my area, but my excitement took quite a hit because of all the bad reviews. After first seeing the trailer, I was amped for what looked to be a fresh concept with a solid cast. I am pleased to report that I was genuinely entertained from start to finish. The Belko Experiment is absolutely brutal, and it makes a point to showcase each and every kill front and center, but as a fan that’s what I wanted to see. I wanted each casualty to make me say “Oh damn!” because that is what I was promised when I first watched the trailer. The Belko Experiment sets the table with a far-fetched yet plausible scenario, causing viewers to ponder that age old question, "How would I react in this situation?" That alone speaks to the effectiveness of the film as a whole, and its ability to be over-the-top while somehow still very much grounded in a dark reality not so far from our own. I find social psychology to be extremely fascinating and if you do as well, The Belko Experiment will ignite a few lightbulbs in that brain of yours. Although very different and much, much more extreme, I couldn’t help but think about The Milgrim Obedience Experiment. Bottom line, the concept worked because the writing was strong, the acting was believable and very effective, and the thrill aspect of the film didn’t pull any punches. James Gunn is a heck of a writer and I am very much looking forward to his next project, The Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.

I'm going to come right out and say it, critics really need to buck up. Not all critics, but the vast majority that took the time to submit a review for The Belko Experiment. I read the negative reviews and in a nutshell they criticize the film for its relentless violence and excessive use of blood and gore. What did you expect?! I mean seriously, the majority of the reviews tell me that they watched a movie that was simply too much for them so they gave it a bad rating. So if I see La La Land and I genuinely can't stand musicals and was simply sick of hearing Ryan Gosling sing I'm supposed to then give it a 0 rating? No, I'm sorry but that's not how it works. A very important unwritten rule for movie critics, or perhaps it is written (to be honest, I'm not sure) is that you leave bias out of it. You review a movie for what it is as well as what it was trying to be. But what you do not do is criticize it for actually accomplishing the goals it set out to accomplish. Just watch the trailer, it's pretty clear what kind of movie this is. If I was James Gunn I would personally call each and every critic and give them a piece of my mind. I would then kindly ask that they refrain from seeing any of my work in the future and instead stick to content they can handle, like maybe something on The CW.

The Belko Experiment assembles a versatile and talented cast perfect for the roles they were given. John Gallagher Jr. was awesome in the lead role, really selling the authenticity considering such an insane premise. He most recently starred in 10 Cloverfield Lane, as well as the Netflix horror exclusive Hush. Veteran actor Tony Goldwyn was amazing as well, playing a very intense and pivotal character crucial to the success of the script. As an actor, director, and producer, this guy takes hardworking to an entirely new level. Another very recognizable veteran actor, John C. McGinley, plays an exceptionally creepy and unsettling role, and he plays it well. If he reminds you of someone in your office, which he may, I would stand clear of that person for now on. Writer James Gunn’s brother, Sean Gunn, plays the role of a paranoid stoner, and he was a nice addition to the dynamic of the cast as a whole. The entire cast did really well and you will surely recognize other faces.  

As demented as it may be, The Belko Experiment is an absolute blast. It is shockingly entertaining as long as you can stomach the gratuitous violence. For all of the sissies out there who claim this is the type of movie people walk out of, I shared the theater with two ladies easily in their late 70’s, maybe even early 80’s who seemed to enjoy it immensely, and even sat through most of the credits. A little strange? Sure, but I respect the fact that they see the movies they want to see and they know what to expect after actually watching a trailer. Interesting concept right? James Gunn has undeniable talent as a writer and The Belko Experiment is just further proof of that. Highly recommended.

Beauty and the Beast

Director Bill Condon

Genre Fantasy | Musical | Romance

Cast Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Ewan McGregor

Rating PG

Release Date March 17th, 2017

“An adaptation of the classic fairy-tale about a monstrous prince and a young woman who fall in love.”

From director Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Mr. Holmes), Beauty and the Beast is the live action retelling of the extremely popular Disney story. According to Disney, the first teaser trailer was viewed 91.8 million times in the first 24 hours, making it the most viewed teaser trailer in history. It is based on a traditional fairy tale written by French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. The original French feature-film released in 1946, and was very well received by critics. The animated Disney version first released in 1991, and became an instant classic. The cast for the latest release includes Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, and Josh Gad.

Staying true to Disney's classic, Beauty and the Beast is an enchanting experience for longtime fans of the timeless fairy tale. Admittedly I was never a huge fan of the original animated film, but I liked it and always considered it to be one of the best Disney movies ever made. But let's be clear, I am very much a guy, so that shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Still, between this and Cinderella, the popularity was and is essentially unmatched. With relatively moderate expectations, I was actually quite pleased with the 2017 live action version of Beauty and the Beast. Although musicals aren't my thing, I thought that aspect was well done, but what I enjoyed most was the humor. The film includes a ton of funny back and forth between characters which I really enjoyed. Be Our Guest is my favorite song in the film, and that is also the most nostalgic for me as well. This version also looks deeper into Belle’s backstory which I thought was a nice addition and better explained the “black sheep” status she and her father have in the village. The visuals are stunning, and even though I saw the film in 2D, it was obvious that the 3D version would be worth the higher price. . The CGI was top-notch from top to bottom. It is a little long at nearly twice the length of the original, and at times it felt like it was dragging a bit, but luckily that feeling was few and far between. For the most part it was paced quite well, always keeping things interesting. All in all, I found Beauty and the Beast to be a very uniquely entertaining experience. I feel the need to mention that the infamous and controversial gay scene involving Josh Gad's LeFou character was extremely overblown. For a theater to refuse showing the movie over that is ignorance at its finest. Unfortunately, People always need something to complain about these days.

Beauty and the Beast certainly didn't skimp out on the cast. Although some have criticized the casting of Emma Watson as Belle, I thought she did a fantastic job, especially considering the immense pressure she must have felt to perform up to expectations. She possesses that girl next door beauty, and I felt she fit the role perfectly. As far as her singing ability is concerned, she held her own in that respect as well. Dan Stevens made the role of The Beast his own, and also developed great chemistry with Watson. Kevin Kline takes on the role of Belle’s dad Maurice, and the veteran actor delivers as expected. Luke Evans perfectly plays a conceited knucklehead and is very easily disliked, which is a credit to his performance. Josh Gad is great as LeFou, and I felt like he did a phenomenal job alongside Evans. If I had to choose, I would say that Ewan McGregor was my favorite part of the cast. He is the voice of Lumiere, which translates as light in French, the man who was transformed into a candlestick. He was witty and hilarious each and every second he was on screen. Ian McKellan took on the voice of Cogsworth the clock, and he also shared a great deal of hilarious banter with Lumiere. The entire cast met and exceeded expectations.

Whether you grew up a fan of the fairytale or not, Beauty and the Beast creates a well-crafted world of fantasy that is simply irresistible. My lady is a huge fan of the original movie, having watched it an insane amount of times, and has been excited to see this for months. I am pleased to say that she absolutely loved it, and that alone is enough for me to give my recommendation. Beauty and the Beast should be experienced by all generations, and this is the version that certainly ups the ante of overall appeal.

The Devil's Candy

Director Sean Byrne

Genre Horror

Cast Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, Kiara Glasco, Pruitt Taylor Vince

Rating Unrated

Release Date March 17th, 2017 (Limited & On-Demand)

“A struggling painter is possessed by satanic forces after he and his young family move into their dream home in rural Texas, in this creepy haunted-house tale.”

Written and directed by Sean Byrne, The Devil's Candy is an indie haunted house style horror film involving satanic forces. Byrne’s first feature-film, The Loves Ones, which released in 2009, received widespread acclaim on the international film festival circuit. The Devil’s Candy made its premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), which was also very well received by critics, and was subsequently officially released on a limited basis and On-Demand March 17th, 2017. The cast includes Ethan Embry, Shiri Appleby, Kiara Glasco, and Pruitt Taylor Vince.

The Devil's Candy is a frighteningly fast-paced horror gem fueled by an earth shattering heavy metal soundtrack. I wasn't quite sure what to expect when The Devil's Candy arrived On-Demand, but after overwhelmingly positive early feedback from critics, I knew it was worth checking out. And I’m glad I did! I love horror films, but rarely are they capable of making me anxiously uneasy, and it pleases me to say The Devil's Candy managed to do that with relative ease. Right away it's clear this is a horror film with style and substance, and the last thing it lets you do is relax. As each moment passes, you just know something is very, very wrong. The score, soundtrack, and the cinematography, blend together in such a way that every single shot seems to somehow have an even deeper meaning. The script is simple yet immensely effective in a very real and very scary sort of way. I am still trying to figure out how they were able to create such a vile character that you can’t help but feel sympathy towards. I watched it twice and I picked up on a few subtle things that I somehow missed the first time through. You will be hard pressed to point out a flaw that justifies the limited release. Only his second feature film as a writer and director, Sean Byrne truly has an eye for horror and I can’t wait to see what he cooks up next. The combination of an extremely talented director and a superb cast pave the way for what is sure to become a horror classic. I'm not one to have nightmares, but if I was at all susceptible to a traumatic late night wake up, The Devil's Candy would surely make that a reality.

Rarely is acting a focal point for a horror film in general, nonetheless an indie horror, but The Devil's Candy turns that on its face. As a whole, this is the best acting I've experienced for a horror film since Lights Out. Lead Ethan Embry, best known for his role in the late 90's cult classic Can't Hardly Wait, is absolutely fantastic in his role. He has been working his butt off on the acting front but has had mostly supporting roles and brief stints on various T.V. shows, but he has legitimate talent. His portrayal of a struggling painter and committed family man is spot on, especially his ability to develop a strong and believably unbreakable bond with his wife and daughter. His wife is played by another Hollywood vet yet relatively unknown actress, the very cute Shiri Appleby, who has also made her career in T.V. for the most part. Most recently she has found success in the LifeTime Network drama series UnREAL. Appleby has great chemistry with her co-stars and delivers a solid performance. The daughter is played by young actress Kiara Glasco, and she delivers a more than effective performance as well. Now on to the meat and potatoes of this very sturdy cast, Pruitt Taylor Vince, who has an impressive 100 credits on his resume as an actor, dating back to 1986. He is very much a character actor who finds himself playing a less than savory role the majority of the time. Vince is remarkable in this sadistic role, rarely even uttering a word, and his character made my skin crawl. That is a feat not easily achieved, so kudos to him.

The Devil's Candy is the cream of the crop for indie horror films, and easily one of the best IFC Midnight releases I've seen in quite some time. It's no secret that direct to On-Demand films can be hit or miss, mostly miss, but this is an instance where the film more than deserved a theatrical release. To take it one step further, it is a travesty that this is a limited release. The Devil's Candy will have the hair on the back of your neck standing up in no time, and thanks to a director sure to turn some heads in the horror industry, this one is more than worth your time. Highly recommended.

Kong: Skull Island

Director Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, John Goodman, Samuel L. Jackson

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 10th, 2017

“A team of explorers and soldiers travel to an uncharted island in the Pacific, unaware that they are crossing into the domain of monsters, including the mythic Kong.”

Kong: Skull Island is the most recent film to put the giant gorilla on the big-screen- the last being 2005’s King Kong. The latest version is brought to life by talented director Jordan Vogt-Roberts, who also directed one of my favorite coming-of-age films, The Kings of Summer. It is also rumored that he will be directing Metal Gear Solid, which is based on the popular videogames, but that is not yet official. Kong: Skull Island has a fantastic cast including Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L. Jackson, John Goodman, and John C. Reilly.

Kong: Skull Island is an exhilarating pre-summer blockbuster that begs to be experienced in IMAX 3D. I went in to the theater expecting an abundance of eye candy and groundbreaking CGI, and I certainly got my money's worth, but what I didn't expect was a story that included a level of emotional depth. That really came out of left field for me. I mean I didn’t tear up or anything (I’m a grown man guys, come on!), but the backstory actually manages to hold some weight. Now in no way shape or form should you expect an emotional drama, I'm not saying that at all, but you have to give credit where credit is due. Kong: Skull Island hammers home unprecedented eye popping visuals with ease, but thanks to solid writing and a great cast, the impact of the film goes well beyond that. I am a big fan of war films, one of my favorites is The Hurt Locker, and I enjoyed that aspect of Kong: Skull Island as well. It had that war film feel to it with the military escorts heading into unfamiliar territory. I have to tip my hat to director Jordan Vogt-Roberts because the camera work was amazing, with so many cool shots that will surely leave an impression. One of the scenes shown in the trailer that has helicopters circling Kong with the camera panning around is simply glorious. I'm not going to say this is a groundbreaking film that should be talked about come Oscar season, but it is a very entertaining trip to the movie theater that will put a big smile on your face. To be honest, I may go see it again and I will definitely be adding it to my 3D Blu-ray collection. Just in terms of visuals alone, Kong: Skull Island is the most fun I’ve had at the IMAX 3D theater since the live-action version of The Jungle Book.

Kong: Skull Island offers a damn good cast. Oscar winner Brie Larson takes on one of the lead roles, and man is she beautiful. Don't get me wrong I'm a big Margot Robbie guy when it comes to some of my favorite actresses, but Larson has that undeniable girl next door cuteness that is just infectious. When I watched her in Room last year I knew she was going places, I guess I just have an eye for talent (I'm kidding of course, kinda). It's crazy to think she was the girl in 21 Jump Street that had a thing for Jonah Hill's character- that feels like an eternity ago. Just look at her now. Tom Hiddleston was great, and I felt like he developed solid chemistry with Larson as the plot unfolded. Samuel L. Jackson was amazing as usual, playing the controversial role that has become second nature to him. John C. Reilly is unquestionably the unsung hero of this film in my opinion. Once he was introduced, the dynamic changed for the better. Initially I wasn't sure what to expect from him, mainly because the trailers made it seem like he might be little more than a goofy prop character to grab a few cheap laughs, but he is much more than that and I really enjoyed what he brought to the table. Jason Mitchell was also a nice addition to the dynamic of the cast, bringing with him his knack for quick laughs and a universally likable on-screen presence. You might recognize him as he played Eazy-E in Straight Outta Compton. I could go on and on because this cast simply delivered from top to bottom.

Kong: Skull Island is a pleasure to experience, and if you have an IMAX 3D theater near you, make the effort to see it there if possible. It's worth it, trust me. I have read some of the criticism from people who outright refuse to see the movie even considering the very favorable reviews and I can’t help but feel a little annoyed. Now whether or not critics enjoyed the film shouldn’t be the determining factor because as they say, to each his own, but my issue is when people refer to something as crap without even giving it a chance. That is simply lazy and ignorant. I get the frustration with constant remakes, but they still have the potential to be good. When it comes to planning a trip to the movie theater we generally have a variety of movies to choose from, but for my money, good old fashioned entertainment value will always be a key component, and Kong: Skull Island has that in spades. When the screen went black the majority of the theater clapped, and rightfully so. Highly recommended.  

Logan

Director James Mangold

Genre Action | Drama | Sci-Fi

Cast Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook

Rating R

Release Date March 3rd, 2017

“In the near future, a weary Logan cares for an ailing Professor X in a hide out on the Mexican border. But Logan’s attempts to hide from the world and his legacy are up-ended when a young mutant arrives, being pursued by dark forces.”

From director James Mangold (Girl, Interrupted, 3:10 to Yuma, The Wolverine), Logan marks the 17th anniversary for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, and Patrick Stewart as Professor Xavier. The X-Men films, which include 10 films in total, have grossed an astonishing $4.5 billion+. Needless to say, they have been quite successful. Now we find ourselves at the end of the road as far as Jackman and the Wolverine character is concerned, so fans have had their fingers crossed in hopes that Logan is the perfect sendoff they have been waiting so anxiously for. The cast also includes Dafne Keen, Boyd Holbrook, and Stephen Merchant.

Expertly acted, deeply emotional, and brutally violent, Logan is the exception to the rule for superhero movies and should be considered an Oscar favorite. I am a huge fan of the Wolverine movies much more so than the other X-Men films, primarily because they feel so real and intimate in comparison. That’s my personal opinion and I won' get into details as I am not much of a comic book guy (I did once read a few pages of Deadpool and I liked it), I simply enjoy quality entertainment. From the start you get a glimpse into what Logan's life has become, and it isn't pretty. Times are tough and he is getting old. Above all else, Logan is a survivor and he has a very high moral compass. Does that stop him from shredding human flesh with his razor sharp claws? Of course not, that would be boring. Logan is many things but boring is not one of them. It will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout, and if you are like me, you will find yourself grinning ear to ear and simply shaking your head at the insane fight scenes that leave a body count that require a mathematician just to keep a tally. Once we meet Laura, things really get interesting! I don't want to spoil anything because that would be rude of me, but Logan unveils an incredible story of family and survival, and it reminds us of what an all-around great movie is supposed to look like.

The acting in Logan is absolutely exceptional, which comes as no surprise considering the A-list talent involved with the project. Hugh Jackman once again proves how seriously he takes the Wolverine character, and after 17 years of releasing the notorious claws on unlucky enemies, he has this superhero thing down pat. In arguably his most impressive role due to the sheer emotion it required, Jackman should receive an Oscar nomination and has a legitimate chance at taking home the gold. I can say much of the same for veteran actor Patrick Stewart, who has been playing Professor X for nearly two decades. The chemistry he shares with Jackman is awe inspiring, and the sheer bond they share is something special to experience. Last but certainly not least, I need to mention how blown away I was by Dafne Keen. The daughter of television actor Will Keen, Logan is only Keen's 2nd film. Now granted she has very few actual lines due to the character she portrays, but her attitude, mannerisms, and sheer intensity, make her one BA little girl, especially considering her 4' stature. I sure as heck wouldn’t mess with her, let me just say that. Hopefully the success of this film opens a few more doors for her, and I would be surprised if we don’t see her again in another X-Men film (again, not a comic book guy, that may already be set in stone).

If this really is the end of the road for Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, to say he made it count would be a severe understatement. Logan is a glimpse at a Wolverine character many of us aren’t used to seeing, one with immense vulnerability and something to lose. Whether you're going in expecting one of the best superhero films in recent memory (it's difficult not to), Logan will undoubtedly impress you and meet your expectations, and then some. Hugh Jackman, on behalf of viewers everywhere, thank you for being such a BA MF for so many years, you made us proud. Also, don't forget about the awesome Deadpool 2 teaser scene right before the start of Logan. I can't wait for that! Highly recommended.

Before I Fall

Director Ry Russo-Young

Genre Drama | Mystery

Cast Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, Medalion Rahimi

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 3rd, 2017

“February 12 is just another day in Sam’s charmed life until it turns out to be her last. Stuck reliving her last day over one inexplicable week, Sam untangles the mystery around her death and discovers everything she’s in danger of losing.”

Before I Fall is a drama mystery, based on the book from author Lauren Oliver, which was originally published in 2010. Fox optioned the rights to make the book into a film around the middle of the same year. Fast forward about 7 years and here we are. The cast includes Zoey Deutch, Halston Sage, Logan Miller, and Medalion Rahimi.  

With a creative and engaging premise, Before I Fall is a genuinely entertaining film that is surprisingly inspirational at its core. With a relatively short runtime of just over an hour and a half, the film is paced well and never seems to overstay its welcome. I found myself immersed right from the beginning, and I really enjoyed the accompanying soundtrack as well. Regrettably, I have yet to read the book due to limited availability at my local library (yes I’m too cheap to buy it), but it has to become available at some point. The plus side of that is it allowed me to experience the film version without the commonly detrimental bias that comes along with comparing it to the book. I really enjoyed the concept and felt that the plot had impressive depth, especially considering it could have easily fallen into the hole of your traditional generic high school flick. Instead, Before I Fall cements itself as one of the better book-to-film adaptations in the last few years, and I look forward to finally reading it.

Before I Fall has a solid cast that performs about as well as anyone could have hoped.  Zoey Deutch is the lead in the film and by far my favorite of the bunch. As an actress, she is able to command the screen without forcing anything. I felt like she was perfect for this role, as she was able to display a wide range of emotion during the roller-coaster ride of events.  Most recently she was in Dirty Grandpa, Everybody Wants Some!!, and Why Him?, so this was a nice change of pace for her. I enjoyed Logan Miller's character and felt that his chemistry with Deutch was a big factor in the success of the film. Miller has a solid resume since joining the acting game in 2008, having starred in Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse, as well as small roles in AMC's hit show The Walking Dead and A Dog's Purpose. Young actress Erica Tremblay was the cutest little girl in her role as the little sister, and she seems to be building up quite the resume. She currently has 10 acting credits according to IMDb, including a small role in the hit show The Killing, as well as the recent horror film The Bye Bye Man. I wouldn’t say the rest of the cast was necessarily noteworthy, but it was solid.

Before I Fall is a very entertaining film that will have you anticipating its inevitable climax. As I referenced before I can't speak to how the film holds up to the book, but judging by user reviews it seems to hold up pretty well. The idea of a "Groundhog Day" approach with a bit of a twist might seem played out, but it works, and at the end of the day that’s what matters. For me, Before I Fall was well worth the price of admission, and easily earns my recommendation for anyone who can appreciate the genre.

Get Out

Director Jordan Peele

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford

Rating R

Release Date February 24th, 2017

“A young African-American man visits his Caucasian girlfriend’s mysterious family estate.”

Get Out is a horror mystery written and directed by Jordan Peele, and is his directorial debut. Peele is well-known for his work on the hilarious Comedy Central skit show Key & Peele, and he has actually written quite a few episodes. His writing debut on the film side was last year's action comedy Keanu, which was very well received. Get Out began receiving substantial praise from critics who were allowed an early screening, setting the bar for expectations pretty high for Peele's debut. The cast includes Daniel Kaluuya (Sicario), Allison Williams (Girls), Catherine Keener (The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Captain Phillips), and Bradley Whitford (Billy Madison, The Cabin in the Woods). 

Get Out is not only a game-changer for the horror genre, it is a potentially career altering debut for writer-director Jordan Peele. Rarely is a film capable of making you sit back in your seat in hopes of being able to take it all in, to truly absorb all that you just experienced. This is one of those films. Get Out has an identity all its own which it develops very early on, and builds on throughout. Officially considered a horror mystery, it has been referred to as some sort of genre hybrid, showcasing horror elements complete with jump scares, skin crawling tension, and a very fitting and impressive score, but also a potent dose of good old fashioned humor. All of this is true. How you ask? Well the trailers certainly highlight the latter, but the depth of the script, as well as the mounting tension, not only allows the humor to be effective and timely, it welcomes it. Each element of the film is smoothly transitioned, making sure that nothing feels forced. Personally I really appreciated that aspect of the making of this film. Get Out kept me guessing and had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously awaiting the final act. I won't give anything away, but even if you generally have a difficult time with horror films, Get Out has the ability to appeal to a wide audience due to its blending of genre elements. I feel like it warrants mentioning that many critics are clinging to the racial undertones built into the premise, some of which going as far as to say the film needs to be seen because of how socially relevant it is in terms of the existence of racism in this country. Excuse me? I mean sure this is a fine example of intelligent writing, effectively mixing in societal elements sure to get a reaction out of the audience, but make no mistake, this is not a film about racial injustice that will be available in the history section of your local library. This is a good old fashioned horror flick- unnerving, violent, bloody, and unpredictable. Just what the doctor ordered (pun intended, you'll get it once you’ve seen the film). To say Jordan Peele made an impression as a director would be the biggest understatement of 2017. Not only did he display some serious skill behind the camera, he also wrote this amazing script to perfection. I enjoyed Keanu and I'm honestly really happy to see him find this level of success right out of the gate. I can't wait to see what he cooks up next.

Get Out boasts an extremely talented, yet underrated cast from top to bottom. Daniel Kaluuya was fantastic in the lead role, showcasing what I felt was an innate ability to display a wide range of emotions. His mannerisms and facial expressions really brought his character to life. His resume consists mostly of work in television so far, aside from a role in the cartel thriller Sicario, alongside Emily Blunt. It seems his career is beginning to take off having recently nabbed himself a role in marvel's Black Panther due out in 2018. I like him a lot as an actor and I think he has a great career ahead of him. Allison Williams is an actress of average talent, best known as of late for her role in the HBO series Girls, but she actually impressed me. She ditched that ditsy I think I'm smarter than I actually am attitude and it worked out for the best. One of my overall favorite characters in the film has one of the smallest roles, and that would be comedian turned actor Milton "Lil Rel" Howery, who now officially goes by LilRel. He had me laughing or at the very least smiling each time he was on-screen, and I feel like his presence and the dynamic he added really helped to bring the story together. Veterans Catherine Keener and Bradley Whitford were great as well, and they effectively portrayed off-putting and mysterious characters. I feel like a significant amount of the credit for the success of the cast is owed to Peele and his ability to not only bring together a great group of actors and actresses, but also his ability to ensure he gets the most out of them. It seems he took a page out of Patriots’ coach Bill Belichick's handbook, instilling the simple yet effective mantra of "Do Your Job". Perhaps he also pushed the new mantra "No Day's Off", but I can't be sure as I am not familiar with the filming schedule.

Get Out was the horror movie I was waiting for, especially after that disaster of a money pit known as Rings (I am still waiting for an official apology from Paramount). My faith in the horror genre is officially reignited, and trust me when I say I needed the boost. My expectations were through the roof thanks to overwhelming positive early-release feedback, as well as my own personal anticipation for what I thought would be one of the best films of 2017. It did not disappoint. Not only am I having a very difficult time coming up with something I didn't like about this movie, I absolutely cannot wait to see it again. Do yourself a favor and Get Out (see what I did there?) to the theater and see this awesome movie, you deserve it! Can't find anyone to go with? Bite the bullet and see it by yourself if necessary, it's just that good. Highly recommended.

The Lego Batman Movie

Director Chris McKay

Genre Animation | Action | Comedy

Cast Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, Ralph Fiennes

Rating PG

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.”

From director Chris McKay, The Lego Batman Movie is an indirect follow-up to 2014's The Lego Movie, which found great success. McKay was not involved with the 2014 film and he brings with him a brand new crew of writers. Even with all that taken into consideration, one view of this film’s trailer makes it clear it would follow rather closely in the footsteps of The Lego Movie. The stellar cast of voice actors includes Will Arnett (who also voiced Batman in The Lego Movie), Michael Cera, Zach Galifianakis, and Ralph Fiennes. 

The Lego Batman Movie is a very well written, fun-filled experience offering more than enough for viewers of all ages. I really enjoyed The Lego Movie which I considered to be a very pleasant surprise, as I wasn't sure what to expect. Back then the idea of a movie based entirely on Lego's seemed ridiculous to me. Well I was wrong, and similar to The Lego Movie, The Lego Batman Movie offers us something that really comes to life, immersing viewers into an imaginatively creative world. I found myself laughing throughout the film and I really enjoyed the clever references to the DC Comics universe, although I’m sure there are many that I missed. It's amazing that a film made with Lego's (and plenty of CGI magic of course) can somehow manage to add a very real element of emotion surrounding its characters, to the point where you genuinely care about them. I don't care what anybody says, that is impressive. I took my little buddy to see this who is 12 and he loved it. I think he enjoyed The Lego Movie a bit more just because he wouldn't stop quoting the "Everything is Awesome" song during the ride home, but who can blame him, that was catchy! The Lego Batman Movie proved that the Lego films aren't going away anytime soon, and I'm sure that makes the peeps over at Lego pretty happy.

The cast of voice actors is easily one of the biggest strengths for The Lego Batman Movie, putting together a stellar cast of A-list talent. Will Arnett is amazing as Batman, taking full advantage of his skills as an effective comedic actor. Playing the other pivotal role alongside Arnett is hilarious comedian-turned-actor, Zach Galiafanakis in the role of The Joker. I'm a huge fan of his from his work in The Hangover films, undoubtedly his most memorable role, to his current role in the oddly entertaining FX series Baskets. Ralph Fiennes fit in nicely voicing Batman's trusty butler Alfred, who more often than not is the voice of reason. Michael Cera was a fantastic addition in the role of Robin, playing off Arnett with impressive ease.

The Lego Batman Movie put a smile on my face from start to finish and that was really all I could ask for. What I liked most about this movie is the fact that it can appeal to such a varied audience. You can appreciate this film as an adult, child, comic book fan, or even someone that isn't into comic books at all. It's simply very creative, witty, and fun. The Lego Batman Movie is absolutely worth seeing in theaters and once it releases on Blu-ray and DVD the replay-ability makes it worth a purchase as well. Highly recommended.

John Wick: Chapter 2

Director Chad Stahelski

Genre Action | Crime | Thriller

Cast Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan

Rating R

Release Date February 10th, 2017

“After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.”

John Wick: Chapter 2 is the sequel to the hit action film that took critics by storm in 2014. Chad Stahelski directed the first film and has returned for Chapter 2. The original was his directorial debut as he primarily has been a stunt/martial arts coordinator on films such as 300, The Matrix, V for Vendetta, and The Hunger Games, to name a few. Clearly he has a knack for this directing thing and I expect he will continue to build up that aspect of his already impressive resume. The cast includes Keanu Reeves, Riccardo Scamarcio, Ian McShane, Ruby Rose, Bridget Moynahan, Common, and Laurence Fishburne.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is a stylistic shoot-em-up thrill ride that stays true to the original, while adding impressive depth to the story. I will be the first one to admit that I was blown away by the first film a few years ago, partly because it felt like it came out of nowhere, but more importantly it had me on the edge of my seat! All I needed to know was that the stunt crew from The Matrix films were involved, and I was sold. Chapter 2 begins where the first film left off, delivering non-stop action with a hard-hitting soundtrack that matches up perfectly. Rarely does a sequel capture the feel of the original in such a way that you would swear you never left the theater after the first film. Aside from the obvious excitement the world of John Wick provides its audience, what I enjoyed most of all is the immersive world of hitmen for hire, complete with a deep understanding of rules that cannot be broken - a certain code so to speak. I wouldn't consider myself a gun enthusiast, not at all actually, but I honestly found myself in awe of the amazing weaponry at John Wick's disposal. One particular scene had me grinning ear to ear, which was when he went from a handgun to his strategically placed AR-15 to really lay into the bad guys. The sound that rifle made when it fired was what I imagine a Beethoven and Mozart compilation would sound like (if you're into that of course). Even though Wick is a badass, which he is undoubtedly, he still has to resort to his will, determination, and instincts to survive as he empties each clip and seamlessly transitions to perfectly choreographed hand to hand combat. It’s hard to explain, but even with the sad emotional backstory and the egregious amount of killing (headshots mostly, he hates wasting bullets), John Wick: Chapter 2 still maintains the same fun feel some of the best action films from the 90’s always had. But let’s forget about the 90’s, John Wick is the action star of today and that fact makes me very happy, he deserves the honor. Chad Stahelski deserves a lot of credit for his work on Chapter 2 as well as the original, his raw and gritty directing style is top notch.

Similar to the first film, John Wick: Chapter 2 boasts a very talented cast ranging from big names to an under the radar, yet impactful supporting cast. Keanu Reeves was born to play the role of John Wick, a calculated man of few words with a deadly reputation. I read up on the training Reeves went through to prepare for the role and even watched a few videos, and man, he really busted his ass, and his hard work paid off. Each and every fight sequence or gunfight he was involved in felt authentic and intense. The long awaited Neo and Morpheus reunion was truly satisfying as Laurence Fishburne was perfectly integrated into this world. He was fantastic as expected. I didn’t recognize Riccardo Scamarcio (Burnt), but he did very well with an integral role in the film. Ruby Rose (Orange is the New Black) seems to be everywhere as I just watched her in the new Resident Evil. She played a very effective and surprisingly intense villain. Common had some of the more incredible scenes with Reeves, and it was clear he worked his ass off for the film as well. Veteran actor Ian McShane was amazing and such a strong presence on screen, this guy is good in everything really.

John Wick: Chapter 2 is precisely what fans of the first film were hoping for, which is more of the same as well as an extra helping of everything we didn't even realize we wanted. The entertainment value is astounding and somehow the action never slows down, not even for a moment. The more I recall each and every breathtaking scene the more excited I am to see this again. I fully expect John Wick: Chapter 2 to thrive in the box office, even considering the stiff competition, and if it does, a sequel will surely be in the works. I can't wait! Oh and one more thing, John Wick is DEFINITELY back!! Highly recommended.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Director Paul W.S. Anderson

Genre Action | Horror | Sci-Fi

Cast Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, Shawn Roberts

Rating R

Release Date January 27th, 2017

“Picking up immediately after the events in Resident Evil: Retribution, humanity is on its last legs in Washington D.C. As the only survivor of what was meant to be humanity’s final stand against the undead hordes, Alice must return to where the nightmare began - Raccoon City, where the Umbrella Corporation is gathering its forces for a final strike against the only remaining survivors of the apocalypse.”

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is the conclusion (supposedly) to the film franchise based on the videogames. The Final Chapter is the 7th film in the live-action series of films (this is not counting any of the animated versions). Paul W.S. Anderson returns to the director's chair, having now directed all but 2 of the films, although he did write all of the screenplays. The cast includes Milla Jovovich, Iain Glen, Ali Larter, and Shawn Roberts.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter delivers fans what they were asking for, a respectable conclusion to one of the most successful videogames-turned-film franchises. Was it groundbreaking? Of course not, but who honestly expected it to be? I mean really, it is the culmination of a series of films based on a videogame franchise. Generally that alone is enough to keep expectations at a realistic level. But at the same time, I grew up playing the videogames and I really enjoyed all of the films. Although I do have a special place in my heart for Resident Evil: Afterlife, mainly because The Executioner was such a badass. In my opinion The Final Chapter serves as the perfect sendoff because of how well the story comes together, and I think that alone will please casual and hardcore fans alike. I was able to check out the film in IMAX 3D and it was worth it, non-stop action with some very impressive 3D effects. The score/soundtrack was solid but not quite up to par with a few of the earlier films.

The acting in Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is solid and more than good enough for a film like this. From an overall casting standpoint compared to the other films in the franchise this one is probably middle-of-the-road for acting talent (the first film had Michelle Rodrigues who was born for films like this). Milla Jovovich reprises her role as Alice once again, and she is easily the biggest contributor as far as acting is concerned. Plus she is very easy on the eyes, so that also helps. I feel like at this point Jovovich has become iconic on-screen, similar to what Kate Beckinsale has developed into for the Underworld franchise. My second favorite character is Wesker, played by Shawn Roberts. Roberts again delivers a solid performance as the all-business hard to kill character, although I was a little disappointed with his somewhat limited screen time. Iain Glen, in the role of Dr. Isaacs, was the focus alongside Jovovich, which makes sense considering the significance of his character. Glen is believable and never comes across as too corny, which I can certainly appreciate. Although she struggles as an actress, Ali Larter looked the part as usual and it was nice to see her back. I actually really enjoyed Ever Anderson in her role as young Alice/The Red Queen. This was her very first role and she may have quite the career ahead of her. Fun fact, she has good genes and plenty of open doors as she is the daughter of star Milla Jovovich and director Paul W.S. Anderson. The multitalented Jovovich and Anderson were married in 2009, her 3rd marriage, and they have 2 children together. Ruby Rose from Orange is the New Black was a nice addition to the cast as well and definitely worth mentioning.The rest of the supporting cast was serviceable.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter is a popcorn action flick, complete with cool vehicles, good enough acting, and hordes of undead awaiting a violent demise. To pick apart this film is to admit you were never a fan of the videogames and if that is in fact the case, your opinion really doesn't hold all that much weight. Sorry, but that’s just the way it is. I enjoyed Resident Evil: The Final Chapter just as I enjoyed each film in the franchise that came before it. It was fun and worth the price of a movie ticket especially if you have the opportunity to see it in IMAX 3D. If you're a fan of the franchise definitely check this one out, and if you are a casual fan or simply someone who enjoys fun action flicks, you could do worse. Recommended.

Rings

Director F. Javier Gutierrez

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, Vincent D'Onofrio

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 3rd, 2017

“A young woman finds herself on the receiving end of a terrifying curse that threatens to take her life in 7 days.”

Based on the original Japanese remake The Ring (2002), Rings is the third film in the series based on a mysterious and chilling videotape that kills anyone unlikely enough to watch it. What started as an urban legend coming to life has evolved into much more. Rings is directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez, who has only one previous directing credit of the crime/drama Before The Fall (2008). The film credits 3 writers for the screenplay and the story, as well as Japanese writer Kōji Suzuki, who wrote the mystery horror novel the films are based on, The Ring (Ringu), which was originally published in 1991. Following in the footsteps of a very popular first film as well as a dynamic and extensive marketing campaign, Rings had people excited for its release. The cast includes Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, Alex Roe, Johnny Galecki, and Vincent D'Onofrio.

Rings, which is terribly written, poorly acted, and severely lacking originality, is not only a bad horror movie, it is a slap in the face to the entire genre. I walked into the theater with average to slightly above average expectations due to a fantastic first film, and a mediocre but entertaining second film. What I got for the price of a movie ticket was something that you would expect from a direct to Blu-ray/DVD release. Rings is not at all scary, simple as that. The scariest aspect of the movie is the tape itself which we have all seen. Granted they add a few new parts to it but it's far from enough. They attempted a few poorly executed jump scares but I didn’t move in my seat once. By the end of the film I was convinced that they tried to borrow ideas from horror films like It Follows, Don't Breathe, and Final Destination, except they failed miserably. I honestly found the writing to be offensive, every few minutes the characters were spoon feeding viewers plot developments like we couldn't figure it out for ourselves ("Hey look it’s a door, perhaps we should open it to see what's inside? Shucks, the door is locked"). That is beyond frustrating. I was concerned about the inexperienced director and I had good reason to be, he had no idea what he was doing. Samara is creepy but she is severely underutilized in the film. Apparently creativity was not in the budget for this movie. Probably because they overspent on marketing, which will more than likely be the sole reason they make money on this disaster. Nice job guys, you got me! 

Horror movies are notorious for bad acting, that's just the nature of the beast. I get that. But there is quite a difference between bad acting, and terribly uninspired, and downright cringe worthy acting. Combine that with a script that could have been written by a 5th grader, and you have yourself a real gem of a horror film (yeah that is definitely sarcasm). Vincent D'Onofrio is one of the more well-known names in the cast and his performance was fine, he seemed to do his best with what he was given to work with. Not great, but okay. Johnny Galecki, best known as Leonard from The Big Bang Theory, plays a rough around the edges and supposedly badass biology professor. Typecast much? I mean, biology professor I get, but this guy is the opposite of rough around the edges. Now on to what really got under my skin- the lead roles played by Matilda Lutz and Alex Roe. I'm going to go right out and say it, Lutz is a talentless actress that is just plain bad on screen. The one thing she has going for her is her physical appearance, which honestly begins to suffer because of how bad of an actress she is. According to her short online bio she is also a model, perhaps that is the correct career choice for her. Maybe it's inexperience on her part without anything relevant on her resume, combined with a clueless director, but she was not good. Roe was pretty bad himself, offering up a dry character with little to no depth. I will say that I may be unfairly taking my frustrations out on the cast and I apologize for that, because the real culprits here are undoubtedly the director and the 3 writers, who seem to have put together this film as some sort of sick joke.

My girlfriend claims that she was so petrified of the first film when she saw it in theaters that she walked out halfway through, and still had nightmares for a week. Now THAT is the impact a real horror movie is supposed to have! Well, I was excited (again, sarcasm) to tell her that she could go see Rings and sleep like a baby that very night, because it is about as scary as an episode of Seinfeld. If a friend offers you a free ticket to go see this piece of trash I would tell them you would rather stay home and watch Zombeavers. I'm actually slightly angry that in some way this film sullies the good name of the first film, which I must re-watch as soon as possible to get this bad taste out of my mouth. I will go one step further and say that I am angry and feel that someone from the team behind the making of this film owes me a sincere apology. I would have asked the theater for a refund but this isn't on them. Perhaps they will fire everyone involved and have a chance at redemption with the fourth film? That would be nice but I won't be holding my breath. Take it from me and do your best Colin Kaepernick during the National Anthem impression, and sit this one out.

Patriots Day

Director Peter Berg

Genre Drama | History | Thriller

Cast Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons

Rating R

Release Date January 13th, 2017

“An account of Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis’s actions in the events leading up to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the aftermath, which includes the city-wide manhunt to find the terrorists behind it.”

Patriots Day is the film portrayal of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. It is directed and co-written by Peter Berg, the man who brought us Deepwater Horizon, Lone Survivor, and The Kingdom, to name a few. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, and J.K. Simmons. A great deal of controversy erupted after the initial announcement that the film was in development, with many saying Hollywood was just trying to cash in on a tragedy less than 4 years after it occurred. I watched an interview with Mark Wahlberg, a Boston, Massachusetts native, who stated he initially turned down an offer to star in the film. He was then told the film was going to be made whether he was involved or not, and he changed his mind thinking that at the very least his involvement could hold him accountable to do right by the city of Boston. And that is what he intended to do.

Patriots Day reminds us that in the face of pure hatred and terror, Boston Strong became the identity of a city that refused to be terrorized. This film is far from an attempt to sugarcoat the events that took place in April 2013, and in no way should it have been. The city of Boston was dealt a serious blow and what came to the forefront was the city’s ability to persevere, to not only take down these terrorists at all costs, but more importantly to not allow them to dictate the future. I watched the Boston Marathon Bombing HBO documentary which was heartbreaking, graphic, and also inspirational, and Patriots Day embodies a similar feel of a city that comes together and it really is special. I have friends who frequently attend the Boston Marathon, one of which who has actually run in it, and that was a very scary day for each and every person not only in this region, but in this country. Everyone involved was under a microscope from the very beginning and faced a great deal of public scrutiny, and I must say I commend them on their efforts. Not only did they put together a tasteful portrayal of that traumatic day, everyone who worked on the film put forth a valiant effort to honor the victims of this tragedy.

Patriots Day was perfectly casted from top to bottom. My favorite actor in the film was easily Mark Wahlberg, and it just so happens he is one of my favorite actors in general. As a Boston native (Dorchester, Massachusetts to be exact), Wahlberg easily faced the most pressure out of anyone involved with this film. The city of Boston had high expectations and deep down they knew he would do right by the film, and he did. Although he played a character that was actually a combination of two police officers, the first responder as well as an officer who knew the area inside out and was very helpful to the FBI during the investigation. His presence on screen was authentic and genuine, displaying true fear and raw emotion after that first blast near the finish line. The supporting cast was fantastic as well, right down the line from John Goodman, Michelle Monaghan, J.K. Simmons, Kevin Bacon, and a surprisingly impressive performance from Jimmy O. Yang, who plays the quiet yet hilarious Jian Yang in HBO’s Silicon Valley. He played the role of Dun “Danny” Meng, the Chinese national who had his SUV stolen and was taken hostage by the bombers in Cambridge, Massachusetts, before bravely escaping at a gas station.

Patriots Day shouldn’t be viewed as a painful way to relive that fateful day. It should be viewed as a way to remember a city that came together and became one. Retired Boston Redsox slugger Big Papi said it best when he shouted in front of a stadium full of Boston faithful, “This is our fu**ing city!” Boston natives are known for their attitude and strong will, which was put to the test on April 15th, 2013, when two terrorists set off bombs near the marathons finish line. Patriots Day is intensely engaging, well-acted, and thoroughly entertaining, but most importantly it reminds us that Boston will always persevere no matter what. The Patriots Day Boston Marathon will live on as a celebrated event held on a special day for the entire city, and if anything, it means even more now than it did 4 years ago. Highly recommended.  

A Monster Calls

Director J.A. Bayona

Genre Drama | Fantasy

Cast Lewis MacDougall, Felicity Jones, Sigourney Weaver, Toby Kebbell

Rating PG-13

Release Date January 6th, 2017

“A boy seeks the help of a tree monster to cope with his single mom’s terminal illness”

A Monster Calls is an emotional drama directed by J.A. Bayona, who previously directed the Academy-Award nominated film The Impossible (2012). Bayona is currently listed as the director for the Jurassic World sequel, currently slated for 2018. The screenplay was featured in the 2013 Blacklist; a list of the “most liked” unmade scripts of the year. The film is based on the best-selling book of the same name, written by Patrick Ness, who received a writing credit for the film. After doing a bit of research, I learned that the novel was originally started by U.K. born British activist and writer Siobahn Dowd, who actually passed away tragically from cancer at the young age of 47. As per Ness’s author note in the book, “She had the characters, a premise, and a beginning. What she didn’t have, unfortunately, was time.” The film stars Lewis MacDougall, Sigourney Weaver, Felicity Jones, and Toby Kebbell. Liam Neeson warrants a mention as he voices The Monster.

Well-written, touching, and deeply emotional, A Monster Calls is a must-see film that will leave a lasting impression. Complete with storytelling ability as close to a book as you can get, the impact of the story will leave you speechless. A Monster Calls packs a visual punch, but as I stated, the strength lies in the storytelling and the sheer emotional depth. Creating genuine authenticity, this is a film that carefully manages a sensitive subject without the risk of forcing an emotional response from the audience. At the root of the story, A Monster Calls is about acceptance and the necessary stages of grief. Regardless of age, demographic, circumstance, etc, losing a loved one is a very difficult pill to swallow and the emotionally driven script touches on that in a very special way. Talented director J.A. Bayona creates a unique reality of a world dominated by this young boy's imagination, and the two somehow come together seamlessly. Even though the film employs a considerable amount of CGI (Computer Generated Imagery), everything feels so intimate that you will never second-guess what is unfolding right before your eyes. Real or not, it simply does not matter.

A Monster Calls includes a uniquely talented cast, each with their own unique talents. Young U.K. born actor Lewis MacDougall is absolutely amazing in his role as the boy who is suddenly forced into adulthood. Previously starring in 2015's Pan, MacDougall is relatively new to the acting scene but has a few other films currently in the works. Starring alongside him is the ultra-talented Felicity Jones, who plays a character so full of emotion you feel like she could literally explode at any moment. I can only assume that Jones played a large part in ensuring the chemistry between herself and the young actor, who form a strong mother/son bond, transcends the screen. It was amazing. Jones most recently starred in Inferno and The Theory of Everything, and it seems that she is incapable of turning in a bad performance. The ageless queen of actresses Sigourney Weaver, is fantastic in her role as expected. Toby Kebbell, who formerly starred in Ben-Hur and Warcraft: The Beginning, was surprisingly effective in his role as the absent father. Last but not least, our favorite hero Liam Neeson as the voice of The Monster is just perfect!

A Monster Calls is a fantastic film and a true work of art, a fact that is difficult to argue.  Considering we just made it through the Holiday season, many of us more than likely feel run-down with the overly emotional, or sentimental films. I get that. But trust me when I say that A Monster Calls is in a class of its own, and quite simply deserves an opportunity to have an impact on you through the magic of storytelling. I thoroughly enjoyed it, even considering the high expectations I had, and I can't wait to read the book! Highly recommended.  

Top 10 Movies of 2016

Click the below posters to access the *SPOILER FREE* reviews for the top 10 rated movies of 2016! On behalf of Ted Takes, happy viewing in 2017!!

Collateral Beauty

Director David Frankel

Genre Drama

Cast Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Michael Peña

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 16th, 2016

“An advertising executive encounters three mysterious figures who encourage him to move on from the past.”

Collateral Beauty is an emotional drama directed by David Frankel, best known for The Devil Wears Prada and 2008’s tear-jerker, Marley & Me. The film was initially set to be directed by Me and Earl and the Dying Girl director Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, but he backed out of the project due to creative differences with New Line Cinema. The stellar cast includes Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, and Michael Peña.

Despite a premise overwhelmed with sadness, Collateral Beauty is a feel-good film about overcoming loss and rediscovering life. With sky-high expectations and an A-list cast, I found the film to be an enjoyable and emotional journey, with a few unexpected twists along the way. Critics have hammered Collateral Beauty non-stop since the December 16th release, and I honestly feel like the criticism is unwarranted. I had high expectations after initially watching the first trailer, and once the negative reviews began pouring in, I was understandably concerned. My first assumption was that the film was either convoluted in terms of the script, or simply corny and ineffective. Well, I’m happy to say it is neither of those things, not even close. I mean sure it won't get mentioned during the Oscar's but that’s okay, right? Having dealt with my fair share of significant loss throughout my life, I know first-hand how difficult it can be, and the fact is a “how-to roadmap” simply doesn’t exist for such grief. Collateral Beauty establishes how immeasurable the pain can be, but more importantly it reinforces how invaluable it is to express our emotions to those we love, or even a bunch of strangers for that matter. It may unfold slowly for some, but the overall message of the film is well worth the wait, trust me.

Collateral Beauty has a stellar cast, which above all else tends to make for rather high expectations. As I alluded to before, the performances won’t garner Oscar-worthy praise, but each character is well developed and fits perfectly into the storyline. Many would expect Will Smith to separate himself from the remainder of the cast but that wasn’t the case at all. Smith is incredible as usual, but I thought the writers did a fantastic job distributing the workload, allowing each actor the ability to bring their characters to life. The way the story unfolds is slightly reminiscent to one of my all-time favorite films, 2004’s drama Crash, which also starred Michael Peña. I felt like the entire cast did a fantastic job, but Peña stuck out to me as my favorite performance. As a supporting actor in most films, he tends to get overlooked but he has tremendous range as an actor, showcasing his ability to be funny and also his knack for a deep and dramatic role. His character in Collateral Beauty displayed incredible depth, especially given his somewhat limited screen time compared to Smith’s character. I also feel the need to mention Jacob Latimore, hailed as a “breakout star” by Variety and IndieWire, who is best known for Black Nativity and The Maze Runner. He plays a supporting yet vital role and I really enjoyed the energy he brought to his character.

Similar to the powerful message the film is able to convey, Collateral Beauty is not perfect. It may not be groundbreaking or Oscar-worthy, but it is still an impactful film with its heart in the right place, and it deserves to be appreciated. Like many of us, Collateral Beauty wears its heart on its sleeve which makes it vulnerable to criticism in many ways, but sometimes vulnerability is necessary to expose true beauty. As corny as that may be, I do believe that’s true, and this film reinforces that mindset. Tell the critics to get bent this time around, because Collateral Beauty is worth your time and your money. Recommended.

Manchester by the Sea

Director Kenneth Lonergan

Genre Drama

Cast Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, Lucas Hedges

Rating R

Release Date December 16th, 2016

“An uncle is forced to take care of his teenage nephew after the boy’s father dies.”

Manchester by the Sea is an intensely emotional drama, written and directed by Kenneth Lonergan. The film takes place in an actual town called Manchester-by-the-Sea located on the North Shore of Massachusetts. The town was known simply as Manchester until 1989, after a controversial campaign to change the name. Manchester by the Sea premiered at Sundance Film festival in 2016, and was previously featured on the 2014 Blacklist- the list of the most "liked" unmade scripts of the year. The film stars Casey Affleck, Kyle Chandler, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges.

Revolving around a difficult and understandably depressing subject matter, Manchester by the Sea is expertly acted and genuinely heartfelt. It honestly felt like an eternity from when I heard about this film to when it finally received a wide-release in my area, but it was well worth the wait. This is the epitome of film as an art form by way of showcasing human emotion in all its varying complexities. I had a pretty good idea what to expect from the premise as a whole but I was honestly taken back a bit in terms of just how deep and involved the script was, which was well beyond what was presented in the trailer or the synopsis. In my humble opinion, what makes the success of this film so impressive is the fact that it was built from the ground up with raw "ingredients," compared to that of the standard CGI-heavy super hero movie. Manchester by the Sea shines thanks to a deeply emotional and heartfelt script, flawless directing, and a uniquely talented and hardworking cast with incredible chemistry. To an extent I feel as though you need to have experienced a significant loss at some point in your life to truly connect with the emotions the characters are experiencing, and the fact that each and every individual handles loss in a variety of ways. But at the same time, what makes Manchester by the Sea such an impactful film is the depth of the characters, making it possible for audiences of varying backgrounds to appreciate the powerful message conveyed by the film. 

You simply can't deny the importance of the screenplay in terms of the success achieved by Manchester by the Sea, but none of that would matter without the performances delivered by an outstanding cast. I personally feel like Casey Affleck is easily the most underappreciated actor in Hollywood, and the guy delivers one incredible performance after another. Affleck seems to be the rare actor that is genuinely selective in terms of the projects he is willing to take on, and although he has starred in some great films, rarely are they big-budget releases that catch the attention of pretty much everyone worldwide. Every now and then his name will pop up as a supporting actor in a big Hollywood release, but generally when he is the lead, the film is almost always of the independent variety. I can just about guarantee the majority of you reading this have yet to even hear about Affleck's 2013 film Ain't Them Bodies Saints, where he starred alongside Rooney Mara and Ben Foster. If you can appreciate a quality indie film with an artful feel, check that one out. To no surprise Affleck is absolutely amazing in Manchester by the Sea, as he manages to display a range of emotion rarely seen, while playing the role of a man holding on to more pain than most of us will experience in our lifetimes. Affleck deserves a shot at Best Actor, no question about it. Another actor who deserves mentioning come award time is co-star Lucas Hedges. Hedges delivers what I consider a breakout role as he develops impeccable on-screen chemistry with Affleck. Michelle Williams delivers a beautiful performance by somehow perfectly matching Affleck's emotional intensity during the crucial scenes they have together. Overall, just an outstanding job by the entire cast bringing their characters to life while exhibiting the highest level of human emotion. 

As pointed out by star Casey Affleck when he recently hosted SNL, Manchester by the Sea is a seriously depressing film due to the all-encompassing "dark cloud" hovered over the characters, but it is so well-written and expertly acted that you will be captivated nonetheless. This is a fine example of a film that works because everything comes together perfectly. The script has depth, the directing style and cinematography make you feel like you are there, and most importantly the emotion displayed by the characters will undoubtedly give you chills. I had sky-high expectations and Manchester by the Sea met my expectations and then some. This is a film that feels very real, and includes real-life characters dealing with some of life's most trying times, so if you are expecting a cookie-cutter script with a fairy-tale ending, you will be disappointed. If you want to experience one of the best film's 2016 has to offer, look no further. Highly recommended.