Movies in Review: "Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit"

You ever watch a trailer that looked ok, but there is something about it that misses you, and doesn't really draw you in. This was one of those movies for me. The reason I went to see it was because I haven't seen a movie Chris Pine has starred in that I didn't enjoy .Kevin Costner also helped boost my interest. When heading into the theater, my expectations were very low. I can't understand why, but they were. However, I walked out of the theater 1.5hrs later very pleased.

Jack Ryan was a decent action thriller. It wasn't perfect, but it was exceptionally entertaining. The story lacked a little especially in the end, but the thrills you get throughout the film will likely have you overlook that. Chris Pine was great, but my favorite character was played by Costner. He was exceptional as Harper, although he really didn't do much, but what he did, worked. I'm not the biggest Keira Knightley fan, but I think that has a lot to do with the fact that it's hard to separate her from any period piece film. But in this movie she was lovely Jack Ryan's girlfriend/wife. The best part about this movie was the movement, and the pace of the film. I enjoyed how the story kept me on the edge of my seat and the action was more thrilling than I had expected.

There was nothing spectacular about the writing, story, but somehow this movie still had enough to make it exceptionally entertaining in my book. If you like action thrillers, this is one I think you will enjoy taking a look at...B+

Movies in Review: "Ride Along"

As much as I want Kevin Hart to have a successful movie career, I am truly on the verge of giving up on this man as a comedic actor. There have been plenty of comedians who have successfully transitioned into prosperous movie/acting careers, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler (kinda...I don't find him funny, but he can be hit or miss), Martin Lawrence, Mike Epps...just to name a few. Unfortunately Kevin Hart has very little range, and continues to play the same over-active, screechy voiced character he has played in all his movies since Think Like A Man (the only movie I actually enjoyed him in). So needless to say, I was not looking forward to this movie. But as I do with all Tyler Perry's movies, I went in crossing my fingers, and hoping for the best. Unfortunately with this one, I walked out disappointed.

This movie was a mess from the word action. All I can say is corny...but are you surprised? The story felt like it was written by a grade school student. There was nothing great about it. I'm surprised this movie made it to the big screen, because it felt like a straight to DVD film, because it was just plain stupid. I think I chuckled once, and I definitely napped in between, and I saw the ending, but can't remember how it ended...smh. I guess that's how memorable this movie is. Many people will say it's hilarious, and all I want to know is what part. Did you find Tika Sumpters grizzly eyebrows funny, because I found them distracting. They looked like someone drew them on with a magic marker, and then decided to play up her eyebrows with a dramatic Barbie wig...wth!? Makeup/wardrobe was terrible in this film. Ice Cube was ok, but too serious and didn't match Hart's comedic out takes. Hart seriously needs an acting coach. It is wrong for him to think that his comedy stage act is appropriate for his movie roles. He continues to play the same type of character with a different name, but now its just getting tired.

If you are a die-hard Kevin fan, you will likely disagree with everything I wrote. If you are a movie fan, you will see that this wasn't comedy at its best. I wouldn't recommend you waste your time or money on this one in the theater...D-

Movies in Review: "Lone Survivor"

I have always enjoy a good war film, although I haven't seen a good one in a while. The thing that drew me in to see this movie was that it was based on a true story, and the cast was up to par. My expectations weren't high for this one, although I did expect it to be good. To my surprise, this movie was better than good, it was great. You ever leave a movie and have chills, and find yourself thinking about it days later? Well this is one of those movies. It is intense x2!

The movie starts out at a slow pace as we get introduced to the characters, and get an idea of the story. What I enjoyed before the opening credits was actual video of US Navy Seals in training. I thought this brought a lot to the story because it helped to give background on the characters skills, training, and job as Navy Seals. The videos also help to make the characters real.

I loved the cast, who all portrayed a strong bond and brotherhood that seemed to come naturally. There is humor in the beginning that will make you smile, and draw you in and care for each of these men. Everything is great until the first gunshot goes off. Once this happens, this movie totally takes off. The camera shots of the combat scenes had me gripping my chair. The cinematography gave this movie so much life. I swear I found myself on the verge of puking a couple of times from the jumping cliff scenes. Those scenes were crazy! OMG! Wow...Intense! This movie doesn't take a break until the end, and by then the audience felt triumphant as is we were in the fight.

I am surprised, but this is another must see. This movie ended with applause from the movie audience, and it was well deserved...A-!

Movies in Review: "Her"

For me, there was just something so eloquent and appealing about the trailer for this movie. The trailer drew me completely in. It looked like a very interesting story, that was different from most of the movies I've seen this year. I know many of you had to have felt the same way, that is if you have any interest in a well made movie.

This movie is for those who love the art in theatrical films. It is for those who can enjoy the subtleties of the writing, the music, beautifully shot scenes that make for an exceptional film. A movie where everything done has a masterful purpose. This is how this movie made me feel. In my opinion, it was divinely done, and deserves the acclaim it has received. I don't think you could have picked a better actor than Joaquin Phoenix to play Theodore Twombly. He was perfect in every way. Johansson gave the voice of Samantha such life. It wasn't hard to see why Twombly fell for her. The colors and music in the film added so much depth to the story. I loved how Amy Adams appeared to have very little make up on. Styling and make up were very well done.

Not only was this film beautiful to look at, but it had one of the best written stories to go along with it. The subtle humor will likely have you laughing out loud. I am surprised I enjoyed this movie so much, but this is what movies are made of. This is why I enjoy theatrical features so much. Sometimes I forget why I like movies, until one like this comes along to remind me. If this is playing in a theater near you, you need to go see it...A+