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Blade Runner 2049

October 18, 2017

Director Denis Villeneuve

Genre Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Harrison Ford

Rating R

Release Date October 6th, 2017

“A young blade runner’s discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former blade runner Rick Deckard, who’s been missing for thirty years.”

Blade Runner 2049 is the sequel to the cult-classic Blade Runner that first released in 1982. The first film was directed by Ridley Scott, who did join this project as an executive producer, and director Denis Villeneuve takes the reigns for the sequel. With only 16 directing credits according to his IMDb filmography, Villeneuve has made quite a name for himself with films like Prisoners, Enemy, and Sicario. He received a Best Achievement in Directing Academy Awards nomination in 2016 for the sci-fi thriller Arrival. The cast includes Ryan Gosling, Ana de Armas, Sylvia Hoeks, Harrison Ford, Dave Bautista, Robin Wright, and Jared Leto.

Blade Runner 2049 is a dynamic Oscar contender, showcasing the unique talents of director Denis Villeneuve and lead Ryan Gosling in one of the best sci-fi thrillers in recent memory. The original Blade Runner, directed by Ridley Scott, released in 1982 and was poorly received by critics and users alike which resulted in dismal box-office numbers. This didn’t last long as the unique style of the film eventually caught on cementing Blade Runner as a cult classic that would remain a fan favorite for years to come. When it was announced they would be doing a sequel for Blade Runner the usual pundits spoke out stating Hollywood was yet again out of ideas and trying to butcher a classic. Granted this can often times be the case, but when I saw that Villeneuve would be directing and Gosling would be starring, my doubts became a distant memory. This was going to be a hit. I made it a point to see Blade Runner 2049 in the IMAX for obvious reasons, and I was blown away. One simple thing that stuck out to me was the fact that it would have been easy to turn this movie into a spectacle, overwhelming viewers with visuals and fancy special effects, but Blade Runner 2049 takes the high road offering substance over style, although it has plenty of both.

In my experience Denis Villeneuve has the ability to ground a film in such a way that it becomes the viewer's reality, ensuring each and every person watching the film becomes genuinely invested in what is unfolding right before their eyes. Villeneuve did that with last year's sci-fi thriller Arrival starring Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner, and he does it again here. He is a master of his craft and I would be hard pressed to point out a director with a better feel for sci-fi thrillers, especially when referring to cinematography and score, two Villeneuve trademarks. Blade Runner 2049 includes a number of dialogue free scenes supported by nothing more than a powerful score, and somehow these scenes are just as powerful as any other scene in the entire film. I found myself so deeply involved in the story that I felt a release when I was finally able to have a discussion about some of the more symbolic moments. Going back to watch the first film or even watching it for the first time prior to seeing Blade Runner 2049 isn't a bad idea but I also wouldn’t say it is absolutely necessary. Even considering the strong connection to the first film in terms of the backstory, it still holds up on its own which is impressive. Bottom line, Blade Runner 2049 is beautifully shot and expertly acted, and includes a storyline that will have you discussing it well after the film ends.

As I touched on previously, the cast of Blade Runner 2049 is absolutely exceptional, and it goes beyond the star power providing a few surprise performances in pivotal supporting roles. Let me just say what everyone else is thinking, Ryan Gosling is the man. That is simply a fact. From 2004's The Notebook, which is a fan favorite of females the world over, to Drive, Crazy, Stupid, Love., The Place Beyond the Pines, The Nice Guys (underrated but amazing), and most recently the critically acclaimed La La Land (if you fancy a good musical), Ryan Gosling is a rare talent. Sure he has starred in his fair share of duds (Gangster Squad anyone?!) but who hasn't? Gosling delivers one of his best performances to date in Blade Runner 2049, playing a very complex character that required a great deal of raw emotion. A few times during this film I felt like I could look into Gosling's eyes and be able to feel exactly what he was feeling, now that is pretty damn impressive. If Gosling's name isn't tossed around come award season I will be writing a very strongly worded e-mail on his behalf (kidding about the e-mail, but I will be pissed). Former professional wrestler Dave Bautista has a small role but he was great in it and further proves he is a very solid actor. House of Cards actress Robin Wright brings her stern sense of power to the table and is a strong contributor to the success of the film. Jared Leto has very little screen-time but I felt like his character makes a strong statement nonetheless and I really did enjoyed his role.

Veteran actor Harrison Ford, who was the start of the 1982 original film, makes for one heck of a homecoming. Ford is able to develop fantastic chemistry with Gosling and the two talented actors form quite the duo. Relatively unknown actress Sylvia Hoeks is given a very important role and she was great. The entire time I felt like she had to be a big name actress that I just couldn’t quite put a finger on what else she was in. I looked over her IMDb filmography and the only movie I recognized is the limited release war film Renegades, so kudos to her. Cuba born actress Ana de Armas is a very pleasant surprise in a unique and important supporting role. Most viewers will recognize the gorgeous de Armas from the 2016 film War Dogs in which she played Miles Teller's girlfriend, but she also starred in the twisted limited release 2015 horror/thriller Knock Knock from the sick-minded Eli Roth. Prior to Blade Runner 2049, I will admit that I looked at de Armas as not much more than a pretty face who was serviceable in smaller roles, but boy did she prove me wrong. Not only is she a crucial centerpiece to the rather confined reality Gosling's character lives in, her character embodies the internal struggle for humanity that lies deep within the films underlying symbolism. In simpler terms, she crushes it.

Blade Runner 2049 is further proof that quality cinema is alive and well. Not only does it do the original justice, it is arguably a superior film not only because of the advancements in technology, but a deeply immersive story to go along with it. At this point and time I will see anything that Denis Villeneuve is directing or Ryan Gosling is starring, and if they are together on the same project I will be there on opening night. Blade Runner 2049 may scare away some viewers due to the 2 hour and 45 minute runtime which admittedly is long for a movie, but trust me when I say that you are only hurting yourself if you pass on seeing this fantastic film on the big-screen. Highly recommended.

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The Mountain Between Us

October 13, 2017

Director Hany Abu-Assad

Genre Action | Adventure | Drama

Cast Idris Elba, Kate Winslet, Dermot Mulroney, Beau Bridges

Rating PG-13

Release Date October 6th, 2017

“Stranded after a tragic plane crash, two strangers must forge a connection to survive the extreme elements of a remote snow covered mountain. When they realize help is not coming, they embark on a perilous journey across the wilderness.”

From director Hany Abu-Assad, The Mountain Between Us is a romantic drama based on the novel written by Charles Martin. The paths of two strangers come together after they are both stranded in the mountains following a plane crash, desperate to be rescued. Actor Alan Rickman passed away tragically during production of the film and it was eventually delayed a few days to allow lead actress Kate Winslet the opportunity to attend Rickman's memorial service. The cast includes Idris Elba, Kate Winslet, Beau Bridges, and Dermot Mulroney.

The Mountain Between Us boasts a talented cast and stunning scenery, but an apparent attempt to play it safe limits the film’s potential. I have yet to read the novel written by Charles Martin that the film is based on, so I went in to the theater expecting what the trailer seemed to hint at, an intense survival drama with a potential love story mixed in. All of the aspects I just mentioned are very much present and accounted for, but the word intense may have been a slight exaggeration. Viewers are treated with a glorious snow covered mountain landscape for the vast majority of the just under 2-hour runtime, and solid pacing ensures it never feels boring, but I constantly found myself itching for that edge of my seat moment where my jaw just dropped. I can't help but compare the "survival" aspect of the film to hits such as Liam Neeson's The Grey or Leonardo DiCaprio's The Revenant, although I realize the comparisons are far from fair. The tone remains relatively light in comparison to the films I just mentioned, which may be preferable for some people and not quite enough for others. The journey we are taken on in A Mountain Between Us is still emotional and gratifying in its own right, rounding out an overall satisfying experience.

The cast for The Mountain Between us is rock solid from top to bottom, with leads Idris Elba and Kate Winslet getting the vast majority of the screen time. Elba is an extremely versatile actor who can play a number of different roles and he has developed into one of my favorite actors. He seems to really shine when playing a sharp dressed businessman, but films like Beasts of No Nation have proven that he can also step into a very gritty role with ease. Kate Winslet is a great actress who will forever be known for her role alongside Leonardo DiCaprio in James Cameron's The Titanic, a fact that I'm sure she is more than okay with. Even though Winslet has played in her fair share of "stinkers" over the years, I still consider her to be a uniquely talented actress who simply needs to be given the right role. She develops great chemistry with Elba, allowing the two talented actors the ability to play off one another effortlessly. Rounding out the cast is Beau Bridges and Dermot Mulroney, both of which delivered solid performances overall.

The Mountain Between Us is a very entertaining movie, it really is, but as I touched on before it just lacks that little extra I felt like it needed in order to cross that threshold from entertaining to must-see. Idris Elba and Kate Winslet are spectacular together and they take full advantage of their opportunities, but they certainly weren’t used to their full potential. I always feel weird about reviewing a movie based on a book when I have yet to read the book myself so I may try and get to it at some point in order to get a better idea of how it matches up to the film. I can still recommend a trip to the theater for A Mountain Between Us for casual viewers, but I can also easily suggest seeing something else and holding off until it becomes available to rent.

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Stronger

October 12, 2017

Director David Gordon Green

Genre Biography | Drama

Cast Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, Richard Lane Jr.

Rating R

Release Date September 22nd, 2017 (Limited)

“Stronger is the inspiring real life story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become a symbol of hope after surviving the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing.”

From director David Gordon Green (Joe, Pineapple Express), Stronger is a powerful drama about the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings. Patriot's Day released in 2016 and was the first feature-film to chronicle the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings, and many felt the film was out much earlier than it should have been considering how recent the events took place. Even considering the controversy the film did pretty well, offering viewers an in-depth look at the lives of the bombers, but more importantly the fight and determination of a city that refused to be beaten down. Stronger is a much more intimate portrayal of the events, telling the story of Boston Marathon Bombing victim and survivor Jeff Bauman. The cast includes Jake Gyllenhaal, Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson, and Richard Lane Jr.

Lead by a captivating performance from Jake Gyllenhaal, Stronger is a hard hitting real-life drama about strength and perseverance in the face of tragedy. Admittedly, I wasn’t all that familiar with Bauman's story prior to this film, and I was a little disappointed in myself because of that. Bauman nearly lost his life in the Boston Marathon Bombing, yet he was strong enough to allow his story to be told. Right from the start of the film I felt like I was personally impacted by what was taking place on screen. Stronger thrives in its authenticity, and a great deal of that is thanks to the performances as well as the directing. This film is very much an emotional rollercoaster giving viewers a first-hand look at Bauman's recovery and how it impacted his close relationships with family and friends. By the time the credits appeared on the screen I felt like I knew Jeff Bauman, and more importantly I had a better understanding of the life before and after of someone who experienced a very dark day and found a way to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stronger also digs deeper into what it means for our country to bounce back from a scary and damaging terrorist attack to reinforce the fact that no matter what we stand together and refuse to be bullied. Any one of us could have just as easily found ourselves standing where Jeff Bauman was standing that morning, and that is just one of the countless reasons Stronger deserves to be seen.  

The cast for Stronger is absolutely amazing, and I personally couldn’t imagine a better fit for any of the roles, especially Gyllenhaal's gut-wrenching performance as Jeff Bauman. We all know what Jake Gyllenhaal is capable of, and he has proven his worth time and time again, but somehow this feels different. Gyllenhaal becomes Bauman in such a way that you almost forget he exists outside of the story that is unfolding right before your eyes. The emotion, the pain, and the unique sense of humor is all there and accounted for. I actually read that when his family was able to finally watch the film they couldn’t believe how much he reminded them of Jeff. Gyllenhaal's performance will get plenty of attention come award season, no question about that. Relatively unknown actress Tatiana Maslany delivered a powerhouse performance as Jeff Bauman's on again off again girlfriend. Having the ability to go toe to toe with an actor as talented as Gyllenhaal is no easy task, and Maslany pulled her weight and then some. Miranda Richardson took on the pivotal role of Jeff's slightly overbearing mother, and I thought she did a fantastic job. The role that stood out to me most beyond Gyllenhaal or Maslany was the role of Bauman's uncle Bob, played by the well-known comedic actor Lenny Clarke. Clarke provides the right amount of humor amidst what was a very emotionally taxing experience. The supporting cast was fantastic all-around, and I really liked Danny McCarthy's portrayal of Bauman's boss, I felt like he added a certain level of humanity to the film.

Stronger is easily one of the most powerful and emotional films of 2017, and it would probably hold up in the top 5 in the last 2 years. On the chilly morning of April 15th, 2013, Jeff Bauman was just a regular guy trying to build a life for himself just like the rest of us, and his life changed forever on that fateful day. Bauman's story deserves to be told because not only did he struggle dramatically after the event, he was able to persevere thanks to the most powerful thing of all, which is the ability for people to come together in support of each other. Highly recommended.

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American Made

October 12, 2017

Director Doug Liman

Genre Crime | Thriller

Cast Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, Jesse Plemons

Rating R

Release Date September 29th, 2017

“A pilot lands work for the CIA and as a drug runner in the south during the 1980s.”

American Made is an action comedy/crime thriller based on the real-life of Barry Seal, and his involvement with the CIA, as well as what came to be known as the Medellin drug Cartel. The film is directed by the talented Doug Liman, the man behind The Bourne Identity as well as the hit 2014 sci-fi action flick Edge of Tomorrow. The cast includes Tom Cruise, Domhnall Gleeson, Sarah Wright, and Jesse Plemons.

With Tom Cruise delivering one of his absolute best performances in recent memory, American Made is relentlessly entertaining and one heck of a crazy story. Rarely is a big-screen adaptation able to truly capture the insanity of its real-life counterpart, but in this instance it is spot on. American Made introduces audiences to the risk taking and equally charismatic Barry Seal, a man who values family just as much as he values money and a good old fashioned dose of adrenaline. Doug Liman is working his way up the short list of my favorite directors after absolutely killing it with Edge of Tomorrow, also starring Tom Cruise alongside Emily Blunt, and now he brings us an extremely entertaining story based on true events. Liman has an eye for quality filmmaking, and it seems that he also prefers Cruise at his disposal. Something that stood out to me with American Made was a filming style that was reminiscent of a documentary that was perfectly edited to piece together a uniquely entertaining story. Utilizing creative camera work and top-notch cinematography, Liman found a way to make the film feel like raw footage, allowing viewers the opportunity to feel like they had an intimate look at Seal and his many escapades. The entertainment factor American Made provides is absolutely undeniable, essentially guaranteeing you will not take your eyes off the screen, and as soon as you leave the theater you will start researching the crazy story it was based on. American Made has a long list of pros, but it is not without its fair share of cons. Now a few things that stood out to me, which may not be an issue for casual viewers, included the lack of overall intensity of the film or what some may refer to as the "grit" factor. It was pretty clear early on that American Made was going to have a lighter tone overall, which to me took away from the realism as far as Seal's dealings with the Cartel etc. I am all for the lighter tone in general as I feel it does broaden the target audience, but I also feel that borrowing a few pages from Sicario or the Netflix series Narcos wouldn't have hurt. It is also quite possible that the Cartel was a bit on the soft side in it’s earlier years, I am far from an expert on that. Nonetheless, as far as the genre is concerned American Made is much more of an action comedy than it is a crime thriller, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing.

I can't say enough about the casting decisions for American Made, it was simply spot on. As I pointed out before, Tom Cruise was born to play Barry Seal. Cruise embodied the risk taking, act first and ask questions later mentality of Seal, as well as his limitless charisma. I could honestly watch him play this character all day long. I really liked Domhnall Gleeson's character, and he sort of reminded me of Bradley Cooper's character in American Hustle, a man essentially playing both sides. Gleeson's character is complex and shady from the start, yet still somehow likable. The son of Irish actor Brendan Gleeson, the 34 year-old Domhnall Gleeson has blown up in the last 5 years or so ever since the 2013 hit romantic comedy About Time, and I look forward to watching him continue to grow as an actor. The beautiful Sarah Wright takes on the role of Seal's wife and she plays it well, managing to find that fine line between an understanding wife and a woman willing to protect her family no matter what.  Jesse Plemons is great as usual although he plays a very limited role. A good chunk of the supporting cast comes across as corny at times taking away from the believability of the story, but overall everyone did pretty well.

American Made is high quality entertainment from start to finish, keeping the tone relatively light considering the subject matter. Personally I would have preferred that the film be at least a little edgier in terms of the violence or just the crime thriller aspect, but I still commend the fact that it developed an identity and stuck with it. Dough Liman again proves his chemistry with Tom Cruise in the lead role, and I'm absolutely looking forward to the Edge of Tomorrow sequel. American Made unravels a uniquely fascinating story that will undoubtedly grab and hold the attention of viewers during the full 2 hours. Recommended

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Kingsman: The Golden Circle

September 28, 2017

Director Matthew Vaughn

Genre Action | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum

Rating R

Release Date September 22nd, 2017

“When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman’s journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the US. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.”

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is the sequel to the 2014 film that took audiences by storm, immediately generating an enormous fan base. Director Matthew Vaughan, who got his start with Layer Cake, Kick-Ass (one of my favorites), and X-Men: First Class, returns for the sequel and is yet again credited as co-writing the screenplay. The films are based on a 2014 comic book, The Secret Service: Kingsman, which was written by Kick-Ass comic book writer Matt Millar, the man behind the Watchmen graphic novel Dave Gibbons, and Matthew Vaughn himself. The talented cast includes Taron Egerton, Mark Strong, Julianne Moore, Channing Tatum, Colin Firth, Halle Berry, and Jeff Bridges. 

Kingsman: The Golden Circle may not succeed in dethroning its predecessor, but a heavy dose of the over-the-top blend of action/comedy that made the first film great will please fans and newcomers. Kingsman: The Secret Service seemingly fell out of the sky in 2014 and quickly became one of my favorite films of the year. I made sure to purchase the Blu-ray on release day and I have easily watched it at least 10 times, it quite simply never gets old. Talk of an inevitable sequel after a strong showing at the box office had me amped up like a teenager after his 5th Mountain Dew. Now to say that I was disappointed with Kingsman: The Golden Circle wouldn’t necessarily be accurate- I just had really high expectations. The first film gained traction thanks to some insane stunts and creative camera work, making for high-octane action scenes rarely seen in film today. Before we even make it to the title screen it becomes clear that the sequel aims to keep that tradition going, by once again moving the audience to the edge of their seats. Although nothing can compare to the church scene in The Secret Service, The Golden Circle does its best to match wits. My primary issue with this sequel compared to the first is the storyline that I considered to be pretty thin in comparison. Now the first film did have the advantage of devoting roughly half of the run-time to Eggsy's origin story, but even considering that it still built itself up to a fantastic "save the world" climax. The Golden Circle remained creative in its approach but it just didn’t hook me in the same way. But again I had very high expectations, and this was still one hell of a ride with plenty of crazy "did you see that?!" scenes as well as an abundance of laugh-out-loud humor. Director Matthew Vaughn is a big reason why both Kingsman films have found so much success, and I respect not only his eye for detail, but also his focus on "escapism" by creating a world that audiences can truly have fun with.

The cast in Kingsman: The Golden Circle is absolutely perfect. Taron Egerton reprises his breakout role and does so in stellar fashion. Egerton was relatively unknown to me prior to Kingsman: The Secret Service and he won me over with the energy and enthusiasm he devotes to his character. He doesn’t miss a single beat in the sequel and I hope to see much more of him going forward. Julianne Moore steps in as the primary villain in The Golden Circle, and even though I can't quite consider her above the memorable role played by Samuel L. Jackson in the first film, she is still pretty damn good. Moore has proven for years that she is a uniquely talented actress (Boogie Nights anyone?), and I applaud the casting decision to bring her on board. Colin Firth is absolutely amazing in The Secret Service, and he picks up where he left off with the sequel. Jeff Bridges (also known as The Dude) has a limited role but as per usual he still manages to make his presence known. The talented and always beautiful Halle Berry fits in nicely with the rest of the cast. Pedro Pascal, who many will recognize from the Netflix series Narcos, is one of the better additions to the sequel as he fits in nicely with the returning cast. Pascal also contributed heavily to some of the more action-packed scenes the first film was known for. Channing Tatum plays a slightly limited role but he is as great as ever when he is on screen. Mark Strong continues with the incredible chemistry he has with the rest of the cast, and even though he has played a ton of great roles in a bunch of fantastic movies, his character in both Kingsman films is right up at the top of the list for me. With arguably one of the best cameo performances ever in film, Elton John is amazing in every way and I would be lying if I didn't admit that he really does steal the show. The musical legend is hilarious each and every time he is on-screen, and the writers do a fantastic job of using his star power to connect the dots between the two films in a unique way. I challenge you to keep a straight face during what can only be known as the "peacock costume fighting scene", because it simply is not possible. Everyone in the supporting cast deserves a big pat on the back as well.

Kingsman: The Golden Circle is one heck of a good time at the theater, and is well worth the extra cost to see in the IMAX if at all possible. The script is admittedly a little thin compared to the first film creating a bit of viewer detachment to the overall plot, but the fun factor Kingsman is known for remains prevalent throughout. Even considering a slight letdown due to my high expectations I still really enjoyed Kingsman: The Golden Circle and can easily recommend it to fans of the first film, as well as anyone willing to jump right in for a few hours of action-packed insanity. Just do yourself a favor and watch the first film if possible because this one picks right up where that one left off. Director Matthew Vaughn's IMDb page already has Kingsman 3 listed, and star Taron Egerton recently alluded to the inevitable 3rd film during an interview with GQ, as he raves about the villain Vaughn is cooking up and says the storyline will blow audiences away. I can't wait!

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American Assassin

September 20, 2017

Director Michael Cuesta

Genre Action | Thriller

Cast Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Taylor Kitsch

Rating R

Release Date September 15th, 2017

“Long before he began hunting terrorists, Mitch Rapp was a gifted college scholar/athlete. Then, tragedy struck and Rapp was recruited into the nation’s most elite covert operations program. After completing training designed to teach the kind of lethal skills necessary to target our most dangerous enemies, here and abroad, he is a man reborn with a mission of retribution”

American Assassin is a spy thriller based on the best-selling Mitch Rapp novels written by the late author Vince Flynn, who passed away tragically in 2013 at the young age of 47 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. With a total of 16 books selling nearly 20 million copies to date, the Mitch Rapp character was very important to Flynn which was always evident in his writing. The American Assassin novel was written as an origin story for the Rapp character, and even though it was published in 2010 (the first ever Mitch Rapp book was published in 1999), it is considered the first book in chronological order. The Last Man, published in 2012, is the last book in the series written by Flynn and is officially considered book #13. His books were considered to be so incredibly accurate in terms of the CIA and other military operations that they were consistently placed under security review by the Pentagon prior to release. After Flynn’s death author Kyle Mills was signed on to continue the Mitch Rapp series, and the 3rd book written by Mills was released recently. American Assassin stars Dylan O’Brien, Michael Keaton, Sanaa Lathan, Taylor Kitsch, and Shiva Nigar.

American Assassin brings Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp character to life on the big screen, and more than anything else, I honestly believe the talented late author would've been proud. Flynn was one hell of a writer, and after reading the first few pages of his American Assassin novel it was evident that he took great pride in this character. Rapp is a tortured soul who suffered a great tragedy, leading him to the business of tracking and eliminating terrorists, which ultimately is very unfortunate for them. I had my fingers crossed that this film would do the character and the books justice, and I must say I was impressed. Right out of the gate what stood out to me most is how brutal and intense American Assassin is. The action scenes are absolutely relentless whether it is a flurry of bullets or bone-crushing hand to hand combat. The opening scene sets the tone making it very clear this is a far cry from anything with the word "teen" in the title, and odds are you will remain on the edge of your seat throughout.

Now it's impossible to compare the books to the movie, as with any book that gets the big-screen treatment, a great deal ends up getting left out. Usually the biggest challenge is the fact that the movie has no choice but to fast forward through aspects of the story that go into much more depth within the books. American Assassin does stray from the book in many ways allowing the four screenwriters some creative freedom, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. I feel like Flynn decided to go back and write this origin story for a few reasons, to tell the story of how Rapp got into this line of work, and to delve deeper into his colorful relationship with his mentor Stan Hurley, as well as his connection with handler Irene Kennedy, and I think the film manages to do just that. The book focused more on Rapp's psyche, which I would have loved to see more of in the film but again you can only cram so much into a film without it becoming overkill. Overall, I really enjoyed seeing the characters I have enjoyed reading about brought to life right before my eyes. The film as a whole could have used a bit more polish in terms of the pacing, but that can all be worked on later down the road if in fact a new franchise is born. I have heard mixed reactions to the ending of the film and to be honest I thought it was perfect- leaving the viewers with plenty of anticipation for what I hope is the beginning of a new action hero.  

A great deal of controversy surrounded the casting decisions for American Assassin, mainly the decision to cast Dylan O'Brien in the feature role of counter-terrorism agent Mitch Rapp. To say the former Teen Wolf star wasn't taken seriously for a role like this would be an understatement. But, what I personally find interesting is the fact that it seems that not only are people who seem to have an issue with O'Brien playing Rapp focused solely on his past and not his capabilities as an actor, but I honestly feel like the majority of them never picked up a Vince Flynn Mitch Rapp novel. The fact of the matter is this, O'Brien fits the description of Mitch Rapp perfectly, a dark complexioned former college athlete with dark hair and dark eyes, and an undeniable sense of confidence. He is the man you picture when you read the book, people just need to get past all of the other nonsense and give the guy a chance. Now that I've said my piece, I was very pleased with O'Brien's performance. I think he owned the role and did a great job conveying the complex emotions and struggle with authority that Mitch Rapp is famous for. I think he was great performing the stunts and the fight scenes, he showed tremendous ability with his firearm skills, and most importantly his character felt like the complete opposite of corny. O'Brien made you believe in the relentless drive and sheer desire Rapp felt to eliminate each and every terrorist from the face of the earth. The supporting cast was amazing as well, from Sanaa Lathan to Taylor Kitsch, but Michael Keaton's role really stood out. Stan Hurley's character is a huge piece of the Mitch Rapp puzzle, and I think Keaton was the perfect man for the job. Much like the complex role Keaton played in Birdman, he plays a character with a short fuse and a plethora of experience. I can't think of any actor more suited for this role.

American Assassin is a heck of a lot better than the majority of critics are making it out to be, and as a fan of the books I'm a little irritated by the unwarranted criticism. When Vince Flynn passed away he left behind a loving family, countless friends, and a fan base devoted to his unique and exciting style of writing. Prior to picking up a Flynn book my favorite crime thriller author was Dennis Lehane, with Michael Connelly in a close second, and I can honestly say that Vince Flynn easily transitioned into my short list of writers I simply cannot get enough of, and I plan to read each and every novel he wrote. Vince Flynn will live on in his books, and my guess is that he is somewhere right now writing his next great novel sure to be a best-seller. Dylan O'Brien steps into the role of Mitch Rapp with conviction and authority, doing everything within his power to prove he's more than capable of becoming the next Jason Bourne. Unlike Bourne, Rapp remembers everything about his past, and that does not bode well for the bad guys. Mitch Rapp is extremely intelligent, resilient, calculated, and determined, and I felt that O'Brien displayed all of his traits perfectly. I really hope this film does well in the box office so that a Mitch Rapp franchise is born, allowing viewers at least a few more opportunities to relish in the genius mind of Vince Flynn. Whether you are a fan of the Mitch Rapp novels or simply enjoy a good action thriller that will get the adrenaline going, American Assassin is well worth checking out in theaters. A consistent theme throughout the film and the book is Hurley's insistence that Rapp not allow the job to become personal, so I will end this review on a powerful quote from the book.

"Revenge is more mild, less calculated…deeply personal. Retribution is a punishment that is morally right and fully deserved". – Mitch Rapp    

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It

September 3, 2017

Director Andrés Muschietti

Genre Drama | Horror

Cast Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor

Rating R

Release Date September 8th, 2017

“A group of bullied kids band together when a monster, taking the appearance of a clown, begins hunting children.”

From director Andrés Muschietti, IT is a remake of the successful 1990 miniseries, based on the best-selling Stephen King novel. The 2017 horror drama includes 3 writers contributing to the screenplay, who try to bring King's novel to life yet again. It has been proven time and time again that one thing we can count on as a society, is the inevitable fear of clowns. Officially known as coulrophobia and categorized as an anxiety disorder, it has been reigning havoc for as long I can remember, with my first experience coming thanks to the corny 1988 horror film Killer Clowns from Outer Space. Now that is a film with some remake potential (kidding, obviously). The cast for 2017's IT includes Bill Skarsgård, Jaeden Lieberher, Finn Wolfhard, Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillie, Javier Botet, and Nicholas Hamilton.

Superbly casted, well-written, and genuinely creepy and disturbing throughout, IT is not only one of the absolute best Stephen King adaptations, it is one of the best horror films of 2017. After months of anticipation and 27 years since the miniseries, the day has finally come, and my excitement level was through the roof. Full disclosure, IT is the first horror movie since the original Paranormal Activity to actually give me legitimate chills. To me that is what makes a movie scary, to actually feel something within your body that you rarely experience. Paranormal Activity had the advantage of the element of surprise, because I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. But IT on the other hand lacked that benefit, and instead somehow managed to scare by utilizing creativity and sheer directorial talent combined with chilling cinematography.

Pennywise the clown is reintroduced to audiences in such a way that I felt proud to be a fan of the original film. I'm having a very difficult time deciding which epic scene was my favorite, which is obviously a good thing. The fear is unleashed in IT, and from every scene where Pennywise sprints at the screen like Usain Bolt off the starting line, the film doesn't pull any punches. Setting the horror aspect aside for a second, IT is unique in its ability to toe the line between scary and absolutely hilarious. I laughed a ton during this film, but rest assured that the 2 hours and 15 minute runtime allows for the perfect blending of the two genres. Viewers find themselves immersed in this clique of young adults known as "The Losers Club", and even though they raz each other at every opportunity much to the delight of the audience, IT is still very dark, even controversial at times similar to the source material, and absolutely earned the R-rating. This is what a remake or reimagining is supposed to be, taking full advantage of the tools available today, and in the process inevitably capturing an entirely new fan base to join those that have been avid fans for years. 

IT excels in a variety of categories but perhaps none more impactful than it's talented young cast. Before I get into the young cast I have to talk about the new Pennywise, played by relatively unknown actor Bill Skarsgård, brother of Alexander Skarsgård, the former star of HBO's hit series True Blood. Skarsgård is INCREDIBLE!! I mean I'm talking a damn near Heath Ledger playing Joker level performance in terms of commitment to his character, his use of dialogue, and his creepy as all hell mannerisms. I'll admit this is a different level and even though IT is dark, and it is very dark, it's still not quite on the level of The Dark Knight in that category but something tells me the next chapter will be. Skarsgård simply grabs ahold of the audience from his first scene and never lets go. Not for a second does he come across as cheesy, not even close. A huge credit is due to the director, the cinematographers, and the screenwriter, and of course King himself, but all of that talent would have been useless without the key ingredient of a committed and scary as hell Bill Skarsgård. The most recognizable of the young cast starring alongside Skarsgård includes Jaeden Lieberher, who starred alongside Bill Murray in St. Vincent, and Michael Shannon in Midnight Express, and Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard. Both actors were incredible in IT and continue to make a name for themselves in a very, very difficult industry. Honorable mention is equally well deserved for Jeremy Ray Taylor, Sophia Lillie, Javier Botet, and Nicholas Hamilton, rounding out a talented up-and-coming group of young actors. I’m interested to see who gets casted as the adult versions in Chapter 2 because they have some big shoes to fill.

The bottom line is this, IT is a damn good, dare I say brilliant horror movie that integrates several other elements to further increase its effectiveness. Whether you are a horror fan or not, if you can handle a good scare I absolutely recommend you experience IT while in theaters, you will NOT be disappointed. Now, I just can't wait for Chapter 2 to arrive, which was recently officially greenlit thanks to IT crashing the box office with huge numbers and many more to come. I'll probably see it at least one more time myself. Oh yeah and above all else just remember one thing, “you’ll float too”. Highly recommended.

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Logan Lucky

August 29, 2017

Director Steven Soderbergh

Genre Comedy

Cast Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, Riley Keough

Rating PG-13

Release Date August 18th, 2017

“Two brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.”

Logan Lucky is a heist comedy from director Steven Soderbergh, and is the screenwriting debut for Rebecca Blunt. Set in West Virginia, the film highlights the planned heist of The Charlotte Motor Speedway, during one of their busiest races of the year. The cast includes Channing Tatum, Adam Driver, Daniel Craig, and Riley Keough.

Smartly written, funny, and more importantly one heck of a good time, Logan Lucky is a very solid return for talented director Steven Soderbergh. After watching the initial trailer, I honestly had some mixed feelings. On one hand the cast was fantastic and Soderbergh behind the camera had me undoubtedly intrigued, but the trailer left me with more questions than answers. Was this a goofy comedy in the same realm as Talladega Nights? Or was it something more? The trailer had me leaning more towards the goofy comedy side of things but once the second trailer made its debut my feelings changed. The second trailer made it clear that this was more than just a goofy comedy, and the talented cast was supported by a script more than worth the paper it was printed on (assuming they still go old school with paper copies of course). Logan Lucky is a film about family and sacrifice first and foremost, but it is also a crafty heist story with a hefty dose of comedic energy. What I enjoyed most about this movie is how genuine and authentic everything felt. Each and every laugh felt natural and not even a little bit forced, which is honestly pretty rare. The characters grow on you from the start, and audiences will know right away who it is they should be rooting for.

The script is fantastic and will have you talking about the movie long after you leave the theater. I was actually very impressed to learn that Logan Lucky was written by a woman by the name of Rebecca Blunt, who many people have actually questioned as to whether she even exists or not. Steven Soderbergh has been known to concoct a sort of alias as a screenwriter credit even though in actuality he wrote the script himself. He swears that is not the case here, and the woman with a background in journalism with only Logan Lucky as a credit according to her IMDb page, does actually exist. He goes on to say that she is actually a friend of his wife, and says that he was out in a rather precarious position when asked to consider turning her script into a movie. Clearly he didn’t want to upset the woman who determines his happiness. Interestingly, Blunt is actually from West Virginia, and she did some research on The Charlotte Motor Speedway, which ignited her imagination in terms of the meat and potatoes of the script. Soderbergh, who said he would be retiring from directing movies after the 2013 made for TV movie Behind the Candelabra (don’t worry if you haven’t heard of this, it is news to me as well), makes a strong return. He was quoted in an interview as saying that initially he had planned to pass on the script to another capable director, but he enjoyed reading it so much and felt it was somewhat of a “poor man’s Oceans movie”, and trust me he meant this in a good way, he decided to take it on himself. Soderbergh is undeniably one heck of a talented director, churning out hit titles such as Erin Brockovich, Traffic, and Oceans Eleven, Twelve, and Thirteen. He clearly has a man crush on Channing Tatum, after working with the star actor on Haywire, Magic Mike, Side Effects, and now Logan Lucky, but really can you blame him? Tatum is one heck of an actor and has earned his rightful place as one of Hollywood’s best as of late, and I don’t care who wants to try and argue that point. I am getting a bit off track here but the fact of the matter remains; Soderbergh has an eye for talent and knows how to make a great movie.

The cast in Logan Lucky is absolutely spot on from top to bottom. Channing Tatum takes center stage in the lead role, and he is fantastic as expected. I am more than okay with admitting the fact that I have developed a man crush on Tatum over the years (as an actor, nothing weird), having watched him take on comedic and dramatic roles with ease. More than anything else, Tatum understands what it means to embrace a role and to be genuine, which he executes seamlessly in Logan Lucky. Audiences will be able to relate with Tatum’s character, a single dad struggling to make ends meet who understands that he has a responsibility that stands above all else, which is taking care of and providing for his young daughter. Adam Driver, who I first became familiar with in the HBO series Girls, is absolutely taking Hollywood by storm as of late. First he snagged a pivotal role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, then he was terrific in the critically acclaimed indie drama Paterson, followed up by a crucial role in Martin Scorsese’s Silence. Driver has incredible range as an actor, and I have learned that one of his biggest strengths is playing a character that is much more than meets the eye. He develops incredible chemistry with Tatum, and I would be genuinely surprised if this is the last time we see these two on-screen together. Last but certainly not least, Daniel Craig plays one of the best roles in the film. The former James Bond actor stars as convicted and currently “en-car-cer-rate-ed” felon Joe Bang. From the accent, to the tattoos, right down to the ridiculous and priceless bleached blonde crew-cut, Craig damn near steals the show. He is the perfect addition to the talented duo of Tatum and Driver, and he rounds things out nicely.

Logan Lucky is leaps and bounds smarter than the usual dumbed down heist comedy (Masterminds anyone?), offering viewers not only a great talent behind the camera, but also a quality script and a very talented cast. As much as I enjoyed it during my first viewing, I do feel that it would be even better seeing a second time, making it easier to pay more attention to the small well-crafted details. Steven Soderbergh bursts out of “retirement” to the surprise of pretty much no one, considering at this point and time if he takes on a project it would need to be worthwhile. Logan Lucky may not be my favorite film of 2017, but it is easily in my top 10 and I am looking forward to my second viewing and the inevitable replay ability of yet another Soderbergh classic.

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