Michael’s Top Movies of 2015

TWENTY-FIFTEEN

2015 has come and gone, but it has left us with some films that will stay with us forever. Here are a few of my favorite films from the past year:

10- The Martian

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9- Sicario

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8- Trumbo

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7- Room

Check out Liz’s review: http://reelnewsdaily.com/2015/10/16/review-room-is-gut-wrenching-and-extraordinary/

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6- The Big Short

Check out my review: http://reelnewsdaily.com/2015/12/03/review-the-big-short-delivers-big/

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5- The Hateful Eight

Check out Melissa’s review: http://reelnewsdaily.com/2015/12/23/christmas-day-must-see-the-hateful-eight-keeps-you-in-the-dark-while-in-a-bright-white-blizzard/

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4- Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Check out my review: http://reelnewsdaily.com/2015/12/22/review-star-wars-the-force-awakens-minor-plot-spoilers/

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3- Spotlight

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2- Mad Max: Fury Road

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1- The Revenant

Check out my review: http://reelnewsdaily.com/2015/12/05/review-the-revenant-is-dicaprios-journey-to-oscar-gold/

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Honorable mentions:

Creed
’71
Slow West
Straight Outta Compton
Ex Machina
It Follows
Bridge of Spies
Dope

Review: ‘The Big Short’ Delivers Big

TBS_1-Sht_Rated Teaser_2_eIf you were to ask anyone what the two scariest things that could happen to this country would be, my guess is that they would answer: terrorism and an economic collapse, both of which have become reality in the last 15 years. The latter is the subject of Michael Lewis’ non-fiction book “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” which is now a feature film directed by Adam McKay. The film tackles the build-up of the housing and credit bubble during the 2000s and failures of the financial district which lead the market to crash, which serves a gut punch to all the experts who allowed it to happen. In short, The Big Short is a film that should become required viewing for all business students and politicians.

Left to right: Steve Carell plays Mark Baum and Ryan Gosling plays Jared Vennett in The Big Short from Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises

Left to right: Steve Carell plays Mark Baum and Ryan Gosling plays Jared Vennett in The Big Short from Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises

In 2005, hedge fund manager Michael Burry (Christian Bale) stumbles upon a major discovery while researching loans bundled into highly rated mortgage bonds. Burry discovered that each and every one of these bonds was loaded with delinquent home loans that he believed would default over the next few years.  Knowing that Wall Street bankers and government regulatory agencies has no intentions of acting to fix this certain doom, Burry invents a financial instrument called the credit default swap in order to “short” the booming housing market, much to the dismay of his hedge fund’s owners and investors. A mortgage broker іѕ a professional whо іѕ licensed wіth thе Real Estate Council оf Alberta (RECA). In order tо obtain thіѕ credential, a mortgage broker іѕ required tо meet educational аnd professional conduct requirements, аnd complete background security checks. A mortgage broker ѕhоuld nеvеr bе compared tо уоur local financial institution. Thе purpose аnd function оf еасh іѕ vеrу different. An independent mortgage broker іѕ just that-independent-meaning thеу hаvе nо association wіth аnу оnе lender. Thаt means it’s thеіr job tо offer уоu unbiased advice. At Metropolitan mortgage corporation you will get best broker, For more information look at this site.

After Burry makes his bet at Goldman Sachs, Wall Street banker Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling) is informed of Burry’s strategy, and decides to uses this knowledge to persuade hedge-fund manager Mark Baum (Steve Carell) that he too should invest millions in credit default swaps. Initially skeptical, Baum and his team (Jeremy Strong, Hamish Linklater and Rafe Spall) undertake their own investigation. Researching the housing market in Florida, they interview homeowners, realtors and mortgage brokers and discover that what Vennett has told them is true and that we are facing the worst economic crisis in decades.

Christian Bale plays Michael Burry in The Big Short from Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises

Christian Bale plays Michael Burry in The Big Short from Paramount Pictures and Regency Enterprises

While visiting NY to make their pitch their hedge fund to some of the bigger banks, money managers Jamie Shipley (Finn Wittrock) and Charlie Geller (John Magaro) also stumble upon the housing-market bubble and with the help of ex-banker Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt), use his connections to help them make their own bet against Wall Street. If all of these men are right,  they will make billions, while millions of Americans lose their homes, their jobs and their retirement savings; if they’re wrong, they’ll lose everything. The gamble against the U.S. economy is on.

The Big Short is nothing short of spectacular. The script by McKay and Charles Randolph keeps a lot of the technical aspects of Lewis‘ book in tact, but helps to assist the average film goers understanding of the subject matter with vignettes that are as much hilarious as they are informative. Director Adam McKay assembles one of the best ensemble casts in decades and each actor brings their very best to this important film. Steve Carell has never been better and turns in a stand out performance. Christian Bale captures the eccentric nature of his character perfectly and Ryan Gosling has perfected the art of ego better than any actor in years.

This is a must see film and an instant contender for awards season.

4 out of 5

After Credit Scene?

No

Trailer:

9 movies (with trailers) coming to theaters this Christmas

Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Christmas season and I thought I’d put together the list of movies that are coming out on the next big holiday. Although my most anticipated is The Hateful Eight, a close behind are The Revenant and The Big Short. I will admit that I am sure to enjoy Daddy’s Home. Joy might just be too much Jennifer Lawrence (if there is such a thing). 45 Years will be an Oscar contender, as well as Where To Invade Next. Concussion might also just bring back Will Smith. We’ll see. Oh, and Point Break. Um, yeah, whatever.

Which are your most anticipated?
45 years45 Years – Wednesday Dec 23rd – select theaters

A retired English couple (played by Charlotte Rampling and Tom Courtenay) reflect on their lives after nearly a half-century together, in this wonderfully nuanced character study from writer-director Andrew Haigh.  Geoff (Courtenay) and Kate Mercer (Rampling) pass their days quietly on their country property near a small Norfolk village. One day Geoff receives a letter notifying him that the body of Katya, an old girlfriend of his, has been discovered, perfectly preserved in the Swiss Alps where she fell on their hiking trip nearly fifty years earlier. As the news sinks in, hidden tensions between Geoff and Kate begin to emerge.  Haigh’s decision to favor small, melancholic moments over major dramatic incidents, along with the attention he pays to the subtleties of body language and facial expression, allow 45 YEARS to find a natural build to its finale, while Courtenay and Rampling deliver performances that can easily be counted among the best in their respective careers. (95 min)


WTIN-Join-Chiefs_CR_US_Department-of-DefenseWhere to Invade Next – Wednesday Dec 23rd – select theaters

WHERE TO INVADE NEXT is an expansive, rib-tickling, and subversive comedy in which Moore, playing the role of “invader,” visits a host of nations to learn how the U.S. could improve its own prospects. The creator of “Fahrenheit 9/11” and “Bowling for Columbine” is back with this hilarious and eye-opening call to arms. Turns out the solutions to America’s most entrenched problems already existed in the world – they’re just waiting to be co-opted.

http://wheretoinvadenext.com/


BGS-01810R2The Big Short – Wednesday Dec 23rd – wide release

When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea:  The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.  Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind SideMoneyball),  and directed by Adam Mckay (AnchormanStep BrothersThe Big Short stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.

PARAMOUNT PICTURES and REGENCY ENTERPRISES Present
A PLAN B ENTERTAINMENT Production of
AN ADAM MCKAY  Film
“THE BIG SHORT”
Executive Producers Louise Rosner-Meyer  Kevin Messick
Produced By Brad Pitt  Dede Gardner  Jeremy Kleiner  Arnon Milchan
Based Upon the book  by Michael Lewis
Screenplay By  Charles Randolph and Adam McKay
Directed By Adam McKay

http://thebigshortmovie.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheBigShortMovie
Instagram: https://instagram.com/TheBigShortMovie
Twitter:https://twitter.com/TheBigShort
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/Paramount
Official Website: http://thebigshortmovie.com
#TheBigShort


re_select_3-00001914_rgbThe Revenant – Friday December 25th – in select theaters

Director: Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Screenplay: Mark L. Smith & Alejandro G. Iñárritu, based in part on the novel by Michael Punke
Producers: Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent, James W. Skotchdopole,  Keith Redmon
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson, Will Poulter

Inspired by true events, THE REVENANT is an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure of survival and the extraordinary power of the human spirit. In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption. THE REVENANT is directed and co-written by renowned filmmaker, Academy Award® winner Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Birdman, Babel).

Site: http://www.foxmovies.com/movies/the-revenant
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RevenantMovie
Twitter: twitter.com/revenantmovie
YouTube: youtube.com/c/RevenantMovie
Google+: google.com/+RevenantMovie
Pinterest: pinterest.com/RevenantMovie
Instagram: instagram.com/RevenantMovie
Hashtag: #


Will Smith stars in Columbia Pictures' "Concussion."

Will Smith stars in Columbia Pictures’ “Concussion.”

Concussion – Friday Dec 25th – wide release

Will Smith stars in Concussion, a dramatic thriller based on the incredible true David vs. Goliath story of American immigrant Dr. Bennet Omalu, the brilliant forensic neuropathologist who made the first discovery of CTE, a football-related brain trauma, in a pro player and fought for the truth to be known.  Omalu’s emotional quest puts him at dangerous odds with one of the most powerful institutions in the world.

#ConcussionMovie
#ForThePlayers


dh1-shtonlineDaddy’s Home – Friday Dec 25th – wide release

Directed By Sean Anders

DADDY’S HOME” follows a mild-mannered radio executive (Ferrell) who strives to become the best stepdad to his wife’s two children, but complications ensue when their freewheeling and freeloading real father (Wahlberg) arrives, forcing him to compete for the affection of the kids.


THE HATEFUL EIGHT

THE HATEFUL EIGHT

The Hateful Eight – Friday Dec 25th – in select theaters, wide release January 6th

Director: Quentin Tarantino
Written By: Quentin Tarantino
Rating: Not Yet Rated
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Walton Goggins, Demian Bichir, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Channing Tatum
Synopsis:
In THE HATEFUL EIGHT, set six or eight or twelve years after the Civil War, a stagecoach hurtles through the wintry Wyoming landscape. The passengers, bounty hunter John Ruth (Kurt Russell) and his fugitive Daisy Domergue (Jennifer Jason Leigh), race towards the town of Red Rock where Ruth, known in these parts as “The Hangman,” will bring Domergue to justice. Along the road, they encounter two strangers: Major Marquis Warren (Samuel L. Jackson), a black former union soldier turned infamous bounty hunter, and Chris Mannix (Walton Goggins), a southern renegade who claims to be the town’s new Sheriff. Losing their lead on the blizzard, Ruth, Domergue, Warren and Mannix seek refuge at Minnie’s Haberdashery, a stagecoach stopover on a mountain pass. When they arrive at Minnie’s, they are greeted not by the proprietor but by four unfamiliar faces. Bob (Demian Bichir), who’s taking care of Minnie’s while she’s visiting her mother, is holed up with Oswaldo Mobray (Tim Roth), the hangman of Red Rock, cow-puncher Joe Gage (Michael Madsen), and Confederate General Sanford Smithers (Bruce Dern). As the storm overtakes the mountainside stopover, our eight travelers come to learn they may not make it to Red Rock after all…
THE HATEFUL EIGHT Official Socials:
#TheHatefulEight


JOY posterJoy – Friday Dec 25th – wide release

Director: David O. Russell
Screenplay by David O. Russell; Story by: Annie Mumolo and David O. Russell
Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen, Isabella Rossellini, Elisabeth Röhm, Dascha Polanco and Bradley Cooper

JOY is the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love, pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce. Allies become adversaries and adversaries become allies, both inside and outside the family, as Joy’s inner life and fierce imagination carry her through the storm she faces. Jennifer Lawrence stars, with Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper, Edgar Ramirez, Isabella Rossellini, Diane Ladd, Virginia Madsen , Elisabeth Röhm and Dascha Polanco. Like David O. Russell’s previous films, Joy defies genre to tell a story of family, loyalty, and love.

SITE: www.JoyMovie.com
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/JoyTheMovie
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/JoyTheMovie
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/JoyTheMovie
OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #JoyMovie


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Point Break – Friday Dec 25th – wide release

In Alcon Entertainment’s fast-paced, high-adrenaline action thriller, a young FBI agent, Johnny Utah (Luke Bracey), infiltrates a cunning team of thrill-seeking elite athletes – led by the charismatic Bodhi (Edgar Ramirez). The athletes are suspected of carrying out a spate of crimes in extremely unusual ways.

 

 

New Trailer for ‘The Big Short’ is Here!

TBS_1-Sht_Rated Teaser_2_eParamount Pictures and Regency Enterprises have released a new trailer for Adam McKay’s newest film The Big Short starring Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt and you can check it out below!

When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea:  The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.  Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind SideMoneyball),  and directed by Adam Mckay (AnchormanStep Brothers)

The Big Short opens in limited release December 11th before opening wide on December 23rd

Ryan Gosling, Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Brad Pitt star in new trailer for Adam McKay’s ‘The Big Short’

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When four outsiders saw what the big banks, media and government refused to, the global collapse of the economy, they had an idea:  The Big Short. Their bold investment leads them into the dark underbelly of modern banking where they must question everyone and everything.  Based on the true story and best-selling book by Michael Lewis (The Blind Side, Moneyball),  and directed by Adam Mckay (Anchorman, Step BrothersThe Big Short stars Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt.
 
 
Official Website: http://thebigshortmovie.com
#TheBigShort