@Thisfunktional movie review: THE BOY

For months, bad reviews of “The Boy” made the movie seem like a horrible movie that should have never been made, then it comes out on DVD/Blu-ray and I find it delightful.

“The Boy” tells a fantastically twisted story which, even when knowing the ending, jars the mind and fools audiences.

American nanny Greta Evans, played by Lauren Cohan, travels to England for a baby position taking care of Brahms, a doll.

Cohan is fantastic in swaying the audience with her emotion. The ability to subtly change the feel of the character in such a natural way helps bring forth a human aspect which can be identified with.

As she comes to be aware that what she thought was a child the child is actually a doll, she is introduced to local market delivery boy Malcolm, played by Rupert Evans, and the Brahms parents.

Evans can come off as oblivious and frightened, but that just may be what someone in his character’s position would be. Not the best of this movie, but an enjoyable addition.

As Greta neglects the doll supernatural occurrences begin, which are unexplained.

The manner in which this is all treated leads one way just to be jolted in a different direction and leaves the audience jumping in their seat.

The brilliant part of the film is that time and time again it plays on the human appeal and on the unexplained.

There are many movies which have a possessed doll and rely on jump scares to bring enjoyment, but what this movie does is play on the gullibility of humans to keep the scenes moving forward with the audience interest.

Before this sounds like an overly glorifying review, all the trouble happens starting with the big twist reveal. It gets to the point where it turns from a well anchored psychological thriller to a cheesy payoff.

The ending is jumbled to the point where it because confusing.

The manner in which Greta resolves the conflict just haunt the movie enough to be cliche and the plot’s downfall.

I give this horror movie a 4 out of 5 Popcorns. The acting is good, the story is great, but it loses what makes the movie great as it gets to the end. It’s definitely a movie to watch because it is by far entertaining and one of the most chilling movies to come out in 2016 thus far.

– Jesus Figueroa

Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Movie Review: Bite

Movie fans!! Horror fans! I check it out…it’s called…


Before I talk BITE – here’s a little info in the movie first…BITE is NOW open in select U.S. Theaters, and all major VOD and On Demand platforms – so after watching the trailer or reading my review – – you can find and watch it there. 😉

NOW…what did I think of the slimy, horror flick they call BITE?!

👉 I thought it was alright. I thought the trailer was freakier though.

Bite

👍 I thought it had a cool story I could relate to. 😳 I actually frequent Costa Rica…soooo after watching this…I told the wifey, “Well. I’m not swimming in any water there NO MO!!” 😂

👍 I liked the special effects in the movie. I bet it was real fun making this flick…all those eggs…all that slim. 😳

Bite

👎 For me…it had a slow start. It felt like forever to get really going…but when it finally does. OH Crap! There’s this one “Stomp the Yard” part….DAMNN! The last 15-20 minutes. 👌

Overall all…I thought it was a good morning. Glad it had dope payoff. Question is…will there be a Part 2?! 😳

I give BITE…3 out of 5 popcorns!

Mike “The Movie Guy” Pierce
http://iwatchmike.com

Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Movie Review: They’re Watching

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After the wifey, son and dog all went to bed – I washed off all the cooties …climbed into bed…and started…THEY’RE WATCHING.

Here’s what the movie’s about…

“When an American home improvement TV show visits a remote Eastern European village, the young crew thinks the lack of mocha lattés and free wifi will be the worst of their problems. But after their filming interrupts the superstitious villagers’ private religious ritual, the situation takes a turn for the homicidal… and when the blood starts flowing, that’s when things get really weird. With THEY’RE WATCHING, noted graphic novelists and animators Micah Wright and Jay Lender turn a classic horror premise upside down to create a fresh, funny, eye-popping twist on the genre.”

What did I think of THEY’RE WATCHING?

🙌 I loved it! It’s got everything. Intense moments, laughs, jumpy moments, blood and gore. Did I mention…blood and gore? Ohhh yeahhhhhhhh!!

👍 I thought the cast was great. You find yourself liking the right people and hating the right people.

😬 I loved Vladimir the realtor – played by Dimitri Diatchenko. He was freaking hilarious. Alex played by Kris Lemche made me laugh as well. Becky’s soccer boyfriend – another funny dude. His opening Home Hunters Global one-on-one interviews – 😂

👍 I thought it was creative on how they shot the “first person/found footage” thing – wait. Does that even make sense? 😜

👍 I loved how I could relate to the movie 😁 – – the wifey loves watching her ‘House Hunting’ shows on TV – – so once the movie started – it was hilarious to me. I should have woken her up. “Hey Hun! Wake up. Check out this Home Hunters show!” 😂

👍 It was a great ‘packaged’ movie – – it kept my interest – – I found myself laughing in bed – – trying not to wake up the wifey — than BAM!! All hell breaks loose!! I went from eyes glued to the screen – – to “WTF?!?!” – – to “HOLY CRAP BALLS!!” 🙌

They're Watching

Just my two cents – I think THEY’RE WATCHING is totally worth the watch. It actually hits selected theaters and On Demand today.

You can see more at theyrewatchingmovie.com

🚫But don’t watch the trailer🚫 – – just listen to my words! Grab some popcorn – – grab someone and watch THEY’RE WATCHING. It’s a dope comedy, thriller, horror, WTF movie. 🙌

I give THEY’RE WATCHING… 5 out of 5 popcorns!!

Movie Review: THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT

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After what seems like the longest year ever, the third film installment of The Divergent Series was finally released!!  Allegiant is the film adaptation of the first 1/2 of the third novel of the same name written by Veronica Roth.  As announced, the second (and final) 1/2, titled The Divergent Series: Ascendant, will be released in March 2017.

SYNOPSIS: After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago, to finally discover the shocking truth of the world around them.

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As a reader of the novels, I’m one of those who search for differences in the films.  Many of you might have done the same for the second installment, Insurgent, where there were quite a few noticeable changes.  The same applies for Allegiant, but they actually work!

Despite a few minor character changes and several landscape differences between the film and novel, I actually enjoyed this one. Perhaps a bit more than Insurgent!  The escape scene was probably my favorite and was definitely a bad ass way to escape a horrible situation.  The world beyond the wall wasn’t at all what I imagined because I’d read the novels beforehand.  The world was described as an abandoned city with crumbled buildings, much like what the group has been used to.  In the film, however, the world is a toxic waste land that rains red, tinting the ground.  They’re rescued by members of the Bureau, where they’re taken for detoxification, which also wasn’t part of the novel.

Allegiant focuses on the genetic material of those involved in the experiment with the factions, along with those in failed experiments in other major cities. People were placed in these experiments to try and “heal” damaged genes in order to create those who are genetically pure, like Tris.  After discovering information regarding her mother and where she came from, Tris begins to trust David (Jeff Daniels), the director of the Bureau, despite Four’s warning not to.  When he discovers what the Bureau is actually up to, they try to erase him.  In an attempt to gain his sister’s trust again, Caleb tells her that Four has gone back to Chicago to try and stop the impending war between Evelyn and the factionless, and the group called the Allegiant, spearheaded by Johanna.

When someone betrays the group, Tris, Four, Caleb and Christina try to figure out who they can actually trust while finding a way to save the city they’ve called home, and expose the secrets held at the Bureau.

That being said, I thought this was a good installment!  Divergent is still my favorite of the three, but this one had great special effects, an abundance of bad assery, and a TON of Four!  The production value was great, considering the majority was filmed in front of a green screen.  Acting was great, and I’m still happy with the way this franchise was cast.  This film sets everything up for the fourth and final installment, and I can’t wait to see how they do it!  Just keep an open mind to the changes in the films.  There are always changes when a novel is made into a film, so just remember that it’s still the characters we know and love!

The Divergent Series: Allegiant was released in theaters on March 18, 2016.  Check it out and let me know what you thought!

 

Official Site
Facebook: Allegiant
Twitter: Allegiant

@Thisfunktional Movie Review: 10 CLOVERFIELD Lane

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Written By: Jesus Figueroa (@thisfunktional)

As a sequel “10 Cloverfield Lane doesn’t work, but as a stand alone movie it is save because of its suspenseful moments which capture the audience attention.

Boom, right from the start the amazing dramatic sequence brings the audience in with mystery and a bit of confusion, then Michelle, played by Mary Elizabeth Winstead, is escaping from an engagement when she is run off the road.

Winstead is what keeps this movie going. She’s beautiful, strong, smart, quick on her feet and spectacular as her character. Through the entire film her character makes the audience get lost in the scenes.

Michelle wakes up handcuffed to a metal bar, with an IV stuck in her arm and feeling sore. Quickly she panics as she feels like she’s been abducted and uses her intuition to try and save herself.

Howard, played by John Goodman, reveals himself as the person who saved her after the accident.

Goodman is stellar. The genuine feel from him and Winstead combined make this movie fly by. Such an intense performance.

Goodman talks about an apocalyptic story that’s beyond belief.

Once Michelle calms down, Emmett, John Gallagher Jr., stumbles into the bunker which they are in to be safe from the world above.

Gallagher is an interesting choice for this role. Contrasting to Goodman, Gallagher is charming and funny. Good addition to the bunch.

The way the movie is leads to a fantastic suspenseful story which has some mystery elements which keeps the audience guessing as to what’s going on.

Those who have not seen “Cloverfield” may have an advantage.

Leaving “Coverfield” out of this would have made more sense, especially because what ties the two movies together feels like it’s just thrown in there to just tie the two movies together.

The ending combines everything that is known about Michelle and Howard to create a logical conclusion, but it leaves a big room for a part three which can explain all the plot holes in both stories.

I give this movie 3 out of 5 Popcorns. This is one of those movies that if the audience doesn’t think about it too much can be entertaining. Those who start digging deeper and trying to make it fit the “Cloverfield” universe can be left wondering how it fits in. Goodman, Winstead and Gallagher are fantastic, there’s no complaints when it comes to casting. The part that tries to connect this movie to “Cloverfield” just seems forced and like its tacked on to continue a franchise. Leaving that “Cloverfield” tie out could have made this movie much better. Still, it’s an enjoyable watch.

“10 Cloverfield Lane” opens in theaters March 11.

Movie Review: BEFORE WE GO | #chrisevans

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I’ve been wanting to check this film out for a while now, so I was stoked to see it out on Netflix!! ‘Before We Go’ is the directorial debut of the ever-so-charming Chris Evans.

SYNOPSIS:  Two strangers stuck in Manhattan for the night grow into each other’s most trusted confidants when an evening of unexpected adventure forces them to confront their fears and take control of their lives. 

This indie movie follows Nick (Chris Evans) and Brooke (Alice Eve) on a journey through New York City after Brooke’s purse was stolen from a bar.  I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this movie!  Where it lacked in action, it made up in thoughtfulness and charm.  It almost felt like a documentary, and had a raw feel to it, which I liked.  If you’re anything like me, you go into movies like this with a preconceived notion of what will happen.  Don’t.  It’s refreshing to have something a bit different than what you expect.  The acting was great, and the dialogue was entertaining.

If you’re looking for a good indie movie…definitely check this one out!

Movie Review: ROOM

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Directed By: Lenny Abrahamson
Written By: Emma Donoghue
Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Joan Allen, Sean Bridgers, William H. Macy

SYNOPSIS:  Held captive for years in an enclosed space, a woman (Brie Larson) and her 5-year-old son (Jacob Tremblay) finally gain their freedom, allowing the boy to experience the outside world for the first time.

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Wow.  Words can’t explain the feeling I had while watching this movie.  Well…maybe claustrophobic. lol.

Jacob Tremblay is the cutest little thing!  I became a fan after seeing all of his appearances on TV lately and, after watching this movie, I can see big things happening in his career as he grows older.  Him and Brie Larson had great chemistry as a mother/son pair.

The way the whole movie played out was incredible.  From the love Larson’s character, Joy, had for her son, to their escape, and attempting to adapt (and re-adapt) to life outside of Room.  Everything about this movie was excellent…especially the acting by all involved.

You’re taken inside of this tiny room where Joy and Jack have been held captive for years. This room is all little Jack knows, so when Joy begins to tell him the outside world is actually real, she knows it’s time to plan their escape.  It’s a heartwarming movie that really makes you appreciate what you have.

Definitely a must watch!  ROOM is available on Digital HD, DVD and BluRay now!

Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Movie Review: #EmelieMovie

Last night I had the opportunity to watch a screener for the upcoming thriller, horror movie…EMELIE. It actually hits select theaters and On Demand today.

I didn’t watch the trailer before receiving the screener…I didn’t read what the movie was about…I simply went off the movie poster.

Emelie

An ‘interesting’ girl, three scared kids and the words, “THE BABYSITTER IS HERE.”

EMELIE is about (without giving away too much) a family. Mom and dad hire a babysitter to watch their kids as they go out to celebrate their anniversary. Once the babysitter arrives – she becomes cozy with the kids and then BAMMMM!!! It gets scary, uncomfortable, nail biting – well…you get the picture.

What did I like about EMELIE?

🙂  Freaking EVERYTHING!! This is a movie I’ll tell my friends and strangers about. (lol) It’s a MUST-SEE movie people. Right off the bat – crap goes down in the first minute and half. YES. I paused the movie. I was like, “WTF?! What the hell? Didn’t anyone see what just happened?!” But that’s not even the messed up part – what this babysitter does. Insane. I’m just going to keep it like that – you just have to watch this movie.

I loved the cast. Sarah Bolger (never noticed her till now) was awesome. She plays the babysitter. It was how she draws you in. In the beginning I was like, “Heyyy she’s hot. Why weren’t my babysitter’s more like her.” then I was like, “WTF?!” then I was like, “Awww ok. I see now” then I was like, “WTF?!?!?” (lol) Joshua Rush, Carly Adams and Thomas Bair – they play the kids (Jacob, Sally and Christopher) in the movie. Outstanding!! I hope their parents increased their allowances. (lol) They were great in this movie.

Emelie

The writing and directing – Dope as hell!! From the beginning to the very end. In my world – this movie’s a very well rounded package of HOLY CRAP BALLS! Loved the music in the film – especially the Blondie cover “One Way Or Another” by Until The Ribbon Breaks. I must have listened to that song at the end credits like 10 times. I actually have it pulled up on YouTube right now. (lol)

What did I not like about EMELIE?

😦 Absolutely nothing…like I said before. I loved everything about this movie.

I give EMELIE…5 out of 5 popcorns! It’s one serious roller coaster of emotions – I found myself glued to the screen – I haven’t been like that in a long time – – plus it didn’t help that I’m a new dad either. I told the wifey this morning…”I’m never hiring a babysitter.” Thanks a lot Director Michael Thelin. (lol)

Movie Review: The Witch

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TREES ARE OFFICIALLY CREEPY AGAIN: ‘THE WITCH’ REVIEW

By Sherita McAdams

Not since 1999’s The Blair Witch Project in the following of three friends finding themselves lost in the isolation of the woods and ghost stories has trees been so terrifying. The sleeper hit instantly became a hit and a cult classic, paving the way for future films to amp the creep factor. Seventeen years later, it officially has become purely chilling to enter the forest again in Robert EggersThe Witch.

The 2015 Sundance hit written and director by Eggers (and earning him ‘Best Director’ nod) delivers the New England tale of young teen Thomasin, who finds herself along with her parents and younger brothers and sister, exiled from the town they’ve become to know and into the confinement of small farm. Their only surrounding comfort is that of family, field animals, faith…and the forest. From the start of the family’s arrival Egger’s sets up a brilliant level of eeriness—you fear for this family before ANYTHING begins to happen. Cow milking alone has never been so terrifying.

As crops diminish and sources scarce, the real terror for Thomasin and her devout Christian household arise when the youngest member mysteriously vanishes, leaving the family distraught and desperate to find him. The main place to search for their missing loved one and find food resources?—you guessed it, the woods. Upon each enter and exit, things become increasingly worse for the family and soon apparent that they are not alone. Something far darker than just aging greenery and bunnies plague those woods, something far more dangerous and something even the strong beliefs of Thomasin’s family can’t protect them from. As time goes on and situations get worse, they soon find turning on each other and even themselves.

The film as a sum delivers as shockingly intense, from the dark imagery to the daunting score of the soundtrack—and it works. Some scenes stick with you long after the hour and thirty minute feature ends and you’re well off into your comfort zone and suddenly you remember—that was fucked up. Start to finish you’re taken back in time and sucked into this Puritan world of absolute horror. It truly does feel authentic and as if it’s something you aren’t supposed to be watching. The cast together does their job of bringing life to the family, but it is Anya Taylor-Joy who steals the show as the youth watching life disintegrate before her innocent eyes.

After dominating Sundance, The Witch prepares to spook out audiences nationwide as it lurks into theaters February 19th. The soon to be classic masterpiece is rated R and not for the faint of heart. You’ve been warned.

Movie Review: MEET MY VALENTINE

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Directed By: Brian Herzlinger

Written By: Jay Black, Brian Herzlinger and Brady Smith

Starring: Scott Wolf, Courtney Ford, Brady Smith, Jay Black, Audrey Casson and Kristen Miller

SYNOPSIS: When Tom (Scott Wolf) learns that he has terminal brain cancer, he decides to find a replacement husband for his wife and a father to his daughter, before it is too late. Unbeknownst to his wife Valentine (Courtney Ford), Tom sets up an on-line dating profile for her, and realizes that he doesn’t know much about her anymore. Tom endeavors to get to know Valentine, and learns why he fell in love with her all those years ago… just in time to say goodbye.

 

Hey movie fans!  I stumbled upon this movie on Netflix, and decided to watch it after seeing Scott Wolf was in it.  Party of Five fans know what I mean! To me, the movie had potential, but for some reason I just wasn’t a fan of the acting.  Some parts were great, don’t get me wrong, but what made me like the movie the most was the storyline.  It was odd to watch this man try to find someone for his wife, but you can tell it was out of pure desperation and love for his family and their well-being after he’s gone.  I recently lost my own father unexpectedly to cancer so the parts where Tom was worried about his daughter and upset over the fact that he’ll never be able to give her away at her wedding was heart breaking for me!  I’ve had those feelings before, so to see it from the other perspective really hit a nerve.  Yes, I cried, people!  It was a sweet movie to watch though.

If you have a box of tissues handy, and can really appreciate the storyline, go ahead and check this out!  Let me know what you think!

 

Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Movie Review: The Final Project

First…#TheFinalProject opened February 12th in Houston. If you need other theater locations – check out thefinalprojectmovie.com 👍

Now…lets talk about this movie. 🤔

6 college students decide to make a documentary for their graduation project – A documentary about one of the most notorious haunted houses in America…Lafitte Plantation. They pack all their ghost hunting equipment (which is not a lot) and all their camera gear. Once it goes dark…all hell breaks loose! 😱

The Final Project

👍: I can’t brag about anything. I really wanted to like this movie. ☹️ I’m not saying I hated it. I guess I just expected more from the trailer is all. I was hoping to get freaked out or scared…but…nope. 😔

👎: For me…It took too long to get to the plantation and when the killings started…those were too quick. No blood. I needed blood…something. I would have liked seeing some of the plantation items killing those fools…that would have been cool. 😂 It kind of felt like The Blair Witch Project meets Paranormal Activity…but I’ve seen that already…I was just hoping for something different…something taken to the next level. 🙁

Keep in mind folks…if it didn’t work for me…it doesn’t mean it won’t work for you. 🤔 If you check it out – let me know.

I give THE FINAL PROJECT…a 2 out of 5 popcorns. Man. I really wanted to like it more.

Enter to Win! ‘Crimson Peak’ on DVD

Crimson Peak

When her heart is stolen by a seductive stranger, a young woman is swept away to a house atop a mountain of blood-red clay— a place filled with secrets that will haunt her forever. Between desire and darkness, between mystery and madness, lies the truth behind Crimson Peak. From the imagination of director Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth) comes a terrifying, gothic romance masterpiece starring Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska and Charlie Hunnam.

Here’s what you gotta do…

Send me your FIRST & LAST NAME and FULL MAILING ADDRESS to mikethemovieguy@gmail.com

In the subject line – Crimson Peak DVD

– – – – – Continue reading “Enter to Win! ‘Crimson Peak’ on DVD”

Movie Review: CRIMSON PEAK

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Directed By: Guillermo del Toro

Written By: Guillermo del Toro and Matthew Robbins

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Jessica Chastain, Charlie Hunnam, Jim Beaver

Synopsis: In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds – and remembers.

 

It’s been a while since I’d heard anything regarding Crimson Peak, so when I had the opportunity to watch and review it, I was pretty excited!  Admittedly, it’s not my favorite film of all time, but I did actually enjoy it.  The trailer is rather misleading, as it jumbles up the timeline a bit, but it was intriguing nonetheless.  Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre) is wonderful as Edith Cushing, an aspiring writer of a ghost story and a loving daughter of her widowed father.  Twice in her life, Edith is visited by her mother’s spirit, who warns her of a place called Crimson Peak.  The words don’t hold much meaning until she meets Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston) and his sister, Lucille (Chastain).  While I enjoyed the film and the mystery of it all, I wish the fact that Thomas and Lucille had a secret agenda wasn’t as obvious from the very beginning.  It was missing the shock factor for me.  Also, who the heck would live in an ancient home with red clay seeping through the walls and floor boards??  Calling the estate Crimson Peak because of the clay turning the fallen snow red was enough for me.  Despite that, I still thought the storyline was interesting, and the actors were all fantastic!  I would definitely recommend checking it out.

 

 

Official Site: Legendary: Crimson Peak
Facebook: Crimson Peak

Movie Review: BROKEN KINGDOM

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Hey everyone!  Keisha & I got together recently to watch and review Broken Kingdom.  It’s a fabulous indie film created by the wonderful Daniel Gillies.  He put his blood, sweat and  tears into making this film, and it’s definitely worth checking out!  You can rent ($2.99) or purchase ($5) a digital copy of Broken Kingdom (synopsis below) by visiting brokenkingdomfilm.com. You can also opt to purchase a combo of Broken Kingdom and a documentary entitled Kingdom Come for $8 (documentary synopsis below).

SYNOPSIS: Two stories weave their way from the harrowing slums of Bogotá to the hills of Hollywood. A 14-year-old street girl and an American writer discover an uncommon union, while a day-care teacher in Los Angeles does everything she can to fight the weight of a tragic secret.

DOCUMENTARY SYNOPSIS:  Kingdom Come follows a first-time director (Daniel Gillies) as he tries to raise a million dollars to finance his first film, Broken Kingdom. This emotionally-charged journey is interwoven with over 30 rare interviews from acclaimed indie darlings including Mark Ruffalo, Illeana Douglas, Don Cheadle, Kevin Smith, Edward Burns, Tim Roth, Morgan Spurlock, Selma Blair, Robert Townsend, Bill Pullman and many more.

Broken Kingdom: Movie Review

Jackie & Ryan – Movie Review

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Hey movie fans!! So, I decided to check out this film that was featured on Netflix and decided to write my first review of 2016 on it! Check it out:

Directed By: Ami Canaan Mann
Written By: Ami Canaan Mann
Starring: Ben Barnes, Katherine Heigl, Clea Duval, Emily Alyn Lind, Sheryl Lee
Rated: PG-13

SYNOPSIS:  A modern day train hopper fighting to become a successful musician, and a single mom battling to maintain custody of her daughter, defy their circumstances by coming together in a relationship that may change each others lives forever. 

 

REVIEW:  As a HUGE music fan, I have to say I enjoyed watching this movie.  Ben Barnes definitely surprised me with his vocal abilities, as he provides the majority of the vocals on the soundtrack.  The acting by Barnes and Heigl were great as well.  People can say what they want about Heigl as a person on set, but no one can deny that the girl can act!  Either way, Barnes plays a tattooed drifter who will play whenever and to whoever will listen.  Heigl, a conservative ex-recording artist, meets him by chance and the two opposites help each other in ways they couldn’t imagine.  The movie was shot in just 20 days and has a raw, gritty feel to it.  Personally, I enjoyed it because it wasn’t a complete sappy love story, but others might see a lack of content.  If you love folk music and small production, indie films, you might want to check this one out.

 

 

You can find the ‘Jackie & Ryan’ soundtrack on iTunes HERE

Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Movie Review: Finders Keepers

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Wasup movie fans?! I checked out a movie…well…more like a documentary…but it’s still a movie, right? (lol)

When his amputated leg is discovered in a grill sold at a North Carolina auction, John Wood finds himself at the center of a worldwide media frenzy. Believing the new-found attention to be his chance at doing some great things in an otherwise disappointing, wayward life, he’s quickly swept up in the hysteria as the leg’s enterprising buyer, Shannon Whisnant, then sues to regain its custody. But the stranger-than-fiction chain of events, fueling John’s drug addiction and compounded by generations of his familial dysfunction,soon sets John on the streets and heading to his certain demise. Just in time, however, another twist in these fantastical occurrences gives John a final shot at becoming whole for the first time in his life.

Today’s the day…FINDERS KEEPERS hit select theaters TODAY and can also be seen on VOD/iTunes. If you happen to live here in Houston – you can watch this at the Alamo Drafthouse Vintage Park.

So. What did “I” think of FINDERS KEEPERS?!

I thought it was great. One of the best documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. Even the wife liked and she hardly likes anything I watch. (lol)

I really enjoyed the way it was shot, the music used in the film, the editing. I call a movie like this…”A perfect little package…with a nice bow on top.”

It’s definitely worth the watch people. It’s a crazy story. It’s kind of hard to believe it actually happened…but it did.

I give FINDERS KEEPERS…4 out of 5 popcorns!

Movie Review: AIR

3Director: Christian Cantamessa
Starring: Norman Reedus, Djimon Hounsou and Sandrine Holt
Run Time: 95 minutes
Rating: PG-13

Bauer (Norman Reedus – no stranger to playing sarcastic, post-apocalyptic roles) and Cartwright (Djimon Hounsou), are technicians entrusted with the task of keeping “sleepers” (people who are believed to be the last hope for mankind) alive in their sleep tanks.  This task proves difficult when they are restricted to cycles of available air.  The two are the only people at their underground location and only have 1 hour 59 minutes each cycle to run diagnostic checks on the sleeper tanks before locking themselves in their own tanks to hibernate for 6 months until it’s safe to emerge above ground again.  Holt plays Abby, who seems to be haunting Cartwright during their cycles; there’s no interaction between her and Bauer.  When an unforeseen issue presents itself, Bauer and Cartwright have to race against time before their limited air supply runs out.

I was really excited about watching this movie because I’m biased and love Norman Reedus.  So I wasted no time renting it on my Apple TV.  The concept for the movie was interesting, and definitely hard to watch at times if you’re at all claustrophobic (which I am).  I did find myself anticipating some huge action sequence that just never came.  It’s a bit hard for that to happen, though, when the cast is limited to three actors.  That being said…I feel like the movie was a bit slow for me.  Doesn’t take away from the great performances from Reedus and Hounsou though.  Bauer reminded me a lot of Daryl Dixon (Reedus’ character from The Walking Dead), which was great and he obviously works great with Robert Kirkman (producer of Air and creator of The Walking Dead), who’s great at creating post-apocalyptic entertainment.

So…would I say this was my favorite movie of all time?  Not at all.  However, it’s definitely work checking out.  It always keeps you on the edge of your seat to watch someone work against a clock under dire circumstances.  Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Air can be found on On Demand and Digital HD as of August 14, 2015 and can also be found in select theaters (see below):

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Twitter: @air_movie
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iTunes: Air Movie (Buy – $14.99 or Rent – $6.99)

http://www.thevro.com/2015/08/16/air-movie-review/

– Kristin (@kristin0409)

Twitter: @TheVRO

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Movie Review: STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON and Q&A at Miami screening 7/23/15

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Directed By: F. Gary Gray

Written By: Jonathan Herman, Alan Wenkus, S. Leigh Savidge and Andrea Berloff

Produced By: Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Tomica Woods-Wright, F. Gary Gray and Scott Bernstein

Starring: Jason Mitchell, Corey Hawkins, O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Aldis Hodge and Neil Brown, Jr. and Paul Giamatti

Production Company: Legendary Pictures, Cube Vision & Will Packer Productions

Distributed By: Universal Pictures

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Straight Outta Compton is a biopic directed by the incredible F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set It Off, The Italian Job, A Man Apart, Law Abiding Citizen).   The film follows five young men from Compton, California in the mid-1980s, and their quest to create reality rap. Dr. Dre (Corey Hawkins), Ice Cube (O’Shea Jackson, Jr.), Eazy-E (Jason Mitchell), MC Ren (Aldis Hodge) and DJ Yella (Neil Brown, Jr.) use their experiences with police brutality, women and life in the hood to speak truth to their audience. Coming together as N.W.A., the group changed the music industry by speaking honestly about issues that were banned during that generation. Figuring out the business, who to trust and how to survive as a family are all aspects at the forefront of this story, and it’s one we can all understand.

The performances in this film were absolutely incredible. The casting was spot on, and almost made you feel like you were watching the real N.W.A. The dialogue had the entire theater laughing during a lot of the scenes, which was great. If you’ve seen any of his other films or music videos, you already know that F. Gary Gray has a genius eye for filmmaking, and this film was no different.

I’ll admit that, going into this film, I didn’t have very high expectations, BUT after watching it…I can honestly say that I loved it! It took me back to a time when real hip hop with actual lyrics was important, and we got to see how these labels and careers really took off with no regard to the abusive authority figures that were trying to hold them down because of the color of their skin.

After the film, there was a Q&A with F. Gary Gray, Ice Cube, O’Shea Jackson, Jr. and Jason Mitchell that was hosted by DJ Laz, and it was nothing short of amazing. You can tell the group really got along and worked hard to put this film together. Please see the video of the Q&A below:

Make sure to see Straight Outta Compton in theaters on August 14, 2015.

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Movie Review: TED 2

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Directed By: Seth MacFarlane
Produced By: Jason Clark, John Jacobs, Seth MacFarlane and Scott Stuber
Written By: Seth MacFarlane, Alec Sulkin and Wellesley Wild
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Seth MacFarlane (voice), Amanda Seyfried

Ted 2 picks up at Ted (voiced by Seth MacFarlane) and Tami-Lynn’s (Jessica Barth) wedding, which we quickly learn is taking place just six months after John (Mark Wahlberg) and Lori (Mila Kunis) were divorced.   The thunder buddies seem to be on opposite sides of the emotional spectrum, and then we’re distracted by an extremely dragged out musical sequence during the opening credits. The film then picks up one year later, where we see Ted and Tami-Lynn’s marriage seemingly falling apart. Ted is convinced the only way to rectify their marriage is to have a child. There’s just one small problem…Ted is not anatomically correct. After a failed attempt at collecting Tom Brady’s sperm, John volunteers to be the couple’s sperm donor. John and Ted begin to joke around in the donor room and John ends up covered in rejected sperm, thus ending their plan to have Tami-Lynn artificially inseminated.

This issue seems minimal when, after attempting to adopt a child, Ted discovers the state of Massachusetts believes he’s property rather than an actual person. The couple is unable to have their own child, unable to adopt, Ted is stripped of his job at the food store and their marriage is annulled. Facing defeat, John convinces him to fight back. They seek out a civil rights attorney and are introduced to a pot smoking Sam (Amanda Seyfried). The trio engages in research, re-enacting dances from The Breakfast Cluband smoking pot in the local library. Unwilling to lose, Sam turns to one of the top civil rights attorneys, Patrick Meighan (Morgan Freeman), who agrees to meet with them in his office in New York.

In New York, they meet with the Meighan, and he turns down their case. Clearly upset, Ted runs away from John and Sam and heads right for the New York Comic Con. He’s captured by Donny (Giovanni Ribisi), the creepy janitor, who has been co-conspiring with the head of Hasbro to mass produce Ted dolls. Wanting a Ted of his own, Donny duct tapes Ted to a table and is about to cut him open to see what makes him tick when John and Sam arrive and save him. Donny chases John, Sam and Ted through the awesomely nerdy Comic Con!

As with the first Ted film, there are the literal laughing out loud moments and there are the somber, almost corny moments. In typical Ted fashion, expect borderline inappropriate racist jokes and an abundant amount of F-bombs throughout. Despite some dragged out scenes, I’d say it was a decent sequel. Amanda Seyfriend was a nice addition, and the cameos by Tom Brady, Liam Neeson and Morgan Freeman were great! Mark Wahlberg is hilarious and it was also nice to see Johnny Drama as a security guard at Comic Con. If you enjoy crude humor and repeat offenses, Ted 2 might just be for you.

Ted 2 was released in theaters on June 26, 2015. Check it out for yourself, and let me know what you think!

Kristin (@kristin0409)

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Movie Review by Mike ‘The Movie Guy’: BARELY LETHAL

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Wasup movie fans! I had the chance to check out the action, comedy flick…BARELY LETHAL. It’s currently available on DirecTV and On Demand.

BUT WAIT! There is more…

TODAY…it opened in select theaters. In Houston (where I’m from) – you can check it out at the AMC Gulf Pointe – – which I’m still trying to rack my brain on why it’s at that AMC location – but…maybe they have their reasons. You can always check out the full theater list there. ~> click here.

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Now…lets talk BARELY LETHAL…it stars Hailee Steinfeld, Samuel L. Jackson, Jessica Alba, Sophie Turner, Dove Cameron, Thomas Mann and FUNNY MAN Dan Fogler. Ya know something – to be honest with you. This movie has a great cast. The names you just read – just the tip of the iceberg. If you watch BARELY LETHAL (and I think you should) – you’ll recognize a lot of folks! Great job on the casting 🙂

Now…what’s BARELY LETHAL about…well…It’s about this teenage girl (Hailee Steinfeld) who from a VERY young age – was trained to be a lethal assassin. On one of her secret assignment’s – she realizes ‘something’ – that ‘something’ happens to be…a normal life. She fakes her own death…cuz that’s the only way she’s going to get it – – – assumes the role of an exchange student – – finds a family to live with – – and becomes a teenage girl…in HIGH SCHOOL!!! There…she uses all her assassin skills to get her through cheerleaders, bullies, mean girls and more!

Oh…and avoid getting killed by Victoria Knox (Jessica Alba). I know…it sounds crazy. But like I said before – it’s worth a watch.

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Now…what did I think of BARELY LETHAL?!

I reallllllyyy liked it. I really did. I’m not going to lie – – I normally ‘curve’ away from movies like this. The ones that seem like cheesy, teen flicks. BUT…this one – – the cast got my attention.

Hailee Steinfeld – she’s just great in everything she does…TRUE GRIT & ENDER’S GAME (my favs), Jessica Alba…I mean…come on…it’s Jessica Alba. (lol) I loved her sarcastic ways in this movie. (lol) Sofia Turner…ahhh Miss Sansa Stark!!! I just love her AND she kicks some serious ass in this movie. I hope she does the same ‘kicking ass’ in GAME OF THRONES soon. I can’t stand that Bolton guy!!! (lol) Now – – this Dove Cameron. She’s new to me. I really liked this chick. I thought she was great. Her chemistry with Hailee Steinfeld – like ‘peas & carrots.’ I hope to see more of Miss Dove – she looks good on the big screen. Dan Fogler – he’s just a funny dude. Him and Jack Black are my favs. I bet Dan had everyone laughing on set.

Now for the serious stuff…I even enjoyed Samuel L. Jackson’s performance. I used to be a fan of his – – then he did SNAKES ON A PLANE…then he lost my love. BUT…after seeing him in BARELY LETHAL…I think we’re friends again. He was funny and ass at times. (lol)

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BARLEY LETHAL is a funny movie. It’s got eye candy for the girls and the guys. It’s got action. It’s got some cool fight scenes. It’s got everything. Like I said before – it’s worth the watch. It just sucks that it’s opening in select theaters. Find it and go see it…ORRR see it on DirecTV and On Demand. 🙂

I give BARELY LETHAL… 5 out of 5 popcorns. If you like movies like SIXTEEN CANDLES and MEAN GIRLS – you should check this one out. I thought the director and writer(s) did a great job of capturing some of the 80’s-90’s feel and bringing here to 2015. High 5!