13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi

4 out of 5 Stars

13 Hours, the latest film directed by Michael Bay, recounts the real life events that occurred in Libya in 2012 when a small group of soldiers are sent on tour to a top secret CIA base and the 13 hours they experience attempting to rescue an American Ambassador and defend the CIA compound. Beginning with the set up of the primary soldiers, the film later moves into the main conflict.

For quite some time I've really been disappointed in anything Michael Bay has directed or produced. I think there was a point when he came out with a few good films early on in his career but not so much in the past decade. 13 Hours, however, is return to quality for Michael Bay. That isn't to say that his hand can't still be seen in it. There are still plenty of explosions and the extremely fast paced editing he is known for remains in tack. But in this situation it works well as the film takes us from the down time all the way into the chaos of war. And the chaos feels so real in this film that at some points it is almost a little confusing what's happening and who's where. This could be considered a pitfall for a film but considering the nature of battle I think that it works splendidly.

Truly where the film surprises, though, is through John Krasinski. He has come a long way from the office and shows his gravitas as an actor in this film. There wasn't a moment I didn't believe him as a soldier. This is Krasinski as Jack Silva in the same way Bradley Cooper embodied Chris Kyle. They stepped into the shoes of a soldier and lived them in both the world at war and with family at home. With Krasinki's final moments in the film it's hard not to be moved.

This was a film that really hit me deep down as an Army veteran myself and stuck with me emotionally well after the movie ended. It got me to think about life and tugged at my emotions. It's intense and at times graphic (as war is) and not for everybody. But if anything, it was a film that I felt did justice to a lesser known conflict that occurred and the brave men who fought for their brothers.

What Maisie Knew

4 out of 5 Stars

A tragic and beautiful film.

What Maisie Knew follows a little girl through her parents divorce and the tragic self-centered lives they live and how it effects their child. Focused entirely from the perspective of Maisie, the story unfolds as the little girl is used by the adults around her in a story that is awesome painful to watch.

The film does what a lot of films don't even attempt: to see life through the eyes of a child. In this instance it's a portrait that is occasionally beautiful and often tragic. Both of Maisie's parents are far from perfect and both highly incapable of being responsible enough to care for their child. In the midst of the custody battle Maisie is almost thrown around like a rag doll, watching and uncertain what she is supposed to do and confused about what is happening. It's hard not to feel for her as her parent's actions lead to many negative consequences that neither of them seem to notice.

I've really never seen such an amazing portrayal of the effect two parent's life decisions can have on their child. There are ramifications for our actions and in this story the results are difficult to watch. The portrayal of life is so genuine and fierce that it's difficult not to be invested in the lives of the characters. The performances are brought to life surrounding the subtle expression and reactions of the young lead. There really is not a film quite like it that I have seen.

This is a touching and important story in a society where divorce is normal and what it means to truly love a child. It is heartbreaking but the uplifting ending warrants a watch even if you aren't one for a more melancholy film.

Star Wars Episode VII - The Force Awakens

4 out of 5 Stars

The latest installment of the Star Wars comes to us outside of the hands of George Lucas for the first time ever and the wait has well been worth it. There is still no denying that without George Lucas we wouldn't have any of the Star Wars films. There is a unique universe that has been crafted in the films that isn't quite like any other. With a mix of sci-fi and fantasy, Star Wars has captivated the minds of millions for generations and now J.J. Abrams has brought a film for a new generation that does justice to the Star Wars universe.

Plot wise the film is nothing new. All the elements are similar to the original Star Wars but enhanced and done very well. With a new villain and a female lead as the hero, this is a film that has been much needed. The characters are solid and chemistry on screen is absolutely wonderful. Abrams has also managed to hit the nostalgic spot for all those who have loved Star Wars for generations by bringing in little moments that throwback to previous films.

Truly, Abrams has crafted a film that can link both generations new and old into a world that we could have only dreamed of. As a fanboy myself (even more so growing up) I found this to be everything I wanted in a Star Wars movie. At the same time as a stand alone movie I think it's harder to argue how great it is. But I wasn't looking for the next Godfather or Citizen Kane. I was looking for Star Wars, good Star Wars. And that is what I believe you good.

It's a good time. A fun ride. And worth watching more than once.

The Peanuts Movie

4 1/2 out of 5 Stars.

 

 

Good old Charlie Brown.

A boy and his dog. The Peanuts used to grace the screen with a special type of simple charm in two dimensions. Now they are back on a bigger screen in even more dimensions with the same charm. Welcome back Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Woodstock, and the rest of the gain as the creation of Charles Schulz is adapted to the big screen with a slightly modernized look.

For those who have known The Peanuts over the years will notice a lot of familiar elements from the previous specials. All of the classic Peanuts tropes are utilized in this new film, keeping to nostalgia while presenting a fresh take on familiar characters. The story primarily focuses on Charlie Brown's bumbling attempts to talk to the little red-headed girl and Snoopy's imaginary story to fight the Red Baron and rescue a first love. The dual stories of a boy and his dog and their first loves. The story is simple, also part of the charm, and is well executed.

 

The Peanuts have always had a certain style and this modern presentation stays true. Fans of the original Peanuts are sure to love it and this is a great introduction for those who are just being introduced. Everything that is Peanuts and then some more.

 

Weaving the old 2D drawings into the 3D presents an added and unexpected charm that rounds out the film. And Charlie Brown, as always, is a loveable klutz who just can't seem to do anything right. It's difficult not to feel bad for him as he tries to figure out life and run away from everything. But the real charm of the movie is the humanity that has come from the original creation of Charles Schultz. In The Peanuts he always seemed to see the good in people in the end. And despite all of Charlie Brown's flaws, he's a great guy with a good heart, which is not lost by the end of the film. Despite everything bringing him down, Charlie Brown still gets back up and he still does the right thing. Charlie Brown is the silent hero who fights for what's right even if he doesn't have it all quite figured out. 

Guardian of the Galaxy (Short Review)

4 out of 5 Stars

Awesome Mix.

I am Groot.

Pure joyous summer fun.

Worth it!

Parks & Recreation: Seasons 1-6

4 out of 5 Stars

Parks & Recreation, overall, is an absolute delight. I don't remember the last time I enjoyed a comedy on TV this much. This show is not just full of laughs, it's full of heart. Taking on the sitcom format in the vein of shows like The Office, Parks & Recreation finds a footing of it's own, taking the "mocumentary" style in a direction of it's own and taking it's own place in Television history. I bet Leslie Knope is proud.

I'm a late-comer to the show right before it's been announced that it's going into it's last season but it has still been worth it. Season 1 was a rocky start for the show with only 6 episodes and basic setting to how the show would feel. Although still funny, the first few episodes in the series are a bit rough and don't have the same spark but still at least help set up the well-developed characters that will stay with us through most of the series (Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson, April Ludgate, Andy Dwyer, Tom Haverford, Donna, Ann Perkins, and Jerry).

Season 2 is really when the show takes off and hits the charming and funny spark that helps the show sky rocket. The relationships are more firmly forged and greatly used to heighten the comedy. All while continuing to follow Leslie's neverending quest to become the greatest public servant and government employee to live. Really, the show keeps a high streak all the way through season 5. There are a few downs here and there I think (mainly with the Douche) but overall most everything in the show stays entertaining and hilarious. It also never completely loses sight of the end goal. Every season has a through plot that continues to carry the show, among all the various side plots, and manages to stay consistent with the beginning of the show.

In Season 3, two characters are added as leads, Ben Wyatt and Chris Traeger, who add a new dynamic and an added fresh take to the nerd scene to round out the show. And really, every cast member fits the character so well it's as if they embody and personify them. Basically, the casting is impeccable.

Though, I feel at Season 6 they hit a slump, which might be part of why they felt it was time to end the show soon. Although still funny and quite enjoyable, this season starts to feel like the writers are having some trouble coming up with ideas. The hilarity that took place in the previous 4 seasons just isn't quite there and feels like it's dropped a step and a half. This by no means it's not still enjoyable and worth it. Perhaps one of the best parts of season 5 is the exploration of some of the more serious sides of many of the characters. It's the coming of age story for Parks & Recreation, which makes for a more mature and sentimental season, but that also means a few less laughs.

Overall, I would say that all of this show is worth watching so far. Definitely one of the best comedy shows of the past decade along with shows like Arrested Development. If you have not checked it out, I highly recommend it. And if you're not hooked at season 1, I suggest sticking it through to Season 2.

Sin City: A Dame To Kill For

2 out of 5 Stars

The sequel to the innovative Sin City film from Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller follows three primary storylines: Nancy Callahan's (Jessica Alba) plot to get revenge for Hartigan,  Johnny's (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) plot to beat Senator Roark in gambling, and Dwight's (Josh Brolin) love affair with the deceptive dame (Eva Green). Much like the original film, the style is similar, saturated in a stylistic film noir world with a graphic novel feel and specific colors highlighted against the black and white shading scheme.

Outside of that element and closing the story on a few of the characters from the first film (namely Nancy, Hartigan, and Senator Roark), much of what made the first film unique and enjoyable is missing in the sequel. The interwoven plot structure of the first film that brought characters together is separate sequences is completely missing and traded for a simple through line that feels like it's trying to hold onto what the first film captured but failing. The characters fall flat in the new structure despite solid acting from most of the cast. But despite any of the performances, the characters just aren't as engaging as they were in the first film. Even Marv, who was a character that shined in the first film, only feels mediocre in this Sin City re-hash.

We are taken to many of the familiar locations of the first film, such as Old Town, and many of the characters from before are brought back into the sequel. Really, Eva Lord (Eva Green) and Johnny are the only major knew characters. It's still a fun romp with the enjoyable entertainment style that the first film brought. Yet, this time around the style isn't quite as fun and the simpler color scheme that the first film used is heightened with far more color in the sequel, detracting from some of the enjoyment. Rodriguez and Miller this time around should have stuck with the simplicity that made the first film work so well instead of trading it for heightened color schemes and 3D gimmicks.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars



This is the first time I've incredibly enjoyed a Harry Potter film since Prisoner of Azkaban. David Yates takes the first part of the final installment in a wonderful direction not only keeping close to the books but directing a well made film. The acting continues to improve and the overall look of the film is incredible. Although there wasn't a full conclusion as it was half of two parts, I felt a sense of closure at the end of the film. It's what I didn't get at the end of the sixth film and felt like I should have. Even without a complete end the first half of seven still feels like it can stand on its own. It's intriguing and well put together. Should be enjoyable for fans of the books and the movies alike.

Unstoppable

3 1/2 out of 5 Stars



Unstoppable is an intriguing thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat despite the predictable ending. Inspired by a true story this film is pieced together very well. It flows in a way that keeps the viewer wanted to know what happens next. Denzel Washington and Chris Pine deliver great performances as well. It's a decent story but is a pretty good thriller. It's a fun ride and full of action. Definitely worth a look if you're a thriller or action fan or if you like trains.

Skyline

1 out of 5 Stars



Good special effects. Nothing else. Absolutely terrible. Awful. Painful. It tries to be Independence Day but with no plot and characters that no one cares about. When the movie ends still nothing makes sense. There's lots of blue lights and weird alien looking creatures. It's a melting pot of science fiction ideas that have absolutely no logical thread of reasoning and has no talent in it. It's the modern day piece for what should be scrutiny of Mystery Science Theater. It's B-movie material with a large budget.