"Wealth, Travel, Fame…I can take you to movies that have all of that." -Me and Orson Welles
It’s rare these days to not be able to predict the end of a movie, especially one that appears to be formulaic, but I can assure you, you won’t know...
“Civil War” is about a journey across a dystopian future America, following a team of military-embedded journalists as they race against time...
Documentary Explores Legendary Dancer Who Ignited Flames of the 1960s Sexual Revolution; Dallas’s Top Burlesque Dancers With Minxe Mimieux As The Lead...
When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? It’s the newest sequel to an 80’s classic, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”....
“When the love of Maddie’s life gets engaged to her best friend, she puts her feelings aside to be a bridesmaid at their wedding in Ireland.”...
We spoke with Jim Parson (The Big Bang Theory), director Tim Johnson, and Good Morning America contest winner, Cheryl Jackson at the North Texas red carpet premiere of Home.
Click Here to watch Interview with Jim Parsons, Director Tim Johnson, and Cheryl Jackson
Home opens in theater everywhere March 27.
For those who didn’t like the film adaptation of Veronica Roth’s young adult novel, Divergent, I advise you stop reading this review and don’t bother wasting your time watching this sequel. I highly doubt you’ll find Insurgent to your liking as the first film provided more thought and care into its story-line. Though Insurgent supplies much more action, this movie comes off as a fun-filler until its anticipated conclusion.
The film is still set in a futuristic Chicago society, where people are divided into five factions based on skill and aptitude (Abnegation = selfless; Erudite = intelligent; Candor = honest; Dauntless = brave; Amity = peaceful). And as we found out from the last film, Tris (Shailene Woodley) and her brooding, tatted boyfriend, Four (Theo James) are “divergent,” meaning they don’t conform into any category and are considered extremely dangerous.
Insurgent picks up right where Divergent left off. Tris, her brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort), Four, and Peter (Miles Teller) are on the run from the evil, Erudite leader Jeanine (Kate Winslet) and are now hiding out in the Amity faction. However, this safe house doesn’t last long, Jeanine is hell bent on hunting down every Divergent her squad can get their hands on, and unfortunately for Tris, she’s the “special one” that’s capable of opening up a magical box that supposedly will help Euridites rule the world and get rid of the Divergents forever.
The action sequences may feel forced at times, but that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable to watch. The first half of Divergent focused on Tris’ training and the real action in that film didn’t happen till the end. It’s nice to jump right into the excitement and watch some entertaining fight scenes. Like the first film, this sequel shows off some breathtaking visual effects, especially when we delve into Tris’ subconscious and try to decipher whether her visions are real or fake.
Insurgent may get criticized for its cheesiness and at times the confusing plot, but just like Jennifer Lawrence in Hunger Games, Shailene Woodley transcends with her compelling performance as the kick ass heroine. Woodley’s co-stars are adequate. But, even with the addition of Naomi Watts, it’s Miles Teller who shines as the mischievous Peter, providing some much needed comic relief. I do wish we got to dig deeper with Caleb. He is clearly a significant character, but yet I feel no attachment or interest towards him. Keep in mind that Caleb is being played by the same guy who had us bawling our eyes out in The Fault In Our Stars. Hopefully we get know and understand Caleb a little better in the next film.
It is possible that I am still reeling off the first film. Divergent was a great movie and took time to really develop the characters which had me already caring for Tris and Four before the movie started. It’s doubtful that Insurgent will be as memorable as the previous film. The premise is simple and is only stretched out by romance and numerous amounts of action. Fans of the series should be satisfied with this sequel, at least for its entertainment value.
The final book, Allegiant will of course be split into two films. Part 1 of this final installment is set to be released in theaters on March 18, 2016.
Insurgent opens in theaters on March 20, 2015.
Rating: 3/5
Comic-Con at Sea Brings a Unique Sci-Fi Convention Experience to Fans on the High Seas
Convention goers can look forward to the ultimate fan experience with Comic-Con at Sea, embarking on its maiden voyage June 14-21, 2015, exploring Spain, France and Italy on Royal Caribbean’s award winning cruise ship Allure of the Seas.
This distinctive, multi-genre event incorporates a 7-day European cruise with an intimate convention experience that includes expert panels and workshops on everything from costume design and music scoring to special effects makeup, writing a graphic novel and producing a movie. Fans will also have the opportunity to attend an acting workshop taught by Golden Globe nominee Richard Hatch where they can learn how to build confidence and communication skills, gain insight about the business of acting, and learn how to break into today’s entertainment industry. Additional convention highlights feature guest meet & greets, cocktail parties, dining experiences, movie screenings, autograph signings, professional photo ops, a Cosplay contest, concerts and a CD release party for the rock band Ghost of the Robot. Access to convention programming onboard is exclusive to Comic-Con at Sea ticket holders.
Celebrity guests appearing at Comic-Con at Sea include fan favorites such as James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Smallville), Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek Axanar), Tahmoh Penikett(Battlestar Galactica, Dollhouse), Alaina Huffman (Stargate Universe, Supernatural), Drew Roy (Falling Skies, Secretariat) and stars from the television series Bitten. The guest line-up also features musicians, authors, comic creators, costume designers, special effects experts, directors and producers. A full guest list is available on the event website at www.comicconatsea.com.
Comic-Con at Sea organizers have planned the event so that fans and guests can participate in shore excursions and various cruise offerings during the day, with the evenings dedicated to convention specific programming. Allure of the Seas, which will be making its European debut this summer, offers several recreational activities for passengers to enjoy. For the more adventurous, there are activities like zip lining, rock climbing, surf simulators, a full sized basketball court and an ice skating rink. Passengers who wish to participate in more leisurely pursuits can take advantage of the full service spa, spend quiet time in the adults only solarium, do a bit of shopping in the indoor mall, lounge around the cruise ship’s four pools or soak in one of the ten available whirlpools. The cruise ship offers many diversions for children as well such as a youth center, water park, full size carousel, video arcade, a movie theater, a science lab, scrap booking area and art studio.
A special highlight of Comic-Con at Sea is that fans can explore renowned European destinations with more than 80 shore excursion packages to choose from (as of current date). Several of the outings will be exclusive to the convention group. Shore excursions range from sightseeing and city tours, relaxing on the beach to specialty experiences such as a wilderness adventure or a cuisine tour with wine tasting. For this convention cruise, ports of call are Barcelona, Palma De Mallorca, Marseilles, Rome, Florence and Naples.
With three all-inclusive cruise packages, a stellar guest list and a large variety of activities and entertainment options, Comic-Con at Sea promises to be an exceptional convention experience. Join in the fun this summer, June 14-21, 2015. Cruise passes can be purchased via the website at www.comicconatsea.com. Questions can be directed to comicattendees@gmail.com.