Blockers

Director Kay Cannon

Genre Comedy

Cast Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Newton

Rating R

Release Date April 6th, 2018

“Three parents try to stop their daughters from having sex on Prom night.”

The directorial debut for up-and-coming screenwriter Kay Cannon, who wrote all three Pitch Perfect Films, Blockers is a seemingly raunchy comedy about a trio of parents who try to stop their daughters from having sex on Prom night. Boasting a very talented cast along with the excitement around Cannon's debut, the hype train for this film left the station months ago. The cast includes Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Newton, Gideon Adlon, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Sarayu Blue.

Packed with hilarious one-liners and ultimately a meaningful conclusion, Blockers is an impressive debut for Pitch Perfect writer Kay Cannon. First and foremost, I respect Cannon’s willingness to push the envelope with the hard to tackle market of R-rated comedies- especially as a debut for a female director. Cannon has made waves with the Pitch Perfect films and her ability is undeniable, but it is nice to have the opportunity for her to really spread her wings and venture out. Blockers will have you laughing right out of the gate and the film feels very much like a Kay Cannon movie, a smooth combination of raunchy humor and creative gags. I was never bored and I enjoyed the fact that you can just sit back and enjoy this movie without feeling like you need an elaborate storyline or meaningful conclusion, even though the film's final act certainly takes a few tugs at the heart strings. A few critics have referred to Blockers as the female American Pie, and although the similarities are obvious, it remains to be seen whether or not it can even come close to the same level of cult status the 1999 comedy was able to achieve. Much like American Pie, Blockers is a coming-of-age story for the parents just as much as it is for the teenagers, and I think they did a fantastic job with that aspect of the film.

Now Blockers isn’t perfect, and it does feel forced at times, especially when it comes to female stereotypes- but I suppose that is par for the course this day and age. As a viewer with what I would consider to be an extremely neutral viewpoint as far as gender roles are concerned, it felt like a bit much at times. I agree females absolutely should choose when, where, and how they "become a woman,” but that’s not exactly groundbreaking news, is it? I mean if anything the females hold the majority of the power when it comes to that, or at least that’s how it was when I was in high school- pretty much just guys following girls around the halls with their tongue's dragging on the floor. Oh and the idea of the girls taking advantage of the guys, yeah that is definitely spot on. What surprised me was the fact that even though Cannon was in the director’s chair, the accomplished writer did not pen the script. Instead, brothers Brian and Jim Kehoe wrote the script. Severely lacking in experience when it comes to scripts for movies from big studios (or movies in general for that matter), I can't help but wonder how far the duo strayed from the vision Cannon had for the film.

The cast for Blockers is pretty great, that I really can’t argue with. Lead by John Cena, Leslie Mann, and Ike Barinholtz, talent is certainly aplenty. Getting his start as a professional wrestler, Cena may catch his fair share of flack in the film industry- but at the end of the day, who is really willing to talk trash to the face of the 6’ 250lb behemoth? Nobody, that’s who. But seriously, Cena has proven himself as a genuinely funny and charismatic actor, after his roles in Trainwreck and Sisters. I felt like he was used properly in Blockers and I look forward to his future roles. Now Leslie Mann is simply amazing, and it is getting to the point that if she is in a prominent role, you know the movie is going to be good. The foul-mouthed strawberry blonde actress is married to comedic mastermind Judd Apatow, who is a jack-of-all-trades himself. One of my favorite Leslie Mann roles would have to be Knocked Up where she starred alongside Paul Rudd and her two daughters in real-life played by their kids. Mann perfectly balances the chemistry, and testosterone, of the cast, and delivers a fantastic performance. I've grown to love actor Ike Barinholtz, who has had to scratch and crawl his way through Hollywood. Most recognize him from his role in long running sitcom The Mindy Project, which he was involved with for 5 years, starting in 2012. His strength as an actor is comedy no question, and I really liked the layers of his character in Blockers. While I really enjoyed the performance from comedian turned actor Hannibal Burress, I do wish he had a bit more screen time. The three daughters were played by Kathryn Newton, Gideon Adlon, and Geraldine Viswanathan, and I thought all of their performances were solid.

Blockers is a genuinely enjoyable comedy that effectively teeters between raunchy and heartfelt, but most importantly it has an identity and sticks with it. I'll admit the fact that I did feel preached to at times, specifically in reference to the fact that the female sex deserves to have the same sort of coming-of-age experiences that guys get to rave about in high school, but Kay Cannon wanted to get a few points across and I understand that. Overall this is a fantastic directorial debut for Cannon, and she proved her worth as a dual threat. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Be sure to stick around for the end credits scene as well, it is well worth it especially if you're a John Cena fan.

Ready Player One

Director Steven Spielberg

Genre Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 29th, 2018

“When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune.”

From accomplished writer director and producer Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One is a highly anticipated sci-fi action adventure film based on the 2011 science fiction novel. The debut novel for American author Ernest Kline, Ready Player One became a New York Times bestseller. The story is set in a dystopian 2044 where amidst the depletion of natural resources the world relies on a virtual-reality world known as the “Oasis,” where players can do anything within the frame of their imaginations as long as they have the currency. The creator of the Oasis dies and leaves behind one final challenge, the search for an Easter egg that will give full ownership of his stake in the company. Wade Watts is sick of his unfulfilling life and he intends to find that Easter egg and change his fortune forever. For those of you who fall into the same category as my girlfriend and thought I was referring to an actual “Easter eggs”, here is the definition from the always reliable source Wikipedia (kidding, sort of).

“In computer software and media, an Easter egg is an intentional inside joke, hidden message or image, or secret feature of a work. It is usually found in a computer program, video game, or DVD/Blu-ray Disc menu screen). The name is used to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt. The term was coined to describe a hidden message in a popular Atari video game that encouraged the player to find further hidden messages in later games, leading them on a 'hunt'.”

The cast includes Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, and Mark Rylance.

Bursting at the seams with enough 80’s and 90’s nostalgia to induce a coma, Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One is an EPIC visual experience that must be seen in theaters. I read the first quarter or so of the book after a friend recommended it to me, but didn’t finish due to an unproductive combination of distractions and the fact that the library wouldn’t allow a renewal due to other member’s hold requests (yes, I was too cheap to just buy it). Nonetheless, I was still amped about this film after the same buddy told me that it was his all-time favorite book. He is in his late 30’s and stressed the nostalgia the book brings for those of us who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, eras that continue to be popular for new television shows and movies to this day (Stranger Things anyone?!). And well, he was really onto something!

After watching Ready Player One I felt like I was transported back to my childhood, the days of slasher films like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elmstreet, and the demonic doll Chucky. Fun (or not so fun depending on if you were me back then) fact I used to be scared of that little doll to the point where my older brother would chase me around the video store when I was a kid holding the Chucky case and I would cry as I hid behind my parents, begging for them to make him stop- embarrassing I know. I was a huge horror fan back then and I am to this day (slightly less scared of Chucky though) so this was a real treat for me. Ready Player One also has a really cool reference to another classic horror film, but I won’t ruin the surprise. The references to old horror films is just scratching the surface of what we are treated with from a time full of life-altering pop culture, so be sure to brace yourselves.

The real star of Ready Player One is unquestionably the visuals, and boy are we given the top-tier treatment here. Spielberg has proven time and time again that impressive visuals are a strength of his, and he has been a trendsetter in that respect for decades with films like Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Minority Report (2002), and The BFG (2016), just to name a few. Bottom line, whether he is digging deep into his CGI bag of tricks or going old school, his skills are unmatched. Ready Player One allows Spielberg to show off the leaps we have taken in the world of computer-generated imagery (CGI), and he creates an incredible experience for viewers. I found myself looking left to right and up and down consistently trying not to miss anything (which was impossible might I add) as epic battles ensued on-screen taking my senses on a wild ride.

I could talk about the incredible visuals for hours and hours, but you need to experience it for yourself to fully appreciate this world that has been created well beyond our greatest imaginations. I kept thinking to myself, “Man, we have come a LONG way with what is possible in film today”- it really is nothing short of incredible. I want to explore the Oasis for myself so bad!! Few films get the 3D treatment in theaters these days but Ready Player One reminds us that the technology is far from a simple gimmick, and this really is the best way to see it. So smash that piggy bank of yours and visit the best theater near you with the biggest 3D capable screen. The writing is a little weak and I didn’t really feel invested in the characters as much as I would have like to have been by the time the film ended, but it really wasn’t a huge issue for me. Spielberg did what he could in the 2 hour and 15 minute runtime and decided that the visuals should take front and center for the majority of the film, and I don’t dislike that decision one bit. You will find yourself looking forward to scenes that take place inside the Oasis as opposed to the alternative, but luckily the balance is weighed heavily in the favor of the virtual world.

I really enjoyed the cast for Ready Player One and felt like they made the right decisions, especially when deciding to give the lead roles to Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Ben Mendelsohn. I have been a fan of Sheridan for awhile now, although he remains relatively unknown to mass audiences, despite being named one of the Top 10 Actors to watch by Variety. The now 21-year old Texas native got his start at the young age of 14 in the Terrence Malick directed fantasy drama The Tree of Life, alongside a-list talent Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain (that’s good company if you want to build an acting career). Next, he starred in the critically acclaimed drama Mud, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon- and the rest is history.

In Ready Player One, Sheridan takes on the lead role of Wade/Parzival and I couldn’t have imagined a better actor to play this role. His ability to display raw emotion while presenting his unique personality was impressive. Like Variety said, this kid is an actor to watch, so be sure to check out anything he does in the future. Starring alongside Sheridan is 24-year old UK native Olivia Cooke, taking on the role of Samantha/Art3mis. Cooke is actually more unknown as she continues to try and carve out a place for herself in Hollywood, although fans of the series Bates Motel will recognize her right away. She also had a lead role in the disappointing 2014 horror film Ouija, but I really enjoyed her in one of my favorite coming-of-age films, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015). Cooke is a talented actress and she developed great chemistry alongside Sheridan, which was a huge part of the success of the film.

Mark Rylance is nearly unrecognizable in his role as Oasis creator Halliday, and I really enjoyed the level of emotion he put into a very complex character. A great deal of the weight of the film’s story rested on the shoulders of Rylance and he was great. Rylance also played the lead role in The BFG, so he seems to have a good working relationship with Spielberg. Simon Pegg played a small yet important role, so he also deserves a nod for a fantastic performance. The primary antagonist (bad guy) is played by veteran actor Ben Mendelsohn, an Australian native, who plays the greedy corporate suit Sorrento who is hell bent on controlling the Oasis himself. The supporting cast was solid as well with notable performances from Lena Waithe (Ghostbusters remake) and T.J. Miller, who helped add to the comic relief. As I mentioned previously, the spectacle of it all glazed over the writing a bit, making it difficult for the characters to make a lasting impression on viewers. Even with that considered, rest assured Ready Player One really doesn’t lose any of its juice because of it.

To summarize, Ready Player One is a genuinely immersive experience that looks and sounds incredible, and is another notch in the very full belt of famed director, writer, and producer Steven Spielberg. He is a pioneer in the industry and we should all sit back and really try to appreciate what he has done for the film and television industry. The character development may leave a few things to be desired, but viewers will be much too preoccupied by the roller-caster ride that is Ready Player One, so you won’t really care all that much. Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Ben Mendolsohn still put together high-quality performances to ensure nothing is left on the table.

Marvel has been having quite a run with blockbusters like Captain America: Civil war and Black Panther, but the world that Ready Player One creates is so unique and immersive that it sets this film apart at the very least due to the creativity and approach to the source material. Author Ernest Kline has openly discussed how much he enjoyed working with Spielberg and he hopes they can get a sequel greenlit in the future (fingers crossed). Now I feel like I have no choice but to start researching 4K T.V.’s with 3D capability because Ready Player One will make for the perfect addition to my Blu-ray 3D collection in a few months, and I will be sure to finish the book as well. Highly recommended.

Pacific Rim: Uprising

Director Steven S. DeKnight

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Burn Gorman

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 23rd, 2018

“Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat.”

The feature-film directorial debut for Steven S. DeKnight, Pacific Rim: Uprising is the sequel to the hit 2013 film about huge robots battling giant Kaiju (monsters). The original film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, who was originally planning to direct the sequel but stepped down to direct The Shape of Water instead. This proved to be a smart decision on his part as it won him Oscars for both Best Director and Best Picture.  He is credited as a producer on Pacific Rim: Uprising.  The cast includes John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, and Tian Jing

A visual powerhouse meant to be experienced in IMAX 3D, Pacific Rim: Uprising is an absolute blast and a more than worthy sequel. I absolutely loved the first film, and I hate the fact that to this day it is underappreciated. When trailers first dropped back in 2013 I knew absolutely nothing about Pacific Rim or the fact that is was based on graphic novels- nonetheless I was intrigued. Sure, on the surface it looks similar to the Transformers films, but the similarities stop there. Pacific Rim had a much more engaging storyline, not to mention a stellar cast that included Idris Elba and Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam. I mean let’s be honest with each other, Shia LeBeouf (I can barely spell this dude’s name without looking at the correct spelling multiple times) is no Charlie Hunnam, and he sure as hell isn’t Idris Elba. And don't even get me started on Megan Fox. Once the sequel was announced I was amped up, and when the trailers dropped I was beyond excited. As I exited the theater and dropped my IMAX 3D glasses into the clearly labeled bin, I had a huge smile on my face. I had just watched an extremely entertaining spring release that had the feel of a summer blockbuster.

Was it perfect? Of course not, but after this sequel I feel like this franchise can work its way up to the level of the Fast & Furious franchise if they are able to get extra creative with the writing (although, I think just one more film to close out the franchise would be ideal). Throughout Pacific Rim: Uprising I found myself in awe of each fast-paced action sequence, and this was one of the most impressive visually charged films I’ve seen in quite some time that didn’t have Marvel attached to it. Early on when Jake (Boyega) and Amara (Spaeny) arrive at the military base where all of the Jaegers (giant robots) are stationed, I was wide-eyed taking in the impressive size of these things. That was a very cool scene. As much as I enjoy a deeper meaning or an emotionally relevant storyline, at the end of the day entertainment value remains at the top of my list. The meat of Pacific Rim: Uprising is clearly the CGI and it is nothing short of incredible- my jaw dropped quite a few times. And going hand in hand with the visuals is a powerful and highly effective soundtrack. Pacific Rim: Uprising is not without its flaws, but so many scenes left me completely satisfied to the point where I didn’t focus on what could have or should have been better- and I am fine with that.

Pacific Rim: Uprising may not have the benefit of a cast with the level of talent found in the original, but it still has a few big name up-and-coming actors. Sure, the acting was a bit goofy at times and I didn’t necessarily agree with some of the character arc’s that transitioned from the first film, but overall it worked. The cast is lead by London born actor John Boyega, who made his first big splash in the industry snagging one of the biggest roles in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The British actor took advantage of his opportunities next starring in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as well as the Kathryn Bigelow crime drama Detroit. I think Boyega is extremely talented and is absolutely an actor to keep an eye on. In Pacific Rim: Uprising he has big shoes to fill taking on the role of legend Stacker Pentecost’s son, played by Idris Elba in the first film. I felt like he was perfect for this role considering his ability to find a balance between humor and drama.

Another actor who is creating a solid career for himself is Scott Eastwood, son of one of the best actors to ever live, Dirty Harry himself Clint Eastwood. He has been given some big roles in the last few years, including Suicide Squad and The Fate of the Furious. Eastwood is more than capable of putting in the work needed, and I enjoyed the backstory between him and Boyega’s character. I was genuinely impressed with 20-year old Cailee Spaeny and the very important role she played in the film. Honestly, I was surprised to learn she is 20 years-old as she does NOT look that old, and if anything I would have guessed 17 at best. Regardless of age, this is her first real role after starring in a short film in 2016. The Springfield, MO native is also a singer, and after watching her in Pacific Rim: Uprising you would swear she had a lot more experience. I hope to see more of her in the future. Returning to reprise their roles from the first film are Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Horrible Bosses) and Burn Gorman (The Dark Knight Rises, Crimson Peak). Day’s character Dr. Newton Geiszler takes an interesting turn after the first film and I have mixed feelings about it. Aside from that and judging solely from a performance standpoint, Day delivers a solid performance. Overall, I was more pleased with Gorman as Dr. Hermann Gottlieb, as he again proved himself as a fan favorite. As I mentioned, the acting isn’t perfect, but for a visually satisfying sci-fi action adventure flick like this, it is more than enough.  

Pacific Rim: Uprising is more than worth the price of admission, even if you pay for the premium showing which I absolutely recommend. I have talked with a few people who watched it in a standard theater and were still very pleased, so that’s good. Watching giant Jaeger's go toe to toe with Kaijou the size of skyscrapers who are dead set on ending the world as we know it- what’s not to love? The final scene sets things up perfectly for a 3rd film, so I hope the movie makes enough money to make another film a realistic possibility- I know I will see it opening weekend. Quick update, so far it has made $65 million in China alone less than a week after it released, so yeah, I think a sequel is a very real possibility. I absolutely intend to add Pacific Rim: Uprising to my collection of 3D Blu-rays, and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Unsane

Director Steven Soderbergh

Genre Thriller | Horror

Cast Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Juno Temple, Jay Pharoah

Rating R

Release Date March 23rd, 2018

“A young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she is confronted by her greatest fear—but is it real or a product of her delusion?”

From acclaimed writer and director Steven Soderbergh, the man who brought us Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven, Side Effects, and most recently Logan Lucky, Unsane is a thriller about a young woman who is involuntarily committed to a mental institution and forced to face her greatest fear. Is it real, or a product of her delusion? An accomplished writer, Soderbergh did not pen the script and instead left those duties up to Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. The cast includes Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Juno Temple, Jay Pharoah, Polly McKie, Zach Cherry, Aimee Mullins, and Amy Irving.

A tense thriller shot entirely with an iPhone, Steven Soderbergh's Unsane is unique yet strangely satisfying. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I walked in to the theater, but one thing was certain, Steven Soderbergh is extremely talented- that is a fact. I knew the film carried with it a vibe that maybe everything isn’t quite what it seems, so I had that in the back of my mind pretty much the entire time, with interesting results might I add. By the end of the film I was a bit conflicted in terms of my overall “takeaways” from what I just experienced, so I figured I’d give it some time to process my thoughts. The biggest thing for me was the unique way in which the film was shot, which as I mentioned before was solely through an iPhone. Interestingly enough, I felt like this creative filming style actually worked quite well. It added tension to moments that may not have seemed quite as tense with a normal filming technique, and allowed for more close-up shots that were also very effective. As a viewer, you feel like you are limited in terms of what you are allowed to see on the screen, so in a way it makes you feel some of the same feelings the main character may be feeling as she is trapped in this behavioral health facility.

This filming technique is the closest thing to a first-person angle where the viewer feels front and center the entire time. And for those of you who have an issue with shaky camera found footage style films, this isn’t that at all so you won’t have an issue. The storyline itself is simple (at least on the surface), yet interesting and definitely keeps you questioning what is going to happen next. I also felt like much of what was going on is left open to interpretation, especially the ending. Although I am hard pressed to label Unsane as one of the more “entertaining” films I’ve seen as of late, it is extremely well done and has many layers. I commend Soderbergh for his willingness to go out on a limb and take a few chances, and if nothing else his vision absolutely hits home. The somber and claustrophobic mood that was created and retained throughout the film was amazing, and a bit unsettling. It made me feel like I was watching something that may have actually happened, or simply very well could happen- and the events unfolding on-screen held significant weight. You feel for this character and you want things to work out for her, but as the film progresses you are forced to question your loyalties.

It is difficult to go too far in depth about the performance of the cast of Unsane as a whole, due to the unique way the film was made. Lead Claire Foy was incredible, that is a fact I can speak to without hesitation. Best known for her role in the television drama series The Crown, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress two years in a row (2017 & 2018), Foy is an English actress that has yet to find her big break when it comes to movies. She did star in the 2017 romantic drama Breathe alongside Andrew Garfield, and even though it was the directorial debut for actor Andy Serkis, the film received a limited release and went relatively unnoticed by mainstream viewers. I hope that after seeing Foy flaunt her talents as a real-deal actress in this film she will begin to get more opportunities because I would love to see her in more movies going forward.

Juno Temple steps into an important supporting role and she is absolutely amazing. I feel like she is the perfect example of an underappreciated actress in Hollywood because most people recognize her but will probably have a difficult time recalling what she has been in without looking over her IMDb filmography. A London, England native, she is extremely talented and has played some very complex roles (if you have a strong stomach, check her out in Killer Joe- definitely worth it), and I honestly feel like she can do it all. Even though she plays the PERFECT crazy girl in Unsane, she is an actress more than capable of being the most talented on the screen, not to mention the sexiest- yeah, I said it. I really enjoyed the role comedic actor Jay Phoroah took on, and even though it was a supporting role he was an integral piece to the success of the film. Dabbling in a ton of different projects over the past five years or so, many viewers will feel like he looks familiar but can’t place him. He has had stints on Saturday Night Live, and also played small roles in Ride Along and Top Five. I thought he had a great on-screen presence and I really enjoyed his character. Veteran actor Joshua Leonard is incredible in his role, and even though you can tell right out of the gate something isn't right about this guy he still keeps you guessing. Interesting side note, Leonard's very first role came in the money making cult classic horror film The Blair Witch Project (1999). I genuinely enjoyed the entire cast and felt like the film did a really good job of “spreading the wealth” sort of speak.

Unsane is unique for a variety of reasons, many of which will more than likely leave viewers split on their thoughts and overall impression of the film. For me it comes down to understanding what a specific film is trying to accomplish, and trying to avoid critiquing it with the same parameters I would use with any other run-of-the mill release (most critics are incapable of this). When I take this approach I am finding it difficult to point out very many flaws or shortcomings. Sure it's unorthodox in many ways and certainly doesn’t include the bells and whistles most films do this day and age, but given these facts you have to commend the creativity right? At the end of the day this is yet another impressive Steven Soderbergh film that will keep him in the conversation as one of the better directors out there today. Even though Unsane isn’t necessarily a movie I would consider to have the potential for repeat viewings, (I do need to see it at least once more as I am sure I will notice details I missed the first time around), it is still very much a satisfying experience from a talented director.

Tomb Raider

Director Roar Uthaug

Genre Action | Adventure

Cast Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 16th, 2018

“Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.”

From Norwegian director Roar Uthaug (Escape, The Wave), Tomb Raider is the latest film adaptation of the extremely popular action adventure videogame. Tomb Raider was always one of my favorite games growing up, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that the sexy main character contributed significantly to the appeal. The videogame version is still alive and well with a new game having come out recently. The first actress to step into the role on the big-screen was Angelina Jolie, and she did pretty well as far as fans were concerned (just don't ask the critics), but now it's Alicia Vikander's chance. Vikander fits the role well if I say so myself, and the trailer had me pumped up! I looked forward to her version of the beautiful Lara Croft. The cast includes Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Hannah John-Kamen, and Dominic West.

Easily the best portrayal of the beautifully confident adventurer Lara Croft yet, Alicia Vikander's Tomb Raider is an effective origin story that will satisfy longtime fans and newcomers. I grew up with the Tomb Raider videogames, and admittedly as a young teen with raging hormones I was always especially intrigued by Lara Croft’s well above average “upper region.” In a world where sex sells (this is a saying I tend to reference often and it holds true to this day) that aspect of the action adventure character was always and continues to be a primary focus. This lead to the casting of Angelina Jolie in the 2001 videogame adaptation Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and even though she fit the role perfectly (at least as far as the look) the film was shredded by critics due to poor writing and emotionless action sequences. The studio took another crack at it in 2003 with Lara Croft Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life, but were met with disappointingly similar results. The attempts were shelved for roughly 15 years, and after a few successful releases of the Tomb Raider videogames, Warner Brothers, in collaboration with videogame developer Square Enix decided to give it another shot, and I’m glad they did.

Even though I am a longtime fan of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, the failings of the earlier films tempered my expectations- not to mention the fact that videogame adaptations tend to face an uphill battle. The 2018 version of Tomb Raider brings with it what feels like a new energy and determination to succeed. Alicia Vikander is confident right out of the gate and makes it clear she deserved this opportunity. The training she put in paid off as viewers are treated with a lean and muscular version of the actress we had yet to see. What I enjoyed most about Tomb Raider is the action sequences that pay direct tribute to the videogames, and at times I felt like I was watching a scene cut directly from the 2013 PlayStation 3 Tomb Raider. At the end of the day, Tomb Raider caters to fans of the long-running videogame franchise, and that really is what matters most. The film does feel slow at times, but I attribute that to the attempt at building up a true origin story, especially considering that it becomes clear the hope is to reignite a franchise with at least a few sequels on the horizon- and I am more than okay with that (more Alicia Vikander? Yes please).

As I’ve touched on a few times, I am genuinely pleased with the decision to bring Alicia Vikander on board to play Lara Croft. Sure, Vikander doesn’t have the “attributes” that the character has in the videogames, but she still has the look and is undeniably beautiful. Also, unless you live under a rock you know that the 29-year old Swedish actress nabbed an Oscar in 2016 for her role in The Danish Girl (don’t worry if you didn’t see it, neither did I). Still, winning an Oscar is quite an accomplishment, I mean it took Leo DiCaprio nearly his entire career to finally nab the gold for himself.  Hmm, that actually reminds me, retired NBA star Kobe Bryant just won an Oscar- man 2018 is off to a strange start. Back on topic, it is clear Vikander went through some intense training for this role, and I also read that she did many of her own stunts- so awesome job by her. So just to recap, she is incredibly beautiful, talented, and very fit- she will be more than fine in her career.

An interesting side note, Vikander is married to actor Michael Fassbender, who recently took on the lead role in another videogame adaption, Assassin’s Creed. Vikander gets the majority of the screentime but she has a solid supporting cast as well. Veteran actor Dominic West (The Wire) takes on the pivotal role of Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s father. West is fantastic and I felt like he added the necessary emotional depth to ensure viewers were moved by the close relationship he shared with his daughter and the sacrifices he made. You can’t help but wonder why a man who has so much is willing to lose it all but his selflessness as a human being is expressed very well. Walter Goggins (Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Vice Principals) plays a very important role as well and does well. Every film needs a quality bad guy and he is always willing to fill that void. Goggins may not be a huge star but he is a very talented actor, and his character in the FX series Justified is easily one of my favorite television bad guys. I also really enjoyed the role Daniel Wu played, and felt like the on-screen chemistry he developed with Vikander was crucial to the success of the film. All in all, the cast was very solid.

Tomb Raider may not be the box office blockbuster many hoped it would be, myself included, but it still stands on its own as an impressive adaptation of the classic videogames, and more importantly once again brings Lara Croft to the big-screen. It is also worth pointing out that Alicia Vikander deserves credit for the best portrayal of the classic action adventure character to date, and she earned it. I still feel like Angeline Jolie put forth a great effort in the face of weak writing and uninspired storytelling back when she was given her opportunity, so that blame really can’t be placed on her- but at the end of the day Vikander is the superior Croft. If you consider yourself to be a fan of the Tomb Raider videogames, I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy Tomb Raider- and if you could care less about them, it is still well worth the price of admission. Be sure to stick around for the scene during the end credits, it will get you pumped up for a sequel!

Red Sparrow

Director Francis Lawrence

Genre Thriller

Cast Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, Matthias Schoenaerts

Rating R

Release Date March 2nd, 2018

“Ballerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to ‘Sparrow School,’ a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a C.I.A. agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations.”

From director Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1), Red Sparrow is a spy thriller that takes a hard look at the world of espionage. Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is an extremely talented ballerina, but after an injury ends her dancing career she finds herself enrolled in "Sparrow School" where she is trained to use her looks and psychological warfare to aid the government in any assignment she is given. Her first assignment involves a C.I.A. agent (Joel Edgerton) and the events that unfold next threaten to unravel both nations. The cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, and Matthias Schoenaerts.

An edgy espionage thriller willing to push the limits, Red Sparrow is a high risk/high reward outing for Jennifer Lawrence and she delivers a powerful performance. This film is about as raw as it gets, and you will find yourself looking away during certain scenes, and will more than likely find yourself staring at the screen so intently during others your head will hurt (seriously, be prepared). This is the complete opposite of a film teetering on what it is trying to be while concerning itself with not offending viewers, and it is actually very refreshing. Many critics seemed to be split on their opinions of the film, which is genuinely surprising to me- perhaps they are too easily offended or simply cannot handle graphic content? If that is the case I get it, because this is a film that takes pretty much everything a little further than most movies these days would even dare to. Red Sparrow is very lengthy at 2 and a half hours, but I was impressed with the fact that it never actually felt slow. The film is well-written and has a complex backstory that unfolds smoothly, making it clear to viewers what transpired without making it feel dumbed down in any way- and I really liked that aspect. Oftentimes spy or espionage thrillers overcomplicate themselves losing viewers entirely, and significantly lowering the entertainment value of the film- it is a very difficult balance no question.

Prepare for your jaw to be resting on the floor pretty much the entire movie (ladies included), because Jennifer Lawrence looks that good in this role. When I put together reviews I generally struggle with finding images that are up to my quality standard, but with Red Sparrow it was the complete opposite, I struggled with too much of a good thing. I mean really, how can she look so damn good?! I need to slow my role, I’m starting to sweat a little. In all seriousness, the bleak environments are perfect for further highlighting the beauty of Lawrence and the other Sparrows. I really enjoyed the cinematography and camerawork in Red Sparrow, and I felt like director Frances Lawrence really took pride in his work. Lawrence is no stranger to intense action or bleak settings after directing I Am Legend and Constantine, and his experience is put to very good use here. Make no mistake, Red Sparrow is extremely violent and pushes the envelope in many respects so proceed with caution. On a few different occasions Sparrow school is referred to as “wh**e school,” and this isn’t far from the truth. Even if I knew Lawrence's character was a Sparrow, and it was likely her ultimate goal was to seduce me and either kill or blackmail me, I would probably still take my chances. Go big or go home right?

One of the biggest strengths of Red Sparrow is the quality of the acting, which is simply fantastic. Lead by Jennifer Lawrence who is violently gorgeous and seductively dangerous, this is easily her best role since American Hustle. Lawrence commands the screen in a way that is unique to her talents as an actress, and it really is a joy to experience. Joel Edgerton is the perfect actor to star alongside Lawrence, and the two developed excellent chemistry throughout the film. Edgerton is building quite the career for himself, and even jumped in to the director's chair churning out the hit thriller The Gift in 2015, which he also starred in. He actually won me over with his performance in the 2011 drama The Warrior- an amazing yet underappreciated film I've seen at least 10 times. He was great in the Netflix exclusive Bright alongside Will Smith- although he is unrecognizable due to the mutant character he plays. I really enjoyed Matthias Schoenaerts in his role as Dominika's successful, yet extremely dangerous uncle. The believability of his character played a pivotal role in the success of the film and he was spot on. He played the role of Eric Deeds in the crime drama The Drop, a film that also starred Tom Hardy and the late and great James Gandolfini. I honestly couldn’t find a weak spot in the entire cast.

Red Sparrow is a hard-hitting and admittedly bleak drama that will scratch the espionage thriller itch for viewers, and then some. Jennifer Lawrence yet again, proves she has serious range as an actress and should be included in the conversation as one of the best actresses of this era (she is certainly in my top 10). The plot unfolds nicely and keeps viewers in the loop from start to finish, and I really liked how it starts out with highlighting two separate storylines that will soon intersect. I actually read that the tactics of espionage used in the film are actually pretty authentic to the methods used the world over, which I found to be very interesting. Red Sparrow is a well-crafted spy thriller that I absolutely recommend seeing in theaters- and as I mentioned before, the faint of heart should proceed with caution.

Thoroughbreds

Director Cory Finley

Genre Drama | Thriller

Cast Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin, Paul Sparks

Rating R

Release Date March 9th, 2018 (Limited)

“Two upper-class teenage girls in suburban Connecticut rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of growing apart. Together, they hatch a plan to solve both of their problems-no matter what the cost.”

Written and directed by Cory Finley, his writing and directorial debut, Thoroughbreds is a drama thriller about two upper-class teenage girls who decide to take matters into their own hands in an effort to solve all of their problems. The 28-year old Finley is a talented up-and-coming screenwriter, and when his agents sent the script to production companies and theater studios he expected that it would end up as a stage play but was pleasantly surprised by the interest. Oscar-winning writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash signed on to produce, and they were joined by Alex Saks and her production company June Pictures that recently churned out the Oscar-nominated film The Florida Project. The cast includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Cooke, Anton Yelchin, and Paul Sparks.

With a uniquely powerful score and soundtrack matched only by its stellar cast, director Cory Finley’s debut Thoroughbreds is a tightly wound drama that will penetrate your subconscious. Finley has a vision and an in-depth understanding of human emotion, and that develops into a very unique and entertaining experience for viewers. Thoroughbreds never once “spoon feeds” viewers, instead it maintains the feeling that if you want to truly understand what is going on, you need to pay very close attention. For me that is the only way a tense drama is successful. I want to feel like it is my responsibility to process and decipher the deeper message a film has to offer, and honestly with many films that have a deeper underlying meaning, it really is the responsibility of each and every individual viewer to determine what that deeper meaning really is. There really isn’t an easy answer. It is worth noting that Thoroughbreds is a “different” sort of movie, and by that I mean it is unique and slower paced in many ways. This is due to the fact that the script was originally envisioned as a play, but thanks to studio interest it became a movie. I really enjoyed this element of the film but some viewers may find themselves put off by it, so keep that in mind if you tend to struggle with certain indie films.

Considered by many critics to be a dark comedy or even a horror thriller, I see Thoroughbreds as more in the realm of a dark and twisted suspense driven thriller due to its many layers, and well to put it in simple terms, lack of true humor (you may still chuckle due to some awkward situational humor). Each scene offers viewers a glimpse further into the minds of very unstable and complex characters, and you WILL feel the tension building. It really is incredible that this is the directorial debut for Cory Finley because of how creative and effective the camerawork was, from the way it followed characters down hallways and entryways, sometimes taking a different route and intersecting with the characters at some other point. You really need to see it for yourself to understand what I am trying to say. As I mentioned before, the score and soundtrack is absolutely amazing, and it goes hand in hand with the unique camerawork. A song that is first introduced during the middle of the film reenters our eardrums just as the end credits appear. It’s difficult to explain but this had a profound effect on me personally, and in some way serves as a culmination of what I took away from the film. I’m not even quite sure what you would call the genre, perhaps it’s in the same realm as Korn’s “Freak on a Leash,” but check out the song “Sila” from A Tribe Called Red. It really sets the tone. Thoroughbreds is one of those rare experiences that stays with you, and slowly begins to resonate with you that much more hours or days after watching it- to me that is the true definition of filmmaking as an art form. I was entertained throughout and found myself trying to make the extra effort to ensure I didn’t miss anything, but it really wasn’t until later the next day when I really started to truly appreciate it. I can’t wait to see it again. 

The cast for Thoroughbreds is fantastic, including a group of very talented young actors. Anya Taylor-Joy continues her run as a rising star after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed 2015 horror film The Witch. A native of Miami, FL, Taylor-Joy seems to have it all- youth, beauty, and most importantly a knack for taking advantage of her opportunities. The youngest of 6 children, she knew she wanted to be an actress early on and got her first break with a modeling gig. Her complex character in Thoroughbreds epitomizes her talents as an actress and further reinforces the fact that she has earned her rightful place in Hollywood. Taylor-Joy’s co-star Olivia Cooke, known for the series Bates Motel as well as one of my favorite coming-of-age films Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, genuinely impressed me with her ability to play a very serious role. Now granted, Cooke has proven she is most comfortable playing dramatic roles, her character in Thoroughbreds takes things to another level and she really is amazing. Cooke also landed a lead role in the upcoming Steven Spielberg sci-fi novel adaptation Ready Player One. The chemistry that develops between both lead actresses is absolutely top-notch. Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire, House of Cards) is great as well, and will make your skin crawl as the clearly entitled and on-edge step-dad who finds who eventually bites off more than he can chew.

Anton Yelchin delivers a chillingly impactful posthumous performance in his final role. The 27-year old St. Petersburg, Russia native passed away tragically on June 19th, 2016, in Studio City, CA. Yelchin was building an impressive career with roles in Star Trek: Beyond, as well as the violent thriller Green Room, alongside Patrick Stewart. In Thoroughbreds, Yelchin plays a misunderstood twenty-something with a checkered past, who ends up meeting his match when he crosses paths with Taylor-Joy’s character at a party. I absolutely loved Yelchin’s performance, and right up until the final scene I felt like this was the perfect sendoff for the talented actor who was taken from us much too soon. It was actually a bit surreal watching his character on-screen who commonly spoke of his future plans and the fact that he was destined to be successful and have a bright future- it’s just sad.  Nonetheless, Thoroughbreds includes stellar acting from top to bottom and provides fans of Yelchin a powerful piece of art that they can hold onto for the foreseeable future. RIP.

Taking full advantage of a screenplay with incredible depth, Thoroughbreds is a tense drama highlighting some fantastic performances. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but the best thing a film can be is a unique experience for viewers, and this is that and then some. Originally written with the expectation that it would become a play, Thoroughbreds may feel a bit too “different” for casual viewers but I urge you to give it a chance- I think it will surprise you. It does feel like a play with each slow developing scene, but it surely isn’t boring. Cory Finley may be a bit of an unknown at this point, but after a debut that started with rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, I have a feeling that his name will come up again very soon. The success of the film lives and dies with the overall vision of an ambitious script and a very talented cast, and even though I am truly saddened that this is the last time I will see Anton Yelchin on-screen, this is a worthy sendoff and I intend to add Thoroughbreds to my Blu-ray collection as my way of preserving his memory in some small way. Highly recommended.

Never Hike Alone

Director Vincente DiSanti

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Drew Leighty, Vincent DiSante, Kate Schwartz, Thom Mathews

Rating Unrated

Release Date October 13th, 2017 (Friday the 13th)

“A hiker’s survival skills are put to the test, when he stumbles upon the remains of an old abandoned camp and discovers its long dark secrets.”

Written and directed by Vincent DiSanti, his directorial debut for a full-length film, Never Hike Alone is a fan made Friday the 13th film built from the ground up to satisfy a huge fan base. The film follows hiker and survivalist Kyle McLeod as he films a trek through the woods that inadvertently takes him to the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. McLeod heard the stories of Jason Voorhees and his mother Pamela growing up, but as an adult what used to scare him as a kid become more of a curiosity. Released by Womp Stomp Films, a Los Angeles based independent film company, the project was funded by a Kickstarter campaign consisting of 294 backers, raising a total of $18,934 with a goal of $13,000. The cast includes Drew Leighty as Kyle, director Vincent DiSante as Jason Voorhees, Kate Schwartz, Thom Mathews as Tommy Jarvis, and Robert DuBois. 

A Kickstarter backed Friday the 13th fan film that exceeds all expectations, Never Hike Alone is a must watch for any fan of the franchise and holds up as an effective found-footage style horror thriller. Clocking in at just shy of 54 minutes, it does count as “feature-length” as it exceeds the 40 minute threshold. Just to provide a bit of background, I am what most people would consider a hardcore fan of the Friday the 13th franchise. Even though I was born 4 years after the first film released, I grew up watching the movies and I always loved the Jason character, but even as a kid I never considered him a threat. My mindset was always as long as I stay away from Camp Crystal Lake Jason will leave me alone. I own many of the films individually on Blu-ray, as well as the full Blu-ray set and full DVD set, a full size wearable mask that was custom made, as well as a few other Jason masks I collected over the years. Bottom line, this franchise is in my blood. Never Hike Alone is a perfect example of what longtime fans of this amazing franchise deserve, an authentic look at present day Camp Crystal Lake providing a heavy dose of nostalgia (I get goosebumps just thinking about it). I really liked the portrayal of Jason, from the thud sound made by each step he took, to his slow moving yet dangerous ability to strike with extreme strength. As with the franchise from the start, Jason is a resourceful, relentless, and extremely patient killer, and those characteristics are fully intact here. Jason does his trademark head turn that is usually on display when something baffles him, and they also made sure to implement the simple fact that Jason is basically immortal and hitting him just pisses him off even more (just ask the dude from the rooftop in Jason Takes Manhattan who no longer has a head).

The writing is spot on as well with smooth pacing, and the lead character was the perfect choice. Putting a skilled survivalist up against Jason at least feels like a slightly better match compared to a bunch of horny half-baked counselors (although it is fun watching him carve them up). The fact that the director, Vincent DiSanti, also played Jason is pretty cool. He is a talented director and had some great shots and transitions in between scenes, right up to the final scene which closed things out nicely. I also have to commend the make-up/FX team, consisting of Kelsey Berk, because Jason looked great and the wounds were very realistic. Jason looked like a guy who lives in the woods worshipping the head of his deceased mother, and hasn’t showered in about 30 years, and yeah, that fits the bill. So many scenes felt like a genuine tribute to the franchise, like the various shots of Jason observing his surroundings, or when the camera is over Jason’s shoulder seeing things from his perspective. I just can’t say enough about how well shot this film is and it really felt like fans of the franchise poured their hearts and souls into this project. The score and sound effects were amazing and really added a TON of value to the film. Any successful horror movie relies on a quality soundtrack and score in order to emphasize the more intense moments and they did a great job with that. Considering the resources they were afforded and the fact that the project was backed by a Kickstarter campaign, I really can’t think of many criticisms. This is purely based on how I feel a victim would react while being hunted by Jason and fighting for survival. It certainly felt more realistic than the way the characters reacted in the recently released horror film The Strangers: Prey at Night, which had a 5 million dollar budget.

The cast for Never Hike Alone is small but very talented. Drew Leighty, who takes on the lead role, has only been acting since 2016 and has a few small credits on his IMDb filmography, but I really enjoyed his performance. The film is shot in a documentary style, partially using his GoPro camera while also utilizing a few other cameras, and his demeanor feels authentic to what you would expect from someone who films hiking adventures for their social media followers. I think he did a fantastic job especially considering his level of experience. Vincent DiSanti, a multi-talented director and actor, took on the crucial role of killer Jason Voorhees and I was very pleased with his performance. Last but certainly not least, fans are treated with an EPIC cameo appearance by Tommy Jarvis, played by Thom Mathews, the actual Tommy Jarvis from Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives (1986), who also voiced the character in Friday the 13th The Game. Granted it has been a long time since fans saw Mathews play Jarvis on screen and he has certainly aged, but that voice is unmistakable. He brings with him a few of his trademark lines as well and man it was cool to see him again. It put a big smile on this fan's face- that’s for sure.

Never Hike Alone is a blast to experience, and as a huge fan of Friday the 13th it further reinforced what I already knew - which is the simple fact that we should have a new movie by now! Unfortunately, the reason we don’t comes down to studio politics and issues with rights, etc., which honestly pisses me off. These people need to get their acts together and do right by a fan base that has been supporting this franchise for 35 years at this point! I will gladly open my wallet and I know many others will as well. It is clear from the jump that a ton of time and effort was put into this film, and it all comes together extremely well all things considered. I mean let’s face it, Friday the 13th fans have been begging for another movie for nearly a decade and these guys were able to give us something that will at the very least ease our appetite for a bit longer. The sad reality is it will probably be awhile before we get the elusive 13th film in the franchise. Personally, I have been feeding my cravings with another project that started as a Kickstarter campaign, Friday the 13th: The Game, and I am having an absolute blast with it. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already. Never Hike Alone is made for Friday the 13th fans by Friday the 13th fans, and for that reason, it is an absolute must-see. It also leaves the door open for a sequel (here’s to hoping). Highly recommended.

Are you a huge Friday the 13th fan?! Do you play the game? Let us know in the comments section. Also for hardcore fans interested in the Blu-ray or DVD version of the film, a limited quantity will be for sale through Indiegogo so you will need to act fast! (Blu-ray is region-free but the DVD is strictly region 1 for those of you outside of the United States.)

Would you like to check out Never Hike Alone for yourself?! Well you're in luck! We have the full-length film below courtesy of Womp Stomp Films. Enjoy!!

Love, Simon

Director Greg Berlanti

Genre Drama

Cast Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Talitha Eliana Bateman

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 16th, 2018

“Everyone deserves a great love story. But for Simon it’s complicated: no-one knows he’s gay and he doesn’t know who the anonymous classmate is that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, scary and life-changing.”

From director Greg Berlanti (Life as We Know It), Love, Simon is a coming-of-age drama about a high school teenager who is struggling with his sexual identity. The film is based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, written by author Becky Albertalli. The book was published in April 2015 and was the American author’s debut novel. The cast includes Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, and Talitha Eliana Bateman.

A genuinely heartwarming experience and a true breath of fresh air, Love, Simon is an absolute must see and easily the coming-of-age movie of the year. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I am a sucker for a good coming-of-age film, a few of my favorites that are sadly a bit under the radar include Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. This is one of those rare examples that seems to get pretty much everything right. The first thing I noticed was how perfect the cast was, from Simon, to his family, to all of his friends and “sort of” friends. The high school setting is very well done and feels authentic. The balance of comedy and drama is prevalent throughout without sacrificing one or the other. As a follow-up to his comedy drama Life as We Know It, director Greg Berlanti is amazing behind the camera, and I really enjoyed the soundtrack which was the perfect mix of old and new. I have yet to read the book (I know, I’m on it), so I can’t speak from experience as to how close the adaptation is, however I feel pretty confident it is spot on. Two of my favorite book to film adaptations include The Fault in Our Stars and more recently Wonder, and I think this is on par with those.

When a film is successful in adapting a popular novel it always has a creative feel to it that somehow makes you feel like you are watching a book unfold on-screen. From the use of narration to the way each new character is introduced, it all feels very seamless. About a quarter of the way through the movie I felt a closeness to the characters that fully immersed me in what was unfolding on-screen, and that really is a tremendous feeling. Considering the subject matter Love, Simon remains neutral and never feels like it is trying to push an agenda, instead it coveys the opposite massage which is universal acceptance. Watching the relationship between Simon and his father develop throughout the movie is really something special. For me, that aspect felt like a life lesson in the struggles that come with parenting, and how difficult it can be to truly know and understand your kids, especially as they transition into the ever so complicated teen years. I just hope that some of the more closed-minded people give Live, Simon a chance because I really think they will thoroughly enjoy it, and maybe even learn to appreciate people from all walks of life. I also really liked how all of the events that took place felt natural, and I think that was paramount to the success of the film. Now, I’m not trying to preach to you I promise, but I do believe that as human beings nobody is perfect and we all have our flaws, and the sooner we accept that the easier life becomes- that I do believe.

The cast for Love, Simon is absolutely perfect. Even though I have yet to read the book (again, it’s on my list), I can’t imagine a better actor than Nick Robinson to take on the role of Simon. Robinson lights up the screen and portrays a smart, funny, yet very complex character to a tee. Even though I was extremely impressed by Robinson’s performance I couldn’t place him as far as any other movies or shows that I’ve seen him in. When I started working on my review, I discovered that Robinson played the lead role in one of my favorite coming-of-age films, The Kings of Summer (2013). Even though it’s only been 5 years, Robinson hit quite a growth spurt and I didn’t even recognize him. I also learned that after a great performance in The Kings of Summer, he was next able to snag a role in the film Jurassic World. The future is bright for this kid.

Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel team up as Simon’s parents, and they are AMAZING together. I love Garner (I mean who doesn’t?!) and Duhamel has always been a favorite of mine, even though he is generally a supporting role type actor. I was first exposed to him in the T.V. series Las Vegas, which ran from 2003-2008, and he was great in that series. Talitha Eliana Bateman plays Simon’s younger sister and even though she has limited screen time she does a fantastic job. One of the most recognizable faces in the cast who should be fresh in viewers’ minds is the star of the hit Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why, Katherine Langford. Langford doesn’t miss a beat as Simon’s longtime best friend and I really enjoyed her role and the chemistry she shared with Robinson. Veteran actor Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Veep) is absolutely hilarious as the vice principal, Mr. Worth. I really enjoyed his character, and he is credited with a large chunk of the laughs generated throughout the film. I could honestly go on and on talking about how much I enjoyed the cast because of the amazing chemistry, so kudos to them.

Love, Simon is a feel good movie the entire family will enjoy, and it also teaches a few valuable life lessons along the way. Oh, and don’t be surprised if the theater you are in claps at least 2 or 3 times during the movie because mine did, and I was fine with it. More than anything else this movie is a perfect example of what I would consider to be an effortlessly refreshing experience. As soon as I left the theater I wanted to see Love, Simon again, and that is a very good sign. This isn’t a tear jerker but for those of you with a soft spot for emotional moments, be sure to keep a tissue or two nearby just in case (my girlfriend definitely shed a few tears). Do yourself a favor and check this one out while it’s in theaters, you’ll be glad you did. I hope to see it again soon, and I will be adding Love, Simon to my Blu-ray collection of coming-of-age favorites. Highly recommended.

Check out the official trailer below.

The Strangers: Prey at Night

Director Johannes Roberts

Genre Horror

Cast Christina Hendricks, Bailey Madison, Martin Henderson, Emma Bellomy

Rating R

Release Date March 9th, 2018

“A family staying in a secluded mobile home park for the night are visited by three masked psychopaths, to test their every limit.”

From director Johannes Roberts (The Other Side of the Door, 47 Meters Down), Strangers: Prey at Night is the sequel to the 2008 horror thriller The Strangers that became a cult classic. The original film wasn’t all that well received by critics but I think they got it wrong. The cast includes Christina Hendricks, Bailey Madison, Martin Henderson, and Lewis Pullman.

Poorly written and at times painfully predictable, The Strangers: Prey at Night has potential, but inevitably falls well short of its predecessor. I’ll be honest, I had relatively high expectations for this film because I really enjoyed the original. I felt like it was a genuinely disturbing horror thriller that felt real making it that much more authentic, and in the process more terrifying. I felt like the decisions the characters made during the worst night of their lives made sense, or at the very least seemed like the decisions people that were fighting for their lives would make. Yet, for reasons that I can’t figure out for the life of me, instead of bringing back the original screenwriter the studio brings in Ben Ketai to write the script, which is supposed to draw inspiration from Bryan Bertino’s screenplay from the original (which he also directed). Instead, Ketai decided he would dumb things down significantly for Prey at Night to the point where the audience is either bored, annoyed, or both. I mean how many times can you shake your head due to so many inconsistencies and still enjoy a movie? The plot is simple and the stage is set, just have fun with it and make the characters feel real. I did read an interview where the question was asked whether this film is really based on true events, and apparently Ketai drew the inspiration from a time where some strange girl knocked on his door, but beyond that the film is inspired by the Manson murders. I think this guy needs some inspiration, badly. Perhaps it had something to do with cast limitations or studio pressure, or even just rewrites that absolutely butchered what started as a quality script.

I hate to say it but I do blame the writing, and I think this falls on the shoulders of Ketai considering he is in fact one of the writers responsible for yet another horror film that failed to meet expectations, the Natalie Dormer horror The Forest (2016). That film shared many of the same “are you f’ing kidding me” moments making it nearly impossible for it to be scary or all that enjoyable. I mean talk about the perfect setting for a horror film, the suicide forest is a real place and it is seriously messed up, yet the script made it feel so unscary half the people who saw The Forest decided to make visiting the suicide forest a bucket list item simply out of spite (this is an exaggeration but probably not that far from the truth). Another big issue, why is this movie rated R?! I mean really, this could have been given a PG-13 rating easily. Boy, do I miss the good old days of 80’s slasher movies, simple and effective. Such a waste. Now I will commend director Johannes Roberts because I honestly think he did a fantastic job, and I also really liked the cinematography, score, and soundtrack, which is another reason why I am so annoyed - this movie could have and should have been really good!! I could go on and on shredding the things the characters did in Prey at Night that made zero sense, but I need to keep this review spoiler free - I mean after all my word is my bond. Damn you Ketai, damn you, damn you, damn you.

The casting decisions for The Strangers: Prey at Night didn’t dig too deep into the talent pool of Hollywood, but that isn’t really atypical of a horror movie. The beautifully redheaded and former Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks leads the way and she is great, I have nothing bad to say about her performance. It is clear from the beginning she is the most talented actress in the group and I can’t knock her for lack of effort. But again, she is handed limited resources. Now I come to Bailee Madison who is given the majority of the screen time in the film even though she is primarily a T.V. actress. She has played a few pivotal supporting roles, including a role in the drama Brothers alongside Natalie Portman, but the fact remains, she is an average actress at best. In Prey for Night she is put on the forefront which combined with poor writing is NOT a good thing. I’m not saying she was absolutely horrible in her role, but she wasn’t great and certainly didn’t deserve to be the main focus. But to be fair Ben Ketai’s writing did make Natalie Dormer come across like a D-list actress in The Forest, so who knows. But hey, Madison is cute so that’s a plus. The cast is rounded out by Martin Henderson and Lewis Pullman, both of which are average at best which is again in large part due to the script. I’m not even going to bother talking too much about the three psychopaths Dollface, Pin-Up Girl, or Man in the Mask (as they are credited on IMDb), because let’s be honest they didn’t have to dig all that deep into their bag of acting talents for their respective roles. Just to reiterate, the blame does not fall entirely on the cast. A better script with this same cast could produce a very good movie, I have zero doubt.

The Strangers: Prey at Night fails to be an effective horror thriller for a number of reasons, but the potential it had coming out of the gate is undeniable. The fact that it has been a decade since the original film made its debut, providing ample time to get things right, makes it that much more disappointing that we were still delivered this lackluster excuse of a movie. I really enjoyed director Johannes Roberts shark attack thriller 47 Meters Down, as well as his horror film The Other Side of the Door which I suggest people check out, so I will do my best not to hold this film against him. According to his IMDb filmography he is working on the sequel, 48 Meters Down, set to release sometime in 2019 so I am looking forward to that. I will on the other hand hold this against Ben Ketai and I will be extra careful about any future horror films he has his name attached to. The Strangers: Prey at Night isn’t unwatchable, and honestly if you went in with low expectations and the understanding that the writing is just bad, you may really enjoy it for the ironic music and generally great horror movie setting (I mean really, what’s scarier than an abandoned trailer park?). Either way, you would be wise to wait and check this one out when it becomes available On-Demand and for rental.

Death Wish

Director Eli Roth

Genre Action | Crime | Drama

Cast Bruce Willis, Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone

Rating R

Release Date March 2nd, 2018

“Dr. Paul Kersey is an experienced trauma surgeon, a man who has spent his life saving lives. After an attack on his family, Paul must embark on his own mission for justice.”

From director Eli Roth, the man who brought us Cabin Fever, Hostel 1 & 2, and The Green Inferno, Death Wish is a crime drama about a man who’s family is violently attacked, and after time passes and the perpetrators haven’t been brought to justice, he decides to take matters into his own hands. The film is a remake of the 1974 crime drama starring Charles Bronson, which turned into a franchise with the 5th and final film releasing in 1994. The cast for the remake includes Bruce Willis, Vincent D’Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Camila Morrone, Dean Norris, and Kimberly Elise.

If you can keep an open mind and put the politics aside, Death Wish is a violently satisfying revenge thriller that will send viewers home happy. Admittedly releasing during a sensitive time considering the subject matter, this is a solid crime drama that serves up some stone cold vigilante justice. As much as I wish all film critics would review each movie fairly regardless of genre and timing of the release, unfortunately that just isn’t how it works. After seeing the harsh early reviews, I assumed Death Wish was yet another direct to Redbox movie that somehow made its way into theaters, so I decided to proceed with caution. I did however, make it a point to see it right away regardless, and I was genuinely pleased that I did. In many ways Death Wish reminds me of the sorta superhero movie Kick-Ass, except you replace the superhero with a bald white guy in a hoodie. But seriously, they have a few similarities. Both films present the dilemma of vigilante justice, and although they feature real violence and of course death, they somehow maintain a sense of a lighter mood throughout the film, and that is difficult to do. Death Wish isn't glorifying violence, if anything it puts the issue on the forefront and actually tries to break it down from a variety of angles utilizing Sway's SiriusXM radio show as a media outlet to connect with the general public. Death Wish is actually very effective at building tension and suspense, and it had me on the edge of my seat on a number of occasions. Luckily, the cringe-worthy ultraviolent moments are less prevalent so viewers that have a hard time with that should be able to get through the film relatively easily.

Gun control is a hot topic right now and for damn good reason, but as with most debates everything tends to get too political and nothing really changes. But I ask you this question, is it okay for film critics to bash a movie simply because it released during a sensitive time? I mean at the end of the day it is just that, a movie. Now as someone who was looking forward to Death Wish, I read my share of early critic feedback and most of the criticisms I encountered had little to do with the quality of the movie. I read references to the ongoing issue of police violence against African Americans in many inner-cities with a critic stating, “First we complain that the police are too violent, now we are saying they aren’t violent enough?" First of all, the movie isn't saying that at all, not even close. It is frustrating in the social-media age we live in when considering how much control film critics can have on whether viewers see a movie or not, even though many of them may very well be pushing an agenda. My suggestion to you as the viewer is simple, instead of simply looking at the ratings actually take some time to see what some of the critics are saying about the movie. You will be surprised by how ridiculous and unfair some of the "reviews" really are. One critic in particular was disgusted that the movie steered the audience towards rooting for the protagonist (Willis) which blows my mind (insert eye roll). It is worth pointing out that the recent revenge thriller The Foreigner starring Jackie Chan was very well-received by critics. Is that because this film starred an Asian American getting revenge as opposed to a run of the mill "white guy"? Just a thought. Also, an interesting side note, veteran movie critic Roger Ebert rated both movies very poorly and actually rated Death Wish slightly higher - I guess it's safe to say he isn't much for revenge flicks. After further review, Ebert did rate one of my favorite revenge thrillers Law Abiding Citizen pretty high so I don't know what to think, I guess he is just a complex guy.

I’m not quite sure how to explain how it felt when Bruce Willis’ character took out a well-deserving bad guy and the entire theater cheered and clapped- you know what scratch that, it felt pretty damn good. It caught me off guard to say the least, but it reminded me that each and every person who bought a ticket came to the theater to see the same thing I did, a good guy wiping out a bunch of really, really bad guys. Not once did I feel morally conflicted with feelings of “should I really be rooting for a civilian taking the law into his own hands?”. I mean let’s be real, this movie takes place in Chicago, and if people are naïve enough to think that the Chicago Police Department has things under control in that city, you are sorely mistaken. And this isn’t a blame game bashing the police department by any stretch, and the movie isn’t saying that either, it is just the reality that violence is on the rise in many of our major cities, and audiences find enjoyment in watching some of these offenders come face to face with their reckoning. So what’s wrong with that?

Death Wish puts together a solid cast who are able to compliment each other very well. Leading man Bruce Willis has been in what seems like a million movies at this point. I did some research and in actuality Willis has 118 acting credits according to his IMDb filmography, and his first real movie was the hit 1988 action thriller Die Hard which developed into a very successful long-running franchise. Still, very impressive. At this point in his career Willis sometimes takes on projects that are lucky to get a Blu-ray release and usually end up direct to streaming or On-Demand, but he is still very much a legitimate actor capable of a fantastic performance. Is that what you get from him in Death Wish? Not necessarily, because the movie makes a point of not pushing the dramatic angle too much, making some of the acting come across as a little corny, but honestly it still works. I enjoyed Willis as the man to take over where Charles Bronson left off and I would be more than fine with a sequel or two. The supporting cast is solid starting with Elisabeth Shue and Camilla Malone (who is absolutely gorgeous) as the wife and daughter of Bruce Willis' character. The recognizable king of supporting roles Vincent D’Onofrio delivers yet another effective performance, and fans of Breaking Bad will be pleased with the detective role played by Dean Norris aka Hank Schrader. 

Death Wish hits every note necessary for a successful revenge thriller that can be a bit over the top at times, and above all it is very entertaining from start to finish. If you don’t' take some time to actually read the critic reviews prior to making a trip to the theater and instead just look at the rating this film will more than likely become an afterthought, but I am here to tell you that is an absolute injustice. Is Death Wish a film promoting gun violence during a time where you can't scroll your social media timeline for more than 30 seconds without reading something to do with the gun control debate? It may seem that way when you watch the trailers, but that really isn't the case. I mean Death Wish isn't glorifying picking up a weapon and blasting some random guy walking down the street for no reason - it is very much the contrary. This is the story of a good man willing to do anything to protect his family, and in the process he decides to right a few other wrongs. I really enjoyed Death Wish and was pleased I made the decision to check it out in theaters, and you should too. Recommended.

Black Panther

Director Ryan Coogler

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Martin Freeman

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 16th, 2018

“T’Challa, after the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation to succeed to the throne and take his rightful place as king.”

Directed and co-written by California native Ryan Coogler, Black Panther is the origin story for one of the most impactful characters from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe. Black Panther was introduced to audiences in epic fashion in last year’s Captain America: Civil War, setting the stage for the upcoming stand-alone film. Coogler partnered with Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker on his debut project, Fruitvale Station, which also starred Michael B. Jordan. All of Coogler’s films thus far have included Jordan in a starring role (he was also the lead in Creed), and so far it seems to be working out pretty well. The cast for Black Panther includes Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, and Martin Freeman.

Further cementing his rightful place as one of Hollywood’s most intriguing young talents, Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther is an exhilarating experience with a very powerful message. The hype train for this movie left the station weeks ago, and right out of the gate it was labeled as one of the biggest movie releases of 2018. Expectations this high can be a recipe for disaster, but you can rest easy because Black Panther delivers the goods. Complete with a riveting soundtrack thanks to breakout artist Kendrick Lamar, this is a film that NEEDS to be seen in an IMAX or RPX theater. The way the soundtrack and score is integrated into the transition between scenes is just awesome. The CGI is incredible as expected, yet it never feels overly relied on, which I really liked. This equates to some absolutely thrilling action scenes, one of my favorites being a variation of the scene most people will be familiar with from recent Lexus commercials. Black Panther hits a high note in pretty much every category that matters, and I am honestly hard pressed to find a weak spot. Some may argue that it is a little slow at times, but that is to be expected of a true origin story as it sets the table for what's to come next. And don't worry, it really doesn’t feel slow. A few jokes have been getting thrown around social media saying that the marketing for the film has made it seem like the fictional East African nation of Wakanda is actually a real place (which it's not of course), but I feel like that speaks to the amazing attention to detail that went into this film. Much like Black Panther's core values, Wakanda is representative of unity and hope, and for that reason people want it to be a real place. And to take it one step further, people want society as a whole to try and somehow adapt the beliefs and universal understanding shared by the people of Wakanda. At least this is the message that resonated with me.

I can't help but compare Black Panther to Captain American: Civil War, or even Thor: Ragnarok, for obvious reasons, and it holds up extremely well next to both. What I will say is that in my humble opinion, this movie isn't quite as enjoyable as the two aforementioned Marvel films, when it comes down to "brass tax" which is just how fun a movie is. Ragnarok had the advantage of New Zealand-inspired fun and goofy humor although, it doesn’t quite contain the message Black Panther is able to deliver, and Civil War had an unfair advantage considering the fact that not only did it give audiences a peek at Black Panther, it also includes pretty much every other Marvel superhero, complete with an epic battle scene. But make no mistake, all 3 films deserve to be considered some of the best superhero films to hit the big-screen because they are just that, and each one has its own unique feel which fans will appreciate. It really is amazing what Marvel has been able to do with their movies in the last few years, handing the proverbial keys to the castle over to relatively unknown directors. First, brothers Anthony and Joe Russo blew critics away with Captain American: The Winter Soldier, ensuring they would get the opportunity to blow everyone away with Captain America: Civil War, which they did with ease. Now, the Russo brothers are hard at work with the film of all films, Avengers: Infiniti War, and much of the same is expected.

Looking past the success of the Russo brothers, who prior to The Winter Soldier were best known for You, Me and Dupree, little known New Zealand native Taiki Waititi was offered a chance at Thor: Ragnarok, and he delivered one of the most successful films to date from the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Now, 31-year old African American director Ryan Coogler gets his shot, a shot that may have seemed unlikely in a time where movie studios are hesitant to throw money at anything less than a sure thing, but at the same time aren’t we in a time where anything with Marvel attached to it is pretty much a sure thing? Born in Oakland, CA, director Ryan Coogler has been on a mission since graduating from the University of Southern California’s school of Cinematic Arts. Prior to Black Panther, Coogler’s resume included Fruitvale Station and Creed, both of which he wrote and directed. I have become somewhat of a fanboy of Coogler after he blew me away with his directorial debut Fruitvale Station, which was an experience I will never forget thanks to the theater full of people left in a stunned silence after the film ended. It was really something special. Coogler followed that up with Creed, the Rocky Balboa vehicle co-starring Sylvester Stallone, and he crushed it yet again, further showcasing his raw and intimate directing style. This guy is unquestionably someone that will continue to rise in the Hollywood ranks, and for me it shows a bright future for the industry.

The acting in Black Panther is absolutely phenomenal thanks to a stacked cast. Chadwick Boseman is an actor many of us should be familiar with by now, and he was the perfect choice for Black Panther. Boseman is a very versatile actor, and his ability to display raw emotion backed by flawless body language is a huge reason why he plays this character so well. Now when it was first announced that Ryan Coogler would be directing Black Panther, I knew he would find a way to get Michael B. Jordan involved, and he found the perfect role for him. Jordan is amazing as Black Panther’s nemesis, and it doesn’t hurt that he seemingly bulked up quite a bit for this role. The big fight scene between T'Challa (Black Panther/Boseman) and Killmonger (Jordan) is absolutely fantastic. I was extremely pleased with the performance from Letitia Wright, who plays Black Panther’s sister. As a relatively unknown actress, Wright has an incredible on-screen presence, and she quickly became one of my favorite characters. Former Hobbit star Martin Freeman is back in the Marvel Universe yet again and he delivers one of his better performances as Everett K. Ross. Andy Serkis is fantastic as he provides the comic relief as notorious bad guy, Ulysses Klaue. Forest Whitaker is great even though he has a limited role, and it was fascinating to learn that Whitaker actually partnered with director Ryan Coogler to help him get Fruitvale Station made. I could go on and on- it’s just a fantastic cast from top to bottom.   

Black Panther will be the topic of discussion for quite a long time for a variety of reasons, and most people will reference the fact that at its core, the movie simply "matters" more than most Hollywood blockbusters. This is a statement I can get behind 100% because it’s spot on. The depth of the Black Panther origin story has many layers, but beneath it all, the message you should take away from it is pretty simple- as human beings if we are doing well ourselves and have the ability to help others who may not be doing so well, we should help in any way we can.  Now when I read the initial reviews I was slightly concerned that the movie may feel too political, therefore taking away its ability to entertain the audience. I mean, let's not forget that at the end of the day this is supposed to be entertainment and that is why we buy a ticket in the first place, or at least that’s why I do. But Black Panther doesn’t feel political at all, it is actually genuinely refreshing in the way they were able to convey such a message without trying to sway you one way or the other. Black Panther is a blast of a movie that will only get better with multiple viewings, and as I mentioned before, try and see it in a theater with premium sound if at all possible. Highly recommended.

12 Strong

Director Nicolai Fuglsig

Genre Action | Drama | History

Cast Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Trevante Rhodes

Rating R

Release Date January 19th, 2018

“12 Strong tells the story of the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain, the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down for the Taliban.”

From director Nicolai Fuglsig, 12 Strong is a history war drama based on the book Horse Soldiers from author Doug Stanton, and the film was originally titled after the book but then was changed to 12 Strong. I recently finished the book and it was absolutely amazing. It is mind boggling how little I knew about what these men sacrificed for our great country, and I can't even tell you how many times the book gave me chills. This is the story of real-life action hero's post 9/11, taking the fight to the terrorists to prove that they made a costly mistake messing with us. The cast includes Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, and Trevante Rhodes.

A story that is unknown to the vast majority of American citizens, 12 Strong is an accurate retelling of the brave men who took on the Taliban after the tragic events of 9/11. As I previously mentioned, this film is based on the book Horse Soldiers: The Extraordinary Story of a Band of US Soldiers Who Rode to Victory in Afghanistan, written by author Doug Stanton, and it is an incredible and unbelievable story. This is about a group of men, fathers, brothers, sons, who felt they owed it to their Country to ensure we won’t fall victim to such a heinous terrorist attack again. I still can’t get over the fact that these men fought a modern war on horseback (yes, I said horseback!), going up against tanks and rocket launchers. Even though these men were as surprised as we were to be fighting this battle they embarked on in such a way, they didn’t hesitate, and that may be even more impressive than the end result itself.

If I were going to try and pick apart 12 Strong I would say that it really doesn’t match the intensity level that we have come to expect from war films based on actual events, such as Black Hawk Down, Zero Dark Thirty, or 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, to name of few. But the interesting thing about this specific critique is the fact it is actually very much true to the book. Certain aspects of the events that took place when these men teamed up with the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan seemed far-fetched, but they did in fact happen. So I guess that aspect really shouldn’t be held against the movie portrayal, right? It would seem unfair. The story itself is just so uniquely unbelievable in so many ways. I will say that the film did leave out certain controversial aspects of the book, one of the biggest being the fact that an American was discovered amongst the Taliban (not a spoiler!), but I realize it would have been difficult to put that into context in the film. All in all, 12 Strong brings an incredible story to life and I myself am thrilled that this movie was made if just for the simple fact that so many more people will now know this incredible story. Its funny because after the movie I was using the restroom on my way out of the theater and a few guys were in there as well talking about the movie and I overheard one of them say, “Man, it is so crazy that 12 guys went in to Afghanistan to take on the Taliban and we had no idea!”- that is the impact I hoped the film would have on audiences.

I will happily admit that they did a fantastic job with the cast for 12 Strong, bringing in big names like Chris Hemsworth and the two Michael’s (Shannon and Peña, of course). Many critics kept it light by saying Thor became Captain American on horseback in a fight against the Taliban, and while a little goofy, that isn’t entirely untrue. I really liked Hemsworth in this role and felt that he embodied everything necessary to be a believable leader of brave men. Hemsworth maintained a stoic and unflappable demeanor for the length of the film, true to the story of the man who’s story he was telling. Michael Shannon has become one of my favorite actors and I really like his incredible ability to become his character, especially when taking on a dramatic role- he was unreal in Nocturnal Animals. Shannon once again brings his ability for drama to 12 Strong and helps to further engrain the bond of brotherhood between all of these men.

Michael Peña is awesome as usual, and as I expected he brings more of the comedic element to the cast, ensuring things are light when necessary. He may not have the dramatic depth that Shannon is capable of, but his role in one of my favorite movies ever, Crash (2004), proves he is more than just a comedic actor. I really liked Geoff Stults in this film, and although you probably won’t recognize his name, he is an actor you will recognize as soon as you see him. Random fact, actor Austin Hebért, who didn’t have a large role in the film, reminded me of New England Patriots star wide receiver Julian Edelman each and every time he was on screen. I literally did a double take multiple times. Man, it would have been cool if Edelman was in the movie! Moonlight star Trevante Rhodes was impressive in his portrayal of a man who had a difficult time adjusting to life in Afghanistan, and I thought he was a great addition to the cast. I was a little surprised and disappointed with William Fichtner’s role, and although he was fine in his role, I just felt that he phoned it in a bit during a few of his scenes and lacked the emotional intensity he should have possessed. All in all, the supporting cast was solid.

12 Strong may not be the most exciting and intense war drama to make it to the big-screen, but it is an amazing story of bravery and determination, and more than anything else it should make us proud to be Americans. I do recommend that you read the book if you want a better understanding of what took place in Afghanistan during the Fall of 2001 because the pages stretch well beyond what the film is able to tell us. So I will leave you with this- it is far from the ultimate sacrifice to get up off of the couch and go learn a few things about the 12 men that, along with the help of the Northern Alliance, single-handedly saved thousands of lives by crippling Bin Laden and the Taliban, so please make the effort to see 12 Strong while it’s in theaters. It is well worth the price of admission. Recommended.

Den of Thieves

Director Christian Gudegast

Genre Action | Crime  | Drama

Cast Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., 50 Cent

Rating R

Release Date January 19th, 2018

“A gritty crime saga which follows the lives of an elite unit of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. and the state’s most successful bank robbery crew as the outlaws plan a seemingly impossible heist on the Federal Reserve Bank.”

Written and directed by Christian Gudegast, his directorial debut, Den of Thieves is a crime drama about a thief who finds himself stuck in the middle of a dangerous game of cat and mouse while attempting to plan a daring bank robbery. Gudegast previously wrote the screenplays for the Vin Diesel film A Man Apart, and Gerard Butler's London Has Fallen. The cast includes Gerard Butler, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., and Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson.

Evidently inspired by heist films such as The Town and Baby Driver, Den of Thieves is a gritty and immersive crime thriller complete with testosterone infused gunfights and big egos. Now, just because I pointed out the inspiration drawn from the films I mentioned previously doesn’t necessarily mean Den of Thieves is on the same level, but it is certainly in the same neighborhood. Den of Thieves is a film where it definitely helps to check expectations at the door sort of speak, which isn't a knock on the quality of the movie, but instead to simply prepare for one heck of a fun ride. I was looking forward to Den of Thieves for quite a while because of the cast as well as my obsession with gritty heist films, and it exceeded my relatively moderate expectations. It hits all of the key points without trying to do too much, and it has a very clear identity from the beginning.

It is apparent from the opening scene that this is a movie where you are going to see large men puffing out their chests while engaging in a very dangerous "pissing contest" and firing automatic weapons at each other with zero remorse, which is a recipe for success if you ask me. I was genuinely impressed with Christian Gudegast's directing style, especially considering this was his first time in the director’s chair, and felt that his raw style fit this type of film perfectly. Gudegast also wrote the script, so he clearly had a vision in mind, and he put everything together nicely. Den of Thieves also has a pretty good twist to the story that caught me off guard, and was one of those "ah-ha" moments which I thought was pretty cool. I picked up on a few things that felt inconsistent within the plot during the film, but once the twist was revealed it all made sense. As raw and gritty as the film is, and let me tell you, it’s very gritty, it still has a solid element of humor that kept things just light enough. Den of Thieves isn't perfect, and you won't hear it mentioned during any award shows, but what you will get is all of the elements that matter when making a movie like this which amounts to one of the better heist thrillers I've seen in a while.

Den of Thieves assembles a cast that is actually perfect for this style of film, as the plot is built around a gritty sense of masculinity and a sort of defend your turf type mentality. Leading the way is veteran actor Gerard Butler who is no stranger to playing the role of a badass- just look no further than 300 or Law Abiding Citizen. Butler is the hardened head of the Sheriff department’s Major Crimes Division, and much like the criminals they hunt down, these guys play by their own rules. Butler has a ton of experience playing this type of character and he absolutely crushes it yet again. I was impressed with the depth hidden deep within his character as he battles his demons while following the Bill Belichick motto and above all else, doing his job.

On the other side of the fence leading one of the most notorious groups of criminals known for pulling off some of the most daring heists is Pablo Schreiber, most recognizable for his role as the fearless Army Ranger turned military security contractor in 2016's war drama 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. Schreiber is an imposing figure at just shy of 6'4, and he has the muscle to back up that big frame. It is a ton of fun watching Butler and Schreiber going toe to toe throughout the film. Even though Butler and Schreiber get the vast majority of the screen-time, O'Shea Jackson Jr (the son of rapper turned actor Ice Cube) delivers a very solid performance. Jackson Jr made his big screen debut in Straight Outta Compton, and most expected that he would continue to build on his acting career. In Den of Thieves, Jackson Jr plays the role of a guy seemingly stuck in the middle of an impossible situation, and he handles the role well. People love to bash on Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's acting career, but the simple fact is that he can be pretty damn good when given the right role, and I actually really enjoyed his character in this film. Fun fact- the first concert I ever attended was a 50 Cent & G-Unit concert- troubled youth some may say. I was also pleased with Mo McRae, Brian Van Holt, Evan Jones, and Maurice Compte in their respective roles. I never felt like the acting was corny at all and I thought the entire cast was fantastic from top to bottom, and the chemistry was top notch.

Den of Thieves injects viewers with a full dose of adrenaline right from the opening scene and never looks back, and that, my friends makes for a fun time at the theater. I was never bored, and at times I was literally on the edge of my seat, especially during one of the more tense scenes towards the end. I consider myself to be somewhat of a heist film junkie, having seen The Town and Inside Man at least 5 or 6 times each, and this did it for me. If you are in the mood for a movie that will make you want to hit the gym and the gun range, in no particular order, Den of Thieves will fit the bill like a charm. I just hope it does well in the box office so we can continue to get more movies like this. Recommended.

The Greatest Showman

Director Michael Gracey

Genre Biography | Drama | Musical

Cast Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Williams

Rating PG

Release Date December 25th, 2017

“Inspired by the imagination of P.T. Barnum, The Greatest Showman is an original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and tells of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation.”

The directorial debut for Michael Gracey, The Greatest Showman is a musical drama highlighting the birth of show business as it is inspired by P.T. Barnum (Barnum & Bailey circus). While everyone may be familiar with Barnum & Bailey, few actually know where it all began. This inspirational story about never giving up stars Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson, and Michelle Williams.

The Greatest Showman is a true rags to riches story including phenomenal performances sure to have audiences clapping when the curtain drops. It didn't receive the critic praise of last year's La La Land, not even close actually, but this is a musical that has the ability to move viewers and definitely appeals to all ages. What took me by surprise was the unique way the film made viewers feel like they were part of the struggle represented on screen,  which made it that much more impactful when things began to improve. Based on a true story, yet clearly exaggerated at times to make it more "Hollywood", P.T. Barnum was a family man with a big American dream, and what's not to love about that?

I feel like the primary underlying message of the film is something we can all practice more of in our lives, and that is accepting people for who they are, and embracing their differences rather than considering them outsiders. P.T. Barnum believed in people, l mean he really believed in them, and he gave a group of people who were considered "freaks" in the eyes of society to the point where they were scared to be seen out in public, a reason to wake up in the morning. Barnum instilled in them the belief that they are amazing just as they are, and he gave them the perfect stage to show people just how special they were, and it is truly amazing to experience the transformation. Barnum struggled with his ego, much like we all do at times, and dealt with his fair of ups and downs, but in the end he was able to achieve a much deeper understanding of what matters most in life. The Greatest Showman was the perfect movie to release during the holiday season and if you don't feel something at some point during the hour and 45 minutes, you may want to check your pulse. 

It is obvious from the beginning that the cast for The Greatest Showman is one of its biggest strengths. Lead by Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams, and anchored by Zac Efron and Rebecca Ferguson, this is a cast full of talent. Jackman and Williams develop a genuine chemistry right from the beginning that carries on throughout the film, and that is a big reason why the story unfolds so seamlessly. I really couldn't tell you who actually sings during the performances nor do I care to do the research on that. All I know is the songs are amazing, especially The Greatest Show and This Is Me, both of which I couldn't get out of my head, and that is more than enough for me. I also really loved the entire supporting cast and their contributions to the film, mainly those that played the roles of the performers.

The Greatest Showman was a blast, and this is coming from someone who generally avoids musicals like the plague. I have always had an issue with feeling musicals are just too corny and couldn't hold my attention, but somehow this felt different. From the cast, to the soundtrack, right down to the costume design, The Greatest Showman comes together as an entertaining movie that you will want to experience again, and again, and again. I will be picking this one up on Blu-ray, and I can't wait to see what they include for special features. Try and check this one out before it leaves theaters if possible, and be prepared to have at least one if not two songs stuck in your head for a week or so- you have been warned.

Insidious: The Last Key

Director Adam Robitel

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Kirk Acevedo

Rating PG-13

Release Date January 5th, 2018

“Parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier faces her most fearsome and personal haunting yet - in her own family home.”

From director Adam Robitel (The Taking of Deborah Logan), Insidious: The Last Key is the origin story for recurring character Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), and is set years prior to the previous films. The Insidious franchise has been very up and down in terms of critic and viewer feedback, and while the 3rd film wasn't great by any stretch, it was still creepy and a solid horror film overall, at least in my opinion anyway. I'm not sure how much life is left in this franchise, but I am pleased that they are continuing to try and keep the horror genre going. The cast includes Lin Shaye, Lin Shaye, Leigh Whannell, Angus Sampson, Kirk Acevedo, Tessa Ferrer, Javier Botet, and Josh Stewart.

Insidious: The Last Key suffers from the usual inability to actually frighten viewers, but a cast that keeps things fun and a solid origin story make for an overall enjoyable experience. Full disclosure, I went to see this movie a 2nd time after feeling relatively unfulfilled the first time around. I'm not sure if that was due to high expectations or simply the fact that I was so focused on the backstory that I didn't appreciate some of the finer horror elements of the film, or possibly a combination of the two. Either way I enjoyed the film much more the second time around and really felt like it was a solid entry in the franchise, and if it is in fact the final film, a pretty good sendoff. Insidious: The Last Key really gets its bearing with what I consider to be a well-constructed origin story, taking us back to Elise's younger and extremely traumatic years. As far as horror films go, this was one of the better told stories and I really liked how the supernatural collided with real-life evil. I also really liked how they utilized "the key," without giving anything away- it was a pretty cool addition. Before I get ahead of myself let me make one thing very clear, this movie is far from perfect and quite honestly you really can't even put it in the same category as The Conjuring, Sinister, or It Follows, some of the better scare-factor horror films in the last few years. What Insidious: The Last Key is able to provide viewers is what should be considered a bigger budget B-movie horror that does enough to please newcomers, but more importantly it gives fans of the franchise the fix they were hoping for when they bought a ticket.

I suppose it should come as no surprise that the acting is one of the weaker aspects of a horror movie. What did take me by surprise is the fact that one of the weaker performances came from franchise staple and veteran actress Lin Shaye. Shaye, who has 200 acting credits according to her IMDb filmography, has been around the block to say the least. In general, I enjoy her as an actress when it comes down to a solid role in a horror movie that really isn't asking too much of her, which is essentially her trademark. Now, what annoyed me most for Insidious: The Last Key specifically is the fact that it seemed Shay was trying to over emphasize the majority of the key lines that she had and this really took away from her performance. Sure we expect her to puff out her chest and add some effect when she is referring to "the great beyond" for example, but doing that during the majority of the film felt corny and overdone. I hate to bash Shaye who has been a damn good franchise lead, and honestly this may fall on the shoulders of the director, but it took away from the overall experience for me. Aside from that, Shaye was her usual entertaining self.

Caitlin Gerard and Spencer Locke, relatively forgettable actresses who have dabbled in a few B-movie horror films and television shows, are okay if you keep your expectations low. On the flipside of that, they are both very attractive which as we horror fans know is a key element to any successful horror film, so you can at least check that box. Franchise regulars Leigh Whannell and Angus Sampson, in their respective roles as Specs and Tucker have really grown on me. Now it's easy to sit back and say that these two guys are bargain bin actors playing a goofy role to try and keep things loose and fun, and sure that is all very much the truth, but in the Insidious universe it works. I was genuinely pleased to have these two as part of the cast, and the relationship they share with Shaye's character, Elise is one of my favorite parts of the film. An interesting tidbit of information is that Whannell is actually responsible for creating the Insidious franchise and has written the screenplay for every film.

Insidious: The Last Key isn't really a letdown necessarily in the sense that I don't really think viewers had that high of expectations. As a horror fanatic, I really hoped they would dig deep into their bag of tricks and deliver something that gave me chills down my spine, but unfortunately that was not the case (to be fair, I am NOT easy to scare). One thing the Insidious franchise is famous for is the ability to create a high quality "monster," or ghost, or demon, or whatever it may be for that specific film. Few things are more obnoxious than a horror movie with a corny looking monster and Insidious has always delivered on that front. On a side and completely unrelated note, as a horror fan I am still very angry and disappointed in Paramount for releasing that piece of crap movie Rings which lost the studio so much money that they cancelled the next Friday the 13th. Damn you Paramount! Overall I think fans of the Insidious franchise will be pleased with this latest entry and if the box office numbers hold up, we may be seeing a 5th entry in the franchise, because well cash is king, and that in itself would be impressive. Lin Shaye was actually quoted in an interview saying that regardless of whether or not another Insidious film is greenlit by the studio, she will follow writer Leigh Whannell wherever he goes.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Director Jake Kasdan

Genre Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Cast Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 20th, 2017

“Four teenagers discover an old video game console and are literally drawn into the game’s jungle setting, becoming the adult avatars they choose.”

From director Jake Kasdan (New Girl, Sex Tape), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is the first Jumanji film since the 1995 version starring the late Robin Williams (RIP). This new version has some people fired up about the non-stop remake/sequel push from Hollywood, but a talented cast and a fun premise could and hopefully will provide a fun adventure comedy fit for all ages. The cast includes Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, and Karen Gillan.

With an extremely talented cast and an immersive backstory, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is good old fashioned laugh out loud fun for the entire family. I actually went into the theater with relatively high expectations considering the cast, specifically the Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart combination that had me laughing my tail off in Central Intelligence. Well I am pleased to report that not only did the cast live up to expectations, but the movie as a whole delivered in all of the categories that mattered. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is packed full of hilarious one-liners but what really ignites the laugh factor is the creative use of role reversal for the characters. Basically each person that gets sucked into the videogame and becomes the avatar they have chosen ends up with the polar opposite of what they thought they were getting, and this leads to priceless moments and interactions between the characters. Beyond all of that, I was genuinely impressed with the overall backstory the film brings to life for viewers. The last thing I expected was for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to hit an emotional note in any shape or form yet somehow it manages to do just that, and it does it in such a natural and genuine way that you can't help but tip your hat to the writers. After months of anticipation, I left the theater excited for what I just experienced and I can't wait to see it for a second time.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is packed full of hilarious one-liners but what really ignites the laugh factor is the creative use of role reversal for the characters. Basically each person that gets sucked into the videogame and becomes the avatar they have chosen ends up with the polar opposite of what they thought they were getting, and this leads to priceless moments and interactions between the characters. Beyond all of that, I was genuinely impressed with the overall backstory the film brings to life for viewers. The last thing I expected was for Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle to hit an emotional note in any shape or form yet somehow it manages to do just that, and it does it in such a natural and genuine way that you can't help but tip your hat to the writers. After months of anticipation, I left the theater excited for what I just experienced and I can't wait to see it for a second time.

I mentioned the talented cast before but I would be remiss if I didn’t take a few more moments to touch on exactly what they brought to Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. First and foremost, the chemistry between the entire cast is amazing. You never feel like any of the actors are bored or sleepwalking through scenes. Everyone seems excited and almost giddy for the opportunity to let loose and make a movie that allows them to have a little fun. Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart deliver yet again and provide some of the best banter you will experience in the film *spoiler alert* (just kidding NOT a spoiler), and the majority of the laughs come at the expense of Kevin Hart's height, or lack thereof.

I really enjoyed Karen Gillan's character as well, and thought that she added a unique element to the dynamic between the characters. Most people will recognize Gillan as Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy. I was admittedly a little surprised that Jack Black actually stole the show for me thanks to his ability to really take advantage of the humorous role reversal element. Without giving too much away, the perfect and beautiful blonde homecoming queen has the luxury of becoming a "fat middle-aged man" in the videogame, and from there the laughs just never really stop. I have been a Jack Black fan for quite some time, and even though he has had his fair share of duds, personally I think one of his best performances is Tropic Thunder, and I also really enjoyed his role in Orange County. He is just such a great comedic actor and I always find myself repeating his hilarious one-liners for weeks, sometimes even months. The cast is just fantastic from top to bottom.  

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is fun, hilarious, and most importantly it is easy to enjoy. Ignore the naysayers because this is a movie you won't even consider picking apart because it is just so loose and easygoing. I really appreciated the fact that in no way shape or form is this movie trying to be like the original. Instead it serves as a sort of tribute to a classic family film from the late, great Robin Williams. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle packs enough laughs and a really fun premise to keep the entire family entertained, so do yourself a favor and check this one out while it's in theaters. Highly recommended.

Father Figures

Director Lawrence Sher

Genre Comedy

Cast Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, J.K. Simmons, Ryan Cartwright

Rating R

Release Date December 22nd, 2017

“Upon learning that their mother has been lying to them for years about their allegedly deceased father, two fraternal twin brothers hit the road in order to find him.”

The directorial debut for Lawrence Sher, Father Figures is an outrageous R-rated comedy about two adult brothers in search of their biological father after their mother admits to lying to them their entire lives. The film was originally entitled "Bastards" but changed the name for obvious reasons. The script is written by Justin Malen who previously penned the script for Office Christmas Party. The cast includes Owen Wilson, Ed Helms, J.K. Simmons, and Ryan Cartwright.

Thanks to a boring backstory and a crap script from screenwriter Justin Malen, Father Figures slides into the lonely land of disappointing R-rated comedies. When I first saw trailers for Father Figures I was admittedly intrigued. I am a huge fan of comedies and I figured at the very least an R-rated comedy releasing during Christmas weekend would provide an opportunity to have a few drinks and head over to the theater for some uncensored fun. Well first and foremost, Father Figures is one of the most censored R-rated films I have seen in quite some time. The movie more or less got slapped with an R-rating because of the one-liners that are sexual in nature but it really isn't that bad. Beyond that, they do literally NOTHING with the R-rating aside from a classic bait and switch for people hoping to see a movie more along the lines of Super Bad, Knocked Up, The Hangover, or Horrible Bosses (original or the sequel). Now granted, some of the films I just mentioned are top-tier comedies, but what they have in common is the fact that they deserved to have an R-rating and they wore it like a badge of honor.

The script for Father Figures felt like a PG-13 movie through and through, and either the studio got into a battle with the ratings commission and were forced to take on the R-rating, or on the flipside they may have welcomed it hoping they would bring in the audience that enjoys raunchy comedy (I certainly fall into that group). I also have my doubts about screenwriter Justin Malen, and I will absolutely proceed with caution for any scripts he writes in the future. He recently wrote Office Christmas Party which included a stellar cast but he somehow managed to make that a boring movie, although it was much, much better than this. He is currently working on scripts for Sherlock Holmes 3 and Bad Teacher 2, so hopefully he starts expanding that imagination of his between now and then. The bottom line is this, the funny parts are few and far between, leads Ed Helms and Owen Wilson seemed disinterested in their respective roles and I can't blame them, and from start to finish the movie really doesn’t amount to much. An R-rated comedy with no replay-value is a slap in the face to the genre, and this ladies and gentleman is one of those movies.

It's actually hard to breakdown the performances in Father Figures due to the overall lackadaisical demeanor of the cast as a whole. I really like Ed Helms and Owen Wilson and they have each turned up some fantastic performances of their own, but Father Figures is definitely a step back for the duo. Comedian Kat Williams, who not long ago was bashed pretty hard for getting his ass beat by a 17-year old (to be fair Williams is 5 foot 5 and 145 lbs on a good day and some 17-year olds are big as hell), delivered a funny performance in a very limited roll. I found myself waiting for the scene where he comes in and they could have snagged quite a few more laughs with some additional screen-time for the pint-sized comedian. I also really enjoyed Terry Bradshaw's character even though it wasn’t quite up there with how hilarious he was in Failure to Launch.  One of the biggest travesties of this film is to only give my main man Christopher Walken about 5 minutes of screen-time- the guy is hilarious! Give Walken more lines and you might have something here, shame on you Justin Malen! Overall, a very lackluster performance by all involved weighed down by an unfunny script.

Father Figures isn't the worst movie of the year and it is definitely watchable, but it is a huge letdown when you put it in the category of hit R-rated comedies that have come out in the last decade. Even though the backstory is far from groundbreaking a superior script could have taken advantage of a solid cast and at least added enough laughs to keep the audience engaged. Instead, the movie has far too many slow points and what feels like meandering direction in terms of how the plot unfolds. With low expectations and a rental in the range of $1.50 Father Figures will serve as a decent watch, but I can't in good conscience recommend it beyond that.

Pitch Perfect 3

Director Trish Sie

Genre Comedy | Music

Cast Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp

Rating PG-13

Release Date December 22nd, 2017

“Following their win at the world championship, the now separated Bellas reunite for one last singing competition at an overseas USO tour, but face a group who uses both instruments and voices”

From director Trish Sie, Pitch Perfect 3 is the third film in the extremely popular film series about the never boring acapella group The Bellas. The films are based on the book Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, written by Mickey Rapkin. Kay Cannon is credited for writing the screenplay for all three films but each entry had a different director with Jason Moore directing the first film and actress Elizabeth Banks stepping in to direct the sequel. Now, it's time for Step Up All In director Trish Sie to take a crack at the series. The cast includes Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Hailee Steinfeld, Ester Dean, Hana Mae Lee, and Ruby Rose. Fun fact, successful songwriter Ester Dean made her acting debut in the original Pitch Perfect where she performed the well-known Rihanna song S&M, which she co-wrote.

Fat Amy and The Bellas make an enthusiastic return in Pitch Perfect 3, serving up a full helping of the music and humor fans have grown to love.  This movie is really funny, plain and simple. Now granted, in order to appreciate this brand of humor you need to have enjoyed the first two films as they tend to go hand in hand with each other. Screenwriter Kay Cannon is seemingly reluctant to stray from the recipe that has worked for the films so far and I am okay with that. I feel like Cannon's biggest focus is playing to the strengths of the cast that she has at her disposal, and that is a very smart way to write a movie script. Cannon will also be making her directorial debut in 2018 with the R-rated comedy Blockers, starring Ike Barinholtz, Leslie Mann, and John Cena, so keep an eye out for that.

Elaborating on my previous point as far as playing to the strengths of the cast, each and every scene is full of energy and a ton of laughs. I really liked how this film kept all of the running jokes alive from the first film, and for me Fat Amy's character and the hilarious back and forth banter coming from Gail (Elizabeth Banks) and John (John Michael Higgins) basically makes the movie for me. A Pitch Perfect film wouldn’t be complete without an abundance of fun musical performances and "mash ups" and the third entry gladly satisfies that need. Pitch Perfect 3 has its fair share of corny elements and a few gags that may not hit home as well as others, but the bottom line is that the majority of what they try to do works and works very well.

As far as acting is concerned, Pitch Perfect started out and continues to be built around Rebel Wilson and her Fat Amy character. I will admit that when I first watched Pitch Perfect in theaters 5 years ago I was a bit thrown off by this character, I mean an overweight female actress mocking herself to this extent was just something I wasn’t used to. But as she developed her character I realized it was more about personal empowerment than it was about simply making fun of herself and I thought that was pretty cool. Aside from that little tidbit of insight, Fat Amy is absolutely hilarious and each and every film she seems to have an endless supply of one-liners.

The only thing better than the perfectly timed and very uncomfortable comments are her facial expressions and mannerisms, they are just spot on and I can't get enough of it. Apparently, Wilson has expressed interest in doing a Fat Amy spinoff project, which I feel would be very well received as long as the writing stays up to par. My 2nd favorite character who plays a small role is easily veteran actor John Michael Higgins, who has a very impressive 132 acting credits according to his IMDb filmography, as well as an Emmy nomination. Higgins returns as John, the smart-mouthed and extremely sexist "commentator" of sorts and he is hilarious once again. He is rejoined by partner-in-crime Elizabeth Banks and they continue to have amazing chemistry together. Regardless of how ridiculous his comments tend to be, he manages to get a ton of laughs out of the audience each and every time.

Pitch Perfect 3 is far from perfect (see what I did there?), but as far as comedies go it will have you laughing pretty much the entire time and that’s a win in my book. I have been a fan of the films from the beginning and although I was sad to find out that Workaholics star Adam DeVine wouldn't be reprising his role of Bumper, everything still came together pretty well. The conclusion of the film felt like sort of a sendoff and a conclusion to the franchise but I wouldn't rule out a sequel if it brings in enough money. Plus if Rebel Wilson can get a Fat Amy spinoff off the ground, that may be enough to satisfy our comedic needs. Pitch Perfect 3 is a relatively wholesome comedy most of the family should enjoy, so add some laughter to this stressful time of year and check this one out sooner than later. Recommended.

Top 10 Movies of 2017

Goodbye 2017!

This was yet another amazing (yet tumultuous) year for the film industry but it is coming to an end (crazy right?!). This is the time of year where we start thinking about some of our favorite movies throughout 2017...

See below for our Ted Takes Top 10 Movies of 2017 and click on the movie posters for our *SPOILER FREE* review of each movie. As always feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy viewing in 2018!!