Midnight Special

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some violence and action
Run Time: 112 Minutes
My Rating: 4/5
So last night I saw Warner Brothers' Midnight Special starring Michael Shannon (Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice), Joel Edgerton (The Gift), Kirsten Dunst (FX's Fargo), Jaedenn Lieberher (St. Vincent), and Adam Driver (Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens). It tells the story of a father who takes his son, Alton, away from a cult after finding out that the US government is looking for Alton. However, what the US government doesn't know is the incredible powers that Alton possesses. Now, Alton and his family must evade US government and make it to designated place on a specific date so Alton can finally find out who he really is.
So, I actually really liked this film. To be honest, it was completely different than what I anticipated and at times it was completely out there, but it was a pretty interesting film that had incredible acting and a unique take on the science-fiction genre.  The story is quite unique and I feel like this film would have done a lot better at the box-office if the marketers had done a better job at marketing the story.  I had no idea how much science-fiction there would be going into the film, but I quite liked it and it kept me intrigued to the very end.  However, I feel like had I known about all the science-fiction I would have made more of an effort to see Midnight Special when it first came to Texas. With the fantastic story, the actors truly bring it to life and make it interesting.  They bring a sense of realism to the film that it would have deeply lacked.  Midnight Special would fail if it weren't for the cast and they deserve a lot of credit for that.
The main issue with Midnight Special is that pacing of the film.  The film goes along at a pretty slow pace and it makes for a long movie-going experience.  The pacing is helped somewhat by the intrigue of the film, but even then it still feels like a longer movie than it actually is.
Overall, I thought the film was interesting and I am happy I saw it.  This film is definitely not for everyone, especially if you are not into science-fiction.  With that said, if you think that you handle it, I definitely think this is a good film to go and see.  It will definitely make you think and hopefully be an enjoyable experience for you.

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

The Jungle Book

MPAA Rating: PG for some sequences of scary action and peril
Run Time: 105 Minutes
My Rating: 5/5
So Friday night I saw Walt Disney Pictures' The Jungle Book starring Bill Murray (St. Vincent), Sir Ben Kingsley (The Walk), Scarlett Johansson (The Avengers: Age of Ultron), Idris Elba (Zootopia), Christopher Walken (Eddie the Eagle), Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years A Slave), and newcomer Neel Sethi. It tells the incredible adventure of a young mancub named Mowgli as he tries to save the jungle from the tiger Shere Khan. Along the way, he encounters a new friend and other threats, but also comes to understand who he really is and how he fits in his jungle-home.
So this is the next installment in Walt Disney Pictures' live-action remakes of their animated classics and in my opinion this one is the best so far.  Honestly I can't believe that I am saying this because I loved Cinderella when it came out last year. With that said, this entry is incredible and absolutely stunning to watch. In case you weren't aware, the entire film was shot in LA using CGI. None of the jungle was actually shot in the jungle and it is amazing.  I can't believe how far we have come in CGI and just seeing this incredible technology on the big screen is fantastic. The film is so stunning to look at that it just absorbs you right into the story. In fact at some moments in the film, you completely forget that you are even in the theater.  If this film isn't at least nominated for the technical categories at next years Academy Awards, it will be a huge crime. Another great thing about the film is the incredible voice talent.  All of the actors do an amazing job and are perfectly cast.  With that said, the film truly relies on newcomer Neel Sethi to bring the film together and he is incredible.  For someone so young, and working entirely with CGI, he does a spectacular job and keeps the film moving along.
Overall, this film is great and definitely one that everyone should see.  This is Disney at its finest and I cannot wait for the next installment of live-action reboots (Pete's Dragon)!!!  This film definitely deserves the praise that it is getting and in my opinion is one that deserves repeat viewing.  Disney has made an fantastic film and one that I believe actually improves upon its animated counterpart.

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