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.