I watch crappy movies so you don't have to.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Movie Review For February 27, 2015

FOCUS
Rated: R
Stars: Will Smith, Margot Robbie, Gerald McRaney, Adrian Martinez
Plot: A con-man brings on a female apprentice, but it's all a game of who is conning who.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


If you are looking for a fun, edge-of-your-seat, high-stakes con movie, FOCUS will completely satisfy. This film is exciting, smooth, intense and has enough twists and turns that, even though the information is right in front of you, you won't figure out the con until the very end.

For the most part everything in this movie is done well and rings true. There are a couple of things that are put in for convenience, but those can be easily forgiven since the rest of the film holds up so well.

This is a nice change of pace for Will Smith and a much better introduction to Margot Robbie than we got in THE WOLF OF WALL STREET. Their chemistry is great, which is nice because we will be seeing them together again in the near future in SUICIDE SQUAD. The show stealer, though, is Adrian Martinez. He is pee-your-pants funny and just a great all-around character.

I was surprised that this film was rated R. It deserves that rating, but just barely. I think they could have made a much better and wider-reaching film had they edited down to a PG-13 rating.

The best thing about this film is that you can just sit back and enjoy the con. It doesn't take a lot of brain power, nor does it keep important details from you. Everything is there, you just have to focus.




THE LAZARUS EFFECT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Olivia Wilde, Mark Duplass
Plot: A group of scientists create a way to bring life back from the dead, but their experiment has deadly consequences
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let someone else rent it


When I saw the trailer for this movie I was really hoping it would be a smart thriller, instead it's a hack horror flick with plot holes the size of California and, quite possibly, the worst excuse ever for someone to go on a killing spree.

This movie cocks in at about an hour and twenty minutes, but that is still too long. This should have been a short film. It still would have been horrible, but at least then we would have only had to endure 45 minutes of it.

There are so many things in this movie that are never explained, or done out of convenience that even the most casual movie-goer will be annoyed. I don't even think the uber-fans of the horror genre are going to like this film.



Tuesday, February 24, 2015

DVD Review For February 24, 2015

BIG HERO 6
Rated: PG
Stars: Scott Adsit, Ryan Potter
Plot: A young genius uses a robot and his friends to help solve a mystery. 

Clint Says: Buy this DVD today


When you get the geniuses from Disney, Pixar, and Marvel all in on a movie you end up with some epic awesomeness. BIG HERO 6 is epic awesomeness. This is a movie that will be inserted into the DVD player and set to "Repeat".

The animation is crisp, detailed, layered and filled with background fun for those of you that like to search for Marvel Easter Eggs. The story is very well told. It is compelling, emotional, funny and engaging for children and adults.  

This film is really action-packed and some of it may be a bit too intense for the under 5 crowd, but aside from that, everyone else will enjoy this film. Grab the whole family and enjoy an evening of fun. 



WHIPLASH
Rated: R
Stars: Miles Teller, J.K. Simmons
Plot: A student at a prestigious music college is invited to play in the top band, but soon discovers the band director is abusive
Trailer

Clint Says: Watch this on DVD this week


This is an amazing film. J.K. Simmons character is one of the most evil villains to hit the big screen in years. He is so brutally abusive to his students that you truly hate him with your entire being. His creative use of the F-word is almost mesmerizing. His efforts have garnered him a lot of hardware this awards season, including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

It is fascinating to watch Miles Teller's character grow throughout the film from a cocky but insecure student into a driven man willing to risk everything for the sake of his career.

This is an outstanding "overcomer" film that is worth seeing as soon as possible.




HORRIBLE BOSSES 2
Rated: R
Stars: Jason Bateman, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Chris Pine
Plot: After their business is sabotaged, three guys come up with a plan to get their money back, but their plan gets hijacked by a scheming sleazeball.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD soon, if you can handle the raunch


The original HORRIBLE BOSSES was a raunchy, hysterically awesome movie. HORRIBLE BOSSES 2 is the same. My jaw hurt when I left the theater after this movie, but I also felt like I needed a shower. This movie is so raunchy they couldn't even make a 2-minute trailer without several cuss words in it.

As with any comedy, the movie may be funny but it's only as good as its plot. In this case, the plot is outstanding. Sure, it has a few minor holes, but nothing that will hurt your head. It's fun and funny, but with significant moments of suspense and drama. The juxtaposition is what makes this movie so good.

If you can handle the offensive humor this is a sequel worth seeing.




BEYOND THE LIGHTS
Rated: R
Stars: Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver
Plot: A pop-star falls in love with the cop that saved her life, and they try to build a relationship while dealing with the bright lights of stardom.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD if you don't have something better to do


This is one of those films that is just fine. There is nothing great about it, there is nothing bad about it. There is nothing that I will remember about this movie and there is nothing that I desperately wish to forget.

It's a nice love story with an interesting, if not unique, premise. Both of the leads play their parts well and for the most part it's believable.

If you are looking for a decent love story without having to think too hard about plot, this film would be an okay choice this week.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

It's Oscar Night!

We are closing in on the 2015 Academy Awards. Personally, I can't wait to see which movies and who gets the golden statues. The films and performances that are nominated may be the best collective effort since the awards began. 

I will be live tweeting the Red Carpet and The Oscars tonight. If you would like to follow along and join in on the conversation I'm @clintredwine.

Enjoy the night!



Here is a list of the nominees in all of the categories: (My picks that I think will win, not necessarily my favorites, are highlighted).

Performance by an actor in a leading role
  • Steve Carell in “Foxcatcher”
  • Bradley Cooper in “American Sniper”
  • Benedict Cumberbatch in “The Imitation Game”
  • Michael Keaton in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
  • Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything”

Performance by an actor in a supporting role
  • Robert Duvall in “The Judge”
  • Ethan Hawke in “Boyhood”
  • Edward Norton in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
  • Mark Ruffalo in “Foxcatcher”
  • J.K. Simmons in “Whiplash”

Performance by an actress in a leading role
  • Marion Cotillard in “Two Days, One Night”
  • Felicity Jones in "The Theory of Everything"
  • Julianne Moore in “Still Alice”
  • Rosamund Pike in “Gone Girl”
  • Reese Witherspoon in “Wild”

Performance by an actress in a supporting role
  • Patricia Arquette in “Boyhood”
  • Laura Dern in “Wild”
  • Keira Knightley in “The Imitation Game”
  • Emma Stone in “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)”
  • Meryl Streep in “Into the Woods”

Best animated feature film of the year
  • “Big Hero 6” Don Hall, Chris Williams and Roy Conli
  • “The Boxtrolls” Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable and Travis Knight
  • “How to Train Your Dragon 2” Dean DeBlois and Bonnie Arnold
  • “Song of the Sea” Tomm Moore and Paul Young
  • “The Tale of the Princess Kaguya” Isao Takahata and Yoshiaki Nishimura

Achievement in cinematography
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Emmanuel Lubezki
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Robert Yeoman
  • “Ida” Lukasz Zal and Ryszard Lenczewski
  • “Mr. Turner” Dick Pope
  • “Unbroken” Roger Deakins

Achievement in costume design
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Milena Canonero
  • “Inherent Vice” Mark Bridges
  • “Into the Woods” Colleen Atwood
  • “Maleficent” Anna B. Sheppard and Jane Clive
  • “Mr. Turner” Jacqueline Durran

Achievement in directing
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Alejandro G. Iñárritu
  • “Boyhood” Richard Linklater
  • “Foxcatcher” Bennett Miller
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Wes Anderson
  • “The Imitation Game” Morten Tyldum

Best documentary feature
  • “CitizenFour” Laura Poitras, Mathilde Bonnefoy and Dirk Wilutzky
  • “Finding Vivian Maier” John Maloof and Charlie Siskel
  • “Last Days in Vietnam” Rory Kennedy and Keven McAlester
  • “The Salt of the Earth” Wim Wenders, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado and David Rosier
  • “Virunga” Orlando von Einsiedel and Joanna Natasegara

Best documentary short subject
  • “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1” Ellen Goosenberg Kent and Dana Perry
  • “Joanna” Aneta Kopacz
  • “Our Curse” Tomasz Sliwinski and Maciej Slesicki
  • “The Reaper (La Parka)” Gabriel Serra Arguello
  • “White Earth” J. Christian Jensen

Achievement in film editing
  • “American Sniper” Joel Cox and Gary D. Roach
  • “Boyhood” Sandra Adair
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Barney Pilling
  • “The Imitation Game” William Goldenberg
  • “Whiplash” Tom Cross

Best foreign language film of the year
  • “Ida” Poland
  • “Leviathan” Russia
  • “Tangerines” Estonia
  • “Timbuktu” Mauritania
  • “Wild Tales” Argentina

Achievement in makeup and hairstyling
  • “Foxcatcher” Bill Corso and Dennis Liddiard
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Frances Hannon and Mark Coulier
  • “Guardians of the Galaxy” Elizabeth Yianni-Georgiou and David White

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original score)
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Alexandre Desplat
  • “The Imitation Game” Alexandre Desplat
  • “Interstellar” Hans Zimmer
  • “Mr. Turner” Gary Yershon
  • “The Theory of Everything” Jóhann Jóhannsson

Achievement in music written for motion pictures (Original song)
  • “Everything Is Awesome” from “The Lego Movie”
    Music and Lyric by Shawn Patterson
  • “Glory” from “Selma”
    Music and Lyric by John Stephens and Lonnie Lynn
  • “Grateful” from “Beyond the Lights”
    Music and Lyric by Diane Warren
  • “I’m Not Gonna Miss You” from “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me”
    Music and Lyric by Glen Campbell and Julian Raymond
  • “Lost Stars” from “Begin Again”
    Music and Lyric by Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois

Best motion picture of the year
  • “American Sniper” Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Andrew Lazar, Bradley Cooper and Peter Morgan, Producers
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Alejandro G. Iñárritu, John Lesher and James W. Skotchdopole, Producers
  • “Boyhood” Richard Linklater and Cathleen Sutherland, Producers
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Rales and Jeremy Dawson, Producers
  • “The Imitation Game” Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky and Teddy Schwarzman, Producers
  • “Selma” Christian Colson, Oprah Winfrey, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers
  • “The Theory of Everything” Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Lisa Bruce and Anthony McCarten, Producers
  • “Whiplash” Jason Blum, Helen Estabrook and David Lancaster, Producers

Achievement in production design
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
  • “The Imitation Game” Production Design: Maria Djurkovic; Set Decoration: Tatiana Macdonald
  • “Interstellar” Production Design: Nathan Crowley; Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
  • “Into the Woods” Production Design: Dennis Gassner; Set Decoration: Anna Pinnock
  • “Mr. Turner” Production Design: Suzie Davies; Set Decoration: Charlotte Watts

Best animated short film
  • “The Bigger Picture” Daisy Jacobs and Christopher Hees
  • “The Dam Keeper” Robert Kondo and Dice Tsutsumi
  • “Feast” Patrick Osborne and Kristina Reed
  • “Me and My Moulton” Torill Kove
  • “A Single Life” Joris Oprins

Best live action short film
  • “Aya” Oded Binnun and Mihal Brezis
  • “Boogaloo and Graham” Michael Lennox and Ronan Blaney
  • “Butter Lamp (La Lampe Au Beurre De Yak)” Hu Wei and Julien Féret
  • “Parvaneh” Talkhon Hamzavi and Stefan Eichenberger
  • “The Phone Call” Mat Kirkby and James Lucas

Achievement in sound editing
  • “American Sniper” Alan Robert Murray and Bub Asman
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Martín Hernández and Aaron Glascock
  • “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” Brent Burge and Jason Canovas
  • “Interstellar” Richard King
  • “Unbroken” Becky Sullivan and Andrew DeCristofaro

Achievement in sound mixing
  • “American Sniper” John Reitz, Gregg Rudloff and Walt Martin
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and Thomas Varga
  • “Interstellar” Gary A. Rizzo, Gregg Landaker and Mark Weingarten
  • “Unbroken” Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño and David Lee
  • “Whiplash” Craig Mann, Ben Wilkins and Thomas Curley

Achievement in visual effects
  • “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” Dan DeLeeuw, Russell Earl, Bryan Grill and Dan Sudick
  • “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes” Joe Letteri, Dan Lemmon, Daniel Barrett and Erik Winquist
  • “Guardians of the Galaxy” Stephane Ceretti, Nicolas Aithadi, Jonathan Fawkner and Paul Corbould
  • “Interstellar” Paul Franklin, Andrew Lockley, Ian Hunter and Scott Fisher
  • “X-Men: Days of Future Past” Richard Stammers, Lou Pecora, Tim Crosbie and Cameron Waldbauer

Adapted screenplay
  • “American Sniper” Written by Jason Hall
  • “The Imitation Game” Written by Graham Moore
  • “Inherent Vice” Written for the screen by Paul Thomas Anderson
  • “The Theory of Everything” Screenplay by Anthony McCarten
  • “Whiplash” Written by Damien Chazelle

Original screenplay
  • “Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)” Written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. & Armando Bo
  • “Boyhood” Written by Richard Linklater
  • “Foxcatcher” Written by E. Max Frye and Dan Futterman
  • “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness
  • “Nightcrawler” Written by Dan Gilroy

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Movie Review For February 20, 2015

THE DUFF
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mae Whitman, Robbie Amell, Bella Thorne
Plot: A girl tries to change her high school social status after she learns she is a DUFF (Designated Ugly Fat Friend)
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


This may well be the first great high school comedy since John Hughes gave us everything awesome about the 1980s. It is funny, heartwarming, a great story, but above all else it rings true. There isn't a scene or even a line that feels like it was written by an adult trying to get into the mind of a teen.

The book was written by Kody Keplinger, a 17 year old high school senior, and thankfully the powers that be let her writing stand for itself in the transition from book to screen.

The casting for this movie is spot on. Whitman is brilliant, Amell is great as the dumb jock with a heart, and Bella Thorne kills it as the girl everyone loves to hate.

As I watched THE DUFF I found myself constantly smiling like a goofy idiot, that is, when I wasn't laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

This is a movie that will become an instant classic and a must-own by teenage girls everywhere when it comes out on DVD.




HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2
Rated: R
Stars: Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson, Clark Duke
Plot: Three friends must travel through time to solve the murder of one of their own
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let someone else rent it


This movie is absolute proof that nobody on earth has the ability to time travel. How do we know this? Because this movie is so bad I'm sure the movie execs searched high and low for a time machine so they could go back and either make a better movie or let the franchise live a pleasant existence with only the original film released.

The film does have a few good moments. The "you look like a..." improv scenes are great, even though they go on too long, and there are some other moments of genuine comedy, but the plot is simply ridiculous.

This might have been a better movie if it was about half as long seeing as though almost every joke was told and rehashed at least twice throughout the film. And it could have been a great film if they had focused the story on the things we finally see in the last three minutes of the movie.

This could have been another BILL AND TED'S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE, unfortunately we got BOGUS JOURNEY. Lame.




McFARLAND, USA
Rated: PG
Stars: Kevin Costner, Ramiro Rodriguez
Plot: A cross country coach in a small town transforms the lives of his athletes through his teaching
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


This is another formulaic inspirational sports film offered up by Disney, but it's also a really good movie. If you liked MILLION DOLLAR ARM you will love McFARLAND, USA.

Kevin Costner seems to have really hit his stride with the last few films he's been in, and the rest of the cast does an outstanding job as well.

The movie does run a bit long, but it's worth it in the end.

If you are looking for a good flick to take the whole family to this weekend, give McFARLAND, USA a shot. It might inspire you and your family.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

DVD Reviews For February 17, 2015

BIRDMAN OR (THE UNEXPECTED VIRTUE OF IGNORANCE)
Rated: R
Stars: Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton
Plot: An aging actor tries to revitalize his career by writing, directing and staring in a Broadway play.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy or rent this movie today


This is one of the most original films I've seen in a while. The way this movie is shot is so innovative and fun you can't help but to be mesmerized by it. The first 97% or so of the movie is shot with what is supposed to be a single camera, continuous shot. It is absolutely fascinating.

Aside from the creative cinematography, the acting is outstanding and the story is compelling and the characters are deep. You really feel for these characters and understand their struggles.

There is an aspect to this film that will turn off some movie-goers. At times it seems interesting at other times it feels out of place to the rest of the story, but for those that are willing to suspend disbelief and just go with it, you will truly enjoy this film.




THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, David Thewlis
Plot: The story of the life and marriage of Stephen Hawking
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy or rent this movie today




Eddie Redmayne should not only be nominated for the Best Actor Oscar, but we should just go ahead and give him the statue now. His performance is astounding.

The Academy is partial to pretty people making themselves much less physically desirable for a role, and Redmayne does that in this movie, but he goes beyond the physical. He transforms into Stephen Hawking.

Felicity Jones gets an Oscar nod as well and it is well-deserved. She plays the "I've given up my own dreams for the sake of my family" role spot on.

This movie is brilliant, heartwarming, heartbreaking and inspiring all at once. Even if you are not a fan of Stephen Hawking, this film will still entertain you.




ST. VINCENT
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy
Plot: A young boy and a crotchety old man develop an unlikely friendship.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this movie this week


This is one of the better films I've seen this year and while I am a fan of Bill Murray, I think this film would have been an Oscar contender if he had been replaced by a more dramatic actor. It will still be up for awards and, don't get me wrong, Murray does an outstanding job in this film. I just think Hollywood doesn't respect him enough to give him the nod for the big hardware.

I was also pleasantly surprised to see Melissa McCarthy in a role other than the raunchy, bumbling goofball with a sharp, witty tongue. She plays it straight in this film which is refreshing, because she was starting to become very one-dimensional in her roles.

There is a lot about this film that is good. The characters are all deep and complex, the multiple story lines are compelling and the acting is well done.

If you are looking for a movie that will give you all the feels, this is your pick.




DUMB AND DUMBER TO
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Jim Carrey, Jeff Daniels
Plot: Lloyd and Harry go on a trip to find Harry's long-lost daughter to help save his life.
Trailer

Clint Says: If you love stupid humor flicks go rent this now


Rarely does a sequel live up to the original. Even more difficult? A sequel that can hold its own against an iconic original. That was the task laid out for DUMB AND DUMBER TO as the second installment to the potty humor franchise. (We do not count DUMB AND DUMBERER as a prequel...in fact, it shall henceforth be know as THE MOVIE THAT SHALL NOT BE NAMED).

I had my expectations set low as I sat down to watch this film, and much to my pleasant surprise, the cast and crew delivered an awesomely dumb movie. I was laughing hard throughout the flick, cringing in all the right places, and shaking my head in gleeful disgust at the stupidity and depths of the juvenile humor.

If you are a fan of DUMB AND DUMBER this movie will not disappoint. For the new generation of movie-goers, this is a stellar introduction into the DUMB. If you are not a fan of stupid humor flicks, stay far, far away from this film. There is nothing for you here. The plot is dumb, the jokes are dumb, and the acting is dumber. Not to mention that we get to see WAAAYYYY to much of Jeff Daniels back side.

I saw this movie with a 13 year old guy. He thinks it should win the Best Picture Oscar. That's all you need to know.




THE INTERVIEW
Rated: R
Stars: James Franco, Seth Rogen
Plot: A gossip journalist and his producer get the opportunity to interview Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, but the CIA has other plans
Trailer

Clint Says: It was already on Netflix so don't waste your money


This may be the most talked about film of 2014. Sony couldn't have begged for better publicity or come up with a better marketing plan than all of the controversy and hacking caused by this film. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

I saw this movie in a sold out theater full of people you would never expect to see at a Franco/Rogen flick. This movie has become a cultural icon that everyone wants to see. In fact, this was more of an event than just seeing a movie. The crowd was totally into it 30 minutes before the film started. The theater was playing patriotic music, strangers were talking to each other in a "Go 'merica" way, and the mood was basically a huge F.U. to anyone that didn't want us to see this movie.

As for the movie, it's okay. It has a lot of funny moments and the story is pretty good. It's a typical Franco/Rogen flick with lots of crude body-part humor and other assorted raunchy jokes. It's not as good as THIS IS THE END, but it isn't a horrible mess either. If it were a typical release it would probably make about $50 Million then fade off into DVD land never to be thought of again, but because of the controversy this may end up being one of the highest grossing films of 2014.

It's an okay film to see once, but it's not worth the rental price if you can still stream it.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Movie Review For February 13, 2015

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY
Rated: R
Stars: Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson
Plot: A young woman falls for a billionaire businessman with specific sexual desires
Trailer

Clint Says: Don't even bother


Let me preface this review by saying that my review is not based at all on the morality of the film's content. I try to review films in the most honest and objective way that I can. Whether you feel a movie meets or does not meet your own moral standards is your decision, not mine.

For those that don't know, the books were originally TWILIGHT fanfiction* written by E.L. James and posted online. Once it started to become popular, she changed the main characters' names from Edward and Bella to Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. The names may have been changed, but the fact remains that this is straight up theft of Stephenie Meyer's characters and world. If you do have to see this horrible movie, just think TWILIGHT as you watch it, you'll be shocked by all of the similarities. (Set in small town Washington, a near love triangle between Anastasia (Bella), Christian (Edward), and Jose (who looks a lot like Jacob), Christian gets together with his family and they talk baseball, etc.).

That said, this is easily one of the worst films I have ever seen. It is full of painful dialogue, lackluster acting and minimal plot. This movie would be boring if it was only an hour long, but unfortunately it clocks in at over two hours. Oh, the agony.

The character development is superficial at best. Really all we get to know is that Grey is an abusive jerk in just about every area of his life and Anastasia is barely more than prey. The rest of the cast doesn't even matter.

I saw an early screening of this film in a theater full of rabid fans of the book. Needless to say, they were all primed and ready to go before the movie began. There was a buzz and and electricity in the audience that I've only experienced at a few screenings. With almost all screenings of good/great movies the crowd typically applauds and cheers at the end and then I will hear accolades for the movie from the masses as we all walk out together. With this movie, the audience groaned at the incredibly lame ending and then proceeded to walk out in near silence.

That tells you more than my review ever could.

If you'd like to see my video review of this movie, you can click here.

*Stories written by fans of popular books using the same character and world set up by the author. Much of the time fanfiction includes an element of sexuality not seen in the original work.





KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE
Rated: R
Stars: Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson
Plot: A young man joins a secret, elite spy team to help bring down the apocalyptic plans of a madman
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


I know we are only a few weeks into the new year, but this is my favorite movie of the year so far. It is so much fun. It's a great flick to grab your friends, a bucket of popcorn and just have a blast.

The movie is based on a comic book so there is a level of absurdity to it that makes the film even more enjoyable than it would have been as just a simple spy movie. (If you aren't laughing and cheering when the elites get theirs, you might want to re-evaluate your priorities, because it is one of the most insanely, ridiculous scenes to come along in a long time).

The characters are all intriguing and complex, and the villain (Samuel L. Jackson) is anything but one-dimensional. The story is exciting, compelling, intense and thoroughly enjoyable from beginning to end. Even though this movie clocks in at just over two hours, it never feels long.

If you like a good spy flick, you will love KINGSMAN.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

DVD Review For February 10, 2015

NIGHTCRAWLER
Rated: R
Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Rene Russo, Bill Paxton
Plot: A man becomes a crime journalist, but takes it too far trying to make a name for himself
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD as soon as you can


This is a perfectly creeptastic film. It's not necessarily scary as much as it is creepy.

Gyllenhaal plays a psychotic, anti-social, yet driven man so well in this film that audiences will be mesmerized by his performance. His character is so disturbing you'll feel like you need a shower after watching this movie.

The biting commentary on our society with its 24-hour news cycle, the need to have the wildest news first, and the phenomenon of people more interested in filming a situation rather than jumping in to help is expertly portrayed in this movie.

If you are looking for a creepy thriller that isn't too scary, this is a great choice.




ALEXANDER AND THE TERRIBLE, HORRIBLE, NO GOOD, VERY BAD DAY
Rated: PG
Stars: Steve Carell, Jennifer Garner
Plot: A family learns to stick together through one of the worst days ever
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD when you can get around to it


This is a fine film. It's not bad, it's not great, there is nothing spectacular about it, and there is nothing horrific either. It's a fun, family-friendly movie that the kids will enjoy and parents will be entertained enough to keep you happy for the duration.

It feels a bit like Carell and Garner went through the motions while filming, and there are several moments in the movie that could have been expanded upon to give us more depth of character. In the end though, the movie delivers exactly what you would expect out of a film like this.

You won't walk away with any life-changing epiphanies, but it will be a nice afternoon with your family.




LAGGIES
Rated: R
Stars: Keira Knightley, Chloe Grace Moretz, Sam Rockwell
Plot: A post-college woman, going through a quarter-life crisis, hides from responsibility in the house of a young girl
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this as soon as you can


This is a great film. It's an interesting commentary on the part of the late-twenties generation that refuses to grow up and move on past their time in high school and college.

Sam Rockwell is spectacular in his role as a single dad trying to raise an unruly teen girl. Keira Knightley is refreshing in her role as someone that doesn't have all of her stuff together. And Chloe Grace Moretz proves once again that she is one of the greatest teen actors of our time.

The plot isn't mind-blowing, but the performances are worth watching.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Movie Review For February 6, 2015

JUPITER ASCENDING
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Mila Kunis, Channing Tatum, Eddie Redmayne, Sean Bean
Plot: A young woman finds out she is royalty from another planet and must figure out who to trust before she gets killed and the earth gets destroyed.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters


This movie is 100% sci-fi. If you don't like the sci-fi genre, this is not the film you are looking for. For those of you that love a good sci-fi flick, this has almost everything you could want.

JUPITER ASCENDING is a visual masterpiece, the action scenes are incredible, and the world building is fascinating. The downside though is that the story is pretty thin, there are several holes in the back story that make it difficult to understand why certain things are the way they are, and the acting is mediocre. (Granted it's got to be nearly impossible to act out a scene when you are running around on green boxes in a green room and pretending that you are in mortal danger).

This is a really fun popcorn flick. It's not going to rock your world, but it will afford you a great night out. I would recommend spending the extra money to see this in 3D and on the biggest screen possible.

NOTE: You can check out my DRIVE THROUGH MOVIE REVIEW of JUPITER ASCENDING on YABooksCentral.com.




SEVENTH SON
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Ben Barnes, Julianne Moore, Jeff Bridges
Plot: A mystic that fights dark magic takes on a new apprentice just as the queen witch begins her return to power.
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and let somebody else rent it


Julianne Moore has two films in theaters this weekend. One she deserves an Oscar for (STILL ALICE) and then there is this one. I hope she got paid a lot of money to be in this, because that is the only thing that would make it worth it.

This film lacks character development, a compelling story, and good effects. Basically, that leaves you with Jeff Bridges and his chosen speech pattern for this film is so annoying that you just want him to stop talking about 5 minutes into the movie.

There are a few amazing effects and the scenery is beautiful, but that is all too little too late. If you are looking for a good adventure flick this week JUPITER ASCENDING is a much better choice.




THE SPONGEBOB MOVIE: SPONGE OUT OF WATER
Rated: PG
Stars: Tom Kenny, Antonio Banderas, Bill Fagerbakke
Plot: Spongebob goes on a quest for the stolen Krabby Patty recipe and ends up as a super hero on land among the humans
Trailer

Clint Says: If you are a Spongebob fan you'll love this movie


Fans of the Spongebob TV series will really enjoy this movie. Like the TV show it is funny, goofy, slapstick and heartwarming. For those of you worried about the transformation of drawn Spongebob to computer generated Spongebob, never fear. The CG version is well done and only about one third of the movie is in CG.

The story is simplistic, but still interesting and the references to pop culture are really funny. Plus there is an awesome rap battle that is worth the price of admission by itself.

Even if you've not seen any episodes of Spongebob before, this movie will make you laugh and feel good.




STILL ALICE
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Stewart
Plot: A language professor at Columbia University finds out she has Alzheimer's Disease and must learn to cope with the aftermath.
Trailer

Clint Says: See this movie if you can find it


Julianne Moore gives the performance of her career is this heartbreaking film. She perfectly captures the essence of someone losing the mind that she has spent her entire life cultivating. And while not based on a true story, this movie has the feel of what thousands of families must go through every year when one of their loved ones is diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.

This is not an easy movie to watch, nor will it leave you anytime soon after you see it. So, if you are able to find a theater that is playing this film make sure you are mentally prepared before seeing it. However, if you do see it you will be treated to what should be an Oscar-winning performance by Julianne Moore.

Monday, February 2, 2015

DVD Review For February 3, 2015

DRACULA UNTOLD
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper
Plot: Vlad The Impaler defies the Turks and takes desperate measures to protect his family and his followers from war
Trailer

Clint Says: Only watch this if someone else pays for it


I really wanted this movie to be good. Unfortunately, it's not. The plot is jumpy, the action scene are all shot with shaky camera, and the ending is cringe-worthy.

This film breaks rules that it set up for the world of Dracula for convenience and there are certain things that happen even though there is an obvious and better way of handling the situation.

The most disappointing aspect of this film is that it bases it's story in the reality of Vlad The Impaler, but the movie makes him a sympathetic character. If you know anything about the real Vlad The Impaler, he was anything but sympathetic.

There is some great imagery throughout the film, but it's not enough to make it worth paying for to sit through it.




JOHN WICK
Rated: R
Stars: Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyqvist, Alfie Allen
Plot: A former hit-man for the Russian mob is pulled back into his old life through a series of unfortunate events.
Trailer

Clint Says: Rent this DVD as soon as possible


At its base this is a revenge flick, but this one is very well done. The powers that be added a unique world building aspect to this film that makes it much more interesting and compelling than your typical shoot-'em-up.

Keanu Reeves plays a believable if reluctant hit-man tormented by recent events, and his adversaries are not the typical one-dimensional bad guys that litter the screens of lesser films. That said, there are your usual convenient plot holes, bad guy soliloquies instead of just killing the protagonist, and cheesy one-liners, but thankfully they are minor enough not to distract from the overall story.

For the squeamish among you, JOHN WICK probably breaks the record for the most close-distance head shots. But for the rest of you looking for a kick-butt film, JOHN WICK will satisfy.




THE BEST OF ME
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, Liana Liberato
Plot: Two people that used to be lovers, but haven't seen each other in 20 years, are brought together again and try to reconnect through their complicated relationship.
Trailer

Clint Says: Only watch this if someone else pays for it


This is yet another eye-rolling train wreck brought to you by Nicholas Sparks. The plot is mostly boring, the acting is mediocre at best, and, no spoilers here, but the ending is such a ridiculously impossible stretch it is even unbelievable for his die-hard fans.

The only good thing about this movie is Gerald McRaney. He is brilliant as always. I feel bad for him that he got suckered into this flick. He will probably just have to consider it a stain on his otherwise incredible career.

I understand why these movies are popular. It's a formula that works, you don't have to expend too much energy in thinking about anything in the movie, there is some great eye candy, and there is always a beautiful love story that lets us escape into what-might-have-been land. That said, this formula is so tired and so cookie-cutter that it doesn't allow the plot or the characters any leeway to make it somewhat interesting, thought-provoking, or even slightly different from the other Nicholas Sparks films.

For the most part, you know what you are getting when you walk in to see this movie, unfortunately what you are getting isn't any good.




OUIJA
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Olivia Cooke, Ana Coto
Plot: After the death of a friend a small group use a Ouija board to try to contact her, but instead they wake an evil spirit.
Trailer

Clint Says: Only watch this if someone else pays for it


OUIJA is short on scares and long on ridiculousness. The scenes that are supposed to be truly scary are, for the most part, corny and laughable. The only scenes that made the audience I shared this travesty with jump were the contrived scenes where the friends accidentally scare one another. It's a cheap trick that has become old and tired in the horror genre.

This film is full of massive plot holes, incredibly stupid decisions made by the unbearably beautiful teens, and pathetic overacting by the stereotypical ugly old lady.

If you are looking for a scary flick to chill you to the bone this is not the film to do it. You'd be much better off renting something else.