Review: ‘Arrival’

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Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) is quickly becoming one of Hollywood’s must see directors, with his unique vision of storytelling and character portrayal, Villeneuve is revolutionizing how we watch films. Based on the short story “Story of Your Life” by author Ted Chiang and written for the screen by Eric Heisserer, Arrival explores extraterrestrial contact in a fresh, new way which pays homage to Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind and other greats from the past by taking aspects of those films and using them to enhance this lively new experience. This is a film to be cherished for many decades to come.

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Linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is approached by the military to help decipher an alien language upon the arrival of multiple mysterious extraterrestrial spacecraft around the globe. Assisting Banks are mathematician Ian Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) and US Army Colonel Weber (Forest Whitaker) each pressured with the task of making contact with the new visitors and understanding their language and their intent. Tensions around the globe are running high as China and other foreign governments discuss the possibility of first strike if contact can’t be made. Banks and Donnelly head a team to enter the ship and use their expertise to find a common ground between our language and theirs to properly interpret the meaning of their arrival and stop global war, but the answer they receive may change everything they’ve come to know forever.

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The cinematography by Bradford Young is exceptional and sets the tone for the film. Director Denis Villeneuve uses these visuals as a supporting cast member as the camera work encapsulates you within the story and keeps you engaged throughout the duration of the film. Amy Adams‘s performance is crucial to the payoff and she is exceptional. Every step throughout this journey is commanded by Adams and, along with co-star Jeremy Renner, provide the human emotional element that drives each character to do whatever they must to complete their mission. Forest Whitaker stands strong as the moral center trying to keep the team on mission and the fate of the world in the front of his mind. The three are a perfect triangle of acting that play off one another to drive home the message.

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Overall, Arrival is a giant step forward for film making and awe inspiring experience like no other I’ve witnessed this year. A film that turns the science fiction genre on it’s head with an ending so unexpected that it will leave you speechless. This is the film to beat for 2016.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

Trailer:

Watch the trailer for ‘Arrival’ starring Amy Adams

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Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Arrival directed by Denis Villeneuve (Sicario) and we have it for you below!

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team – lead by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) – are brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks and the team race against time for answers – and to find them, she will take a chance that could threaten her life, and quite possibly humanity.

The movie also stars Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker

Arrival is in theaters November 11th

Marvel Releases First ‘Captain America: Civil War” Trailer and Posters!

captain-america-captain-america-3-civil-war-who-will-winLast night, Chris Evans and Robert Downey Jr. stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live and surprised fans with the first trailer for their newest Marvel film Captain America: Civil War and we have it for you below!

Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

Joining Evans and Downey Jr. in the film are Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Paul Bettany as The Vision, Jeremy Renner as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Don Cheadle as Jim Rhodes/War Machine, Elizabeth Olsen as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier as well as Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa/Black Panther, Emily VanCamp as Sharon Carter/Agent 13, Daniel Brühl as Baron Helmut Zemo, Frank Grillo as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones, William Hurt as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross, and Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man. The film will also debut Marvel’s new Spider-Man, played by Tom Holland.

Captain America: Civil War is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2016, in 3D and IMAX.

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New ‘Captain America: Civil War’ Concept Art Reveals the Teams

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One of stars of Captain America: Civil WarJeremy Renner, took to Twitter today and debuted some awesome concept art for the upcoming Marvel movie and we have them for you below!

Cool poster. What do you think? #avengers #captainamerica #civilwar #hawkeye #ironman pic.twitter.com/gU4KfXBDWo

 

After the events of Avengers: Age of Ultron, another international incident involving Captain America and the Avengers results in collateral damage, prompting politicians to form a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to call in the Avengers, which results in the fracturing of the team while they attempt to protect the world from a new enemy.

Captain America: Civil War is scheduled to be released on May 6, 2016, in 3D and IMAX.

Michael’s Review: ‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’

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Say what you will about Tom Cruise, but the guy can deliver one hell of a performance. Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation proves this fact with its fast pace action and its intriguing storyline which grabs you from second one and never lets go. Director Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher) and Cruise have created a nice rapport over the years as the two seem very comfortable working together and it shows with the finished films. The Mission Impossible franchise was rejuvenated with 2011’s Ghost Protocol, and Rogue Nation continues to show that with great storytelling and exciting set pieces, this franchise has a lot left in the tank.

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The Impossible Mission Force is on assignment saving the world once again. We find the team in Belarus where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) is attempting to stop delivery of chemical weapons to hostile forces. Accompanied on the mission by Benji (Simon Pegg), Ethan finds himself on the outside of a plane rushing down the runway to take off. An expected thrilling start to a franchise which has hung its hat on exciting action set pieces. The thrill rides are just beginning as the team find themselves in the sight lines of a new villainous foe in the form of the mysterious syndicate. Ethan comes face to face with the head of the group, Solomon Lane (Sean Harris) when he is captured and sent for interrogation. Ethan’s capture is Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), a rogue MI:6 agent who now works for the syndicate, but her alliances are, as we say, complicated, as she helps free Ethan.

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But this isn’t the only threat to the IMF. The group is denounced by the CIA chief Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) who wants to disband the force for its reckless behavior, blaming the IMF for the attack on the Kremlin one year earlier. Despite William Brandt’s (Jeremy Renner) protests, all IMF operations are shut down, leaving Ethan Hunt the CIA’s most wanted. Ethan must rely on Luther Stickell (Ving Rhames), Brandt and Benji to help him prove that the syndicate is real and reinstate the IMF. Stuck between two powerful foes, Ethan travels the globe and fights side by side with friend and foe. His mission, to stop the syndicate before time runs out. This message will self destruct in 5,4,3,2,1.

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In a summer filled with so many hits and misses, it’s nice to see a film like Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation come out and prove that character driven action films can entertain while not being dumbed down for the sake of the summer movie going audience. Christopher McQuarrie does a wonderful job directing this veteran cast who have, for the most part, been working together on this franchise for close to a decade. McQuarrie, who also is responsible for writing the film, balances the need for dialogue driven scenes with action set pieces nicely, allowing for development of each character nicely. Tom Cruise has coveted this franchise for 20 years and it truly is his baby. Cruise is fearless in his passion for this role and it shows with his delivery and how committed he is to making each scene as believable as possible. Simon Pegg benefits from an increase in screen time this time around and makes the most of it. Pegg’s wonderful blend of quirky and dramatic make his performance one to watch. 

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Jeremy Renner isn’t given much to do action wise in this film, and sadly, his character suffers for it, but it is his dry comedic exchanges with Alec Baldwin that make for some entertaining scenes. Sean Harris’ villainous role is menacing as much in his silence as he is in his characters execution. A cold, callous demeanor make his Solomon Lane the best villain of the franchise so far. Rebecca Ferguson’s heroine is the real scene stealer of the film. Ferguson’s beauty and grace make her presence on screen so must see.

Overall,  Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation is the best sequel this summer not named Mad Max: Fury Road. Your mission, if you chose to accept it, run to the theater and see this one in the biggest format you can.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer:

Michael’s Review: ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’

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Hard to believe but it’s only been seven years since Marvel set in motion this grandiose plan to create a cinematic universe that would bring many of it’s popular comic book character to life. A slew of solo films introducing Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and The Hulk all lead to one moment in 2012, when director Joss Whedon unleashed Earth’s Mightiest Heroes into cinemas to complete Phase 1 of the company’s plan, a feat that would result in the third biggest box office worldwide. Three years later Whedon returns to take this franchise to another level and looks to top the achievement many believed to be too large to tackle. Seven years and so many memorable films has lead to this moment, Marvel’s crowning jewel, Avengers: Age of Ultron.

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In Ultron, we find the Avengers back together and on a mission in the Eastern European city of Sokovia looking for Hydra operative Baron Wolfgang von Strucker (Thomas Kretschmann), who has been experimenting on humans using Loki’s scepter. The team encounter two of Strucker’s experiments, Pietro Maximoff (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), who has superhuman speed, and Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), who can manipulate minds and throw energy blasts. Tony (Robert Downey Jr) encounters Wanda’s power during the apprehension of the scepter and has a vision of a cataclysmic event that would see the end of everything and everyone he loves.

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Haunted by this vision, Stark and Banner (Mark Ruffalo) discover an artificial intelligence within the scepter’s gem, and secretly use it to complete Stark’s “Ultron” global defense program, but things don’t go as planned.  Ultron (voiced by James Spader) misinterprets the directive and believes the only way to save the Earth is to eradicate humanity. Believing his biggest threat to be the Avengers, the program sets his sights on Earth’s Mightiest Heroes as the first hurdle in his grand plan. Captain America (Chris Evans) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth), feeling betrayed by the duos secret plan, confront Stark and Banner for answers. Believing it will take all of them to take down the creation, the Avengers set out to find Ultron before he can enact his evil plan and destroy the Earth, but it will take not only the Avengers, but new alliances with the Maxinoff’s and a newly created AI named The Vision (Paul Bettany) to see this mission to completion. Can the team save the Earth one more time?

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Like Captain America: The Winter Solider, Marvel has begun to evolve it’s films with more mature storytelling. Avengers: Age of Ultron has a darker tone than the previous Avengers film, but it helps escalates the tension and performances of these actors to new levels not yet seen in the MCU. The addition of new characters, including the performances of Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Elizabeth Olsen as the Maximoff twins and Paul Bettany as The Vision are crucial to keeping the Avengers franchise from growing stale and all three actors bring a wonderful presence that fits perfectly in with the core team. Jeremy Renner‘s Hawkeye takes center stage for many crucial scenes in the film and shines with the increased screen time. The growing chemistry between Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow and Mark Ruffalo’s Bruce Banner works wonderfully within the structure of the film and never feels out of place.

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Chris Hemsworth and Chris Evans are exactly what they need to be for this film. The action sequences involving these two are spectacular as usual and each actor adds a nice dose of humor to the film. Robert Downey Jr is perfect as always. The human side of Tony was flushed out in Iron Man 3, but the effects of the events he’s faced have begun to multiply and lead to many hard decisions for the character. Downey Jr carefully dissects these effects and portrays them to perfection. James Spader is a tremendous presence as the voice and mo cap of Ultron. The seasoned actor is menacing and devilishly charming and his mannerisms and facial expressions are portrayed perfectly within the Ultron character.

Overall, Avengers: Age of Ultron should thrill audiences and set new records worldwide. The film is a true test of the power of story telling and takes the Marvel brand to a new height. Stay in your seats for a mid-credit scene which will no doubt set up the next adventure of our favorite heroes in 2018! But don’t fret, there will be plenty of Marvel films before that, including next year’s Captain America: Civil War! Buckle up, they’re just getting started.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After credit scene?

Yes. Mid credit scene, nothing after the credits

Trailer:

Final Trailer for ‘Avengers: Age of Ultron’ is Released

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Marvel has released their final trailer for Avengers: Age of Ultron and you can view it below!

When Tony Stark tries to jumpstart a dormant peacekeeping program, things go awry and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, including Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Black Widow and Hawkeye, are put to the ultimate test as the fate of the planet hangs in the balance. As the villainous Ultron emerges, it is up to The Avengers to stop him from enacting his terrible plans, and soon uneasy alliances and unexpected action pave the way for a global adventure.

The movie stars Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, along with Chris Evans as Captain America, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye. Also starring Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury, Cobie Smulders as Agent Maria Hill, James Spader as Ultron as well as Elizabeth Olsen as Scarlet Witch, Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Quicksilver and Paul Bettany as Vision. Written and directed by Joss Whedon and produced by Kevin Feige.

Avengers: Age of Ultron hits theaters on May 1.

‘Captain America: Civil War’ Sets Start Date and Reveals First Synopsis

captain-america-captain-america-3-civil-war-who-will-winWith Avengers: Age of Ultron a little over a month away, most believed the cast would be on the promotional trail, leaving production of the upcoming Captain America: Civil War a few months away, but according to a new report, that’s not the case. A casting call has gone out, looking for “many ethnicities” in Atlanta with a shooting date of April 1st! No, I assure you this is no April Fools joke.

Along with the casting notice came the first synopsis of the film which we have for you below:

Following the events of Age of Ultron, the collective governments of the world pass an act designed to regulate all superhuman activity. This polarizes opinion amongst the Avengers, causing two factions to side with Iron Man or Captain America, which causes an epic battle between former allies.

Captain America: Civil War made news a few weeks back when it was announced that a partnership between Sony and Marvel had been made and that Spider-Man would appear in the upcoming film.

The movie stars Chris EvansRobert Downey Jr., Scarlett JohanssonAnthony Mackie and Jeremy Renner. It hits theaters on May 6, 2016.

Jeremy Renner Confirmed for ‘Captain America: Civil War’

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Hidden in the last paragraph of our earlier report on actor Jeremy Renner, the actor, it seems, has been confirmed reprise his role of Hawkeye in the upcoming Captain America: Civil War by The Hollywood Reporter. In addition to Renner, the film will star Chris Evans as Captain America, Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Anthony Mackie as The Falcon, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chadwick Boseman in his MCU debut as Black Panther, Daniel Bruhl in a mystery role believed to be Baron Zemo, Frank Grillo as Crossbones, and a spankin brand new Spider-Man! Why not just call it Avengers 3.1!

Fans of the comics will note that Hawkeye was not present during the original Civil War storyline so his inclusion is interesting. According to reports, the events of the upcoming Avengers sequel will explain everything. If I had to guess I would expect him to join Steve Roger’s side, but only time will tell.

Earlier this week, the character poster for Renner’s Hawkeye was released for the upcoming Avengers: Age of Ultron which is set for release May 1, 2015. You can check out the poster below.

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Captain America: Civil War is set for release on May 6, 2016

Jeremy Renner and Amy Adams to Star in Sci-Fi Film ‘Story of Your Life’

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The Hollywood Report is reporting that Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner are teaming up to star in a big screen adaptation of Ted Chiang’s Story of Your Life with Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) set to direct. The two recently starred opposite of each other in David O. Russell’s American Hustle.

After aliens land around the globe, an expert linguist, to be played by Adams, is recruited by the military to determine whether they come in peace or are a threat. As she learns to communicate with the aliens, she begins experiencing vivid flashbacks that become the key to unlocking the greater mystery about the true purpose of their visit.

According to the report, Renner will play a physics professor paired by the government with the linguist, played by Adams, to help communicate with the aliens.

No release date has been announced

Keep it here for all your movie news!

‘Mission Impossible 5’ Release Moved Up to July!

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In a surprising move, Paramount Pictures announced today that it would be moving up the release of the latest installment into the Mission Impossible franchise titled Mission Impossible 5 from it’s original December 25, 2015 date to July 31, 2015!

Directed by Christopher McQuarrie (Jack Reacher), the films reunites the director with Tom Cruise, who returns to the role of Ethan Hunt. The film also sees the return of stars Jeremy Renner, Simon PeggVing Rhames to their previous Mission Impossible roles and welcomes newcomers Alec BaldwinSimon McBurney, and Rebecca Ferguson. Screenplay was written by Will Staples and Drew Pearce. 

No plot details for Mission: Impossible 5 have, as of yet, been released. Check back with Reel News Daily for the latest updates

Idris Elba Reveals Heimdall and Loki Will Appear in Avengers: Age of Ultron!

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Just over a week ago we were all freaking out watching the debut of the Avengers: Age of Ultron, now comes word that the cast may have just gotten a bit bigger. British actor Idris Elba says he will appear as Heimdall alongside Tom Hiddleston as Loki in next year’s sequel. Read More →

Michael’s Review: ‘Kill The Messenger’- International Thriller Starring Jeremy Renner

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It’s Oscar season and time for the latest crop of award hopefuls to start to spring up in your local theaters. One category that is a favorite of Academy voters is the political thriller, which defines Kill the Messenger to a tee. Directed by Michael Cuesta (Showtime’s Homeland), the film tells the true story of journalist Gary Webb, who broke the story of the CIA’s involvement in the trafficking of cocaine from Central America during the contra war in Nicaragua. Jeremy Renner leads an all star cast in this powerfully thought provoking film. Read More →

The Immigrant – Now Streaming on Netflix!

NetflixJoaquin Phoenix was a busy man during last year’s NYFF51. Following up HER, his second film,The Immigrant, is a story of a young polish immigrant named Ewa (Marion Cotillard). Landing at Ellis Island in 1921, Ewa is at her wits end when her sister is put into quarantine and she is about to be sent back home due to false reports that she is a loose woman. In swoops Joaquin’s character, Bruno. He promises to take her in and make sure she has a job to make enough money to get her sister released from the island. Once inside Bruno’s clutches, he emotionally manipulates her into working in his burlesque show. When the burlesque show doesn’t make enough money, she coerced into prostitution. Enter, Orlando, Bruno’s dashing stage magician cousin. He is sincere in his efforts to woo Ewa and invites her to travel as his assistant. Bruno will have none of this, as his passion for Ewa grows exponentially. They struggle with each other for loyalty and to survive. Read More →

EW’s First Look at Avengers: Age of Ultron!!! Look at that sucker!

Entertainment Weekly’s newest edition , features a first look at Iron Man and Captain America as well as the film’s villain Ultron! The story goes on to give some insight into what we can expect from the film’s direction. After the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, the Marvel Cinematic Universe was shaken to its core with S.H.I.E.L.D. being disbanded and Earth’s Mightiest Heroes status as a group is left in question.  Tony Stark has taken it upon himself to search for a way to secure the Earth without the need to put back on the Iron Man suit and give the rest of the team a break.  His solution is Ultron, self-aware, self-teaching, artificial intelligence designed to help assess threats, and direct Stark’s Iron Legion of drones to battle evildoers instead. Read More →