Tag: Review

Posted on

“Jungle Book” Remade

Disney has done it again, this time bringing Rudyard Kipling’s beloved tale to the big screen in an all new live action Jungle Book.  The movie picks up with Mowgli, played by newcomer, Neel Sethi, being raised by a pack of Wolves.  Everything is peaceful, until Shere Khan, voiced by Idris Elba, discovers the man cub and because of a deep run in that he had with an explorer and the “red flower”, Khan is determined to end young Mowgli’s life before he can end his.

Now it is up to Bagheera, the panther, voiced by Ben Kingsley, who has been watching out for Mowgli all his life as well as Baloo, a lazy, carefree bear, voiced by Bill Murray, who lives by the “Bear Necessities”, to join together and bring Mowgli back to the “man village”, but will they succeed and will Mowgli want to go back, after living with the wolves for so long.

At 105 minutes, its a movie that will keep you engaged with the scenery of the forest as well as beloved characters that show up along the way, including King Louie the Orangutan, voiced by Christopher Walken and Kaa the python, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.  Overall, the director, Jon Favreau, did a good job of sticking to the original animated movie.  With familiar songs like “Bear Necessities” and “Trust In Me” generations will be taken back to their childhood, while new generations equally will experience the magic of the Jungle Book.

Jungle book opened in theaters April 15, 2016 and earned over 32-million in revenues its opening day.  It is currently playing in one near you.  See it and relive your childhood again.

Posted on

“God” Takes Court

In the latest faith-based movie sequel, God’s Not Dead 2 is touching light on the civil state vs church cases that have swept the nation and inspired a movement.

Pure Flex’s God’s Not Dead 2 reunites David A.R. White as Pastor Dave, Benjamin A. Onyango as Rev. Jude, Paul Kwo as the Chinese student, Martin and Trisha LaFache, as the journalist, Amy Ryan, as their faith is further tested in the latest adventure.

This time the story deals with a teacher named Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) who is challenged by the school board after responding to a student’s (Hayley Orrantia) honest question about Jesus during a lesson.  Not wanting to back down from her beliefs, Hart is taken to court to prove once again, God’s Not Dead as she and her Union appointed attorney, Tom Endler (Jesse Metcalfe) fight to win against the school board who wants to bury her in front of the public forum headed by Judge Robert Stennis (Ernie Hudson).

At 2 hours and 1 minute, it’s a movie that will have you cheering as familiar faces such as the Christian Pop Band, Newsboys, who like in the original, close out the movie with a live concert this time at Grand Canyon University.

God’s Not Dead 2 came out in theaters April 1 and has thus earned just under 3 million its opening day.  See it in a theater near you and join the movement.

 

Posted on

“Messiah” Opens Eyes

The latest christian film about the life of Jesus at the age of seven is drawing a small number of viewers to theaters its opening weekend as it brought in roughly 3.4 million in revenues at the box office.

Based on the novel, Christ The Lord: Out of Egypt by acclaimed author, Anne Rice, The Young Messiah stars newcomer Adam Greaves-Neal in his first feature length film playing 7-year-old Jesus who is just releasing his powers as Mary and Joseph are told in a dream to move from Egypt back to Nazareth.

Overall, the movie is entertaining as the story makes you think about Jesus as a child however because there is no proof, some theologians might be skeptical as to the validity of how they are portraying the character of Jesus.  That being said, people are encouraged to see it and make their own decisions.

The Young Messiah also stars, Sara Lazzaro as Mary,  Vincent Walsh as Joseph, David Bradley as the Old Rabbi, Rory Keenan as the demon and Sean Bean as Severus.

At an hour 51 minutes, it’s a film that makes you sit on the edge of your seat waiting for the next miracle while envision the life of Jesus as a child.

See it now in a theater near you.

Posted on

“Spotlight” Review

One of the Oscar nominated films, Spotlight is still drawing a small number of viewers to theaters across the nation as it brings in over half a million, the last week before the Oscars, bringing its told number up to 57 million worldwide since it opened back in November.

The Independent Newsroom drama stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton and Rachel McAdams as the team of investigative journalists from the Boston Globe uncover the scandal of the century and fight to be the first to break the news in “Spotlight“.

Overall, it’s a film that is packed with powerful performances by Ruffalo, McAdams, and Keaton that show the struggle that real journalists face in dealing with touchy topics in order to get the story and uncover the truth and is definitely worth the consideration for best picture at this year’s Oscar.

In addition to its nomination for best picture, Spotlight also has 5 other nominations, including best supporting actor, best supporting actress, film editing and original screenplay.  The 88th Annual Academy Awards will air on Sunday February 22, 2016 at 7 eastern/ 4 pacific standard time.

Spotlight is currently available to own Tuesday February 23, 2016.  See it.  It’s clearly another classic in the genre along with Citizen Kane as well as All the President’s Men.

Posted on

New Super in Town

Marvel has done it again and wowed crowds with their latest comic book brought to life on the big screen.  20th Century Fox’s, Deadpool is about wise cracking Wade played by Ryan Reynolds as he tells the sequence of events that lead to him putting on the red and black mask and becoming Deadpool.

Overall, the audience is full immersed in the action, drama and ultimately the chain of events that Wade goes through from meeting his girlfriend, Vanessa, played by Morena Baccarin, where life is perfect to discovering that he has cancer which leads to him meeting up with Francis/Ajax, played by  Ed Skrein, who promises a cure for the cancer, but ultimately cures him from everything, making him immortal as well as disfiguring his outward appearance.  Destined to figure out some way back to Vanessa and revenge for the way he looks, Wade crafts his costume and Deadpool is born.

At an hour and 48 minutes, Deadpool is packed with all the same punches as its former marvel movies, even with hidden references that diehard comic book enthusiasts can not miss, including the iconic Stan Lee, creator of the comics who also was the executive producer of nearly all the movies, as well as subtle cameos by some of the other avengers.

Deadpool opened in theaters valentine’s weekend with strong numbers taking number one at the box office with over 150 million for the four day weekend.

Viewer discretion is strongly advised as it is rated R for several raunchy scenes as well as graphic language, but for a diehard comic book fan, Deadpool is a definite much see and is currently playing in a theater near you.

Posted on

Drama Gives Lucasfilm Run At Box Office

The latest drama based on true events has movie goers racing to see it opening weekend and rightfully so.

20th Century Fox’s The Revenant stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Hugh Glass, in an exceptional portrayal of a frontiersman as he battles nature, weather and ultimately each other in a survival of the fittest action adventure film.   When DiCaprio finds himself on the verge of death after being viciously attacked by a giant mama bear, he is eventually left for dead and finds refuge and aid in a few friendly natives as he fights to get back to the base camp.   The movie also stars actor Tom Hardy who plays alongside DiCaprio as fellow frontiersman who ends up being DiCaprio’s worst nightmare, when he turns on Glass and his native American son, ultimately stabbing the to death.  As revenge for his son’s murder, DiCaprio has a new will to survive in his son’s honor.

The Revenant came out in limited theaters Dec 25 and everywhere January 8 and it’s first full weekend debut brought in an estimated 38 million, just barely behind Star Wars.

In addition, The Revenant took home three Golden Globes on Sunday night for best drama, best actor for Mr. Leonardo DiCaprio and best director, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu.

See The Revenant in a theater near you.  It’s a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seats with anticipation and wonder and though it’s not a movie for everyone, those that see it will not be disappointed.  At 2 hours and 36 minutes, it’s one of those movies that time doesn’t matter.

Posted on

“Sisters” Review

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are back at it again this time as “Sisters” in the latest film by Universal Pictures.

The Ellis sister’s, Kate and Maura are out to throw one more killer party before their parents sell their childhood home, but with one difference, mild mannered, Maura (Poehler) is the one to have a wild night while Kate (Fey) is the party mom.  It is full on, Ellis Island reunited as they invite all of their class of 89 friends and foes in what is sure to be the party of the year and reek havoc on the dreams of the new owners, but things change when Maura and Kate’s parent show up with a bigger surprise for Kate.

At just under a two hour run time, Sisters is a hilarious comedy that will have everyone laughing from the first scene on.  The film also stars  James Brolin and  Dianne Wiest as the ‘Sisters’ aging parents as well as  John Cena,  John Leguizamo, Madison Davenport and Heather Matarazzo.

Sisters came out in theaters December 18, and thus far has earned over nearly 70 million worldwide.  See it now in a theater near you.

Posted on

Lucas Has Done it again

From the creativity of Lucasfilm, comes an epic sequel that was long overdue for Star Wars fans and thus set an all time record for its opening weekend debut.  Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens brought in over 238 million domestically with another 279 million Worldwide making it top grossing of all time and knocking Jurassic World to the number 2 top grossing spot.

It was expected as fans began to line up weeks ahead in anticipation and they were not disappointed.  The Force Awakens picks up three decades after Episode Six.  The Republic has fallen into the control of The First Order who attempts to control the entire galaxy, but the resistance fights back while trying to find Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the last of the Jedi.

The cast reunites  Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia) and Chewbacca ( Peter Mayhew) as they lead a new generation including Rey (Daisy Ridley), a scavenger from Jakku, who knows very little about her past, but is destined to hold the coveted Jedi sword as she battles the new dark apprentice, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) in order to destroy the new “death star”, with the help of her new friends, a defected storm trooper, Finn (John Boyega) and a resistance soldier, Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), but will she be able to save the galaxy and find Luke Skywalker?

With a runtime of 135 minutes, The Force Awaken, will truly be a pleasure for all Star Wars Fans as old friends reunite with new ones with just one goal to save the galaxy and restore order amidst chaos.  It’s packed with hours of adventure through the galaxy as well as a bit of romance that in true fashion will have everyone sitting on the edge of their seats as they discover the secrets and truths of their most beloved characters.

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens is playing exclusively at any theater near you.  Don’t be the last to see it.  You’ll regret it.

Posted on

“The Chipmunks” Are Back

In their fourth installment, the chipmunks return to the big screen with one goal, as always to save Dave, this time from proposing.  With the voice talents of Jason Long as Alvin, Matthew Gray Gubler as Simon and Jesse McCartney as Theodore, as well as  Jason Lee returning as Dave Seville, Alvin and The Chipmunks: The Road Chip, will have you laughing, crying and cheering for those lovable Chipmunks from the first minute on screen to the last heart warming scene as Dave is faced with a life changing decision that no one sees coming.

The film also brings back, their female counterparts, the Chipettes voiced by Christina Applegate (Brittney), Kaley Cuoco (Eleanor) and Anna Faris (Janette) though this is truly a journey for the Chipmunks as they try to keep dave from proposing to his new girlfriend, Samantha (Kimberly Williams- Paisley), in order to keep from gaining a terrible step-brother (Josh Green).

Overall, The Road Chip is full of family friendly laughs, adventure and of course great musical performances as they travel from Hollywood to Miami, on the greatest trip of their lives that will ultimately be the best decision that Dave has ever made.

At 1 hour 26 minutes, it’s a great movie for families and anyone who wants to get away from the mob of Star Wars Fans this weekend.   Though Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to take top at the box office this weekend, it’ll be a close race to see if Fox will beat Universal for the number two spot.

Nonetheless, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip is playing at a theater near you.

Posted on

“Mockingjay” Prevails

The much anticipated finale, adapted from the Hunger Games trilogy, by Suzanne Collins, is giving the James Bond sequel a run at the box office, as it’s estimated to bring in roughly 46 million for its opening day.

Mockingjay — Part 2 picks up right where Part 1 leaves us with Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) leading the rebellion against the capitol.   Crowds packed the theater, opening night, November 19th and were fully engulfed in the adventure, suspense and drama of the book brought to an epic end on the big screen.

Mockingjay: Part 2 reunites Lawrence with her sister Primrose ( Willow Shields) as well as Peta Mallark (Josh Hutcherson) and Gale Hawthorne (Liam Hemsworth) as they join all twelve districts together in order to preserve the future.

All in all, the film doesn’t disappoint and all are highly encouraged to see the epic blockbuster of the year.  Mockingjay: Part 2 is currently playing at a theater near you.