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.