I’m Gonna Really Need You To Stop Spinning!!!

Hello Readers,

Ugh I am sick again but I have one easy in my way from a break from working. I will prevail! So I thought I’d see this one just because everyone was raving about it so my friend and I hopped a bus and here it is. Oh, and by the way Happy 5^th of November for those of you that have seen V for Vendetta and if you have I would totally recommend seeing that one.

Gravity (2013)

Director: Alfonso Cuarón

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, and Ed Harris

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: After a terrible accident a medical engineer is left drifting through space and must find a way to get back to earth.

The Review: I don’t usually watch something because everyone else says its good but there are times when my curiosity gets the best of me and I go and see one. This was one of those movies. When I first saw the trailer to this I wasn’t really interested in it. Well come on a movie on floating through space for an hour and a half, yeah not so rousing. I will admit though it was better than I though and kept my interest with a massive dose of anxiety it was not as amazing as every one had painted it really. Was it good? Yes, but it wasn’t phenomenal. What was phenomenal were the visuals. Now that was just stunning. The story is simple and was carried almost solely by Sandra Bullock, who is just awesome as always. There really is no one else in this movie except for George Clooney for like ten minutes. I will say that the use of sound in this film was interesting and well done and the dialogue was good and had just a touch of wit and humor to it. The only thing that really bothered me was the constant spinning of the camera, and actually spun so much and managed to give me a slight headache and just a bit nauseous, which is difficult cause I don’t get sick easily but all around a pretty okay movie.

Watch it?

Yeah, sure it’s good, why not.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufsrgE0BYf0

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXK1yZYsr98

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/?ref_=nv_sr_1 

Until next time,

Jackie

 

The Worst Prom in History

(Aka at least no one died at your prom aka don’t piss off the quiet girl)

Hello Internet,

Sorry my posts have been late. You see I have been watching a ton of movie but with all the essays I’ve had is hard to keep up with writing all the essays and still post about the films I’m watching so bear with me I am determined to catch up. And I know I keep saying that but I have a small break in my work coming up this week so my priority for that is time is to catch up on reviews. I had postponed this one to watch the original and now that I have done that there’s nothing else left but to review it.

1) Carrie (2013)

Director: Kimberly Peirce

Starring: Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Gabriella Wilde, and Ansel Elgort

Rating: R

The Plot: A remake of the classic horror film based of Stephen King’s novel about a girl who discovers she has a power and when a prank is played on her at prom, she unleashes it.

The Review: To start off I must first say, I’m not a huge fan of horror films but when I saw the trailer to this I was actually really interested in it. Now I didn’t really now what happens in the movie, like I knew that something happens at her prom but that’s it so you can imagine how shocked I was at the movie. It’s a horrible story! Everyone is terrible except like two or three people. The movie is not scary at all for those of you who scare easily and even though the story is a horrible one, it’s rather interesting. Carrie is a sweet and innocent character that you feel so bad for because she get bullied so badly. Chloe Grace Moretz was pretty good and I found myself on more than one occasions tearing up for her and muttering not so nice pleasantries under my breath at those who bullied her, especially Chris, who I just wanted to slap across the face. I did start out disliking Sue (Gabriella Wilde) at the beginning but I grew to be okay with her when she tried to help Carrie. Now her boyfriend played by the adorable Ansel Elgort (soon to play Augustus Waters in The Fault in Our Stars, so excited!) who start out a little dull but I just fell in love with his sweetness when he take Carrie to prom (sighs). For those of you who know how the movie ends for Tommy Ross, I will say I’m not happy and it was kind of lame. The last character that really stood out was Carrie’s mother played by Julianne Moore who was not only crazy but also genuinely scares me and I must say Julianne Moore was fantastic with her crazy acting and creepy costuming. I must first mention that I went to see this movie with my lovely roommates, one who had already see the original and was laughing at my rather horrified and strong reactions. With that said, let’s move on to the visuals, which were just so great. I mean you can see some of them in the trailer but they are truly entrancing when Carrie unleashes her powers at prom. The dialogue was solid and wasn’t ridiculous like it is in some of the horror films I’ve seen. Towards the end of the movie you know exactly where it’s going and for me I’m still wishing it could have gone differently and a little happier but I know that’s impossible.

Watch it?

I’d say yes, I really enjoyed it.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ks_JQO7t0kU

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONOAFL03vac

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1939659/?ref_=nv_sr_1

 

2) Carrie (1976)

Director: Brian De Palma

Starring: Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, William Katt, and John Travolta

Rating: R

The Plot: Based of Stephen King’s novel about a girl who discovers she has a power and when a prank is played on her at prom, she unleashes it.

The Review: I think this one was even less than a horror film then the remake. Now it does have the old horror movie feel to it with the cheesy music and sound effects and unnecessary nudity but hey it is the original so I decided to see it. This one is a little more describing and weird because Carrie’s mom is a little more physical and the relationship between Chris and her boyfriend was rather abusive too, in fact there was a lot of slapping in general in that movie. The plot is the same but the execution of the story in this one is a lot less smooth than that of the remake and the visuals of course are not as great. This one also seems to explain and develop less than the remake like why Sue has Tommy take Carrie to the prom. In this one some of the events are executed differently like the poem reading scene or the last scene of the movie but others the remake seemed to take right out of this one so they were very similar. Sissy Spacek is just phenomenal as always and I still dislike everyone besides he in this film and even Sue and Tommy were not really that nice in this one but at least they weren’t horrible. I actually found Tommy a little bit of an airhead throughout the whole movie but he was decent at the end. I think that’s all due to lack of development in character but hey it’s an old horror film. Carrie’s mom in this is less scary and just crazy and obsessive which took more of the scariness out of the film. The story was still there and interesting and it was nice to see to understand the references made in the remake such as direct dialogue and settings.

Watch it?

Yeah, sure, it’s a pretty ok film. I mean you have to watch it once in your life and I would recommend doing this one first and then the remake.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csojRxg1F2I

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074285/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Look forward to a Gravity, Ender’s Game, and a very long post on horror movies since Halloween just past.

Until next time,

Jackie

Movies in Film Class

Hello Internet,

I’m nearly caught up but I have decided to postpone my review on the recently released Carrie for a couple of days in order to watch the original version made in the 1970’s. So, to bridge that gap I did on review on three films I had to watch for class and one that was just for kicks so I’ll try to keep them short and yes this is the order I watched them in.

 

1)Monsieur Hire (1989)

Director: Patrice Leconte

Starring: Michel Blanc, Sandrine Bonnaire, Luc Thuillier, and Andre Wilms

Rating: PG-13

The Plot:  When a woman is murder by a local shop, the owner is the first suspect, who spends his time watching his beautiful neighbor.

The Review: Weird! That was my first thought when my film professor had the class watch this. Weird and creepy film in French! The main character spends his time watching his neighbor, Alice. Now of course she finds out but instead of being afraid she finds it tantalizing and befriends him in order find out how long he’s been watching her because her and her boyfriend have a dark secret. Now most of this film him staring at her and going about the same routine while he’s watching her. Now from a film students point of view I can see how this is an exemplary fill and it was interesting when it finally got past all the staring and moved on to the investigation of the murder that the film opened on. It had a shocking ending and I found myself liking how it ended but the rest still mildly weirded me out.

Watch it?

I honestly don’t know.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elNCMX8EzAM

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097904/

2)Thunderheart(1992)

Director: Michael Apted

Starring: Val Kilmer, Sam Shepard, and Graham Greene

Rating: R

The Plot:  A young mixed-blood FBI agent is sent out a reservation to investigate a murder.

The Review: I watch this for class because it the director guest lectured for our class. Yes, it was interesting and would have been so much better if I hadn’t had to write my first paper and segment the entire film scene by scene. It was stressful and exhausting but back to the movie. This movie is so 90’s! From the music to the fashion, it screams 90’s. That just made me laugh now the film is not the best film but it’s decent. The story is simple and straightforward and basically a movie of self-discovery with a little bit of action and mystery mixed with some humor in it. Acting, camerawork and dialogue are all decent but there’s really nothing else to say about this film but that it was decent. I mean graham Greene was great and funny but the romance between Val Kilmer’s character Ray and Maggie just seem like it went to fast and out of place. The end was a bit cheesy but the film had a central theme and reason, which is very typical of these kinds of film.

Watch it?

Eh, there is better Val Kilmer movies but if you want to give it a go I’d say why not?

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dfmkymTr4c

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105585/?ref_=rvi_tt

3) Charlie Barlett(2007)

Director: Jon Poll

Starring: Anton Yelchin, Robert Downey Jr., Hope Davis, and Kat Dennings

Rating: R

The Plot: When Charlie is kicked out of every private school and is made to attend public school and becomes the self-appointed psychiatrist of the school.

The Review: This has officially made it into my list of movies that I absolutely love. I put this one off for a long time and to this day I have no clue why. Its just one of the small somewhat unknown independent film that just ends up being fantastic once you watch it. It’s sweet, smart and touching, just the perfect balance between serious and funny. I love Anton Yelchin, Kat Dennings and Robert Downey Jr. but al three of them together are just amazing. Anton Yelchin plays the intelligent, funny, sweet, and honest Charlie Barlett. He’s just an awkward kid trying to get though high and be liked and finally have friends. This makes you feels so bad for him and you see how abnormal life he leads that makes him act more like an adult when he just wants to be a normal. In the process of trying to be liked he makes some wrong choices but all with good intentions behind them.  His relationship with his mother is odd and gives you a sense of where he gets his charisma but also some of his problems. Kat Denning and Robert Downey Jr. play supporting roles as the principal and his daughter and are fantastic but also help to create tension in the film when Charlie begins to date the principal’s daughter. Both have some get speeches and lines that are just indicative of having well written dialogue. It’s a simple film that doesn’t have fancy cinematography or special effects but it does have depth that it mixes with some dark humor.

Watch it?

Yes, just yes.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_DVwLq0wn0

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0423977/?ref_=nv_sr_2

4)Hanna(2011)

Director: Joe Wright

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Eric Bana, Cate Blanchett, and Vicky Krieps

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: Trained as an assassin all her life, one girl sets out to kill the woman who killed her mother.

The Review: Okay, I wrote the most difficult paper of my life on this film so I don’t particularly want to discusses it anymore but per rules I established when I started writing this blog, it has to be reviewed but I’ll keep it brief. Now, I love Joe writing film their cinematography and composure using color, sound, costumes and setting like Atonement and Pride and Prejudice. Hanna was no different and I won’t lie its composure, cinematography, and sound use were stunning and worked to make the movie as though it was telling a fairytale rather then a movie about an assassin. Its delivery on information is balanced well between withhold and overloading but still leaves room to throw some surprises and twist into the story. The cast is great and does amazingly and the story is not bad.

Watch it?

Sorry for making it short but I’m tired of talking about this movie. I would still say that it’s a good one to watch though.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugireeCoYyU

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Be1_6rqKMM

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0993842/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Until next time,

Jackie

I Really Wanted It To End Differently This Time

Hello Readers,

So, I caught this one with my mom last weekend because lets face it no one I really know willingly and avidly wants to watch a Shakespeare film let allow one in Old English but I was really excited for this one. What can I say I’m weird like that and this was another small independent film the theater in my hometown got so kudos to them for bringing in the small films lately. I’m loving it!

Romeo and Juliet (2013)

Director: Carlo Carlei

Starring: Douglas Booth, Hailee Steinfeld, Paul Giamatti, Edwestwick, and Stellen Skarsgard

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: The tragic classic tale of the star-crossed lovers of Verona.

The Review: All right we all know this story; all read it in high school but I really love this story and Shakespeare for that matter. I know its clichéd now and been told so many times and in so many ways but I just love it anyway. Now I’ve seen almost every version of this story ever made into film including the Baz Luhrmann version that was till now my favorite but this film has official bumped that one down to second. They story was the closest to the play that I have ever scene, no character was omitted but some scenes were changed or if they weren’t there they were not important like the opening scene of the Capulets biting their thumbs at the Montague’s. I actually thought that the changes they made in the execution of some scenes was a good factor and made the film a fresher take on the classic tale but also filled in the temporal gaps that the play has. The dialogue stayed mostly true to the play with very, very minor changes that would only be noticed if you’ve read the play like five thousand times and memorized it like I have. The changes made the dialogue more understand able for those who are not a fan of iambic pentameter. The cast was chosen perfectly for this film, all of them, and I loved that though it is a dramatic story, none of the actors were over dramatic in executing their roles like so many others have in the past, just honest and true performance. It was done passionately but not cheesy like the 1960’s version or over the top like the Baz Luhrmann one; just two young people from two angry feuding families who fell in love fervidly and kept it a secret. One that led to their demise and in turn causes their families to see the errors of their ways.It was filmed in Verona, which made it not only cooler but more authentic since that is the city that its set in, and just made the setting of the film absolutely stunning especially when paired with the stellar cinematography and gorgeous lighting highlighting the place as well as the characters. Seriously, every scene was just magical and spectacular and almost looked lie a fairytale. The music was instrumental and perfect, most just a piano, and set it the appropriate times so it severed to really accent moments and scenes in the film.  The film was truly elaborate in all aspects but none more them the striking and detailed costumes that were both time period appropriate in style but still had a modern touch to it in its detail. All around a beautiful well done adaption and movie that really just captivated my attention so much that I actually for a second thought that hey made this time it’ll end differently and happy, but silly me sadly not.

Watch it?

Yes! I thought it was just fantastic. Oh and just as a side note the trailer to this film is one of the best I’ve seen, just really beautiful.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXvufMqcWQA

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af4MiwyDSL4

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZviGeGGdqqs

Featurette: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha6QFZfRvwY

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1645131/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Phew, so close to catching up! Next up the 1970’s version and the new remake of Carrie and a review on some seen on Netflix and DVD movies. So, keep an eye out.

Until next time,

Jackie

Sending Out Good Vibrations

Hi y’all,

College is officially killing me and I hate that I am so behind on reviews but I should catch up real soon so don’t be surprised if there’s like three or four reviews in the next like two days. It’s just been essay after essay so that’s why I’ve been putting off reviewing but I determined to catch up before this week ends. So, I went to see this with my friends Tina and Cassie because we all love Joseph Gordon Levitt and it looked like a funny movie.

Don Jon (2013)

Director: Joseph Gordon Levitt

Starring: Joseph Gordon Levitt, Scarlett Johansson, Julianne Moore, and Tony Danza

Rating: R

The Plot: A man with a porn obsession looks to find intimacy and establish a connection to another person.

The Review: I love when directorial debut of my favorite actors goes well not only did Joseph Gordon Levitt direct this but also wrote it. I been excited to see this for a while but nothing, not the fantastic trailers, clips or interviews could have prepared me for this movie. Going into this film I thought it was going to be a simple comedy with a slight hint of romance and in a way I was right it just didn’t go at all like I thought it was going to go. In a way it is one of those Hollywood romance comedy movie but it kind of makes fun of them at the same time with ridiculous music. I must say the soundtrack and music in this movie is so perfect down to Good Vibration by Marky Mark. Seriously, Joseph Gordon Levitt singing that in the car, one of my favorite scenes. Instead of the pretty girl and the prince like character that’s in every romantic movie, your prince is addicted to watching porn and kind of a huge douche and pretty girl is a manipulative self-centered Jersey girl. Although Jon as a character is really not a good person you grown to love him and root for him while still shaking your head at him and Barbara, played by the gorgeous Scarlett Johansson, is a character you grow to dislike for a manipulative ways. Both Joseph Gordon Levitt and Scarlett Johansson were fantastic in the presentation and execution of   their characters; I mean I barely recognized Scarlett Johansson with her Jersey accent and make up. The rest of the cast was great as well with making characters that were not great people just hilarious. The only person in really in that film who wasn’t completely terrible was Julianne Moore’s character who played a slightly depressed lost woman in Jon’s night school class.  I will say however though this film was edgy in its content material it was hilarious and I found myself better coming out with a giant smile on my face from not only from what happened in the movie but from the witty almost sassy dialogue. It definitely was not what I expect but that as a good thing but it was still hilarious, charming, honest, heart-felt, and most importantly different.

Watch it?

I loved it for its originality and wit so I would give this one a yes.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6615kYTpOSU

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhv0_aYXIPA

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS9TYFYpbB4

Featurette: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSjokRqruZM

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2229499/?ref_=nv_sr_1

And just for kicks best scene ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GMZ_SC8pHs

Until next time,

Jackie

Now I Understand the Title

Hello Everyone,

I apologize for the lateness in this review and for the next one because not only is schoolwork weighing on me, more specifically my first film paper, but also it seems I have caught the flu going around campus. Still, I will soldier on and I will not let this affect my fall movie list. It’s official that I have started my fall movie list! I chose to start with this one I will admit first for Chris Hemsworth but also for the rest of the cast, costume design, and for a story that I knew nothing about historical.

 Rush  (2013)

Director: Ron Howard

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Bruhl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara, and Natalie Dormer

Rating: R

The Plot: The story of the intense rivalry between two Formula One drivers in the 1970’s, James Hunt and Niki Lauda.

The Review: So, this definitely needs a better trailer because when I first saw it, I thought it looked interesting but I didn’t expect it to be well like it was I guess. Yes, I know I chose two clips without racing but that was to avoid spoiling the intensity of the action you get as seeing the movie as a whole. This film was intense and quite the adrenaline rush ( no pun intended but the title makes sense now). There was so much tension in the rivalry between the two characters that were not the best human being but were talented drivers. Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Bruhl did fantastic in their roles and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Chris Hemsworth played the hotheaded womanizer with a determination and talent for driving, James Hunt and Daniel Bruhl played the arrogant, but genius with cars, Niki Lauda. Though both did fantastic in their roles, what was different about the film was that it was voiced over by both actors showing both perspectives of their characters.

For those who know the story or have seen the trailer know what happens and I will say the was some pretty gruesome and just fantastic make up for Niki Lauda and beautiful make up for Olivia Wilde character. So, the acting, make up, portrayal, cinematography and costuming were all phenomenal and at this point I was thinking there had to be some thing wrong with this film but I found nothing. The script was well written and witty but not cheesy, the driving scenes were exhilarating and pair with some beautiful shots, the story was incredibly interesting and it was not long or dragging as what tends to happen in biopics. Then again I wouldn’t have expected less from a Ron Howard film and I will say it was a pleasant surprise and worth watching .

Watch it?

I think its a yes, and don’t underestimate it like I did.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNfmg3SM1cI

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfX1Urqjw40

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KY5Kf4YyniA

Featurette: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSlVGzc1dpg

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Until next time,

Jackie

Surviving in Basin City

Greetings Readers,

I took a break (cough avoiding homework cough) for a day and decide to unwind from a crazy first week back that didn’t quite go as planned. I’ve always been curious about this movie and I always had an interest in stuff adapted from comic books or graphic novels but I was attracted to the grittiness of it even though I had no clue what it was about. So I got up the courage and finally watched it.  

Sin City  (2005)

Director: Frank Miller, Robert Rodriguez, and Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rouke, Clive Owen, Rosario Dawson, Britney Murphy, Benicio Del Toro, and many others.

Rating: R

The Plot: The lives of three different men and their interaction with the people in the underbelly of Basin City

The Review: Umm…. I have no idea where to begin. So this film falls into an interesting category of Neo-noir, which I love but this film almost tries to make the film solely in the noir style (because noir is a style of film not a genre). I say this because the use of 1940-ish music and fill lighting like in the old Humphrey Bogart classic noir films but it still retains the lack of hope, absence of fate/cosmic justice, and anti-hero looking for social justice that characterizes a Neo-noir.  This film has also noir styled language so it’s more of 1940 gangster film dialogue complete with an old fashion soundtrack and a loosely based costume design. Now some of the dialogue was a bit weak but was covered by some really great cinematic shots and awesome action sequences. Now with a title like Sin City its safe to assume that this is on horrible place and it is. It dark and gritty town, riddled with crime and ruled by corruption.

Now the film characters are not the most amiable characters, in fact they’re actually not nice people but amazingly there a hell of a lot better than those who are running the town and you find yourself rooting for them and wanting to know more about their story. The cast who plays these less than reputable characters really is great one and they play their characters pretty well. It would be odd to say the film is gory since only half of the blood in the film isn’t actually red rather white other times but there are some pretty gory bits compete with missing limbs and such. I’m not particularly squeamish when it comes to gore like this in film or anything in film really, but if you are, it might be best to skip this one because it is explicit, also if your particular about sex, nudity, lots of stylized violence or dark thematic material. There I got that warning out of the way now. I always hate having to do that but now I can go back to talking about the really cool stuff in the movie like the fact that only certain things had color. I found this aspect of the film really intriguing because not only was it certain qualities but also only using primary colors. Now if you didn’t find that strange let’s get to the execution of the story. This was done non-chronological first of all, a little over-dramatic in some places, and without back-story or character introduction, so you just kind of thrown into it to piece it together like a jigsaw puzzle. I will admit that I was left with some question but figuring it out if half the fun, right?

Watch it?

Personally, I really like dark and twisty films like this, but if you do try it; I would say that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea so be wary and give a try. The worst that can happen is that you don’t like it.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAFzbt0BfMQ

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrDck8ocFu0

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnMZeDmfgmU

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0401792/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

Look forward to a review on Rush and Don Jon that are opening this fall’s movie season.

Until next time,

Jackie

Never Underestimate Dreamworks

Hello Internet,

So, I have officially begun college again and I am already overwhelmed! I am in full film studying mode so now everything I watch I want to use the technical terms and talk about everything but I wont… I’ll try not too at least. I had an interesting occurrence happen to me today where my film teacher was talking how after this class, which was advanced film analysis, you would look at little details, in film like colors and what that means and symbolize in a film or motifs in a film. This puzzled me because I thought this was something you didn’t have to be taught. I thought that seeing the details was part of being a film lover or film major who is really, really into and loves movies and you didn’t have to learn it. I always did this from the start, like way before I even entered college and so did my other friend who is also in the major.. I don’t know what do you guys think? Apparently, a lot of people do. Anyway, my friends and I have already arranged the movie schedule for this quarter and I must say I’m excited but it’s going to take some effort to see all the movies we want to. 

Rise of the Guardians  (2012)

Director: Peter Ramsey

Voices: Chris Pine, Hugh Jackman, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, and Isla Fisher

Rating: PG

The Plot:  When a dark spirit, named Pitch, threatens the well-being of the children around the world, the Guardians must unit to save them.

The Review: I watched this one because my roommate was shocked that I hadn’t seen it yet and she loves this movie. Apparently everyone’s seen this movie but me, so I finally sat down to watch it.  Every though I have a love and appreciation for animated films I had written this one-off because I didn’t think it would be that great and yes, I know it was in the running to be nominated but still didn’t see it. I will never underestimate DreamWorks again. I feel like I missed out on it. The cast of voice actors are stunning as you seen and are all some of my favorite actors and I actually didn’t know who was doing the voices in this film till after I heard all of their characters talk. i enjoyed a lot because it’s a different spin on the stories that a lot of us grew up with as children and I found that clever. The plot was sweet and simple: protect the children from this dark character but also had an underling story about the Guardians themselves and what it meant to have that position. It was also funny so I spent most of the time with a genuine smile on my face from the witty bantering dialogue, mostly between Jack Frost and the Easter Bunny, but it was also touching. I loved all the characters in this movie especially the adorable and kick-butt Sandman and I even liked  the villain Pitch, who was voiced by Jude Law, who you kinda . The animation of it was stunning not only on the characters who were beautifully done, but also as the film as a whole that just had some scenes that were amazing especially when it came to the Sandman. I’ll stop before I give too much away and even though it still had the cheesy kids ending, well because it is a children’s movie, I still liked it. So, in conclusion don’t underestimate animated films especially DreamWorks because you might miss out on something really great. So,  as I always say, give everything a try, you never know what will surprise you.

Watch it?

It was sweet, funny, and cute, so why not? I ‘d say do it.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWs0qulZ00I

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIKErPvOkCk

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY74pp9LSoE

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1446192/?ref_=sr_1

Until next time,

Jackie

Well, At Least It Was Pretty…

Greetings my illustrious readers,

I am now back at my university with my lovely roommates and impatiently awaiting classes. So, in the mean time and beside movies, I have taken it upon myself to postpone finishing Shatter Me and starting on Unravel Me, which is a series by a great author by the name of Terherah Mafi that if you haven’t read them you should. They are amazing! The reason for this is I’m going to read The Book Thief and Ender’s Game before both movies come out in October. Hopefully I can accomplish this.

 After Earth (2013)

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Starring: Will Smith, Jaden Smith, Sophie Okonedo, and Zoe Kavitz

Rating: PG-13

The Plot:  Strayed on the now hostile planet earth, an estranged father and son must fight to survive.

The Review: When this movie first came out, I prolonged seeing it because I heard so many mixed reviews and some of them really bad. I finally got up the nerve to watch it.  I will say that off the bat it is pretty, I mean some stunning CGI. Will Smith as an actor is just fantastic and this is a very different role for him. Not on comedic line or smile really but that was necessary for his character, who I still think is one of the worst parents like ever. Maybe it’s the fact that he doesn’t really know his son so that might account for the awkwardness when he’s around his son. I will say Jaden Smith shows some real potential as an actor but still is young and need some practice, but still he has some really good moments in which you see that his character is a still a little kid or is just excited as a son to spend some time with a father he idolizes. The plot is thin and really not all that great and there are quite some cheesy moment in there. The dialogue is mediocre and nothing amazing or really cathartic. The cast is minimal because it does focus on the father son relationship so some stuff it doesn’t explain or doesn’t give enough explanation as to details of the story so you can become confused. In all, an interesting concept that was not executed as well as it should have been.

Watch it?

Pretty movie; ok plot, but nothing too amazing so I would wait to rent it.

 Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKIXQdv4G7o

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2HWDys9bdg

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYoK3FvkfC4

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1815862/?ref_=sr_1

Until next time,

Jackie

Just Some Rentals

Hey Internet,

So first this week its just going to be a couple of rental releases because lets face it there is really nothing too amazing in theaters so now I just have to wait for the new Romeo and Juliet. Well I don’t really have time anyway since I’ll be leaving this week to go back to college. I’m really excited to go back but then again I going to miss everyone here and I dreading the workload but hey I still have film class. So, these are gonna be really short because there’s not a whole lot to say about these two movies.

1)   The Guilt Trip (2012)

Director: Anne Fletcher

Starring: Barbara Streisand, Seth Rogan, and Rose Abdoo

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: A son brings his mom on a business road trip to rekindle her with her past love.

The Review: I love Barbara Streisand movies. I personally think she’s great. Ok, so if this mother does not remind you of you mother in some way you were not loved enough. She was definitely the highlight of the movie because although Seth Rogan is funny Barbara Streisand as his mom was so much funnier. This movie was basically just the interaction and relationship between these two. It was funny and sweet and I loved how it ended. It’s really simple and a good past time movie even though it wasn’t the best but like I said Barbara Streisand was the highlight.

Watch it?

Decent and good for a few laughs.

 Trailer Link:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezuLn0Eel6g

More Info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1694020/?ref_=sr_1

2) Wuthering Heights (2012)

Director: Andrea Arnold

Starring: James Howson and Kaya Scodelario

Rating: Not Rated

The Plot: The classic story of Cathy Earnshaw and Heathcliff.

The Review: So, this was a super tiny independent film with not a lot of known people hence why it’s not rated and falls under the experimental film category, I think. Now to begin by saying this was loosely adapted is an understatement really. It was almost not Wuthering Height and yes before you ask I have read the book multiple times. It hand the basic story and spirit but in events and detail it was so different. It was awkwardly paced and due to its low budgetness the sound was not too great. The dialect that the actors spoke was at times hard to understand if they spoke because it was very spare in dialogue and instead opted for shots the were symbolic and metaphorical for what was going on. I thought there was too many of these gritty shots that it almost seemed a bit pretentious. Its unconventional, darker, and a different way of approaching and depicting the torrid love story, but for me, I expected something different and maybe a bit more.  I’m not quite sure how I felt about this one.

Watch it?

If you want to take all that time analyzing the symbolism sure its different but not my favorite or the best adaptation of Wuthering Heights I’ve seen

Trailer Link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EceNo1LJj4

More info:  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1181614/?ref_=sr_1

Until next time,

Jackie

The Not So Happy Spectacular Now

Hello to all,

So, as the summer is coming to a close, I’m preparing to leave back to college. Now I really excited to go back and see all my lovely friends and go back to film class but I’m also dreading going back because that means going back to being sleep deprived, stressed and missing my friends and family at home. I just have to get through another year luckily Thanksgiving and Christmas are going to be coming up really so and with it winter break and the movie holiday season with The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, About Time and so much more. Well anyways, this is a small independent film that my Bestie and I went to go see recently that actually only played for one week at the theater I live by so good thing we caught it. Warning: Take some one with you if/when you see it I think it makes it better and a little less sad. Thank goodness I had my best friend with me so thanks Bestie for enduring one sad movie with me!

The Spectacular Now (2013)

 

Director: James Ponsoldt

Starring: Miles Teller, Shailene Woodly, Brie Larson, and Kyle Chandler

Rating: R

The Plot:  A boy, who lives his life as one on going party, finds his world changing when he meets a girl.

The Review: So, the plot sounds like the begining of a teenage love story that’s cute and happy and sweet but the movie is not like that. Don’t be fooled like I was by the beautifully made trailer that makes the movie look a little happier then it actually does. Now don’t get me wrong it was a great movie and I absolutely love it and I think I loved it even more because it wasn’t that typical set in high school romance movie. Yes, it begins with a relationship that forms between two people with very different life style but that is not the main focus. The main focus is Sutter’s life, which is played by Miles Teller, and how it begins shifting and what that does to him. The movies is so interesting because this main character is not the best person, he’s actually some times a real big douche. Now he’s a good person at heart but his actions are not always what the audience wants or expects him to do. He’s slightly alcoholic, even though I don’t know how the characters got that much alcohol throughout the movie but I digress. He’s rash some times and doesn’t let a lot of people in, which creates complications in his relationship with Shailene Woodly’s character, Aimee. I loved her in this movie; she did a fantastic job playing a sweet, innocent girl completely head over heels in love with her first boyfriend.

This film does something I found interesting in that we see how both Sutter and Aimee change and grow up. One of my favorite scenes was argument between Sutter and Aimee that had a very shocking ending but my heart broke in that scene and I had so many emotions going through me in that scene. I won’t go into more details so I won’t spoil it. The whole movie not only that scene is so well acted by the whole cast and like I said sometimes you don’t like the characters. I know there were times when I alternated wanting to smack Sutter or hug him and hug Aimee or warn her to run the other way and protect her. Since the film is small it is shot simply but still beautifully and the dialogue is superb, nothing cheese just real and thought-provoking. It wasn’t trying to input a whole lot of popular teenage music, stereotypes, or pop culture enticements to attract the masses but instead the characters, down to the way they speak, were presented as though they were real and simple people instead of prettied up versions of the archetypical teenage characters. What I’m trying to say is that they were less two-dimensional character and had more depth to then, I liked that. It wasn’t just I like or dislike this character. It was I don’t agree with what they’re doing but I understand them. See, depth. I also liked tha the music was simple and not distracting. It wasn’t loud misplaced techno that makes you loose the feeling of moment in the movie and it wasn’t awkwardly placed like in some films that have been released. This film just affirms how much and why I love independent films so much. My Bestie and I really enjoyed this movie although we left the theater just a tad bit sad but nevertheless we both agreed that it was a fantastic movie and I would definitely recommend it.

Watch it?

Oh, absolutely!

Trailer link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDTBLSkUmYk

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5ZllvEaENA

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItJr9dtRon4

Featurette (to better explain what I mean): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tOTyuYB1lk

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1714206/?ref_=sr_1

Until next time,

Jackie

A Movie on the Unpredictability of Life

Hola Readers,

Slowly but surely I am catching up with the movies I’ve seen. That’s what I get for procrastinating and becoming immersed in the Divergent series, which if you haven’t read, you totally should they’re amazing. Sadly I finished both books and the two short novellas available on Amazon, so now I have to wait another month for Allegiant. Anyway I had a happy occurrence in that my local Harkins theater decided to be wonderful and show two small independent films one of which I hadn’t heard of but here it is.

 

Instructions Not Included (No Se Aceptan Devoluciones) (2013)

Director: Eugenio Derbez

Starring: Eugenio Derbez, Jessica Lindsey, Loreto, Peralta, and Daniel Raymont

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: A man must make a life for him and a daughter left on his doorstep six years ago and fight for her when the mother returns for custody.

The Review: So, I heard about this film from my dad who suggested that we go see it. I hadn’t heard anything about it, not one trailer, or interview. So, after looking up the times and a quick description I said, “ Hey it good. Why not? I like Eugenio Derbez films. He’s funny.” With my brother in tow we went and caught the closest showing. I also got to see it a second time with my aunt and mom and I can tell you that its just as good the second time as the first time. Now I had thought it was mostly English but was pleasantly surprised to find out in was mostly in Spanish. I speak the language fluently so I didn’t have to read subtitles but what made me so happy was that theaters around me don’t normally get films in other languages normally so this was the first time I got to see a film in Spanish in theaters, which was super exciting.

The movie starts with explain the main characters fears and his relationship with his father, which is amusing but when we fast-forward we see that he grows to be a player and not a very nice guy. This all changes when a woman that he had dated shows up and leaves him a baby that is supposedly his daughter. Its then that he goes to America and takes a job as a Hollywood stuntman to give his daughter the life she deserves. There relationship is sweet and so funny. I laughed like crazy in this film and love the witty dialogue riddle with double meanings. the little girl in it was especially funny and her and Eugenio Derbez played their roles beautifully It was sweet and heart-warming movie but it still had a sadness to it that came in with the arrival of the little girl’s mom and when she tries to get custody. The ending is unpredictable and just a little bit shocking and I know I teared up a little at the end.

The film has a broad range of emotions and is filmed simple so there’s no fancy camera work to distract from the plot and well acted characters. It is a lovely film that I really loved and I thought it was a charming and hilarious movie and especially great father–daughter movie with a nice message at the end.

Watch it?

Yes, its sweet and funny and definitely worth seeing.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rlFr2lu0IY

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2378281/

Until next time,

Jackie

For the Love of Shadowhunters

Hello Internet,

I will say right off the bat that I love reading books and among the many I have read there is this series. Personally I love The Mortal Instrument ad The Infernal Devices, for those of you who have read both, so when this came out like any other fan I was really excited and nervous at the same time. I still went to go see it…twice. Once with my mother as and mother-daughter day and the second with my cousin, brother and best friend.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Director: Harald Zwart

Starring: Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan, Kevin Zegers, Jamima West, Jonathon Rhys Meyers, and Lena Headey

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: Clary finds her world turned when she stumbles upon a strange group of people, called Shadowhunters, in a club that lead her to discover secrets about her past and herself

The Review: I know I’m like every other person that when a book or series they love is turn into a movie, I’m simultaneously extremely happy and excited and nervous on how it’s going to turn out. Is it going to be good?  How closely will it follow the book? There’s of course a million other questions the I could list but in short no one knows how the movies going to turn out. So, I have learned that with book to movie adaptations to think of then as two vaguely linked things and judge them separately and compare them as little as possible. I find you enjoy the movie and book more that way because while a movie is concrete, in a book you have to factor in the fact that you project your own imagination and version into it.

With that said I will say when casting first came out, I was concerned with the cast. Not only were they older but Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace! After seeing the film I will say that I was completely wrong and love all of them. Jamie Campbell Bower was just as prefect as all the rest of the cast and played Jace with all the sass and sarcasm in the books while still broken vulnerability in the character while the others such as Lily Collins played their characters just as well. Though Isabella’s character was a little nicer in the movie and the undeniable hints at her and Simon were a spoiler, I was okay with it. What I was not okay with was the insertion of certain line that was a major spoiler that took me two books to find out and what the movie revealed in seconds. If you’ve read the books and caught it the movie or just caught it in the movie anyway then you know what I’m talking about. This part actually caused my best friend to grab my arm in shock and ask in a rather distressed voice I might add, if it was or wasn’t true. Well any way I understand why the line was added but I still kind of don’t fully like it. Hey call me petty and vindictive for wanting everyone else to wait and find out like I did but I suppose I have to let that go too. Also Jonathon Rhys Meyers what’s with the braids?

Back to the talking about the movie, I was surprised to see that some lines where direct quote from the book while others were left out much to my dismay but I still liked that they kept a good portion of the dialogue and add in some good lines. As for scene-wise, it’s the same with the dialogue, some were change, shorten, cut or done to the letter. For example I know they changed the greenhouse scene but it still maintains its level of corniness and in my opinion makes more sense and is so cute. The costuming and setting were perfect though and the only thing that bothered me was I didn’t like some of the music chosen. I found it to be not right, awkwardly placed or unnecessary like the song during the fight in the vampire lair and was almost like it was trying to hard appeal more to the teenage audience. The film did compress and try to fit all the important parts of a rather large book into approximately two hours so the pace is very fast from start to finish but the special effects are great and the fight scenes choreographed well epically the frozen demons and the vampire lair fight scene. All in all I thought it was well adapted and I so glad that I wasn’t disappointed. I will admit that I was fangirling the whole time! Over like everything too like Jace and Clary. It was pretty bad but I regret none of it!

Watch it?

I would say maybe, if you’re a fantasy fan. It has an interesting concept and story and I personally give it an okay. If you’re a fan of the book go into it with an open mind and try not to be to set on what you imagined because after all that is what YOU imagined.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHlwRsl2uFk

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-VYJAZrmEE

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mgpoOXW9NQ

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1538403/?ref_=sr_1

I recently just finished reading Divergent by Veronica Roth, I know I’m late, but if you haven’t read it, its really good and you should before the movie comes out.

Divergent Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qXT0kcTI9Kk

Until next time,

Jackie

I Thought I Was Done With Woody Allen

Hello,

So, after taking that very long class back in spring quarter I had said I was done with Woody Allen movie for a while. I mean won’t you be if you saw three fourth of is filmography in ten weeks? Insane! I know my fault for taking the class but in my defense, who would have guessed that Woody Allen would be that complicated. I know I’m so behind in reviews that Resident Evil one really put me behind and it seems that the theater season did pick up for me unexpectedly for me all of a sudden. So, I will endeavor to catch up this week.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Cate Blanchet, Alec Baldwin, Louis C.K., Sally Hawkins, Peter Sarsgaard and Andrew Dice Clay

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: After her husband is imprisoned and commits suicide, a New York socialite goes to San Francisco to stay with her sister.

The Review: Ok, so I never thought I would be watching a Woody Allen film so soon because I was sort of tired analyzing it but like any true film addict I finally caved and went and saw it when my cousin and I decided to go spur of the moment to the theater. I would have to say that this one is got be one of my favorite Woody Allen films. All the cast was amazing, as they always are in a Woody Allen, but Cate Blanchett was truly phenomenal in this film, I sense an Oscar nomination for her performance as the half crazy woman left with nothing. Her character was not a likeable one which was the case in basically all the characters in the film, I can tell you I came out of that theater and thought I did not like one person in that film, did I pity them yes but in the end they were all not very good people. What made the film so fascinating is that these characters try to grow and change and you root for them but in the end…well I won’t spoil that for you. The cinematography and coloring of the film is just beautiful and the costuming to reflect the character and how they wanted to be perceived was great. It flips between past and present but that does not make it difficult to follow its is easy to distinguish which is which since the present is in San Francisco and the past in New York. I think this he’s got to be one of Allen’s best films and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well acted, simple in story but still intriguing, beautiful visually and emotionally engaging because you become so enrolled in these struggling characters. i’ am so glad I decided not to skip this film because of that torturous class.

Watch it?

Absolutely, I thought it was fantastic.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLtj4LY5CA

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEU2gTU8qzs

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2334873/?ref_=sr_1

Next up the Mortal Instruments and a whole lot of fangirling so I’m sorry ahead time but its gonna happen so look forward to that.

Until next time,

Jackie

I Made It Through!

Greetings Internet,

Ok, so I made it through this very long marathon. It’s over, that’s it! Why did I listen to my brother when he said that this would be a good idea? So here’s a nice really long review.

1) Resident Evil (2002)

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, James Purefoy, and Eric Mabius

Rating: R

The Plot: When a secret corporation facility locks down a group of agents and three civilians go down to investigate it with two of them not remember who they are.

The Review:  I never played the video game so when watch this one I had no clue what it was about. The one thing that I got out of my brother was: zombies and I thought dear goodness another one. As you all know I not a big fan of zombie films but one must try everything right? So I will say I was thoroughly confused threw out so much of this film and I think that it came from lack of explanation since the film seemed to be geared to then game audience that already had knowledge on the plot. I eventually caught up with what was going on but that was like five minutes before the story ended. I must say Milla Jovovich is just badass when she starts remember what she can do especially her fight scene against the infected Dobermans, which are completely gross by the way. As for the special effects on the monsters the supposed T-virus creates, their a bit crappy considering that it is the early 2000’s so there is a bit of a rubbery look to the creatures. By the end since I got most of it I was ok but then of course the end ending in a cliffhanger still left me a bit confused. On a last note they need to tone done the hard rock music, it was a bit too much and block sound and dialogue.

Watch it?

Well… I guess if you like slightly gross exaggerated action film with a girl kicking butt in a skimpy nightdress (yeah, really who wears that with boots and does crazy kick and stuff in it?)

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4yqRGlgwkc

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120804/?ref_=tt_rec_tt

2) Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004)

Director: Alexander Witt

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Sienna Guillory, Jared Harris, Oded Fehr, and Mike Epps

Rating: R

The Plot: Set right after the first one the T virus has now contaminated the city.

The Review: Not one but two girls kicking butt! What and both in unrealistic skimpy outfits because what detective dresses like that? Jill Valentine does apparently. I know it’s shocking but at least this one not only made more sense but clarified the last one like Alice’s name being Alice so that was good at least. Well anyway Alice now being super-human because some experiment that the Umbrella Corporation did on her. This results in her entrance to the film really cool but just a bit exaggerate.  The damn dogs are still in this one much to my dismay. Anyway the story is simple save a little girl of a man who created the T-virus in exchange for safe passage. Of course that all gets complicated by the head scientist or whatever of the umbrella trying to get Alice back because she’s super human after bounding with the T-virus but I will say that the special effects did improve.

Watch it?

Slightly better and less confusing then the first but still an over exaggerated sci-fi so if you go for that sort of thing ok, I guess.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IM9e3yYLzM

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKerx0r-oRI

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0318627/?ref_=tt_rec_tt

3) Resident Evil: Extinction (2007)

Director: Russell Mulcahy

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Oded Fehr, and Iain Glen

Rating: R

The Plot: Set a while after the second and after the world has fallen victim to the deadly T-virus a group of survivors is trying to find a safe refuge.

The Review: I don’t understand why these movies find it necessary to confuse people by jumping forward with a lack of explanation. I mean were did everyone go? We see Carlos but where’s Jill and everyone else? All right at least the special effects are getting better and the fight scenes are still great and Claire Redfield is a cool character. There was one scene in particular that I really enjoy that shows off Alice’s cool powers, which I have provided a link to. The story is a bit random in some places due to the fact that it wasn’t really developed well. Okay so the guy from the last movie wants to capture Alice to use her blood to advance the zombies’ intelligence. I don’t know that’s what I got but they also talk of her blood being the cure so which is it? I don’t think even the Umbrella Corporation knows what’s going on but I give it credit for getting a little better in its graphics, although that darn dogs are in this one too. Shocker cliffhanger ending!

Watch it?

Its better graphic wise other then that my previous comments still stand on whether or not to watch it still stand.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfCdceLoSTE

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAyuGyUbfbI

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432021/?ref_=sr_6

4) Resident Evil: Afterlife

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller, and Boris Kodjoe

Rating: R

The Plot:

The Review: Ok, so great intro but really exaggerated follow up action scene. This is tells us where at least some of the characters went for once. What the zombies can mutate?! Since when? This just makes them grosser especially those darn Dobermans. I hate those dogs. Now Alice is back to being just human in this one, which means no awesome powers or a fight scene where she wins almost to easily. The story introduces some new character, some are random like Wentworth Miller’s but I’ve learned to just let things slide it this movies because if you focus on it too hard the movie gets worse and more confusing. Well now being Alice and her group are trying to escape a prison where they’re seeking refuge from all the zombies to get to the ship that may be their only hope of survival. Claire is the only character from the last movie really and hoe this one end is really not necessary. I mean the whole thing could have ended happy but no Umbrella just has to make a vindictive move.

Watch it?

Hey if you’ve made it this far, congrats and you might as well finish the series.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dc5iiT0f1s

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ROsNamLVqk

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1220634/?ref_=tt_rec_tt

5) Resident Evil: Retribution

 

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Michille Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, Sienna Guillory and Boris Kodjoe

Rating: R

The Plot: Alice and the a group of resistance members fight their way out of Umbrella’s most dangerous facility.

The Review: Oh my god the last one! After five of these I have conclude that it has the same plot for each film; Umbrella creates a problem, Alice fights to fix it, Alice wins, and Umbrella creates a knew problem then you repeat the circle. Then again one can argue that most of the films in Hollywood repeat stories, I guess. Now when I read the tagline as “evil goes global”, I thought “oh yay going to different countries.” While this one does take place in Russia it does not travel the world…well not literally because the station has simulations of different cities. Again we do get to see where some characters ended up but not others and new ones are introduced that you don’t really know where they came from like Ada. Yes, she kicks butt but what are you doing there and why are people switching side? I was happy to see some character that had died come back but it had a confusing beginning that was kind of oddly written in to introduce a character and a malicious Umbrella plot. Surprise their trying to make money off the T-virus. I must say thumbs up for the special effect and graphics progression into being pretty bad to good. As always fight scenes are over exaggerated but ok for this film. The dialogue throughout the films isn’t too good and the stories have plot whole and gaps from fast forwarding and rewinding at the beginning of each film without explanation but like I said visuals are ok but each one of these movies are designed like a video game and move in and out of like a digital screen to show movement in other areas like it would if you were playing it of a PlayStation. You get used to it. I stayed confused throughout this entire series because of the plot wholes till I finally said I give up I’m letting go of the story and watching them as vaguely connected but almost separate movies and just playing attention to Alice’s storyline since it has the least gaps.

Watch it?

If you really want to but not the best sci-fi or zombie movie I have seen.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fetL5JuKGv4

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpDtY-X5PHo

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1855325/?ref_=sr_1

 I’m done with these movies and don’t really have much to say about them besides what I have repeated above and I’m glad I survived through them. Oh and watch for hidden end scenes on some of them! Look forward to a review on Blue Jasmine and one on The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones next.

Until next time,

Jackie

I Sense a Nomination

Hola Readers,

There’s only one thing I hate about the summer and that is the movie slow period I seem to encounter every time. After taking a look at this week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly, which I subscribe to just for giggles, I see that it might pick up but it won’t be as crazy like this May was this year.  So this one was an outing with my cousin and we thought hey the cast is phenomenal, why not? Though there will probably be the Resident Evil review I keep saying I’ll post this week too since well finally just finished those. Took longer then I thought.

Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013)

Director: Lee Daniels

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack, Cuba Gooding Jr., and so many more.

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: The life story of Cecil Gaines who served eight presidents during the countries most transitional time.

The Review: My cousin and I always like to play a game in which we try to predict which films will be nominated for the Academy Award each year. Well we this is definitely a contender for best picture and best actress for Oprah Winfrey stunning performance as the wife of Cecil Gaines. Serious that woman scared me at one point. So about the film let me first say what the hell, did they get every great person in Hollywood to do this movie? Seriously, that cast is ridiculous but still amazing nonetheless. I’m always hesitate about seeing biopics in theaters, you never know which way it’s going to go, good, bad, who knows? How much are they going to put in? How much will be taken out? So, the film crammed almost all of one man’s life into three hours so it did jump forward quite a bit so that what quite a whirlwind at times, jumping forward years and sometimes between people. The story itself showed depth and told the tale of one man’s great struggle but like I said the film went quickly so I felt that we as a viewer saw both too much and not enough if that makes any sense. Costume and visually the film was as stunning as the cast and were both ever changing to fit the many time periods it spanned. Though besides that I really liked that each character grew and evolved right in front of your eyes and that it wasn’t affected by the sudden jump in time. The film is a sad and a very serious story, so don’t expect it to get happy even if the film has a brief lapse and the characters are happy. The film also showed the conflicting ways of fighting against oppression with the two primary examples being Cecil and his son and how they each reach a understanding of what they’re fighting for and how. It’s inspirational and hard hitting, highlighting the careful subject of segregation and oppression of a whole group of people before, through, and after the civil rights movement. It does not idealize all of the American presidents as history book do but shows that each had an individual approach to running the country through brief glances and interaction with Cecil that affect his life and the life of a country.

Watch it?

If you’re in the mood for a deep movie with a slightly sad and serious story and inspirational feel to it, sure.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ4xDTz8Avc

Clip1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zs9KlVYDZjM

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTmbHFI0iO8

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1327773/?ref_=sr_1

 One more thing is the Mortal Instruments: City of Bones came out this week so  I really excited to see that. I will definitely be following that up with a post that has a good amount of fangirling so forgive me ahead of time and don’t judge.

Until next time,

Jackie

Finally…

Hello Internet,

Now I know I’ve mentioned this movie before and how much I have wanted to see it. I have finally gotten my hands on a copy! This was my half way break in the Resident Evil marathon I’m currently in so I’ll post that review soon too.

What Maisie Knew (2013)

Director: Scott McGehee and David Siegel

Starring: Julianne Moore, Steve Coogan, Alexander Skarsgård, Johanna Vanderham, and Onata Aprile

Rating: R

The Plot: The story of a little girl caught in her parents’ bitter divorce and custody battle.

The Review: I’m going to say right off the bat I loved this movie. It was simultaneously the cutest and saddest thing I’ve ever seen. The story itself is sad which is Maisie being caught in her parents’ ugly divorce and custody battle but the cuteness comes from her interaction with the man that her mom marries in order to try to win the custody battle played by Alexander Skarsgård. Now the story is from Maisie’s perspective, I know shocker since it is called What Maisie Knew, so it tells only the events she sees, making the narrative a bit gapped but it makes sense that it does. The film has a quiet peace that is constantly being disrupted by the explosive arguments of those around her and I found myself hating both Julianne Moore and Steve Coogan at times because their sole focus was on themselves not on their kid but by their final scenes I shifted to feeling a sense of sadness for them because you can see that both of them understand that they may not be the most suited to take care of Maisie. With the mom being a rock star always on tour and the dad an art dealer always away on business the little girl is always left in the car of other, mainly her babysitter Margo and mom’s new husband Lincoln. Although I can say the Julianne Moore has never played a character that annoyed  me more because their are times she is really a terrible parent. I think, what made this film so heartbreaking in some scenes was that the viewer sometimes understands more of what’s going then Maisie’s character does since she is just so young but then there are the times when she is just so cute because despite not knowing what is going on completely she’s tries to do what she can. I was just completely entranced by this movie and can say it was worth the wait and hunt for.

Watch it?

Yes, absolutely.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrGzb1nBBl4

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5T_sKdlv8

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1932767/?ref_=sr_1

Don’t forget you can leave me a comment, opinion, or recommendation and I will try to respond as soon as I can because I honestly love hearing what you guys think. Keep an eye out for a review of all five of the Resident Evil movies soon.

-Jackie

Adamantium Claws and Samurai Swords

Hello Internet,

I’m back with another review this week. I know it was a little slow last week what with all my reviews being done last weekend. It was a busy week but ended nicely with going to the theater. It’s become sort of tradition between my cousin and I to see Hugh Jackman movies in theaters together and since I am and always have been a huge X-men fan since I was little, we just couldn’t pass this one up.

The Wolverine (2013)

Director: James Mangold

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima and Hiroyuki Sanada

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: Taking place after the third X-men movie, Wolverine travels to Japan and find himself caught in physical and emotional conflict.

The Review: Personally, like I’ve stated before I love the X-men franchise and I do enjoy watch Hugh Jackman and his glorious abs, which did not disappoint in this movie, but I wasn’t as excited when seeing this trailer. Don’t ask me why, because I really have no clue why. I did however walk out of that theater pleasantly surprised that the movie was a lot better then what I had anticipated. The story takes place in combination of the past and modern day Japan giving the film a beautiful setting and served to exemplify the story in its overlapping of the past and present in Wolverines life; some of the shots of Tokyo city and of the Japanese countryside were absolutely beautiful. The narrative itself has some gaps due to lack of explanation and development and some of it seemed to happen abruptly but is able to still be pass off. Fight sequences were great and ranged from a fight scene on a train and Yukio and her kick-ass fight sequences. I like that most of the action sequences was were not any an array of guns but a combination of hand to hand combat and samurai sword with a sprinkle of shooting. Apart from the amazing fight sequence the special effects were just as stunning and enticing such as Viper skin shedding and Wolverine’s healing ability on a massive scale. Of course some of the sequences with some exaggeration but it is a super hero film made for the masses.

Watch it?

Sure its pretty ok, lots of action.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=th1NTVIhUQU

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17nymm4W_Sw

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7av1gDaXIxw

Featurette: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_ynhhPloK4

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430132/?ref_=sr_1

Next up a marathon of the Resident Evil movies, thanks to my brother, so look forward to another multi-review some time this week.

Until next time,

Jackie

Transformers Meets Hellboy

Hi,

So for this weekend I took my little brother and cousin to go see a movie because they had wanted to see this certain movie for a while. Now I had thought that I had escaped this one because I wasn’t so keen to see it in theaters but hey it’s been a while since I went to the theater, so I was excited to go to see a movie in general. It’s also really nice to just be reviewing just one movie this time with all the multi-reviews I’ve been doing. I think it’s better that I get to pay more attention to the review and links instead of trying to condense it so it won’t be too long.

Pacific Rim (2013)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Rinko Kikuchi, and Charlie Day

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: After a rift in the Pacific Ocean, a war between mankind and monsters rages and as the end nears humanity takes one last desperate attempt to defend themselves.

The Review: Now I am a fan of Guillermo del Toro and enjoy watching his film like Pan’s Labyrinth and Hellboy, however when I first saw the preview to this movie I wasn’t so interested in it but I was invited to the movies and chaperone my brother and cousin. The beginning explains how the world got to where it was and the rest of the plot was simple win the war and destroy the monsters. So going in I didn’t expect much.

I found though that the premise was an interesting concept how the machines were operated which was to link two human minds and the robot together in something that they call the drift, which is composed of memories and thoughts so you have to be compatible to operate the robot. Out of that concept arises the story of the movie, which was Charlie Hunnam’s character story in finding a new drift compatible part after the tragic death of his last. Now the story was simple and interesting and the dialogue was average, passable but it did have some cheesiness in some of it, not too bad though, that was off set with some light humor. Being a Guillermo del Toro film it was the sci-fi special effects that stole the show. They made the movie so much more enjoyable because the battles, which comprised the action of the film, were so well done and detailed with the effects. It wasn’t just the battles and destruction that were benefited from great special effects but the setting down to being inside the giant robot and look of the world on the brink of destruction that too looked super cool.  I will admit I found that the movie was better than I thought it was going to be and found that I did enjoy it. It was action packed with a decent story and easily holds you attention with the stunning visuals and bits of humorous scenes and dialogue.

Watch it?

Yeah, sure. It has an okay story and great special effects.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5guMumPFBag

Clip 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrBjPEzkjWo

Clip 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zr2pOTDCQQM  

Featurette on the making: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agMns56lPcE

More Info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1663662/?ref_=sr_1

Upcoming films’ Trailers:

New Romeo and Juliet trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXvufMqcWQA

The Fifth Estate: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT1wb8_tcYU

Blue Jasmine: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWLtj4LY5CA

12 Years a Slave: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYYtS9KSWNg

As always don’t forget that you can always shoot me a comment, opinion, or recommendation and I promise I will respond in a timely manner.

-Jackie

 

The Comedy Group

Hey Internet,

So, I went out with my friend for my bestie’s birthday. Shout out to Matt and Steven and Megan, whose quote of the day is “I don’t like a lot of people”. Well Megan I’m glad you like me so happy belated birthday, Bestie! So, it’s taken me a bit to write this review because we went to go see Grown Ups 2 and since I hadn’t seen the first one I thought I’d wait to review it till after I’d seen both and just review them at the same time.

1) Grown ups (2010)

Director: Dennis Dugan

Starring: Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Salma Hayek, Rob Schneider, and Maria Bello

Rating: PG-13

The Plot: After the coach of their old basketball team passes away, five friends reunite at an old beach house they used to go to as kids.

The Review: I have to admit off the bat that I’m not a huge Adam Sandler fan. I have no idea why; I mean I like some movies like 50 First Dates and Big Daddy, but just not a big fan of his still of comedy. I guess because it runs more toward slapstick, who knows. Well like I said I saw this because I saw the second for my best friends birthday. It had a very dry sense of comedy mixed with some slapstick. It started a bit slow but picked up in the second half for some laugh and concluded with a somewhat heart-warming ending.

Watch it?

It’s interesting to see those five together so complete you decision. This one’s a toss up for me.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSXiLgvl5CE

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG4FAGxZvtU

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375670/?ref_=sr_2

 

2) Grown ups 2 (2013)

Director: Dennis Dugan

Starring: Adam Sandler, David Spade, Kevin James, Chris Rock, Maya Rudolph, Salma Hayek, and Maria Bello

Rating: PG-13

The Plot:  Set three years later Lenny and family try to adjust to living in their old hometown his friends and their family in his crazy hometown.

The Review: I’ll admit that half the reason I went to go see this was Taylor Lautner and the second again because it was for my best friends birthday. I found that I was pleasantly surprised in that I laughed that much at the movie because going in I had no idea what to expect and after seeing the first on I will now say that I think that I liked the second better. I not only laughed more but I found that I like the plot more in this one.

Watch it?

Yeah, sure it’s got some laughs so try it out.

Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MwJkGW8ac 

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfdPgxJH36Q

More info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2191701/?ref_=sr_1

That’s all for today folks.

Until next time,

Jackie