Movies in Review: "Concussion"

The new Star Wars movie is only in it's second week in the box office, and is still the hottest ticket in theaters right now. It's unfortunate, because there were some really decent movies released this weekend that failed to get any shine. Concussion being one of them. I was looking forward to this movie mostly because I am a fan of football, and an even bigger fan of Will Smith. The trailer grabbed my interest about a subject I kinda brushed off as a football fan.

I had no idea who Dr. Omalu was until watching this film, or how damaging head contact is in the field football. First let me say Will Smith did his thing as Nigerian forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu. I didn't find his Nigerian accent to feel fraudulent, and he brought such care and power to his role. It felt like Will prepped for this and it paid off. Critics are criticizing the story, but I didn't feel as if I was missing or need anything more. Yes Smith carried the movie, but also had great support from Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Alec Baldwin. Any lover of football will walk out of the theater feeling some type of way towards the men who go onto the field every Sunday for our entertainment.

I could go on and on especially praising Smith's performance and this story, but I think it's best if you see it for yourself. This movie made me laugh and brought out a few other emotions as well. The pace of this film isn't quick, but still packs a powerful punch...A-

Movies in Review: "Joy"

I found the trailer for this movie to be so strange, but intriguing. It's the same way I felt about Silver Linings Playbook, which was an amazing film, and both are directed by the director David O. Russell. Given Russell's previous work, I felt confident that this movie would be better than the trailer had me feeling...and it was.

Russell has the quirkiest way of directing a film. I enjoy what he brings out of his cast and put into their characters. However I honestly had no clue where this movies was headed, and felt a little lost, entertained, but still a little lost at the beginning. Thank goodness for Jennifer Lawrence because she was absolutely perfection as Joy Mangano, the lady who invented the self wring mop (I didn't know this before I watched this movie...lol). She gave me life, and kept the tempo in this film well. Her co-stars were just as great, adding more to the story. This movie had me on an emotional roller coaster, and I loved it.

Please don't be alarmed at the start of this movie if you find yourself lost as to where this story is going. The movie gets on track with some nice build-up, and a fairly decent ending. Any faults with this movie had nothing to do with the cast, just some direction flaws. If you enjoyed Silver Linings Playbook, I think you will also have an appreciation for this one. Although not as outstanding, still very entertaining...B+

Movies in Review: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens"

Ok so I think you're either a Star Wars fanactic, or someone like myself, who could really care less. I have never been able to sit through a Star Wars movie without falling asleep shortly after the movie started...smh. So needless to say I have never watched any of the previous installments, not for lack of trying either. Although movie-goers were all filled with excitement for the release of this film, I wasn't interested in seeing a movie that would have me watching the back of my eyelids...lol. Well I'm surprised to say, this wasn't the case.

First off, let me start by saying this movie was corny as hell. If this falls in line with all the other movies, which I heard it did, you guys like some corny ish...ijs. However, as corny as it was, I did find myself entertained...very entertained. I enjoyed the comedy, and the fun and cute interactions between characters. The movie kept a nice pace which never led to boredom. My favorite characters were definitely Finn and Rey, I enjoyed their storyline and they meshed well together. I only had a problem with that awful wig they stuck to Finn's head. Why did they feel the need to do that? Ugh...

I'm sorry to disappoint all Star Wars haters for actually finding enjoyment in this movie. Believe me I am just as surprised as you are. But I have to speak MY truth, and the truth is I found this movie to be fun and entertaining ~shrugs. It's still corny as hell, but I do have a thing for corny...A-

Movies in Review: "Sisters"

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in a comedy? Come on son...that's a no-brainer if you're looking for a good laugh. I was really looking forward to what these ladies had in their comedy bag for this film. Everyone was more interested to see Star Wars...not me! The trailer for this film had me sold, I was just hoping it would delivery.

I'm sure I don't need to tell you this movie is funny as hell. There is no denying I laughed A LOT...tears rolling with laughter. Isn't that what you want from a comedy? However I thought the story was just ok. It felt like the story needed a jolt of something less predictable...lol. Amy Poehler's storyline, but wish there was more focus on it. Maya Rudolph is hilarious, and I also wish she was incorporated more into the story.

Everyone cast in the movie was great, held their own, and packed a hell of a comedic punch. Great movie for the girls, good date movie, or if your solo and need a laugh, step into the theater and catch this one. I promise it doesn't disappoint on laughs...B+

Movies in Review: "In the Heart of the Sea"

The movie about the big white whale honestly didn't interest me at all. I probably would have taken a pass on it if Ron Howard's name wasn't attached to it as the director. I love Ron Howard's work, so I decided to change my mind and give this movie a go. I wasn't expecting it to be awful, and if I didn't like it, I still would be able to look into those beautiful baby blues of Chris Hemsworth ~shrugs

Not bad...The thing that made this movie spectacular for me was the way it was filmed. This film was visually appetizing. The action shots on the ship, and water scenes with the whale...wow...it felt like you were right there in the water. Of course please note I did see this film in IMAX 3D, and it made the viewing extra special. The story was ok, nothing really to brag about. It was decent but didn't outshine the visual parts of the film. Although the part of the story when the men were stranded...definitely hard to take.

I went to see this movie late, and it was 2hrs long, however my attention was held throughout the film. If you go see this one, I suggest you see it in the theater. This is a movie that needs to be watched on the big screen, preferably in IMAX. Anything other than that may diminish it's entertainment value...B

Movies in Review: "The Big Short"

I'm really kinda surprised no one was more interested in seeing this movie centered around the financial crisis of 2007...really? I was not only interested in the story, but this movie is packed with powerhouse actors. The trailer for this movie had me more than excited to see it. Unfortunately many of you decided to pass on this one, based on box office tickets sales. I have to say you made a big mistake...

Definitely one of the best movies I've seen this year. If I had a top ten movie list, this one would definitely rank high in that list. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Who doesn't get confused when someone is talking to you in confusing "Bank/Financial Terms"? Yeah, well there is a lot of confusion to be had here, but what makes it fun is that the confusing terms broken down in the story in terms that we can understand...brilliant, and humorous. This movie had my jaw dropping and adrenaline going. All I kept thinking about was how this time affected my life, and to see the background story of how this all started...Wow.

Excellent job from the cast, ALL of them. As serious as this situation was for most of us, I liked that they tackled this subject with humor. Although I was still a little pissed. Kidding I'm still pissed at the way the system is set up, but I still enjoyed this movie...lol. The Big Short is getting critical acclaim, and all well deserved. You should kick yourself in the butt if this isn't on your list of movies to see...A!