Max

MPAA Rating: PG for action violence, peril, brief language and some thematic elements
Run Time: 111 Minutes
My Rating: 3/5
Hey everyone!!!  So today my wife and I saw Warner Brothers and Metro-Goldwyn Mayer's Max starring Thomas Haden Church (We Bought A Zoo), Lauren Graham (WB's Gilmore Girls), and Robbie Amell (The Duff).  The film pays tribute to the war dogs that sacrifice their lives in order to help the marines in Afghanistan.  This film follows the story the of the war dog Max who after his handler is killed during battle returns to the United States and is adopted by his handler's family. However, as his new family tries to adjust to their newest member, they learn what it truly means to be a hero.
So I thought this movie was really good.  I really didn't know what to expect when I first saw this trailer for this show, but I was quite surprised by the outcome of the film.  Now I am not saying that his film is amazing, but it definitely is a good film to watch and probably one that I would watch again.  The best thing about this film would have to be the dog.  The dog is definitely what keeps this film together.  I never realized how important dogs are to the military before I watched this film.  They are such an integral part and save so many lives that they deserve to be recognized.  That is the greatness of the film and the reason why this film is as good as it is.
Besides introducing the audience to a new type of hero and seeing this incredible dog on the screen, the film mostly falls flat.  Yes, the film is entertaining, but the problem with it is that the writers tried to incorporate so many different stories that it all gets jumbled up.  Also there were so many characters that I just couldn't stand that I was bugged for most of the movie.  The whole movie just didn't live up to its potential and if it had just focused on one story, it would have been a much better film.
Overall, the film was just alright.  It wasn't the best film I have seen this year, but it also is not the worst.  This film gave me a new appreciation for everyone fighting for country, both humans and animals.  This film teaches a lot of good lessons that everyone should learn.   This is definitely a good film to take the entire family.

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

Inside Out

MPAA Rating: PG for mild thematic elements and some action.
Run Time: 94 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So today my wife and I saw Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures' Inside Out starring the amazing voice talent of Amy Poehler (NBC's Parks and Recreation), Phyllis Smith (NBC's The Office), Mindy Kaling (Fox's The Mindy Project), Bill Hader (NBC's Saturday Night Live), and Lewis Black (Accepted).  The film tells the story of Riley, an 11 year old girl whose life gets turned upside-down when her parents decide to move from their Midwest home to live in San Francisco for her father's new job.  Like all of us, Riley is guided through life by her emotions - joy, sadness, anger, disgust, and fear.  Her emotions live in the Headquarters inside of Riley where they help her live day to day.  However, when things get hectic in Headquarters, Joy, Riley's key emotion, gets lost and without her, the other emotions begin to conflict on how to best live in this new city.
So this film is absolutely amazing.  In my humble opinion, this is the best Pixar film ever and by far the best film of the year so far!!  I know that is saying a lot, but I honestly believe every word of it. I have been excited for this film for a while and this film completely exceeded my already high expectations.  The film brings on the usual Pixar charm, but there is just something extra in this film that makes this film extra special.  I mean I was hearing sobs and seeing tears from audience members in the very first minute of the film and those sobs and tears lasted the entire film.  With that being said, even though there were tears, there was a lot of laughs along the way.  This film literally has it all and through all the wonderful emotions that this film brings, the film's true strength comes from its amazing voice talent.  Though all the trailers tried to focus on Amy Poehler's "Joy", or Lewis Black's "Anger," and they do a fantastic job, the real power voice in the film comes from Phyllis Smith as "Sadness."  I have always been a fan of Phyllis Smith and personally I think that she is underrated in everything that she has been in.  She is absolutely amazing in this film and I honestly believe she is the reason why the film is so good.  She is so great and she is complimented by her other outstanding co-stars.
So I honestly can't say a single bad thing about this film.  I absolutely loved this film and I think everyone should see it.  The film has something for both kids and adults.  Pixar has done it again with Inside Out and it would be shame if you did not go see this film and experience its greatness.

Thanks again for reading!!  If you have any questions, comments, or ideas just let me know!!1

Jurassic World

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of science-fiction violence and peril.
Run Time: 124 Minutes\
My Rating: 4.5/5
Hey everyone, sorry I am so late on this review, but it was one busy weekend and I wasn't able to see it until yesterday.  However, here is my review for Universal Pictures' Jurassic World starring Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy), Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help), Nick Robinson (ABC Family's Melissa & Joey), and Jake Johnson (Fox's New Girl).  The film picks up 22 years after the original film where a new theme park (Jurassic World) is open for business.  As the park owners are trying to bring more people to the park, they focus on studying genetics to create their own breed of dinosaurs. However, when everything goes horribly wrong, it is up to the park operators to stop the mayhem before the park's guests get killed.
So personally I thought that this film was great.  This film is everything that you want to see in a summer blockbuster.  There is action, a great cast, and an edge-of-your adventure.  This film has everything and is definitely a movie that should be seen on the big screen.  Though this film has so many great things in it, probably the film's greatest asset is its ties to the original film.  This sequel is probably the closest to matching the greatness of the original.  The film brings in a lot of sets from the first film and by seeing those the whole film becomes very nostalgic.  However, even though the film brings the same greatness as the original, the film still stands on its own as a very original take on the franchise that brings unique ideas and a great story. Also Chris Pratt is absolutely amazing and as charming as ever.  He definitely brings an added value element to the film and is certainly a reason to see the film.
Though I thought the film was amazing, the only thing that really bugged me about this film was that it was way too predictable.  I have always felt that there should have never been a sequel to the original film because it is basically the exact same story just different people.  However, if you know this going into the film, the film is still quite enjoyable.
Overall, I thought this film was great.  I honestly believe that this is a film that everyone should see. This film has something for everyone and if you are a fan of the original film then you will love this film.  This is the movie event of the summer and one that you definitely do not want to miss!!!

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

Insidious: Chapter 3

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for violence, frightening images, some language and thematic elements.
Run Time: 97 Minutes
My Rating: 4.5/5
So today my wife and I saw Blumhouse Productions' Insidious: Chapter 3 starring Dermot Mulroney (My Best Friend's Wedding), Stefanie Scott (Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm), Lin Shaye (Insidious), Leigh Whannell (Insidious), and Angus Sampson (Insidious).  Though this film is the third film in the Insidious Saga, it is actually tells the story of what happened before the haunting of the Lambert family.  This film follows Quinn Brenner, a teenager, who is desperately trying to connect with her dead mother.  She asks psychic Elise Rainier (Lin Shaye), to help her, but Elise refuses due to past experiences. However, soon after this encounter Quinn begins to experience paranormal events in her house.  As the attacks get more violent and more frequent, Quinn and her father have to beg Elise to finally use her abilities and contact the other side because if she can't, then Quinn become a lot closer to her mother than she and her father would like.
So personally I loved this film!!!  It was fantastic and I personally would rank it up there with the original film. I was actually quite surprised by how much I liked this film and how well-made it was. Usually once a series reaches its third film the series tends to go downhill, but this one completely exceeded my expectations.  So with that being said, there are many things that make this film great. The first thing that makes this film so good is how well it ties in to other films in the series.  With this being a prequel, I really didn't know how it was going to tie in to the other films and I really wasn't too excited about it, but it did so well.  It actually tied it in so well that personally I would be completely fine if the filmmakers decided to stop the series right here and keep it a trilogy.  There is just a sense of finality after this film that there really is no need to keep going.  However, I wouldn't be mad if they did continue the series, if they wanted.  Another thing that makes this movie so great is the increased presence of Lin Shaye.  She is by far the best part about this series and the more on-screen time that she receives the better the movie is.  She is such a powerhouse in these films and if she wanted to continue with the series, I will be there to support her.
Though I thought the film was excellent, there was really only one thing that I thought the film really lacked.  I thought the film wrapped things up too quickly.  I felt that the film was building up to this major climax, but it went through it so quick that it made it very anticlimactic.  If they would have made the film just a little bit longer, I feel like this would have been a perfect horror movie.
So overall, I loved this film.  I understand that this film is not for everyone.  In fact for most people, this is at the bottom of their list of films to see.  However, if you want to try this film out, I would completely recommend it.  You do not need to see the other films in order to see this film.  It may help in some aspects, but it is not necessary.  If you have seen the other films or you like horror, please go see this film, you will not be disappointed.  It was a fantastic film and a great addition to the horror genre.

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

San Andreas

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense disaster action and mayhem
 throughout, and brief strong language

Run Time: 114 Minutes

My Rating: 3.5/5

So this weekend I also went and saw New Line Cinema's San Andreas starring Dwayne Johnson (Furious 7), Carla Gugino (Spy Kids), and Alexandra Daddario (Percy Jackson Series).  The film was directed by Brad Peyton (Journey 2: The Mysterious Island).  The film tells the story of Ray, a rescue-chopper pilot in California, who is called into action when a massive earthquake unravels down the San Andreas Fault.  While the destruction is intense and buildings crashing all around him, he only has one goal: to protect his family!

First off, I was completely entertained watching this film.  It was very intense and the visuals were stunning. I was amazed at how cool the graphics were; it may not have been realistic, but it was really cool to look at.  Though the film was entertaining, the film was just your typical disaster movie.  I mean if you have seen one disaster movie, you have basically seen them all.  However, the film is saved by the the actors especially Dwayne Johnson.  Dwayne Johnson for the longest time (especially in the last 5 years or so) has been known as the person who has jumped onto different franchises and really saved them from failure.  This is true for the GI-Joe series, the Journey series, and even the Fast and Furious franchise.  It has been a long time since we have seen Dwayne Johnson star in a film that isn't a sequel or that he is the main lead.  With that being said, after watching this film, I wonder why we haven't seen more of this.  He has such a charismatic personality and truly is a very entertaining person to watch.  It is that personality that makes San Andreas fun and exciting.
Unfortunately, Dwayne Johnson can't save the film from all of its flaws.  To start off, the script was awful.  There were times that I had to laugh because of the words that were coming out of the characters mouths.  I am sure the actors were wondering why they needed to say some of this stuff. Also, throughout the movie, Dwayne Johnson's character is tasked with saving his daughters life, however, that is the only life he thinks deserves saving.  There are many people who are injured or are about to get injured that he just passes by because they aren't his daughter.  For someone that spends his entire life as a rescuer, you would think that his instinct would be to save those people as well.  Also while he was on his way to help people, he hears about his daughter and abandons his job and all those people in need to go save her.  While I understand parents will do anything for their children, that doesn't mean that they wouldn't stop to help someone else in need if it was happening right next to them.  That to me was the major flaw in this film.
Overall, I thought the film was good.  It was an entertaining two hours and a nice break from my day. Is it the best film out in theaters right now? No, but it is a pretty good one.  If you can ignore all the major flaws in the script, and just try to enjoy yourself, than you will like this film.  It is an intense ride and one that is definitely worth seeing on the big screen.

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

My Top 10 Summer Movies

Hey everyone, sorry I have basically been non-existent for the past couple of weeks.  School got really crazy with finals and everything, but I can officially say that I am done with my first year of law school.  How crazy is that?  I can't believe that I have made it this far.  Only 2 more years left. With that being said, I thought that I would finally get back into the swing of things with another Top 10 list.  I haven't done one of these since February (I know I have been slacking).  So in order to celebrate the end of a school year, I thought I would focus my list on the movies that celebrate summer.  We each have a fond memories growing up about our summers whether it be family vacations, summer camp, or really just hangout out with friends. Summer truly means something special to each of us.  So with that being said, I hope that you enjoy my Top 10 Summer Movies!!!

10. Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
MPAA Rating: R
The first film on my list is Wet Hot American Summer.  Ok, so most likely at lot of you haven't heard of this film and to be honest, that is probably a good thing.  I ran across this film about 2 weeks ago on Netflix and just started to watch it.  Was it the greatest in the world? No.  Would your life not be complete without watching this show? Definitely no!  However, is this a good film about summer? Yes.  For who is in this film, I am surprised it isn't more popular, to name a few Bradley Cooper, Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler.  The film tells the story of a group of camp counselors on the last day of summer camp.  The film takes some crazy twists and turns along the way, some that I enjoyed and others that I did not enjoy, but overall, it was still a pretty entertaining film to watch.
This film is definitely not for everyone and I completely understand that.  In fact, I would recommend most people not see this film.  I for one enjoyed it, while I know that my wife will completely hate this film.  The film is just plain stupid and really has no point being made, however it has gained such a cult following that Netflix will be premiering a TV series of this film later this summer (which I will be watching).  With all that being said, this film is a great summer film.  We all have so many goals and things we want to achieve during the summer and this film shows that we should do whatever it takes to accomplish our summer goals.

9. I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997)
MPAA Rating: R for strong horror violence and language
As if you didn't know, no list of mine would be complete without a horror film on the list.  I know
these aren't for everyone, but for some reason I just love them.  So what horror movie would be better to start off my list than I Know What You Did Last Summer?  I mean come on it has the word "summer" right in its name. The film tells the story of 4 students who on the first day of summer are traveling down the road at night when they accidentally run into someone and kill him.  Not wanting to tell anyone about it, they throw the man's body into the ocean and make a pact that they won't tell anyone what happened.
However, exactly a year later, after they have all tried to move on from the incident, they receive a letter saying "I know what you did last summer."  Now, the group of friends are being targeted from an unknown person who is seeking revenge for their most guarded secret.
The thing I love about this film and the reason it is on my list is that it shows just how important and unforgettable summers are.  Now I am not saying that we will be haunted by what we do during the summer, but especially now where everything we do is posted to social media, it is much harder to keep a secret.  I mean for most of us we won't have someone chasing after us, but the things we do during summer and really all the time could live with us forever even if we really don't want them to.

8. Friday the 13th (1980)
MPAA Rating: R
The next film on my list is another horror classic, but it has instilled a worry in every parent as they send their kids off to summer camp.  Because of this film, every parent now wonders how safe their children actually are at summer camp.  I mean the whole premise is that a kid drowned in a lake at summer camp and is now the mother is out for revenge against the camp counselors that weren't doing their job. Now I am not saying that this was the greatest way to handle things, but lets be honest, whose mother wouldn't go to great lengths if this had happened to their son. Though this is a horror film, this film really made people start to think about what really happens at summer camp and who is actually taking care of their children.
Ever since the original film Jason Voohrees has been terrifying people in countless movies and remakes.  Though some sequels are better than others, the films have mostly strayed away from the summer camp experience,  This is very unfortunate.  However, the 2009 remake tried to bring back the nostalgia of the summer camp/vacation.  There is a new film coming out next year and let hope that it brings back more of the nostalgia that the other films have lacked.

7. The Way Way Back (2013)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, language, some sexual content and brief drug material.
So, the next film on my list is a little indie film that came out about 2 years ago called The Way Way Back.  This film stars Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, and AnnaSophia Robb.  I went and saw this film in theaters out of a recommendation and I was actually quite surprised.  It tells the coming of age story of a 14-year-old boy who goes on summer vacation with his mom, her obnoxious boyfriend, and his daughter.  Though he tries, he never quite seems to fit in.  However, he finds an unexpected friend who manages the town's water park.  So with the help of his new friend, he gets a summer job and finally begins to realize that he doesn't need to change who he is to make others happy.
This is a great little indie film that I think everyone should see.  I can honestly say that this is the one film where I absolutely despise Steve Carell.  I'm not saying he is bad, I just don't like his character. However, the reason this is on my list is because during the summer months is who we really find ourselves.  I remember times when I would see someone the last day of classes, but then the following year on the first day of classes he was a completely different person.  He had found who he wanted to be.  I am sure we can all remember times like that.  Also, another reason is who doesn't remember how important and fun it was to have your first summer job!!!

6. Jaws (1975)
MPAA Rating: PG
This next film on my list is a popular film for most people.  For those that have seen it, everyone can remember the first time they watched Jaws.  At the time it was so terrifying and no one wanted to get into an ocean after that.  In fact, we can really point to this movie as the beginning of America's shark craze (a.k.a. Shark Week).  In case you haven't seen this film, it tells the story of a town, Amity, where they thrive by being a summer tourist destination. However, when they are threatened by a giant shark, they must try to stop it or all their summer tourism profit will be lost.
The thing I liked about this film is that to this day there are still people after over 40 years that are afraid to go into the water.  When you can accomplish that, then you know that you have created a horror masterpiece.  However, the reason this is on my list is because going to the beach is still a favorite summer activity that people do.  For most people, they don't even think about the dangers. It also shows though how important tourism can be for certain cities and how impacted they can be if people stopped coming.

5. The Parent Trap (1998)
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild mischief
The next film is the Disney classic The Parent Trap starring Lindsey Lohan and Dennis Quaid.  In all reality you can watch either this one or the 1961 version starring Hayley Mills, it really doesn't matter, they are both actually quite good.  This film tells the story of two twin sisters who were separated shortly after being born due to their parents breaking up.  Neither one of them knew the other one existed or even who their other parent is.  However, they both unexpectedly meet at summer camp one year and form a plan to get their parents back together.
So the reason I love this movie and the reason it is on my list is because the summer camp sequence is absolutely hilarious and to me the best part of the film.  I loved when the two sisters (who at first hated each other) were pulling all the different pranks on each other.  I don't know what it is, but for some reason whenever summer hits, there is a rise in pranks and kids think that pulling pranks on others is hilarious.  I remember so many times when my friends wanted to go toilet-papering or whatever was popular at the time.  A lot of people associate summer with this kind of stuff, so I thought it would be fitting to put this prank-filled summer camp story on the list.

4. The River Wild (1994)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and threatening moments
The next film on the list is probably one of my favorite movies of all time.  It would higher on the list, but I just feel that there are better summer movies than this.  Anyways, this film stars Meryl Streep and Kevin Bacon and for some reason I just love this film.  You can ask my family and they will tell you the same thing.  This film tells the story of a mother, a white-water-rafting guide, who decides to take her son on his first white-water rafting trip.
However, they encounter some unexpected travelers along the way, which leads to a very action and suspense-filled ride, which takes the entire family working together in order to survive.
So like I said, I love this film and probably one of the biggest reasons why I love it so much is because one of my favorite summer activities is to go white-water-rafting.  I think it is so much fun. That is partly the reason why this is on my list.  Every time I watch this film I want it to be summer so that I can go.  I know a lot of people that enjoy white-water-rafting and if that is you, this is definitely the film for you.

3. Heavyweights (1995)
MPAA Rating: PG for some rude language and pranks
So the next film on  my list is one that I loved watching while I was growing up.  This film stars Ben Stiller as a new camp director who turns every kids summer dreams into their most terrifying nightmares.  The film tells the story of a group of kids that are lured into joining a fancy fat camp with the promise of a quick weight loss and a fun summer, but their summer plans don't go as planned when they find out that the camp has been sold to a psycho ex-fitness instructor.
So this film is hilarious and really is an underrated and sadly often forgotten about movie.  The thing I love about this film is that it shows just how important and how fun summer camp can be.  Though for most of these kids, their camp experience was horrible, there are glimpses into some great times as well.  Summer camp is a place where you can meet some of your greatest friends and make some unforgettable memories.  This is a great film for the whole family to watch and definitely one you should watch this summer.

2. National Lampoon's Vacation (1983)
MPAA Rating: R
The next film on my list is a film about the great family road trip and a film that has led to many great sequels about family vacations.  The film stars Chevy Chase and Beverly D'Angelo as parents who want their two kids to experience life and have great family memories.  With that spirit, they decide to take their first family road trip to Walley World (their version of Disneyland).  Along the way the family runs into a few obstacles that make for a hilarious road trip that only those that have been on one can truly cherish.
So the reason this film is on my list and is so high up on my list is because one thing that I can always remember about summers is going on family vacations.  While most of the time we did not go on road trips like the Griswolds, we did go on some and they were pretty memorable.  I think each of us has our own memories of family vacations and the mayhem that they really are.  However, though they can sometimes be hectic and crazy, I do think that most of us would say that they were the times that made us closer than ever before.  Also as a side note, there is another sequel coming out this summer, that I am told is absolutely hilarious!!!

1. The Sandlot (1993)
MPAA Rating: PG for some language and kids chewing tobacco
Ok, so we have made it to the top of my list.  To me, the best summer film would have to be The Sandlot.  This film tells the story of a new-kid-in-town who is taken under the wing of a baseball prodigy and his team.  As the summer progresses, this group of friends find themselves in some crazy adventures.  However, even though these adventures and challenges seem overbearing, they know that they can always find refuge on the baseball field.
So the reason this film is on the top of my list is because it shows the audience just how important summer actually is and it also shows some of the great activities that are available to kids during the summer.  For the main character, being the new-kid-in-town, summer was his way of making friends so that he did not have to go to school all alone.  For the other kids it was a time for them to have as many adventures as possible.  Plus, some of my favorite memories of summer come from when I was just hanging out with my friends either playing baseball, playing football, or playing basketball. There is just something about those times that made my summers amazing.

Well everyone I hope you enjoyed my list.  If you don't see a summer film on my list that you think should be there, put it in the comments below.  I love to hear your suggestions.  Once again, I am sorry I haven't posted in a while and I hope now that it is summer I will be able to be more on top of things.  We shall see.  Well everyone enjoy your summer and come back every week for reviews on some of summers biggest movies!!!

Aloha

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some language including suggestive comments

Run Time: 105 Minutes

My Rating: 3.5/5

So this weekend my wife and I saw Columbia Pictures' Aloha starring Bradley Cooper (American Sniper), Emma Stone (The Amazing Spiderman), Rachel McAdams (The Vow), John Krasinski (NBC's The Office), Danny McBride (This Is The End), Bill Murray (St. Vincent), and Alec Baldwin (NBC's 30 Rock). The film was directed by Cameron Crowe (Jerry McGuire).  The film tells the story of Brian Gilcrest (Bradley Cooper), a celebrated military contractor, who returns to the place of his greatest achievement, Honolulu, Hawaii.  While there he is forced to confront details of his past when he sees his ex-girlfriend (Rachel McAdams) and her new family.  However, even through all the awkwardness he finds himself falling hard for the intense Air-Force watchdog (Emma Stone) assigned to keep an eye on him.
So personally I really liked this film.  I thought it was very entertaining, but like most movies like this it was way too predictable.  However, the film provided some very quality laughs and I personally believe that most critics are being way too hard on this film.  The film thrives mostly on its incredible cast that it has. Each actor brings in their own brand of entertainment that greatly enhances the movie-going experience.  Usually in films like this where there are a lot of big-name actors, I can usually find one that bugs me or that I don't like, however in this film I seemed to enjoy all of the actors.  I couldn't find a single actor in this film not to like and though the film may be very predictable and unoriginal these actors bring life to it and make it worth your time and money.  Another great thing about the film was that it was beautiful to look at.  Hawaii is a gorgeous place and director Cameron Crowe makes sure that shows as much as the landscape and culture as possible.
Though I thought the film was great (even though it was very predictable), the thing I did not like about the film was that it tried to intertwine the character story with ancient Hawaiian myths. Usually, I would be all for this because I love learning about different cultures and the myths that they have; unfortunately it does not work for this film.  Though I thought it was interesting to have this information, it hurt the film as a whole.  It really didn't make a lot of sense most of time and it didn't help the film flow smoothly.  It created a jumbled mess most of time and I honestly believe that if this part had been taken out, this film would have been so much better and probably would have received better reviews from other critics.
Overall, I actually quite enjoyed this film.  It is typical romantic comedy, but I honestly believe that this one is worth your time.  I promise you that you will not be disappointed seeing this film.  The cast does an amazing job and there are some great moments in this film.  If you can get through some of the jumbled mess with the Hawaiian myths, then you will love this film.  I would recommend this film to anyone, but especially those that want a break from this summer's big blockbuster film and just want to relax a little bit.

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