"Wealth, Travel, Fame…I can take you to movies that have all of that." -Me and Orson Welles
“A young woman (Miranda Cosgrove) joins a dating show thinking it’s in Paris, France, but it’s actually in Paris, Texas. She plots a...
Stephen King’s newest adaptation, The Long Walk is not for the faint of heart. It’s a chilling and intense thriller grounded by the emotional...
“After leaving Silver Falls following Alex’s love confession and her kiss with Cole, Jackie Howard spent the summer in New York City. When Katherine...
“In TWINLESS, two young men meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship. Roman (Dylan O’Brien) and Dennis (James Sweeney)...
“The Map That Leads to You” follows Heather (Cline), a young woman setting off on an adventure across Europe with her best friends before settling...
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.
BEST PICTURE
Will Win: “Boyhood”
Could Win: “Birdman” or “American Sniper” (I wouldn’t be surprised considering box office success)
Want to Win: “Whiplash”
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BEST DIRECTOR
Will Win: Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”
Could Win: Alejandro G. Iñárritu, “Birdman”
Want to Win: Richard Linklater, “Boyhood”
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BEST ACTOR
Will Win: Eddie Redmayne
Could Win: Michael Keaton or Bradley Cooper
Want to Win: Since Jake Gyllenhaal was snubbed! I’m hoping for Bradley Cooper
—————–
BEST ACTRESS
Will Win: Julianne Moore
Could Win: Not contest
Want to Win: Julianne Moore
—————–
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Will Win: J.K. Simmons
Could Win: No Contest
Want to Win: J.K. Simmons
—————–
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Will Win: Patricia Arquette
Could Win: Emma Stone
Want to Win: Patricia Arquette
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BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Will Win: “The Imitation Game,” Graham Moore
Could Win: “Whiplash,” Damien Chazelle or “American Sniper,” Jason Hall
Want to Win: “Whiplash,” Damien Chazelle
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BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Will Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness
Could Win: “Boyhood” or “Birdman”
Want to Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel” Screenplay by Wes Anderson; Story by Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness
—————–
BEST ANIMATED FILM
Will Win: “How to Train Your Dragon 2”
Could Win: “Big Hero 6”
Want to Win: “Big Hero 6”
—————–
BEST DOCUMENTARY
Will Win: “Citizenfour”
Could Win: “Last Day in Vietnam”
Want to Win: “Citizenfour”
—————–
BEST FOREIGN FILM
Will Win: “Ida”
Could Win: “Leviathan”
Want to Win: “Ida”
—————–
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
Will Win: “Glory”
Could Win: “Everything Is Awesome” (Long shot)
Want to Win: “Everything Is Awesome”
—————–
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
Will Win: “The Theory of Everything”
Could Win: “Interstellar”
Want to Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
—————–
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Will Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Could Win: “Mr. Turner”
Want to Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
—————–
BEST PRODUCTION DESIGN
Will Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Could Win: “Interstellar”
Want to Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
—————–
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Will Win: “Interstellar”
Could Win: “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”
Want to Win: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
—————–
BEST FILM EDITING
Will Win: “Boyhood”
Could Win: “Whiplash”
Want to Win: “Whiplash” or “Boyhood” are both deserving
—————–
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Will Win: “Birdman”
Could Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
Want to Win: “The Grand Budapest Hotel”
—————–
BEST SOUND EDITING
Will Win: “American Sniper”
Could Win: “Interstellar”
Want to Win: “American Sniper”
—————–
BEST SOUND MIXING
Will Win: “Whiplash”
Could Win: “American Sniper”
Want to Win: “Whiplash”
—————–
BEST MAKE UP & HAIRSTYLING
Will Win: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
Could Win: They all stand a chance
Want to Win: “Guardians of the Galaxy”
—————–
BEST DOCUMENTARY (SHORT)
Blind Guess: ”Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1”
—————-
BEST SHORT FILM (ANIMATED)
Blind Guess: “Feast”
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BEST SHORT FILM (LIVE ACTION)
Blind Guess: “The Phone Call”
We will see how many of my predictions are right…Watch the 87th Academy Awards Sunday, February 22, 2015-7pm ET on ABC. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris!
The Dallas Film Society announced the first 10 films chosen to screen at the 9th annual Dallas International Film Festival presented by AutoNation. The 2015 Festival, taking place April 9-19, will feature national and international films, as well homegrown selections. The Festival will also host the North American premiere of PLAYING IT COOL, a romantic comedy starring Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan. Making its world premiere at this year’s Festival is the Civil War drama ECHOES OF WAR, starring James Badge Dale, Ethan Embry and William Forsythe.
The Dallas Film Society is proud to announce that director John Landis will receive the Dallas Star Award at DFS Honors on Friday, April 17 at the Highland Hotel in Dallas. The Dallas Star Award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to modern cinema and the advancement of the art of film. The award presentation will be followed by a special screening of John Landis’s 1980 comedy classic THE BLUES BROTHERS on Saturday, April 18. John Landis has left a lasting impression on the film world as director of many iconic comedies such as NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE, ¡3 AMIGOS!, COMING TO AMERICA, TRADING PLACES, and INTO THE NIGHT. John Landis also wrote and directed AN AMERICAN WEREWOLF IN LONDON and the groundbreaking theatrical short MICHAEL JACKSON’S THRILLER.
“Confirming our first 10 films is a major milestone in producing our festival,” said James Faust, Artistic Director of the Dallas Film Society. “We plan to screen around 170 films this year, and are well on our way to selecting the best cinema has to offer. We’re also elated to mark the 35th anniversary of THE BLUES BROTHERS by honoring legendary filmmaker John Landis.”
The Festival will also celebrate the incredible life and career of Texas writer, actor and producer L.M. Kit Carson by featuring his 1983 film BREATHLESS. Carson is recognized for writing the Palme d’Or winning PARIS, TEXAS, and also for inventing the first ‘mockumentary’ with his film DAVID HOLZMAN’S DIARY.
Here are the first 10 films announced so far…
Director: Richard Loncraine
USA
Cast: Morgan Freeman; Diane Keaton; Cynthia Nixon
Synopsis: Over one crazy weekend, a long-time married couple discovers that finding a new apartment is not about winding down, but starting a new adventure.
Director: Daniel Junge
USA
Synopsis: Millions know the man, but few know his story. In BEING EVEL, Academy Award® winning filmmaker Daniel Junge (SAVING FACE) and actor/producer Johnny Knoxville take a candid look at American daredevil and icon Robert “Evel” Knievel, while also reflecting on our voracious public appetite for heroes and spectacle.
Director: Kane Senes
USA
Cast: James Badge Dale; Ethan Embry; William Forsythe; Maika Monroe
Synopsis: A Civil War veteran returns home to the quiet countryside, only to find himself embroiled in a conflict between his family and the brutish cattle rancher harassing them.
Director: Ham Tran
Vietnam
Cast: Kieu Chinh; Jayvee Mai The Hiep; Ngoc Hiep Nguyen
Synopsis: A young girl falls into a river and drowns. When her body is found in a remote village along the river, her uncle arrives to claim her body, only to find that she is very much alive. But when she returns to her family, unexplainable occurrences lead them to believe she is possessed.
Director: Dax Phelan
USA
Cast: Jason Tobin; Byron Mann; Sarah Lian
Synopsis: JASMINE is a gripping and chilling psychological thriller about a man still struggling to come to terms with his grief nearly a year after his wife’s unsolved murder.
Director: John Landis
USA
Cast: John Belushi; Dan Aykroyd; James Brown; Cab Calloway; Ray Charles; Aretha Franklin; John Lee Hooker
Synopsis: Jake Blues, just out from prison, puts together his old band to save the Catholic home where he and brother Elwood were raised.
Director: Joshua Oppenheimer
Denmark/Finland/Indonesia/
Synopsis: In Joshua Oppenheimer’s companion piece to the Oscar® nominated THE ACT OF KILLING, a family of survivors of the 1965 Indonesian genocide discovers how their son was murdered and the identity of the men who killed him. The youngest brother is determined to break the spell of silence and fear under which the survivors live, and so confronts the men responsible for his brother’s murder – something unimaginable in a country where killers remain in power.
Director: Justin Reardon
USA
Cast: Chris Evans; Michelle Monaghan; Luke Wilson; Aubrey Plaza; Topher Grace; Anthony Mackie
Synopsis: It’s this generation’s SWINGERS meets (500) DAYS OF SUMMER. The story is fresh, quirky, and weirdly relatable as this young, slightly pretentious man falls for an unlikely girl, and will stop at nothing to get her even after realizing she’s already in a relationship.
Director: Michael Beach Nichols; Christopher K. Walker
USA
Synopsis: A white supremacist attempts to take over a small town in North Dakota.
Director: Bill Ross; Turner Ross
USA/Mexico
Synopsis: For generations, all that distinguished Eagle Pass, Texas from Piedras Negras, Mexico was the Rio Grande. But when darkness descends upon these harmonious border towns, a cowboy and lawman face a new reality that threatens their way of life.
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Online ticket sales will be available for members only beginning Monday, March 16 at www.DallasFilm.org , with online ticket sales opening to the public on Thursday, March 19. The physical Prekindle Box Office at Mockingbird Station will open on Thursday, March 26.
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson star in the film adaptation of Fifty Shades of Grey
Bondage, Flogging, and Spanking, these are a few of Christian Grey’s favorite things. But when Anastasia Steele comes into his life, his particular routine in sexual activities begins to fluctuate.
Those who have read Fifty Shades of Grey have anxiously been waiting to see Christian and Ana’s story come to life on the big screen. Though readers anticipate the film, they also worry about how the “movie version” of their beloved tale will stay true to the book. In this case, fans are concerned with the casting, the chemistry, and just how graphic the sex scenes are going to be. E. L. James’ best-selling novel did an incredible job at describing a hot, titillating romance, which originated from a Twilight fan fiction series. Well you can be rest assured that the film exudes enough heat to warm up your entire theater.
Both Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson, who play Christian and Ana, have great chemistry. Their instant attraction to each other is believable, and the relationship never feels forced. These two characters meet all thanks to fate. When her best friend, Kate (Eloise Mumford), gets the flu, Ana fills in for her journalism assignment interviewing Christian Grey, a 27-year old billionaire who is going be the guest speaker at their college graduation. After an unforgettable and intense interview, Christian makes a few surprise appearances in Ana’s daily life, making their attraction grow stronger. Christian quickly puts a halt to their “situation” and tells Ana to stay away from him, as he is no good for her. That break lasts about all of two seconds. Ana gets drunk and calls Christian to tell him off. He comes and saves her from the drunken state she’s in. The next morning the two share a passionate kiss in an elevator.
You ain’t seen nothing yet!
Ana should be relishing in that fact that she has just found her dream man. Christian is handsome, charming, and rich. The only problem is, this young billionaire has got a dark past and can only be in a dominant/submissive relationship. So while Ana hopes to have the normal dinner and movie dates, all Christian can think about is whipping her in his “playroom.”
As for the sex scenes, director Sam Taylor-Johnson plays it safe. They are tastefully done in an effective way that shows us just how sexy and twisted Christian is. Nudity is limited to topless and butt shots. Sorry ladies, don’t expect to see Christian full frontal.
Unfortunately since Dornan’s role is meant to be controlling and lack emotion, he comes off stiff. It is Johnson who shines and gives a break out performance as Anastasia Steele, giving an at times irritating character humor and likability.
Here’s the thing. As a fan of the book, I was enthralled by this film. They cut out all the bad parts of the book and focused on the emotional struggle of the couple’s relationship. However, I find some of my fellow critics to be warranted in their negative reviews. The plot of the story is thin and a tad redundant. Ultimately, we’re watching a girl date a guy that she’s hoping will change for her. It is an interesting character study, especially on the troubled Christian Grey, who can’t seem to let anyone in. That just may not be enough for the regular movie-goer.
If you go into Fifty Shades of Grey with an open mind and have fun with the story, then there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy the movie. Given that there is an added kink to this romance, that aspect of the film is something different to look forward to. And for the fellas who are being forced to watch, I’m sure you will be rewarded with plenty of enjoyment after the film is over.
RATING: 3/5
Fifty Shades of Grey opens in theaters tonight at 8pm.
“Fifty Shades of Grey” Official Trailer HD
Listen and Connect
Nobody’s Perfect
Different Points of View
Do you Believe in Soul Mates?
Life is Too Short
Before One Direction, before The Jonas Brothers, and even before N’Sync there was The Backstreet Boys. We all remember them because, whether you liked their music or not, you knew their songs. The group had a debut international album, Backstreet Boys (1996). In the following year they released their second international album Backstreet’s Back (1997), and their U.S. debut album which continued the group’s success worldwide. They rose to superstardom with their third studio album Millennium (1999) and its follow-up album, Black & Blue (2000).
The legendary 90’s boy band finally gets a chance to tell their whole story, the good and the bad. For BSB fanatics, most of what is revealed will come as no shock. But, for those who aren’t Backstreet savvy, it may be surprising and intriguing to learn of their struggles with health, drugs, alcohol, and even a shocking betrayal.
The film follows the reunited boy band as they prepare for their 20th anniversary world tour in 2013. Along the way, the boys take a stroll down memory lane back to where it all began. Nearly half the film is told through older video footage from the 90’s, back when the boys were only performing in High School gyms. Meanwhile in present day, Nick, Brian, AJ, Kevin, and Howie re-visit their hometowns, old rehearsal studios, and a few influential people from their lives.
Other film highlights to look forward to–The Backstreet Boys’ react when they first learn of N’Sync. The members re-tell funny embarrassing stories. Nick loses his cool and goes off on Brian in a raw, intense scene. But what’s most enjoyable to see is how much these guys mean to each other. Their bond is only solidified in the film when Kevin emotionally tells the group, “Not only are we group members and business partners, but we’re family.”
Director Stephen Kijak does such a fantastic job presenting the Backstreet Boys’ rise from a group of small town boys to the sensation of a decade, that it makes Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of worth a watch whether you’re a fan or not.
Rating: 4/5
Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of is playing in select theaters and is available on VOD.
“Backstreet Boys: Show ‘Em What You’re Made Of” Official Trailer HD
Black Sea tells the story of Robinson (Jude Law), a submarine captain who, in order to make good with his former employers, takes a job with a shadowy backer to search the depths of the Black Sea for a submarine rumored to be loaded with gold.
We got a chance to sit down with the Academy Award winning director, Kevin MacDonald (The Last King of Scotland), to discuss his latest film.
Besides the fear of being at the bottom of the ocean, these men are also kind of thinking about this money that they are about to find. And some of them aren’t too happy about the fact that they have to do the even split, even though it would still be plenty of money. What do you think it is about money that changes people and makes them act in psychotic ways?
“Yeah I mean; I think the center of this movie is sort of what greed can do to people. And not even so much what money can do to people, ‘cause it’s not sort of anti-money in this film. It’s sort of anti-greed, I suppose. And it’s the idea that, people, instead of realizing when you’ve got enough, it’s like I always want more. I want more and more! And that’s kind of part of human nature. That kind of dark part of human nature, isn’t it? Yeah, it’s the positive and negative of human nature, both present in this extreme circumstance.”
This was probably one of my favorite roles to see Jude Law in as Robinson. I really felt for his character, especially, with him losing his family to his job. Because I think in any work that you do, you can get wrapped up in it and kind of lose sight of the ones you love.
“I think that’s exactly, that’s the sort of central theme I suppose. And it’s a very simple one really of this movie. Is that we all kind of think that our jobs are so important; that we only get respect from other people, because of whether we’re successful in our jobs and all these sort of things. And the pressure that there is to be successful to earn money, but actually when all is said and done; that’s not what’s important about life. And at the end of our lives none of us are going to think, “oh I wish I had spent more time at the office.” We’re going to think, “I wish had spent more time with my family. I wish I loved that person more, and made that relationship work.” Those are the things that you’ve got to think about. And I guess that’s what’s fundamentally at the heart of this movie.”
I mean for me, the moment they entered the water; I was on the edge of my seat. I was just terrified the whole time. So, is there another film for you that has given you that same excitement while watching?
“I mean, I think Gravity has that feeling for me. You know pretty much as soon as the movie starts, and you’re in this precarious situation space walking with Sandra Bullock. You’re terrified. And you’ve got vertigo (laughs), and yeah, I think this is sort of the underwater version of that.”
Yeah, it is. It gave me the same effect actually, because I struggled to breathe in both those films.
“(Laughs) So there’s a good recommendation. If you want to struggle to breathe, go and see this movie!”
Black Sea opens in select theaters January 30.
Men beware; just a taste of JLo can lead to an unhealthy addiction!
Claire Peterson (Jennifer Lopez) is a high school teacher in the middle of a separation from her cheating husband (John Corbett). Amidst the stress and drama, she has only been able to focus on her work and her son, Kevin (Ian Nelson). She hasn’t been on a date in years. Somehow, this always made-up beauty hasn’t even felt wanted by a man since the split. She is lonely and vulnerable. (Yeah, right…) Here comes the new hot, young, and extremely fit neighbor. Noah Sandborn (Ryan Guzman) seems harmless. He’s a sweet kid taking care of his elderly uncle, and now he’s even befriended Claire’s awkward, wheezing son. After going on a horrible double date with her friend/vice principal of her school, Vicky (Kristin Chenoweth), she receives a phone call from Noah who is need of her assistance. The evening escalates from inappropriate to disgustingly wrong within seconds. Claire wakes up immediately regretting the whole thing, but it’s too late. A night of “passion” with “Jenny from the block” has caused Noah to catch a fever that he just can’t shake.
The Boy Next Door is a story we’ve seen before, multiple times. In fact, you could probably figure out the entire film, without ever watching it. Writer Barbara Curry offers no originality to this script, unless you count the record breaking amount of cheese in the dialogue. Director Rob Cohen (Fast and Furious, The Skulls) does serve a few moments of excitement movie-goers can look forward to, particularly the end sequence.
January is known to be the worst month for films, and The Boy Next Door is no exception to that rule. However, it is a film that audience members could possibly, still, enjoy. I went in with the mindset of knowing this movie would be ridiculous and just had fun with it. The acting is embarrassing, and the storyline doesn’t always make sense. Yet, there is plenty to laugh about. Take for example, how Jennifer Lopez never looks bad. It doesn’t matter if she’s fighting for her life in a burning barn, or if she’s about to go to bed; her lip gloss is always intact.
Sadly, The Boy Next Door does not provide the same entertainment value as other popular teen /stalker flicks like Fear or SwimFan. But, if you’ve already seen all of the Oscar nominated films, and you’re looking for a thoughtless, outlandish comedy, The Boy Next Door maybe worth the watch!
Rating: 2/5
The Boy Next Door opens in theaters today.