"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.”...
Rating: B
Rating: D+
Rating: D+
Rating: B-
It pains me to write this review, as the first “Wonder Woman” movie was one of my favorite films of 2017. Patty Jenkins directed/wrote a simple, yet, thrilling, and charming story. It still holds up today as an incredible film. Sadly, the sequel, “Wonder Woman 1984” does not carry that same merit.
First off, what the heck!? I mean who approved this script!? Did they even refer to the last movie??
I just had to get that out. It is extremely frustrating, because we know DC can’t seem to figure out how to create the same kind of quality superhero movies like Marvel. That was until the first “Wonder Woman”. They found a gem in Patty Jenkins, and I know she is capable of much better than this.
“Wonder Woman 1984” picks up 66 years after Diana Prince (Gal Gadot) helped end World War 1 with the help of her friends and self-sacrificing boyfriend, Steve Trevor (Chris Pine). She’s now in Washington DC curating ancient artifacts; working with a socially awkward Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig). She is still saving the world, but she’s unhappy and living a lonely life without any loved ones.
Diana’s life is pretty routine until a foiled mall robbery shakes everything up. The incident leads to the discovery of an old artifact known as the dream stone, which grants wishes, but also takes something in return. It’s a dangerous tool that leads to a series of catastrophic events when it falls into the hands of a ponzi scam artist, Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal).
The acting in “Wonder Woman 1984” is good. Gadot has some stand out moments, particularly in a heartbreaking, emotional scene with Pine. And Pascal plays a hilarious, wacked out nut job. And Wiig does a fantastic job as Barbara/The Cheetah. She was actually my favorite part of the film. I just wish they utilized her more as a villain. Though Pascal is great to watch, I would have loved seeing Wiig in her full evil mode for much longer than what we’re given.
The problem here is in the writing. It goes beyond campy into cheesy territory. The opening sequence of the film is promising. But early on after Pascal steals the artifact, the movie just goes downhill. It gets muddled, and doesn’t even make that much sense. Maybe too many people were involved in writing the story, or maybe they were trying too hard to make a unique plot. But it didn’t work. They focused on corny jokes and a fluffy subject matter instead taking the route of the previous film’s darker tone. There are minimal action scenes, and the few we see have no real impact or awe factor. And I can’t go into detail, but there are so many problems with the ending. I would vent about if I could.
As a fan of the first “Wonder Woman”, I still have to advise you watch this sequel, and form your own opinion. There’s still some fun moments, and the characters are enjoyable. My only advice is to go in with the lowest of expectations.
Rating: 3/5
“Wonder Woman opens in theaters and streams on HBOMax December 25.
It’s been over 30 years since we first met Bill Preston (Alex Winters) and Ted Logan (Keanu Reeves). In their first adventure, they had to travel back in time to pass a history class. In their second trip, it was a mission to win the battle of the bands. Now they are back to fulfill the prophecy of saving the universe with their rock and roll in “Bill & Ted Face the Music”. Too bad their band, the Wyld Stallions, is pretty much washed up and haven’t made a good song in years.
Bill and Ted are now middle-aged men still married to their wives, Joanna and Elizabeth (now played by Erin Hayes and Jayma Mays), and fathers to two teenage girls, Thea and Billie (Samara Weaving and Brigette Lundy-Paine). The two still have hearts of gold, but are more clueless than ever. It seems as though their daughters take after their fathers.
As the plot begins, Bill and Ted are assigned by Kelly (Kristen Schaal), daughter of George Carlin’s time-traveling tour guide, to write a song that will save the world from temporal collapse. Only problem; they only have 75 minutes to do it. To make the deadline, the two dudes set out to travel in time to find versions of themselves that have already written the song so they can plagiarize their own work. Meanwhile, their daughters embark on a parallel quest to put together the best back-up band ever, which includes past icons like Jimi Hendrix (DazMann Still) and Kid Cudi, as himself.
It pains me to say I was not the biggest fan of this film. And yes, I enjoyed the first two movies. Don’t get me wrong. The entire cast does a great job with the material they are given; and it is so wonderful to see so many of the original cast back together again, especially, William Sadler as Death. Even a new addition, like Anthony Carrigan as Dennis Caleb McCoy had hilarious one-liners. The issue here is the script.
The premise is solid and simple, which with I have no problem. It’s the dialogue and in-between that is so ridiculous. Even though the film is around the same runtime as its predecessors, it feels rushed due to the multiple characters and chaos. The film is just all over the place.
By the time the movie finally finds its rhythm, it’s basically over. There’s an over-the-top ending that has a decent but surface-level message about how we should all try to be more excellent to each other, but it’s not worth the hour and 20 minutes of disarray it took to get there.
Unfortunately, “Bill & Ted Face the Music” didn’t capture the same whimsy and charm we’ve seen before. I’ll admit, even if I knew the film was bad I’d still want to see these guys finish out their journey. So that being said, if you’re a newbie to the franchise, I suggest you skip this one. But, if you are a fan of the original films you may be too curious not to see if, and how they finally save the world.
Rating: 2/5
“Bill & Ted Face the Music” is available On Demand and in Select Theaters.
It sadness me to write this review, because I really loved the first “Happy Death Day”. It was such a pleasant surprise. It was reminiscent of the “Scream” era and provided the same kind of “whodunit” feel that kept you guessing till the very end.
In “Happy Death Day”, sorority girl, Tree Gelbman (Jessica Rothe), wakes up hungover on her birthday in her nerdy classmate, Carter’s (Isreal Broussard) dorm room. We got a peek into her daily life and learned she ignored her father’s call, she was sleeping with her married professor, and constantly belittled others. That night Tree was stabbed to death by someone in a disturbing baby mask. She then wakes up, and was forced to keep reliving her birthday with each day ending in her being murdered in some gruesome way until she discovered who was trying to kill her.
In “Happy Death Day 2U” Jessica Rothe reprises her role as Tree for a second helping of death day cake only to have it spoiled. Tree believes she has finally broken the loops after killing the person who was trying to murder her. She’s now a different person. A better person in fact. Unfortunately, she’s wrong. Her now boyfriend, Carter’s roommate, Ryan (Phi Vu) has been working a college science project that was actually the cause of the repeated days. It’s even causing another loop into a parallel dimension. Tree gets sucked into that parallel world, and must relieve another murderous day until she discovers the new killer and the algorithm (will go right over your head) to get back to her original reality.
As I describe the premise, I’m already losing interest. The minute I saw this time machine, the exact thought that popped in my head was, “CRAP!” This sequel immediately feels more like a Disney Channel movie rather than a comedy/horror. All of the sudden we’re watching a cheesy comedy about girl deciding what’s more important, her boyfriend or her mom. And when the new killer is finally revealed, you could care less! I honestly forgot about the killer because they become irrelevant. And the slapstick comedy is so cringe-worthy at times. Just look out for a scene with a fake blind girl and you’ll know what I mean.
At this point you might think I just hated the film all together, but there are some salvageable parts. Rothe is just as charismatic and enjoyable as she was the first time around. This girl really has a knack for comedy. And though I harped a little on it earlier, there are some mother/daughter sequences that hit you right in the feels. Had the film gone in a different direction, I would have appreciated that story-line a lot more.
Yes, I would have been perfectly fine if they didn’t make “Happy Death Day 2U”, but they did. So should you see it? I can’t believe I’m saying this, but sure…ONLY if you saw and liked its predecessor. It’s not a must watch, but there are some interesting developments. That being said, I would recommend you save your money and make this one a rental.
Rating: 2/5
“Happy Death Day 2 U” opens in theaters February 13.
The Barden Bellas are back and ready to pitch-slap the world’s best a cappella groups!
It’s been three years since we last saw our Bella’s beat out the exuberant Treblemakers for the national title. Since then, they have gone on to be reigning champs. But just before this all female singing group could finish out their college careers with 4 straight national wins, an unfortunate mishap occurs during a live broadcast performance at the White House. This results in the Bellas being banned from competing in the United States. Their one shot at redemption and reinstatement is to win the international competition, in which no American group has ever won. To make matters worse the undefeated champs from Germany, Das Sound Machine, are incredible!
Anna Kendrick returns as Beca, the aspiring music producer, who is now focused more on life after college and is secretly interning at a record label. Brittany Snow also returns as Chloe, who purposely is failing college every year so that she may remain a Bella. And we are introduced to a new freshman, Emily (Hailee Steinfeld), who desperately wants to become a Barden Bella.
For the most part, Pitch Perfect 2 hits all the right notes. For starters, the film skips straight to the girl’s senior year in college and avoids dragged out year by year sequels. Also, Beca and Jesse (Skylar Astin) are still together and going strong. Nice to see they didn’t have a dramatic break up that would lead to an inevitable reunion. Only problem here is we don’t get nearly enough time with the lovable Skylar Astin. I would have much rather watched more of Jesse’s plan for life after college versus any time spent with newcomer, Emily. I can’t quite put my finger on why Steinfield never clicked with me. Other than her character writing the touching, original song “Flashlight,” Emily is just wasted time that could be spent on the growth of an already beloved character.
Speaking of beloved characters, Bumper (Adam DeVine) and Fat Amy (Rebel Wilson) are still keeping their love affair under-wraps. It’s a hilarious and unique pairing that audiences will surely enjoy.
Pitch Perfect 2 is definitely flashier than the first film, yet it is also less charming. Under the direction of Elizabeth Banks, the movie focuses on a sort of girl power theme. That isn’t a bad thing, but it would have been nice to maybe see a collaboration between the Treblemakers and Barden Bellas. It’s a performance I still hope to see one day.
Overall I praise the film for its effort in an original sequel. Instead of recycling story-lines, they allow their characters to develop through new experiences while also highlighting how bittersweet it can be to move on after college.
There is no doubt that fans of the first film will be satisfied with Pitch Perfect 2. The movie is an extremely fun, comedy packed with awe-inspiring musical numbers to which you can’t help but sing-along.
Rating: 4/5
Pitch Perfect 2 opens in theaters May 15.
“Pitch Perfect 2” Official Trailer HD
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