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.

Morning Glory

3 out of 5 Stars



Overall a pretty fun movie. Not much to the story but the cast is chosen well. Harrison Ford delivers some great scenes that allow for some very fun moments in this comedy. There's really nothing much to expect here but it's still an enjoyable movie with some nice substance beneath the surface. A mix of romantic comedy and general comedy, this workplace movie is working quite a bit on the talents of Rachel McAdams and Harrison Ford. What it lacks in story it makes up for in humor.

Megamind

3 out of 5 Stars



There are some good moments with clever characters in this film and some fun as well but this is not one of Dreamworks best though definitely better than Shrek 4. The story is interesting, though it falls a little short, and the characters are clever. But Will Ferrell and Jonah Hill were not the best choices for voices for two of the main characters. Overall a decent family film but still with some pretty good sized flaws in the works. After How To Train Your Dragon this just doesn't cut it for the animation company.

Due Date

3 out of 5 Stars



Although not hilarious, Due Date still delivers quite a few laughs and while still being funny adds some good substance. It's a fun road trip movie from the guy who directed The Hangover but less disturbing. There are some good times and Robert Downey Jr. makes for a good cast. Nothing amazing, but worth a viewing.

Secretariat

4 out of 5 Stars



From Disney comes this true story of an unlikely horse that won the triple crown. Like most inspirational movies they are filled with a lot of material to make people feel good and the end is always seen from the beginning. But Secretariat is done so well that even if the end is seen from the beginning its still hard not to get caught on the edge of your seat during the races. The acting is great, the story is endearing, and there is lots of hope and excitement. A great movie based on a true story.

Catfish

2 out of 5 Stars



Nev meets someone online. Then he meets the rest of the family. The family includes a mother, an 8 year old daughter named Abby who paints incredible paintings, a daughter named Megan who begins to flirt with Nev, and a husband named Vince. Things start to seem a little strange so they decide to go visit them up in Michigan. The advertising scheme: Don't Let Anyone Tell You What It Is. Yeah, if they did there would be no movie.

This is supposed to be based on real life events. After Nev is in communications with Angela, the mother, for a while one of his brothers decides to start documenting it. Of course in the end it turns into the movie that was released, somehow picked up by Universal. Without a marketing campaign this movie would have gone nowhere. If you have a little bit of intellect you can figure out where the story is going pretty darn fast. I mean, think about it. Meeting an entire family on facebook who gets along with you? You do the math. It's an intriguing film and makes you want to see it through to the end, unlike the fake documentary style films that have been released. But it's still ridiculous. It's a story that's just not interesting enough to warrant a 90 min. film. It should have been closer to an hour. Sure, it was edited pretty well and it was surprising some of the footage they captured but by the end of the movie there really isn't anything that surprising. It's terribly predictable what happens considering the technological world we live in the parameters that facebook allows. There is nothing to be amazed at here. It is a bit of a cautionary tale about meeting people through social networking but that's about it. Beyond that it's something anybody could have done had they owned a camera and the same event happened to them. The difference? Somehow these guys managed to get a studio to pick it up. Sure there is a bit of a story here but nothing for a feature film. Maybe a short story. It's an intriguing film but certainly not anything great. Far from it. In fact, I think I'll start recording my life now. Maybe something interesting will pop up and I can make thousands off a documentary I get Warner Bros. to pick up.

Saw 3D (aka Saw 7)

"I want to play a game."

1 1/2 out of 5 Stars



I want to play a game. This time, everyone must die. Of course the idea of Jigsaw capturing people and forcing them to play sick games for the purpose of learning a lesson is back. Of course, Jigsaw has been dead since the third movie so others have been doing his dirty work, mainly the former detective Hoffman who has taken up the screen the past couple movies. In this installment Dr. Gordon (from the first film) is back and we open on his escape from the room. Now some time later a man has claimed to be a victim of the Jigsaw traps. There is only one problem. He is a fraud and has written a book that has garnered acclaim as well as a healing support circle. Of course only his agents and lawyers know the truth, other than Jigsaw and his accomplices. Now Hoffman is out to finish the game and end the life of Jigsaw's wife. By the end of this final installment who will survive?

Part of what made the first Saw work so well was that it was a psychological horror film that dealt very little blood. Sure it was still there but in mild doses. More than anything it was images that got into your subconscious that was really effective. Than in the second film half of that was kept while moving in a different direction that involved more blood and more disturbing deaths. Pretty soon each film felt like it was trying to top the last. And somewhere around the fourth film a heavy element of a police investigation came into play, making the films less about the work of the man known as Jigsaw and more about the people being murdered and the "game" being played. Of course in these games everyone could somehow survive, even if there was a consequence to doing so. As long they did the right thing they would survive. Of course someone always died but that didn't mean everyone did. Then in the sixth film the rules changed. Now not everyone could get out alive. Someone had to die. Suddenly the justice was no longer so justified. Of course by then it wasn't really Jigsaw doing the work. It was a legacy that continued on in bloodshed and brutal murder that evolved away from the feeling of Jigsaw's original message. The message of redemption, valuing life, and justice were soon lost beneath ten layers of grotesque gory murders.

Then came along the seventh film which was heavily promoted on the 3D. And it is pointless 3D as well, even though filmed with 3D technology. 3D has quickly become a tiresome fad with films. The more films there are in 3D the less exciting they are. In the end the 3D was most likely necessary for the marketing considering that the only thing left it had going was the fact that this is supposed to be the final chapter. Will this be the final chapter, though? I think so. At least for the Jigsaw storyline. The end of the film wraps up nicely bringing it back full circle. But that doesn't save the film from the tremendous number of flaws that it holds. These films (at least the later ones) have been coined "torture porn." I can see why since every person that dies, or almost does, is tortured in some way and the audience is the voyeur watching the sick display.

Saw 7 takes it too many steps further. The man who is a fraud is brought into a game to face his demons and is set in a number of scenarios where he must save people he knows. There is always that chance someone will survive. Well except for the beginning of the movie when a trap is set up for the entire public to watch in a glass cage and at least one person must die and guts fly at the screen. But even when there is a chance someone could survive no one will. That's just how this movie will play out. No surprise considering how the sixth installment went. So by the end of the film not only must everyone in the game die but so must anyone who could keep the Jigsaw line going. It's a giant pot that mixes a mild dose of psychological horror with the police investigation and a most of the pot with blood and guts. That is, people die every 15 minutes with insides flying and blood spraying. The story just doesn't work. The message is lost. They try too hard to top the last film. It's a film for horror enthusiasts who go to films to see if there is any way to get more grossed out.

What they needed was another film like the first in the franchise. Then it would have been great. The beginning was good. The end was a fitting end. But when you have a terrible middle, you have no movie.

Life As We Know It

3 out of 5 Stars



Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) are set up on a date by their good friends who are married with a young kid. But the date never gets past the car and the two where never supposed to be together again. But they both kept in close touch with the couple and on an unsuspecting night the parents are killed in a car crash and it is soon discovered that they left custody of the child to the two most unlikely people, Holly and Eric.

The film as whole works in its premise and basic storyline. For the most part it's a feel good comedy that borders between a chick flick and a comedy for both genders. It also has a little bit of the flair of an independent feel where there are a good few points that feel a bit depressing, something that big budget Hollywood comedies usually only thrown in near the end of the film. Not so here. Heigl and Duhamel make a pretty good team in this piece and considering how heavily the story relies on the infant I would say they did a pretty good job with filming it. The film really falls a bit with its length and ending. The film could have been a little shorter as it dragged a little at times. And the ending was typical Hollywood happy ending where the two people get together. It works but not as well as it could have with a different ending. These movies always seem to bring the happily ever after ending into play even though sometimes it would work just as well to have a different ending without leaving the audience feeling depressed. This is one of those movies. Overall an enjoyable film but nothing that great.

Paranormal Activity 2

1 out of 5 Stars



Their back with the next most pointless sequel in a history of sequels. Once again the film follows a group of people, this time a family with a baby and a dog, in which things go bump in the night and something intense happens by the end. In this family the mother is actually the sister of the character from the last film and this film is a prequel/sequel. So the events of this one begin before the events of the first one take place. But the reality is that if you've seen the first one, you've basically seen this one, except now there is a dog and a baby. And of course they still pretend like it was a real event.

I personally hate these films. So why did I see it? For the heck of it because I got to for free. But I'm always so bored in these movies. It takes over half the movie for anything to happen and by the time something does I'm too bored to even think about being scared. Probably 85-90% of the movie is watching the mundane events of life (much like watching a home movie) until something (actually quite predictable) happens. That is not my idea of a good movie. If I want to watch a home movie, I'll do that. When I go to the theater I want to see something that takes me out of my life. I want to escape the mundane, not revel in it. Many people are scared by these movies but really they are not that frightening. Not really. Unless you're scared easily but then just about anything could scare you. In reality these movies are terrible. They aren't quality. It's just the new Blair Witch. And documentary style film just doesn't work. Not with the way story needs to be. And if good film = good story. Then documentary style film = bad film because the story always seems to fall flat.

But I think that Roger Ebert puts it quite well in his review:

http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101022/REVIEWS/101029991

RED

3 out of 5 Stars



RED. Retired Extremely Dangerous. But then the retired agents come out of retirement because the government is trying to cover their tracks for a mishap in Guatemala that the agents knew about. Know these agents must find a way to survive. On top of this one of the agents has met a girl so now they must protect her as well. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, and Morgan Freeman star in this action thriller.

For the most part this movie is fun. There is a lot of over the top (and completely unrealistic) explosions, super fun fight scenes, and some good wit. But only about the first half of the film really moves well. Then it just starts to really drag. But what really makes this movie worth watching is John Malkovich. Without his character there really isn't much to be saved from this movie other than the fun of fights and explosions. Bruce Willis definitely gives far from his best performance and Morgan Freeman just isn't in the movie enough. Overall it was enjoyable but only an alright film.

My Soul To Take

2 1/2 out of 5 Stars



My Soul To Take is the new horror from Wes Craven, the same man who brought us the original Nightmare On Elm Street. In a small town a killer known as the Riverton Ripper was killed many years ago and now seven teenagers who were born on the same day as the killer's death begin to drop dead. Now Bug, the miracle child that survived after the killer attacked his wife, must try and stop him.

This movie feels a good bit like what Wes Craven might have done with Nightmare On Elm Street had he made it today, except of course that there is a different story. It's very much a horror movie with a slasher feel. The movie as a whole is not that great. The writing isn't very good and at times it is downright cheesy. At the same time that is precisely how some of these movies used to feel except nowadays they don't work as well on audiences. The acting most of the time is mediocre. But at the same time the movie still works on a level that makes it fun and entertaining. There may be a lot of flaws but it feels like a movie that isn't meant to be flawless but rather enjoyed for what it is. So sit back, suspend belief, and enjoy the ride.