Movies in Review: "Fast & Furious 6"

I have been a fan of this series only since the 4th installment. But I have been hooked since then. As much as I look forward to seeing the next installment, I also find myself not being able to get to excited because I'm thinking there is no way they would be able to top the last movie. So I walk into the theater with this thought, and again left the theater trying to figure out how in the hell they outdid the last installment again...smh...

Fast & Furious 6 was AMAZING!!! Just when you think there are no more tricks in the bag, you find yourself loosing your mind when you find there is a new and even more exciting bag of tricks. I can't take it...smh. From the opening scene there is nothing but pure action. This movie is an action adrenaline rush. What I enjoyed most about this movie is that there are a number of strong characters that were added to bring depth to the film. Praises to Luke Evans as Shaw. Him and his team put this movie on a totally different level. They also added MMA fighter Gina Carano, whose acting skills I am not a fan of, but who I also found to be another great addition to this movie. She was perfect for this movie, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that she was fighting more than talking...thank God...lol.

Speaking of fighting...Holy Smokes!!! The action sequences were choreographed to perfection. The only fault I found was in the airplane scene, only because there is no way you will find a runway that damn long...seriously pushed it with that sequence, but it was still great to watch. In addition to the action, the characters all seemed real comfortable with each other, making the comedy in the film seem effortless. The humor added to the entertainment. The movie gives you a bang for your buck...and then some. By far this one is the best out of the series, and I don't think I can handle what they are going to do next...A-!!! GO SEE IT!

Movies in Review: "The Hangover Part III"

I don't know why they felt it was necessary to extend Hangover to 3 movies, and after seeing the second installment, I wished they hadn't. I had no clue what they had left to offer as far as this series was concerned, but I had already seen the first 2 movies, so I went just to see it to the end. The second movie had left such a bad taste in my mouth, I walked into the theater not expecting much from 3...and I'm glad I did...

Where 2 tried to be a repeat of the first Hangover, 3 luckily had its own story, nothing like the first 2. As a matter of fact, this 3rd installment worked to bring the storyline for all 3 movies together. There were some blotchy spots trying to meld all 3 films, but the idea was still good enough to be on board with it. What I enjoyed most about this movie was that the Wolfpack was now on a totally different adventure. I was so interested to see what was going to happen to them next. The beginning started out a little slow, but once the guys came together, the comedy never stopped. Allen to me has always been the funniest, but I liked that this wasn't the case in this one. Each character carried their comedic load.

As funny as this movie is, there are scenes that are far less appropriate for the younger audience that in he first two movies. Some of the scenes were even shocking to me. Needless to say PETA is not a fan of this movie. I think this movie may not be appropriate for anyone under 13yrs...ijs.

Most women didn't like 2 as much as then men did. Well don't worry ladies, this one is a winner. I liked the movie to the end, and then the actual ending had me in tears! Please stay in your seats until the end. You will know its the end when you find yourself pissing in your pants from laughter...lol...B+

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+!