It Follows Movie Review

A movie about a sexually transmitted demon. I swear, they should really show this movie in some sort of Sex Ed class; it will thoroughly get the point across. 

Don't worry horror fans, the Annabelle's and Ouija's of the world can't hurt you anymore. From writer/director David Robert Mitchell comes a horror film centered around Jay- a nice, attractive, young girl with her whole life ahead of her. However, after having sex for the first time with her mysterious boyfriend, she discovers that he passed a curse on to her that causes a terrifying entity to follow her wherever she goes. No one else can see it, no one can help. It can take any form. The only way to survive is to pass it on to someone else, or run- if it catches you, 

you're dead. 

Let's begin with the negative feelings I have towards the film. From the get-go, this premise sounds relatively preachy and peculiar. It's executed wonderfully, but when analyzed deeply, it's just a small little metaphor for AIDS- nothing more, nothing less. It Follows can be appreciated as an ambitious piece of artful cinema, but not so much as a coherent narrative. Occasionally the complete subversion of expectations and diversion from the formulaic horror movie story structure works against the film instead of in it's favor. But in the end, one can't help but fall in love with it's retro-style approach to the material. Novice director David R. Mitchell is clearly influenced by the late 70's- early 80's style of film making. It harkens back to a time when horror movies were directed by Academy Award Winner Stanley Kubrick or legendary film director Brian De Palma, and not by a soulless movie studio hoping to make a couple bucks. There are some real, genuinely well-crafted shots in the film. It reminds you how innovative one can be with a camera. The actors all do their jobs well. No character seems cliched, however, this somewhat works against the film since no one was extremely memorable either. The sound design was average for a movie with this low of a budget, but it excels when it comes to my favorite aspect of It Follows- the score. That freaking amazing score. It's retro roots are seen most in the film's Carpenter-esque soundtrack that is simultaneously beautiful and haunting. Overall, It Follows was a nice little trip to the theaters. It didn't keep me up all night, but it certainly kept me entertained. The fresh story structure is admirable while also a little off-putting, but there is so much to enjoy in It Follows that I'm willing to forgive most of it's flaws. Final grade- B+

Avengers: Age of Ultron Movie Review

OH. MY. DEMIGOD.

The Avengers are back. And by god, I can not get this stupid grin off my face. 

3 years ago, Joss Whedon's Avengers Assemble broke all the records, grossing over $600,000,000 domestically, and over 1.5 billion worldwide. It was widely praised for it's humor and pure fun, as well as it's amazingly entertaining action. Since the 2012 hit, the MCU has grown and evolved; taking on many different genres and characters. Now, the superhero team reassemble- and in amazing fashion. Let me get this out of the way- I do NOT know if Age of Ultron is better than the first Avenger installment. It's a tall order, for I feel Avengers is the greatest comic book film ever made. While I don't know if it's the BEST superhero movie of all time, I sure as hell know it's up there with the greats. Avengers: Age of Ultron is amazing. It is fun, emotional, action-packed, and completely engrossing. There were several times in this film where I forgot I was in a theater packed with complete strangers- I was so focused and drawn-in. This is mostly due to these amazingly fleshed-out characters. I hesitate to even call these characters "Characters", we've spent so much time with them they are beginning to seem like real people. It's...kinda weird. There have been many critics that are bashing this film. They are throwing around words like "Disappointment" and "inferior", which I completely disagree with, but I can somewhat understand it. 2012's Avengers was a completely unprecedented piece of cinema; we have simply never seen this type of thing before. The films leading up to Avengers were Thor, Iron Man 2, and Captain America: The First Avenger. Overall, these films are considered the least amazing films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It set the bar kinda low, and people weren't hoping for the greatest superhero movie of all time, they were hoping for a movie that wasn't a complete disaster- and it worked. Man did it work. In 2015, following The Winter Soldier and Guardians of the Galaxy, the bar is set in freaking space. Now people aren't expecting a good flick, they're expecting the best adventure/action film ever made- which, it's not. But it is still SO AMAZING!!!!! It's not a perfect film, there are a few moments that drag on, there are some confusing character motivations, and it even felt a bit rushed at times. But the amount of pure fun you have with this movie should make you forgive all these flaws. The action is some of the best I think I've ever seen. There is a lot of action, but it never really felt gratuitous like in other superhero films *cough*Man of Steel*cough*. Sorry I was coughing- it wasn't stupid and gratuitous like Man of Steel. It was utilized well, and was placed at the appropriate times. But the action isn't the best part of the film- it's the heart. I went into Avengers 2 expecting a fun action film with great characters and great humor. I had no idea it would make me feel the way it did. There are some really emotional and intriguing scenes in this movie. People tend to claim that superhero movies don't display the true acting talent of the actors- well those people can shut their mouths now. There is some great acting and amazing character moments in the movie. Whedon is so amazing at balancing his characters, delving in their back-stories and making them more vulnerable. That is what I love so much about these movies. These characters are portrayed as super and heroic, while also being so incredibly human. All these characters have their moments to shine- especially Hawkeye. The first Avengers film was really well-balanced, but you can't deny that Hawkeye's character was greatly side-lined. Whedon makes up for that, big time. Hawkeye very well may be the best character in this film; and there's a lot of competition. The whole main crew is back, with a few new additions. In the post-credit scene for Winter Soldier, we were introduced to super-twins Scarlett Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) and Quicksilver (Aaron Taylor-Johnson). They're the product of Hydra scientific experiments, and they have a bone to pick with Tony Stark. The two make great additions to this film. They bring great heart and sympathy. You want to detest them for what they do to the Avengers, but as the film progresses, your feelings for them may change. Changing feelings, however, will not be had for the films baddie Ultron (voiced and motion-captured by the great James Spader). Ultron is a creation of Stark and Banner gone wrong; but Ultron is all kinds of right. He's menacing, sarcastic, maniacal, and totally committed to see the world destroyed- and only the Avengers can stop him. 

Avengers 2 is a flawed film, but it is entertaining and well-made. Writer/Director Joss Whedon was exhausted after making the film, and you can see why. There is so much going on in this movie. A lot of good, a LOT of great. You care about the characters, there are some really great character moments, and the pace is fast and fun. The action is amazing and unlike the Transformers movies, you actually know what's going on. If you don't like superhero films, this movie won't convert you. However, if you enjoy these stories, and you have cared for these well-developed characters, this film is far from a disappointment. It's extraordinary. And I cannot wait to see this again, and again..and again. Final Rating- A- (needs repeat viewings). 

Kingsman: The Secret Service Movie Review

Slick, Bloody, and Extremely Entertaining. 

From Matthew Vaughn, the director that saved the X-Men franchise after director Brett Ratner took a steaming crap all over it, comes Kinsman: The Secret Service; a movie I like to define as a Bond movie on ecstasy (crack? I don't know drugs).  The film stars Academy Award Winner Colin Firth (King's Speech), 2-time Academy Award winner Michael Caine (The Dark Knight Trilogy), and a chick with a awesome sword as a leg. While that may sound like Oscar bait, it's far from it. Kingsman is undoubtably the best movie on the year, and one of the best action movies I've seen in a while. The film is based off of what I hear is a crazy graphic novel, and it's incredibly fun from start to finish. What I particularly loved about this movie was that it combined everything I loved from Vaughn's previous films- X-Men: First Class and Kick-Ass. It had the fun underdog feel of both films, the gratuitous stylized violence from Kick-Ass, and the fun action training montages from First Class. Matthew Vaughn reported that he turned down the offer from Disney to helm the new Star Wars film so he could do this, and what I wonderful choice indeed. The action scenes, particularly one taking place in a church, were so insane and intense you can't tear your eyes away from the screen. Samuel Jackson also stars in the movie, marking his 400th film this year, as the film's lead lisp-having antagonist. While the lisp can be distracting at times, you grow used to it after the first hour. Overall, the film is exciting and fun. It may not be the smartest movie, the characters might not be as fleshed out as you'd hope, and the lead antagonist's quirks may get old quick, but it makes up for all of it's flaws by presenting and engaging story, innovative action and quick wit. Final Rating- B+

50 Shades of Grey Movie Review

50 Shades of What The Hell did I Just Watch?

(alternate titles include: 100 Shades of Terrible, 50 Shades of 120 minutes I'll never get back, etc.)

Okay, as I do in most of my negative reviews, I'm gonna start with the positives. Trust me, this shouldn't take long. Dakota Johnson, one of the bravest (stupidest?) actresses in contemporary Hollywood, is actually not terrible. The character she was given was complete and utter garbage, but somehow she took that trash and turned out a pretty decent performance. You felt her character in every awkward mannerism, and it doesn't really feel forced. Another positive is the cinematography. Somehow, the people behind this film knew how to operate a camera- who knew? Okay, now to the fun part. 

The novel 50 Shades of Grey, apparently written by a fifth-grader who hit puberty before everyone else, began as Twilight fan-fiction; and it definitely shows. The dialogue is terrible, the direction is flat, and the characters are terribly constructed. The film is devoid of any plot or anything that really keeps the audience invested in anything that is happening on the screen. The two leads lack any sort of chemistry or charisma and even the love scenes are relatively bland. The film is terrible, without a doubt. But what makes me despise it to such an extent that I even rate it lower than the Twilight saga, was the ending. There is no conclusion. I get it, it's a series of books. You have the whole series mapped out in your head, and this film is designed to lead to a sequel. I absolutely hate this style of film-making. It can be excused in films like The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug and Mockingjay part 1, but only because those films were of higher quality. There is no excuse for this mess. Movies should be full stories. You can absolutely make sequels to expand the set universe, but in the end a movie should be able to hold up and be seen as a complete piece. This film can't do that. The film currently stands at $150,000,000 domestic, and a $502,000,000 international gross. Which means next year the sequel will hit theaters and will steal lots of money from more curious teens, lonely single mothers, and 40 year old perverts wearing trench coats sitting in the back of the theater. Hopefully the next time Mr. Grey slaps Anastasia and the movie-going public in the face, we'll know better. However, the fact that we have 5 Twilight films shoots down whatever optimism is left. Final Grade- F+

Babadook Movie Review

Calling All Horror Fans

What are some of the best horror films in cinematic history? Kubrick's The Shining? John Carpenter's The Thing? Any one of those terrifying Nicholas Spark adaptations? #chills. Now, when one thinks of the best horror films, they often have to think back to a time where horror wasn't found-footage, and the films actually had character. Here is a harder question: What are some of the best horror films in the last 10 years? Sure, one could conjure (wink wink) up some titles: Cabin in the Woods, [REC], Let the Right One In, etc; but still, when you think of quality, nothing seems to match up to classics like William Friedkin's Exorcist. Well, I'm happy to say The Babadook is that horror film horror fans have been waiting for all these years. From up-and-coming director Jennifer Kent, The Babadook follows a a woman, brilliantly played by Essie Davis, who is plagued by a bedtime story creature named The Babadook. "If it's in a word, or it's in a look, you can't get rid of the Babadook." The marketing for this film is very interesting because it's terribly misleading. If one watches the trailer, the film seems to be portrayed as some sort of run-of-the-mill creature-feature, when in reality it's an intense and terrifying psychological thriller. The fear and terror doesn't come from loud noises or jump scares, not even from the actually monster itself. The true terror of this film comes from what the Babadook really represents. The ugly truth about us all that we like to keep from the world. After I watched this movie I was completely blown away. Essie Davis did an absolutely phenomenal job playing the stressed single mother with a burden she can't escape. The direction and cinematography was amazingly reminiscent of The Shining and other great slow-burn thrillers from that era. It hearkened back to a cinematic time where directors and studios didn't care about budget to profit ratios; they cared about telling a compelling and engaging story. If you go into the Babadook expecting what you get from Paranormal Activity, this is not the film for you. It doesn't use the cheap techniques and gimmicks that contemporary horror films use. It's a film that will stick with you and get under your skin. It's a film that should be admired and should be seen as a return to form for horror films. Final Rating- A

Snowpiercer Movie Review

Something Special

Snowpiercer is not your average action movie; it is so much more than that. Director Joon-Ho Bong directs the film starring Chris Evans and John Hurt. Snowpiercer takes place in a dystopian future where an attempt to prevent global warming backfires and kills all life on earth, expect those who boarded the Snowpiercer; a train that travels non-stop across the globe. In the train, a class system evolves. The people in the front of the train being prosperous and living a life of luxury, the people in the back of the train being beaten, dehumanized, and without hope. The film centers around Curtis (Chris Evans), as he leads a revolution to get to the front of the train and regain hope for the rest of the citizens from the back. Despite this great and innovative premise, based of off the french graphic novel "Le Transperceneige", it's Bong's fresh direction and keen eye for detail that takes the film to the top of the 2014 movie list. There are so many things that are executed perfectly in this film, the only real downside being the fact that's it's a limited release. 

The action, the story, the characters, the tension, everything; utterly spectacular. The acting was also one of Snowpiercer's best elements. Chris Evans recently stated that he's considering giving up acting. Chris- Please don't. Evans' performance in this movie was one of the best and most gripping performances I've seen all year, and undoubtedly the best one of his career. Everyone else does a good job, particularly actor Kang-ho Song. While all actors do their job, and very well, it truly is Evans who steals the show and keeps the audience invested. His character has depth, twists, and an uncanny ability to relate to the audience; despite a third act twist. The action in the film is also spectacular. It's not over the top, it is extremely well crafted and realistic and is present to keep the story moving; quite literally. No over-blown special effects, not an over-abundance of shaky-cam, just gritty and exciting, fight-for-you-life action. You understand the high stakes throughout, and the characters are done so well that you are invested in their stories and want to see them achieve success. In the end, it pisses me off so much that films like Transformers 4 make $100 million in it's opening weekend and quality action cinema like this gets a limited release. It may be out of your way, but I suggest every sees this film, It truly is one of the best films of the year. Final Rating: A

X-Men: Days of Future Past Movie Review

The X-Men are back and better than ever.

X-Men: Days of Future past follows Wolverine as he travels back in time to save the mutant race and stop their near-extinction. Can Wolverine stop the upcoming apocalypse? Can the good guys trust Magneto? Can Fox trick us into forgetting about X-Men: The Last Stand? All these questions and more are answered in the best X-Men film of the franchise. 

2014 has to be one of the best years for summer movies of all time. We were given the Captain America sequel, Edge of Tomorrow, How to Train Your Dragon 2, and the upcoming sci-fi flick Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. And compared to most of the truly extraordinary films this summer, Days of Future Past reigns superior. Bryan Singer returns to direct his franchise and he comes back in tremendous fashion. Despite his last two films (Superman Returns, Jack the Giant Slayer) being less than satisfactory, he returns at the top of his game to the films he apparently was born to direct. Everyone in this film is great and utilized to perfection. It's definitely a crowded movie, combining the main cast of the original X-Men trilogy and the main cast from First Class, yet somehow through Singer's direction and Simon Kinberg's script, everything flows perfectly. Hugh Jackman is great again as Wolverine, Halle Berry returns and has maybe 3 lines of dialogue in the whole movie which, less face it, is a pretty great move. The guys who really stood at though were James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender playing young Xavier and Magneto, respectively. 

They both deliver powerhouse performances and, despite their limited screentime, steal the show. Well, most of the show. There is one character who, with even less time of screen, steals every screen he is in. And that of course is the character Quicksilver. Quicksilver is awesome. No real other way to put it. His powers are so wonderful and visually creative, and the performance by actor Evan Peters was fun and effervescent. While all the performances were great, the visuals were another tremendous part of the film. No big, loud, never-ending, Michael Bay, Man of Steel, action sequences in Days of Future Past. While there were plenty of big, beautiful action set pieces, they were all done to further the plot of the story and actually had great weight to them. The audience understood the high stakes and could stay invested. In the end, Days of Future Past takes back it's place as one of the best best franchisees in this superhero craze. And hopefully we will be seeing Wolverine snikting his claws at Hulk and Spider-Man on the big screen soon. Final Rating- B+