Con Air

How have I never seen Con Air? There are so many actors in this movie that I enjoy watching, John Malkovich, the late Ving Rhames, Dave Chappelle, John Cusack. 
For those who also missed this classic, it’s a typical 90s action film. Lots of CGI, explosions and death defying stunts. Nicolas Cage, who is clearly not a critically acclaimed actor, has a horrible accent and his wig is problematic. Also, the character development lacked any depth and was forced on kind of quickly, so it was hard to really feel for main characters. Overall though it was still fun to watch but not something that I would own.  

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

I have been told by a number of co-workers that I need to watch the National Lampoon franchise. I am a fan of some of John Hughes’ classics like Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink, so I decided to give Christmas Vacation a shot. 
For me, this late 80s comedy is one that just doesn’t hold up. It’s a slapstick, physical comedy that in many senses is very childish and not well thought out. I think anyone seeing it for the first time will feel like it just doesn’t resonate. Perhaps if I watched it for the first time 20+ years ago I might have a better appreciation for it.

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

I rented Neighbors 2 because I really liked the first one. The plot was essentially the same as the original with some slight changes. 

Still raunchy, sometimes taken a little too far for the laugh, but overall, an enjoyable comedy with some heart. 

There’s definitely not a lot of thought needed with this movie so if you are looking to just sit back and laugh, this might be the one for you. 

Point Break (2015)

I watched the remake of Point Break and was pleasantly surprised. I personally thought that it was better than the 1991 original. 
Even though the plot was almost an exact replica of the original and there was a lack of strong character development for some of the supporting characters, I still enjoyed it. 
I thought that the acting was a lot better in the re-make and I thought that the athletics and the stunts outdid the original. If you enjoyed the original, I’d definitely recommend renting this one.

Now You See Me 2

I just watched Now You See Me 2. I decided not to watch this one in theaters, and rent it instead, which ended up being a good decision on my part. I enjoyed the first one but couldn't really get with this one. This movie couldn't  keep my attention the whole way though and the concept is exactly the same as the original. All the plot twists and turns and misdirection had me dizzy. The magic tricks in a few of the scenes were fun but that's about where it ends. I'd say save 2 hours of your day and don't rent this one.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

This film is based off of the J.K. Rowling book of the same title. It is a prequel to the Harry Potter films, but not a Harry Potter movie, just another story within the Harry Potter universe.

I thought the beginning of the story was slow moving and it took a bit to figure out what the true purpose of the plot would be. Once it was revealed, it became a bit predictable, but still engaging. 

I thought the visual display of the universe and the magical beasts within it was pretty creative and interesting.

The main cast had great chemistry and were quite entertaining and fun. I especially enjoyed Eddie Redmayne's character, Newt Scamander, he plays a great mix of quirky and confident. 

I also liked some of the subtle touches that were made to a couple of more well-known characters from the Harry Potter franchise. 

Overall this is a fun, family friendly film that I would definitely recommend checking out.

The Magnificent Seven

I came into this one thinking, you can't really go wrong with a Denzel Washington led movie. I've never seen a bad Denzel movie. 
This one isn't terrible but it's not amazing either. This movie is a remake of the original that came out in 1960 so the script isn't something new or unique. There is a lot predictability in it and beginning was a little slow to pick up. Once it did get moving I was mostly in. The gun fight scenes were choreographed really well and Chris Pratt was his typical comedic self which brought some lightheartedness to the film. Overall I'd say avoid the crowds on this one and wait to see it at home.

Ben-Hur

I wanted Ben-Hur to be great because I really liked the lead actor, Jack Huston, in Boardwalk Empire and The Longest Ride but even Jack couldn't save this film.

There were parts of the plot that didn't quite fit with the rest of the story. It seemed rushed without enough back stoy to give it a more seemless transition. I sat there wondering, wasn't there a better way to incorporate those scenes without it seeming so out of place? There's already a game plan, 2 prior Ben-Hur movies to be exact, so I'm not sure why they didn't just follow in those same footsteps. There were also some really terrible pieces of dialogue that just left Mike and I baffled.

Overall this is a poor man's Gladiator mixed with Count of Monte Cristo. I'd say save your money & skip this one.

Jason Bourne

If you've seen one Bourne movie, you've seen them all. There really is no originality or complexity in the plot. The car chase scenes are so unrealistic it's comedic but that's not why I go to these movies. 

What I enjoyed most with this movie, along with it's predecessors, is Matt Damon's convincing portrayal of a man struggling with the realities of his past, the different locations, the nonstop action, and the unique fight choreography. 

If you're looking for a movie where you can mentally check out & just go along for the ride, I'd recommend seeing this one.

Suicide Squad

I saw Suicide Squad last night. Wesley Lovell of Cinema Sight says it best, "it succeeds more than it fails. It's certainly entertaining and Smith is better than he has been in years with Robbie a star in the making..." For me, Margot Robbie really steals the show. Her version of Harley Quinn is pretty spot on. She also has great comedic timing. Where it fails is in the terrible choice of villain and some of the dialogue is really corny. I also have some mixed feelings of the Joker. I really like Jared Letto as an actor but I was a little confused on where he going with his character. He said he was influenced by David Bowie's Goblin King from Labyrinth but I didn't really see that. I can't imagine it's easy to follow in Heath Ledger's footsteps or even Jack Nicholson's but this Joker is really outside of the box. Maybe it's just something that will have to grow on me when I see his character again in Justice League. What all of that being said, if you can look past the faults, I say give this one a shot.

Bad Moms

I saw Bad Moms on Thursday and I really enjoyed it. This chick flick was full of really great comedic actresses. Kristen Bell & Christina Applegate stole the show. 
I laughed the entire movie, it kept my attention through out and had a strong theme of female empowerment. I'd definitely recommend this one for a ladies night out.

Ghostbusters

I saw Ghostbusters over the weekend. With 4 talented comedic actresses as the headliners I was really hoping this would be a hit. Unfortunately this movie fell flat. It was corny & most of the best punch lines were in the previews. This is one I wish I would have waited to see on DVD. I'd say save your money & hold off on this one.

Free State of Jones

I saw Free State of Jones last night. This movie is based on a true story and it's a story that should be told more often. 
The imagery was moving and the performances were commanding but I left the film feeling like something was missing. I think Godfrey Cheshire said it best, "[the film] has not been well-served by Ross’ lumpy, ill-conceived script, which ends up wasting Matthew McConaughey’s terrific lead performance and other strong acting contributions." Even though the script doesn't fully serve the power of the story I'd still say that everyone should see this film because the only way to not repeat history is to learn from it.

X-Men: Apocalypse

I saw X-Men: Apocalypse, the final film of the X-Men prequel trilogy. Once again, I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of James McAvoy and Michael Fassbender. They really helped to carry this franchise. The film was able to keep my attention and had a couple of pretty good action sequences; however it was no First Class or even Days of Future Past. There was a self deprecating joke in the film about how the 3rd in a trilogy is never as good as the originals, which I thought was clever. Overall, it was a bit long and I do agree with one critic that said some of the characters that you want to see the most didn't get as much attention as some of the other less interesting characters. For that reason I'd say if you choose to see this one, catch the matinee.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

saw Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice today. There have been a lot of critics out there who have given this movie some bad ratings. I get it, this movie isn't going to be Oscar nominated, but how often are DC or Marvel movies in those talks? This movie is for the viewers. It was high action, the story keeps you engaged & the best part of all, Ben Affleck redeemed himself from his terrible Daredevil performance. The only thing I will agree with the critics on is that it is a little long & I wish that Wonder Woman had more of a presence in the movie. Other than that I enjoyed it. Next up: Justice League & Suicide Squad

Deadpool

I saw Deadpool yesterday and loved it. Ryan Reynolds really redeemed himself from the disaster that was The Green Lantern. 
Deadpool was the perfect mix of action, comedy & vulgarity. Definitely Ryan's wheelhouse. Think his character in Blade Trinity but 100x better. 
I'm already counting down for the next one. This is Marvel's first R rated release so you might not want to bring your kids to this one.

The Revenant

I saw The Revenant today. Wow, what a visually stunning movie. The cinematography reminds me a lot of The New World but with a better plot, script and acting. This movie really shows you how much a human body can handle. I think that Tom Hardy did an awesome job but Leonardo DiCaprio's portrayal of Hugh Glass was mesmerizing. In a lot of the scenes he is alone and really carries this movie. He is definitely one of the best actors of all time to have never won an Oscar. I hope this is his year