Movies in Review: "Southpaw"

There is something about Jake Gyllenhaal that completely wows me. He knows how to take on a character...doesn't he? I must admit though, when I watched the trailer for Southpaw, I was a little skeptical about him portraying the boxing character Billy Hope and making it believable. My doubts, however, weren't enough to keep me from seeing this movie. As a matter of fact, I've been anticipating this movie since the release of its theatrical trailer. I loved the trailer, and the cast even more. I wasn't expecting a complete fail from Gyllenhaal, just not his best...

Gyllenhaal is still the man. Can he do no wrong? He was Billy Hope and everything that came with this character. He had the lingo down, as a kid who had the streets raise him. He had the moves as a real boxer, and the physique to back it up. His relationship with his family, and wife Maureen (Rachel McAdams) could be felt deeply. It was hard not to feel every emotion, and tragedy this man faced. This movie is packed with powerful emotion. Curtis Jackson did a good job of playing himself...lol...and Forrest Whitaker was the icing on the cake. The back and forth between him and Hope added humor and fun to the film.

There were some slow-moving scenes, and some that could have use better direction, but there is no doubt Antoine Fuqua has another hit on his hands. Those boxing scenes were everything! Reminded you of boxing of old, not this mess we are forced to watch in the rings today...smh. The boxing scenes were exhausting and exciting, exactly how they should be...lol.

This one is a winner because it packs a hell of a punch. The cast was perfect, the boxing scenes were memorable, and the movie is full of emotion. If you love boxing, you will definitely enjoy this...B+

Movies in Review: "Trainwreck"

Trainwreck is the only movie I was looking forward to seeing this weekend. You know how you have one of those weeks where you just need a good laugh? Well this movie came right on time. How many of you cracked up every time this trailer came across your television screen. I knew nothing about Amy Schumer before, but I'm all about Amy Schumer today. Some of you may know Schumer's sketch comedy work on Comedy Central. Some of you, like myself, may just being hearing about her for the first time. Whatever the case may be, she will definitely be on your radar after seeing this movie, which she also had a hand in writing...Kudos!

This movie is funny as hell...seriously. It wasn't comedy that was forced. This movie had such a great story, the humor just happened effortlessly. Schumer had me pissing in my pants. She's an outstanding comedian, but also a decent actress. I loved the chemistry between her and Bill Hader, whose comedic style comes off a bit forced to me. I really enjoyed him in this role. But can we talk about how much I liked Lebron James. Like I hate Lebron James (yes I'm a Lebron Hater...Bite me)...but I loved him in this movie. Just because of this movie, my dislike for him has decreased tremendously...lol. The only part of the movie that was annoying was the plot that involved her pregnant sister, who hardly looked pregnant at all throughout the movie. She and her family were kind of annoying...in my opinion.

If you need a good laugh, this needs to be on your must-see list. This is one of the best comedies I have seen this year. It has a really cute story, and effortless comedic humor. All around enjoyment for me...A-

Movies in Review: "Ant-Man"

Ok sooooooo...how many of you couldn't take this Ant-Man movie seriously when you watched the trailer. I was giving this movie the serious side-eye. Felt like I was setting myself up for the disappointment Green Lantern left me with. I love Paul Rudd as an actor, but a superhero...ummmmm no. Although I had little interest in this movie, regardless of the character's casting, I will always be in the theater to watch a Marvel super-hero film, well any super-hero film for that matter...lol.

I promise, if you go in with low expectations, you will come out of the theater pleasantly surprised (not that low expectations are needed). The movie really wasn't bad at all. Wow...I am so surprised at how much I enjoyed Rudd in this role. Definitely a very nice fit. The direction they took this movie in worked. My only complaint is that there was a little too much dialogue, making the movie feel long, but other than that I was pleasantly entertained. I loved the "heist" aspect of the story, it kept the mood fun and humorous, especially with Michael Pena as Luis. I love me some Michael Pena. That dude nails it every time. I thought they could have went deeper with the Yellow Jacket story-line. That part of the story kinda got the short end of the stick...oh well...

All in all...not a bad movie. Ant-Man isn't my favorite Marvel film, but I did leave with a smile on my face and anticipation for the next installment. I think it is a great movie for the family who are Marvel hero fans. Although the extended dialogue may prove to be a bit dull in some spots. Overall I found myself laughing a lot, interested, and entertained...and that's good enough in my book...B+

Movies in Review: "Minions"

The first time I watched Despicable Me, I knew those yellow, babbling minions deserved a movie of their own. I feel like I've waited all year for the release of this movie, but the day has finally arrived. I have anticipated this animated movie the most this summer. My kid wanted to see it too...thank goodness...lol. I love my movie dates with my little one :)

All was good with the movie, until you realize there is just too much Minion...lol...like really. I was hoping to love this movie, but it was a little too much. I forgot what was happening, but there were some scenes that had my kid cringing...lol. Don't get me wrong. he liked it, but I caught him covering his eyes a few times. I enjoyed it, especially Stuart, and his bearTim, they were hilarious. I wasn't as impressed with Susan Overkill...eh. 

The story was cute, but nowhere near as thrilling as the Despicable Me films. The minions seemed to shine better in those films. The pressure of holding down an entire movie alone were too much for these guys. I still think the kids will find it to be great. I mean...who has the heart to hate on a Minion...B+

Movies in Review: "Self/Less"

The only reason I went to see this movie is because I always root for Ryan Reynolds. If it had not starred Reynolds, this movie would have been on the cutting block for me. The trailer was a joke. Was anyone impressed with the nonsense that this movie was trying to market? Although I had my doubts, I was still hoping that the movie would prove to be far better than the theatrical trailer...but it wasn't.

I'm not the biggest fan of Ben Kingsley in films. I find it hard to take him seriously. I was starting to think this movie was a comedy just because Kingsley was cast...smh. Kingsley opens the film and I was less than intrigued by what was taking place. The story seemed a little rushed and there was very little development before Reynolds came into play. The story  just seemed to drift with interruptions of nonsense here and there. What annoyed me most was the actress who played Reynolds wife. She played the same character in Elysium, with a sick child she was caring for...Ugh! She added nothing exciting to the story, and only seemed to slow it down.

I was really hoping to enjoy something from this movie...but I didn't. It was really a joke and something that could have cluttered the shelves of the DVD counter as a straight to DVD released film. It's kind of annoying when movies like this make it into the theater...D-

Movies in Review: "Magic Mike XXL"

Ok so yeah...I thought the first Magic Mike movie was cute. The story wasn't great, but watching Channing move was definitely entertaining, so I wasn't totally disappointed. However... a 2nd film? Ummmmmmm...ok...I wasn't hyped at all about the 2nd movie. When I watched the trailer it didn't intrigue me a bit, and I honestly thought that this 2nd movie would be a flop. But a girlfriend asked me to roll with her, and I was like sure why not. Of course the theater was filled with all women who had all rolled in packs with their girlfriends. Everyone in the theater was hype! I guess they knew something I didn't, because I was sitting calm as could be. But all of that changed within the first 20/30 min....

Still fanning myself as I type. Still feeling warm inside with a huge smile on my face! I'm sorry...but I wasn't ready...I wasn't ready AT ALL. Now come on, we know Channing has moves, but ladies you haven't seen anything yet. This dude pulled out his whole arsenal in this movie and left each of us with pure satisfaction. There isn't any grand writing, or acting, but is that really what you came to this movie to see???? This movie is 100% PURE ENTERTAINMENT! I swear I was ready to throw my money at the movie screen, and I'm not a fan of male entertainers...lol. This movie had me laughing, and every woman in the theater jumping out of their seats. I was clutching my pearls most of the movie...seriously. I wasn't ready...smh. The only thing that brought this movie down was the love story they tried to write in, when all we wanted to see was asses shaking...ijs. My favorite scene was definitely the finale at the convention. All of the dancers pull out their best tricks. I have never seen a tux look so good, or be serenaded so beautifully...OMG! I can't...smh

Girls have a few drinks and get the girls together to make a night of it. Men, just get ready to reap the benefits...yeah it was like that. Now the grade I'm giving this is purely based off entertainment value. When a movie has me clutching my pearls, standing and clapping, and wanting to throw my money at the screen...oh yeah, that's a winner in my book! A-