Movies in Review: "Star Trek Into Darkness"

The summer blockbusters are rolling in and making a huge splash. Star Trek Into Darkness charged in this weekend grabbing the #1 slot at the box office, finally knocking out Iron Man 3. This is the 2nd installment for this Star Trek film series, and I was greatly looking forward to its release.

Fortunately for all Trek fans, and myself, this 2nd installment did not fail to disappointment. The movie started out great and ended just as good. There was not a dull moment in this movie, and the addition of actor Benedict Cumberbatch as Khan sent this film over the top. All of the wonderful actors from the earlier film returned to bring us animated joy in this one. Although I enjoyed all the characters as a whole, I did feel that Karl Urban layed it on a bit too heavy at times as Dr. McCoy. As great as I thought he was in the first movie, it felt more like he had his "acting" hat on in this one, instead of making me feel like he was the real McCoy like in the first (pun intended)...lol.

I enjoyed the story and action in this film, although it felt like it ran into extra innings that weren't actually needed. With a 2hr + running time, it felt like this movie could have used being cut 15-20min short...ijs. I also didn't see this one in 3D and didn't feel like I was missing anything special because of it, so it's totally up to you if you want to spend the extra cash for the glasses and wider screen.

All in all  I enjoyed it and think you and the kids, especially the boys will love it...B++! Lol

Movies in Review: "The Great Gatsby"

This film had one of the best theatrical trailers I have seen in a while. I have never read the book, but the trailer caught my attention enough for me to anticipate its release. This movie is slated to be another summer blockbuster, but I don't think that it is going to perform in theaters as well as the people behind the film would hope. All I can say is that anyone I spoke to who read the book, said they had no interest in seeing the film. Honestly, if it was for DiCaprio, I probably would have passed on this myself.

I did buy a 3D ticket because I wanted the full effect of the visuals that enticed me in the trailer. Unfortunately my money wasn't well spent. There is very little 3D action in the film, so my advise is that you save your money. The visuals in the film were ok, but far less thrilling than they appeared in the trailer, which I found to be disappointing. However, DiCaprio looked absolutely AMAZING! Someone please tell me if CGI was used to make him look that was...he was flawless. DiCaprio has yet to fail me in a film yet, and this movie is no different. I enjoyed him and Carey Mulligan, but Tobey McGuire felt miscast. He made the movie feel awkward, and didn't fit in my opinion. Another thing that didn't fit was the musical soundtrack in the film. Instead of adding to the scene, the music often felt out of place and I found it to be distracting in some of the scenes.

I found it interesting that the movie played out nothing like the trailer. The trailer made the film look like a drama, but the film seemed to play out like a dark comedy...it was weird. I didn't love this film, but I can't say that I hated it either. It was kind of weirdly entertaining, but possibly more weird than entertaining...lol. I enjoyed the love story Daisy and Gatsby, but the rest of the story got somewhat lost in translation. I enjoyed pieces of this movie, but there were far more pieces that didn't seem to fit that keeps me from giving this movie a highly positive mark. Gatsby failed to be great, but was just ok. I would wait for the video, or maybe sneak in the theatre to see this one...C+

Movies in Review: "Peeples"

I'm pretty sure most of you were not checking for this movie this weekend. I had very little interest in seeing this film myself, as the trailer looked like total nonsense. The only thing I enjoyed from the trailer was David Allen Grier, and S. Epatha Merkerson. The trailer however looked to have a faint resemblance to Jumping the Broom, but looked far less interesting.

And far less interesting it was...This movie did not come together at all. Except for Grier and Merkerson, everyone else seemed to be miscast. It was hard to believe the Peeples were actually related, or that Washington's character would actually be in a relationship with Wade. I'm not trying to say that the acting was bad...well...Robinson was horrible, and Kerry was over the top with her funky facial expressions, and Tyler James Williams acting was on crack...ok ok...so the acting was bad...lol. The writing and story were super predictable and boring. I only laughed at one scene, which isn't great for a comedy movie. On a positive note, everyone looked beautiful, and I did enjoy Grier and Epatha. They were a great match, and kept me from calling this movie an epic fail.

This movie is nothing to rush out and see. In my opinion it should have went straight to DVD. Its an ok watch, but nothing you haven't seen before. Catching this one on TV may be more appealing than a movie ticket purchase...C-

Movies in Review: "Iron Man 3"

May is here, and what I like to call the start of summer movie madness! Iron Man 3 is being released today, and although highly anticipated my most, I didn't have the same excitement I felt after seeing the first and waiting to see the 2nd. I think this had a lot to do with the fact that I found the second installment of this series to be lack-luster, and left the theatre more than disappointed. The trailer for Iron man 3 looked good, but the distaste for 2 was holding me back from wanting to love it. Nevertheless this still didn't keep me from hitting my theatre up to see an early viewing. So how was it?????

Iron Man 3 is FREAKIN AMAZING!!! Shane Black sits in the directors chair for this 3rd installment, thank God, because I absolutely loved the direction for this movie. Iron Man fans get ready because this movie is an adventure overload. There are so many great action shots that seeing it in anything less than 3D would be a waste. I enjoyed the story, and appreciated them giving at least a little background on why the events happening are taking place. The villains in this movie are far better than in the earlier installments...Fire! (pun intended...lol).

I loved Starks comedic banter in the first movie, an element I thought was lost in the first. No worries, he is back to himself in this one, and you will find yourself enjoying the laughter. Robert Downey Jr., as always, was AMAZING. Another element that came together in this 3rd installment was the chemistry between Downey and Cheadle. I thought they were awkward on screen for the 2nd film, but none of that was to be seen in this one. I adore Stark's and Pepper's relationship, and s/o to Paltrow. That woman has a body that would put a 20yr old to shame...damn girl! I enjoyed this movie so much, I don't think I have one complaint, ok I do, but its so minor its really not worth mentioning...lol. All of the characters worked so well together. And I can't forget about the Iron Man brigade...Wow, you guys are in for a treat!

Take the kids because they are going to love it! Take your girl, take your man, go alone...May is starting off great because this is one movie that is well worth seeing. I saw it in IMAX 3D, and I recommend you do the same...A+!

Movies in Review: "Oblivion"

I can't say that I was really looking forward to this movie. The trailer was ok, but for some reason I find myself less interested in seeing Tom Cruise in a movie. I enjoyed the images in the trailer, but there didn't seem like much of a story. Well....I was right about one part...

Tom Cruise, to my surprise, was really good. I enjoyed him very much, as well as his co-star Andrea Riseborough, who plays Jack's assistant, Victoria. Their chemistry kept my interest through the beginning of the movie, and I was very interested to see where the story would lead. Unfortunately, the story lead to nowhere interesting. I enjoyed the techie gadgets, and the action sequences, but the storyline failed miserably. By the time we were given the back story of the characters, the movie was almost over. I think they spent too much time with the lame love story, and should have developed the characters better.

The "Resistance" characters weren't used enough in my opinion. We would see shots of one or two of them following Jack around, but they were only in about 2 scenes. I have no idea how they survived, how many there really were, and how they were even surviving...smh. Also, did Freeman's character know Jack before the takeover? I think the writers made the story bigger than what it needed to be and lost focus. The ending slowly fell into oblivion without a satisfying ending in sight. By time the credits rolled there were far too many unanswered questions...smh. So needless to say, the ending was horrible.

As negative as my review may sound, I am still on the fence about my rating for this movie because I enjoyed the beginning, and Cruise, but this movie failed miserably at the end. There is no rush to go out and see this one because most of you will likely leave the theatre disappointed. But it's not a bad watch if you catch it in a Red Box, or on Netflix...C+

Movies in Review: "42"

I love a good baseball film. Moneyball left me on a high, and I was hoping to leave with the same feeling after seeing 42. The trailer for this movie left me with chills each time I saw it. I only hoped that it would live up to my expectations.

Opening scene had me in love with Harrison Ford. He own that voice he was giving his character. I never met Branch Rickey, but Ford had me feeling like it was Rickey I was watching on screen. Harrison Ford definitely did his thing.

I have to ask this...was I the only one wondering why they chosen an unknown Boseman to play Jackie Robinson. When I saw the trailer I kept wishing they would have chose a different actor. However after seeing the film, I would like to recant my thoughts. Boseman was a perfect Robinson. He had the look, and the feel of what you hoped Robinson was in his life. Oh and it didn't hurt that Boseman was a looker...I'm just saying...lol. Nicole Beharie plays Robinson's better half, and their on-screen connection  made for a beautiful love story.

I enjoyed how the drama was written, and how the scenes didn't linger unreasonably. This movie was beautifully written, and performed to perfection by all members of the cast. I definitely believe Mr. Robinson would be proud...Go See It...A+!

Movies in Review: "Disconnect"

Many of you may not have heard of this film, but I saw the preview for it 3wks ago and anticipated the release. The plot of modern technology causing a disconnect among people is a very relevant topic that many of us can relate to. But besides the plot, I was also intrigued with the cast which includes Jason Bateman. I looked forward to seeing him in a more serious role. Something different from the comedic roles he has taken in his last couple of films.

I love Bateman, but was starting to lose a little respect for him because there seemed to be very little diversity in his latest characters. Well I am happy to say that his role in this film has renewed my faith and love for him as an actor. I enjoyed all the characters in this film, especially the kids. This film is riveting and will have you shaking your head and checking your own actions with technology.

I enjoyed the story, but sometimes the jumping around between each characters separate stories was a bit much. The movie is also very long. By the time it was finished I had to rush out and pee and missed the opportunity for Q&Q with director Henry Alex Rubin...smh. Other than these minor issues, the movie had an outstanding climax, and I loved the camera shots when the movie reached its peak.

The content in this movie will have you thinking about you own technological crutches. If it is showing in your area, take the time out to see it. Just remember to use the restroom before you do...A-