Review: ‘Monster Trucks’

Director Chris Wedge (Epic) makes the jump from animation to live action with Monster Trucks, a film looking to resurrect the 1980s family creature features for a new generation of movie goers. The story, conceived by former Paramount Pictures president Adam Goodman, with the help of his four year old son, is ludicrous to say the least, but just entertaining enough to hold the attention of younger audiences.

This is Tripp (Lucas Till), a high school kid looking to get out of his small town and find his place in this big world. Tripp works at a junk yard and likes to tinker around with cars, especially working on his custom monster truck. After an accident at a nearby oil-drilling site, a peculiar creatures finds its way into the junk yard and into Tripp’s life. This squid-like creature seems harmless enough and really loves the taste of oil, so Tripp decides to hide him from an oil company hit squad looking to take the creature back to their lab. Seeing as Creech (that’s what we’re calling the thing) likes his truck, Tripp decides to make the truck into a true “Monster” truck fully powered by Creech. With the help of book nerd and love interest Meredith(Jane Levy) and a scientist Dr Bill Dowd (Thomas Lennon), Tripp must help Creech rescue his parents from Reece Tenneson (Rob Lowe) and return them back to their home beneath the ground.

Monster Trucks isn’t a bad film by any stretch, but nor is it a good film. The premise may sound ridiculous, and it is, but the cast is likeable enough and the overall story of humans destroying the planet for oil and profit regardless of what they disturb in the process is a topic that provides a real world learning experience for audiences. The major fault of the film is it lacks the human element of emotional connection and opts for a more action-centric approach. There’s a lot to be desired about Creech and his love for oil and speed, but there was a real “E.T.” opportunity between Tripp and Creech that was overlooked.

Overall, Monster Trucks isn’t going to win any awards, but it might entertain your children and that’s really all that matters with these films.

Stars:

2 out of 5

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Review: ‘Live By Night’- An American Crime Drama from Ben Affleck

Oscar winner Ben Affleck (Argo) directs and stars in Live By Night, an American crime drama about a young man from Boston and his desire for revenge. The film is based on the award-winning best-seller by Dennis Lehane and is written for the screen by Affleck himself. A film that starts with a lot of promise but quickly loses steam and struggles to make it to the finish.

Joe Coughlin (Ben Affleck) is the son of a Boston Police Deputy Superintendent, a WWI vet, and an outlaw. He’s a man with a good heart who seems destined for a better path, but it’s his anti-establishment ways that keep him in business for himself. Joe works with a loyal crew including Dion (Chris Messina), a close friend who’s got Joe’s back under any condition. Joe falls for Emma (Sienna Miller), the girlfriend of Irish gangster Albert White (Robert Glenister) and the two have a secret love affair, but when the gangster finds out, it forces Joe to make some life changing decisions. Driven by a need to right the wrongs committed against him, Joe accepts an alliance with the Italian mob and a move to Tampa with his crew to run the rum business there. But every decision comes at a cost as does the price of revenge, and Joe is about to find out just how much.

Live By Night, on the surface, is an enjoyable enough gangster film. An all star cast including Zoe Saldana, Sienna Miller, Chris Cooper, Brendan Gleeson and Elle Fanning do their best to provide insight into their personal piece of the elaborate puzzle, and each actor does an admirable job to help bring their character arc to fulfillment, but Ben Affleck tries to navigate thru the myriad of storylines he’s created and ultimately leaves the story winded and the characters unfulfilling.

Overall, the film sets out to tell a gangster story and it does just that, but the journey is long and tiresome and loses it’s muster about halfway thru. Should you see it? Sure, but don’t expect the next Godfather, for that it is not.

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

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Review: ‘Silence’- The Journey of Faith is a Rough One

Martin Scorsese returns to cinemas with Silence, a passion project that’s been in development for over 25 years. This epic historical drama is based on the 1966 novel of the same name by Shūsaku Endō follows two 17th century Jesuit priests who travel from Portugal to Japan in order to locate their missing mentor and spread the word of God. A film about those who have questioned their faith from time to time and those who would sacrifice their lives in the name of it. A powerful movie that is anything but silent.

Father Cristóvão Ferreira (Liam Neeson) has been spreading the word of God under threats of his life in Japan when his communication runs silent. His two pupils Father Sebastião Rodrigues (Andrew Garfield) and Father Francisco Garupe (Adam Driver) set out to Japan to dispel the notion that Father Ferreira committed apostasy and learn of his fate. On their travels they meet Kichijiro (Yosuke Kubozuka), an alcoholic fisherman who has fled Japan and now begs to return. Kichijiro agrees to become their guide and help them find sanctuary in the hostile land while they learn of the location of their mentor. The priests arrive to Japan to learn that the local Christian population has been driven into hiding for fear of their lives.

Seeing that their influence is needed, Fathers Rodrigues and Garupe begin helping the natives reclaim their faith in the Lord until the inquisitor arrives at the village and demands information about any suspected Christians. Seeing first hand the brutality that the countrymen face for their faith, The two priests split up in hopes to find Father Ferreira, but they face the harsh conditions of living in secret which leads Rodrigues into imprisonment. While under the guard of the Samurai, he is expected to denounce his faith and set an example for those imprisoned for believing in Christianity that they must also denounce God. Rodrigues begins to question the motives of God for the suffering of the Japanese people. Soon, it is his own faith that will be tested and his will to do what’s right over what he believes the Lord would want.

Silence is a tale of choice, of sacrifice and of self preservation. It’s a film deeply woven into the history of Catholicism that highlights the trials and tribulations that these priests and their followers endured. Martin Scorsese’s brilliant storytelling delicately parallels the suffering of the Jesuit priests and those of the apostles of Christs time and delves into the psyche of the faithful and those questioning theirs. Andrew Garfield is brilliant as Fathers Rodrigues and brings an intense, emotional performance to the film that truly encapsulates the emotional journey the young priest endures. Adam Driver is a wonderful supporting performance and creates a moral reference point for which all other characters in the film can be judged. Yosuke Kubozuka’s character is a brilliant representation of humanity and it’s struggle with faith. Kubozuka is chilling and delivers a truly thought provoking performance. Liam Neeson‘s presence is otherworldly and commands the screen when he’s present. The actor says more in his expression and delivers some astonishingly personal dialogue that capture the true essence of the situation they are all facing.

Overall, Silence is a treasure. It’s a film that will leave you deep in thought and questioning the strength of your own faith. Scorsese does it again.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

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Review: ‘Assassin’s Creed’- The Best Video Game Adaptation Yet!

Video game properties have not been very successful in their transitions to Hollywood films, but Assassin’s Creed hopes to change all that as 20th Century Fox set to release their highly anticipated film this Christmas. This action packed thriller is set in the same universe as the video games but features an original story that expands the series’ mythology. Will Assassin’s Creed win over gamers and regular audiences alike or will the complexity of the story be lost on those unfamiliar with the popular game?

Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) is a man who has reached the end of the line. Having faced the death of his mother at the hands of his own father, Cal has lived a life of crime that has lead him to a stay on death row. After having his execution stage by Abstergo Industries, the modern-day incarnation of the Templar Order lead by Alan Rikkin (Jeremy Irons) and daughter, scientist Sophia Rikkin (Marion Cotillard), Cal learns of his family lineage which dates back hundreds of years to the Assassin’s Creed, a group of fighters sworn to protect an ancient artifact. Cal  is forced to participate in the Animus Project, a device which helps him link with his ancestor Aguilar de Nerha, an Assassin in the time of the Spanish Inquisition, and relive this memories in order to locate the ancient artifact. As Cal continues to experience Aguilar’s memories, he begins to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to confront the Templars in the present day and help stop them from locating the artifact that will allow the Rikkin’s to control free will.

Director Justin Kurzel makes up for the films lack of a coherent story and has elected for a visually stunning action film that overcomes its shortcomings to be very entertaining. Michael Fassbender embodies Aguilar and his ancestor Cal as if he is playing a Jekyll and Hyde of sorts. The highly regarded actor is lacking in the need to deliver any dialogue of merit, but his presence alone speaks volumes in the action sequences. Marion Cotillard and Jeremy Irons, two stellar actors who are underwhelming in the powerful adversary category which is where the film begins to lose its luster. The action sequences and cinematography when the focus is on Aguilar are breathtaking and some of the best you’ll ever seen on screen, but as we witness the transformation of Cal into assassin, there’s little in the modern world to compete.

Overall, Assassin’s Creed is highly entertaining with it’s action packed fight sequences and it’s visual effects, but the story is lacking at times which ultimately leads to a conclusion that may leave some wanting more. Still, it’s a franchise that has promise and should be given an opportunity to continue. Let’s just try and use the talents of these wonderful actors a bit better shall we?

Stars:

3 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

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Review: ‘Passengers’- Take a Trip into the Unknown with Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence

A science fiction love story, set on a starship starring Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt should be as bulletproof as Superman, but as we’ve learned in the past, looks can be deceiving. Passengers, directed by Morten Tyldum (The Imitation Game), is one of the most anticipated films of the holiday season, built up by a cleverly suspenseful trailer campaign and starring the two most beloved stars in Hollywood. As with their journey in the film, the movie starts off with a lot of promise, but quickly finds itself relying on the strengths of its cast to drive it home. Is the film worth your trip to the theater?

Jim Preston (Chris Pratt) and Aurora Lane (Jennifer Lawrence) are two of 5,000 passengers traveling in hibernation aboard the starship Avalon to the new colony of Homestead II. A 120 year journey that neither of them would know anything about, until an  unexpected event causes a malfunction in Jim’s pod, waking him 90 years too soon. Aurora would soon follow, leaving the two travelers alone together, trying to find a way to put themselves back into hibernation. The mystery surrounding Aurora’s pod is a major plot point in the film and one I will gloss over to save you a spoiler, but it works well, I assure you. Left only with the company of themselves and an android bartender named Arthur (Michael Sheen), Jim and Aurora find themselves accepting the hard truth that they may live out their lives together, alone on this starship, and never reach their intended destination. The two find themselves quickly falling for one another. When the continued malfunctions of the ship become apparently more frequent, Jim and Aurora must use their strengths to follow the clues and locate the problems before the ship is destroyed, but will the mystery surrounding their awakening become the thing that destroys them?

Over everything else, Passengers is a character driven film set in a science fiction universe; this helps makes the chemistry between Pratt and Lawrence work so well. Each actor encounters the agony of being alone and the inherent understanding that human beings need companionship to survive and to what ends you will go to achieve that need. Both Pratt and Lawrence are on top of their game and deliver performances that will ultimately save the film; I say save because the second half of the film is where the story begins to lose you. Plot holes lead to sloppy build up which leads to a conclusion that should feel satisfying, but falls just short of the mark.

Overall, Passengers is a long winded journey into space that stumbles over its missed opportunities but gets you there in the end. Worth the wait? Hardly, but still worth the trip to the theater.

Stars:

2 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

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Review: ‘Fences’- Denzel Washington and Viola Davis shine in this August Wilson adaptation

Fences, based on his Pulitzer Prize winning play of the same name, is a family melodrama directed by and starring Denzel Washington as a father and husband wrestling with the ghosts of his past and the struggles of his present. This powerful story is rooted deep with the effects of how racial divide leaves an impression on the African American family. Filled with outstanding performances delivering one of the most impactful screenplays in recent memory, Fences will touch you deep and leave a lasting impression on your soul.

Troy (Denzel Washington) is a 53 year old father of two, struggling to stay afloat as a trash collector in Pittsburgh, PA. Troy grew up mostly on his own since the age of 14, trying to make ends meet and facing the impending birth of his first child. After being sent to prison for a violent crime, Troy learned how to play baseball, having spent time practicing while in prison, and became a star in the Negro leagues, but never made it to the Major Leagues due to the color barrier. He lives with his wife, Rose (Viola Davis), a strong, supportive woman who’s responsible for creating a calming force and a stable and loving life that Troy has been craving. Rose gave birth to Troy’s second child, Cory (Jovan Adepo), a young, talented athlete who is desperately seeking the approval of his father all while trying to carve out a path for success in his young life.

Troy’s first son, Lyon (Russell Hornsby), is an aspiring musician and the first to feel the pinch of his fathers judgement. A man looking to prove he can walk his own path and live up to the large shadow his father has left before him. Troy and Rose are also responsible for Troy’s younger brother Gabriel (Mykelti Williamson), an ex-soldier who suffered a brain injury while fighting for his country. The pressures of life are closing in around Troy and an unexpected choice changes the landscape for his family forever. Troy and Rose are faced with a future of uncertainty and doubt and a family torn down to its foundation. Can the strength of a lasting love help mend the cracks or are they destined to see the future from different sides of the fence?

Denzel Washington delivers one of his finest performances in his storied career. A deeply flawed man who’s buried the pain of his past deep in order to carve out a stronger future for his family resonates loudly in his portrayal. Viola Davis is exceptional as Rose and delivers an Oscar winning performance in this emotional tour de force. To watch such a strong woman broken down to be reborn anew is an wondrous journey to behold. Young Jovan Adepo shines are Cory. His inner struggle to find something to connect with his father is something every child can relate to. The parallels between his performance and that of Russell Hornsby provide a clarity to the sins of the father and how easy it is to lose touch with how your actions can impact those you are responsible for. Mykelti Williamson delivers a heart breaking performance as the physically impaired brother of Troy. His journey through the story acts as a reminder to Troy that it takes sacrifice, sometimes the ultimate sacrifice, to remind you of what you have and why you have it.

Overall, Fences is an incredible story and one to be cherished for generations to come. It’s a painful journey through struggle and pain, but a satisfying reminder to cherish what you’ve been given.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

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Review: ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

The expansion of the Star Wars universe is off to an outstanding start at Disney and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story just changed the entire game. The first stand-alone film in the planned anthology series, director Gareth Edwards’ war story centering around the legend of the rebel team that stole the plans to the Death Star is a tale many Star Wars fans have clamored to see and the director has delivered a unique, entertaining and satisfying film that will win over hardcore fans and novice alike.

Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones) has been on the run since she was a young child. Her father, research scientist Galen Erso (Mads Mikkelsen), was forced to return to the Empire to complete the design of the Death Star by Imperial Director Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) which, in turn, sent Jyn into hiding with the help of her father’s friend Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker). Fifteen years has passed and the memory of her father still haunts young Jyn.  An imperial pilot named Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed) has defected and smuggle a message to the Rebel Alliance with information crucial to their cause. The rebel forces have located Jyn with the hopes of recruiting her to help find her father and discover the secrets of the monstrous weapon. Rebel Officer Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and his droid K-2SO (Alan Tudyk) accompany Jyn on a mission to retrieve the message from Bodhi Rook on the planet Jedha.

After an encounter with imperial troops, the trio are aided by warrior Chirrut Îmwe (Donnie Yen) and mercenary Baze Malbus (Wen Jiang) who join the cause to help Jyn retrieve her father. Quickly the mission becomes more about the preservation of the galaxy and the team set their sights on stealing the plans to the Death Star at the high-security base on the planet Scarif. The time is now for the rebels to take their stand, to secure the safety of the galaxy and destroy the most valuable weapon in the Empire’s arsenal, the Death Star.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is a near perfect cinematic experience. Director Gareth Edwards and cinematographer Greig Fraser elected for a raw, gritty feel to the film and the tone plays to the subject matter perfectly. The script by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy is smart and engaging and doesn’t over complicate the objective of telling this war story. Each frame of the film was envisioned with excitement and respect for the Star Wars franchise and the filmmakers have created an outstanding compliment film to the original trilogy.  Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Donnie Yen, Riz Ahmed and Wen Jiang, the members of the Rogue One team, were perfectly cast in their respective roles. The voice of Alan Tudyk for K-2SO added just enough comedic relief necessary in the right places. Mads Mikkelsen, in his limited screen time, helped enrich the emotional journey for Jones’ Jyn and provide the redemption factor we all come to know in the Star Wars universe. The stand out star in the film to me was Ben Mendelsohn. His menacing performance as the main protagonist never fell into cliche’s and provided a satisfying character arc.

Overall, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is an exceptional movie to be enjoyed on the biggest screen you can find. The journey never wearies and it will enrich your love for the franchise a little bit more. Next up…Episode VIII!!

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

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Review: ‘La La Land’ dances to Oscar contention

It’s been 14 years since a musical has won the top prize at the Academy Awards and La La Land is vying to end that streak with this enchanting tale of love in the City of Angels. Director Damien Chazelle (Whiplash) returns hungry for Oscar gold and brings with him a powerfully memorizing cast with catchy songs and a beautifully crafted story that will transport you out of the uncertainty of the real world and into a reality of hope and creativity where dreams are within the grasp of the dreamer and the skies the limit for the few that chose to believe. Transport yourself to La La Land.

Mia (Emma Stone) is an on-studio barista and aspiring actress looking for her big break. Sebastian (Ryan Gosling) is a pianist who sees the world closing in around him to suffocate the one thing he loves above all, Jazz. Chance has crossed their paths on several occasions, but for Sebastian, his focus of his perfect future sees right through what’s facing his present. But chance won’t be denied. The two meet again with each doing their best to dismiss the obvious, that there is clearly chemistry between them. One day, Sebastian finds Mia at work and, after a declaration of her dislike for jazz, decides to take her to a jazz bar. He opens up to Mia about his passion for jazz and his aspirations of running his own jazz bar, they discuss Mia’s trials and tribulations of being an actress and Sebastian helps reinforce her passion for her craft. The two face the inevitable truth that the future is brighter with each one beside the other.

Mia decides to write a personal single-actress play, “So Long, Boulder City,” hoping it will propel her to stardom, and Sebastian becomes a keyboardist in his jazz band, The Messengers, with long time friend Keith (John Legend), which takes him on tour and away from Mia.  Facing the inevitability of change, the star crossed lovers tackle their new projects head on. As they forge on to keep their love alive, Mia faces a hard road that has her question the choices she’s made and looks to change her future. Sebastian’s future plans have altered now because of the bands success and in the process, they find themselves on different paths. Now is it the dreamers, coming full circle to face the truth about their choices, or do they have one final act in which to create their happy ending?

La La Land is nothing short of extraordinary. A timeless tale of love and aspiration of two lovers facing the hard realities of life. Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone are the perfect pair to bring Mia and Sebastian to life. Having worked together before as a couple on screen,  the trust that each other has in the abilities of the other to bring out the best in their performances creates beautifully crafted emotional scenes and moments of pure joy. Unlike many musicals before, the choreography by Mandy Moore and the music of Justin Hurwitz are never overpowering and act only as a compliment to the surrounding story.  The cinematography by Linus Sandgren is bright and vibrant and director Damien Chazelle’s vision culminated in a movie that will be cherished for generations to come.

Overall, La La Land is destined to compete for best picture during award season and rightfully so. It’s a film destined to steal your heart and yearn for a time when you dreamed an impossible dream. Be sure to leave the real world at the door and allow yourself the pleasure of this treasure.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer:

Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’- A Trip into the Wizarding World Worth Waiting For

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When Warner Bros released the spectacular Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011, many believed this to be the conclusion of the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, but here we are just five years later and we’re heading back into the Harry Potter universe with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,  a prequel of sorts which expands the magical realm to 1920’s New York City. David Yates continues his tenure as director as he did for the final four films in the Harry Potter franchise and is tasked with helming all five films in this new series. Can this new wizarding tale hold up to the high standards of the boy who lived epic? Let’s begin…accio review!

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Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is your normal run of the mill Hufflepuff, hard working, friendly and loyal to a fault. Passionate about magical creatures from an early age, he traveled the world observing beasts and their behavior in the wild, which is what brings him to New York City. After a niffler escapes his suitcase, Newt searches for the pesky creature in a local bank where he encounters Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) a “no maj”, or non wizard folk, who witnesses Newt’s magical powers and fantastic creatures. Unbeknownst to Newt, another wizard, Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) has spotted the young wizard and witnesses his reckless actions. As an employee of the Magical Congress of the United States of America, Porpentina must report Newt to the authorities for carrying his magical creatures into the city; only one problem…the suitcase has been mistakenly switched! Faced with the notion that a no maj is in possession of a suitcase full of magical creatures, Tina and Newt head out to find Jacob in hopes to stop him from accidentally setting the creatures free.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

But the creatures aren’t the only thing threatening the wizards. Percival Graves (Colin Farrell), a high-ranking Auror and the Director of Magical Security for MACUSA, is in charge of the protection of wizards and set with the task of tracking down Newt. There is also the growing concern of The New Salem Philanthropic Society, an extremist group lead by Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton) who is trying to rally the citizens of New York behind her cause to “out” the members of the wizarding community and rid the world of their unusual powers. She is aided by her adopted son Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) and a legion of young children looking to assemble an army to their cause. If that wasn’t enough, there’s Gellert Grindelwald, a dark wizard who has caused growing concern after recent attacks on the wizarding community and could reappear at any moment. Newt and Tina must rush against friend and foe to complete their mission before time runs out.

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The mind of J.K. Rowling will never cease to amaze me. To take a companion text book about magical creatures that she wrote under the pseudonym of the fictitious author Newt Scamander and turn it into a new film franchise that is exciting and carefully connected to the Harry Potter universe is an exceptional feat.  David Yates has become an integral part of the creative process of the wizarding world and his dedication to J.K. Rowling’s source material cannot be duplicated. After successfully navigated the dark storylines of the final books in the Harry Potter series, Yates now brings  Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and these new wonderful characters to audiences that are faced with uncharted waters, a film series with no source material to reference! But the film plays out like an old, trusted, well read novel that we, of course, have known all along thanks to both Rowling and Yates.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

Eddie Redmayne is outstanding as Newt Scamander, a role he most certainly was destined to play. Accompanied by the lovely and talented actresses Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol and the lovable no maj Dan Fogler, this team of unlikely heroes is perfectly cast and are the cornerstones in this new tale. Their story is just beginning and fans will be eager to see where the adventures takes them.

Overall, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an exceptional introduction into this new expansion of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. Keep your eyes and ears peeled to the screen for easter eggs and references to the Harry Potter universe and enjoy the adventure, it is worth the trip.

Stars:

4 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer

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

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Review: ‘Doctor Strange’- A Mind-Blowing Journey into Marvel’s Multiverse

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The Sorcerer Supreme has arrived into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and everything you have come to know about comic book movies will be turned upside down. Doctor Strange, directed by Scott Derrickson (Deliver Us From Evil) is the fourteenth film in the MCU and the first to introduce audiences to Marvel’s multiverse, a collection of alternate universes that will open up storylines in future Marvel films to infinite heights. At the center of this is Doctor Stephen Strange, the protector of all universes within the multiverse, who takes center stage in this mind-bending story of self reflection and salvation that culminates into one of the most original films in recent memory.

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Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Doctor Strange, an acclaimed neurosurgeon who loses the use of his hands in a tragic car accident. Distraught by the notion that he may never reclaim his previous life as a surgeon, Strange begins the search for alternative practices to help him heal. This journey leads him to Kamar-Taj and an audience with The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), who reveals to him the the astral plane and the open possibilities of her teachings. Reluctant to accept the arrogant Strange, The Ancient One agrees with persuasion from another sorcerer, Karl Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who sees promise in Strange. Soon Strange begins his training and learns to harness the power of the multiverse to manipulate energy is ways he never thought possible. As his knowledge continues to expand, the sorcerer Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) and his zealots arrive to  threaten the very existence of the reality world. Doctor Strange must rely on his abilities, and Karl Mordo, to help him protect the Earth from falling to the powerful Dormammu of the Dark Dimension.

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Director Scott Derrickson brings Doctor Strange, one of the most beloved comic book icons to screen like no other director could. His passion for the project and love for the source material shows in each cell of film and the screenplay, written together along with long time writing partner C. Robert Cargill, is smart and compelling. The visual effects are astonishing and add another level to the storytelling that is never overpowering and perfectly used to introduce the powers of this new expansion into the MCU. Benedict Cumberbatch embodies the Sorcerer Supreme like no other actor could. His acting style and presence bring the complicated Strange to life with his talent for expressing the exact emotional range the character needs throughout his journey.

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Overall, Doctor Strange is the most original comic book movie to date. It’s mind blowing visuals and detailed storytelling will keep you engaged and begging for the film to never end. This is the film to shake the Marvel universe to it’s core and change the landscape forever. The future is gonna be awesome and we have the Sorcerer Supreme to thank for it.

Stars:

4 out of 5

After credit scene?

Yes. 1 mid credit and 1 after credit

Trailer:

Review: ‘Hacksaw Ridge’- How far would you go to stand up for your convictions?

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How far would you go to stand up for your convictions? This is question to ponder as you watch Hacksaw Ridge, a story based around a young man of faith going off to war to do what’s right. Director Mel Gibson returns behind the camera to tell this incredible true story of heroism in the face of adversity and in the process brings us one of the most memorable stories of war ever brought to screen. img09

Desmond Doss (Andrew Garfield) is a young Virginian boy, whose life on the family farm has been plagued by a father distraught with guilt after coming home from WWI and a childhood accident that almost caused the death of his brother Hal. Desmond takes solace in a new belief that no man should take up arms and kill another man and devotes his life to the Lord. A chance meeting with Dorothy (Teresa Palmer), a young hospital nurse, leads the young boy to the conclusion that he is destined to one day marry her. After Hal joins the army to fight against the Japanese in WWII, Desmond begins to think he must also go off to war to protect all that he loves.

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Upon arrival to boot camp, it becomes abundantly clear to Doss that his beliefs will soon be tested. Sergeant Howell (Vincent Vaughn), isn’t amused by the revelation that Doss won’t fire a weapon and aims to make an example of him. Desmond makes every attempt to prove his worth in the company, but still refuses to yield to the pressure. Company Captain Glover (Sam Worthington) recommends that Doss be dishonorably discharged from the army, but Doss ultimately wins the right to fight the war on his terms, as a medical officer. The company ships off to Okinawa, where Doss will find out first hand what his choices have lead him to.

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This powerful film looks at war through the eyes of a young man who chooses to use his faith, not a gun, as a weapon to save lives instead of taking them. Andrew Garfield turns in the performance of a lifetime bringing Desmond Doss to life on the screen. Garfield is compelling and portrays Doss’ emotional journey from star crossed lover to war time hero with perfection. Each step thru the battle of Hacksaw Ridge provides a clear understanding what it means to believe in the power of faith and what it takes to trust that your every action is predetermined by a higher power. Doss left no doubt that he is one of the world’s greatest heroes, Garfield leaves no doubt that he is one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

Overall, Hacksaw Ridge is a marvelous film destined for a strong run into award season.

Stars:

4 out of 5

Trailer:

Review: ‘Inferno’- An unfaithful adaptation but the best film of the trilogy

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A decade has past since Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) hit the screen for his first adventure in the Da Vinci Code and he now returns for another go in the adaptation Inferno. From director Ron Howard based on the Dan Brown novel, “Inferno”, the fourth book in the series (yes, they skipped “The Lost Symbol”), is an exciting and intricate race against time that kept you intrigued throughout the pages, question is, can the movie adaptation match the cleverness?

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Robert Langdon awakens in a hospital room in Florence, Italy, with no memory of what has transpired over the last few days and unexplained visions of human suffering. Dr. Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones), the attending physician, tells him that he is suffering from amnesia as a result of a bullet wound to his head and asks if he can remember anything that might help them understand what happened. Langdon has little time to process his thoughts as an assassin arrives to complete her mission. Sienna helps Langdon escape and the chase begins. The two arrive in Sienna’s apartment where they find Faraday pointer among Langdon’s personal belongings with projection of Botticelli’s Map of Hell.

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They discover that the map is part of a mystery left by billionaire geneticist Bertrand Zobrist (Ben Foster), who believes that the world is destined for over population and the extinction of the human race. Discovering that Zobrist had recently killed himself, Langdon concludes that there is a reason for this map to be in his possession and the two find a hidden message within. Langdon’s knowledge of Dante’s work allows the two to follow clues thru Florence and Venice, while evading the assassin and the authorities, including the WHO, whom have a keen interest in Langdon. Sienna and Langdon have less than 24 hours to decipher friend from foe and collect all the information they need to help them stop a global event that will change the human race forever.

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Inferno is a fun movie with beautiful cinematography, but the film version falls short of the excitement that made the book so enjoyable, opting for unimaginative plot changes which will leave fans shaking their heads. Tom Hanks isn’t as crisp and confident in his portrayal of Langdon this go around, but the added vulnerability to the character allows Hanks to explore a more emotional side to his character which keeps this version of Langdon from feeling like a retread of the previous films. Felicity Jones’ Sienna Brooks is a far cry from the book version which had so many wonderful layers to her. Jones isn’t to blame for this, but what she is provided isn’t very interesting nor is her chemistry with Hanks. Most of the blame for the character development falls strictly on screenwriter David Koepp and director Ron Howard who ultimately opted for this watered down version of a film.

Overall, Inferno is a struggle for fans of the novel, but a fun movie that will entertain. If nothing else, the film will allow fans of the franchise to see their favorite professor in action one more time, which is worth the price of admission.

Stars:

3 out of 5

Trailer:

Review: ‘The Edge of Seventeen’- The Perfect Coming of Age Movie for a New Generation

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From director Kelly Fremon Craig comes The Edge of Seventeen, a story centered around a young high school girl named Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) and the trials and tribulations known simply as, “her life.” This coming of age movie provides a comedic, yet brutally honest look at what it’s like to be different and face the daily struggle of growing up. Like many films that have come before and spoken to a generation that yearns to be seen for their individualism, this film screams for millennials in a way no other could.

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High school junior Nadine leads a complicated existence. Between her awkwardness, dealing with a family tragedy, and a mother (Kyra Sedgwick) trying to understand how to connect with her, life hasn’t exactly worked out the way she planned. Nadine has navigated most of her life with best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson), her only friend who has helped curb her feelings of being an outcast and stands as the lone bright light in her dark world. All of that changes when Krista begins to date Nadine’s older brother Darian (Blake Jenner), which leads to a total meltdown mentally for Nadine. Faced with the unknown of her life once again, Nadine turns to her teacher and reluctant mentor Mr. Bruner (Woody Harrelson) for words of wisdom to help her face the world that she now faces, but it’s an unexpected friendship with Erwin (Hayden Szeto), an equally as awkward student who might be the one to show her that things aren’t that terrible after all.

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This film connects with the psyche of every person who ever felt out of place in a big world where nothing makes sense. Hailee Steinfeld is quirky and wonderful as the unpredictable Nadine. She embodies the essence of being an awkward outcast with perfection. Woody Harrelson is wonderfully cast in the role of Mr Bruner and offers a raw, carefully restrained voice of reason for Nadine which, at times, seems to speak directly to the audience to provide some free therapy for our own lives. The stand out star of the film is Hayden Szeto whose thoughtful, awkward Erwin shows Nadine that it’s OK to be live by different rules and not allow it to exist as a negative in your life.

Overall, The Edge of Seventeen is the perfect coming of age film for this generation and stands as a reminder to us all to take a look inside and remember what it’s like to grow up.

Stars:

4 out of 5

Trailer:

Review: ‘Oasis: Supersonic’- A look into one of Britain’s greatest rock bands

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From award-winning director Mat Whitecross (Amy), comes an in depth look into one of Britain’s greatest bands, Oasis, in their own words, raw and very much rock ‘n’ roll. The film, featuring never before scene footage of the band in their early years, charts the meteoric rise of Liam and Noel Gallagher, the driving force behind Oasis, whose relationship from the council estates of Manchester to the worlds biggest stage is part of the lore behind what makes this band one of the most talked about and analyzed bands of our lifetimes. Their journey from unknown act to headlining star in just three years is the framework for this exceptional documentary with new interviews with Noel and Liam, as well as, their mother Peggy Gallagher, founder of Creation Records, Alan McGee, and members of the band and road crew; each person providing insight into the formation of the band and how they attempted to control the juggernaut that became Oasis.

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Although the documentary is only a snapshot and not a complete picture of the career of the band, this doesn’t take away from how informative and important this documentary is to fans and music lovers alike. The two hour journey keeps you knee deep into the workings of a band determined to conquer the world and change the landscape of music forever and never takes it foot off the pedal. Noel and Liam, on the surface, are brothers by birth, their relationship has always been volatile and makes for great tabloid fodder, but it’s the music that keeps them connected on a completely different level. This film will give you a glimpse into each brother that is rarely seen in the public eye, it will give you clarity into what makes each brother tick and it will even have you forgive some of their more public outbursts, but most importantly it will have you love this band more than you ever thought possible.

Stars:

4 out of 5

Trailer:

Get your tickets for the one night only event at http://supersonic-movie.com/

Review: Suicide Squad

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Warner Brothers are off to a rough start in creating their DC Cinematic Universe with the overwhelmingly negative reception of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, but they’re hedging their bets that David Ayer’s Suicide Squad can right the ship. With movie superstar Will Smith, the live action debut of beloved character Harley Quinn and the return of the Joker, this movie is set up to be a home run, but with early screening responses trending negative and word of back stage issues, could we possibly be seeing strike two for the movie studio or will fans embrace this rouge group of bad guys doing good and usher in a new successful comic book franchise to the ever growing genre.

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It is a world post Superman and Amanda Waller (Viola Davis) is a government official who doesn’t plan on sitting back and waiting for an apocalyptic event to occur. Her plan is to assemble a task force consisting of a group of dangerous criminals with the intent of controlling them to do her bidding if a threat to this nation arises. She receives the approval to move forward and, along with military man Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), and samurai Katana (Karen Fukuhara) she selects her team consisting of Deadshot (Will Smith), the deadliest hitman on Earth, Harley Quinn (Margo Robbie), former psychiatrist at Arkham Asylum and current crazed super-villain who happens to be the love of The Joker’s life, Boomerang (Jai Courtney), a rugged, unpredictable and mouthy criminal who utilizes deadly boomerangs, Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), a super-villain with the features of a crocodile, and El Diablo (Jay Hernandez), a gang member who has powers that allow him to summon flames.

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Together they must take on Enchantress (Cara Delevingne), an ancient evil force that awakens to find a world where she once ruled has adopted new gods to worship. Enchantress beings to assemble a machine that will destroy the city, but it’s the Suicide Squad that is activated to take on the threat, but Enchantress isn’t the only threat to these anti-heroes. Harley Quinn’s boyfriend, The Joker (Jared Leto), the biggest criminal in Gotham is out to get his girl back and he’ll stop at nothing to get her back. Around each corner, a new threat lurks, can this team find a way to coexist or will the deeds from their past hinder their chances of success?

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Director David Ayer creates a chaotic world in which to drop his suicide squad into and sets them off like a time bomb. Much like DC’s animated movie Batman: Assault on Arkham, this is very much a search and destroy film taking from recent video game plots, mixing it all into Ayer’s world and relying on the strength of the actors to make the simplistic plot as intersting as possible for the audience. Viola Davis is amazing and embodies Amanda Waller with the exact amount of venom needed to bring this “take no crap” character to the screen. Will Smith brings his star power to the film and ultimately becomes a focal point of the movie. Deadshot’s back story and character arc embrace the human side of his character while attempting to prove that even bad guys can be good. Margo Robbie’s Harley Quinn is the other focal point and her portrayal of Quinn is perfection. Robbie adds sex appeal to Quinn’s bad ass persona and brings to life one of the most beloved characters with pure class. Jared Leto unearthed the clown prince and brought the the screen a new take on the Joker. Leto’s is a perfect companion to Robbie’s Harley Quinn and one that will be highly anticipated to watch as the character makes his way thru the DCU. My only wish is that the character was given a bit more screen time. The rest of the cast including Cara Delevingne, Joel Kinnaman and Jai Courtney were serviceable at best and really didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Overall, Suicide Squad is a highly enjoyable action film that will surely entertain fans of the comics. Will audiences embrace this movie? That’s a question for another time, but one thing’s for sure, form your own opinion and make sure not to allow the negative critical reaction from allowing yourself to see the film.

Stars:

3 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

Yes. Mid Credit

Trailer:

‘BLUEBIRD’ is the newest title available from WE ARE COLONY with behind-the-scenes extras!

we are colony logoThe newest digital release from We Are Colony is from first-time director Lance Edmands (editor of Lena Dunham’s Tiny Furniture) titled BLUEBIRD.  BLUEBIRD-iTunes-Full-Key-Art

Starring Mad Men’s John SlatteryThe Leftovers’ Emily MeadeThe Good Wife’s Margo Martingale plus a cameo from Girls’ Adam Driver, Bluebird will available to rent and buy in the US from Monday 25th July with exclusive behind-the-scenes extras.

Synopsis:

In the northern reaches of Maine, a local school bus driver becomes distracted during her end-of-day inspection, and fails to notice a sleeping boy in the back of the bus. What happens next shatters the tranquility of her small Maine logging town, proving that even the slightest actions have enormous consequences.

BLUEBIRD Amy Morton & Emily Meade & John Slattery Photo by Jody Lee LipesJeremy got the incredible oportunity to see Bluebird at the Indy Film Fest last year. In his review, he outlines the gutwrenching and effecting emotional hold the film has on it’s audience. I could not have said it better myself, so here are a few quotes from Jeremy’s review:

“…at this year’s Indy Film FestLance Edmands’ Bluebird was far and away my favorite of those that I saw and certainly worthy of the Grand Jury Prize, tops of the fest, as well as the American Spectrum Prize for the best film made by an American director…”

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“Bluebird is not a heartwarming story and thus not for everyone. It mirrors the bleakness and harshness of the landscape and the season in which it was shot so deftly by Jody Lee Lipes (also known for the great photography of Martha Marcy May Marlene). It echoes Atom Egoyan‘s The Sweet Hereafter, a film I would easily put in the top ten best of the 1990s, in tone and even bears some narrative resemblance, yet it stands on its own and makes us take notice.”

You can read Jeremy’s review in it’s entirety as well as his interview with director Lance Edmands. Take a look at the trailer below.

In renting or owning Bluebird through We Are Colony’s digital platform, you are treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes extras.

For more information on this unique platform: We Are Colony Colony-platform

Review: ‘The BFG’

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Family films rarely get much bigger than The BFG, based on the novel of the same name by Roald Dahl and directed by Steven Spielberg. The story of an orphan girl who befriends a giant and accompanies him on the adventure of a lifetime is heartwarming and family friendly with an amazing cast lead by Oscar winner Mark Rylance and newcomer Ruby Barnhill. Come on a journey into giant country and experience the wonder of The BFG.

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Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is a young orphan girl in London who longs for adventure. Telling the story of frightful things lurking in the shadows of the night, she encounters her own in the form of a massive giant who takes young Sophie from her bed and races back to his home in giant country. Initially afraid of what’s to come, she is introduced to her captor, The BFG (Mark Rylance), an endearingly dim-witted giant with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell. The BFG, or Big Friendly Giant, is nothing like the other inhabitants of giant country you see. He keeps to himself and fancies to feed himself snozzcumber and frobscottle as opposed to his giant brethren  Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) who prefer to eat humans.

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The BFG spends most of his time in dream country where he collects dreams and then takes them to children all around the country, teaching Sophie all about the magic and  mystery of dreams. Everything is wonderful between the two new best friends until Sophie’s presence is detected by the other giants, putting her in danger. Sophie and the BFG must head to London to convince Queen Victoria (Penelope Wilton) to help with the impending giant attacks, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they must all come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

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Legendary director Steve Spielberg does not disappoint with his creation of this wonderful Roald Dahl classic. This is a rare film when visuals take a back seat to performance. Mark Rylance is outstanding as the BFG and you truly immerse yourself into his performance that you forget he is a CGI giant. Ruby Barnhill is wonderfully feisty and a true joy to watch. The two of them have a chemistry that works right from moment one. The visuals are spectacular and should be applauded. They subtly blend into the outstanding storytelling and lend the perfect mix to this awe inspiring film.

Overall, The BFG is this summers perfect family film and should not be missed!

Stars:

4 out of 5

After credit scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘The Shallows’

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Summer is here and what better way to enjoy it than to eat some popcorn and engross yourself with a cheesy shark attack movie!…except The Shallows isn’t that movie. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (Run All Night) and starring Blake Lively, The Shallows is a B-movie snooze fest with impressive cinematography and a few jumps but very little else.

Medical student Nancy Adams (Blake Lively) is on the search for a secluded beach once visited by her late mother after finding out she was pregnant with Nancy many years before. Nancy finds a local named Carlos (Óscar Jaenada), who is familiar with the beach and agrees to take her to her destination. Upon her arrival, Nancy meets a couple of young surfers and the three spend the afternoon surfing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings, something Nancy desperately needed. Since taking a break from medical school, Nancy has traveled the world in search of the answer to her future, but her sister Chloe (Sedona Legge) and father (Brett Cullen) are worried about where her journey might take her.

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As the sunset arrives, the young surfers head in, but Nancy is determined to catch one more wave. Nancy notices something very strange out beyond the break and begins to worry that she is within the grasp of danger. As Nancy decides to turn in, she is attacked by a shark and marooned on an isolated rock sticking out of the lagoon several hundred yards from shore. Determined to survive her predicament, Nancy must face the reality that she is alone, injured and without many options, but she must find a way to get to get to shore.

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The Shallows works to build the tension of a normal shark attack film, but the reality is, it’s not that interesting. Shark movies thrive on suspense, ala Open Water or Jaws, preying on our fear of the unknown ocean and its creatures, which this film attempts to achieve, but it winds up trying to emulate the latter Jaws films where shock trumps originality.  Blake Lively does her best to provide an ample amount of emotion to sell the impending doom, but you spend most of the time feeling that we’ve “been there, done that” and there’s nothing truly special connecting you to her character. Also, the ending that we’re sold as being as a “twist” ends up being nothing more than goofy and far fetched that you can’t help but laugh.

Overall, The Shallows could be nothing or exactly what you thought it would be; either way, it’s not worth the price of admission.

Stars:

2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

Review: ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’

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Exit Tim Burton and enter James Bobin (The Muppets) as Disney looks to venture back to Wonderland with a new Alice sequel based on “Through the Looking-Glass” by Lewis Carroll. All the original cast returns including Johnny Depp, Anne Hathaway, Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter to lead this second go around, but can this stellar cast keep this franchise afloat for another successful run down the rabbit hole?

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Alice Kingsleigh (Mia Wasikowska) has taken to the high seas as a captain of her late father’s ship. The return from Wonderland has given young Alice the thirst for adventure and she refuses to spill one drop of it. After returning from China, Alice is faced with a difficult decision which will alter the course of her life. Determined to continue her adventures, Alice finds her self at a cross roads, but a visit from Absolem leads her to a magical looking glass and a return to Wonderland once more.

Alice discovers her friend the Hatter (Johnny Depp) has been consumed by guilty and sorrow from the loss of his family which has driven him to be madder than usual. Desperate to see her friend return to normal, Alice confronts Time himself (Sacha Baron Cohen) in search of the answer on how to change the past and save the Hatter’s family. Alice, realizing she must take matters into her own hands, borrows the Chronosphere, a time traveling device that takes her to through the past to find answers to help save her friend, but a familiar foe, the Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) wants the Chronosphere for herself and will stop at nothing to get it.

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James Bobin’s vision for Alice Through the Looking Glass is not far off from Burton’s original in spectacle and storytelling and allows the audience to immerse itself back into the visual awe of Wonderland with ease. All the familiar characters take their places for a fun filled romp for children to OD on with little more than a tiresome story and hit or miss performances. Johnny Depp continues to rule the Disney cinematic universe as the real reason why audiences will flock back to the theaters for this unnecessary sequel, but the actor seems to enjoy still playing the character, albeit no doubt for the hefty paycheck and not the storytelling. Mia Wasikowska and Helena Bonham Carter continue their wonderful performances in this franchise as Alice and the Red Queen and each are marvelous. Sacha Baron Cohen is a wonderful addition to this film and brings a nice mixture of menace and comedy to his character Time.

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Overall, Alice Through the Looking Glass is nothing more than a visual spectacle, which means your kids will love it. A fun summer popcorn movie, but don’t expect too much.

Stars

2 1/2 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

None

Trailer