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Before the screening of this film started our theater was greeted with some wise words, “leave all logic at the door.” I had to continuously remind myself of this thought during the entire two and a half hours of non-sense that is “F9”.
I was pleasantly surprised with the premise of “The Fate of the Furious”, so it’s upsetting that “F9” didn’t deliver the same quality to their storyline. In “F9” Dom (Vin Diesel) and Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) are living in a secluded home with Dom’s son, little Brian. Their quiet life is interrupted by some old friends who have been sent an SOS from intelligence operative Mr. Nobody (Kurt Russell). His plane, which was holding captured cyberterrorist Cipher (Charlize Theron) and part of some “dangerous” weapon, was brought down somewhere in Central America. We quickly find out the person responsible is Dom’s brother, Jakob (John Cena), who he has never mentioned until now!? What happened to not turning your back on family, Dom?
The mystery behind these brothers’ past is revealed in flashback sequences featuring teenage Dom (Vinnie Bennett) and Jakob (Finn Cole). These scenes were actually the best parts of the film. Bennett and Cole show promising talent, and the older setting took us back to the roots of the franchise with simple street races. Man, I miss those. Less used to be more in the first, “Fast and Furious”.
As we are sporadically informed why Jakob and Dom no longer speak, we are taken on an insane, wild ride. Just when you think you’ve seen it all and it can’t get any crazier, it does! It’s literally out of this world. I could give further explanation of the plot, but why bother? It’s forgettable and not important.
Thankfully, the film is self-aware of it’s lunacy. Tyrese Gibson’s character, Roman, even suggests the crew might be some sort of super soldiers with invincibility. But everyone else thinks the thought of this theory is comical.
If the point of these films is purely to entertain with action, cars, explosions and some humor, then I guess “F9” did its job.
I understand these films aren’t looking to win Oscars. I don’t mind these characters dodging bullets, or Dom having superhuman strength; or even cars in space. In fact, I can appreciate the originality. But, does the script have to be so irresponsible and cheesy? It doesn’t have to be realistic, but the franchise is capable of a more coherent screenplay; i.e. films 1, 5, 6, and 8. That being said, we’re still going to watch the 10th and however many more they make, because we’re invested in these characters and their story.
“F9” sparks laughter, excitement, confusion, and eye rolls. Familiar faces from previous Furious films make surprising cameos and John Cena makes a great addition to the cast. Fans of the saga will be satisfied and somehow still want more.
Rating: C
“F9” opens in theaters June 25, 201.
John Travolta and Devon Sawa star in the new film, “The Fanatic”. Trust me when I say, you’ve never seen Travolta like this! It’s a psychological thriller that will have you questioning the difference between fan and stalker.
I got a chance to sit down with John Travolta and discuss when it’s appropriate to walk up to celebrities, who is his guardian angel, his favorite Travolta dance move, and more!
“The Fanatic” opens in select theaters on August 30 at the AMC Mesquite 30 and Studio Movie Grill Colleyville in the Dallas-Forth Worth area. It will be on Video-On-Demand and digital release September 6.
Studio Movie Grill is hitting the streets with minions to give away free admit-two passes. When a minion is seen at the locations listed below and SMG The Colony is mentioned, the minions will give away a free pass, good for two people at any SMG location.
What: Studio Movie Grill The Colony/Minions Promotion
When: Friday, July 10 – Saturday, July 11
Where:
Shops at Legacy – Friday, July 10 (3:00pm – 5:00pm)
5741 Legacy Dr.
Plano, TX 75024
Studio Movie Grill Plano – Friday, July 10 (6:00pm – 8:00pm)
4721 W. Park Blvd.
Plano, TX 75093
Hawaiian Falls – Saturday, July 11 (11:00am – 3:00pm)
4400 Paige Rd.
The Colony, TX 75056
Why: Studio Movie Grill recently announced its upcoming location in The Colony. To get fans excited about the new location, SMG is hitting the streets with minions to give away SMG passes to fans. When a minion is seen at any of the above locations and fans mention SMG The Colony, they will receive a free admit-two pass, good for any SMG location.
About Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. SMG is characterized in the market today by its continued ability to innovate movie and menu offerings, as well as its dedication to the communities it serves. Considered the industry leader in its rapidly growing segment, SMG currently has 20 locations in 10 states with more expansion on the way. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
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
It’s the most anticipated film of the year. Divergent, starring Shailene Woodley (The Spectacular Now) and Theo James (Underworld: Awakening) is sure to have as much success as The Hunger Games and Twilight trilogies.
The first installment of the saga is set in a futuristic Chicago where people are divided into five distinct factions based on their personalities. Tris (Woodley) discovers that she is Divergent, meaning she does not fit into any of the factions; and soon discovers that in order to stay alive she must hide in a faction. The only problem is she chooses the most physically challenging one, Dauntless meaning “the brave.” As she struggles and fights through most of the film to prove herself to her new faction, she encounters many obstacles. This includes the hard-headed, tough leader Eric (Jai Courtney) and a non-stop competitive bully, Peter (Miles Teller). While training for Dauntless, Tris uncovers a horrifying plot forming in her seemingly perfect society.
The film held a special premiere in Dallas a couple weeks back. The “bad boys” themselves, Miles Teller and Jai Courtney, walked the red carpet and took pictures with many extremely enthusiastic Divergent fans. The next morning I got a chance to sit down with the two stars at Dallas’ Ritz Carlton Hotel to discuss the movie, the fans, and their fears. Now don’t be fooled by the characters they play. Their kindness and dry sense of humor made for one hilarious interview.
I have to give you guys props for last night on the red carpet. You handled your fans really well. I mean right when you (pointing to Miles) walked in, I saw you take a picture with a girl and she just grabbed your face and kissed you on the cheek.
Miles: “Yeah, yeah…”
Jai: “He’s use to that though; that happens all the time.”
Miles: “Yeah that’s, uh, you know, that’s a part of the business when you’re a heart throb (Jai laughs)… No. This one girl was like can I touch your hair? And I was like, yeah, sure. And she was like “oh God!” (Pulls hair and shakes head aggressively) Alright, so now I know if somebody asks “can I touch your hair?” I’m going to say “no.” So, like, you learn as you go. It’s hard in the moment though. It’s like; you (points to Jai) kissed a girl last night. You kissed a girl on the cheek, you told me.”
Jai: “I was kissing girls all over the place. It’s a free country.”
Miles: “Yeah, it’s a free country (laughs).”
Clearly your fans are very bold. What’s the boldest thing so far on this tour that a fan has done to you guys?
Miles: “Well this is our first stop on the tour…”
Jai: “Yeah that was it. You saw all of it. But it’s only going to get bolder from here.”
Miles: “…but teenage girls, they can be aggressive. I see One Direction videos, they’re…I mean no I don’t, (whispers) love them, Harry Style’s is my fav.” (Jai laughs)
Well you two play some not so nice characters in this movie. But I’d say the biggest “jerk moment” from both of y’all is probably when Eric had Peter beat up Tris.
Jai: “Woah!”
Miles: “Well that’s a little; I mean it’s not really revealed like that.”
Jai: “I mean, it’s part of the training. I didn’t have Peter beat up Tris.”
Miles: “Yeah.”
I mean you basically set it up.
Miles: “Oh my God, obviously she’s on Tris’ side were not going to win this argument.”
Jai: “You’ve misinterpreted things grossly.”
Miles: “I mean we’re just trying to survive Dauntless; is all we’re trying to do.”
Jai: “It’s a training exercise. She’s going to face tougher guys than Peter out there in the real world.”
Miles: “Yeah, I mean not tougher, but (Miles takes at a tough man sniff) taller.”
Jai: “Yeah, taller.”
So obviously that scene wasn’t hard for you guys to shoot at all then?
Jai: Morally? No (Shakes head).
Miles: “Well I mean Shai, at first; they did it with Shailene’s stunt double. And they said look three guys grab her. And they told the stunt double to; you know, kick and do all that. And she beat the crap out of these three dudes. So I was nervous to get in there. But then they said, yo, choke Shailene out. And I was, like, get in here. Come to daddy. So, you know, just a little bit of that.”
The funny thing is that there are some fans that want Peter and Tris together, even though he’s so horrible to her.
Miles: “I know right?”
And I think that stems from a girl wanting a bad boy still. Why do you guys think girls want the bad guy, even when they’re so horrible to them?
Miles: “I mean we’re more exciting. You know, like, nice is very cliché. You want a nice guy to go to the donut shop. If you want a bad boy, you better be able to role with the punches. (Jai laughs) We’re sexy. We look good in leather.
Jai: “Right?” (Looks to me)
Miles: “You tell me. What are you into? Do you like a bad boy?”
I think I like a… well there is an excitement to them, but I prefer a gentleman, and you can be a bad boy as long as you’re a gentleman.
Jai: “You can be a bad boy and a gentleman.”
Miles: “Right, well I think that girls think that they can make a bad guy change. I think for girls that’s the challenge. But most of the time, they don’t change. But I’d love for Peter and Tris to hook up.”
I think I’d like to see that.
Jai: “Yeah I’d watch that.”
Miles: “Yeah, right?”
We get to see a lot of the characters greatest fears in this movie, and like Four said, “Everybody is afraid of something.” So what is something that you guys are afraid of?
Jai: “I’m not much into arachnidan.”
Miles: “What is, is that a spider?
Jai: “Yeah, Not into spiders.”
Miles: “Spiders or snakes, what would freak you out more? Cause there’s two different movies about them?”
Jai: “See snakes don’t freak me out. I don’t want to get bitten by one, but like I would hold one.”
Miles: “You would hold one? You’re cool with that? What about sharks, great white sharks?”
Jai: “Grew up wrestling them dude.”
You (To Jai) are a bad boy.
Jai: “You know it.” (Miles laughs)
Miles: I don’t like cats, I’m not afraid of them…
Jai: “Cats suck! I’m with you on that.”
Miles: “…I’m allergic to them. I feel like a cat is, like, plotting to kill me.”
Jai: “We’re going to lose fans here.”
Miles: “Were going to lose our cat audience here. That’s fine; we got our dog audience…Oh, losing my youth! I’m afraid, I mean, I’m not afraid of getting old.”
Jai: “You’re getting old man.”
Miles: “Dude, you’re like 32 years-old man.”
Jai: “We’re the same age brother.”
Miles: “No we’re not!”
Jai: “Yes, we are (Laughs).”
Miles: “There’s no way this (Points to himself) is the same age, man. Look at you.”
Jai: “He can’t come to grips with that.”
(To set the record straight, both Miles and Jai are 27 years-old.)
Divergent hits theaters March 21.
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com
Indiegogo continues to help the arts. And now you can help produce their new music video!
RivetHead and the Fans
“We are a band for the fans, and funded by the fans. All of our seventy songs have been independently produced and any profits made went right back into producing our next album. We’ve had our music played on Sirius/XM Octane, The Lex and Terry Morning Radio Network, we even had our music featured in the Lion’s Gate movie “Unrivaled.” Our soul focus for making music has been the fans, and now we want your help to take things up a notch.”
“What we want to do is make you a part of RivetHead. What better way to do it, than to have a music video that is entirely funded by you, our Fans. We want to bring the RivetHead fan-base together and show the world that we aren’t just some independent metal band. We are The Independent Metal Band.”
The Video
The video will be for the new song released on the Doomsday for Optimism album titled “Cricket Bat.” Cricket bat is a heavy and rocking song about not taking any more flack from the world around you. That’s why the video is about taking the power back at the workplace.
“Once this about how people can get involved and support local art. When you guys contribute/support local art, you will even get great rewards. On the page there are exclusive incentives for people who want to be a part of the campaign. There’s things like a $5 donation gets your name in the credits all the way to $125 will actually get you featured in the video. It’s something that bigger bands or production companies can’t do, and that’s getting the community to have a direct relationship to the product. That’s what makes this campaign new and innovative. That’s what people will be interested in hearing about,” says Brady Tulk (Music Video Director)
Click Here to listen to the Director and Producer of the Video, Talk about the Campaign
The sudden death of Cory Monteith has sent shock waves through Hollywood and caused sadness for fans everywhere. On July 13, 2013, the actor’s body was found in his hotel room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. He was found by staff members of the hotel after missing his check out time that day. It was released after his autopsy that the cause of death was from a “mixed drug toxicity,” consisting mainly of heroin and alcohol. There is no reason to believe his death was anything but an accident. As this is a tragic time for everyone who cared for Monteith, we look back at the star’s life.
When it all Started
Early on in Cory’s life he was “just a small town boy, living in a lonely world.” He struggled to find his place in the world after his parents’ divorce when he was 7. He and his older brother were raised by his mother, and he saw little of his father due to his military services. He had social difficulties at school and, at age 13 he turned to drugs and alcohol.
Cory attended 16 different schools, including alternative programs for troubled teens. And by age 16 he dropped out of school all together. Things only got worse from there, he resorted to petty crimes and stealing from his family to pay for his addiction. It was at 19 when his mother and friends staged an intervention, and Cory finally entered a rehabilitation center. He had stated, “I’m lucky on so many counts. I’m lucky to be alive.”
GLEEful
Cory did finally receive his High School diploma in 2011 from an alternative school he attended in Victoria.
Before breaking into acting, Monteith had numerous jobs. Including one he most often mentioned, a Walmart people greeter.
Finally, he started his acting career appearing in many minor roles in films like Final Destination 3, Deck the Halls and in shows like Smallville and Kyle XY, plus many others. But wasn’t until the FOX hit Glee, that Cory Monteith would become a name that everyone would be talking about.
Cory’s agent submitted a video of him drumming with pencils on Tupperware. The performance left a lasting impression on Ryan Murphy, the series creator. The only catch to getting the part was that he had to sing. Not knowing if he was even a good singer, Monteith submitted another video of him singing the classic 80’s song by REO Speedwagon, “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Which would later be the first song we ever hear the character, Finn Hudson, sing. Though Cory wasn’t as strong of a singer as some of the other cast members, the casting directors saw the Finn Hudson they were looking for in a naïve, genuinely sweet guy. From that point, the role of Finn Hudson was one fans couldn’t help but admire, laugh at, and constantly root for.
Rachel and Finn “Off-Screen”
From the moment Cory and Lea began working together in 2009, the two became immediate friends, as did the rest of the cast. There was a strong connection between the at time friends. “Cory is like my brother,” stated Lea for a 2011 Teen Vouge Magazine interview. It wasn’t long after Lea broke up with boyfriend, Theo Stockman, that she and Cory would take that on-screen romance off-screen. As if Rachel and Finn’s chemistry on the show wasn’t evident enough, the two went public with their relationship in February 2012. And since that moment, the love birds were never shy about showing how in love and affectionate they were with each other. The paparazzi always managed to get them holding hands, smiling and laughing no matter where they were. “For the first time in my life, I feel really, really settled and happy…I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,” quoted Lea for Marie Claire.
Sources say it was because of the future he wanted to pursue with Lea, that Cory voluntarily joined the rehab facility in March 2013. “I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made this decision,” stated Lea. Everyone on Glee was supportive of Cory’s decision, allowing Finn Hudson to be absent for the final 2 episodes of the fourth season. The series explained his absence, as Finn was in school pursuing a teaching degree while still giving fans the hope for a Rachel and Finn reunion for next season. Unfortunately, we know that reunion wont be happening. And while it is still uncertain how the show will proceed with Finn Hudson’s story line, it is certain that the cast and everyone at Glee are still mourning the loss of their beloved Cory Monteith.
Speaking as a Fan
Writing this post was more than just a way to respect the young actor/singer. It was a way for me to express how much I and millions of fans cared for Cory Monteith. When I started watching the first episode of Glee, I didn’t think much of the show. I felt like Will Shuester about to give up on a sure to be disaster. But as soon as Cory began to sing one of the best performances (if not the best) on the show, Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin,” alongside the original cast, this inspiring feeling came over me. I was immediately connected, wanting to see all of them win national’s and prove that the so called “losers” were winners! It was the character of Finn Hudson, an awkward teen, who struggles between wanting to stay the popular jock while secretly loving to sing/perform, that I rooted for every week. You couldn’t help but fall in love with him, and even more so after learning about the real life struggles the actor had gone through before getting to this point. It was him and the entire cast of the show, with their inspiring back stories, that pushed me even harder to go after my dreams. Every week Glee is the show that makes me just feel good and motivated… I know it will still be that show. There is just no forgetting Finn Hudson. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cory’s family, friends and Lea Michele. Cory Monteith, where ever you are, we wont “Stop Believin” in you.
(Fans pay their respects outside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver)
Cory Monteith’s Video Diary during the First Season of Glee
Below are a few remarks Glee cast members have made so far about the talented actor…
“The entire Glee family and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy, Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed. My heart goes out to Cory’s family and Lea, and while we are grateful for everyone’s well wishes, privacy during this time of grief is greatly appreciated.”- Naya Rivera
“Going through a million memories and emotions today. ill love you always Brother Cory.”- Mark Sailling
“At this time, please send nothing but love and light. This tragic news still doesn’t seem real to me. I love you Cory.”-Harry Shum Jr
“I HAVE NO WORDS! MY HEART IS BROKEN CORY WAS NOT ONLY A HELL OF A FRIEND HE WAS ONE AMAZING MEN THAT I WILL HOLD CLOSE TO MY HEART FOREVER”-Dot-Marie Jones
“Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she’s received from family, friends, and fans. Since Cory’s passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them, they are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory’s family.”-stated Lea Michele’s rep