The Gambler

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, and for some sexuality/nudity.
Run Time: 111 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today I went and saw Paramount Pictures' The Gambler starring Mark Wahlberg (Transformers Age of Extinction), Jessica Lange (FX's American Horror Story), and John Goodman (Monster's University).  The film details the story of Jim Bennett a risk-taker and down-on-his-luck English professor who just doesn't know when to walk away.  After borrowing money from a gangster and a casino owner with his own life as collateral and 1 week to pay his debts, his life continues to spiral out of control.  As the clock winds down it is up to Jim to take the biggest risk of his life or suffer his biggest consequence.
I really didn't know what to expect when I walked into the theater, but for the most part I was entertained throughout the entire film. Seeing Jim Bennett gamble is nerve-wracking in an of itself. Seeing this guy throw away all his money is hard to watch. However probably the greatest part about this film comes from its two supporting actors Jessica Lange and John Goodman.  Jessica Lange plays Jim Bennett's mom struggling with her dysfunctional relationship with her son and his gambling problem.  She brings so much wit and charm to her performance that it is impossible not to like her.  John Goodman, on the other hand, plays a loan shark who loans Jim money to pay off his debts.  I have been a John Goodman fan for years and even in this role he still brings greatness.  He does everything right with his performance and it completely enhances the movie-going experience. I would see this film again just for his performance.
Though the casting was impeccable, even the best actors can't help but fall into the wrong movie. Though I thought that the film was entertaining, the entire time I was in the theater I was thinking to myself why make this movie.  I just wasn't connected to the plot as I had hoped that I would be.  Also I felt like the plot was so generic and plain that it seemed like the writers were stretching to try to get this film over an hour.  Mark Wahlberg's character was making the same choices again and again and it just felt like I was watching the same film over and over again.
Overall, I thought the film was ok.  I was entertained throughout, but the plot just seemed too thin. This definitely is not the worst film I have ever seen.  I would recommend this film if you didn't have anything else to do, but I wouldn't tell you to go out of your way and see it.

Thanks again for reading, if you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

The Imitation Game

MPAA Rating:PG-13 for some sexual references, mature thematic 

material and historical smoking.

Run Time: 114 Minutes

My Rating: 4/5

So tonight my wife and I went and saw The Weinstein Company's The Imitation Game starring Benedict Cumberbatch (BBC's Sherlock) and Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean).  The film details the true life story of Alan Turing, the legendary crypt-analyst, and his brilliant team of masterminds as they work as code-breakers for British Government during World War II.  The film details the struggles that Alan Turing faced during his life as a child, during the war, and after the war.  

So I thought the film was well made and very interesting.  With the assignment that Alan Turing and his team was given being top-secret, the knowledge of this extraordinary feat has not been widely known for too long.   It was interesting how it all came together and how important this one assignment was in World War II and we never even knew about it.  It just shocks me how it all played out.  Probably the greatest thing about the film is the performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Keira Knightley. Their performances are breathtaking and Oscar-worthy.  There is so much to enjoy about their performances that even when the dialogue gets a little shaky, they help smooth things over.  It is their performances that make the movie as good as it is.  Without them, the movie would be just like any other film.

Although I thought the film was great, there was one thing that I really didn't like.  So as I said before the film shows Alan Turing's life when he was in school, during the war, and a life event after the war.  For me personally, I felt like the part when he was in school and the life event after the war weren't really necessary to the film.  Especially when all advertising for the film focused on the events during the war, I just felt like the other parts just didn't serve a purpose in telling such a fantastic story.  In my opinion the scenes were used more for propaganda than anything else, but then again that is my opinion.

Overall, I thought that the film was great.  I was entertained the whole movie and completely intrigued by the story.  This definitely is a must-see for history buffs, World War II enthusiasts, or those interested in puzzles and games.  I would definitely recommend this movie for those people to see. 

Thanks again for reading.  If you have any questions, comments or ideas just let me know!!!

Unbroken

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for war violence including intense sequences 

of brutality, and for brief language.

Run Time: 137 Minutes

My Rating: 5/5

So today we went and saw Universal Pictures' Unbroken starring Jack O'Connell (300: Rise of an Empire), Domhnall Gleeson (About Time), Garrett Hedlund (Tron: Legacy), and Jai Courtney (Divergent).  The film was directed by Angelina Jolie-Pitt in her directorial debut.  The film tells the true story of Louis Zamperini,  a U.S. Olympic athlete who joins the Armed Forces during World War II.  During the war his plane goes down in the ocean and he is lost at sea for weeks.  Eventually being captured by the Japanese Navy, he faces many forms of torture as he waits in hope of the war to end. 

This film was absolutely amazing.  In her first directorial debut, Angelina Jolie-Pitt does a fantastic job.  Her vision of Louis Zamperini is inspiring and breathtaking.  One of her greatest assets in the film is the spectacular performance by Jack O'Connell.  He gives an amazing portrayal of Louis Zamperini.  Angelina Jolie-Pitt probably could have contracted any other actor to portray Louis, but no other actor could have truly captured Louis Zamperini's spirit the same way that Jack O'Connell does.  This may not be the best performance of the year, but it definitely is one that you should miss.  Another great asset to the film was that the real Louis Zamperini actually helped in the production of the film.  He gave a lot of insight to Angelina Jolie-Pitt about his life and with his help it brings a lot more power to the film.  Finally, another asset that the film has is the emotion that it brings to each and every audience member especially that have suffered or know people who have suffered for something that they believe in deeply.  Seeing Louis Zamperini tortured and attacked for sticking up for his country and its values is absolutely heartbreaking.  For me as I was watching the film it truly made me so proud to be an American and so grateful for all those men and women who have fought for this country that I love so dear.  

Although it didn't bother me, I do want to warn all those that go see it that though there isn't any blood, there are a lot of things in the film that may be difficult to watch if you have a weak stomach.  Like I said it didn't bother me, but it may be bothersome for people. 

Also another note, I have not yet read the book that the film is based upon, so I don't really know how it compares.  From what I have heard the book is way better, but that is true is almost every case.  So just be aware that if you have read the book, you may not feel the same about the movie.  

Overall, I loved this film.  It was a great way for me to spend my afternoon.  It was entertaining and very inspiring.  This film is definitely a must-see for those that have time this holiday season.  This may not be the greatest film for everyone in the family to see, but it definitely is one everyone should see at some point in their life.  

Thanks again for reading!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!  

Annie

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild language and rude humor.
Run Time: 118 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today we went and saw Columbia Pictures' Annie starring Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Jaime Foxx (Django Unchained), Rose Byrne (Neighbors), and Cameron Diaz (The Other Woman).  The film is the third adaption of the Broadway play of the same name.  It tells the story of little orphan Annie, who was left by her parents as a baby with the promise to come back for her someday.  She lives with the horrible Miss Hannigan, but tries to look at the positive things that life brings.  However, everything changes when she is chosen to live temporarily with Will Stacks, a rich mayoral candidate who wants to use Annie to make himself look more humane than he really is.  Eventually the two form a bond that changes not only Annie's world, but the life of Will Stacks as well.
So to be honest, this was not my favorite movie.  If you look at the film as just a movie, it is entertaining and full of laughs, however I looked at the film as an adaption of the play Annie, and doing so I was really disappointed.  The original play and previous adaptions have taken place in 1933 Depression Era, but this new adaption tries to modernize the musical by setting it in 2014 Recession Era.  This was done in order to make the story more relatable to younger audiences.  Also in this film the music is modernized and more upbeat, hopefully to attract a younger audience.  Though most of the songs from the musical are present in the play, they are either shortened or drowned out by the new remixes of the classic songs.  This for me was a big deal, because I remember growing up to the classic songs and seeing them changed so much or in some cases non-existent really bothered me.
Though there were things that bothered me, there were many things that I thought that the film did well.  One thing is casting the wonderful Quvenzhané Wallis.  She does an amazing job as little orphan Annie and has a spectacular voice.  She is definitely the shining star in this film and if it wasn't for her the film would probably be a complete disaster.  Another great casting choice was the amazing Rose Byrne.  She has had quite an impressive year and she takes control of every scene that she is in.  I would have never guessed at the beginning of the year that she would be my new favorite actress, but she definitely takes the crown.  She does an amazing job as Will Stacks' assistant Grace and also proves that she has an amazing voice as well.  Finally probably the greatest change that was added to the movie is the new song written by Sia called "Opportunity."  It is an incredible addition to the film and when Quvenzhané Wallis sings it, I forgot how much the film disappointed me.  It truly adds depth to the film and I wouldn't be opposed to it being added to musical at some point.
Overall, the film was just okay.  For those that grew up watching either the Carol Burnett or Kathy Bates version of Annie, you will probably be just as disappointed as I was.  However for those new to Annie will enjoy the film and be able to get a glimpse of some of its great music.  This is definitely a film for the whole family to watch.

Thanks again for reading.  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas, just let me know!!!

Into the Woods

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, fantasy action and peril, and some suggestive material.
Run Time: 124 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So last night we decided to continue our Christmas tradition (seeing a movie Christmas night), by watching Walt Disney Pictures' Into the Woods based on the Broadway musical by the great Stephen Sondheim (West Side Story).  The film is led by an amazing cast with Meryl Streep (The Devil Wears Prada), Anna Kendrick (Pitch Perfect), Emily Blunt (The Devil Wears Prada), Chris Pine (Star Trek), and Johnny Depp (The Lone Ranger).  The film was directed by Rob Marshall (Chicago).  The film follows the story of the Baker and his wife who due to a curse cast upon their household by a witch, are left childless.  When one day the witch gives the baker and his wife a deal that if they can gather the 4 items that she needs for her spell, in return she would remove the curse of baroness from their home.  Along the way they run into Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, and Jack (Jack and the Beanstalk).
I thought the movie was great.  I was entertained throughout the entire film.  For one thing the casting was amazing.  There were a lot of amazing actors and actresses in the film and I was totally surprised by their great musical talents.  There are many stars in the film that have already received awards-praise for their performances including Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt, however, I personally believe that the talents of Chris Pine and Anna Kendrick should be recognized more fully than they have been.  They are amazing in the film and their voices are spectacular.  I knew Anna Kendrick has an amazing voice from her work in Pitch Perfect, but I had no idea that Chris Pine had such a great voice.  It was such a pleasant surprise in the film.
Though I thought the movie was great and knew what I was getting into when I went into the film, I heard after the film that many people thought that seems way too long.  That can definitely be the case for those that don't know what to expect, so I will tell you this right now.  About 2/3 of the way through the film, the movie seems to end with everyone living happily ever after, however something happens and the movie continues for another 45 minutes or so.  However, this feels likes you just started watching a whole other movie which makes the film seem longer than it actually is.  So just be prepared for that.
Overall, I thought the film was great.  I personally want to see it again.  I think Disney did a great job once again.  This film definitely isn't for everyone since it is a musical, but if you think that you can get past that, then I definitely recommend that you take time to go see it.

Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

MPAA Rating: PG for mild action, some rude humor and brief language.
Run Time: 98 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So today I went and saw Twentieth Century Fox's Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, the supposed finale to the Night at the Museum franchise.  The film stars Ben Stiller (Meet the Parents), the late Robin Williams (Good Will Hunting), Owen Wilson (The Internship), Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect) and Sir Ben Kingsley (Ender's Game).  The film follows the story of Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) the night guard at the Museum of Natural History in New York City who finds out that the magic tablet that turns the museum's exhibits to life every night is running out of magic.  This leads Larry and the gang to the British Museum in London to find out how to keep the magic from fading.  As they embark on their new journey across the globe, they encounter many new exhibits that are experiencing life for the first time.
So going into the film, I really didn't know what to expect.  I had been a huge fan of the past two films, however it has been five years since the last film came out so I didn't really know how this one would be.  Thankfully, I was truly surprised about what I saw on the screen.  It was funny and just a really good family film.  The new cast members do a great job at keeping the same spirit of the first films.  Rebel Wilson brings so many laughs to the film and is comedic gold in the film.  She is a wonderful edition to the series and I wouldn't mind seeing her character take control of the series if they decide to continue the franchise after this one.  Also after mourning the death of the great Robin Williams, it was a real treat to see him on the screen for one of his final performances.  He was one of my favorite actors growing up and he does an amazing job in this film.  Finally as for the cast, this film has probably the best cameo of an actor that I have seen all year long.  The crew did an amazing job at keeping this actor hidden and once you see the cameo, you can't help but laugh.
So I must let you know that if you did not like the previous Night at the Museum movies, than you will not like this film because it is just like them.  I for one am a fan, so that is why my rating is so high, but this franchise is definitely one that is not for everyone.  It is quirky and far fetched, but for me it is entertaining.  Really, for me, the only real downside that I could see was that I thought the film was too much like the first film, but that was about it.  It wasn't as quite original as I would have wanted, but that doesn't mean that I didn't like the film.
Overall, if you liked the other films, this is definitely one that you should put on your list to see.  The kids will love it and it is just a good family-friendly film.  You will laugh and maybe even cry a little bit.  This is definitely a film that I would watch again, so if you have time this holiday season, I recommend you see it too.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

MPAA Rating:  PG-13 for extended sequences of intense fantasy action violence, and frightening images.
Run Time: 144 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So yesterday, I went and saw New Line Cinema's The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies starring Ian McKellan (The Lord of the Rings), Martin Freeman (Sherlock), and Richard Armitage (Captain America: The First Avenger).  The movie is the final chapter in The Hobbit Trilogy and the Middle Earth Mythology.  It takes place directly after The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug with Smaug, the dragon, on his way to destroy the city of Lake Town after the Dwarfs have released him from the mountain.  After their city is destroyed the people of Lake Town head to the mountain to claim what they deserve from the Dwarfs in order to rebuild their city.  Along with the people of Lake Town, the Elves and Orcs head to the mountain upon hearing of the Dwarfs new possession of the mountain and its treasure, in order to claim it as their own.  What ensues is one of the greatest battles in cinematic history.
So I actually loved this film.  It was entertaining and action-packed.  This film had so much going for it, it is difficult to decide where to start first.  I guess I will begin with the story.  The story taught many great life lessons that everyone should learn.  Some of these lessons included but are not limited to: the effect that power and greed can have on the soul, the importance of friendship, and the power of setting aside differences for the greater cause.  There are just some of the valuable life lessons that one can learn from this film alone.  Another thing that I thought was great was the cinematography and  the choreography in the film.  Honestly seeing the different armies in their battle formations is spectacular in and of itself.  Watching how on point they all are and our in sync they are is awesome.  Probably the last hour of the film is just a giant battle and it was amazing to watch.  It is probably one of the best battles that has ever been on the big screen.  It is definitely something to see.
So though I really liked this film, there was just one thing that I really did not like.  It really doesn't have to deal with this movie specifically, but The Hobbit Trilogy as a whole.  I will tell you I was really excited when I heard the news that they were adapting The Hobbit for the big screen.  Then I heard the news that it was going to be 2 films and I was still excited about it.  Then I heard that they had decided to stretch the book out into 3 films and I was nervous.  I mean The Hobbit book is about 100-150 fewer than any of the Lord of the Rings books and they only had 1 movie each.  So when the first movie came out I saw how much new things they added to story and I was okay with, but it still bugged me.  Then the second move and this movie came out and I saw all that they added and though I enjoyed them as films, they still bugged me as an avid reader and J.R. Tolkien fan.  In reality the only reason I have been bugged is because I feel like The Hobbit book is one of the greatest books ever written and unfortunately those that only watch the films and the new generations that come that don't read, will never be able to understand how amazing J.R. Tolkien and his writings truly are because they have been changed so much.  So that is my mini-rant, but like I said it doesn't really have to deal with the movie, but just my own opinions.
So if you have enjoyed The Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit films, this is definitely a film that you should go see.  Even if you are just into action then you will still find this film to be entertaining.  I really enjoyed the film and I personally believe it to be the best one in the trilogy.

Thanks again for reading, if you have any questions, ideas or comments, just let me know!!!

Exodus: Gods and Kings

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence including battle sequences and intense images.
Run Time: 150 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So tonight my wife and I decided to go and see Chernin Entertainment's Exodus: Gods and Kings starring Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy), Joel Edgerton (Zero Dark Thirty), Ben Kingsley (Ender's Game), and Sigourney Weaver (Avatar).  The film was directed by Ridley Scott, the man behind Gladiator and Alien.  The film centers on the Biblical story of Moses as he becomes the prophet of the Israelites and frees them from the captivity of the Egyptians.  It details the deadly plagues and the faith that the Israelites have in their God.
Before I begin, let me start out by saying that Ridley Scott has added a lot of details to the film that are not found in the Book of Exodus.  If you go into the movie thinking that you will receive this great spiritual experience, it probably won't happen.  The film even before it was released was suffering with a lot of controversy with some of the new additions and interpretations of the text and to tell you the truth after seeing it, there is a good reason why these controversies exist.  Now that is not to say that I did not like the film or that the film is terrible, but I just wanted to warn you at the beginning that it may not be all that you expect it to be.
The film in and of itself is actually very well made and very entertaining.  The entire time I was watching the film I thought about Ridley Scott's past film Gladiator.  The action sequences in the film are excellent and the special effects are amazing.  Honestly it is incredible to see how far we have come in our technology.  The story of Moses is like nothing you have seen before and Ridley Scott uses this great new technology to his advantage.
So besides the controversy that surrounded the film, the one thing that I didn't like about the film was that it was a long movie and it seemed like a long movie.  There were so many scenes that could have been taken out that would have made the film move just a little bit quicker, but unfortunately they the scenes slow the film down.
Overall, the film as a whole was really enjoyable.  Like I said before if you think you can handle some of the controversy then I would recommend going and seeing it.  However I do recommend that you go in with the attitude that it is just a movie and not absolute doctrine.  If you are looking for that, read the text.  However if you want a great action movie with great special effects, this is definitely the film for you this holiday season.

Thanks again for reading!! If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

The Pyramid

MPAA Rating: Rated R for some horror violence and bloody images.
Run Time: 89 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
Hey ya'll sorry I haven't posted in a while, but I have been busy with my finals so I haven't had the time to go and see any movies.  However, now that finals are done I treated myself and went and saw Fox International Productions' The Pyramid starring Ashley Hinshaw (Chronicle), Denis O'Hare (The Proposal), and James Buckley (The Inbetweeners).  The story takes place in Cairo, Egypt where a group of U.S. archaeologists discover and ancient pyramid buried deep beneath the desert.  As they search within the pyramid, they become hopelessly lost in the dark as their curiosity about ancient Egyptian mythology deepens.  While their search for daylight seems tragic, they soon realize that being trapped may be minuscule compared to what is trapped in the pyramid with them.
This film has all the makings of being a great horror film and personally I really liked it.  It has a great premise and excellent scares.  However it just lacks in a few areas that make it not as great as it could be.  First off, lets focus on the good things.  The premise of the film is excellent.  As the explorers dive deeper and deeper into the pyramid, the more ancient Egyptian mythology comes to life.  I have always thought that ancient mythology whether it be Egyptian or Greek or whatever would always make an interesting horror premise.  The Pyramid makes my predictions correct and does a fantastic job at it.  There is so much rich and terrifying mythology out there and The Pyramid only uses just a small portion of it.  However, the portion it does use makes for an interesting and exciting 89 minutes of entertainment.
Though the premise is excellent and is crafted so well, unfortunately the film falls short in a lot of areas.  For one the characters are really lacking.  Though the actors do an excellent job with what they have, unfortunately none of the characters on the screen are actually worth caring about and so seeing them suffer isn't has painful as one might think.  In fact throughout the film I was just hoping that something would happen to all of them because I though that were just so annoying.  There is not a single character that you are rooting for in this film and that is something that can seriously damage the film's story.  Another thing that I didn't like about this film is the found footage angle that it has.  When The Blair Witch Project came out in 1999 with the found footage horror genre and garnered great success, studios have thought that this is audiences want to see.  Though I do appreciate the found footage in some horror films, I feel like their is just too much of it and it doesn't have it's uniqueness like it once did.  Unfortunately though this film did not add anything to the found footage genre that hasn't already been done.  
Overall, I thought the film was good.  Honestly if there was just one character that I was interested in or cared about this film would have received a much higher rating.  Unfortunately it doesn't.  However if you are a horror fan or interested in ancient mythology, I would definitely recommend seeing this film.  However be warned that this film is not for the faint in heart.

Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!!

My Top 10 Movies to Watch This December

Hey, everyone, I hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving Holiday and are ready for the coming month.  I know I am.  I love this time of year.  It is a great time to spend time with family and friends and reflect upon all the good things in life.  Also another reason I love this time of year is for the wonderful movies that are available to watch.  There are so many great movies for this time of year it was hard to narrow it down to just 10.  So I am sorry if your favorite holiday movie isn't on my list.  Trust me there are some that I think are classics that didn't make it onto my list.  However, that being said, here is my recommendations for all of you to watch this Holiday season.

10. Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
MPAA Rating: PG for brief language and suggestive content.
So the first on my list is Revolution Studios' Christmas with the Kranks starring Tim Allen and Jamie Lee Curtis.  It tells the story of Luther and Nora Krank, who decide to skip Christmas and go on a vacation when they find out that their daughter won't be coming home for Christmas that year.  For the Kranks, this means no decorations, lights, presents, trees, parties, or anything.  Along the way they make enemies with all of their neighbors.  Finally as Christmas Eve rolls around and they vacation is a day away, they receive a phone call from their daughter saying that she is coming home.  Now it is up to the Kranks to drop their pride and put together every Christmas tradition they have before their daughter gets home.
This movie is based on the John Grisham novel Skipping Christmas.  This is one of my favorite books to read and I was so excited to see it being adapted to screen.  This film really shows the power of friends and family when it comes to the holidays.  It shows how people can set aside their differences to help one another out, even when they may not deserve it.  This film also shows one can't merely skip a holiday, but the spirit of the holiday will always be with them.

9. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
MPAA Rating: PG for some scary images.
I know this isn't a typical Christmas movie, but I love it.  I This film is brought by Disney from the great mind of Tim Burton.  This film is about Jack, the Pumpkin King, who lives in Halloween Town, a place where some Halloween is every day and the monsters that kids dream about live..  While he is trying to find the meaning of his life and how to make his life more purposeful.  During his journey he finds his way into Christmas Town where he learns all about Christmas and believes that if he brought Christmas to Halloween Town life would be better.
This film is amazing.  The animation is spectacular and it is just enough weird that I like it.  This film is for all ages, but does have some scary moments so if you are watching it with little kids I would be cautious.  This film shows that the Holidays are for everyone.

8. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
MPAA Rating: G
Ok, so this is one of my favorite movies and was also on my last month's list.  Anyway the film follows the story of an old man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Clause.  When people start hearing this some become cynical of the old man try to reject all notions of belief.  Suddenly people begin to notice something special about Kris Kringle and after much debate both in courts of law and in conversations, people realize that maybe Kris Kringle could be the real Santa Clause and if not,his advancement of Christmas Spirit certainly makes him a good man.
I think the reason I love this film is because of its focus so much on believing.  We are in a world where many of us are skeptics, it is just nice to see how the power of belief is so important.  Also it shows the power that children have.  If it weren't for the children in this show and the belief that they have then Kris Kringle would not have been able to show his true self.

7. White Christmas (1954)
MPAA Rating: G
So, to be honest, I actually have not seen this film, but this is my wife's favorite Christmas movie so I decided to put it on my list.  She talks so highly of the film, that I am really excited to watch it.  The film follows Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, World War II veterans who become a top song-and-dance act.  Eventually Bob and Phil meet up with a pair of sisters, Betty and Judy, who also have a song-and-dance act.  Bob and Phil follow Betty and Judy to a Vermont lodge to perform a Christmas show and they find that their former commander, General Waverly, as the lodge owner.
Like I said before I haven't actually seen this film before, but I do love the music that is in it.  My wife praises this show, so even though I haven't seen it yet, I definitely would recommend it.  Also the film has become so popular that there has a been a stage adaption of the film which has also received great reviews.

6. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)
MPAA Rating: PG-13
Let me just say, this may not be your typical family Christmas movie, but I absolutely love it.  The film follows Clark and Ellen Griswold as they are preparing for the holiday season.  This year they have decided to have their entire family on both sides come for Christmas this and with so many different personalities patience is tested.  With bickering family members, stressful neighbors, criminal activities, fires and squirrels the only thing that Clark and truly be excited for is his Christmas bonus, which may not be what he expects it to be.
I think the reason I like this film so much is the family aspect of the film.  Getting everything ready for the holidays is stressful enough as it is, but add all your family members where they have their own opinions over everything and it become somewhat impossible.  However this film shows that even throughout all the craziness, families can come together and set aside differences for the holidays.

5. The Muppet's Christmas Carol (1992)
MPAA rating: G
So what is a holiday movie list without a version of Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol.  My favorite version is the one done by the Muppets.  It tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, played by the magnificent Michael Caine, who is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future in order to teach him the true meaning of Christmas.  As he seeing what his life was and could be, the spirit of Christmas comes into his life and a miraculous transformation ensues.
The thing I love about this story is it shows how important having the Spirit of Christmas is to enjoying life.  It is interesting to me though how easy it is to lose and how hard it seems to get it back.  This film shows how influential people can be in our lives and how we need to share their influence to others.

4. Elf (2003)
MPAA: PG for some mild rude humor and language.
This is another great Christmas classic.  It follows the story of Buddy the Elf, a human who stowed away in Santa's sack when he was a baby and has grown up among the elves.  When he is grown Santa allows Buddy to go the New York City on search of his birth father, a heartless jerk on Santa's naughty list who doesn't even know Buddy was born.  While there Buddy is able to experience New York in his own unique way and when his relationship with his father gets stronger, his father is forced to reevaluate his priorities.
This film is hilarious and is definitely one that you should watch this year.  Every time I watch this show it just keeps getting better and better.  The film shows the power of believing and how important family truly is.  No matter how important work may seem, family should always be the priority and if that isn't part of your thought process, then like Buddy's father it may be time to reevaluate your priorities.  This is such an important less that this film teaches.

3. How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
MPAA Rating: PG for some crude humor.
A Christmas list wouldn't be complete without Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas.  This version is the live action version of the 1966 animated short.  It stars Jim Carrey as the infamous green monster, The Grinch who lives on top of Mt. Crumpet overlooking Whoville.  The Who's love Christmas and one Christmas Eve the Grinch decides to stop Christmas from coming.  So on Christmas Eve night he sneaks down the mountain and into each home in Whoville and takes everything in sight.  However much to his dismay, he soon realizes that taking away the Christmas may be harder than what he expected.
This film is great.  The lessons that one can learn in this film are priceless.  Knowing that Christmas doesn't come from a store, but is about coming together and celebrating one of the greatest events in human history is something that every person needs to learn.  One can't simply take away Christmas, but the Spirit of Christmas lies in each and everyone of us who accepts it.

2. It's A Wonderful Life (1947)
MPAA Rating: G
This memorable Christmas movie follows the story George Bailey, James Stewart, a down-on-his-luck businessman who finds himself in trouble with the law after some money is misplaced.  As he contemplates his life up to this point, he thinks about his wife, children, and others he loves and how their lives would have been if he had never lived and contemplates suicide.  The prayers of his loved ones bring an angel, Clarence, to George that shows him what life would be like if he had never been born.  As he sees how miserable his loved ones lives are, George realizes that he has touched many people's hearts and his life has truly been a wonderful one.
This film is classic and is definitely a must-see during the holiday season.  If you ever feel like you don't belong somewhere, just think about how much worse people are without you in their lives.  Each person has the ability to touch someone else's life and it is up to them do so.  If they do so then they truly will have a wonderful life.

1. Mr. Krueger's Christmas
MPAA Rating: G
Ok, so my number movie to watch this December is my favorite Christmas movie Mr. Krueger's Christmas starring James Stewart.  This film follows the story of Willie Krueger (James Stewart), a lonely, aging widower who only has his cat George to keep him company.  On Christmas Eve as he is sitting alone in his apartment, fantasizing about how wonderful Christmas can be, he is befriended by Clarissa, a young girl who is part of a group of carolers.  Through this little girls actions he is reminded of the true meaning of Christmas and how he needs to remember Christ during the Christmas season.
This film is my favorite Christmas movie and is one that I recommend anyone to see.  If you have truly forgotten the true meaning of Christmas, this film will definitely remind you of it.  Christ should be the center of our lives this Christmas season and it shouldn't matter what we give or what we receive, but who we are with and how we can make the world a better place.  Christ has done so much for us and we should remember all that he did.

Well everyone, I hope you enjoyed!! I hope you have a great Holiday Season and may it truly be merry and wonderful!!!

Foxcatcher

MPAA Rating: R for some drug use and a scene of violence.
Run Time: 134 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So today we decided to go and see Sony Pictures Classics' Foxcatcher starring Steve Carell (The Office), Channing Tatum (22 Jump Street), and Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers).  The film centers on the true story of the unlikely and ultimately tragic relationship between the bizarre multi-millionaire, John du Pont (Steve Carell) and two world champion wrestlers, Mark and Dave Schultz (Channing Tatum & Mark Ruffalo).  The story starts off when Mark Schultz is invited to live on the du Pont estate to train with John for the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics.  As the two get closer, Mark begins to get caught up in John's unhealthy lifestyle that threatens to destroy all of his hard work.  This brings Dave to the property in hope to spark Mark's game again.  Eventually fueled by du Pont's increasing paranoia and alienation from the brothers, the three are propelled towards a tragedy no one could have foreseen.
I thought this film was spectacular.  There isn't much that this film does wrong.  The film heavily relies upon its three actors and all three of them provide spectacular, Oscar-worthy performances.  Steve Carell is almost unrecognizable as the psychotic John du Pont.  This role was really risky for him and completely strays away from his comedic roots, but he does a remarkable job.  It would be a true shame if he or any actor from this film doesn't at least receive a nomination for their incredible work.  In fact I want to say that this is my favorite performance by all three of the actors.
Really the only true downside of the film is that it is very slow.  Sure it is over two hours, but those two hours seem like three.  Though I thought the film was really interesting and really I was intrigued the entire film, I just wished that it would have moved at a faster pace, however I completely understand why the film moved as slow as it did.  Though it may be slow, the pace of the film completely sets the mood for the film as a whole.  It does wonders to the film and is just something that makes the movie that much better.
Overall, the film was amazing.  This film definitely is not for everyone, but if you think you could handle the pace and the mood of the film, then you will definitely enjoy it.  It is definitely a remarkable piece of work and I would recommend you to go see it!!
Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions or comments just let me know.  

The Theory of Everything

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some thematic elements and suggestive material.
Run Time: 123 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today we went and saw Working Title Films' The Theory of Everything starring Eddie Redmayne (Les Miserable), Felicity Jones (The Amazing Spiderman 2), and David Thewlis (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban).  The film centers around the true life story of Stephen Hawking, the famous physicist and his wife Jane.  It details how they met, his accident, and how their lives greatly changed as his conditioned worsened.  It also shows how they persevered through the trials that beset them,
This film has been out for a few weeks now and has finally started to get a wide release schedule.  This film is actually really well done and has many positive things going for it.  Probably the best thing that it has going for it is is its star Eddie Redmayne as the physicist Stephen Hawking.  He has received a lot of Oscar buzz for his performance and let me tell you he is magnificent.  It is absolutely amazing to see how he has transformed himself into the character.  He looks so much like the person he is trying to represent and his acting is impeccable.  It is truly a site to see.  His performance is only magnified by the supporting cast especially Felicity Jones who plays his wife Jane.  Her performance is really powerful and the chemistry between her and Eddie truly heightens the movie-going experience.
There really isn't anything horrible to say about this film.  I mean it is an accurate interpretation of Stephen Hawking's life and the cast is amazing.  The real reason I didn't give the film a 5 is because I walked out of the film with a negative feeling.  It has nothing to do with the movie, but there was just one part in the film that I just didn't really like.  The sad part is that the filmmakers couldn't take it out because it is a true story.  There are some things in life that just are sad and annoying, however I applaud the filmmakers for keeping true to the story.
Overall, the film was great.  I would probably watch the film again.  This film definitely isn't for everyone, but I definitely would recommend this for people who are interested in true life and inspiring stories.  There is a reason why this film is getting a lot of Oscar buzz and I think that you should go see for yourself why.
Thanks again for reading and if you have any questions or comments just let me know!!!!

The Penguins of Madagascar

MPAA Rating: PG for mild action and some rude humor.
Run Time: 92 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today we decided to go and see Dreamwork Animations' The Penguins of Madagascar, the spin-off to their very popular Madagascar serious.  The film focuses on Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private, the four greatest and hilarious penguins, in the global espionage business.  They seek world domination.  When a mad scientist Dr. Octavius Brine decides he wants revenge against all penguins for destroying his career,  This leads our four famous penguins to team up with the undercover organization The North Wind led by Agent Classified (Benedict Cumberbatch).  The two very different teams must learn to work together and trust each member of their crew or the lives as penguins that they know it will be changed forever.
So I was expecting much more out of this film than it actually provided.  I am a huge fan of the Madagascar series and in those movies I always thought the penguins to be funny, however unfortunately for them they can't really hold their own when it comes to their own film.  Though the film isn't the greatest animated film of the year, it still has its moments.  At the very beginning of the film when it shows the origins of Skipper, Kowalski, Rico, and Private is one of the greatest moments in the film.  Unfortunately it takes a nosedive once it jumps forward to the proceeding plot.  There is just so much for that they could have done with the show, that it was just disappointing to see what was on the screen in front of me.
However, though the plot of the show was way out there and the film was very clever with its inclusion of popular culture.  In fact there was probably a good two minute dialogue where the characters used actual actors names in order to proceed through the plot.  I have to admit I was impressed by it.
Overall, the movie is just ok.  There are definitely better things to watch out in the theaters, but the kids will enjoy this film.  If they enjoyed the Madagascar films, then they will like this.  This film probably won't interest parents as much as it will kids, but it definitely won't be the worst thing you see all year.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some disturbing images and thematic material.
Run Time: 123 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So tonight my wife and I decided to see Liongate's The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 starring Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook), Josh Hutcherson (Journey to the Center of the Earth), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song), Julianne Moore (Non-Stop), and Donald Sutherland (Italian Job).  The film is the third installment of The Hunger Games franchise by Suzanne Collins.  The film picks up directly following the events of the previous installment The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.  Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) has just been retrieved from the Quarter Quell and has been taken to District 13, where she is reunited with her mother, sister, and best friend Gale (Liam Hemsworth).  Upon arrival she is summoned to have a meeting with President Coin (Julianne Moore), the leader of District 13 and of the rebellion, where she is asked to become the Mockingjay, or the face of the revolution.  As Katniss begins to take upon the burden of uniting the districts of Panem together to fight against the Capitol and President Snow (Donald Sutherland), she receives opposition from her partner Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), who is being kept at the Capitol.  As the revolution begins, lives will be lost and sacrifices will be made in this thrilling first part of The Hunger Games franchise epic finale.
I absolutely loved this film.  I thought that this was a fantastic start to The Hunger Games finale.  Since the beginning of the second film, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, director Francis Lawrence has been building up to the ultimate revolution and this is just another great step in the right direction.  I will let you know first thing that this is not your typical Hunger Games movie where children are killing each other.  Actually to tell you the truth, there isn't much action in the film at all, but it mostly details the beginning of the revolution and Katniss Everdeen's role in that.  However, that doesn't mean this film lacks when it comes to intensity and emotion.  As the destruction of Panem is shown on the screen one can't up but feel distraught and want the revolution to happen.
The entire film is held together by the wonderful cast.  Each actor of this all-star cast brings something special to the film.  The actor that truly stands out though is none other than Katniss herself Jennifer Lawrence.  She is truly an amazing actress and she takes control over every scene that she is in.  She shows so much emotion in this film and power that you can't help but like her.  Jennifer Lawrence is definitely a force to be reckoned with and it is simply impossible to picture any other actress that could have made Katniss so likable.  Jennifer Lawrence is the complete package and this film definitely shows that.
As if you couldn't tell, I absolutely love this film.  It is another great installment in the Hunger Games franchise and definitely is a must-see.  This film shows the right way to adapt Young Adult books to the big screen.  It shows that the genre isn't just for teenagers, but for everyone.  This is definitely a must-see for anyone who has taken the time to read or watch the previous installments.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

Whiplash

MPAA Rating: R for strong language including some sexual references.
Run Time: 107 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So tonight my wife and I went and saw Blumhouse Productions' Whiplash starring Miles Teller (Divergent) and J.K. Simmons (Law & Order).  The film tells the story of Andrew (Miles Teller), a young and talented drummer attending a prestigious music academy, who puts every last of his tears, sweat, and blood to impress his respected professor Fletcher (J.K. Simmons).  While he sees it as a great honor to play for his professor, he realizes that his professor doesn't have the most humane way of teaching.  Fletcher does not hold back on abuse of his students in and out of the classroom.  As Andrew tries to become the greatest drummer of his time, his only obstacle may be Fletcher, the person who is assumed to be helping him.
This film was absolutely amazing. Honestly my rating of 5/5 is too low for this film.  If I could I would give this film a 10 out of 5.  This film is just that good.  After being praised in all the film festivals this year and being in very few theaters over the past month, it finally is expanding to more screens and if you are lucky to have this film near you, don't hesitate to go see it.  This film literally has everything, but the films two greatest strengths come from its emotion and its actors.
The film shows great emotion and it is powerful throughout.  I am not going to lie, I was stressed out throughout the entire film, however that is what I thought was so good about the film.  The film has you completely love and hate the characters from the very beginning.  As you see tears, sweat, and blood come from the characters bodies you can't help but feel for them.
That brings me to my next point, the acting.  It is absolutely impeccable. I had heard what a great job that the actors had done with this film, but it is a completely different experience witnessing it on the screen.  From the moment J.K. Simmons walks onto the screen he completely takes control over every scene.  This is by far the best performance of an actor in a supporting role this year and if he doesn't receive an Oscar for this performance, than it will be a huge upset.  He is absolutely amazing as the ruthless Fletcher that sends chills up and down your spine whenever you see him in a professional environment.  His performance is nothing short than spectacular and his on screen partner Miles Teller just helps his performance become that much better.  The chemistry between the two actors is great and I honestly believe that no other actors could have pulled off what these two did.
So this film is a must-see.  If this is near you, please go see it.  You will not be disappointed.  This is a film that is raw and emotional.  Be prepared to strap in and be prepared for a ride, because I promise you that this will be one of the best rides that you will take all year.

Dumb and Dumber To

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, partial nudity, language and some drug references.
Run Time: 110 minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today I decided to go see Universal Pictures' Dumb and Dumber To starring Jim Carrey (The Incredible Burt Wonderstone) and Jeff Daniels (The Newsroom).  A sequel to the 1994 smash hit Dumb and Dumber, the film takes place 20 years after the end of the first movie.  When Harry (Jeff Daniels) finds a postcard saying that he has a 22 year old daughter, Harry and his best friend Lloyd (Jim Carrey) set off to try to find her.  Along the way, they run into many obstacles and enemies.  However through all of that, these two prove that no matter what happens a true friend will always have your back.
The first thing that you have to know is that if you are going to this movie to expect the greatness that was the original, you will not find it in this movie.  That is not to say that this film isn't funny, because it it, but it just isn't as memorable as the first one was.  I feel like this movie was trying so hard to match the original, that it really didn't find its own voice.  I mean it was fantastic seeing Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn on the big screen again, but I wanted something special from this film and it just wasn't there.  For something that took 20 years to make I just thought that it would be a more magical event than it actually was.  However, it definitely had its moments though.
Like I said before seeing Lloyd Christmas and Harry Dunn on the screen again was something great to see.  After the monstrosity that was Dumb and Dumberer, the 2003 prequel, seeing Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels reprise their roles after so long was spectacular.  They jumped right back into the roles that made the two so famous and it looks as though they haven't aged a day.  Their chemistry on screen is remarkable and is definitely what keeps the film together.  I have to admit though the greatest part about this film is that it doesn't rely heavily on sexual innuendos as we have come to see in recent years surrounding the comedic genre.  This film is definitely a throwback to the comedic style of the early 90's and it is nice to see that again after so long.
Overall, the film was good.  I liked it.  I probably laughed at a lot more things than I should have, but I have ti admit that it kept me entertained throughout.  It definitely isn't the best film in theaters right now, but if you are fans of the first film, I definitely would recommend you check this one out.

Big Hero 6

MPAA Rating: PG for action and peril, some rude humor, and thematic elements.
Run Time: 102 minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So last night my wife and I went and saw Walt Disney Studios' Big Hero 6 starring the voice talents of Scott Adsit (30 Rock), Maya Rudolph (Bridesmaids), and Damon Wayans Jr. (New Girl).  The film tells to the story of Hiro Hamada, a science prodigy, and Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot.  When tragedy befalls both of them and a new evil rises in their town of San Fransokyo they must work together along with their friends to save the city.  In doing so Hiro transforms this group of science-nerds into a band of high-tech heroes called Big Hero 6.
This film was absolutely amazing and is definitely what we have come to expect from Walt Disney Studios.  This film had emotion, comedy, and action.  It's true glory comes from the relationship between Hiro and Baymax.  These two come together through unwanted circumstances, but the bond that forms between the two of them is extraordinary  It shows all audiences the power of true friendship.  By the end the film everyone will want to have a friendship like Baymax and Hiro.
Baymax is really what sends the film to new heights.  I guarantee that come this holiday season all kids will want a Baymax toy in their stocking.  He provides all the comedy and the hilarity throughout the entire film.  Besides Baymax though, the other characters are just as memorable and if you wait through the end credits you see just how special one of the characters is.
Another thing I loved about the film was that it was truly geared towards all audiences.  Throughout the entire film parents and children were laughing, crying, and enjoying the product that was shown before them.  This truly is a film for the whole family to enjoy and no one will walk out of the theater unhappy about what they saw.  There honestly is so much to like about this film that it is hard to describe how good it actually is.  This to me is by far the greatest animated movie of the year.
The only real negative I saw in the film is that the tone between the first half and the second half is completely different, but overall Disney does a great job at easing into that transition and still making both parts enjoyable.
If you haven't been able to tell, I love this film.  When I walked out of the theater I wanted to buy tickets and go see it again that night.  This is a movie that everyone should see.  I promise you will not be disappointed.

Interstellar

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense perilous action and brief strong language.
Run Time: 169 minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So tonight my wife and I went and saw Paramount Pictures' Interstellar starring Mathew McConaughey (Dallas Buyers' Club), Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables), Michael Caine (The Dark Knight Rises), and Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty).  The film was directed by Christopher Nolan (Inception, The Dark Knight Trilogy).  The film starts off in the not-too-distant future where the Earth has been devastated from drought and famine.  Food has been growing scarce and humanity has now become caretakers instead of explorers.  As the fate of the human race seems hopeless a rip in the space-time continuum is discovered that brings new hope.  Soon a team of astronauts are sent into space to begin their interstellar voyage to save the human race.  As time moves on and as they encounter many setbacks, Coop (Mathew McConaughey), the pilot of the Explorer, must make the tough decision about either returning home to his family or saving humanity.
There are many reasons why this film is truly spectacular.  One of the many reasons is the amazing cinematography.  As the team of the Explorer travel through space, what is shown is simply remarkable.  Words cannot describe how beautiful the imagery is and for that reason alone I feel like this film is worth seeing.  However, a word of caution, if you get sick or dizzy easily there may be some parts where you will have to close your eyes or walk out of the theater for a little bit.
Another great aspect of the film is the great cast.  Christopher Nolan seems to always find the best cast for his films and this one is no different.  I have to admit I personally am not a huge Mathew McConaughey fan, however I was pleasantly surprised by his performance in this film.  The other cast members do an amazing job and the film really wouldn't be as great as it is without the cast bringing their "A" game to this film.
Finally just in the same fashion as other Christopher Nolan films this movie will absolutely blow your mind.  You thought Inception was mind-blowing, this film will hit it out of the park.  By the time the big reveal came everyone in the theater gasped and couldn't believe what they were seeing on the screen in front of them.  Be prepared to come out just a little bit confused, but I guess that is part of the experience that you get with Christopher Nolan.  He is an amazing director and writer and both of these talents are shown in this film.
The only real negative that I could find is that at the very beginning before getting into the space travel this film moves pretty slowly.  There are parts in the film that they could have taken out, but those are very few and far between.  So be prepared to spend some time in this film since it is almost 3 hours.
Overall, this film was great.  It may not be Christopher Nolan's greatest film, but it is still worth seeing.  The film is captivating and awe-inspiring.  This is brilliant film-making and you will definitely be disappointed if you do not see this film on the big screen.

Birdman a.k.a The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance

MPAA Rating: R for language throughout, some sexual content and brief violence.
Run Time: 119 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today I decided to go and see New Regency Pictures'
Birdman starring Michael Keaton (Beetlejuice), Emma Stone (The Amazing Spiderman), Edward Norton (The Incredible Hulk), Naomi Watts (The Ring), and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover).  The film centers around Riggan Thomas (Michael Keaton) a washed-up actor who once played the iconic superhero Birdman, who tries to reinvent himself by writing, directing, and acting in his own Broadway play.  As he prepares for the opening night, Riggan must face one disaster after another.  Not only is the play causing so many setbacks, but he must also face his massive ego and his equally washed up daughter (Emma Stone).  As all the pressure begins to mount on top of him, he must make decisive choices that leads the film and his play to its shocking finale.
 Ok, so as I was walking out of the theater I have to admit I was going to write a scathing review at how horrible I thought this film was, but the more I sit and think about the film, I realize that it does have some very special qualities to it.  For one thing, the acting is impeccable.  People are saying that this is Michael Keaton's comeback film and to be honest, I completely agree with them.  He does an amazing job in this film and I wouldn't be surprised to see his name on the Oscar Ballot at the end of the year.  With that being said, his performance is magnified greatly by the excellent supporting cast surrounding him.  The supporting cast is great and each one of them deserves to be recognized for the amazing performances that they give.
Another thing I liked about this film is how prevalent it is today as we look at Hollywood.  Today in Hollywood everywhere we look we see Superhero movies.  Don't get me wrong I absolutely love the genre and am first in line to see them, but they are everywhere.  In fact I just looked at a calendar the other day saying that there will be 4-5 superhero movies every single year until 2020 and that is just what have been announced so far.  That is around 24-30 films in the next six years that have to deal with Superheroes.
With all these superheroes that are coming to the big screen we begin to idolize the actors that play them.  Since 2008 Robert Downey Jr., Christian Bale, and Chris Hemsworth have become household names, but is it really them that we idolize, or is it just the character they play?  Take Robert Downey Jr. for example, in 2013 he came out with Iron Man 3 which went on to make $1.2 billion dollars.  After that critics and movegoers believed that he was unstoppable.  However just a year later when his latest movie "The Judge" came out (which I personally believe is a fantastic movie and you should definitely read my review on it) it was met with no audience at all.  So this begs the question is Robert Downey Jr. a person who has it all, or does he only have it all when he puts on his the Iron Man suit?
This situation is what this film focuses on.  What is interesting though is that Michael Keaton is still trying to figure out how to bring in an audience now.  Back in the late 80's early 90's he starred as Batman and was a popular name in people's households.  Since then he hasn't really been able to bring in a crowd.  This film shows one of the best meta-situations out there.  Michael Keaton is finally getting his comeback as he is showing the difficulties of superhero actors to mount comebacks.  This in and of itself is great to watch.
With all the things that I liked about this film, the film as a whole is a mess.  The reason I walked out of the film hating it was because there was really no character that I could really fall in love with or even care for.  Along with that I felt like most of the supporting characters didn't have to be there (though I thought their acting was great) and their story lines really did nothing to progress the plot.  Really the entire film was a mess and the meaning of the film can be lost very quickly if ones isn't up to date with their Hollywood news.
So overall, though I thought the film was good, I definitely do not believe that this film is for everyone.  If you are aware of what is happening in Hollywood and know Hollywood trivia, you would really like this film, if you don't then this film is not for you.  Though the acting is incredible, there are many other films out there that are much more deserving of your attention.

Nightcrawler

MPAA Rating: R for violence including graphic images, and for language.
Run Time: 117 minutes
My Rating: 5/5
Hey y'all, so last night my wife and I went and saw Bold Film's Nightcrawler starring Jake Gyllenhaal (Prisoners), Rene Russo (Thor: The Dark World), and Bill Paxton (Twister).  The film centers around the story of Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal), a driven young man desperate for work who finds that crime journalism in L.A. may be his niche.  After discovering a group of freelance cameramen who film crashes, murder, and other such pandemonium Lou jumps right into the profession of Nightcrawling where everybody else's pain and suffering becomes his cash flow.  After being encouraged by TV News director Nina, Lou begins to blur the lines between observer and participant as he begins to star in his own story.
So I have to admit, I loved this movie, but throughout the film I was absolutely appalled by what was presented to me on screen.  Probably the films most important aspect is Jake Gyllenhaal's performance as the antisocial Lou Bloom.  What Jake Gyllenhaal has done is nothing less than outstanding.  I personally believe this is probably his best performance out of any movie he's done and probably the best performance I have seen by an actor all year long.  His work here is stunning.  From the very first moment you see him on the screen you can tell that there is something completely terrifying about Lou Bloom and Jake Gyllenhaal uses that terrifying feeling that that you get to his advantage and plays with it throughout the entire film.  At first Gyllenhaal is barely recognizable with his dramatic weight loss (over 30 pound), which just shows how much dedication he put into the role.
Also one thing that I loved about the movie is its total honesty towards news and media in general.  The entire film is just social commentary on what us as society feel is important and what it takes for us to turn on the TV to a specific channel.  The stuff in the film is gruesome and at times hard to watch.  When Lou Bloom first talks to Nina about becoming a cameraman for the crime in L.A. the way that she describes what she wants should horrify all of us, but for some reason it doesn't.  She states that she wants Lou Bloom to find all the "gruesome" things out there.  The bloodier the better.  If it is a white person in a good neighborhood, she wants it.  If it is a minority, don't bother.  As Lou begins to do this, his desire to capture the next big story only increases.  Then when its time for November Sweeps, a time of the year where network execs evaluate their programs, Lou Bloom and Nina will do and show anything that will get people to watch and give them the ratings that they want..
The sad part of all of it is that we as consumers watch that stuff.  I hear all the time that all the news show these days are negative things about society and that is true, but that is what people want to watch so that is why they show that stuff.  The sad part is that it doesn't just stop at news networks, but it also is prominent in all shows on TV today.  Lets look at what is popular on TV today.  Shows like "Walking Dead," "NCIS", "Criminal Minds", and "The Blacklist" all have to deal with violence and crime.  The more blood, violence, and crime we see the better.  This is what us as society like to watch and the entire film though it shows what the news goes through to put it on the air, really is a social commentary towards us as viewers at how corrupt we are getting as a society and how desensitized we are towards things that should make us squirm.  This to me is one of the most honest films this year and should be praised for that.
Now my only negative comment towards this film isn't really a negative, but more of a warning for people that are thinking about seeing the film.  The film does have some gruesome things.  There is a lot of blood so if that is something that you don't want to see, don't see it.  Also the film is dark and it kind of makes you feel a little uncomfortable and that feeling is there from the very beginning.
Overall though, I loved this film.  This movie is not for everyone and that is ok, but if you think that you can handle its content and have the time to see it, you should.  Through its great acting and its perfect social commentary, this film should get some Oscar buzz throughout the coming months.  

Before I Go to Sleep

MPAA Rating: R for some brutal violence and language.
Run Time: 92 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
Hey everyone!! So today my wife and I decided to go see Millennium Film's Before I Go to Sleep starring Nicole Kidman and Colin Firth.  The film follows the story of Christine (Nicole Kidman) who finds herself waking up everyday and not remembering what happened in her life over the last 20 years.  Each day she wakes up to her husband (Colin Firth) who has to explain to Christine that they are married and what has happened to her.  The amnesia started after Christine was in an accident.  Finally Christine is determined to find out who she really is and what really happened to her so she decides to leave herself messages through her camera so that she can remember what she learns each day.  As she delves deeper and deeper into her past though she discovers that maybe her life isn't as nice as her husband would want her to believe.
So because I hadn't really heard anything about this film, I was going in with very low expectations and I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw.  I personally am not a huge fan of Nicole Kidman nor Colin Firth so I didn't know what to expect.  However, after leaving the film, I have to say that this is probably one of my favorite films from both of these actors.  Their acting is amazing and really carries the film, especially Nicole Kidman who has to act like she is living the same day over and over again.
Another thing that I really enjoyed is that this film is just a good mystery film that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire film.  The film keeps you guessing throughout at what is real and what is fake.  It does everything that a good mystery/thriller should do and with that brings a lot of suspense to the audience.
Ok, so now with the negatives.  Really the only problem with the film is throughout the first 45 minutes the film moves along very slowly.  The last half picks up quite nicely, but the first 45 minutes can be brutal if you aren't prepared.  To tell you the truth I thought the first half was a typical Nicole Kidman movie, but then the second half starts and its like a brand new intense movie.  This change makes the film very enjoyable.
So overall, I thought this movie was fantastic.  I would definitely recommend seeing this film.  It has great acting and an amazing story with twists and turns throughout.  If you have time to go to the movies, I would definitely go see this one.

My Top 10 Movies to Watch this November

Hey everyone so I hope everyone had a great Halloween yesterday.  So I got such great feedback from my "Top 10 Movies to Watch this October" post, I decided that I would start doing a Top 10 list at the beginning of every month.  So unlike Halloween and Christmas, Thanksgiving isn't really shown in films very much; at least not in a major role.  There are movies that share small Thanksgiving scenes, but with the exception of very few films, that is about it.  So this list will be centered around Thanksgiving films, films that have Thanksgiving scenes in them, and those centered around food in general since that is what most people associate with Thanksgiving.  Well here we go......

10. The Hundred Foot Journey (2014)
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some violence, language and brief sensuality.
Ok so to start off the list, I chose Dreamwork Studio's The Hundred Foot Journey starring Helen Mirren.  Now this film has nothing to do with Thanksgiving, but it does talk about great food.  Helen Mirren plays Madame Mallory, a high-end French restaurant owner who receives an unwelcomed surprise when the Kadam family moves in across the street from her restaurant and open their new Indian Restaurant.  Soon Hassan Kadam (Manish Dayal), a talented Indian chef, challenges everything that Madame Mallory believes in about culinary arts. As the two begin to learn from one another and start accepting each other's cultures, they are able to create some breathtaking results.
So I thought this film was great.  It is near the bottom of my list, because it isn't really a Thanksgiving movie, but that doesn't mean it is any less valuable.  This film shows how food can bring together two completely different cultures.  It is a great film for the whole family to watch and I would definitely recommend it.  This film is still in theaters right now, so if you have a chance go see it!!!

9. Ratatouille (2007)
MPAA Rating: G
Once again not really a Thanksgiving movie, but by far one of the greatest food films out there.  Pixar did an amazing job with this film and is definitely one you should see.  The film focuses on Remy, a rat who dreams of becoming a French chef, but faces the obvious setback when the profession that he dreams of having hates rats.  As luck would have it Remy finds himself in the French sewers directly below the restaurant founded by his culinary hero.  What ensues is a hilarious rat race that completely turns the culinary world of Paris upside down.
This film is amazing and is one of Pixar's greatest films to date.  Though this film isn't about Thanksgiving, it shows how anyone can be inspired by food.  This is a great film for kids and adults alike and might even interest kids in cooking themselves.

8. Chef (2014)
MPAA Rating: R for language, including some suggestive references.
This is my final food-centered movie on the list and this one is by far my favorite.  The movie follows Carl Casper, an acclaimed chef whose family life is decaying right before is eyes as he focuses solely on his career.  Eventually after a bad review, he finds himself out of work and at rock-bottom.  While on vacation in Miami he decides to buy a food truck and drive it across country.  While on the road he is able to remember why he decided to cook in the first place.  He is able to find passion again.   Finally he as his career begins to flourish, he is able to strengthen his relationship with his family as well.
I love this film.  It is by far one of my favorite movies that has come out in recent years.  The cast is spectacular and the films message is memorable.  If I could justify this being higher on this list, it would probably be number 1.  This is movie that you should definitely see.  This film provides delicious pictures of food and I definitely don't recommend to watch this film on an empty stomach.

7. Spiderman (2002)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence and action.
Ok so the first film on the list that actually shows something that has to do with Thanksgiving is Columbia Picture's Spiderman directed by Sam Raimi and starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, and James Franco.  The film centers on the origins of our favorite web-slinging hero Spiderman.  It follows the story of Peter Parker, a high school student who is just trying to get through his school.  He is a smart kid and while on a class field trip he is bitten by a genetically-enhanced spider that makes Peter start inheriting the spider's attributes.  Soon after the death of his uncle, Peter decides to use these new attributes to good use and become the vigilante that his city needs him to be.
Now I know that this may seem like a weird fit in my Thanksgiving movie countdown, but the Thanksgiving scene is this film is vital to the film.  It is the first time that the Green Goblin notices that Peter Parker is Spiderman and really the short battle during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is priceless.  If you can't remember it, I definitely recommend that you watch it this month.

6. Jack and Jill (2011)
MPAA Rating: PG for crude material including suggestive references, language and comic violence.
So this one is another film that has a fantastic Thanksgiving meal scene.  The film stars Adam Sandler and Katie Holmes.  Adam Sandler plays both Jack and Jill, twins that over the years have grown apart.  Jack is a very successful business man who is married and has two wonderful kids.  His life is great until his twin sister Jill comes to town for the holidays.  Jill absolutely loves Jack, but her neediness and passive-aggressiveness annoys Jack.  When the entire family decides to go on vacation together, it is up to Jack to finally accept Jill for who she is or he may just lose his entire family altogether.
So I think this film is hilarious.  Watching Adam Sandler play both roles is great and it something of a work of art.  The Thanksgiving scene happens at the beginning of the film and it is hilarious.  Though this scene isn't vital to the film it does show how Thanksgiving can bring the family together and even the families that annoy each other can come together for the holidays.

5. The Blind Side (2009)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references.
So next on my list is Alcon Entertainment's The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw.  The film is based on the true story of Baltimore Ravens Offensive Tackle Michael Oher.  The story follows Leigh Anne and Sean Tuohy who decide to bring in and adopt Michael, a homeless teenager who has no idea who is father is and has little formal education and skills to help him learn.  The Tuohy's help him get up his grades and get him on the high school football team.  He eventually becomes eligible to the for a NCAA Division 1 scholarship.  Though from the outside looking in it seems like the Tuohy's have given Michael everything, Leigh Anne realizes that Michael has done more for them, than they could ever do for him.
This film is great and is one that everyone should watch.  Sandra Bullock won an Oscar for her performance here and it was well-deserved.  The Thanksgiving scene in this film is something that all of us can relate to.  We are watching the big football game on TV and then all of a sudden it is turned off (much to our dismay) so that we can have dinner as a family.  Also just like all of us, we continually check the scores so we don't miss a single play.  This film is very inspiring and I definitely recommend it to anyone.

4. Squanto: A Warrior's Tale (1994)
MPAA Rating: PG for action violence
The next film on my list is Walt Disney Pictures' Squanto: A Warrior's Tale.  It tales the story of Squanto, a Indian warrior, and his tribe before and during the arrival of the English settlers.  As Squanto prepares for these strange new people, he notices that his tribe is being held captive and eventually he becomes a captive.  Suddenly it is up to Squanto to fight for the freedom of his tribe and try to mend the rifts between these two completely different cultures.
Though this film isn't wildly known, I personally really enjoy it.  I remember watching during class while I was in school during this time of year.  It shows the first thanksgiving, but it also shows how two cultures can come together and be thankful for what each other has.  It really shows the true meaning of Thanksgiving and is definitely a film that you should watch this month.

3. Miracle on 34th Street (1947 & 1994)
MPAA Rating: G
Ok so I know what your thinking, this is a Christmas movie and to tell you the truth you are exactly right.  One of my favorites by the way and will probably be posted on my list for next month.  Anyway the film follows the story of an old man named Kris Kringle who claims to be the real Santa Clause.  When people start hearing this some become cynical of the old man try to reject all notions of belief.  Suddenly people begin to notice something special about Kris Kringle and after much debate both in courts of law and in conversations, people realize that maybe Kris Kringle could be the real Santa Clause and if not,his advancement of Christmas Spirit certainly makes him a good man.
So why is this film on my November list?? Because if it wasn't for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this story would not have happened.  Kris Kringle was the Santa Clause during the parade.  It was the Thanksgiving holiday that began the story and that is why this film is so important on my list.  It really is a classic and I truly recommend this film to anyone.

2. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987)
MPAA Rating: R for adult situations and language.
The next film on my list is Paramount Pictures' Planes, Trains, and Automobiles starring Steve Martin and John Candy.  It follows the story of Neal Page (Steve Martin) on his quest to get home for Thanksgiving.  When his flight is cancelled due to bad weather Neal decides to make other means of transportation.  During his travels he meets up with Del Griffith (John Candy), an annoying, talkative, and crude person who finds out that they are heading the same way.  Suddenly Neal has to deal with his new friend on what seems like his most impossible journey ever.
This film is hilarious and is definitely one that I would recommend to everyone.  This is one of the only true Thanksgiving movies and it shows just how important family.  This film truly shows all that there is to be grateful for in this world.  The true meaning of Thanksgiving is shown in full view in this film.

1. Free Birds (2013)
So my number 1 film to watch this month is Reel FX Creative Studios' Free Birds starring the voice talents of Owen Wilson, Woody Harrelson, and Amy Poehler.  The story follows the story of Reggie (Owen Wilson), a turkey who is chosen to be the pardoned turkey this year.  His easily life is soon interrupted by Jake (Woody Harrelson), a turkey who takes Reggie on an adventure back through time in order to stop the turkeys from being on the menu of the first Thanksgiving.  What ensues is a hilarious ride through time as Reggie and Jake find themselves with a clan of turkeys struggling for survival.
Now just so you know, this film is cheesy and isn't for everyone.  I personally really enjoyed it and thought that it was funny.  The thing I like most about this film is that is shows that it doesn't matter what you eat on Thanksgiving, the only important thing is who you are with.  This film is great and is definitely one for the whole family to watch.

Well everyone thanks for reading.  I hope you liked my list.  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!! Have a great November!!