Archive for the 'Movie Reviews' Category
August 16th, 2012 by David Freedman
No movie this year has perplexed Sean, Liz and Salim the way this movie has done. Watch how they each interpret David Cronenberg’s newest morality play. Starring Salim Lemelle, Liz Manashil (@LizManashil) and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Eric, a billionaire trader, hops in a limousine to go get a haircut. But a visit from the president causes a traffic nightmare, trapping Eric. Eric, believing his life is in danger, tries to escape the turmoil.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘Cosmopolis Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 16th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I guess I could have liked this film a little bit more were certain things handled differently. Falling somewhere in between Stranger Than Fiction and Weird Science, Ruby Sparks is a comedy-drama with a dash of the fantastical that involves a writer literally creating a dream girl out of his own typewritten words. The concept is fine, but various issues I had with the early portions of this film and its switch to more dramatic territory left me a little unsatisfied with it. It is a shame, because the film finds decent balance with being too quirky and acceptably charming, especially given the majority of its cast. Still, I was not quite taken with Calvin and his dream girl from Dayton, Ohio. Continue reading ‘‘Ruby Sparks’ A Little Too Much’
August 13th, 2012 by David Freedman
Greg, Liz and Salim have a ghoulishly good time reviewing this new stop-motion animated horror movie for kids of all ages. Starring Greg Karber(@GregKarber), Liz Manashil (@LizManashil) and Salim Lemelle. Directed by Sean Wright.
Synopsis: Norman is able to speak with the dead. But when his town comes under siege by Zombies, the once quiet Norman snaps into action. Along with some unlikely allies, Norman does battle against a ghoulish army.
Continue reading ‘Paranorman Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 13th, 2012 by David Freedman
Sean, Greg and Leah take a look at the remake of this 1990 thriller originally starring Arnold. But that movie took place on Mars and this one doesn’t! Check out what they have to say. Starring Greg Karber(@GregKarber), Leah Aldridge (@leeleereads), and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Douglas is a factory worker in a post nuclear holocaust world. But when he goes to get memory implanted as part of a virtual vacation, something goes very wrong. Branded as a spy, Douglas runs for his life.
Continue reading ‘Total Recall Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 13th, 2012 by David Freedman
Leah, Sean and David discuss the romantic dramedy starring Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones and Steve Carell. Find out if the script is worthy of the performances. Starring Leah Aldridge (@leeleereads), Sean Wright and David Freedman (@ShowRunnerDave). Directed by , Liz Manashil (@LizManashil). Synopsis: After 31 years together, Kay finds herself in a loveless marriage. So she forces Arnold to go see a famous therapist in hopes of saving their relationship. Together, they re-discover why they first fell in love.
Continue reading ‘Hope Springs Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 13th, 2012 by David Freedman
Liz, Sean and David discuss the new and controversial documentary, Ballplayer: Pelotero with the co-director, Jon Paley. Jon discusses how this documentary evolved and why the commissioner for Major League Baseball took issue with it. Starring Jon Paley, Liz Manashil (@LizManashil), Sean Wright and David Freedman (@ShowRunnerDave.
Synopsis: This documentary follows two young baseball recruits from the Dominican Republic looking for their big break and a shot at the major leagues in the United States.
Continue reading ‘Interview with Jon Paley – Co-Director of Ballplayer Pelotero – Just Seen It’
August 11th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I remember hearing how The Bourne Identity was not an easy movie to make, with various production issues that caused the film to go over budget and be pushed back several months, before finally hitting theaters. Before that film became a success, it was also stated that a sequel seemed unlikely, due to the difficulty in making the first film, let alone not thinking it would be possible to match it. Three films later, ‘Bourne’ is a huge action franchise and now it is time to revisit that universe, but with a new lead actor. Unfortunately, despite the presence of Jeremy Renner and a solid supporting cast, The Bourne Legacy does not fully capitalize on the potential of this series. It instead finds trouble with balancing its story and action, while trying to keep it all interesting and lead into even more eventual films. The first Bourne had charm and worked as a standalone film, only to find success in its sequels. Legacy wants too much too early and suffers because of it. Continue reading ‘The ‘Bourne’ Renner’
August 9th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
For all the big budget, summer action/sci-fi/fantasy flicks that have recently come out, it is nice to also get the big budget, carefree comedy around this time of year as well. The Campaign is a silly comedy that revolves around Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis as rivals in an election, where both men are in the running for Congressman. It is a fairly simple setup and the comedy is exclusively about having fun. I wish there was a little more in the way of political satire, especially since having the R-rating seemed to imply a bit more free reign; however, I got enough entertainment out of seeing these two stars acting as political rivals slinging mud at each other, with more and more ridiculous outcomes. Continue reading ‘‘The Campaign’ Is Sturdy Candidate’
August 8th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
I am always really thrilled to want to recommend a documentary, when I find that it is truly fascinating and entertaining. There are some documentaries that I would only recommend to certain people, based on what I know about them, whether it be appreciation for these type of films or the subject matter that it is based around. The Imposter falls into the realm of other favorite documentaries of mine, such as Man on Wire and The King of Kong, as I think it is a film that can be enjoyed by an assortment of different people, because the story is so wild and takes so many turns throughout that one can help but be engaged. Given the event that it is based on and the style applied to this documentary, this is just as good as seeing this story adapted into a mainstream studio film. Continue reading ‘‘The Imposter’ Had Me Convinced’
August 4th, 2012 by Gerard Iribe
I normally don’t review theatrical features unless it’s warranted. Well, let’s just say that it’s warranted now. If you know me then you also know that I’m a horror fiend and that I hold the REC films close to my wretched heart. I consider REC and REC 2 two of the greatest horror films of all time. In fact, it’s because of the first REC film that I went region free in terms of Blu-rays and all. I have the Spanish import of that disc. I also have the Japanese import of the second film. When the filmmakers decided to expand on the REC mythology I was excited and nervous. The third entry into the successful franchise is entitled REC 3: Genesis, and as you can see, is the prequel. There will be a part four entitled REC 4: Apocalypse next year, which will end the series. For now, I will review part 3. Please keep in mind that the following review may or may not read like a rant, and will be spoiler filled, so if you haven’t seen the film (which is available on VOD through various outlets) then please skip my review, which is more of a cathartic piece than anything else. Continue reading ‘REC 3: Genesis (Movie Review)’
August 4th, 2012 by David Freedman
Spoiler Alert! Salim and Sean Love it. Teresa doesn’t. Watch and see why. Starring Salim Lemelle, Teresa Lo (@TeresaLo_Tweets), and Sean Wright.Directed by Amy Taylor.
Synopsis: Like Jason Bourne, Aaron Cross is a trained government assassin for the Program. But the government decides to kill the program and everyone involved in it. After Aaron narrowly escapes, he starts his search for answers and while trying to stay alive.
WATCH US ON PBS SOCAL Saturdays at 6PM or pbssocal.org/justseenit
Continue reading ‘The Bourne Legacy Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 4th, 2012 by Brian White
Be as it may, I tried to sit down this past weekend and for the first time ever watch the Arnold Schwarzenegger classic Total Recall. Needless to say, I did not make it all the way through. I know. Boo! I became extremely bored and restless half way through. Like my experience with Serenity, I yet again seem to be in the minority when it comes to appreciating Sci-fi classics – although oddly enough, I do utterly adore and appreciate The Fifth Element. I don’t think I’ll fully understand why that is, but I try not to question logic too much when it comes to my love of certain quirky movies. My take away from last weekend’s viewing was that I finally got to experience the three-breasted-woman and appreciated how good looking and yummy Sharon Stone really was back in her Basic Instinct days. However, I won’t let this past weekend discourage me from everything I have seen so far since it was showcased at last year’s Comic-Con in regards to this rebooted title. Hear me world?! I’m coming in with an open mind. Continue reading ‘Watching ‘Total Recall’ Makes Me Want To Forget (Movie Review)’
August 4th, 2012 by David Freedman
Rachel, Leah and David have VERY different opinions about this new Spike Lee ‘Joint’. Is it worth a trip to theater? See what our three reviewers have to say about this controversial movie. Starring Rachel Appelbaum, Leah Aldridge(@leeleereads)and David Freedman. Directed by Amy Taylor (@WalknCandyApple). Edited by Zack Delman. Produced by David Freedman, Aaron Fink(@AaronEvanFink), Pedro Raposo and Cooper Griggs.
Red Hook Summer stars Jules Brown, Thomas Jefferson Byrd and Toni Lysaith. This drama was written, directed and produced by Spike Lee.
Continue reading ‘Red Hook Summer Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 4th, 2012 by David Freedman
Teresa, Sean and Liz review the newest in this kid’s movie franchise. Is it better than Brave? Funnier than Ice Age? How does it compare to Madagascar 3? See what they have to say. Starring Teresa Lo (@TeresaLo_Tweets), Sean Wright and Liz Manashil (@LizManashil). Directed by Amy Taylor (@WalknCandyApple). Edited by Brian Jahns.Produced by David Freedman, Aaron Fink(@AaronEvanFink), Pedro Raposo and Cooper Griggs.
Continue reading ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days Movie Review – Just Seen It’
August 3rd, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
Get your ass to…London? It seemed like it would be easy to constantly compare this remake to Paul Verhoven’s excessive, but entertaining Arnold Schwarzeneggar sci-fi/action flick, Total Recall, but the film has lifted so many different elements from an assortment of other action and sci-fi films that comparing it to just one movie would not do enough justice. The worst thing about this new Total Recall, similarly based on Philip K. Dick’s science fiction short story, “We Can Remember It for You Wholesale,” is that it drops the most interesting aspect about its story – the idea of whether or not we are supposed to believe what is happening. The lack of ambiguity, along with the lack of much in the way originality or personality in the filmmaking, make this a very expensive film that has little to offer, beyond some fancy special effects, which will only be blandly recalled after. Continue reading ‘‘Total Recall’ Has An Identity Crisis’
July 28th, 2012 by David Freedman
Teresa, Sean and Rachel review the new comedy from Ben Stiller about four average Joes who discovers an impending alien invasion and decide that they alone must stop it. Watch what they have to say about The Watch and make sure to give us your comments. Starring Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill and Richard Ayoade. Directed By Akiva Schaffer. Written By Jared Stern and Seth Rogen. Produced by Shawn Levy and Tom McNulty.
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Continue reading ‘The Watch Movie Review – Just Seen It’
July 28th, 2012 by Aaron Neuwirth
People may have to stick with me on this, but I, myself, have stuck with this Step Up franchise for no discernible reason, beyond the fact that the choreography has always been impressive. Despite the lack of Channing Tatum (who began as a bland, pretty face in the first Step Up and is now a hot commodity all over), the series has actually gotten ‘better’ with each entry…until now. Yes, Step Up Revolution has a similarly generic story and weak characters that serve as the same elements that we are not supposed to care about, but the other films seemed better. I was still more engaged with the previous entries and found the dances to be really involving. This film has some elaborate dance sequences and the 3D looks pretty good, but everything around those aspects feels even lazier this time around than normal. I don’t ask for a lot from these movies, but I do wish I was more entertained with this one. Continue reading ‘‘Step Up Revolution’ Is A Dance-tastic Step Down’
July 27th, 2012 by Gregg Senko
Director Scott Speer is the man in charge in this fourth go-around in the Step Up franchise. He picks up where Jon Chu’s third installment left off in 2010…sort of. What was arguably the best film in the series, Step Up 3, or Step Up 3D as it was originally called, is a tough one to top. Sure the acting is rather unnoticeable and the story was cliche, but here comes Speer’s version!
Continue reading ‘‘Step Up Revolution’ Jams to Similar Beat’
No movie this year has perplexed Sean, Liz and Salim the way this movie has done. Watch how they each interpret David Cronenberg’s newest morality play. Starring Salim Lemelle, Liz Manashil (@LizManashil) and Sean Wright. Directed by Amy Taylor.
