Now You See Me - Faith can move mountains

Magic...yeah I believe in it. Why not? What is so wrong about believing in the fantastical? Letting your mind slip into a realm of making the impossible, possible. Have you ever felt something that you couldn't explain, that you couldn't see, but you knew was there? It's magic, and it exists in a multitude of forms. Some perceive it as miracles, faith, love, or even something as simple as coincidence. I believe in magic. Now You See Me, is a film about a bunch of street performing magicians who make it big overnight and rob banks. That's it in a nutshell; I could go deeper, but that would give away the plot. This film starred: Jesse Eisenberg,  Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, Dave Franco and Morgan Freeman. The director was Louis Leterrier. He also directed The Incredible Hulk, Clash of the Titans and The Transporter movies. This explains some of the issues I had with this film. This movie was predictable. The magic tricks could be seen from miles away as well as the plot twists. The magic in this film felt like it was done by an amateur. The casting was correct, I loved the actors, with the exception of Mark Ruffalo. I just wasn't a fan of the work he did...stick with the Hulk. I loved the concept of this film, the idea was original, it was great. I wanted to know more about the end result of this film. Yes, the journey was fun, but the destination was more interesting to me. A sequel isn't in order, but I would have liked it if they dabbed just a bit more into what they were working for. That's just me though. A splash more comedy, and a little less of Ruffalo being a cry-ass and this film would have been something special. Oh, and a better director. There was such potential here, and I deeply looked forward to this film. I'd still recommend this film, maybe for a rent. I'll end up buying it just because I'm a movie whore. I give Now You See Me a 2 1/2 out of 4. Remember, the closer you get, the less you'll actually see.

Hangover 3 - We had a sick night, bitches

Why did I go see this movie? So many people asked me why? I will be honest, I loved the first one. I did, there, I said it! I'm not ashamed! But this franchise didn't spiral down hill slowly, like most do. It hit rock bottom on the sequel and the third one was a desperate climb to hit a happy medium again. Well I can at least assume that's what they were going for. Hangover 3 starred: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Ken Jeong and John Goodman. The director was Todd Phillips who directed the Hangover trilogy, Due Date and Old School. Would you believe that Ken Jeong is a licensed M.D.? Yeah, the guy is a doctor, who'd a thunk? Before this movie even came out, and they were calling this film the end of the series. I kinda figured it was because Bradley Cooper was getting too big for these kinds of films. The accolades he has received in other roles has set him above such projects. He is making his way up that acting ladder. Even in this role I enjoyed his work. Yeah, yeah, ladies he's easy on the eyes. But you must look past that, and you will see that with each film he does, his acting improves substantially. It's remarkable. Films like this are beneath him...for now. I could count on one hand, the times I laughed during this movie. Being a comedy, there shouldn't be an excuse for that. Galifianakis's antics that were supposed to be funny, were more annoying than anything. The humor and story got stale very quickly. It was missing something, this film desperately needed something to save it. That something did not appear until after the first few moments of credits. I laughed, I laughed hysterically, and that's the movie I wanted to see. I wanted to know what the hell happened THAT night. But, alas, we don't always get what we want. Along with the language and male nudity, this was a below average movie. Don't get excited, I've seen popcorn kernels bigger than what I saw. I give Hangover 3 a 1 out of 4. What have I become, my sweetest friend? Everyone I know, goes away, in the end. You could have it all...

Star Trek Into Darkness - I only know what I can do

Star Trek, space, the final frontier, and all that other crap. Who am I kidding? I'm a Star Wars guy, so I was a bit out of my element when I saw this movie. The crappy thing about it was I missed the opening night showing! Curse my theater and their shifty ways! Star Trek starred Chris Pine, Zachery Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg, Karl Urban, John Cho and Benedict Cumberbacht. I'm sure I forgot a few. The director was J.J. Abrams. You know what he did. So I'm going to tell you what he is doing in the next few years. We got Star Wars VII, Cloverfield two, Portal, Half-Life, Mission Impossible 5 and Star Trek 3. Sir, you gave me a nerdgasm! These movies were announced, the release dates very. Waiting is the worst part. Any who, on to the review. I loved the first Star Trek movie. It was an interesting retelling of the original story. I was happy to see all of the actors come back to do their roles again. It's rare now-a-days to see an actor not come back; but it's still disappointing when it does happen. The plot is pretty simple and linear so it's difficult to mess up. There is a rogue Star fleet officer, and he must be brought to justice. To me, this movie should have felt a lot more personal. It certainly had the potential to be. I just didn't feel anything. There were plenty of scenes that had tons of emotion involved. I don't think the directors heart was in it. I hear J.J. is a Star Wars guy. My thoughts on that are that if you simply don't care about the project, you shouldn't be involved in the first place. He did a wonderful job with the CG. The acting was done well. But I felt absolutely zero emotion. Along with that the story itself was pretty serious, and I felt it should have been longer. The threat and danger levels weren't as severe as they should have been. With a villain of this magnitude, I expected more. A lot was at stake with this film. I don't feel there was enough. Maybe I'm just greedy. Aside from my personal issues with it, every part of me says I should dislike this movie. But I don't. I still enjoyed myself. It kept my attention. Plus, I thought it was hilarious to see how uncomfortable Zachery Quinto was to kiss a woman. I really liked this movie. Was it enough to turn me into a Trekkie? No, only the Borg can assimilate me. I would recommend this film to anyone who would ask about it. I give Star Trek Into Darkness a 3 out of 4. The hatred we carry will only generate more hatred. May the force be with you.

The Great Gatsby - I'm within, and without

So I'm letting everyone know that I will be talking about this movie without holding much back. I may or may not spoil it for you. Either way I don't really care. If you haven't read this story by now that's your own fault. F. Scott Fitzgerald was the author of this book, and from what I have heard, this tale was actually about his own messed up love life. But that's just what I had heard. I had always admired this story, but it wasn't until I had seen this film that I had developed any real appreciation for it. I felt a connection with Gatsby, it was a connection that I was both inspired by and ashamed of. I will elaborate soon enough. The Great Gatsby starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire, and Carry Mulligan. The director was Baz Luhrmann who also did Moulin Rouge and Romeo and Juliet. I can certainly see the similarities in the films, from the directors style. The Great Gatsby was about a man redefining himself and having society adapt to this redefinition, and accept it. But it was more then that, it was also a sad story of love and tragedy. We could also throw in some adultery, illegal drinking during the prohibition, and murder, but those are just the small things. Gatsby, played by DiCaprio, was a man with a hope that was unrelenting. He had such great hope, knowing that he was destined for more than just a simple life. I can sympathize. He had been everywhere and done everything as a young man. He saw his dreams and sought them out without looking back. However, I suppose that dream was more of an opportunity. Tomato tomato. I once again can sympathize. I am closer then I let on to the people I know, to fulfilling my life's dream. I'm just an arm's length away from achieving it. Though it is just a story, it is inspiring to see an average man achieve something grand, something he set out to do. After achieving it, seeing the man Gatsby became was also inspiring. Minus the gangster stuff, he was a good man. Well known and loved by his peers and friends. I feared if things were set in motion, what kind of person I would turn out to be. Minus the gangster stuff, I would like to think I would be like him. DiCaprio did a wonderful job portraying a fictional man who I would not mind aspiring myself to be. What I didn't like was that Gatsby did all of this so a women he had loved in the past would find him good enough for her. He had made his millions and threw lavish parties, celebrating with the rich and famous. All to get the attention of a single woman. Unfortunately, to my shame, I did the same. I thought to myself, maybe if I go to college and get an education, get my book published, make tons of money, just maybe, someday, she would come back to me. Maybe I could earn her love again. This is where Gatsby and myself must part ways. Unlike him, I found out before it was too late, that this is no longer for her. It's for me, I accomplished everything that I had, for me. I apologize for interjecting my feelings and personal issues into this review. I'm sure none of you want to hear it. Bare with me. I haven't been the same since. But now, I assure those who know me, that the anger is fleeting. I want to be a good man, and aspire further to be a great man. I believe Gatsby is a good thing to aspire to be...to an extent. Had to get it off my chest. Aside from my fondness of the character, Gatsby, the acting was decent enough. It still felt like Maguire was trying to act in another crappy Spider-Man movie. The film, to me, felt like it had A.D.D. or something. The dialogue and the characters in each scene felt scattered, like they couldn't keep their attention on what they were doing in the scene. It just felt strange to me. But by no means was I bored. I was fairly entertained. I've never enjoyed rap music in 1920's mob movies. However, in this film, I didn't seem to mind it so much; it almost seemed appropriate in some scenes. Without Maguire though; something about him rubs me the wrong way. He's by no means, tough. What drove me absolutely crazy was the way DiCaprio said "Old Sport." My God! It was like nails on a chalkboard to me. I literally gritted my teeth and clenched my fists. It wasn't just the way he said it, but how many times he said it. I think I heard it three times in one sentence. It was maddening. The critics didn't particularly care for this film. They said it was okay at best. They weren't wrong. But I'm going to go out on a limb and say I liked it. I did like it, and I would recommend at least one watch to anyone who would ask. I give The Great Gatsby a 2 1/2 out of 4. I can't see me lovin' nobody but you, for all my life. When you're with me the skies'll be blue, for all my life. Me and you, and you and me. No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be. The only one for me is you, and you for me. So happy together.

Iron Man 3 - I am Iron Man

Among the Avengers, Tony Stark was definitely my favorite. Most identifiable I suppose. Love the quick wit, brilliance, hidden selflessness, and the ego. I could go on about the ego, but those of you who know me, know I have an enormous ego as well. Eh, I'm okay with it. Iron Man has become one of my favorite Marvel characters since the first movie came out. I was always an X-Men guy; never paid too much attention to the Avengers. Still don't. But I have taken more of an interest in Iron Man. Casting Robert Downey Jr. brought Tony Stark to life, he seems like a real, living, breathing, person. I don't want to sound like one of the many fanboy/girls, but Downey Jr.'s sheer presence elevated each scene. He, in my eyes has become one of my favorite actors, he does an incredible job. But enough of me kissing this guys ass, lets get down to the movie. Iron Man 3 starred a man that needs no introduction, Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pierce, Ben Kingsley and Paul Bettany as Jarvis. The director was Shane Black, who really isn't known for being a director with the exception of Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and is currently working on Deathnote, should be interesting. He did write the Lethal Weapon series, The Last Boy Scout and a slew of other action movies. So he knows a thing or two about action films. Given the experience of the cast, you could see very little of the inexperience of the director. The plot, felt more of the same, with a twist or two. Tony Stark is suffering from anxiety issues from the Avengers. Now, I love the fact that they are carrying the effects of his new found team and problems over to his solo films. It's just like any true soldier who has seen battle, they will have anxiety, nightmares and all that good stuff that follows. Iron Man's first war has taken it's toll on Tony Stark. But as seen on the previews, not to spoil anything for anyone, he is attacked at home where he is most vulnerable. The aftermath left him stranded in the cold in the middle of nowhere. Both this film and the first film feel the same. He's left alone to test his mettle and find some kind of self discovery through his tinkering with his suits. It was entertaining the first time, but giving the character the same problem and solution leaves me a little less fulfilled. It could just be me, but I was craving a little something more creative. The threat and danger level didn't seem too concerning to me until the end, but now-a-days it never does. The CG consumed a good ninety percent of this film, which is fine. Some scenes could have used a bit more fine-tuning, but that's just me nitpicking, and who am I to do that? I don't need to say anything on the acting, everyone did a good job. It's probably what saved this movie from being another piece of mediocrity. This movie was fun, entertaining, action packed, with a little romance. I could overlook the repetitiveness in the deeper character plot/growth, because it simply kept me entertained and laughing. The Tony Stark and Robert Downey Jr. combination is incredible. Aside from Jack Sparrow and Johnny Depp, you won't find a better pair. I'm excited to hear that Robert Downey Jr. said that he would play Iron Man as long as he was physically able. Looking at the whole picture, I give Iron Man 3 a 3 1/2 out of 4. My summer of movie blockbusters crept up on me without me knowing it. I got at least one movie each week from here until September. Next week is The Great Gatsby! Pretty excited for it. Now the only thing that can't seem to escape my mind. Where is my sandwich?

Oblivion - Are you an effective team?

Never in the years I have been watching movies have I ever thought, "Man, I sure do want to see a Tom Cruise film." I take that back, Rock of Ages was one of those movies. But none-the-less. I saw the trailer for this film and immediately thought that this was Scientology film. No joke. But as time went on and I learned a bit more; my opinion quickly changed. Oblivion starred Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko and Andrea Riseborough. The director was Joseph Kosinkski, who's only other film was Tron Legacy, and is currently working on another sequel to Tron. Not a fan of the idea of another Tron. The general basses of this film is that Tom Cruise's character, Jack, is in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic Earth. Where there was a terrible war between man and aliens. In the end man had to leave Earth to survive. Jack and another woman are the mop up crew that maintains drones and other important machinery. But Jack is haunted by these flashes of memory about a mysterious woman. Blah, blah, blah. There was too much story for this film. The ideas and movie itself was intriguing, and interesting enough to keep my attention. Some parts felt as if they ran a bit long. But at the same time this film also felt like I was watching a play almost; with the exception of having an extraordinary special effects budget. It seemed I was looking at a jigsaw puzzle, but pieces were missing, or had no right being there in the first place. Oblivion seemed like an incomplete thought. I couldn't very well ask for more, the film felt like it ran long any how. Though there is enough story here for two separate films. I honestly want to hate this film, I do. But I don't for the reasons that it did keep me entertained. There is one thing I will elaborate on that I usually don't, and that is the ending. I won't spoil it for you. But it was such a cop-out, I couldn't believe it. You have to take certain, careful steps to ensure that your hero does not fall. Really? Did it ever occur to you that the hero's journey isn't always a happy one? And the woman! Don't get me started! What happened at the end is just a typical woman thing to do. It's not your fault, it's written in your genes. With that being said, I don't care to write about this film anymore. It was an entertaining incomplete thought, that jumped around and had some stuff in it that the main plot could have done without. I give Oblivion a 1 1/2 out of 4. It could have been better. But at the same time, it could have been a lot worse. OH! One last thing! The swimming pool in it! Best swimming pool EVER!

Evil Dead - Don't speak the words!

I have been pumped for this move for weeks, if not months. I love the Evil Dead series. Its perfect blend of horror, comedy, and gore was amazing. The intentional cheesiness of the film was great, making an instant cult classic. Then a year or so ago I hear of a remake in the works. I was against it for the most part. It was almost blasphemous to recreate something that was perfect. There was no need for a remake; and to have Bruce Campbell give his blessings was even worse. Then they decide to put a serious twist to it. A "Serious Twist"? Are you kidding me? I could only scream at my computer screen when I found this out. But as time went on I let the notion slip into the back of my mind and let it be forgotten until a few months ago. I see it's coming out, and the weeks leading up to it, I hear all of these wonderful things about it. How great it was. How it was a must see. Possibly one of the greatest horror creations to date. My interest had peeked and I could not wait to go. I literally dragged my friend kicking and screaming to this film. Needless to say she was terrified just at the previews. I went into the film having in my head that this remake was a completely separate entity from the original; it was its own thing. To actually compare the two would be unfair; you couldn't top the original. So I went in with an open mind and very, very high expectations. The beginning set the tone very nicely. I couldn't imagine a more perfect beginning to it. Seeing a little back-story to the location was very refreshing. And for those who aren't movie buffs or have any kind of supernatural knowledge. Here is a little explanation/spoiler. Or at least it was my take on it. Cats are the guardians of the underworld. That's it...during the scene I saw a lot of confusion in the theater. After the beginning, the movie slowed some, but not much. I really want to talk about each scene with you guys; there is a lot I want to say. But to be fair to those who haven't seen it, I would not want to spoil it for you. Where are my manors? I forgot to tell you who starred in this film. The stars in this film are: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci, Jessica Lucas and Elizabeth Blackmore. The director was Fede Alvarez, who has done nothing of note other than short films. Evil Dead followed the formula to any horror film exactly, without flaw. I hate formulas, I hate the expected and predictable. SURPRISE ME! But this time...I didn't seem to mind as much. The movie had a creepy atmosphere to it. From what I was hearing about the film, I went into it scared. And for the first forty-five minutes, I had psyched myself out and was scared. Then I realized that this was an Evil Dead movie. Then the fear slowly slipped away, and I enjoyed myself. The acting wasn't bad, minus the main character played by Shiloh Fernandez. He seemed like a douche. The effects with the gore were both awesome and cheesy. The cheesy parts made me laugh and reminded me of the old Evil Dead, and I didn't mind it so much. I found myself laughing at a few scenes. Thankfully, I wasn't the only one. This movie wasn't without flaws though. I felt like the director was holding my hand, trying to explain what each scene meant coinciding with the Book of the Dead. I was able to figure it out! I didn't need your hand to help explain it. To do this more subtly, you may want to rearrange the scenes in such a way where you see the pages earlier on, and then the events happen. Then you let your audience figure it out, making them feel smarter and allowing them to dig themselves deeper into your story. I hate being babied. My other issue was some missing dialogue, maybe an homage to Ash. Nobody says "Give me some sugar, baby." Or "Groovy," anymore but I think I would have liked a little something, not much, but something. We are living in a land of remakes right now. Where Hollywood is running dry on ideas, and they are tapping back into the past and reintroducing the old to newer generations. Ninety percent of all remakes are garbage. But Evil Dead, I believe can stand on its own two feet, it is unique among its peers. When I got comfortable it wasn't scary. Though there was an overwhelming amount of gore. If you are squeamish when it comes to blood, dismemberment, or any vial acts committed on the human body. I couldn't recommend this film for you. But if you can handle yourself, and keep the thought out of your head that this film isn't the original, but a separate entity, then I could recommend this film. I give Evil Dead a 3 out of 4. I liked this film. But let me remind you that this is just MY OPINION. Oh, and there was no "Dead by dawn, dead by dawn!" very, very disappointing. That would have been the homage I was missing.