Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is a science fiction dystopian drama set in the future where a failed climate-change experiment has killed the majority of the world's population except for the ones who were able to board the Snowpiercer, a high speed train that travels around the globe. 

I thought that the plot was interesting however that was the only positive thing I could find about this movie. The script was terrible;  some parts didn’t make any sense at all and were unrealistic. It was as if the writers had a high level idea that they didn't know how to get deeper into. There was nothing smart or eye opening about this story.

The cinematography was low budget, the CGI looked fake, and some of the editing was flat out terrible,

I found it hard to connect to any of the characters. The acting was cheesy which was unfortunate due to the well respected cast including Tilda Swinton, Octavia Spencer and Ed Harris. I’m not a huge Chris Evans fan so I should have known that he wasn’t going to be able to carry this movie well.

I choose to watch this movie because the Snowpiercer television show is currently airing and it has already shown, in its first episode, to be more exciting, the writing has been of higher quality, superior cinematography and with a better story full of deep layers just awaiting to be uncovered. Therefore, I’d suggest skipping this movie and going straight to the TV show.

The Way Back

The Way Back stars Ben Affleck, as a former high school basketball prodigy named Jack Cunningham who walked away from the game in his prime. Years later, he is a construction worker suffering from alcoholism, who is offered a shot at redemption by being offered a coaching job at his alma mater. 

I thought that the plot was realistic and interesting to follow. I liked how they didn’t just wrap everything up in a bow at the end and instead made it more genuine.

I appreciated the very diverse casting however there was an extreme lack in character development. Pretty much everyone was one dimensional and forgettable except for Affleck, who was impressive with the lack of script he was given. He really brought the pain, the loneliness and sadness to his character,

The director was trying to go for some kind of heartfelt underdog story that you could really connect to like a Coach Carter or a Glory Road but he couldn’t quite get there due to the inability to create characters that you wanted to follow and depth in the storylines.

The director also tried to use the cinematography tricks, with its no script, slow motion edits and melancholy musical score, as a way to play at the heartstrings of the audience but it got played out quickly.

To be honest this movie had potential to be something great but turned out to be a huge disappointment. I’d definitely recommend skipping this one.

Downton Abbey

The Downton Abbey movie is a spinoff of the television show presumably picking up where the show left off. If follows the Crawleys and their staff as they prepare for a royal visit from the king and queen of England.

I enjoyed the sets and the costumes. I noticed I was asking a lot of questions about the characters so I think it would have been best to have watched the show first, to have a proper backstory, but you can still get though it without it.

I found the plot to be boring. There was no drama, no suspense; it was just an even keel, plateau kind of movie. I think in the end this was just a money grab. A lot of characters are brought back for a feel good, nostalgic kind of event for fans of the show. For those that have never seen the series, this one can be skipped. For fans of the show, I think they will appreciate the nostalgia but not entirely satisfied with this film.

Love Wedding Repeat

Love Wedding Repeat is a Groundhog Day type comedy starring Sam Claflin, Olivia Munn and Freida Pinto. When Jack, played by Sam Claflin, misses out on a chance at love with Dina, played by Olivia Munn, he is presented with one final opportunity, three years later, at his sister’s wedding. The story presents alternate versions, of the same scenario, unfolding as Jack tries to reconnect with his crush while also making sure his little sister has the perfect wedding day. 

The plot was simple, predictable, easy to follow, a bit awkward at times but engaging none the less.

The character development did not go in depth but it was enough to be able to connect to some of the characters. The acting from the entire cast fine. No one in particular stood out, but everyone did their part well enough.

I liked the themes around love, happiness and taking a chance. Jack’s friend Bryan, played by Joel Fry, said it best, “[love] is pretty scary, but if we're honest with ourselves, then it all comes down to chance. And I guess life is about grabbing those chances when they come around.”

In the end, the movie had potential but didn't quite get there for me. It was okay, suited well for the Netflix, but not something I'd watch again.

We’re The Millers

We’re The Millers is a 2013 comedy starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, and Emma Roberts. When drug dealer, David Clark, is robbed of all of his money, he takes on a risky deal to move a large shipment of marijuana into the U.S. from Mexico. In order to be inconspicuous he joins up with some acquaintances to create a fake family.

The plot was entertaining and easy to follow. The script was humorous and I enjoyed the acting from the entire cast. Each actor brought their own unique personalities to the roles. I was especially impressed with Jennifer Aniston. She was refreshingly different from previous roles. She portrayed a resilient, fast acting, street smart woman. I’m not a huge Jason Sudeikis fan but he did well in his role and the two of them did a good job carrying this film. The character development was strong for the main cast but could have used some work for some of the co-stars.

The movie is almost 10 years old and didn't necessarily hold up to the cultural sensitivity of today's world. Some of the plot twists and jokes didn’t hit well because they were stereotypically insensitive, overkill or cheesy. If you are someone who is able to roll with those parts of the movie, you will probably still be able to find the funny moments that you get throughout to a nicely wrapped up ending.