Category: Movies

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“Turtles” Take 4th Highest August Box Office

Director Michael Bay’s epic blockbuster,TMNT, brought in a record 65 million for its opening weekend and fans showed up to nearly sold out theaters to see just how the 90’s Turtles were brought back in their latest adventure.

The movie holds true to the story as it is told through the eyes of budding reporter April O’Neil, played by Megan Fox, who follows the vigilant anti, a.k.a the turtles, who are fighting to save the people of New York from the infamous Shredder.   Through her adventures, O’Neil releases deep secrets behind the turtles as well as her father’s former company that lead to his untimely death as well as her father’s most trusted friend and partner, who is now working for Shredder to find the turtles and use them for their own benefit of capitalism.

The use of the CGI and camera effects make this movie appealing to the eye and the storyline is right on track to what Turtle fans know and love, despite the critics’ opinion that the ‘turtles look creepy’.

Rated PG 13, it is recommended for any “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle” fan and is currently playing in various theaters near you.

Photo taken by Julie Moree, the original van from the movie on display outside Universal Citywalk theater on TMNT's opening weekend.
Photo taken by Julie Moree,
the original van from the movie on display outside Universal Citywalk theater on TMNT’s opening weekend.
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“Boys” Debut Falls Short but Still Entertains

Based on the  broadway musical, Jersey Boys, stars “Law and Order” actors, John Lloyd Young as Frankie Valli, and Vincent Piazza as Tommy DeVito, and is the story of how Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons came to be, through their childhood struggles in New Jersey on to their smashing ten year run and finally how money problems lead to the unforeseen split of the group.   It’s told through the eyes of band members, DeVito and Nick Massey, played by newcomer, Michael Lomenda.

With great musical performances, such as “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Sherry” and the romantic ballad, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”, the actors really sang to a thousands of movie goers over the weekend as the musical took in over 13.5 million, though it didn’t take the number one spot, it is still a movie worth seeing. Just make sure to keep straight who is narrating because the character shifts can get a little unclear.  That being said, it is still a great movie, highly rated for all music lovers.

Jersey Boys was directed by Clint Eastwood and released and distributed by Warner Brothers on June 20, 2014.
Jersey Boys was directed by Clint Eastwood and released and distributed by Warner Brothers on June 20, 2014.
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“Stars” shine over Evil

2014 movie poster, Photo rights belong to 20th Century Fox who produced and distributed the film
2014 movie poster,
Photo rights belong to 20th Century Fox who produced and distributed the film

Based on the 2012 novel by author John Green, “The Fault In Our Stars” is a drama romance about two teenagers battling terminal cancer and finding lover at the end of their lives.

The film reunites actress Shailene Woodley and actor Ansel Elgort from the 2014 adventure “Divergent” as Hazel, played by Woodley, is struggling for her life with a terminal cancer that has taken over her lungs. She meets Gus, played by Elgort, at a support group and is slowly drawn in by his wit and charm.

It’s a love story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from their first words to the intimate heart felt moments when you think it might be their last.

Rated PG 13, “The Fault in our Stars” is expected to take the number one spot, it’s opening weekend, bringing in at least 55 million dollars and knocking the Disney live action Maleficent to the number two spot at the box office.

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Blended: A Comedic Romance

Actor/Comedian Adam Sandler has teamed up again with Actress Drew Barrymore in a comedic romance of blended proportions. Sandler stars as a widower with his three young girls, going on a blind date with Barrymore who’s divorced with two young boys. The date, of course, goes terribly awry and the two part company.

Photo rights belong to Warner Brothers Studio produces and distributes the movie.
Photo rights belong to Warner Brothers Studios, who produces and distributes the movie for the public.

Meanwhile, Barrymore’s friend and Sandler’s boss have a weekend blended couples vacation in Africa that they decide not to go on and little unbeknownst to either Sandler or Barrymore, they convince their friends to let them take their children on a “Family” trip to Africa.

Upon their arrival, Barrymore and Sandler are abhorred that they are together once again and despite staying in the same room for a “romantic” week, they try to make the trip about their kids only.

Before we know it, the two are finding ways to help each other’s children in a friendly, comical matter and they slowly find themselves inadvertently falling for each other and each other’s children.

But will it be enough, to keep them together once the trip is over?

“Blended”, in true Adam Sandler form, is a story that keeps you on your toes and laughing from the first minute on and is highly recommended for anyone who is a hopeless romantic or just wants a good laugh. Due to the PG 13 Rating, it is highly recommended for an older teenage to young adult audience.

“Blended” was released to theaters on May 23rd and thus far has earned over 32 million in the United States alone.

 

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“Non-Stop” Is Number One Opening Weekend

Number one at the box office is Universal’s Nonstop with 30 million in ticket sales for its opening weekend.  The action packed, mystery driven thriller stars Liam Neeson as the U.S Air Marshall, who is being framed for hijacking a plane.  He receives a text shortly after the plane takes off on a transatlantic flight and with the aid of Julianne Moore, another passenger, who seems to be the most trustworthy onboard, they attempt to save the rest of the passengers, however his method of interrogation gets misinterpreted.

What will happen when Neeson realizes his country thinks he’s a terrorist?  It’s nearly two hours of suspense that is sure to keep everyone on the edge of his or her seats.

 

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“Son Of God” Opening Weekend Review

20th Century Fox’s Son of God gave Universal’s Nonstop a run for it’s money finishing just 3.5 million below, in second place with 26.5 million for it’s opening weekend.  The film stars Diogo Morgado, as Jesus and expands on the History Channel’s Emmy winning miniseries, “The Bible” as it follows the life of Jesus Christ from Virgin birth, through his miraculous ministries and culminating with the betrayal, crucifixion, resurrection and “Great Commission.

Filmed on location in Morocco, Son of God is told through the eyes of the Apostle John and despite a few minor changes, follows the writings fairly close for a modern day audience.

For a list of theaters near you, click here.

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Disney’s Frozen

Disney’s newest edition to the Princess Franchise, Frozen stars Idina Menzel as Elsa and Kirsten Bell as Anna, two princess sisters who are locked inside the palace after their parents are killed in a tragic accident.  Elsa is also secluded from Anna after an previous encounter nearly takes Anna’s life.  Finally the palace is opened back up when Elsa comes of age to be crowned queen, but she has a secret that turns the kingdom into a wintery wonderland.

Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christen Anderson, it’s a story about the bond of sisterhood as Elsa fights to control her powers and protect her sister and the kingdom.  With great musical talents and adventure around every turn, it’s sure to be another Disney Classic for all ages.

Frozen can be seen at theaters worldwide starting Thanksgiving Day.   Check fandango for the latest show times in your area.

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The Ultimate Movie Going Experience

In times, where the economy doesn’t seem to be getting better, there is always an alternate reality to take your mind of your troubles and it’s relatively inexpensive. As summer kicks off officially, blockbusters like Avengers and Men In Black III are bringing relief to California Residents. It’s the ultimate movie going experience that keeps everyone laughing and crying all at the same time.

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Halloween- Who does it right?

When looking at all the different halloween theme park attractions, there is  only one that does Halloween justice, Universal’s Halloween Horror Night.  This year is especially just right with five brand new mazes and the return of the Bill and Ted’s Excellent Halloween adventure as well as Rob Zombie’s House of 1000 Corpses in 3D Zombievision.

The terror tram has it’s own “Scream” element and the scare zones are to dye for.

Of course, it’s no wonder Universal is king of Horror, after all they invented the genre with the ultimate monster movies like Frankenstein, The Bride, and Dracula to name a few.

So if you want a good scare, don’t forget to visit, USH’s Halloween Horror Nights, 23 days of terror that is the most fearful it could ever be.  You won’t be sorry, trust me.

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Reliving Great TV

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with specific TV shows like

Castle.  I just got the third season and am catching up with al of them .

Of course, I also live for shows like Boy Meets World, Sabrina, and even Charles ‘N Charge and Reba.  And my all time favorite being, Full House.

TV is great, there as so many great shows, like Lost, Desperate Housewives and an all new Body of Proof, but if you don’t relive them at some point, then what can you do?

Movies are great, but TV builds suspense.  Movies never change, great TV grows and creates more suspense.