Movies in Review: "Don Jon"

I am a fan of Joseph Gordon-Levitt. So there was no way I was going to miss the release of a movie he directed, wrote and starred in. The theatrical trailer looked interesting enough, so I was all in. I have to be honest, I thought I had the movie figured out from the trailer, but I left the theater a little off kilter by what I saw.

When I left the theater I couldn't understand how I felt about the movie. The only conclusion I had, was that there wasn't anything that I didn't enjoy. After mulling it over for a day I realized that it was the subtle humor, and actions in the movie that made it what it was. You will see scenes played over and over with subtle changes that project growth for the character Jon, played by Levitt. And let me just say Levitt and Scarlett Johansson's characters were my favorite. Johansson did her thing as Barbara Sugarman. She was perfect for this role.

I loved how this film was directed, and written. To be very honest, it was like watching soft porn for some parts of the movie, which I think threw me off and made me a little uncomfortable...lol. But outside of that the situations the characters were put in were real, and fun to watch. Julianne Moore is the wild card, and a strange but wonderful addition to the story. I enjoy movies more when I walk out of the theater getting something totally unexpected. Kudos to Levitt for a job well done...B+

Movies in Review: "Baggage Claim"

The theatrical poster was my first introduction to this film. All I could say was my my my, as the cast included hollywood hotties like Boris Kodjoe, Djimon Hounsou, Taye Diggs, and my favorite Derrick Luke. Unfortunately when I watch the theatrical trailer, my expectations for this film plummeted. Did we really need another movie like this? SMH

I would first like to ask...What is up with Paula Patton? I use to enjoy watching her on the big screen. She use to bring so much depth to her earlier work, but as of late she acts like a total bubble head. Her character as Montana Moore was the same character she played in Jumping the Broom, except on crack...smh. Patton your are better than this, and I hope you get it together soon.

There is nothing spectacular or great about this movie except for the eye candy, and I've seen better in other movies. This movie is horribly predictable and follows the same template as other movies like this. I did enjoy a few things about this movie, including Taye Diggs character, and the combo of the characters Sam and Gail. They were the most entertaining parts in the movie. But let me just say this, Jill Scott you are too good for these roles. Derrick Luke you are too good for these roles. This movie is beneath the both of you...ijs. And one last thing, I hope Tia Mowry didn't give up her job on The Game for this type of movie career. All I have to say is Good Luck!

If you go into the theater with severely low expectations you might come out of the theater somewhat satisfied. My advice to you is that you sneak into this movie after paying for a better one. Or watch a free download or bootleg. This movie isn't worth much, so save your money and time...D-

Movies in Review: "Rush"

Ummmmmmm...Chris Hemsworth...enough said...This is all I needed to peek my interest in this film. I...Love...Me some...Chris Hemsworth...LOVE! Ok now that I got that out and wipe the drool from my mouth we can continue with this review...lol...Whew! (Below is for the ladies)

I am a fan of biographical flicks just because I love watching someone's story come to life, and with Ron Howard in the director's seat there was no doubt that I would love this movie...and I did. Where do I start. What a great story. Both characters were so intriguing. The rivalry between these two drivers was so riveting that it kept a great pace for the film. Outside of racing, we also get a taste of who these men are. There was just enough character development outside racing to give you enough of who these men were. Hemsworth was great as James Hunt, and really seemed to capture his essence. It is expected that Hemsworth would own every scene he is in, but Bruhl who plays Lauda, held his own. The casting for this movie was perfect, except for Olivia Wilde. I don't know, although her part was small she brought almost nothing to any scene she was in. Her role could have been cast by an unknown, one who actually looked like a runway model...ijs.

Besides the story, and acting performances it was the camera angles/shots that made the movie for me. The camera angles were amazing and made the racing scenes come to life. Ron Howard did a great job of bringing us onto the track, and behind the wheel...beautiful. The filming and music was like art, adding life to a blank canvas.

Rush is titled appropriately because there is no way you will leave the theater without feeling it. This is one of the best stories I have seen in a while. It is a great watch. I wouldn't recommend for kids, but all you grown folks definitely need to check it out...A+!

Movies in Review: 10,000th Page View!!!

Holy Smokes! Did I just get my 10,000th view to this blog!? O.M.G...It is a joy and an honor to have started a page like this that people like you enjoy reading every week. I am overjoyed with the support you have given my reviews through the years. I hope you continue the support as I strive to move my reviews onward and upward! Thank you again for your support!

XoXo
Taj Greene
"The Reviewer"

Movies in Review: "Prisoners"

I have been anticipating this movie for weeks now. The trailer had everything in it to capture my attention, a great cast and I love thrillers. The positive buzz around this film also heightened my anticipation, so needless to say I couldn't wait to purchase my ticket. Unfortunately, I can't say I was as thrilled coming out of the theater, as I was going in :/

Don't get me wrong, the movie wasn't horrible. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances, especially Hugh Jackman, and to my surprise, also Terrance Howard. Viola Davis and Maria Bello were also great, but don't hate me, but I found myself being totally annoyed with Gyllenhaal in this role, and he is one of my favorite actors. I just couldn't understand his actions in some scenes, but that could be because I didn't see the relevance in a the way some of the scenes played out. There seemed to be way too many subplots added to this movie, extending the running time 40min longer than it needed to be.

For example I found the plot with the character Bob Taylor to be underdeveloped, and by the end I couldn't clearly understand the relevance of his character. Like can anyone tell me the reason for him sneaking in the Dover's and Birch's house?...weird. I enjoyed Paul Dano's character, but felt that his character could have added more to the plot of the story. I was hoping to find out why he was just sitting alone in the rain in the trailer, and then drives himself into a tree? And after of week of him whispering, and getting beat up, I was over it. I also thought the Priest's plot was too short and could have been a stronger plot for the story. I have a question though, was I the only one who thought that the scene with Jackman moving the corvette dragged? It dragged on so long, I was really expecting more by the end of it...smh.

Unfortunately, for me this movie was way too long, and far less thrilling than I had hoped it would be. Scenes and some plots had a tendency to drag, and others were too underdeveloped. The movie wasn't horrible, but I think the buzz surrounding it is too hyped. You won't be totally disappointed, but you may feel a little better seeing a matinee...B

Movies in Review: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

I am writing this post because I have realized that I have failed to recognize and celebrate the time and effort I have put into these reviews. What first started out as a few comments or movie advise to friends, then turned into short posts on FB, in September 9, 2010 (yeah I'm a day late with this...so what sue me) has grown into this blog, and is progressing into so much more!

Today I am not only celebrating myself for sticking with this, but also celebrating my followers and friends who make an effort to share, and support my reviews. I have almost walked away from this blog on several occasions, but you, my audience have kept me here. The views on my blog have more than quadrupled per month since 2010, and each year keeps getting better, and I have you to thank for that!

I look forward to continuing my reviews and branching it out to other media outlets. Everyone raise your glasses, because this is a Celebration!!! Yay!

Love
TajGreene
"The Reviewer"

Movies in Review: "Riddick"

Ok let me first start this review off by revealing that I am not a fan of this franchise. As a matter of fact this is the first movie out of the 3 that I have seen. So I have no background story for this 3rd installment, and this was the only one that actually interest me enough to pay money to see it. I am not the biggest fan of Vin Diesel, so although the trailer looked interesting, I wasn't expecting to be overly thrilled.

Well all I have to say is the first 15min of Riddick was exhausting...geesh. I think they packed the opening scenes with way too much stuff and by the end of the movie I was totally feeling like Riddick's survival rate is a little unbelievable and ridiculous. But I'm guessing this is who his character is?

Vin Diesel was the same old Vin Diesel, delivering his lines in the same way he delivers all his lines in movies. There is really nothing exceptional about him as an actor. Luckily for him he is surrounded by people who can actually act. I enjoyed the co-stars more than Riddick, even his pet hyenia...lol. Doll had to be my favorite character. She kept doing things I would never expect her to do, making the movie fun. The action sequences with Riddick weren't that spectacular to me, but most you who are fans will find entertaining. The ending was predictable and lame, setting things up for another film...eh.

I am not a Riddick fan, and I am still not a Riddick fan. I didn't hate this movie, but I can't say I will be stepping into the theater to see another one of these films. It was the sub characters that carried this movie in my opinion, but I'm sure a true Riddick fan would beg to differ. The good thing is that I got what I expected, and maybe even a little more...C+

Movies in Review: "Closed Circuit"

This is another movie I am late in reviewing, but I love crime thrillers and this one was on my radar. There weren't many trailers for this one showing, so I'm thinking most of you haven't heard about it. It's ok though, because if you are reading this review, now you have...lol.

This movie starts out with a bang...and I mean that in the literal sense. The opening scene will definitely get your attention and keep it until the ending credits. This movie moved slow in some places, but I think that was because I thought I had the movie figured out, but I didn't at all. There were some scenes that had me clinching my seat in anticipation. This is a thriller that had me on edge. There are some parts of the story that were a little predictable, but there is enough of the story that you will have no clue about what is going to happen. The story was well written and performed. I left the theater shook, especially with the ending. This is the kind of movie that will leave you paranoid...I love movies like that.

If this movie is playing near you, I strongly believe it is worth seeing. If you are a fan of crime thillers, then this is for you. Once you get past all the lawyer jargon you won't be able to take your attention away in anticipation of what is coming next...A-

Movies in Review: "The Grandmaster"

I love a great martial arts film, and who wouldn't be interested in the story who taught the highly acclaimed Bruce Lee. I was on board to see this movie from the first glance at the movie trailer. I missed it's opening weekend, so this review is a bit late, but I had to see it and review it.

With most foreign films please be aware that it is likely to have subtitles. So if subtitles aren't your thing, then this movie isn't either. I don't dislike subtitles, and they rarely distract from the film, but for some reason this one did. I must admit that the subtitles made this movie drag only because there was very little dialogue to keep the story moving. Other than the martial art sequences, I felt this movie moved at a very slow pace. It was the music and facial expressions which told the story, instead of the dialogue. I loved the music and felt it went superbly with the action sequences. The cinematography was beautiful, and did so much for the visual appeal of the movie. This was a major plus for me with this movie. However, as long as this movie seemed to run, it lacked character development and sequence. The story was sometimes a little hard to follow. I left the theater wanting to know more about Ip Man, and don't get me started on the ending...I have no idea what the ending was about, and what I was supposed to conclude from it.

This movie is a great visual martial arts film, that has a tendency to movie slow. I would not recommend rushing to see this one, because you may find yourself falling asleep. For the guys, this movie is more of a romantic martial arts film than I think you would like. If you are a visual person and have an appreciation for music, then this is the movie for you. For everyone else, you can wait until this one has exited the theaters...C+