Movies in Review: "Mortdecai"

I think I was the only one looking forward to seeing this film starring Johnny Depp. It seems that Depp can't catch a break with critics following recent failed movie roles. Well I still enjoy Depp, especially when he plays characters like Mortdecai. He is in his element with quirky, weird, and off-centered characters like these. This movie was killed critics, but I still had hope it wasn't as bad as I have read.

Sometimes I think actors can face being blacklisted by critics, and I think Depp is one of them. I didn't think Mortdecai was that bad. Now don't get me wrong, it wasn't great, but I did enjoy Depp as Mortdecai. He put so much fun into this character, that I enjoyed. I don't think the problem was Depp's performance, but everything else happening in the movie. I don't think the writing was great, and the story seemed to float here and there, leaving me confused. The sub-characters were weak, and looked like extras found on the street. If I never see Paul Bettany in another movie, it will be too soon. He is quite awful. I enjoyed Ewan McGregor and Gwyneth Paltrow and the subplot between their characters. The rest of the story was a hodge podge of nonsense though. I hear they are in works of making a second film, which I would definitely see, hoping they get better writers, directors, and stronger plot.

Some critics are calling this the worst movie of the year, I would however beg to differ. This movie could use a lot of help, but I still found it entertaining to feel about it. I honestly wouldn't pay to see it, but a Redbox is ok...C-

Movies in Review: "Strange Magic"

I wasn't anticipating this movie, but I thought it would be a cute flick to check with my little man. I had very little expectations for it, just thought it would be ok, and my kid would enjoy it. Boy was I wrong, and I kinda wished I had taken him to see Paddington instead...smh.

This movie was kind horrible and hard to take. Can you say too much damn singing!? Yes I understand it was a musical, but the songs weren't even great. The animation, although somewhat visually entertaining, produced dull characters that did nothing to keep one's interest. The characters were annoying, especially the character Roland, and the main character Marianne...Ugh! Oh and did I mention the singing? I was wishing for a pair of earplugs to drop in my lap...smh.

I think I was at least expecting to be entertained, and leave with a smile. But all I got was a headache and 2hrs of my time taken from me. If I were you, I would steer clear of this one...D-

Movies in Review (LATE REVIEW): "Birdman"

Now being a new mother, I don't have the time that I use to, to check out more of the Indie featured film releases. Indie films produce some of my favorite movies, so it hurts that I can't indulge like I use to, but when mommy duty calls all other things are quickly pushed to the side...at least for a moment :). I've tried to catch up on a few missed films before the Oscar's arrive, and was finally able to check out Birdman. Not that I was even interested in this film, in fact, I never even heard of it until a friend told me about it. I watched the trailer, and was like...Ummmmmm...ok. I didn't get it at all, and was this close to passing it by, but who could turn down a film featuring Ed Norton, Michael Keaton, and Emma Stone. I'm no fool, that's a pretty awesome cast, sooooooo...into the theater I went.

I love it when I go against my initial negative reaction to a trailer. Often times I find myself pleasantly surprised...and this was one of those times. Wow...is all I can say. At the movie started out a little weird, and I was like wth is going on. But as the story went on, I started to get it. But it wasn't the story that really caught my attention, it was the way this movie is filmed. It's filmed like a continuous take, so there are hardly any breaks in the scenes. This was phenomenal to watch. Do you know what kind of performance/skill you have to put on as an actor/actress for continuous take filming...Wow. Every award nomination this movie, and actors are receiving are well deserved...Applause. This is clearly a dark comedy, which happens to be my favorite type of comedy. This is my favorite performance from Zach Galifianakis (Hangover). His presence was strong, and funny, but there is no non-sense in this character. Different role from what he is commonly known for.

I'm sorry this review is hitting you so late, as this film may no longer be in theaters in your area. However if it is, and can appreciate the art in film-making, then please go check this one out. For those questioning whether this one is worth it, let me say that it is. If it comes out on video, rent it...but just see it...A+

Movies in Review: "The Wedding Ringer"

As hilarious as I think Kevin Hart is doing stand-up, I kinda have a love/hate relationship when it comes to his movies. He can sometimes be too over the top, and ruin what could have been a fairly decent movie. I was hoping this would not be the case in The Wedding Ringer. It seemed with Josh Gad, and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting would help to calm down his comedic antics, at least a bit...or at least I was hoping.

Wow...a far better performance from Hart than I expected. He was actually fun to watch. It felt like heart was in tune with his character and was acting instead of acting over the top. I thought he and Gad made for refreshing comedic partners. But there were so many great actors in the movie, Hart didn't get the opportunity to make a mockery of this movie. I was expecting the groomsmen to be funnier, but they were just eh :/. I don't know why Corey Holcomb keeps getting cast in movies, this dude is often far from funny. I loved the fro Jenifer Lewis was rocking, you know she always shines in any role she's in. I thought the movie was going to have more humor, but I think it had just enough to be both entertaining and funny, without losing the story. My favorite scene was definitely the football match...hilarious.

This one was a winner...for the most part. It was very cute and entertaining to watch. I enjoyed it more than I expected, although I felt a little jilted in the comedy area...just a little...B

Movies in Review: "Paddington"

How cute was the trailer for this movie! Who doesn't recall hearing/reading about Paddington Bear. I thought Paddington looked amazing in the trailer, and I was very interested in seeing how his story played out on the big screen. I don't think I had high expectations, I just hoped the movie was as entertaining as it seemed in the trailer.

This movie is far better than the trailer lets on. I was more than entertained with this movie. It was so much fun to watch. Children and adults alike packed the theater I watched Paddington, and the movie received huge applause when it was over. They did such a great job with the look of Paddington Bear. You will fall in love with him as much as you do from his stories. So freaking adorable. The story was full of family entertainment and fun. The scenery, humor, and all characters rounded out a delightful movie that all will enjoy.

Plain and simple, this movie is a must-see. You can take the family, or go yourself if you're looking to put a smile on your face. This movie is a guaranteed joy maker...A+

Movies in Review: "Blackhat"

Oh Chris Hemsworth you can seriously do no wrong in my book. I will go see any film you're featured in, just so I can gaze at those pretty blues...yaaaasssss! Besides Chris Hemsworth, the trailer had me hooked. It looked like a pretty interesting action thriller, a movie genre I love. So I was more than anticipating the release of this movie. To my surprise this movie fell short of everything it appeared to promise...

You know techy movies aren't always my thing. I find that most of them get so wrapped up in the technical side of the story that they fall short in all other areas of the story. Blackhat definitely fell into this hole. The movie was kind of ridiculous from beginning to end. I expected to be a little lost at the beginning, but was expecting the rest of the story to clear things up for me, but it didn't. What was the purpose for anything that was going on? The story was sooooooo silly, and the thrills were forced. The action scenes looked choreographed, which is bad. No action scene should LOOK choreographed...smh. Chris Hemsworth was ok, but there was very little he could do to save this nonsense. With a pretty powerful cast, it is kind of sad that this was the film it produced.

For all those who got excited and wrapped up into the trailer, that's just good marketing and nothing more. The final product is lower than anything you expect. I would save my money on this one and wait for it to arrive on your cable line-up, even then, I would recommend you waste 2 hours of your life on this one...D

Movies in Review: "Taken 3"

People really don't know how to let a good thing go. This franchise was already tainted with the release of Taken 2. Now the nonsense continues with this unnecessary third installment...smh. I had very low expectations for this third film, but I went to see it because I had already suffered through 2, and I needed 3 to give me closer. I know I'm not the only one who felt this way...lol.

Ummmmm...hmmmmm...it's weird because this last movie didn't follow the previous 2. It was kind of like a different movie, with the same name. Here's what was weird. We all met Neeson's ex-wife's husband "Stuart" in part 1. He was a really nice businessman. Well Stuart in part 3 looks like he works for the Russian Mob, and the story was centered around him...this made no sense. The movie is called Taken, but no one actually got kidnapped in this installment...weird. Honestly if this movie stood alone, perhaps with a different movie title name, it would have made for a better film, but for this franchise it made little sense. The action sequences were so iffy, mostly a chaotic mess, with Neeson barely scratched. What I did enjoy about the movie was the addition of Forest Whitaker, and I liked that they used Neeson's friends from the first movie in this one more. Neeson has fallen down the black hole of being the action heroin. A path that has ruined many careers...including his own...smh.

If you don't try to over think what's going on, you will enjoy it better. If you don't look at it as the third movie of the Taken franchise, you will also enjoy it a lot more. I liked it more than I thought I would, but it I wouldn't recommend you pay for this one. Sneak into it, rent it, and let's all hope to never see another Taken film...C-

Movies in Review: "American Sniper"

I can't say I was pressed to see this film, but I did want to see it. I do enjoy a good war drama. However, I didn't know until the end that this film was based from the novel of the real American sniper portrayed in this film. Making the movie even better for me because I enjoy stories based off true events. I thought I would enjoy this movie, but I didn't know I would love it.

Bradley Cooper...Bradley Cooper...smh...you did your thing sir. Bradley Cooper is a decent actor, who seems to get better with each role he takes. This role as American Sniper Chris Kyle, put him on another level for me. Bradley Cooper's performance was stellar. I was invested in him as Chris Kyle. He mas someone I wish I had the chance to meet. Bradley captured every emotion flawlessly. He transformed his body to really emulate the sniper. Clint Eastwood also did his thing in the directors chair. I was getting a little annoyed with the way the sequences seemed to repeat with each tour, but there was really little repetition at all. Each tour provided another element to the story.

The film had humor, and moments that will make you laugh and cry. I was stunned by the end, and sat in my seat in awe until the credits rolled. I found myself a bit of an emotional wreck by the end...kinda like how you felt at the end of "Million Dollar Baby"...smh. This movie was excellent. If you are into war dramas, this is one you don't want to miss...A+

Movies in Review: "Selma"

I'm sorry, but the trailer for this movie right here...smh. Every time I saw this trailer chills would run through my body. Ok so another Martin Luther King Jr movie? But you cast David Oyelowo as our renowned civil rights leader? Oh yes we have a winner now! And how about that soundtrack!? "Glory" by Common and John Legend...yaaassssss! Chills...I was hoping those chills would carry through to the end of this movie...and it did.

Talk about powerful. I mean Ava DuVernay did her thing in the directors chair. She brought out supreme performances from her cast and the cinematography will tear at every emotional heart string. What I enjoyed most about this movie was that it focused on 1 particular event in King's Civil Rights journey. It was great to get a more in-depth picture of how the Selma Voting rights marches came about, who was involved, and all that was sacrificed just so we could equally have our given right to VOTE!

The movie moves a little slow in the beginning for me, but does a great job of building the story. Some of the scenes sounded a little empty at times, but maybe that's just me. Regardless of these few complaints, this movie had impact. The musical soundtrack and the scene direction were phenomenal. I was super emotional leaving the theater. This had everything to do with the fact that so many people sacrificed so much for something we take for granted today...VOTING! I think anyone who thinks their vote doesn't matter should see this movie. Anyone who thinks they don't have a voice should see this movie. Anyone who thinks that only voting for the Presidential Election is enough, should see this movie! This movie is important for us to see today, because many of us have forgotten how far we have come, and what it took for us to get here...ijs...A-!