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.

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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!!!

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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!!!

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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!!