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-

Movies in Review: "The Place Beyond the Pines"

I am anything Gosling, so of course I was looking forward to seeing this film. The fact that it also starred Bradley Cooper was just icing on the cake. I was a bit leery though when watching the trailer. It reminded me of that movie Drive, which Gosling also starred in, which I was not a fan of. But I brushed my feelings off and was hoping to have an enjoyable experience.

I liked it, although It seemed strangely written. Once one character's story ended, another began. That's kinda how the story played out to me. It was weird, but I like weird as long as it makes sense, and this did. I definitely enjoyed Gosling's character in this film than in "Drive", not to be comparing the two. There is real crime action, and it is hilarious. This isn't a comedy, but it will be hard for you to not find humor in some of the crime scenes. I also enjoyed Cooper, and would agree with critics and say that this is one of his best performances. Although I also enjoyed his performance in Silver Linings, the character he plays in Beyond the Pines is different from any other character I've seen him play. The only complaint I have about the film is with the young actor who plays Cooper's teenage son. He left a bad taste in my mouth, and I cringed at every scene he was in. Thank goodness there were very few.

This movie is gritty and will have you anticipating each scene. Its a modest film like Silver Linings that gets by with an exceptional story and character performances...A-!

Movies in Review: "Temptation: Confessions of a Marriage Counselor"

Go Tyler Perry! This movie was the hottest ticket this weekend. Out of all the new releases, this movie was the only one selling out shows. I had to wait until early Sunday before I was able to get a ticket...smh. It is clear this movie will come out on top coming out of the weekend, but was it worth all the hype? ..........Let me answer that with a big fat YES!

This is definitely Perry's best movie to date. This film is a movie in the right direction to get the respect I think he deserves from all critics as a director. This movie felt very little like his earlier movies. The production, scenery, wardrobe, make-up were on another level from his other movies. Everyone looked amazing! All the characters were great...even Kim Kardashian...(yeah I never thought I'd say that)...I really enjoyed her character, as well as Vanessa Williams. Jurnee Smollett-Bell did her thing as Judith. I don't think Perry could have picked a better actress for this role. I don't think Lance Gross is the strongest actor, and I was worried that his performance might kill the movie. I am happy to say that his acting chops are improving and he really impressed me. The only problem I had, was that I thought they should have chosen an older actor to play Brice at the end instead of using Gross.

The story is captivating so you won't find yourself bored. This movie is unlike any of Tyler's other movies. It is definitely grown and sexy, so make this a hot date night movie. You and your partner will love it...A-

Movies in Review: "G.I. Joe: Retaliation"

I have anticipated this movie for almost a year. I know I was probably the only one anticipating this one especially since most people and critics didn't like the first one. I happened to like it though. I was not a fan of Tatum as Duke, but I was looking forward to seeing the 2nd installment of this movie, especially with the addition of Dwayne Johnson :) (super duper smile)

Omg...this movie was a mess and a half. First off when you walk in to see this movie, you have to forget everything that was presented in the first movie or you will find yourself screaming WTF! The Joe's in this movie are a downgrade from what they were in the first movie. They were super soldiers in the first movie, and are just soldiers in this one. This movie is less comedic than the first and has more serious action sequences. As far as Tatum, I enjoyed his and Johnson's chemistry together. That was the best part about the movie, unfortunately it didn't last long.

There are a number of things that made this second movie suck. The Joe team was revamped, so there were all new characters...too many in my opinion. The story for this film was all over the place and did not mesh well. For example wth was Snake Eyes doing halfway across the country away from the other Joe's. And who thought it was a good idea to add The RZA and Bruce Willis...horrible.

One of my favorite sequences in the trailer was the sword fighting on the side of the mountain. Well in the film, his sequence is less spectacular. The fighting sequences were also weak. I love Storm Shadow, but I could have sworn he died in the first movie...right?

I felt that Dwayne Johnson was a great addition, but thats what he should have been, and addition, not the takeover. It is clear that they tried to take the Joe's in a new direction, but there was little interesting about the new Joe's or the actors/actresses that played them. I was expecting more, but left the theatre very disappointed...C