Daddy's Home

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, crude and suggestive material and for language
Run Time: 96 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So last night my wife, friends, and I saw Paramount Pictures' Daddy's Home starring Will Ferrell (Anchorman), Mark Wahlberg (Lone Survivor), Linda Cardellini (Avengers: Age of Ultron), and Thomas Haden Church (Max).  It tells the story of Brad, a stepdad who is trying to get his stepchildren to love him.  However, his goal becomes even more difficult when their father comes to town.
So I thought this movie was hilarious and definitely worth the price of admission.  This is Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg's second collaboration and in my opinion, they are a comedy dream team.  They are so funny together and this film is no different.  They have such great chemistry together and their different comedic styles combined make for the perfect combination.  Also, the supporting cast is excellent and truly bring this film full-circle.  Another great thing about it is the story.  Though this film extremely exaggerates the scenario, I can only imagine that this exactly how fathers and stepfathers feel when they first meet each other.  This is definitely one that many people can relate to, which makes this film even better.
Though I thought the film was great, its biggest flaw is its pacing.  There were many hilarious moments throughout the entire film, but it still seemed like it dragged on just a little bit.  It wasn't too bad, but it was just noticeable to me.  For most, they won't even notice it so it won't be that big of a deal to them.  Also, the film was very predictable, but that is what most people expect for a comedy.
Overall, I thought the movie was hilarious and excellent.  I would definitely see this film again.  Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg are a perfect match and should be seen on the big screen by all.  This is a great comedy and one that many people will enjoy.  It may have a few jokes not suitable for all ages, but adults will find it funny and a good time at the movie theater.

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Point Break

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, thematic material involving perilous activity, some sexuality, language and drug material
Run Time: 113 Minutes
My Rating: 1/5
So yesterday I saw Warner Bros. and Alcon Entertainment's Point Break starring Edgar Ramirez (Deliver Us From Evil), Luke Bracey (The Best of Me), Ray Winstone (Noah), and Teresa Palmer (Warm Bodies).  It tells the story of a young-FBI agent who is tasked to infiltrate a team of extreme sports athletes who are suspected to be connected with a series of crimes across the world.  Now with his life in danger, this young agent must prove that this team is connected before its too late.
So this film was good, but it was not great.  So this film is a remake and after watching this one, I have no idea why it was even filmed.  It does nothing to enhance the original and really just seems like a very unsuccessful cash-grab.  In fact, this film has the exact same story and character personalities of a recent franchise favorite, Fast and the Furious.  There is a team of extreme athletes who are connected to crimes; the team see each other as family; there is the young-FBI agent that infiltrates the team and becomes too close within the family circle; the young-FBI agent has a history of the extreme nature of the team's sport; and the young-FBI agent looks eerily similar to the late Paul Walker.  To be completely honest, it felt like I was watching a lesser-version of 2001's The Fast and the Furious.  This film lacks originality and really the intensity of the original Point Break as well as the Fast and Furious franchise.
With all that being said, the film's only saving grace is the fact that the extreme sports look so much fun.  I am definitely an adrenaline-junkie, so seeing these extreme sports happen on the big screen makes me want to get out there and try them myself.  For me this was the only thing that made the film bearable.
Overall, this film was just pointless and really did not need to be made.  If you are an adrenaline-junkie like me than you may find something that interests you, but if not than you might as well watch The Fast and the Furious instead.  I am definitely disappointed in this film.  In my opinion, don't waste your time seeing this film because there are definitely better films out right now.

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Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence
Run Time: 135 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today my family and I saw Walt Disney Studios and LucasFilm's Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens starring Harrison Ford (The Age of Adaline), Mark Hamill (CW's The Flash), Carrie Fisher (Fox's Family Guy), Adam Driver (This is Where I Leave You), and newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega.  It takes place 30 years after Return of the Jedi, with the Galaxy being threatened by a new force called the First Order.  However, with the Resistance last hope, Luke Skywalker, in hiding, the Resistance must rely on Han Solo, Chewbacca and new recruits Finn and Rey in order to take down the First Order and its army of stormtroopers.
So I loved this film.  This was such a great film and I can honestly say that this is the Star Wars movie that everyone has been waiting for.  From the biggest Star Wars fanatic to the general moviegoer, this film has something for everyone.  That is actually one of the film's greatest qualities is that it is marketable to a wide audience.  Though that may be a great quality, the best aspect of the film is that it truly reflects the original trilogy.  From bringing back the original cast to many of the aspects that fans have come to love, this Star Wars film truly resembles what makes this franchise amazing.  With that said, it also brings in some excellent new characters and ideas that breathe fresh air into the franchise. The new actors to the franchise do an amazing job and in my opinion are so much better than the actors and characters that were added into the prequel trilogy.  In fact, there isn't one new addition to this film that I hated.
Though I loved the film and think that there truly is nothing wrong with it, may one caveat that I have to put in there is that it is way too similar to A New Hope.  I am not saying that this is a bad thing, but I only wish that they could have been a little bit more original, but with that said, I do really like where they are taking the franchise in the subsequent films.  It looks quite original.
Overall, I loved this film and it was worth the wait.  This is a great movie for everyone to watch and I hope that it can bring many more people to the franchise.  For those that think that they won't understand it, I promise you that you most likely know enough to get you through it and actually enjoy it.  This is one of the best films of the year and I can't wait to see it again!!

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Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Run Time: 86 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today my daughter and I saw Twentieth Century Fox's Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip, the fourth installment in the franchise.  The film stars Jason Lee (The Incredibles), Justin Long (He's Just Not That Into You), Matthew Gray Gubler (CBS' Criminal Minds), Jesse McCartney (ABC Family's Young & Hungry), Kimberly Williams-Paisley (ABC's Nashville), and Bella Thorne (The Duff). It once again follows the adventures of Alvin, Simon and Theodore as they try to make it to Miami in order to stop their guardian Dave from proposing to his girlfriend in hopes of saving themselves from losing him and being stuck with a horrible stepbrother.  Through many mishaps along the way, they come to realize what it means to be a true family.
So though this may not be the absolute best animated film of the year or even the best Chipmunk movie, it was still quite enjoyable and quite entertaining.  Once again the the film is greatly helped out by a fantastic soundtrack.  However, probably the thing that I loved the most about this film was how much the cast seemed to enjoy their work.  It honestly looks like they are having so much fun that you wish you could be there with them as well.  In fact, there were many kids dancing during my screening.  They wanted to enjoy themselves just as much as the characters. This film is definitely one that the kids will enjoy and it even has moments for the adults as well.
Though i thought the film was really good, I just didn't think it was amazing.  Probably the biggest flaw in this film is its lack of an original idea.  Not to say I didn't like this film, but all of the movies are the exact same just in different places.  They all have the same message of family and they all have the exact same magnified problems.  This isn't saying that these movies aren't entertaining, but they just don't have any originality to them.
However with that being said, I still quite enjoyed the film.  It is definitely one that the kids will enjoy and adults as well.  The music is spectacular and the message is great as always.  This is definitely a film for the whole family and a great one to see over the holidays.  It may not be the greatest film out there right now, but it is definitely an entertaining one to watch.

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Christmas Eve

MPAA Rating: PG for some peril, thematic elements and language
Run Time: 95 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today my wife and I saw Unstuck's Christmas Eve starring Patrick Stewart (X-Men Days of Future Past), Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite), James Roday (USA's Psych), Gary Cole (USA's Suits), and David Bamber (Valkyrie).  It tells the story of six different groups of New Yorkers who are stuck together inside elevators on Christmas Eve after a city-wide power outage traps them.
So personally, I really liked this movie.  I have to admit that the only reason I even heard about this film was that one of my wife's friends uncle directed it, but I am glad that I watched it.  It may not become an instant holiday classic, but it certainly brings the spirit of Christmas into the audience's life.  There are really two things that makes this movie great: the characters and the message it shares. Though the characters are strange, you can't help but love them.  They all have their unique characteristics and each audience member can definitely relate to at least one of them. This allows the audiences members to put themselves in the shoes of the characters which helps them learn a little bit more about themselves and allows the lessons shared in this film to become more internalized.  Speaking of the lessons shared, this film teaches us that there is a higher being that helps shape all of our lives.  I love how this film is not afraid to bring God into the holiday and not focus on the commercial side of the holiday.  Finally, musician Jenny Oaks Baker provides a spectacular violin solo of Silent Night!!
Though the film has some great aspects to it, probably its biggest flaw is its use of all of its stars. The film has so many great actors and actresses and they all give great performances, but I felt like they all could have been utilized better.  I especially thought this for Patrick Stewart.  For being at the forefront of most of the advertising, he definitely takes a back seat for most of the film and really doesn't have as many memorable moments as the other actors.
Overall, I thought this film was great and definitely one that I would add to my list of films to watch during the holidays.  This is a great family film that will help bring the spirit of Christmas into your holiday season.  With that said, if you have time during your holiday season, definitely make time to watch this film.

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In the Heart of the Sea

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and peril, brief startling violence, and thematic material
Run Time: 121 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So yesterday my daughter and I saw Warner Brothers' In the Heart of the Sea starring Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Benjamin Walker (Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter), and Cillian Murphy (The Dark Knight Rises).  It tells the fascinating true story that inspired Herman Melville's epic novel Moby Dick.  In 1820, a New England whaling ship called the Essex embarked on a journey to collect whale oil. However, the crew gets more than they bargained for when their ship is destroyed by a mammoth sized whale.  Now with little hope left in them, the crew of the Essex must come together in order to survive at sea and make it home to their families that love them.
So this film has an incredible story, great acting, and incredible visuals and special effects.  I had no idea that Moby Dick was based on true events, so I thought that was very interesting.  This is a breathtaking story that show the resiliency of mankind and man's strife to survive at all costs.  I cannot imagine what these sailors had to go through, because its almost impossible to believe. However, it was incredible to watch and the acting made it all the better.  Chris Hemsworth I believe gives his best performance (that I have seen) and in any other year, would be a shoo-in for an Oscar. I want to see Hemsworth in more films like this because it really shows off his acting ability.  Finally, the visuals in the film were spectacular.  Seeing that giant whale on screen was amazing and it is because of the visuals that this film needs to be seen in theaters.  I do not recommend waiting until this film is released on home video because it just would not be the same.
Though the film has so many great aspects, it is flawed by its pacing.  The story is incredible, but it felt like I was in the movie for a long time.  With that said, I really don't know where they could have changed the pace, so they did do the best with what they had.  Unfortunately for me it felt a little too long.
Overall, I thought the film was good, but it could have been better.  The story is incredible and Chris Hemsworth gives his greatest performance.  This is definitely a film that you need to see on the big screen, but if I were you I would wait until it goes to the cheap theaters.  Save your money for other films, but don't disregard this film completely.  If you are literature or history buffs, then you will love this film.  In the Heart of the Sea had great potential and in the right mindset, it could have been a classic.

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Creed

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, language and some sensuality
Run Time: 133 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
Hey everyone, sorry for the double post, but today I saw Warner Brothers and New Line Cinema's Rocky spin-off Creed starring Michael B. Jordan (Fruitvale Station), Tessa Thompson (Dear White People), and Sylvester Stallone (The Expendables).  It tells the story of Adonis Johnson the son of the famous Apollo Creed. Though he never met his father, Adonis wants to follow in his footsteps.  So, he seeks a mentor in his father's friend Rocky Balboa.  Now with Rocky by his side, Adonis must prove to the world that he can fight and he isn't just using the name Creed to get his time in the spotlight.
So I personally really liked this film.  I was a little weary about this film when I first heard about it, but I was pleasantly surprised by it.  I am a huge fan of the Rocky franchise and I believe that this is a great addition to that franchise.  It has an incredible story that truly reminds you why America fell in love with Rocky in the first place.  The true underdog story that can really pull on the heartstrings. This one is no different.  Michael B. Jordan does an incredible job playing the great Apollo Creed's son.  I have been a fan of his since day one and this performance just solidifies his greatness as an actor.  Also, Sylvester Stallone gives another breathtaking performance as the incredible Rocky Balboa.  He has been getting a lot of Oscar buzz for his performance and he deserves every bit of it.  I hope that he does get an award because I believe that his greatest performances have been Rocky Balboa and he should be credited for this amazing character.
Though I loved the film, it was a bit too formulaic for me.  There just isn't any surprise to the film and everything goes down exactly as you would expect.  There is nothing new that this film brings except for a continuation of a story many thought was over.
With that said, I still thought that the film was great.  It has incredible acting and actors and a fantastic story.  This is a great film that will appeal to all moviegoers.  The Rocky franchise is still alive and after seeing the results of this film, the franchise will continue to live on at least for the immediate future.

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Krampus

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of horror violence/terror, language and some drug material
Run Time: 98 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So last night I saw Legendary Pictures and Universal Pictures' Christmas/Horror film Krampus starring Adam Scott (NBC's Parks and Recreation), Toni Collette (The Way Way Back), David Koechner (ABC's The Goldbergs), Allison Tolman (The Gift), and Conchata Ferrell (CBS' Two and a Half Men).  It tells the story of a dysfunctional family whose lives are put into danger when an ancient evil visits them during their holiday festivities.  Now, they are faced with the challenge to fight for their lives and find the hope in each other in order to survive.
So, I personally liked this film.  It had just enough horror aspects as well as comedy aspects to make it a perfect holiday film for horror lovers.  Now, for horror enthusiasts, this may not be the scariest film, but it is really fun and completely entertaining.  So if you are looking for something scary, this film in not for you, but if you want something fun with a little scare, then this is for you.  The film's comedic roots come from its incredibly talented cast.  All of the amazing actors come from hilarious films and television shows and they prove here that they can do more than comedy.  I was very nervous when I saw who the cast would be, but I was surprisingly mistaken.  It was a breath of fresh air to see a full-on comedic cast do a horror movie.  After seeing this, I would not be opposed to more horror movie casts like this.  Also, I appreciate the film knowing what it is and completely accepting it.  Krampus could have been a completely joke, but it wasn't.  It was carefully crafted and perfectly done.
Overall, I thought this movie was good, but it still had its flaws.  In my opinion, I wish that it would have been scarier, but I can appreciate this film for what it is.  This is definitely not a film for everyone, but for those into this kind of film, will love it.  With that said, I think this film will go down as one of horror fans' favorite holiday films.

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The Good Dinosaur

MPAA Rating: PG for peril, action and thematic elements
Run Time: 100 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
Sorry guys it has taken me so long to write this review, but I was with family all weekend and didn't get to it.  With that said, on Saturday my family and I saw Walt Disney Studios and Pixar Animation's The Good Dinosaur starring the incredible voice talents of Jeffrey Wright (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2), Frances McDormand (Moonrise Kingdom), and Raymond Ochoa (Monsters University).  It tells of the journey of Arlo, a dinosaur, who must overcome his fears and anxieties as he must search for his family after being separated from them.  Along the way, he teams up with an unlikely human friend.
So I actually really liked this film and thought it was pretty entertaining.  This is the first time that Pixar Animation has released more than one film in a year and they have proven that they can provide more than one quality family film in a year.  The Good Dinosaur is a stunning masterpiece and incredible to look at.  Though the story may be lacking compared to Pixar's other film this year Inside Out, the animation is truly beautiful to look at and completely make the movie. Seeing Pixar's incredible animation, delving into the forests and outdoors is spectacular and more than enough reason for this film to be made.  Also, the characters are quite likable and quite funny. Finally, the film is layered with many emotional scenes that leave audience members in tears of both sadness and joy.  This film is everything you could ask for from a Pixar film.
However, with that being said, it is really hard not to compare this to Inside Out.  Inside Out was a return to form for Pixar and has a great chance at being nominated at least for Best Picture come awards time.  The Good Dinosaur will not be in that category, although it will definitely be nominated for Best Animated Picture.  The Good Dinosaur lacks a lot of depth that has been seen in other Pixar films.  That is not to say that this is a bad film because I loved it and thought it was fantastic.
Overall, this film was great.  It is a fantastic family film and one that will continue to please audiences for years to come.  This is the best family film out right now and one that you need to see. Pixar has done it again with The Good Dinosaur and has proven to everyone that they can provide two high-quality family films in a given year!!!

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, and for some thematic material
Run Time: 137 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today my family and I saw Lionsgate's The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 the final film in The Hunger Games franchise.  It brings with it the incredible returning cast of Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Julianne Moore, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Donald Sutherland, and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.  It continues directly after the events of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 with Katniss and the Rebels trying to find a way to enter the Capitol and attack President Snow. Throughout all of this, Katniss must try to unite all of Panem as well as protect everything and everyone she holds dear.
So I loved this film.  This is saying a lot because though I have loved all the other Hunger Games films, I was not a fan of how the book ended.  So I wasn't too sure how I would like the conclusion on the big screen.  Fortunately, my worries were calmed and I actually enjoyed the ending. I definitely believe this is due to the amazing cast and the incredible direction by Francis Lawrence.  The cast is absolutely spectacular.  In my opinion, this is the most talented cast of all the Young Adult adaptions so far.  Jennifer Lawrence plays Katniss so well and there is definitely no other actress that could have played her.  The talent in this cast is unbelievable and many filmmakers who want to adapt books into film should look to this Young Adult franchise and its cast for pointers.  Also, director Francis Lawrence has had an incredible vision over the past 2 films and this one is no different.  Lionsgate took a huge risk hiring him for its last 3 films of this pivotal franchise, but it definitely paid off.  I wouldn't be surprised if he gets some incredible offers after this.
Overall, I thought this film was spectacular.  This franchise is incredible and deserves all the praise that it gets.  This is an incredible final chapter and for those that have followed it over the past 4 years, will be truly satisfied with the outcome.  For me that hated the final book, this was an incredible ending that truly exceeded my expectations.  This is the movie to see right now and probably one of the best films of the year!!!

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Love the Coopers

MPAA Rating: PG - 13 for thematic elements, language and some sexuality
Run Time: 107 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So yesterday I saw CBS Films and Lionsgate's Love the Coopers starring John Goodman (Monsters Inc.), Diane Keaton (Mad Money), Ed Helms (NBC's The Office), Alex Borstein (Fox's Family Guy), Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables), Alan Arkin (Argo), Marisa Tomei (Fox's Empire), Olivia Wilde (Fox's House), and Jake Lacy (NBC's The Office).  It details the adventures of four generations of the Cooper family as they try to make it home and get ready for a big family Christmas.  While many mishaps and unexpected visitors get in their way, they come to realize that how important their family bond and the holiday season can be.
So I surprisingly really liked this film.  It had its quirks and its downsides, but overall it was a pretty enjoyable holiday film.  I know I say this a lot, but the cast in Love the Coopers was perfect.  Venus Kanani and Mary Vernieu, the casting directors, did an absolutely amazing job.  Each actor is cast in the perfect role for them and they all seemed comfortable on the screen.  The entire time I couldn't stop smiling at how perfect the cast came together and I want to watch this film again and see a sequel just because of this amazing cast.  That is saying a lot because I am not the biggest fan of at least one of the actors in this film.  Another great thing about this film was that it actually was pretty funny.  Though it wasn't as funny as I would have hoped, it still had some great moments that were pretty memorable.
Though the cast was great and it had some funny moments, the film still had its flaws.  For one thing, the film was overly dramatic.  There were some things in it that annoyed me so much because it felt like the writer was trying to add every dysfunctional aspect of a family into this one.  There was so much dysfunction that it was too unrealistic, formulaic and predictable.
So overall this was a great holiday film and one that I see myself watching again.  The cast was incredible and were perfect in their roles.  This movie may not be for everyone, but if you liked films such as The Family Stone and Surviving Christmas, then you will like this film as well and won't be disappointed.

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The 33

MPAA Raiting: PG-13 for a disaster sequence and some language
Run Time: 127 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
So today my daughter and I saw Warner Brothers' The 33 starring Antonio Banderas (The Expendables 3), Rodrigo Santoro (Focus), Juliette Binoche (Dan in Real Life), and James Brolin (Burlesque).  It details the true story of a Chilean mine collapsing on 33 miners and their struggle to survive for 69 days.  It also delves into their rescue and the turmoil that their families faced trying to save them.
So I thought this film was good but not great.  I didn't really know what to expect from this film when I first walked into the theater, but though the film was captivating there was just something lacking that kept it from being great.  The worst part is that I can't figure out what it is lacking.  I mean the story is fascinating and one that I had never heard before.  Also, the characters were well-cast and each actor puts their all into their characters.  However, for some reason I was left wanting more. In my opinion, the story line that intrigued me the most was not of the miners stuck hundreds of feet below the earth, but was of the families struggles to get their husbands, brothers, and sons free.  From a corrupt mining company to many failed attempts, the faith and determination that these family members showed was inspiring.  I would have been completely fine just watching those parts instead of the entire film.  That doesn't mean that the other parts aren't good, just they weren't as appealing.
Overall, I liked this film, but it wasn't my favorite.  I really don't know much else to say about it.  If you like true stories then this is definitely the film for you.  Though I came out of the film disappointed, I still want to watch it again.  Maybe I will like it better a second time.  With that said, I think that this is definitely a interesting movie that may intrigue people more than it did me.

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Suffragette

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense violence, thematic elements, brief strong language and partial nudity
Run Time: 106 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So yesterday my family and I saw Focus Features' Suffragette starring Carey Mulligan (The Great Gatsby), Helena Bonham Carter (Cinderella), Meryl Streep (Ricki and the Flash), Ben Whishaw (Spectre), and Anne-Marie Duff (Before I Go to Sleep). It delves into the lives of one family as they try to find where they stand during the women's rights movement in the United Kingdom.  It shows how these women fought for what they knew they deserved and the struggles and challenges that they faced. However, through all the persecution, these women never discredited their convictions as they fought hard for their dignity.
So I thought this was an incredible story and truly inspirational.  I had heard a lot about this film at the beginning of the year, but then as the year went on it was almost impossible to find anything about it.  I truly think this is unfortunate because this film deserves way more credit and much more attention than it is getting.  This film is incredibly cast and has story that is inspiring and  heart-breaking.  For most people if they have heard of this film, they mostly have heard of it because Meryl Streep is in it. However, Meryl Streep is in the film for maybe 2-3 minutes and the rest of it her character is merely mentioned.  With tvhat said, she makes the most of her 2-3 minutes on screen. Fortunately she is backed up by an amazing cast who both Carey Mulligan and Helena Bonham Carter deserve recognition and praise now and come awards season.  They bring this incredible story to life and tell a story that needed to be told.
Though I thought the film was fantastic, there was still one thing that frustrated me as an audience member.  The one thing that I was left wanting more of what the background behind each protester.  I wanted to know how they got to where they were? and How did they get started?  Suffragette starts off right in the middle of the women's rights movement, so you really don't get that kind of back story that I desperately wanted.  However, I still thought this was a fascinating film.
This film is definitely a must-see for everyone.  I will definitely see it again and one that I think is very educational for all.  I truly hope that this film expands wider because it would be a shame if everyone was not able to see it.  Through its great story and incredible awards-worthy acting, this is definitely one that I hope will live on for ages.

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My All American

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, language and brief partial nudity
Run Time: 118 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So yesterday my daughter and I saw Clarius Entertainment's My All American starring Finn Wittrock (FX's American Horror Story), Aaron Eckhart (The Dark Knight), Sarah Bolger (ABC's Once Upon A Time), and Robin Tunney (CBS's The Mentalist). It tells the inspiring true story of Freddie Steinmark, a football player for the University of Texas.  All of his life he dreamed of playing football, but he was always deemed too small by most athletics. However, with his determination and hard work that he brings to each game, he is noticed by the University of Texas coach Darrell Royal. Now, as his team is making a run for the national championship, Freddie Steinmark must face his most daunting challenge yet.
So I absolutely loved this film.  For a sports film, this is top-notch and in my opinion, will inspire many.  Many critics have been criticizing this film for being too formulaic and while that may be the case, we can't criticize a film for portraying true life.  This is an incredible story and one I believe everyone can learn from.  This film had me going through a roller coaster of emotions that I had no idea what to expect next. With that said, probably the film's best characteristic is its story, but I can't imagine a film being cast in a better way.  Finn Wittrock and Aaron Eckhart both provide excellent performances. I was especially surprised by Finn Wittrock.  This is a completely different character than anything he has played on American Horror Story and it definitely shows that he has a very bright career ahead of him.
Overall, I would definitely see this film again and from the praise it got from the people in my screening, they would as well.  If you love true stories and are a fan of sports you will love this film just as much as I did.  Honestly, there is nothing wrong with this film and one of the most inspiring sports movies out there.  If you have a chance to see this film do so because you will not regret it. This is one of the best films in theaters right now and if you don't see it would be a real shame.

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Spectre

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language
Run Time: 148 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So today my wife, daughter, and I saw Columbia Pictures' next installment in the James Bond franchise, Spectre, starring Daniel Craig (Skyfall), Christoph Waltz (Horrible Bosses 2), Ralph Fiennes (Harry Potter Series), Naomie Harris (Southpaw), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Andrew Scott (BBC's Sherlock).  It follows the latest mission for James Bond as he tries to hunt down a person from his past and encounters a sinister organization known as Spectre.
So I did really like this film, but it was not my favorite James Bond movie.  It had all the elements of a Bond movie, but for me it just fell short.  With that being said, there was still things that the film did do well.  As always, I thought the cast did a very good job.  I have been a huge fan of Daniel Craig's interpretation of James Bond and this film is no different.  He is only complimented by one of the best supporting casts of any film this year. They all work so well together and it is truly a pleasure to see all of these amazing actors on the same screen.  Another thing that works so well for Spectre is that it has probably one of the best opening scenes for a Bond movie.  It is spectacular and definitely worth the price of admission.
With that being said, the film really did fall short on a lot of things.  Unfortunately, probably the biggest issue with Spectre is that it has to directly follow Skyfall.  For a James Bond film, Skyfall was a phenomenon and was absolutely amazing.  Spectre had big shoes to fill and has very high expectations, which is pretty unfair in my opinion.  However, I still couldn't help myself from comparing the two and feel disappointed with the follow-up.  Nevertheless, Spectre is a very good film, it just doesn't live up to the enormous success of its predecessor.  Another thing about Spectre that just doesn't work out is its story.  It wasn't the most captivating story and at times I felt confused at what was going on and where the film would be going.  I think I might have to watch it again order fully comprehend and possible fully appreciate what Spectre has to offer.
Overall, this was a pretty good James Bond film.  In my opinion, the cast and the opening sequence are worth the price of admission.  They provide enough value and intrigue for the audience.  It may not be my favorite film, but it is a good film to go see on the big screen.  If you like James Bond or you just want something to see, Spectre is a good way to spend your time.

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

The Peanuts Movie

MPAA Rating: G
Run Time: 93 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
Hey everyone, sorry I haven't posted in a while, but school has been very hectic and I haven't had anytime to do anything other than that.  With that being said, today my daughter and I saw 20th Century Fox and Blue Sky Studios' The Peanuts Movie.  The film stars a group of young newcomers to add their voice talents to the characters.  The Peanuts Movie brings together everyone's favorite gang in Charlie Brown, Lucy, Sally, Linus, Snoopy and the rest to the big-screen for the first time. In this adventure, it follows Charlie Brown as he tries to impress the new girl across the street. Along the way, America's most lovable dog embarks on a high-flying adventure against his arch-nemesis the Red Baron.
So I loved this film.  This was on my list of my most anticipated movies of 2015 and this film did not disappoint.  I was so excited for this film because I grew up watching the Peanuts episodes and this film definitely brought me back to my childhood.  This is everything I wanted in a Peanuts film.  One of the things I loved about it was the nostalgia factor. The creators definitely brought in a lot of elements that made the past episodes fantastic.  This is great because the adults in the audience can share their favorite Peanuts moments with their children or just relive their childhood.  In fact, I think there were more adults in my screening than there were children.  However, the children that were there loved it and my daughter was actually smiling  as well.
Another thing that I loved about this film and probably one of the most impressive things about it is its use of child voice actors for all of the children in the film.  Not only that, but most of these kids are newcomers to voice acting as well as acting all together.  They all did amazing jobs and truly brought the essence of the characters back to life.
Overall, this was one of my favorite films of the year.  With that being said, it still wasn't my favorite animated film of the year, but it is a very close second.  This is the perfect film to take the entire family to because it has something for everyone.  If you are a Peanuts fans, you have to see this film because you will not be disappointed.  This is one of the funnest films of the year and a guaranteed good time at the movies!!!

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

Woodlawn

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements including some racial tension/violence
Run Time: 123 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
Sorry this post is coming so late, but school has been crazy.  With that being said, on Monday my daughter and I saw Pure Flix Cinema's Woodlawn starring Sean Astin (Lord of the Rings Trilogy), Nic Bishop (USA's Covert Affairs), Sherri Shepherd (NBC's 30 Rock), Jon Voight (Holes), and newcomer Caleb Castille.  It tells the inspiring true story of a high school football team in Alabama who must battle against racial tensions among each other and the town, when the school becomes one of the first schools to be racially integrated.  However, after a religious motivational speaker comes to talk to them, they realize that as they turn their lives towards Christ and find that race shouldn't matter, miracles do happen.
So I absolutely loved this film.  It had an excellent story and an excellent cast.  As stated above, this is based on a true story and it is truly inspiring.  There is no way that one can leave the theater without having a great new attitude about life, people, and Christ.  If this film does one thing, it shows how important Christ and his teaching can change lives and attitudes and the fact that this is a true story even makes it better.  It gives a spectacular message and I love how professional athletes and really anyone can contribute Christ's teachings to their success.  With that being said, the cast does a fantastic job.  They all give spectacular performances and truly deserve praise for what they were able to accomplish.  I am always impressed by the great casts that these Christian films are able to have and this one is no different.
I really have no criticism for this film.  If I had to say something, it may have felt a little long, but it didn't bother me as much as some other films have this year.
Overall, I loved this film.  I think everyone needs to see it.  It is probably one of the best sports movies to come out in a long time.  This year has had some pretty spectacular Christian films and this one is no different.  If you want to be inspired, this is the film for you.  I promise you that you will not leave disappointed!!

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Goosebumps

MPAA Rating: PG for scary and intense creature action and images, and for some rude humor
Run Time: 103 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
Hey everyone, I have been super busy the last few days, but Monday night I saw Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation's Goosebumps starring Jack Black (School of Rock), Dylan Minnette (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day), Odeya Rush (The Giver), Ryan Lee (ABC's Trophy Wife), and Amy Ryan (Bridge of Spies).  It tells the story of Zach Cooper, who after moving to a new town with his mother meets his beautiful next-door neighbor Hannah.  Zach eventually learns that Hannah's strange father is R.L. Stine, the author of the bestselling Goosebumps books.  However, it turns out that R.L. Stine is so strange because the monsters in his books are real and he protects everyone by keeping his manuscripts locked.  Now, after Zach accidentally unleashes the monsters, he must team up with R.L. Stine in order to put them back in the books where they belong.
So I loved this film.  This was one of my favorite movies of the year and probably one of the most entertaining films of the year.  Having grown up reading the Goosebumps books, it was fantastic seeing all the characters that gave me nightmares as a child on the big screen.  It was the Goosebumps books that got me hooked on horror and I honestly believe that this is a great film to introduce kids to the horror genre as well.  This film is just entertaining, while still keeping true to the source material.  I could not have imagined a better way to adapt the Goosebumps series and as a fan, I was truly satisfied.  The film has so many great aspects to it, that in my opinion, there really is no flaw to it.  One thing that really surprised me was the cast.  When I first saw that Jack Black was in it, I was afraid that he would be able to capture the greatness of the Goosebumps series, but I was wrong.  He does a great job and works so well with the younger cast.  I see a bright future for this young cast and after this film, their future seems even brighter.
So if you couldn't tell, I can't say enough good things about this film.  This is one of the films that I am going to use to introduce my kids to the horror genre.  This is everything I would have wanted in a Goosebumps film and everyone that was in my theater seemed satisfied.  This is a great film for parents and kids alike.  If you have time, you have to see this film because it is one of the most entertaining films you will see all year!!!

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

Bridge of Spies

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and brief strong language
Run Time: 141 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
Hey everyone, sorry for the double-post, but yesterday I saw Dreamworks SKG and Fox 2000 Pictures' Bridge of Spies starring Tom Hanks (Captain Phillips), Amy Ryan (NBC's The Office), and Mark Rylance (The Gunman).  It tells the fascinating true story of a lawyer, James Donovan, during the Cold War, who is assigned to defend a Soviet Union spy living in the United States.  After the trial, Donovan is asked to be involved in intense negotiations between the Soviet Union for an exchange and release of the captured Soviet Union spy and a Russian captured CIA U-2 spy plane pilot.
So this was a fantastic film and one of the best films of the year. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have created another amazing collaboration that shows that these two together are unstoppable. Tom Hanks gives a spectacular performance as James Donovan and truly does this man justice.  James Donovan is an American hero and I am so happy that his story is being told and it is done in an awe-inspiring way.  In all reality, every actor does amazing and each one deserves to be considered for acting awards.  Also, Steven Spielberg has a spectacular vision for the story and his craft is absolutely perfect.  In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with this film and the emotion that this film brings is unnerving. Spielberg provides such incredible images and life to this story that it is impossible not to like this film.  By the end of Bridge of Spies the audience is just in amazement at this incredible story.
Like I said above, there is nothing wrong with this film.  The 2 hours and 21 minutes go by so fast, you almost wish that wasn't over.  The acting, directing and writing are praise-worthy and definitely worth your time.  This is one of the best films of the year and will go down as an instant classic. This is a film for all to see and if you love history, you will absolutely loved this film!!!

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

Crimson Peak

MPAA Rating: R for bloody violence, some sexual content and brief strong language
Run Time: 119 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So Friday night I saw Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' Crimson Peak starring Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland), Jessica Chastain (The Martian), Tom Hiddleston (The Avengers), and Charlie Hunnam (Pacific Rim).  It follows the story of Edith Cushing who finds the man-of-her-dreams in Thomas Sharpe. After a family tragedy, she marries Thomas and moves in with him and his sister, Lady Lucille Sharpe.  Now Edith finds herself struggling as the ghosts of the house's past start to haunt her providing a deadly message for all involved.
So I loved this film.  In my opinion, this is one of the best horror films that has come along in a while.  This is one of the first big-budget horror films in many years and it was nice seeing a true spectacle in the genre.  Not to say that the genre isn't an art (because I love the genre), but seeing a studio and a director put so much money and faith in the horror genre truly resonated on the screen. This is evident in the immaculate costumes and set design.  Both of these are award-worthy deserve praise.  If the Academy look over this film in these areas, they a doing a great disservice. Also, it was great seeing recognizable stars.  Most recognizable stars seem to stay away from the horror genre because it isn't artistic enough, but all for leads in Crimson Peak show that there are great performances and great potential in the horror genre.  They all did fantastic and I applaud them for their performances and their willingness to enter the genre.
Though I absolutely loved Crimson Peak, I was shocked to realize that this truly isn't as much of a horror movie as it is a Gothic romance movie.  Yes, there are ghosts, and yes the film has its moments, but overall, the supernatural entities are just side characters and not the most important part to the story.  Though in the end I thought it was good, at first it kind of annoyed me that this wasn't going to be the straight-up horror movie I was expecting.  With that being said, this film is not scary. In fact almost all of the horror moments in the film are shown in the previews, which makes for a very uneventful (horror-wise) film.
Overall, I loved this film.  Even though it wasn't as scary as I would have liked it, incredible performances, a great script, and beautiful imagery truly turned it into a spectacle.  I encourage everyone to see this film because it really is a great story.  For those that are wary because of the horror aspects, you have nothing to worry about.  This is a fantastic era-piece drama that can truly satisfy both horror fan and non-horror fans alike.

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

99 Homes

MPAA Rating: R for language including some sexual references, and a brief violent image
Run Time: 112 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today I saw Broad Green Pictures' 99 Homes starring Andrew Garfield (The Amazing Spiderman), Michael Shannon (Man of Steel), and Laura Dern (Wild).  It tells the story of construction worker Dennis Nash who must come to terms with reality when his home is foreclosed and his family and him are evicted by real-estate broker Rick Carver.  With no place to go, Nash takes his mother and son to a run-down motel where others that have been evicted stay.  With no home or money, now Nash must do the unthinkable and begins working for Carver, diving into the world scamming and stealing in order to make quick cash.
So I thought this was an intense film that showed real life and was a great commentary on the nature of mankind.  It has fantastic performances and really it wouldn't be the same without its great cast. Andrew Garfield, Michael Shannon, and Laura Dern pile on the intensity and emotion creating some of the best acting work this year.  Unfortunately with this film being so small I don't see this film winning any major awards, but that doesn't mean that it shouldn't.  They bring this story to life and honestly show how life was during the 2010 housing crisis.  While watching you can't help but feel for all those people being evicted and hate the ones evicting him.  With that being said, it is very interesting to watch Andrew Garfield's character go from being evicted to the one doing the evicting.  In my opinion it is a great commentary on how quick people are willing to change if it means making money.  Money affects the way we live, act, and think; this film shows this and also shows what the eventual outcome is if we decide to focus our lives on it instead of the things that truly matter.
The one bad thing that I would say is that the film wasn't building up to anything.  After watching the film I have no idea what the climax was and how the film ended up where it did.  This makes it really hard to stay focused on the film because you don't know where the story is going.  The film seems long, but fortunately it is backed up by the incredible acting.
Overall, I thought this film was great and I would definitely watch it again.  The performances are incredible and deserve praise.  If you want a true-to-life story with a great life lesson, this is definitely for you.

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

Pan

MPAA Rating: PG for fantasy action violence, language and some thematic material
Run Time: 111 Minutes
My Rating: 2.5/5
So today my family and I saw Warner Brothers' Pan starring Hugh Jackman (Les Miserables), newcomer Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund (Tron Legacy), Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), and Amanda Seyfried (Les Miserables).  It is a prequel to the Peter Pan tale we know and love.  It details how Peter arrived at Neverland and how he eventually came the hero forever known as Peter Pan.
So this film was just ok.  I really wanted to love this film, but unfortunately that just wasn't the case for me.  I liked it and think that for its target audience (children) it is a great film, but for those outside its target audience (adults) it will just be good, but not great.  For children, they will love the action and adventure that this film brings.  They will experience the magic of Neverland and learn that as long as they believe in themselves they can do whatever their hearts desire.  As for adults, they will enjoy the beautiful visuals.  The visuals are stunning and it really makes Pan worth watching.  For those that grew up with the animated Peter Pan, you will love seeing Neverland brought to life.  It is absolutely great to see.  Also, the cast does a very good job, especially with what they were given. This stuff makes the film bearable to watch.
Unfortunately for adults, the visuals and the adequate acting are the only things you will be liking about this film.  The thing that disappointed me the most was the story.  It was marketed as a prequel to Peter Pan, but for audiences, it leaves much to be desired.  I assumed that Pan would fill in all the loose ends on how Peter Pan and Captain Hook became the enemies they are today, but that was not the case.  This leaves the audiences with more questions than what they came in with, which isn't a good thing for this film.  I think the studio was expecting this film to be successful in hopes of making sequels, but the studio forgot that they needed to make something that audiences would want to see more of.  Unfortunately, that is not the case for this film.
Overall, I thought the film was good, but I was really disappointed with the final product.  However, kids will love it and really that's all that matters.  The target audience is definitely represented here and even though the parents that take them will be disappointed, it is a small sacrifice to see our children happy.  This may not be the best film, but for kids it is quite an enjoyable ride!!!

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

The Walk

MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements involving perilous situations, and for some nudity, language, brief drug references and smoking
Run Time: 123 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So today my daughter and I saw Sony Pictures and TriStar Pictures' The Walk starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Inception), Charlotte Le Bon (The Hundred-Foot Journey), and Ben Kingsley (Exodus: Gods and Kings).  It tells the incredible true story of Philippe Petit, the only man who dared to walk the immense void between the World Trade Center towers.  It shows how he was able to complete this amazing feat and how he brought life to the World Trade Center.
So I thought that this film was good, but not great.  This film has all the right aspects to make it great, but unfortunately it falls short in a lot of ways.  One thing that this film does right is the acting. Joseph Gordon-Levitt does a great job, even though I might have been a little annoyed at first by his accent.  However, he brings his usual charm to the role and within minutes the audience has already fallen in love with him. You want him to accomplish his dream and it is because of the great acting by Gordon-Levitt.  Also, the cinematography is absolutely spectacular.  The camera angles and the camera movement definitely make this film great.  If it weren't for this, The Walk would be nothing. With that being said, you should know that if you are afraid of heights or get queasy at certain heights, this is not the film for you.  The cinematography is so good that it makes you feel like you are actually on top of the World Trade Center towers.  In fact there were some people in my theater that had to look away during the movie because it was so realistic.  I personally thought this added an extra-value element to the film, but I wanted to warn you before you saw this film.  Finally, it provides a great tribute to the World Trade Center towers.  I wasn't expecting this, but it was a nice element to the film that helped bring it life.
Though it had its great moments, the film's major flaw is in its story.  Don't get me wrong, it is an incredible story of an incredible feat accomplished by Philippe Petit, but the only thing worth watching is the feat actually happening.  All the build-up and backstory to the big event, is kind of boring.  In all reality if the film consisted of only its last 35-40 minutes then it would have been a fantastic film.  However, the backstory just drags on and it really doesn't bring any excitement to the audience.
Overall, I thought the film was good, but I wished that it would have been better.  This film had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it fell short.  With that being said, I would recommend this film just for the cinematography experience.  Honestly this is some of the best camera work I have seen in a long time and for that reason it deserves to be seen and praised.  It may not be the best film, but it is well-made and a great cinematic achievement.

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

Sicario

MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, grisly images, and language
Run Time: 121 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today I saw Lionsgate's Sicario starring Emily Blunt (Into the Woods), Benicio Del Toro (Guardians of the Galaxy), Josh Brolin (Everest), and Victor Garber (CW's The Flash).  The film's director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners) tells a captivating, gruesome, and intense story of FBI agent Kate Macer as she experiences first hand the evils of the drug war along the United States and Mexico border.  To help her with her mission to stop one of the biggest drug cartel leaders, she must rely on the help of hitman who has is own agenda in stopping the war.
I thought that this movie was great. It was intense and visually stunning.  The cinematography is absolutely amazing.  The way the audience is able to experience and see the film is spectacular. It definitely provides a whole new perspective which makes for a thrilling experience.  Another great aspect is the story.  From the very beginning, the story captures your attention and never lets up.  Along with that, you must be aware that due to the content of the film, if you can't handle some gruesome images, then this is definitely not the film for you. Director Denis Villeneuve does not shy away from telling the story exactly as if it were real life, which means that some things in the film may be hard to watch.  Though that may turn a few viewers away from watching, I appreciate someone that is not afraid to share exactly how it is and make their work as realistic as possible.
With that being said, the film still has its flaws.  For one thing, it moves along at a really slow pace. This two hour film seems like it is a lot longer than it should be and there are some aspects of the film that really could be taken out, especially since they add no real value to the final product.  Another thing that really bothered me was Emily Blunt's character.  The marketing campaign made it seem like Emily Blunt's character was a strong-willed female action hero, but unfortunately she just gets in the way most of the time.  It is a real shame because the film could have thrived on its strong female character, but by putting her in the background makes it seem like a waste.  Emily Blunt has proved that she can be an action hero in Edge of Tomorrow and this is a great disappointment on all counts.
Overall, the film was actually really great.  This is definitely not for everyone, but for those that can stomach some of the images, you will not be disappointed.  This is an intense thriller and one that will leave you thinking a long time after you have left the theater.

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

The Martian

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some strong language, injury images, and brief nudity
Run Time: 141 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today my daughter and I saw 20th Century Fox's The Martian starring Matt Damon (Elysium), Jessica Chastain (Zero Dark Thirty), Kristen Wiig (Bridesmaids), Jeff Daniels (HBO's The Newsroom), Michael Pena (Ant Man), Sean Bean (Jupiter Ascending), Kate Mara (Captive), Sebastian Stan (Ricki and the Flash), Chiwetel Ejiofor (12 Years A Slave), and Donald Glover (NBC & Yahoo's Community).  It tells the story of Mark Watney, an astronaut, who during a manned mission to Mars is stranded there after his crew presumes him to be dead.  Now with little supplies, he must rely on his ingenuity in order to survive on a planet where it has been deemed uninhabitable. It is up to him in order to find a way to communicate with others and find his way home.
I loved this film.  It's probably the most entertaining, intense, and inspiring movie that I have seen all year.  This is definitely one of my favorite movies this year and my only hope is that everyone goes and experiences its greatness. One thing that makes it so great is its incredible star-studded cast. Each member of the cast deserves praise for their performances.  This is one film where I can honestly say that I wouldn't be surprised if any one of these amazing actors and actresses were nominated come awards-season.  I was quite surprised because usually films with so many stars tends to highlight only one of them, but this movie had a healthy balance of all the actors talents.  Even with Matt Damon being the main focus of the film, the other stars hold their own and make for a quite enjoyable movie-going experience.  Another great thing is its soundtrack.  The soundtrack has absolutely amazing songs and really enhances the quality of the film.  Finally, the story is breathtaking.  The movie is based on the best-selling novel by Andy Weir.  It is a fantastic original story and is truly captivating.  To be honest, on the outside it doesn't seem like this should be that interesting of a story, but somehow Weir does an amazing job at bringing in humor and intrigue.
As if you couldn't tell, I thought that this film was spectacular.  I can't wait to see it again.  If you want an intriguing, original story than this is for you.  I promise you that you will not be disappointed.  This is a great film for adults to enjoy and from what I have seen, it is so far my pick for awards season glory!!!

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

Hotel Transylvania 2

MPAA Rating: PG for some scary images, action and rude humor
Run Time: 89 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today my daughter and I saw Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation's Hotel Transylvania 2 starring the incredible voice talents of Adam Sandler (Pixels), Andy Samberg (Fox's Brooklyn Nine-Nine), Selena Gomez (Getaway), Kevin James (Pixels), David Spade (Grown Ups 2), Megan Mullally (NBC's Parks and Recreation), and Nick Offerman (NBC's Parks and Recreation). The film picks up a little while after the first film ended.  Mavis and Jonathan are now married and have a little boy, Dennis.  However, much to Dracula's dismay, Dennis is almost five and his vampire fangs haven't grown in.  With only a week left until it is too late, Dracula and his friends try everything in their power to help Dennis or else Dracula may lose his family forever.
I thought this film was great.  I loved the first one and when I heard they were making a sequel, I was so excited!!  Fortunately, I was not disappointed.  There are so many great aspects to it, that it is honestly hard not to like it.  For one thing, the voice actors are fantastic.  They each bring their own personalities to their characters that allows the audience to relate and connect better with the characters.  It feels like the actors were having so much fun which makes this animated feature one to see.  Another great aspect is the script.  It does have its flaws, but overall, the script is hilarious and reminded my why I loved the first one so much.  Finally, the animation is gorgeous.  The film is beautiful to watch and a captivating piece of art.
Though I loved it, Hotel Transylvania 2 has one major flaw.  As I mentioned above, though the script is great and is hilarious, its major flaw is that it is too reminiscent of the first film.  The sequel tries to explain to the audience the exact same message that the first film portrayed.  Besides a different story line, Hotel Transylvania 2 seems way too familiar.  This is very disappointing to me and I wished the writers would have been a little bit more creative.
Overall, I thought it was a very entertaining time at the movies.  There were some great moments both for adults and for kids.  This is something the whole family will enjoy.  I would definitely recommend this to everyone.  Though this isn't the greatest animated film ever, it is still a clever film that will help bring the friendly Halloween spirit to your October.

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

The Intern

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some suggestive content and brief strong language
Run Time: 121 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today my wife and I saw Warner Brothers' The Intern starring Anne Hathaway (Les Miserables) and Robert De Niro (Silver Linings Playbook).  The film tells the story of 70 year old Ben Whittaker who decides to come out of retirement and intern at an online fashion site.  While there, he becomes the personal intern to the company's founder Jules Ostin, who find out that even though she is a successful businesswoman, she still has a lot that she can learn about life.
So I absolutely loved this film.  It is full of heart, has a fantastic script, and has incredible acting. The film definitely knows its target audience and it is tailor made for them.  It feels like all those involved had a blast making this film and even though it won't be a huge blockbuster, the film deserves a lot of credit. One of the best things about this film is its script.  It is hilarious and very inventive. Though there were some moments in the film that I wished would have gone differently, overall, the script does a great job and has some pretty incredible moments.  The script and film are only magnified by the amazing acting by the film's stars. Anne Hathaway and Robert De Niro work so well together and I hope that they will do another film soon.  They have impeccable chemistry and give the film their all.  This is probably one of my favorite films for both of these actors.  They are hilarious in this film and I just couldn't get enough of them.
Overall, I loved this film.  There is honestly nothing bad that I can say about this film.  I would definitely recommend this film to anyone.  This is a fantastic comedy with a lot of heart.  This is definitely one of the best films out right now and possibly of the year.  If there is one comedy that you need to see this year, this is it.  I promise you will not regret it!!!

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

Everest

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense peril and disturbing images
Run Time: 121 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today I saw Universal Pictures and Walden Media's Everest starring Jake Gyllenhaal (Southpaw), Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty), John Hawkes (Lincoln), Sam Worthington (Avatar), Josh Brolin (True Grit), Emily Watson (The Theory of Everything), and Keira Knightley (The Imitation Game). The film tells the true story of a group of climbers in 1996 who begin their summit up Mount Everest. However, with very little warning, they are hit with a massive storm that forces the climbers to face one of the fiercest blizzards in history.  With this unbearable obstacle before them, the climbers must fight for their lives in order to survive against nearly impossible odds.
So I absolutely loved this film.  From it's opening credits, I was hooked.  In my opinion, this is one of the most thrilling and exciting movies that has been made in a long time.  The film has so many positive aspects.  One of its greatest aspects comes from the incredible cast.  Every actor brings so much power and raw emotion to their performances that within minutes of meeting them you already are cheering for them and feel connected to them.  Another great thing about this film is its incredible story.  For the most part you know exactly what is going to happen by the end of the film, but for some reason my heart was still beating out of my chest throughout the entire film.  I couldn't believe it.  Finally, the film's greatest feat is the incredible cinematography.  The camera angle and the beautiful scenery definitely brings the thrill and excitement to the film.  Seeing the characters at the brink of death in some of the harshest conditions imaginable is truly stunning to see.  I personally believe that the cinematographer deserves much praise for his work.  It is truly incredible.
Though I absolutely loved the film, its biggest flaw (which really isn't that big) is the pace of the film. For the most part, the film moves at a pretty slow pace in order to set up the story so the film seems a lot longer than it is.  For me it wasn't a huge deal, but I did hear a lot of people in my audience complain that it felt too long.
Overall, I loved this film.  This is a fantastic adventure that I think everyone will love.  There are some disturbing images that might frighten some younger audiences, so I would caution bringing younger kids.  This is one of the best films in theaters right now and I hope that you take the opportunity to see it because you will not regret it!!!

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

Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for extended sequences of violence and action, some thematic elements, substance use and language
Run Time: 132 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So today my wife and I saw 20th Century Fox's Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, the second movie in the planned trilogy and based on the bestselling book by James Dashner.  The film brings back the same cast as the first one and adds the incredible talents of Jacob Lofland (Mud), Patricia Clarkson (Shutter Island), Giancarlo Esposito (ABC's Once Upon A Time), and Lili Taylor (The Conjuring). The film continues exactly where the first one left off with Thomas and his friends having escaped the maze and being rescued from WCKD.  However, not everything is as it seems when they are forced to travel through the desolate landscape known as the Scorch in order to uncover the truth behind WCKD and its plan for all of them.
So, I was really excited to see this film.  I loved the first movie and I loved the books, so I had high hopes going into this film. Thankfully this movie did not disappoint.  From the very first moment that I started reading this series I knew that this was a unique and fresh-take on the Young Adult genre and that uniqueness makes for a great movie franchise. One of the things I loved about this movie (and probably one of the things that may turn a lot of people off from this film) is how it has embraced the more horror aspects of the books and did not shy away from them.  There were some pretty good scares in this film, but don't expect to be terrified in this film.  Though it does have horror aspects, this is still a Young Adult, Sci-fi film that won't keep your young kids up at night. Another thing I loved about this film is the new cast additions.  If you can recall, one of the reasons I was so impressed with the first movie was the strength of its young cast.  They worked so well together and provided some of the best acting, in my opinion, of the Young Adult genre.  With that being said, the new cast additions jumped right into it and maintained that same great chemistry that was present in the first film.  Finally, the film was visually stunning.  The set this time around is so expansive and it truly brings the book to life.  It is exactly how I pictured it while I was reading and seeing it on the screen was amazing.
This film is spectacular, but unfortunately its biggest flaw comes not from the film itself, but from its story.  Like most trilogies, the middle entry is mainly there to keep the story moving, but not to really drop any huge bits of information.  It is there to keep audiences entertained, but keep them wanting more from that final conclusion.  This film unfortunately falls in that same category.  The story itself is spectacular, but compared to the first film and the eventual conclusion, it just kind of stands there to keep people interested and to set up the final film.  It does a great job at what it is supposed to do, but if you were expecting major progression in the story you will be disappointed.
Overall, I thought this film was great.  As a film itself, it is visually stunning, has a great cast, and is bold with its content.  However, it does fail in comparison to its predecessor.  With that being said, I would still recommend those that enjoyed the first one to see this film.  It is still a very entertaining and action-packed film that will keep you on the edge of your see the entire time.

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

Understanding Legal Issues in Film Part 4: After Filming

Disclaimer
I am a law student and therefore have no legal right to provide actual legal advice.  With that being said, I know that the process of making a film, especially for young, new filmmakers, can be daunting.  I mean other than focusing on what to actually film, the legal process for filmmakers is quite extensive.  Due to this, I wish to help you young filmmakers understand what legal issues you will be facing during your creative process. This is the last of four articles that I will provide regarding these issues.  The first one dealt with legal issues while drafting the script, the second one dealt with legal issues after the writing process but before filming, the third dealt with legal issues during the filming process, and finally this fourth one will deal with the legal issues after filming is completed.  I hope that you enjoy and find this helpful.  Once again before I begin, this should not be considered legal advice, but should be issues that you should discuss with a licensed lawyer.

Hey y'all, sorry it has taken so long to finally write my next installment in my Understanding Legal Issues in Film Series.  This is part 4 and the final part in the series and will talk about what legal issues you young filmmakers will face after the filming process.  So I hope you enjoy and find this helpful.

Copyrights
Once again, one of the biggest issues you will have to face deals with copyrights.  However, in this portion of the filming process you don't have to worry about infringing on people's copyrights, this is the time where you make sure that no one infringes on your copyrights. You can do this by filing a PA form at the U.S. Copyright Office.  You should also make sure that you register the script.  One thing that you should make be aware of is that when you register the script to the U.S. Copyright Office, you need to make sure that after the writers put copyright protections on the script, they need to sign a certificate that indicates that the producers have the right to make the film.  Along with that you need to make sure that the U.S. Copyright Office knows about this signed certificate along with the producers putting copyright protection on the film and script as well.  For more information on this please visit http://www.copyright.gov/

Insurance
The next and final legal issue that you young filmmakers will face is getting Errors & Omissions Insurance or O&E.  This insurance will protect you from legal issues and will usually cover the costs of attorneys and court proceedings if any claims were to arise.  This is essential for all filmmakers for their films and something that you definitely need to talk to your attorney about.  However, if you want more information on this type of insurance, please read this incredible article.

Well that is it for what legal issues you will face and have to take care of after filming commences.  This stuff, though it may seem like busy work, is crucial to the safety and protection of your film.  With that being said, this is the end of my Understanding Legal Issues in Film series.  I hope this series has helped you and has provided you some useful information about what issues to you are likely to face while you are creating your work. Let me know if you have any questions, I am more than willing to answer them.  

Captive

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving violence and substance abuse
Run Time: 97 Minutes
My Rating: 3.5/5
So today I saw Paramount Pictures' Captive starring Kate Mara (Netflix's House of Cards), David Oyelowo (Selma), and Michael Kenneth Williams (12 Years A Slave).  The film tells the incredible true story of Ashley Smith, a single mother struggling with a drug addiction, whose life turns upside-down when she is randomly taken hostage in her own house one night by convicted rapist and now murderer, Brian Nichols.  However, as the night goes on and the two get to know each other, they soon realize that this event might have changed both of their lives for the better.
So I thought this film was great and definitely one that I would see again.  With that being said, the film has some major flaws, but with the help of its incredible cast and their performances this film is a great treat to watch. For the most part, the films script lacks some depth, but Kate Mara and David Oyelowo definitely make up for it.  They both bring these people to life and make you care and feel for them. Another great thing about this film is its simplicity.  This film doesn't have any big sets or huge spectacles, instead, it focuses purely on the emotion of its characters and the influence they have on each other's lives.
However, even with an incredible cast and pure simplicity, the film has some major flaws.  As mentioned above, the script lacks in depth.  Also, another big flaw comes from the film's marketing. The film is trying to sell itself as the next Christian sensation, but most of the Christian-values that it is trying to represent are pushed to the side and only come to light for maybe a total of 5 minutes out of the entire 97 minute film.  In my opinion, this is very disappointing and with that brings the audience confusion as to what actually happened between these two people.  Personally, I feel that both the film and the script would have been better if these Christian-values that the film promised were more prominent in the film.  It would make the film flow better and provide a better product for its audiences.
Overall, I thought that the film was great.  Even through its flaws, the film's story is very powerful and the actors give fantastic performances.  This is a great film for all audiences and is one that I would definitely recommend.  This is an incredible story and this film does an amazing job at telling it.

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