Gone Girl (2014)

Director - David Fincher

Rated - R

Length - 149 min.

In one of the most anticipated films of the year, David Fincher delivers. Rivaling his classic thrillers like "Se7en" and "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", "Gone Girl" is yet another masterpiece in Fincher's  collection of truly eerie and disturbing films.

Now anyone's whose seen the trailer for this film has a general idea of what's going to happen. But what actually takes place onscreen is a wild ride that you better buckle up for before you're thrown from this unmanned vehicle. 

As the story goes, Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) is an aspiring writer who seems to have hit a rough patch in both his marriage, and his life. His wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) is also a writer, but neither one can seem to find a job. Needless to say, their marriage is headed nowhere fast and before you can say "boo," Amy has left the building. In what seems like hours, the whole community is in a frenzy about what happened to Amy, and how they can help find her (in seemingly unrealistic circumstances I might add; i.e. they had a search party out on Day 2. Come on, really?). 

As the audience begins to learn more and more about the troubled marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dunne, Nick begins to look more and more like the culprit behind Amy's disappearance. Luckily for him, his sarcastic, loving, reasonable sister (Carrie Coon) is there to guide him out of the shadows. And as the plot further develops, we begin to realize there's something fishy about Amy's disappearance.

Pike's impeccable acting leads the way for Fincher's unmatched directing in this instant classic. Two of comedy's most well-respected names used this suspenseful thriller to breakout of their type cast roles and show the critics that they can juggle more than one emotion. Tyler Perry ("Madea's Family Reunion") and Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") play their roles in convincing fashion. Not to mention a small role for Emily Ratajkowski, who some may recognize as the beautiful brunette from Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines" video. And for all you young men wondering, yes, Ratajkowski is seen sans clothes in this film as well.

This is a film that will have you on the edge of your seat until they roll the final credits. There are so many twists and turns throughout that sometimes you wonder if this rollercoaster is ever going to end. Go see this film right away, but make sure to leave the little ones at home. And also see if you can figure out where "Gone Girl" decided to go...

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

 

Director-Wes Anderson

Length-100 min.

Rated-R

In a way that only director Wes Anderson could, he demonstrates the fast-paced, quirky and awesomely-weird history of how The Grand Budapest Hotel came under its current ownership in this mystery-adventure-comedy.

From start to finish, this swiftly-moving film of highly intellectual characters with extraordinary vocabularies takes you on a wild goose chase across fictitious lands in order to solve a mystery, keeping your interest throughout.

The film begins with the introduction of the late author (Tom Wilkinson) of The Grand Budapest Hotel novel reflecting upon his prior endeavors as a young man and how he made the acquaintance of Mr. Zero Moustafa (F. Murray Abraham), the current owner of the hotel. Mr. Moustafa, being an admirer of the author's work himself, invites the young man (Jude Law) to join him for dinner so that he can relay to him the long and storied tale of how he came into possession of the hotel.

The story that unfolds onscreen includes a variety of very comical sequences that all Anderson's films thrive on, standing on the impeccable performance of M. Gustave (Ralph Fiennes), who carries the film as its main character. Gustave, being the previous owner of the hotel, teaches Zero everything he knows about running a hotel, and in turn allows him to become him his sole predecessor upon his demise. 

Unlike other Anderson classics like Moonrise Kingdom and The Darjeeling Limited, this film included a decent amount of nudity, vulgarity and violence. Very un-Anderson like, but also showing his truest fans that he can be edgy and dark, as well as quirky and cool. It also had all the vibrant, extravagant costumes and set designs that one could expect from any and all Anderson films.

The cast truly spoke for itself. With the usual suspects including Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton and Owen Wilson, while also comprising the incredible acting talents of Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe, Jeff Goldblum and Harvey Keitel; this film has something to offer all moviegoers.

Hold on for a wild ride and make sure you pay attention, because if you don't, you might just miss this instant classic.

Blue Jasmine (2013)

Director-Woody Allen

Length-98 min.

Rated-R

Some people just wake up and they're rich. As was the case for Jasmine (Cate Blanchett), until she found out her husband Hal (Alec Baldwin) was a fraud. This is the story of how Jasmine had it all, lost it, got it back, and lost it again.

Jasmine lived a relatively charmed life with her extremely wealthy husband Hal, who seemingly gave her everything that money could buy. But as the cliche often goes, money can't buy happiness. And in this case, her husband's illegitimate deals and unfaithfulness eventually caught up with him, in which Jasmine made him pay.

Newly single and almost completely broke, Jasmine is forced to move in with her adopted sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins). Although Jasmine and Ginger share the same last name, that's just about where their similarities end. While Ginger works hard to take care of her two boys and support herself, Jasmine struggles to adapt to her new lifestyle, as she spent most her life as a "trophy wife."

The story that develops onscreen is that of Jasmine attempting to find her niche and figure out what she wants to do with her life after her financial and marital failures. Jasmine's anxiety over her social collapse and money troubles continue to worsen, as does her obvious alcohol/drug problem as she strives to regain her previous life of luxury and leisure.

When Jasmine finally finds a man that can replicate her previous lifestyle, she pursues him at all costs with little regard for her previous endeavors or the necessity to be honest with her new lover.

With a colorful cast that includes the likes of Andrew Dice Clay, Louis C.K., Bobby Cannavale and Peter Saarsgard; there is never a dry moment in this quirky, yet dramatic comedy. Cate Blanchett steals the show with her magnificent depiction of the stereotypical rich housewife, obsessed with the opinions of others and struggling to overcome her life of misfortune; fully deserving of her Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Her performance was reminiscent of Ellen Burstyn's depiction of Sara Goldfarb in Requiem for a Dream, as an older woman struggling with drug addiction that eventually gets the best of her. A somewhat depressing, but realistic ending to a very well done picture.

Although this film wasn't as enchanting as Woody Allen's Midnight in Paris, it still depicted the lifestyle of the wealthy and their obsession with social status to a tee. Very well done, but left a little too much unsaid at film's conclusion. Still a fantastic film and most definitely worth a second look. Blue Jasmine.

Nebraska (2013)

Director-Alexander Payne

Length-115 min.

Rated-R

On the great open landscape of Billings, Montana lives a man by the name of Woody Grant (Bruce Dern). And although life took advantage of this generous fella, his generosity was finally reciprocated in the form of $1,000,000.

Even though everyone he knew seemed to doubt the validity of his "golden ticket," he was determined to make the trek down to Nebraska to collect his winnings. After some failed attempts to walk there himself, his son David (Will Forte) decided to give in to his father's delusions and take him to the Cornhusker state. 

At film's opening, the audience is introduced to Woody as a dim-witted old fool who has let his life pass him by. But as the story develops, we get some incite as to how Woody has become the man he is today. Especially when David and Woody make a stop in Woody's hometown of Hawthorne, Nebraska; helping us piece together the corners of this oddly shaped puzzle. The truth is that Woody had a tough upbringing and after he returned from the Korean War, he turned to drinking as his vice. We further learn of Woody's fair-weather friends and early marriage troubles. Which is no surprise, for his wife Kate (June Squibb) is brutally honest and continually antagonizes her husband, but provides a nice sense of comedic relief throughout. 

Director Alexander Payne did a phenomenal job in capturing the mundane life of a farmer from a small-knit community, while also displaying how uneventful life can truly be. What I love most about Payne's films is his ability to be severely realistic, but conclude with a happy ending in that very same fashion. Much like his Academy Award-winning film, The Descendants, this film will warm your heart.

This isn't a film about cashing in on your prize, but about self-discovery and recognizing where you came from. 

12 Years A Slave (2013)

Director-Steve McQueen

Length-134 min.

Rated-R

It's been quite some since I've agreed with the Academy's choice for Best Picture. But there is no doubt in my mind that this year's selection was the perfect choice. 12 Years A Slave follows the inspiring true story of the once free man Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who was kidnapped, enslaved, and forced into years of suffering for a life he tried to escape.

This film begins in Saratoga, New York where Solomon lives with his wife and three children. They seem to carry on a life full of joy and prosperity. Until one day Solomon is approached by two white men from the South who proposition him to join their "merry band" in Washington D.C. for a circus-like show in which he could bring home trunks full of money. Solomon accepts the men's offer and accompanies them to a celebratory dinner to seal the deal. However, Solomon becomes very sick (because the men poisoned his wine) and is seen being carried up to his bedroom. The next thing you know, he wakes up in a very dark cell with chains around his hands and feet. Two new men enter the cell and tell him he is not a free man, but a runaway slave. The men then beat Solomon savagely with a paddle and whip. Unfortunately this is just the beginning of the 12 year battle Solomon is forced to endure.

As the rest of the film plays out we are introduced to slave owners, both cruel and kind. But in the end they all turn out to be morally corrupt Southern racists who treat each and every slave as their own "property." The clear cut enemy in the film is Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), who's cruelty towards his slaves is well known throughout the land. Solomon must overcome his tyranny on multiple occasions and is brought to the verge of abandoning all sense of hope.

The brutality of this film was hard to take at times, but I feel as though director Steve McQueen felt it was needed to depict the story in the manner in which the audience could truly feel the pain that Solomon felt. McQueen has become somewhat well known for the explicit nature of his films like Shame, depicting a sex-crazed man who can't seem to overcome his obsession. It garnered an NC-17 rating for being so sexually explicit.

But it seemed as though all the pieces of this intricate, and yet deeply disturbing puzzle are told with such realism and beauty that this film is a must-see for anyone who can handle it. The story of this film is something that needs to be shared with the world. There have been tales of slavery before, but never shown quite like this. 

Go see this year's Best Picture, you won't regret that you did. 

Dallas Buyers Club (2013)

 

 Director-Jean-Marc Vallée

Length-117 min.

Rated-R

This is a truly inspiring tale of a man who tested HIV positive and his long road to recovery. Including all the hoops he had to jump through in order to get the medication he needed to survive. But it's also about overcoming homophobia and realizing who your true friends are.

This film begins with the introduction of our main character, Ron Woodroof (Matthew McConaughey); the shit talkin', hooker lovin', whiskey shootin', bull ridin' fool. Woodroof carries on a life of ill-repute, full of excessive drug use and drinking, which would be detrimental to any one's health, but especially for someone fighting the AIDS virus. Eventually Woodroof's lifestyle catches up with him and he ends up in a hospital bed. On that very bed, he learns of his inevitable fate. Told he only has a month to live, he promises his two doctors that he will overcome such obstacles.

As the film continues, Woodroof comes into contact with Rayon (Jared Leto), the cross-dressing beauty that he eventually partners with in his attempt to bring affordable health care to those also battling with AIDS.

Woodroof's bigotry is extremely apparent at film's beginning, but lessens immensely as he befriends so many of these struggling young men. This film is an eye opening experience for anyone unaware of the AIDS epidemic and how it effected the homosexual community.

There is no happy ending to this incredible film, just a reality check to those unaccepting of homosexuality and a nice middle finger to the FDA.

But this was by far the best film I've seen in quite some time and although the sexuality and drug use/drinking may be a bit too much for some, it was necessary to tell this true story with full discretion. I loved this film and I think everyone should check it out, for it's not only a fantastic film, but a historical tale of love and compassion when there was very little to be found. Dallas Buyers Club.



The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)

Director-Martin Scorcese

Rated-R

Length-180 min.



 

In another epic chapter in the Martin Scorcese collection, The Wolf of Wall Street swallows you whole and sufficates you with greed, whores and excessive drug abuse until you can't take it anymore. At least that's the lifestyle portrayed by Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio).

 

However, this multi-millionaire didn't start out as the power hungry madman that he's remembered for. Mr. Belfort started out as the rest did as a small-time stock broker, or "the bitch" of the company. But Belfort was far too intelligent and ambitious to be restricted by the constraints of his firm. So after taking the advice of his mentor, Mark Hanna (Matthew McConaughey), he broke away from his firm and decided to go out on his own. And after getting the brilliant, but totally illegal, idea to doop small-time investors into investing their money in bogus companies and retaining over 50 percent of their investment in his commission; it was all downhill from there.

 

Once Belfort brought together his own team of handpicked salesmen, his firm grew and grew and grew, until it exploded. At this point he was making more money than he knew what to do with. Oh, but he found a ways to spend it (hookers, blow and million dollar bachelor parties). He was a god amongst men and there was truly no stopping him until he made the acquantaince of FBI agent Patrick Denham (Kyle Chandler). This really threw Belfort for a spin, as he was forced to change his entire way of life in order to cover his tracks. Not to mention, start going straight edge as far as his business ventures were concerned. But once you've had a taste, there's really no way you can satisfy that hunger for more. 

 

This is one of the best films I've seen all year, which is refreshing because most films of this magnitude fail to live up to their expectations. Something that definitely surprised me was the amount of drug abuse, vulgarity and explicit sexuality throughout the film. But Scorcese does whatever he wants and gets away with it. And you know what, I love him for it. He made the film seem more realistic. My only issue with the film was that it was a little drawn out. It could've been cut by 30 minutes and it would've been the film of the year. I understand Scorcese was trying to create another film on par with that of The Departed, Casino and Goodfellas; but what he needs to realize is that most people can't pay attention for more than two and a half hours.

 

This is the must see film of the year. I would suggest it to any and all moviegoers. Except it may be a bit too much for the youngsters. But hey, that's why we have a rating system, isn't it? So leave the little ones with a sitter and head down to your local theater to see how the rich got richer and then lost it all, because they're all a bunch of greedy bastards. The Wolf of Wall Street.

American Hustle (2013)

Director-David O. Russell

Length-138 min.

Rated-R

As a part of the trio of films coming out this December (Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues & The Wolf of Wall Street being the other two), with all the hype and anticipation; I wasn't blown away by my first viewing of the three.

American Hustle follows the likes of two big-time cons in Irving Rosenfeld (Christian Bale) and Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), whom of which make an impeccable team, seemingly having it all figured out until they encounter FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). DiMaso catches these two with thier hands in the cookie jar, and offers a plea bargain in exchange for their cooperation in his operation. From that point forward, Irving and Sydney seem to become further burried in a world of hurt that they can't seem to escape.

As the plot unfolds we are introduced to Irving's wife Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence), and their main play in the beloved mayor of New Jersey, Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner). Each character plays an important role in both setting up dealings with corrupt politicians and almost ruining their entire plan. But in the end, the hustlers do what they do best and come out on top.

Although this film had many fantastic elements in it's wardrobe selection, portrayal of an era, acting and comic relief, it still wasn't as good as I expected considering the amount of talent put on display in this film. I think Director David O. Russell tried to outdo himself after Silver Linings Playbook, which was unnecessary because this film had all the right qualities to be a ballpark homerun, but was a little too drawn out and could've been cut down to a solid hour and 45 minutes while still achieving the same goals.

Overall, still a good film, but not a great film. But by all means, hustle on down to the theater and check out this movie, if not to view the seductive and revealing attire worn by that of the beauty that is Amy Adams, then just to enjoy the American Hustle, baby.

The Counselor (2013)

Director-Ridley Scott

Rated-R

Length-117 min.

 

In a film that had all the ingredients to be another No Country For Old Men, Ridley Scott's adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Counselor, was a bust. With beautiful and talented stars ranging from Cameron Diaz and Penelope Cruz to Michael Fassbender and Javier Bardem, I truly can't believe this film was not an instant classic. Now have you, there were definitely some thrilling and enticing moments throughout the film, but as a whole, it tried to tell too many stories at once.

 

The film begins in El Paso, Texas, right on the border of the U.S. and Mexico. This city of desert and desolation hides many secrets within its city limits and those who've become wealthy, usually have done some back-end deals to achieve that wealth.

Our main character, the Counselor (Michael Fassbender), has found himself in a bind for money, as he just recently shelled out a hefty sum to keep that little ring finger of his new wife Laura (Penelope Cruz), shining bright. Reiner (Javier Bardem), is a former client of the Counselor and one who plays that of the lavish entrepreneur who takes all the risks, but reaps all the rewards. As Reiner tries to warn the Counselor of the dangers of his business, he ignores his warning and moves forward with his dangerous ventures. But the real player in this situation is Malkina (Cameron Diaz), who plays a sly little vixen and Reiner's mistress. Her true intelligence is not fully realized until film's end, but as goes for so many greedy women, they don't give up until they get what they want.

 

The plot that plays out onscreen is that of all bad decisions gone awry, and the consequences of those who've made those decisions. Some learn from their mistakes and some don't live to see that day of redemption. But when all is said and done, those with no heart and a hunger to devour the weak prevail.

At film's end, I must admit that I was extremely confused, as the film's conclusion was not fully explained and I left the theater with a feeling of disappointment and wonder. I think Scott tried to incorporate too many stories within one grand scheme, and if he would've stuck to the main sequence of events the story would have played out a little more smoothly. Overall, this wasn't a bad film, it just didn't live up to all it's hype. The Counselor.

Rush (2013)

Director-Ron Howard

Length-123 min.

Rated-R

 

In this monumental true story of two Formula 1 drivers and their passion to live life on the edge, the intense Rush is kept at a consistent high.

 

James Hunt (Chris Hemsworth) and Niki Lauda (Daniel Brühl) are bitter rivals on the racetrack, each of which have a very different approach to each race. Hunt is an infamous playboy party animal who thoroughly enjoys how close every race brings him to death. Whereas Lauda is highly strategic in his preparation, analyzing every turn and taking all the proper precautions. But when the two meet on a rainy day at the German Grand Prix, everything changes as Lauda takes a nasty spill, leaving his face and body immersed in flames.

 

The rest of the story plays out as the relationship of these two rivals develops over time, and shows how each man is different in how he handles fame, fortune and love.

 

This is a truly inspirational tale, and the casting for the film deserves a round of applause, for their depictions of real life characters were spot on. I must admit that although this was a fantastic fictional film, I still think Driven is a superior film about Formula 1 Racing. Having said that, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and now you have mine.

 

I still think this is a very important film in it's storytelling of two men's lives and how they are consistently intertwined. Although some adult language and nudity, this is a film for all ages as it tells a truly heroic tale of lives lived and lives lost. See it.

Gravity (2013)

Director-Alfonso Cuarón

Length-91 min.

Rated-PG-13

 

This high intensity action thriller was an absolute blast to view on the big screen. Sandra Bullock (Ryan Stone) puts forth the performance of a life-time in her remarkable transformation of character in this role.

 

For anyone who can't handle roller coaster rides or intensely gripping action sequences, this is not the film for you. But for those of you who enjoy a good thrill ride, this is one for the record books. Gravity jumps right into the action from the very start and has you on the edge of your seat throughout.

 

The Cinematography and special effects put on display in this film were absolutely out of this world, both literally and figuratively.

 

The story begins with your everyday space odyssey, when Dr. Stone is accompanied by Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and another astronaut to complete a mission on one of the many space stations orbiting the Earth. But all hell breaks loose when a serious of floating debris destroys their space shuttle and takes the lives of their entire crew. The rest of the film follows Kowalski and Stone on their journey to find a way home.

 

This film will keep your heart pounding faster than ever thought possible and may even produce a tear from time to time. But all in all, this is a fantastic film from start to finish, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who can stomach a trip to space.

 

One thing's for sure, this film makes me so glad I didn't have childhood aspirations to become an astronaut. I think I'll stick to critiquing films instead:) 

Don Jon (2013)

Director-Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Rated-R

Length-90 min.

In Joseph Gordon-Levitt's debut as both writer and director, Don Jon does anything but woo you into loving his film. Although realistic in it's depictions of relationships and male obsession with pornography; annoying Boston accents, repetitive scenery, and an extremely obnoxious soundtrack make this feel-good tale a dud.

 

Jon (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) plays the ultimate deuce bag Guido who's only "true" interests in life are getting laid and getting yoked; you know, your stereotypical meathead Neanderthal. And his meaningless little life seems to be going pretty well until he is swept off his feet by the ghetto fabulous Barbara Sugarman (Scarlett Johansson). This girl is different from the rest in the fact that she doesn't let "The Don" just hop into bed with her right away. And she seems to be changing Jon for the good until she finds out about his obsession with porn.

 

The rest of the film plays out in the real transformation of Jon, which takes place with the help of a very unsuspecting character who truly shows him the meaning of love.

 

Even though this film did have a good overall message, it was hard to read through the excessive pornographic images and loud club bangers playing consistently throughout.

I am a huge fan of Gordon-Levitt and his roles in films like 500 Days of Summer and 50/50, but maybe this superstar should stick to the acting side of things, because directing doesn't seem to be his forte. 

Prisoners (2013)

Director-Denis Villenueve

Rated-R

Length-153 min.

In this suspenseful thriller about the abduction of two young girls, Hugh Jackman (Keller Dover) gives the performance of a lifetime. Jackman plays the father of the abducted who resorts to some extreme measures to bring his daughter home. Jake Gyllenhaal (Detective Loki), the lead detective on the case, is forced on an endless search for these girls and is eventually the one who puts all the pieces of this intricate puzzle together.

 

I must admit that I was still left with some questions at film's end, but after talking it through with a fellow moviegoer, I figured it out. And that's the purest sign of a good picture; when you're still contemplating it's outcome well after the curtains have closed.

 

This film showed us how we can all be Prisoners in some way, shape or form. And for some, they may never escape those bars.

It also kept a high level of curiosity throughout, giving us a glimpse into the agony of losing a child, as well as one into the sick and twisted minds of those who would commit such horrific crimes.

 

I would go as far to say as this is one of the best films of the year. And although a bit strung out at times, it leaves a haunting conclusion to a very realistic depiction of life. Must see.

West Of Memphis (2012)

Director-Amy Berg

Length-147 min.

Rated-R

For most of you, like myself, who are unaware of who the "West Memphis Three" are, let me introduce you to Jason Baldwin, Damien Wayne Echols and Jessie Misskelley. In 1993, these three young men were convicted of the brutal murders of three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. In the 20 years that have passed since their conviction, an array of new evidence has emerged in their defense. From new DNA matching that to members of the boys' families at the crime scene, to a number of witnesses admitting to lying on the stand; there is no doubt in these men's innocence.

In one of the most controversial examples of justice being overturned, this film delves deeply into the investigation of these three boys deaths and comes away with a chilling conclusion to this infamous murder case. And although the true killer has been exposed and continues to roam free, the "West Memphis Three" finally have their own form of justice.

This is truly a memorizing tale of how the hard work of some eventually pays off, and how a few investigative journalists can unveil the truth. I would recommend this film to all "Cold Case" lovers out there, for it is a true life story of how the justice system doesn't always get it right the first time. Sometimes they just want to pin it on a suspicious-looking group of kids. This is one of the best films I've seen in quite some time. I think everyone needs to know about what took place, West Of Memphis.

 

At Any Price (2012)

Director-Ramin Bahrani

Length-105 min.

Rated-R



Nominated for the prestigious Gold Lion Award at the Venice Film Festival, I expected this to be a ballpark home-run. However, with its lackluster dialogue and an extremely drawn out plot, this film failed to reach my expectations. As this film was shown not only an official selection in Venice, but at the Toronto Film Festival, Telluride Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival, alike; not to mention it's magnificent trailer, I thought this film had real potential. But with pretty boy Zac Efron (Dean Whipple) starring opposite of usually stellar Dennis Quaid (Henry Whipple), who played the underachieving role of a cheap cars salesmen; this film was anything but extraordinary. The story takes place in a small farming community in Iowa, where land is just as valuable as water. The fight over property is a vicious cutthroat trade with lots of unreliable allies and backhand deals. But sometimes that's what it takes to stay ahead of your competitors. Unfortunately for Henry, who has done everything in his power to keep the family farm afloat, his son Dean has plans of becoming a NASCAR driver. But when Dean injures himself in an accident and his father is investigated for his mischievous dealings, his son finally comes to his side. This is a story of father-son relationships and how quickly they can disappear. And although this did throw a bit of a curveball in its conclusion, it was still overshadowed by mediocre acting and little to no believability in its outcome. I don't care if you have the code for a free movie at your next Redbox visit, this film is NOT worth your while, At Any Price. 

The Place Beyond The Pines (2012)

Director-Derek Cianfrance

Length-140 min.

Rated-R

In this film, Ryan Gosling (Luke) plays a motocross outlaw who is trying to provide for a family he barely knows. Bradley Cooper (Avery) finds himself in a father-son dilemma that seems to never end. And Eva Mendes (Romina) seems to be caught up in the same love affair that she can never seem to kick. Now I must admit that I had been looking forward to this film ever since I first saw it's trailer, considering it's star studded cast. But after viewing it for the first time this evening, I was moderately unimpressed. Although it did provide a good overall plot, the film was far too long and could have done without some of it's less meaningful plot sequences. Director Derek Cianfrance seemed to be in the pursuit of recreating the Gosling we saw in Drive, which is impossible to replicate. There were great moments of cinematography in his use of long shots and experimental camera angles to accompany a fairly decent soundtrack. But at film's end, I expected this extremely intricate plot to come together as one, which it unfortunately did not. And even though it showed signs of brilliance, I would say this was somewhat shortcoming of this Academy-Award nominated cast. The Place Beyond The Pines takes far too long to get there, and once you do, the view was better from the other side.

We're The Millers (2013)

Director-Bob Fisher

Rated-R

Length-110 min.

In this comedic adventure, we are taken on a wild ride across the Mexican border with who else, but the Millers. The story that takes place onscreen develops when three unsuspecting people come together to help a poor drug dealer make a big score. The only catch is they have to pose as a happy-go-lucky family on a road trip. As to be expected with any great comedian, Jason Sudeikis (David Clark) steals the show with his outrageous humor and hysterical one-liners. Jennifer Aniston (Rose O'Reilly) continues to surprise with how incredibly fit she is for a woman her age, and puts her sensuous body on full display for all audience members to enjoy on numerous different occasions throughout the film. The two newcomers in Will Poulter (Kenny Rossmore) and Emma Roberts (Casey Mathis), also play their roles well. And when all is said and done, this family comes together as an ideal team. Although the plot's conclusion was pretty much a given after the first ten minutes, this film still left me in hysterics throughout and it provided a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. We're The Millers is worth your while. Go check it out. 

The Internship (2013)

Director-Shawn Levy

Length-119 min.

Rated-PG-13

From the duo who brought you Wedding Crashers, Vince Vaughn (Billy McMahon) and Owen Wilson (Nick Campbell) team up once again for another hysterical adventure. I must admit that with a PG-13 rating, I expected this film to be childish and somewhat unrealistic. However, Vince Vaughn stole the show with his consistently entertaining commentary throughout. There was also a duo of beautiful women put on full display in this film with the likes of Rose Byrne (Dana), who played Aldous Snow's (Russell Brand) lover in Get Him to the Greek; along with an enticing newcomer by the name of Jessica Szohr (Marielena), who plays the fitness instructor at Google and crush of one of the employees. This film is much more than your stereotypical new age comedy, and conveys the difficulties in finding a job for college graduates in today's job market, as well as those who have become recently unemployed. This film hits home in a way that most audience members can relate to. With a very heartfelt conclusion, this film appeals to a huge target audience, ranging from teenage tech-junkies to the white collar working class. For a fun-filled evening that the whole family can enjoy, take a chance on The Internship.

Superman: Man of Steel (2013)

Director-Zack Snyder

Length-143 min.

Rated-PG-13

In this year’s second summer superhero blockbuster (Ironman 3 being the first), Superman: Man of Steel plays on all the major stereotypes, blows action sequences out of proportion and fails to explain just about all key plot points. I know all the female audience members will enjoy this film solely because they get to stare at the “Superchad,” known as Clark Kent/Kal-El (Henry Cavill), who never seems to get a single scratch on his perfectly toned body or a crinkle in his flawlessly crafted haircut. This film was truly a meeting of Avatar and Star Wars coming to a collision on Planet Earth. However exciting and extraordinary, the believability of this film was extremely lackluster and even for being the all powerful Superman, Henry Cavill seemed entirely too confident and cocky for my taste. Amy Adams did play a wonderful role as the lovely Lois Lane, but even her acting expertise couldn’t save this comic hero cliché. I also was not a fan of Michael Shannon as General Zod, for he did not fit the role of the villain particularly well in my opinion. And by the way, what ever happened to Lex Luthor?  I mean is he not Superman’s primary villain in all prior circumstances? Well that is neither here nor there. All in all, this film could have been cut by 20 minutes while still reaching the same conclusions. It also could have done without so much death and destruction. By the end of the film, the entire city of New York was completely destroyed. Ironman was far superior to Superman in my opinion, and I’m sure there will be a sequel to this mediocre film which will try to outdo its prequel and fail miserably.

This Is The End (2013)

Directors-Evan Goldberg & Seth Rogen

Length-107 min.

Rated-R

This uproarious comedic adventure follows the cast of Pineapple Express and Superbad as an outrageous turn of events lead to the end of the world. It all starts with a party at James Franco's house where main characters Seth Rogen, and Jay Baruchel from She's Out of My League and Knocked Up (all characters playing themselves), decide to venture to a drugstore for some cigarettes, when all hell breaks loose, literally. Michael Cera, from Juno and Youth in Revolt, plays a role you have never seen him in before, as the coked-out playboy who makes an offensive gesture in just about every one of his very few cameos within the film. As Hollywood turns to flames and a vast majority of our familiar faces decease, those left to fend for themselves are forced to survive in this post-apocalyptic world. The events that follow turn into pure absurdity as Danny McBride (Eastbound & Down) turns to cannibalism with a surprise face as his sex slave, and Jonah Hill (Moneyball) turns into a killer zombie; the craziness never ceases to exist in this film. Truly, this is a story of friendship and how it prevails over anything, even in light of end of life as we know it. I won't ruin the concluding scene for you, but for all you boy band lovers out there, it is quite a hysterical performance by one of the classics. For all its vulgarity, obscenity and just plain absurdity; this is a must see comedy.