Archive for the 'Movie Reviews' Category
August 3rd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s a scene at the end of the second act of Suicide Squad where Task Force X, a group of supervillains brought together to fight fire with fire (sometimes literally), hang out in a bar. The idea is to have the group relate to each other and come to the conclusion that the world may actually need them to do some good or die trying. This would be an effective scene were the movie not preceded by so much visual chaos and a lack of strong choices when learning about these characters. It is truly a shame, as Suicide Squad was lined up to be a breakout in a fairly bland summer, only to deliver another disappointing attempt to flesh out a comic universe.
d Continue reading ‘The Messy Guns: From The Files Of ‘Suicide Squad’ (Movie Review)’
July 29th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Danny Boyle did it. John Woo did it. Fed up with the Hollywood system they went to their original country of origin and made a fantastic five-star film their way. This week we’re celebrating the genius that is the crazed Dutchman known as Paul Verhoeven and what a difference coming home can have – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Straight from the Netherlands today’s selection is a classic dramatic tale filled with espionage, action and one kick ass female lead. (That’s Verhoeven for ya!) We’re continuing our foreign film affairs with the bold and beautiful…Black Book!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Black Book”’
July 29th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The DC Animated Universe has been providing a lot of solid films to their library in recent years. They seem to lean heavily on Batman, which has its pros and cons, but given the mixed reaction to post-Nolan DC theatrical films, it has been nice to have at least one area that continues to deliver. Adapting Batman: The Killing Joke was always going to be a challenge. The controversial graphic novel is hailed as one of the best Batman/Joker stories ever, but the subject matter is certainly darker than the average Dark Knight tale. Sadly, despite good intentions involving changes and additions, the results feel poorly handled thematically and rushed visually.
d Continue reading ‘Batman: The Killing Joke – Who Had The Last Laugh? (Movie Review)’
July 29th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
This week sees the return of both Jason’s to action – Bourne on the big screen and Coleman on the movie watching scene. So from women on Wall Street to the after effects of fornicating with a ghost, we’re digging deep and diverse for the latest edition of Encapsulated Movie Reviews featuring five new films. Check out the critical chatter on Equity, Gleason, Into The Forest, Ants On A Shrimp and Lace Crater below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – 5 New Indie Titles’
July 27th, 2016 by Brian White
Jason Bourne needs no trailer to sell it. Let’s be honest of that fact. When Bourne Identity dropped in 2002 it rejuvenated the stale international spy franchises out there. Just look at the style of what came next in the Bond series, Casino Royale, as living proof. Suddenly Bourne-like movies infected our screens everywhere from the mainstream Mission Impossible franchise to even television series like 24. Yes, technically 24 came out first, but surely you can see the influence of the Bourne films. What I want to know is what’s up with these “character name” movie titles? Stallone resurrected two dead franchises like that. Now I guess it’s Greengrass’ turn, eh? Continue reading ‘Jason Bourne Lays All His Cards Down On The Table (Movie Review)’
July 27th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The central idea of Nerve is one that sounds both ridiculous and completely accurate, based on the society of today. Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman (of Catfish fame) have taken a script by Jessica Sharzer, adapted from a YA novel by Jeanne Ryan and developed a high school kids-focused thriller that doubles as social commentary. The results ride the line of plausibility, but there is something to admire in how the style keeps things moving and the premise holds together, despite not finding the best solutions as the stakes get higher.
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d Continue reading ‘‘Nerve’ Dares To Examine The Thrills Of Social Media (Movie Review)’
July 27th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
One of the main questions going into Jason Bourne was not in regards to the story, as these films largely fall into a template at this point. No, the question to ask is what random tool would Matt Damon’s amnesiac/super would spy use to beat down his challengers. There is an answer to that question and more in this follow-up to 2007’s The Bourne Ultimatum, which reunites Damon with director Paul Greengrass. The series may have shifted to a new character the last time around, but for those who wanted more of the character originated in novel form by Robert Ludlum, this film delivers just that.
a Continue reading ‘Jason Bourne – The Asset That Won’t Go Down (Movie Review)’
July 24th, 2016 by Brian White
Star Trek Beyond promises us one thing going in, a departure from J. J. Abrams’ direction. It of course delivers more, but my main concern was what kind of adventure are we in store for? For too long now I hear complaints from longtime Trekkies upset over the direction of the first two films. Most notably, many dismiss the second film as blasphemy. Rightfully so, but as a new fan to Star Trek I find myself quite fond of Into Darkness (review here). However, with Star Trek Beyond longtime Trekkies are singing songs of praise about this one. From what I hear, they love how closely it reminds them of the old television series. Therein lies the problem for me, but more about that down below. Continue reading ‘‘Star Trek Beyond’ Crashes In Third Place (Movie Review)’
July 22nd, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Still feeling somewhat misty-eyed and romantic it seemed right to turn to the Brits this week for a cinematic story about beauty that keeps past foreign film relations rolling – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re celebrating the magnificence of women with a movie that captures the female essence in all its glory. And while it does feature some exposing of the female form in the name of artistry, strength and spirit are fully present as well. Ladies and gentleman the film that both myself and Mr. Skin put on our Top Ten Films of 2007 (for very different reasons of course!)…Cashback!
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Cashback”’
July 22nd, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
This new series of Star Trek films should ideally have been my gateway into getting a better feel for the series. The J.J. Abrams films were not without merit, but even with a changing of hands to director Justin Lin, I seem to still be largely unmoved by what this franchise has to offer. The spectacle is certainly there, the cast is strong and an emphasis on adventure keeps things fairly lighthearted, but as Star Trek Beyond came to it conclusion, I feel like I am just going to have to be resigned to entertaining the existence of these films more than I actually enjoy them.
d Continue reading ‘Teamwork & Visuals Push ‘Star Trek Beyond’ Just Another Day In Space (Movie Review)’
July 21st, 2016 by Jason Coleman
Comic-Con and Star Trek stories may be dominating this weekend, but that doesn’t mean the indie film scene is lying low. We’re taking a gander at a whopping six new films that provide film fans more options. From dramas to docs, zombies to steampunks, we’re checking out a wide range of interesting and out there topics via this week’s Encapsulated Movie Reviews. Check out the critical skinny on the films Train To Busan, Captain Fantastic, Hooligan Sparrow, Quitters, Vintage Tomorrows and Under The Sun below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – 6 New Indie Titles’
July 20th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
There is something quite refreshing about Lights Out. Based on an effective 3-minute horror short, the film’s concept relies on a simple gimmick and seems to borrow a bit thematically from The Babadook in an effort to make a studio-friendly horror film. While there are ways this film could have gone off the rails and even some questionable logic moments, the film actually does good by its characters, with enough fuel to make this an 80-minute horror feature worth the time.
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d Continue reading ‘‘Lights Out’ Keeps Horror Costs Low (Movie Review)’
July 18th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The Ice Age film series is about a strange a beast as Sid the sloth. While sequels and diminishing returns can often go hand in hand, this is the rare big-budget animated series that lost its way quickly, yet still manages to find success. Ice Age: Collision Course is not a very good film, as it traffics in all the worst things you would expect from animated family comedies (frequent pop culture references, indifferent stakes, big pop song and dancing into the end credits) and really has nothing to offer in the way of cultural relevance. It’s a shame, as hard work must have gone into the making of the film, yet we are very far away from what made the first film somewhat unique.
d Continue reading ‘Ice Age 5: The Mysterious Asteroid (Movie Review)’
July 15th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
This week we’re once again scouring the foreign movie market for a little romance and who better than the Danish for all things deeply devoted – welcome to Forgotten Friday Flick! Today we’re jumping feet first into a foreign film that satisfies cinefile enjoyment for all things enchanted. Granted there are also elements of drama, mystery, lust and lies, but what love affair is complete without such savory side dishes? Thrilling and beautiful with a hint of tragedy, we’re dissecting a five-star flick that’s not…Just Another Love Story.
Continue reading ‘Forgotten Friday Flick – “Just Another Love Story”’
July 15th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
The prospect of putting together a new Ghostbusters is a daunting one, yet an interesting challenge. While the 1984 fantasy-comedy is regarded by many (including myself) as a classic, the concept of a group of scientists in the business of catching ghosts opens up a world of possibilities. Despite the many people (including the original film’s mastermind and star Dan Aykroyd) who championed a third film, the resulting addition to the franchise is a modern update featuring a new director and cast. Fortunately for them, despite a few bumps, the film is fun summer entertainment.
d Continue reading ‘Don’t Slime Me, ‘Ghostbusters’ Is A Fun Update (Movie Review)’
July 14th, 2016 by Jason Coleman
There’s an interesting mix of indie fare this week that has everything from theme park furries to wild west gun-toting baddies. (And that’s just an average day in the work of diverse actor Bryan Cranston!) We’re filling the Encapsulated Movie Reviews today with a trio that includes the comedy CHARACTERz, the drama The Infiltrator and the western thriller Outlaws and Angels – check out the critical skinny below!
Continue reading ‘Encapsulated Movie Reviews – 3 New Indie Titles’
July 13th, 2016 by Brian White
Back in the days I used to fashion myself as a pretty big Ghostbusters fan. I lost count how many times I seen the original back in the 80’s, but I can honestly attest to only seeing the second film once. We all know how bad that film is so I won’t even go there. Needless to say a third Ghostbusters film has been rumored to be in the works now for decades. Did they need a third Ghostbusters film? Of course they did not, but you can’t keep a good cash cow down forever. Sooner or later it’s going to rear its ugly head, hence this year’s Independence Day: Resurgence. So that’s where things get interesting. I was convinced that this reboot of the “franchise” was going to suck hard based on my animosity towards the film’s first trailer, but a recent visit with the original Ghostbusters on 4K UHD Blu-ray made me think otherwise. Continue reading ‘Ghostbusters Mildly Pleases, But The Credits Thrill (Movie Review)’
July 13th, 2016 by Aaron Neuwirth
There’s something to be said for how compelling post-Breaking Bad Bryan Cranston is. At 60-years old, the actor is about 20 years too old to be playing U.S. Customs agent Robert Mazur, the man who went undercover to infiltrate the money-laundering organization of drug lord Pablo Escobar. Still, his rugged face is one full of character, making it easy to find a film like The Infiltrator quite engaging, despite how familiar it all feels.
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d Continue reading ‘Cranston’s Great Undercover In ‘The Infiltrator’ (Movie Review)’
There’s a scene at the end of the second act of Suicide Squad where Task Force X, a group of supervillains brought together to fight fire with fire (sometimes literally), hang out in a bar. The idea is to have the group relate to each other and come to the conclusion that the world may actually need them to do some good or die trying. This would be an effective scene were the movie not preceded by so much visual chaos and a lack of strong choices when learning about these characters. It is truly a shame, as Suicide Squad was lined up to be a breakout in a fairly bland summer, only to deliver another disappointing attempt to flesh out a comic universe.
