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.