The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Three for the road.

What happens you create a global phenomenon? You are allowed more time and money to build a cohesive story, and construct characters that people may actually want to root for. Francis Lawrence, taking over for Gary Ross, got a little more room to breathe from the studio, and it showed. The characters were more lush, the stakes felt higher (a big problem with the first), and I actually didn't want Peeta to die. And boy, did I really want him to die in the first one. Jennifer Lawrence is even better in this installment. Her character Katniss, suffering from PTSD, stays a compelling emotional anchor to the story. The compassion and resilience she exudes almost makes the audience want to join in the revolution against the capital that she has become the symbol of. The only major criticisms of the film I had was how, at times, some of the conflict seemed a forced, which took you out of the scenes, and the cinematography was a little less then ideal for some of the action scenes. It was all forgiven by the performances of a tight ensemble, and some beautiful scenic design. 

Grade: B+

3D: N/A

Easter Egg: No

Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Donald Sutherland

Director: Francis Lawrence

Writer(s): Simon Beaufoy & Michael Arndt - Novel: Suzanne Collins

RT: 146 min

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some frightening images, thematic elements, a suggestive situation and language

Parkland (2013)

Though it starts in an emotional fury, and ends with a few flashes of brilliance, first-time director, Peter Landesman's "Parkland" loses a bit of its luster after roughly thirty minutes. It starts with John F. Kennedy's assassination, and moves through the traumatic hours (and days) following at Parkland Hospital, and with the people who were directly effected by the president's murder; including Robert Oswald, Abraham Zapruder, and James Hosty, the FBI who was previously keeping tabs Lee Harvey Oswald. The cast is decent ensemble of faces you recognize, and some you know, but may not. However, Paul Giamatti, playing Zapruder, turns in the best performance of the piece. His shock and despair throughout the dealings hits you hard, and gives you an instant reaction to Kennedy's death, even though you never see it happen. He and Kat Steffens, as Jacqueline Kennedy, set the somber tone of the film perfectly. Which may dissipate slowly after the first act, but it never quite leaves you. Through this, you almost get the feeling as if you were there, which makes it a little tough to watch at times.

Grade: B
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Marcia Gay Harden, Zac Efron, Billy Bob Thornton
Director: Peter Landesman
Writer(s): Peter Landesman - Book: Vincent Bugliosi
RT: 93 min
Rating: Rated PG-13 for bloody sequences of ER trauma procedures, some violent images and language, and smoking throughout

Thor: the Dark World (2013)

"Thor: The Dark World" was a lot of fun, and had some great action pieces to tie it together. It is now officially the best sequel they have produced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Though the two Iron Man sequels aren't hard to beat. The chemistry between Chris Hemsworth and Tom Hiddleston is the best their characters have had in the three films they've been featured in. Natalie Portman, as Jane Foster, becomes a more dynamic character in this film, and strays from just being the typical love interest. At this rate she will have her own film in Phase three. If we're lucky. Christopher Eccleston joins the cast as the main villain, Malekith, and is a very welcome addition. His menacing demeanor and lack of overacting may possibly have made my favorite villain in the universe so far.

Every moment spent in the other realms is grand and dangerous. Director Alan Taylor, taking the reigns from Kenneth Branagh, keeps a dazzling pace in these scenes. Unfortunately, while on Earth, Taylor and his writers get stuck with Kat Dennings' character, who is a waste of screen time, and gets far too much of it. Why couldn't they have traded her for more Chris O' Dowd, or a longer prologue with the Dark Elves? They even managed to screw up Stellan Skarsgard, making him a pantsless buffoon with little to no explanation. Though, I will say, when the "comedic relief" isn't on screen (which they could have just put that title squarely on Hiddleston, who was really a major delight), it is easy to forget about them with all of the action taking place elsewhere. Not my favorite MCU film so far, but it was one hell of an achievement!

Grade: B+
3D: Not necessary
Easter Egg: 2! You get two!!!

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston
Director: Alan Taylor
Writer(s): Christopher Yost, Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely - Story: Don Payne, Robert Rodat - Comics: Stan Lee, Jerry Lieber, Jack Kirby
RT: 112 min
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content

All Is Lost (2013)

I have watched many of the horror films released this year, and not one of them was as tense or frightening as J. C. Chandor's "All Is Lost". Every moment is terrifying, the film starts with a yacht colliding with a floating container 1700 knots offshore, and every scenario following is as thrilling as the last. Robert Redford, playing a character simply known as "Our Man", is the only face seen in the entire film, and it may be one of his finest roles to date. He barley speaks, you don't get any back story on him, and yet, you feel like you know him so well. There aren't many men who could pull this off, but Redford does it without missing a beat. I haven't felt this afraid of water since "Open Water", and I couldn't have enjoyed it more.

Grade: A
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Robert Redford
Director: J.C. Chandor
Writer(S): J.C. Chandor
RT: 106 min
Rating: PG-13 for brief strong language

Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa (2013)

I am a fan of the "Jackass" franchise. I find some sort pleasure in the simplicity of grown men pranking each other, doing inane stunts, and handling copious amounts of fecal matter in various ways (do you like how I tried to make that sound a little more classy?). However, "Bad Grandpa" tried to do something that none of the other films had, inject a plot, and failed. There are maybe two or three really good scenes in the film (the diner scene with the farting contest, the beauty pageant, the vending machine), but overall the film falls flat in so many ways. Some scenes aren't funny (the fishing scene), some scenes have bad concepts (the funeral scene), and in one scene I actually feared for the life of an actor (the bar scene with the bikers). There really aren't many times when I'll say that simply having plot ruined a film, but even with Spike Jonze's help, this is definitely one of them.

Grade: C-
Easter Egg: Extra footage through the credits
3D: N/A

Starring: Johnny Knoxville, Jackson Nicoll, Greg Harris
Director: Jeff Tremaine
Writer(s): Johnny Knoxville & Jeff Tremaine
RT: 92 min
Rating: R for strong crude and sexual content throughout, language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use.

Captain Phillips (2013)

In "Captain Phillips", Tom Hanks proves to the world that he is still a commodity, and deserves not only the accolades he has already received, but any that may be coming his way as well. This is his finest performance since 2000's "Castaway". Paul Greengrass should also be given great praise for the tense, evenly-paced thriller he has laid out. His handling of the story of ship Captain being taken by Somali Pirates is as expertly made as his 2006 docu-drama "United 93". Once the action is kicked off, it keeps your heart rate up, and your breath in short supply. Barry Ackroyd's cinematography is gritty and in the moment, while Henry Jackman's score is perfect companion to the action on screen. Though, with all of these professionals on board, the one thing that stood out to me was the performance of rookie actor Barkhad Abdi, playing the leader of the Pirate crew. He plays Muse with a stunning bravado undercut with tortured sadness, and actually manages to outshine Hanks in much of the film. This is seriously not a film you should miss.

Grade: A

3D: N/A

Easter Egg: No

Starring: Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi
Director: Paul Greengrass
Writer(s): Billy Ray - Book: Richard Phillips & Stephen Talty
RT: 134 min
Rating: PG-13 for sustained intense sequences of menace, some violence with bloody images, and for substance use 

Gravity (2013)

Spaced Out

This entire review could be an open love letter to Emmanuel Lubezki and his ability to capture the stunning beauty of everything he puts on the screen. This could also be a drooling fan letter to Alfonso Cuaron for constantly creating jaw dropping and breath stealing moments of cinema that stick in your imagination for days after you have seen them. Here he has directed and, with his son Jonas, written a masterpiece of a film that never manages to ease up on the tension. "Gravity" is more than just a spectacular feat in aesthetic film making, it is also a harrowing survival tale told in the void of space. Fortunately for the audience, the final frontier has never seemed so dangerous, or looked so vastly captivating, as it does in this movie.

Cuaron made me believe in two things with this offering: 1. He, like only three directors before him, made me believe in the power, and the story telling ability, of the current 3D craze. It came off as more than just a gimmick, and helped immerse the viewer into the vast emptiness that envelops its characters, as well as create a depth to the things that surround them: the Earth, the space stations, the onslaught of debris that constantly threatens their lives. Much like Scorsese's "Hugo", or Ang Lee's "Life of Pi", "Gravity" uses the technology to advance the story, rather than to make a quick dollar from it.

2. Sandra Bullock. I have never been a fan of Sandra Bullock. Her acting has always been bland, and she never looks natural or comfortable on film. The latter of those two complaints actually worked to her advantage in this film. I can say, without hyperbole, that she gives the best performance of her career in this film (despite winning an Oscar for "The Blind Side"), and it completely makes up for this summer's disaster "The Heat" (though Melissa McCarthy has yet to make up for it). Bullock is directed to pure perfection in this role. Everything is on the line, and she conveys every bit of fear, desperation, and loneliness with great aplomb.

This is truly the type of film that comes along once in a generation, and you would be foolish not to see it the way it is meant to be seen.

Grade: A+
3D: YES!
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Sandra Bullock, George Clooney
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Writer(s): Alfonso Cuaron & Jonas Cuaron
RT: 90 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language

Top 15 Must-See Oscar Bait Films

I'm not a big-shot Hollywood Insider (SURPRISE!), so when I did my 15 Must-See List Back at the beginning of the year, I missed some movies. Some of these films would have certainly made it on the list, so I thought I would make a new list for you to peruse. Here are some of the films that will be released in the next three months that look like the kind of films that the Academy just loves to throw awards at, and, coincidentally, I really want see. WARNING: the words Oscar-winner and Oscar-nominee are going to be used a lot in this list.

15. Nebraska (Nov. 22)

The ONLY reason this is so low is because I haven't seen more than this cleverly written two-minute clip. However, Director Alexander Payne has helmed five films, and the last four of them have managed to gain at least one nomination, Payne winning two of them for writing. Though, he didn't write this one, it's hard to imagine he would just pick any script to direct, and the Buzz from Cannes is tremendous. Lead actor Bruce Dern even won best actor. Let the Oscar buzz begin!

14. Dallas Buyers Club (Dec. 6)

This film is rife with Oscar potential! Terminal illness (see: "Philadelphia"), the little guy taking on the health care system (see: "Sicko"), an actor losing a ton of weight for a role (see: "The Fighter"), Jared Leto as a cross dresser... ok, that one is new. Nonetheless, this is "based on a true story", and that usually helps in the Oscar area. Then again it was co-written by one of the writers of "Mirror Mirror", so we'll see.

13. The Fifth Estate (Oct. 11)

Speaking of biopics, here is one that will probably wind up being largely controversial. While some the real life Julian Assange to be a hero, others consider him a major villain. So, whichever side this movie takes, or seems to, there is going to be some backlash. However, I expect great things from Oscar-winning director Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters") and Hollywood's newest sweetheart Benedict Cumberbatch (who should get his first Oscar nod this year.

12. The Book Thief (Nov. 15)

Honestly, this film could be utter schlock, but this trailer at least gives me some hope. BAFTA and Emmy-winner Brian Percival ("Downton Abbey") directs a script from screen writer Michael Petroni ("The Dangerous Lives of Alter Boys"), based off of the best-selling novel by Markus Zusak. I haven't read this book, but with subject matter like Nazis and book-burning, it at least seems like it could rise above the schlock of films based off of young adult novels ("Mortal Instruments", "Beautiful Creatures"). However, "The Boy in Striped Pajamas" and "Jakob the Liar" were a couple of misguided Holocaust films aimed at younger audiences.

11. Her (Dec. 20)

Oscar-nominated director Spike Jonze ("Being John Malkovich") has directed three of my all-time favorite films, and is hopefully looking to do it again with an off-beat romantic comedy about a writer (Oscar-nominee Joaquin Phoenix) falling in love with his new operating system (voiced by Scarlett Johansson). This would be higher, but this is first time writing a feature on his own, and I am a little standoffish about that. We'll get to see if he is as good on paper as he is behind the camera.

10. August: Osage County (Dec. 27)

Director John Wells has won six Primetime Emmy Awards, and only has one feature-length film under his belt. However, I love the play that this film is based on, and there are more than a few names in this cast that I am excited to see play these roles (is that Benedict Cumberbatch again?!). I am a little sad to see Meryl Streep playing the monstrous lead in this film. I think it shows a lack of imagination from Hollywood (SURPRISE!), and is one of the few reasons this is so low on the list.

9. Gravity (Oct. 4)

I have been a fan of Alfonso Cuaron from the first time I saw his Oscar-nominated coming-of-age film "Y Tu Mama Tambien" (Original Screenplay). Here he enlists Oscar-winners George Clooney ("Syriana") and Sandra Bullock ("The Blind Side"... YAWN!) to play a couple of astronauts adrift in space after an accident. The early buzz has been overwhelming, and Cuaron's last feature, "Children of Men", is so haunting and perfect, that it's hard to imagine that we've waited seven years for anything less.

8. All is Lost (Oct. 18)

The only name in this cast list for this tale of survival-at-sea is Robert Redford (Oscar winner - "Ordinary People"). That is it. Oscar-nominated writer/director J.C. Chandor ("Margin Call") is taking to the deep blue sea to put an entire film on the shoulders of one of the most capable actors in the history of film. If this is near as lonely and full of despair as "Open Water", one of my favorite survival films, I think we may be in for a real treat.

7. 12 Years a Slave (Oct. 18)

Director Steve McQueen may not have an Oscar nomination yet, but his first two features, "Hunger" and "Shame", were both nominated for BAFTA's. He has also employed a cast that is awards fodder from top to bottom for this film about a free man who is captured and turned into a slave, including his lead, Chiwetel Ejiofor, who has been nominated for three Golden Globes. I think it might be time for them all to get a boost come this awards season. OH! And there's Benedict Cumberbatch again!

6. Captain Phillips (Oct. 11)

Two-time Oscar-winner Tom Hanks ("Philadelphia", "Forrest Gump") is playing the kidnapped captain of a shipping freighter in this Paul Greengrass (Oscar nominee for "United 93") helmed picture. This story is based on real events worked out well for Greengrass the last time, so I hope for good results this time.

5. American Hustle (Dec. 13 - limited, Dec. 25 - Wide)

Merry Christmas! We're getting a new film from Oscar-nominated director ("Silver Linings Playbook", "The Fighter") and writer ("Silver Linings Playbook" again) David O. Russell. This time he is setting his sights on a fictionalization of the FBI Abscam Operation. He has also stacked the deck with a core of actors that have all been nominated (Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Amy Adams) or won (Christian Bale, Jennifer Lawrence) for acting in his previous films. It's hard to see where this is going to go wrong.

4. The Monuments Men (Dec. 20)

In the past eleven years George Clooney has directed four fantastic films (I like "Leatherheads", so shut up!), and has been nominated for two of them (Director/Screenplay - "Good Night, and Good Luck" and Screenplay - "Ides of March"), and he has also won a Best Picture Oscar for producing "Argo. So when I see he is doing a war dramedy based off of a true story with an ensemble cast that has plenty of wins and nominations between them, it's hard to not want to see it.

3. The Counselor (Oct. 25)

Let me get this straight: Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott ("Thelma & Louise", "Gladiator", "Black Hawk Down") is directing a film written by Pulitzer Prize winner Cormac MacCarthy, whose book "No Country For Old Men" was the basis of a Best Picture winner of the same name, and it features a cast including Brad Pitt, Michael Fassbender, Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, and Dean Norris. I hope this crime thriller ends up in my top ten of the year.

2. The Wolf of Wall Street (Nov. 15)

If you say the name Martin Scorsese (Oscar-Winner "The Departed"), I try to figure out the fastest way to give him my money. Put Leonardo DiCaprio (Oscar-nominee "The Aviator") in that film, the money almost falls out of my pocket. It also seems the script is being handled by Emmy-Winning Sopranos writer and creator of "Boardwalk Empire", Terence Winter. This sounds like a true winner, guys.

1. Inside Llewyn Davis (Dec. 6)

I feel like all I need to say is, "The new film from the Coen Brothers!" to justify why this is my number one. So... THE NEW FILM FROM THE COEN BROTHERS!!!

Honorable Mentions:

Rush (Sept. 27) - Thor and the German Sniper from "Inglorious Basterds" race against each while Oscar-Winner Opie Taylor directs.

Don Jon (Sept. 27) - Joseph Gordon-Levitt writes and directs himself in a film where he watches porn instead of having sex with Scarlet Johansson.

Machete Kills (Oct. 11) - I have a strong feeling that this will get at least one nomination... Why are you laughing?

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Nov. 29) - This looks like a good biopic, but the trailer didn't really pique my curiosity. Probably because Morgan Freeman isn't in it.

Out of the Furnace (Dec. 6) - The previous Batman plays a man who is looking for his down-on-his-luck boxer brother, played by the actual brother of the new Batman.

Saving Mister Banks (Dec. 20) - It's a movie about Mary Poppins starring Emma Thompson as P.L. Travers and Tom Hanks as Walt Disney. However, the guy who directed "The Blind Side" is doing it. YAWN!

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Dec. 27) - Ben Stiller is directing: YAY! Ben Stiller is starring: He directs himself pretty well, I guess.

Battle of the Year (2013)

"Battle" positions

There is a scene at the beginning of "Battle of the Year" in which Josh Peck, one of my favorite young actors, walks into an office and his boss, and his secretary, can't remember his character's name. This sums up "Battle of the Year" perfectly. It is an instantly forgettable, run-of-the-mill piece of film making that will live on in the hearts of only the people who it truly aims to please. Whoever they may be, because I can't honestly see anybody really loving this film. Liking, maybe. The performances are bland, the dialogue is stale, and the twist, when Chris Brown breaks his leg (oops, I gave it away) is forced and contrived. Though some of the dancing was cool, and very well shot. All in all, this is an early year throwaway that somehow made it to a post-summer slot.

Grade: D
3D: I'm sure it doesn't help
Easter Egg: Dancing throughout the credits.

Starring: Josh Holloway, Laz Alonso, Josh Peck
Director: Benson Lee
Writer(s): Brin Hill and Chris Parker - Original Documentary: Benson Lee
RT: 110 min
Rating: PG-13 for language and some rude behavior 

The Butler (2013)

Lee Daniels' "The Butler", the follow-up to his breakthrough hit "Precious", is a well written and finely acted film. Danny Strong script is a wonderful exploration of a torrid history, and the rift it causes between a father and son. Though it has some minor pacing issues, it tends to flow through most scenes with ease, with earnest dialogue that gives this A-list cast plenty to work with. Forest Whitaker gives what may be his finest performance to date,  believably embodying a man through over 40 years of history. The supporting cast holds up so well against him that it would be a shame to not see a SAG nomination for them. Oprah Winfrey shines as Whitaker's wife, and Cuba Gooding, Jr. gives his best performance since... I don't know when. I would also like to compliment the make-up for this film. Debra Denson's make-up design is spectacular. Between aging the cast or making John Cusack look like Richard Nixon, it really helps the film in tremendous ways.

Grade: B+
Easter Egg: No
3D: N/A

Starring: Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, John Cusack
Director: Lee Daniels
Writer(s): Danny Strong - Article: Wil Haygood
RT: 132 min
Rating: PG-13 for some violence and disturbing images, language, sexual material, thematic elements and smoking

The World's End (2013)

There are so few things wrong with Edgar Wright and Simon Pegg's newest offering, that I'm wondering if I have become fanboy blind, or they are really just that good. (Hint: I'm leaning towards the latter.) Their fervent style, and ability to mash genres without a trace of irony, makes everything they do top-notch entertainment for just about anybody. They have so far been able to make the perfect zombie film, the perfect action film, and now the perfect sci-fi film.

The cast has such an amazing depth of talent that absolutely no role seems to be wasted. Simon Pegg is pitch perfect as a hard drinking, hard partying burn-out stuck in the past, while Nick Frost is excellent as his counterpart who wants nothing to do with him, or their past. Eddie Marsan playing Peter, the meek runt of the group, gives a vivid performance. Especially when he isn't noticed by the man who used to bully him in high school. In fact, like most great sci-fi, "The World's End" is a beautiful look at the human condition, and how we cherish our individuality and our flaws.

Grade: A
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Paddy Consindine
Director: Edgar Wright
Writer(s): Simon Pegg & Edgar Wright
RT:
Rating:

Pain & Gain (2013)

I couldn't help it... I went with the 'splosion picture!

I'm glad to see that Michael Bay didn't disappoint me by accidentally making a good movie. "Pain & Gain" was certainly not his worst film ("Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen"), but it is plenty awful. The frantic pacing, bad writing, and tries-to-hard cinematography are just a few of the problems with this mess of a film. The performances are played off as tongue-in-cheek, but that hardly seems appropriate for a "true story" about some insanely twisted people who are made very light in this film. And despite all of his efforts, Dwayne Johnson, who is absolutely the best part about this horrific piece, can't save "Pain & Gain" from its own clumsiness or stupidity. This is a film that is truly as dumb as the characters it tries to sell you on.

Grade: F
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No, but I was really hoping for a gag reel.

Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, Anthony Mackie
Director: Michael  "Explosions" Bay
Writer(s): Christopher Marcus & Stephen McFeely - Articles - Peter Collins
RT: 129 min
Rating: R for bloody violence, crude sexual content, nudity, language throughout and drug use

Fruitvale Station (2013)

"Fruitvale Station" is a haunting dramatization of the last hours of a young man before he is murdered on New Year's Eve by a group of cops at train station in Oakland. The film starts with documentary footage from the fateful night shot with a cellphone, and the rest of the film just careens toward the inevitable ending. Writer/director Ryan Coogler manages to capture every moment with a crippling tension, even when the protagonist, Oscar Grant, is doing something as mundane as eating dinner with his family. You feel the oncoming dread of the family as you get to know Oscar more through his final day, and cringe at every small decision that ultimately leads to his demise.

Michael B. Jordan is marvelous as Oscar. He plays the role with a quiet intensity, peppering in explosions of rage and moments of moving kindness that make you fall for his flawed character. His chemistry with the other actors is natural and fluid, especially Octavia Spencer, playing his mother, who is the most endearing character. I found her character even more intriguing than her role in "The Help" (of which she was the best part). I could gush on for hours of the many honest and subtle performances, so I will just say that this ensemble hits all of the right notes, and should be in line for a SAG Award. This is by far my favorite film so far this year. It moved like few films have in the recent past.

Grade: A+
Easter Egg: No
3D: Mercifully no.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Melonie Davis, Octavia Spencer
Director: Ryan Coogler
Writer(s): Ryan Coogler
RT: 85 min
Rating: R for some violence, language throughout and some drug use

The Wolverine (2013)

Silver Samurai!!!!

I really need to star this review by stating my dislike for Hugh Jackman. I don't like Hugh Jackman. I don't think he is a very good actor. I downright despise him as Wolverine. I don't even like him in movies he's been in that I have loved ("The Prestige, "The Fountain", ... um... that's about it). I think he seems like a perfectly fine human being, but I just don't like him. That being said, "The Wolverine" was an enjoyable film with some fun action sequences.

Director James Mangold has made possibly the most intriguing and well-thought out film of the "X-Men" franchise, but it still falls a little short of what these films are fully capable of. I don't know if it was my disinterest in Jackman's portrayal of the character, or just the lulls in the plot, but I found it hard to keep my attention from wandering from the screen at times. The actors all seem to know that the audience is going to be in there no matter what, and it was hard to find many performances worth noting. Except for the always reliable Hiroyuki Sanada, playing the son of the man who called Logan to Japan. His character is a little one note, but he plays him with such a menacing gaze, that it is hard to take your eyes off of him.

The one thing that took me completely out of the film were the excessive Jean Grey scenes. I realize that this is the sixth movie in a very bad series, but after the first nightmare involving the deceased mutantess (how is this not a word?), the idea becomes overplayed (much like the Xavier bald jokes in "X-Men: First Class"... or the cameos in "X-Men: First Class"... or the script of "X-Men: First Class"). However, the story itself, though predictable, is mostly captivating, and Mark Bomback and Scott Frank's dialogue tends to have an honest ring to it. Ross Emery's cinematography is bleak and stunning, and Mangold shoots his action sequences perfectly. Overall, it was worth the time, but the not 3D money.

Grade: B-
3D: Nope.
Easter Egg: Yes

Starring: Hugh Jackman Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima
Director: James Mangold
Writer(s): Mark Bomback & Scott Frank
RT: 126 min
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, some sexuality and language

R.I.P.D. (2013)

There were two things I REALLY liked about "R.I.P.D." First was Jeff Bridges' humorous and campy performance as long-dead lawman Roy. He was charming, funny, and talked a mile a minute. It was the most  fun he looked like he's had on screen in a while (when he isn't winning Oscars, that is). Second was that was a pure turn-your-brain-off kind of film, and you didn't have to worry about the story (which was amusing), or the characters (who were a little underdeveloped), or being offended by anything except some of the grotesque "deado" creations. It was a textbook buddy comedy featuring one talented actor and Ryan Reynolds (who I'm still on the fence about. Thank you Green Lantern). There honestly weren't any notable performances aside from Bridges, and maybe Kevin Bacon, but it could just be my love of all things Bacon informing that. Playing the main villain of the piece, he is smarmy and cool without really dedicating too much to the piece. Seriously, this can wait to be rented, but if you want to see it at the theatre, I don't blame you.

Grade: C+
3D: If you must
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Ryan Reynolds, Kevin Bacon
Director: Robert Schwentke
Writer(s): Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi (both story) - Story: David Dobkin - Comic: Peter M. Lenkov
RT: 96 min
Rating: PG-13 for violence, sci-fi/fantasy action, some sensuality, and language including sex references

Pacific Rim (2013)

I will admit that Japanese monster movies are among some of all-time personal favorites. So there may be a little bias in my review of this film, because this honestly the closest thing to an American version of that genre as possible. Director/writer Guillermo Del Toro, who has been responsible for some of the most creative films of the last two decades, has made a movie that is so gleefully geeky in its execution, that it is extremely hard to not get lost in it. The dialogue lacks the kind of punch in some areas that his other films generally carry, but the plot moves along well, and the action sequences are thrilling and fun. Each new monster, called Kaiju in the film, is as imaginative as the last, and each massive robot (Jaegers) was even more jaw droppingly cool, though I felt some got dispatched a little faster than they should have.

There is a list of fun, and at times appropriately hammy, performances in this film that really make it worth watching. Charlie Hunnam essentially plays his role from "Sons of Anarchy", but he makes it work for this role. Idris Elba plays the seasoned veteran, and leader of the resistance, with a depth and heaviness that gives the movie an emotional core. Pulling up the comedic relief are Charlie Day and Ron Perlman, who both seem to be trying to out overact each other. Their combined talents give "Pacific Rim" the perfect amount of laughs to make sure the picture isn't a joyless string of cities being destroyed.

Grade: B
3D: Why not?
Easter Egg: Yes

Starring: Charlie Hunnam, Idris Elba, Charlie Day
Director: Guillermo Del Toro
Writer(s): Travis Beacham (also story) & Guillermo Del Toro
RT: 131 min
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief language

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Hear no evil... or dialogue.

Gore Verbinski and a team of writers have managed to do exactly to the Lone Ranger, what Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg did to the Green Hornet. They managed to turn the character into a simpering, clueless dolt who lucks into defeating his opponents, and probably wouldn't if Tonto and Silver weren't around to bail him out. The script was atrocious, filled with awful one-liners and anachronistic references that had me constantly rolling my eyes, until all the movement (or dialogue) made my head hurt. Verbinski's direction is, as usual, flashy and cloying. His action sequences are loud and unbelievable, nearly putting his "Pirates" to shame. Johnny Depp, playing Hunter S. Thompson... I mean Jack Sparrow... I mean Tonto, has finally reached a point where I can't take him seriously as an actor anymore.

For all of its massive flaws there were still some things I enjoyed (begrudgingly). The make-up in the film is so good that when Old Tonto is introduced, it's almost hard to believe that you're looking at Johnny Depp. And William Fitchner looks truly menacing with his scarred face. Speaking of Fitchner being menacing, his acting backs up his make-up. He takes over the screen whenever he appears, and manages not to ham it up too much, like the rest of the cast. Tom Wilkinson, as a railroad employee, also flys a little under the radar with his performance, and brings the film to an almost watchable level (which is too much to ask of anyone). The music, provided by Hans Zimmer, played a little like his "Sherlock Holmes" soundtrack, but often made the scenes bearable when all of the scenery chewing brought them down.

I hope this doesn't turn out a load of crappy sequels. Especially after ruining one of the greatest lines in pop culture. Two and half hours was enough for this franchise.

Grade: D-
3D: Just Don't
Easter Egg: Yes, but just don't

Starring: Johnny Depp, Armie Hammer, Tom Wilkinson
Director: Gore Verbinski
Writer(s): Justin Haythe, Ted Elliot, Terry Rossio
RT: 149 min
Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense action and violence, and some suggestive material

Monsters University (2013)

"Monsters, Inc." is not only one of my favorite Pixar films, but one of my all time favorite films. So, saying that I was nervous about seeing a prequel to such a great movie is a bit of an understatement. However, I was pleasantly surprised at how amusing "Monsters University" ended up being. I was very happy that they opted to cover Mike and Sully's past together instead of trying to make a sequel and ruining such a touching ending.

 Pixar has a knack for taking the losers and outsiders, and making it seem plausible that they could excel in whatever they put their minds to. Here it is no different as the Oozma Kaapa (OK) fraternity tries to win at their college's scare games against more qualified competitors. The relationship between the two main characters also feels organic, growing throughout the film, and never seems forced. Pixar, as usual, has put together a top-notch cast that features a slew of greats from top to bottom including Nathan Fillion, Dave Foley, Alfred Molina, and Helen Mirren, among others. Director, and co-writer, Dan Scanlon manages make the story seem new and exciting, though does his best to incorporate as many call backs to the first film without overdoing them (unlike many prequels).

Grade: A-
3D: Not necessary
Easter Egg: Yes. Plus there a some great jokes all throughout the credits.

Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Helen Mirren
Director: Dan Scanlon
Writer(s): Robert L. Baird, Daniel Gerson, Dan Scanlon
RT: 110 min
Rating: G

World War Z (2013)

I don't even know where to start with how disappointed I am with this movie. I put it on my "15 Must See Movies" this year, and I am kicking myself for it. Marc Forster is a very hit or miss director (having directed both "The Kite Runner" and "Quantum of Solace"), and this time he really missed the mark. The plot, and all character development, takes a back seat to a handful of chase scenes with a group of zombies that were far more comical than menacing. It's hard to tell if this was due to the script (which had roughly three names attached that I am very interested in), or just terrible pacing and editing. Also, with so many characters coming and going, and no depth to any of them, it's hard to pick out any performances that were noteworthy. Even Brad Pitt seemed like he was just going through the motions so he could collect his paycheck. Aside from a couple of decent thrills, and often impressive special effects, this movie offered very little.

Grade: D+
3D: Don't. Too much money for nothing special.
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Brad Pitt, Mireille Enos, Daniella Kertesz
Director: Marc Forster
Writer(s): Matthew Michael Carnahan and Drew Goddard & Damon Lindelof - Story: J. Michael Straczynski
RT: 116 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense frightening zombie sequences, violence and disturbing images

The Sapphires (2012)

Sometimes a film can get past its own predictability, and become a charming tale that can sweep you away for its duration. I'm happy to say that "The Sapphires" was one of those films. It is the story of three Aboriginal sisters, and their cousin, who are discovered in a talent show in Australia, and end up touring Vietnam for the troops. The simple script, co-written by the son of the real Sapphires, Tony Briggs, gives way to some dazzling music, and some marvelous acting. Chris O' Dowd (The IT Crowd, Bridesmaids) plays the ladies' manager with his normal dry wit, and a wealth of emotion. It is nice to see him branching out and taking roles like this. The oldest sister, Gail, is played with great gusto, and extreme force, by Deborah Mailman (Rabbit-Proof Fence). It truly is a fun piece to watch, but it is lighthearted, and easy to digest, so don't expect the world from it.

Grade: B
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Chris O'Dowd, Deborah Mailman, Jessica Mauboy
Director: Wayne Blair
Writer(s): Tony Briggs & Keith Thomson
RT: 103 min
Rating: PG-13 for sexuality, a scene of war violence, some language, thematic elements and smoking

Man of Steel (2013)

What Zack Snyder, and writers David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan, have created with the reboot "Man of Steel" is nothing short of spectacular. It is moody, edgy, and introspective; however, it has a small tendency to lose its way in the narrative. This leaves it uneven in spots that could otherwise be very strong. This isn't a slight against the wonderful non-linear storytelling, but rather a complaint about the strength of the film's pacing. I would like to think this lies more in Snyder's direction (see: "Sucker Punch") than Nolan's story, or Goyer's writing. Their reboot of the Batman franchise was a near flawless origin story that was coherent and fun.

Henry Cavill, playing Clark Kent, gives a solid, heartfelt performance as a man who is unsure about his place in the world. His powers are a part of him that he isn't comfortable with, and it causes him to seek solitude. I really enjoyed Clark as a loner. It seems more rational than the tried and true version that most people are familiar with. As Lois Lane, Amy Adams is tenacious, and Michael Shannon playing General Zod is a true joy to watch. The heart of the film, and the true emotional center, belongs to Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Clark's father. Though he seems to instill more fear in his son than understanding, you can tell he cares a great deal for him, and only wants to protect him from the dangers he will most likely face. With very little stumbling, and a little to much destruction, "Man of Steel" does little to rise above the superhero genre, but it will satisfy in many ways.

Grade: B+
3D: Not a Must
Easter Egg: This isn't a Marvel film.

Starring: Henry Cavill, Michael Shannon, Amy Adams
Director: Zack Snyder
Writer(s): David S. Goyer - Story: David S. Goyer & Christopher Nolan - Created by: Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster
RT: 143 min
Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action and destruction, and for some language

A Good Day to Die Hard (2013)

"Hard"ly Working

As a straight forward action film, "A Good Day to Die Hard" serves it's purpose well, and for that I could not fault it. It jumps straight into the action with a couple of explosions and a very well shot car chase. John McClane gets in some good one-liners, and some more things explode. The thing that really bugged me about the film was the inability to drudge up any emotion toward the relationship of the characters. The thing that made the first "Die Hard" work so well is that on top of an amazing action piece, it managed to make you care about McClane, his deteriorating marriage, and the possibility of orphaning their children. "Good Day" gives the relationships, and how you are supposed to feel about them, but the writers breeze by them so fast that it doesn't register, and Jai Courtney (playing Jack McClane) is such a lifeless actor, that it's hard to care about anything he does. At only 97 minutes, it felt too short to sustain anything between action sequences, but the action was a lot of fun, if not completely unbelievable.

Grade: C-
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Bruce Willis, Jai Courtney, Sebastian Koch
Director: John Moore
Writer(s): Skip Woods - Original Characters: Roderick Thorp
RT: 97 min
Rating: R for violence and language

Upside Down (2013)

Juan Solanas has written and directed an wonderfully imaginative sci-fi/romance about two worlds that share the same space, but not the same gravity, and the two lovers caught in the middle. "Upside Down" has many bumps and some poor execution at points, but despite some the clunky dialogue, I found myself constantly getting lost in the story, and hoping for a positive outcome. Jim Sturgess, however, was the wrong choice for the romantic lead. I don't think there has ever been a point in his career that he has shown any aptitude for acting. Without him there is a wealth of qualities to admire about this film: the performances of Timothy Spall and the rest of the supporting cast, the visual effects, and Pierre Gill's impressive cinematography. For most of its short-comings, it really is quite a film.

Grade: B-
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Jim Sturgess, Kirsten Dunst, Timothy Spall
Director: Juan Solanas
Writer(s): Juan Solanas
RT: 107 min
Rating: PG-13 for some violence

Spiders (2013)

Where the Wild Things Arachnid

Sometimes I find it impossible to tell if a movie is trying to be awful, or it is an earnest attempt to make a good film gone horribly awry. In the case of "Spiders" I'm going to review it as the latter and hope that it was the former. The film focuses around giant spiders from space (you read that right) attacking New York City, and the lone transit worker that must stop them. I'm going to ignore the corny special effects for this review, because they didn't really affect the outcome of the film much, but unfortunately everything else was equally as bad. Patrick Muldoon, playing the transit worker, is flat and boring, and his wife, played Christa Campbell, seems lost through half of the film. Tibor Takacs' directing is stale, and the team of writers who came up with this took every sci-fi cliche they could pack into the film, and ran with it... straight into the ground. That being said, this is the kind of bad film that is fun to watch for how bad it is. The kind that making your own MST3K track to, can be a good time.

Grade: D-
3D: No, but the 2D isn't worth it either
Easter Egg: No

Starring: William Muldoon, Christa Campbell, William Hope
Director: Tibor Takacs
Writer(s): Joseph Farrugia - Story: Tibor Takacs, Dustin Warburton
RT: 89 min
Rating: PG-13 for creature violence and disturbing images.

Side Effects (2013)

Personal "Effects"

Scott Z. Burns has now written two films that have made me incredibly uneasy about their subject matter (as if I wasn't uneasy enough about them going in). Where "Contagion" was successful at frightening people into washing their hands to avoid outbreak, "Side Effects" makes great use of paranoia about improper medication, and the dangerous effects (I tried to think of a better word) they could have on the body. Director Steven Soderbergh makes Burns' script pop with beautiful visuals, and by assembling a great cast. Jude Law is at his very best, and Rooney Mara continues to prove why she has become such hot commodity in Hollywood these days. The things I would really like to talk about in this film are the kind of things that require me to put the words spoiler alert in my review, and I don't want to do that. See this one. Trust Me.

Grade: A
3D: N/A
Easter Egg: No

Starring: Jude Law, Rooney Mara, Channing Tatum
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Writer(s): Scott Z. Burns
RT: 106 min
Rating: R for sexuality, nudity, violence and language

Pass or Fail: Strange Magic

There are two trailers out right now that have me intrigued. Both of them are about magicians... or illusionists... or whatever they call themselves today. There have been some great films about these performers, including "The Prestige" and "The Illusionist", and I always wish that these two will be as good as that, but this blog wouldn't be near as fun to write if they were.

Pass: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (March 15)

I don't want to enjoy this trailer near as much as I do, but I laugh at it every time I see it. It is so wonderfully absurd, and silly in all the right places. Steve Carrell plays an aging magician who has named himself Burt Wonderstone, and Steve Buscemi plays his life-long best friend, and partner. Their bad tans and horrible hairstyles are automatic laughs and a nice tribute to a style of showmanship that has become antiquated. Jim Carrey looks like he is going to be a riot as a parody of the Criss Angel/David Blaine generation of illusionists, and Alan Arkin should be great as the old cape and top hat magician who inspired Wonderstone (but when is he not great?). Also, I could look at Olivia Wilde all day. Director Dan Scardino has an impressive television resume, and the four writers have a very odd one, including John Francis Daley, the kid who played Sam on "Freaks and Geeks".

Fail: Now You See Me (June 7)

I am really hoping I am wrong about this one. I like everybody in this film, but it looks absolutely horrible. The premise of this film, a group of illusionists become bank robbers through the use of some sort of teleportation, seems extremely flimsy. The writing, especially lines like "The first rule of magic: be the smartest guy in the room," feels corny, and has been put in the hands of the men responsible for "Safe" (Boaz Yakin), "Imagine That" (Ed Solomon), and... actually the third writer has only co-written this. Not to mention, it has been directed by hit-or-miss director Louis Leterrier (Miss: the first two "Transporter" films. Hit: "Unleashed", "The Incredible Hulk"). I don't have a lot of confidence in this one. Seriously.

Extra Pass: Arrested Development: This is a little low res, but watching Gob make a complete ass of himself is always so much fun.