Movies in Review: "The Huntsman: Winter's War"

Ok sooooooo, about this movie, the prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman...hmmmmmm...I wasn't a fan of the first movie, but when I saw the trailer for this second movie, I was a little excited. Since it was the prequel, I hoped it would be an improvement over the first and possibly have the first movie make more sense. Unfortunately that wasn't the case at all...

Winter's War actually had a decent opening weekend. I'm guessing people were hoping for the same thing I was, but instead was left with more confusion. This movie made little sense as the prequel to Snow White. They seemed like two different movies, but with some of the same actors as the original. I enjoyed the visuals, especially of Ravenna & Freya the 2 sisters, but what happened to the brother they introduced in the Snow White movie??? How far before the first Snow White movie was this one supposed to represent, because Snow White's name was brought up in this film as if she was already an adult. Ravenna definitely seemed more powerful in this film than the first, but there are some contradictions as to how the powers are achieved from this movie and the first. I was hoping this movie was going to be great, but not much about it impressed or made much sense. Kind of made the whole thing feel really unnecessary ~shrugs.

If you are hoping to be astounded, then don't look this way. Most of the movie honestly seemed to drag. If you watched the first and looking for this to be an introduction to the original, you will find yourself unfulfilled. I don't know why I expected this to be good...wishful thinking I guess...D+

Movies in Review: "The Meddler"

This weekend was the limited release of this film in NY, so don't be too surprised that you haven't heard anything about it, neither did I. The only reason I came across it was because The Huntsman was the only major released movie this weekend, and I wasn't hearing too many great things about it, so I was on the hunt for something to substitute it. That's when I came across the trailer. Not really much going on in the trailer, but I was won over by Susan Sarandon and Rose Byrne, who I adore.

I left the theater with nothing but a smile on my face. There was something so heartfelt about the movie that makes it easy to relate. Susan Sarandon was a natural as Marnie, and absolutely hilarious with very little effort. Everyone in the cast was great, but it was definitely Sarandon who stole the show. It has been a while, but this movie had me all types of emotional. It's possible I did shed a tear at one part...lol. My favorite part of the story was between Sarandon's character Marnie, and J.K. Simmons character Zipper. These two were absolutely adorable together, so much so, I found myself crushing on Zipper. Seriously....I want me a Zipper! :(...lol

This is definitely more of a chick movie, something that would be great with a few girlfriends, or a date with your mother. Men will find it entertaining, but doesn't seem like the type of movie you would go see unless accompanied by a female. If this movie makes it in your area though, I definitely recommend you see it...A

Movies in Review: "The Jungle Book"

I'm a big kid at heart, so when I saw the trailer for this film in live-action I immediately got chills...omg. A huge smile stayed on my face at the anticipation of seeing this movie. The release date for me couldn't come fast enough. I am looking forward to seeing a number of films this spring/summer, and this was the first of them. I had little doubt I would be disappointed, I was just looking forward to see how it played out.

Holy smokes! This had to be some of the best voice casting ever. I mean seriously...the voices brought so much life to these computer-animated characters. First off can we talk about Idris Elba as the voice of Shere Khan!? Fear still fills my veins...Elba was perfection for the character. I was also more than pleased with the CGI heavily used to produce the film. Very well done indeed. I went to see it on a standard screen, but it looks well worth the money for premium IMAX or 3D viewing. I was a little worried about the child actor in the film, because I had never heard of him, but he was a natural. He was funny, entertaining and knew what he was doing.

I give all the praises to this film. It was one of the best movies I have seen so far this year. It is a visual piece of art that is masterfully voiced. I have little complaints as the film had me intensely enthralled...A must see...A+

Movies in Review: "Barbershop: The Next Cut"

Omg...Did anyone realize this is the 4th movie from this franchise which included the spin-off Beauty Shop. We haven't seen a Barbershop movie over 10yrs! I definitely was surprised when I first saw the trailer, as well as excited. I was happy to see most of the original cast returning, but disappointed that Michael Ealy wasn't one of them :(. However, the trailer for this new installment looked off the chain, and I was really looking forward to catching this one.

By far the best Barbershop movie to date. The laughs were bigger, the cast was better, and the story had a lot of heart. This one really touches on subjects in the media today, and struggles parents are facing. I was more than pleased with the writing and cast. I honestly could have done without Eve, but thank goodness her screen time was short...lol. I have to give it up for the cast in this film who kept the laughs rolling. Cedric the Entertainer was great as always, but the characters Jerrod and Dante were hilarious too. Oh and I can't forget about J.B. Smoove, who you know let his comedic chops flourish. Barbershop outdid themselves with this cast.

I enjoyed the other Barbershop movies, but this one has me giving it a standing ovation. I was expecting to enjoy it, but walked out of the theater with way more than that. If you like the other movies, like myself, you will love this one for sure...A

Movies in Review: "Criminal"

I am a fan Kevin Costner, although his movie roles as of late were less than box office hits. However I don't blame Costner much because I usually enjoy his performance. I think people have given up on him though as an actor and aren't really breaking down any doors to catch him on the big screen ~shrugs. Although most of you probably wasn't checking for Criminal, it was on my radar to see. To be very honest, I thought the trailer was sketchy, but the cast was amazing, so I decided to take my chances.

I was right...the cast was great, but the movies was sketchy. The story was so rushed. A little background on each character would have been nice, and possibly more believable. Reynolds role was too short and then Costner took over. That whole process had me sucking my teeth because we are left forced to believe that this technology just works??? There was no background story on this process or Tommy Lee Jones character either. However performances were decent, but the writing left too many holes and unbelievable circumstances. This movie had almost everything it needed to be decent, but it failed to reach its potential.

Another Costner film that will hit the books as an epic fail. If you are a Costner fan, his performance won't let you down, but this is an action thriller that failed to really thrill amidst a montage on nonsense...C+

Movies in Review: "The Boss"

No one does a comedy like Melissa McCarthy does a comedy. I adore her in films because her comedic delivery is always on point. The trailer for this movie had me in stitches every time IT came on. This was on my must-see list early as I was ready for a good laugh. I had little doubt this movie would be less than what I expected...boy was a wrong...

I absolutely loved the opening scene. I laughed and felt that it set the tone for what was to come, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Melissa McCarthy was excellent, but the writing for this movie failed it miserably. It was so dull. I honestly fell asleep more than once on this movie...smh. It was so stupid. All the laughs I was prepared to get were unfortunately all shown in the trailer. This movie could have been great because McCarthy was on point, but nothing else about this movie was in place. The Girl Scout story line didn't really shine for the movie like it should have. It kind of got lost in the weak story line of McCarthy's nemesis Renault. I could have really done with less of that nonsense. I thought the girl scouts were funnier. ~shrugs

I left the theater more than disappointed on this one. I hate when I need a good laugh, but instead was only given and unexpected nap...smh. I seriously wish this movie would have been better...D+

Movies in Review: "Miles Ahead"

How many of you got goosebumps watching the trailer for Miles Ahead, co-written, directed and starring the oh-so talented Don Cheadle as the iconic musician Miles Davis. You know when you put Cheadle in any role, you can expect nothing less than excellence. I was looking forward to seeing Cheadle back on the big screen and even more interested in see how he directed this biographical drama of the late Miles Davis. I was expecting nothing but greatness.

Applause to Cheadle who definitely did his thing in front and behind the camera for this film. I don't think you could have picked a better actor to portray Mr. Davis. Cheadle morphed into this narcissistic musical genius. He had that raspy whisper of Davis's on lock...lol. I think the film would have been much darker if it wasn’t centered around the love story of Davis and his first wife Frances. I enjoyed the way the film was directed, and most of the performances, especially Cheadle and McGregor. The story seemed to fly a bit all over the place, but it had good movement, so that really didn't bother me. All I know is I walked out of the theater googling everything I could find on Davis. This film had me that interested in the "crazy" artist. Wow...Miles Davis was not one to play with...lol

Ladies and gentleman trust and believe you want to see this one. It wasn't perfect, but you definitely won't walk out of the theater disappointed. With only limited releases, some of you will be lucky to even get this in your area...B+

Movies in Review: "Eye in The Sky"

Did anyone even here about this movie? I didn't...not a trailer or movie poster was seen. It was recommended by a friend of mine, which caused me to then check out the trailer. Once I saw Helen Mirren, I was in. I'm not really an Aaron Paul fan, but I friend not to let his role in the movie take away from my experience and still felt like I would walk out of the theater pleased.

I love when my fellow movie-goers recommends a good movie that I my radar missed, and this was one of those films. I love a great war thriller, but this one was centered around a dilemma that will pull at your heart and keep you on the edge of your seat. All I know is I wouldn't want to be the one making or following through with these tough calls. With great writing, and excellent performances by all, Even Aaron Paul, this made for an excellent thriller that will leave you satisfied.

I would have more to say about this movie, but I'm still a little messed up over it. I find myself at a loss for words, but I do know that it was excellent and worth you seeing...A!