Movies in Review: "Secret in their Eyes"

Not too many people had their eyes set to watch this film with it being released the same weekend as the final movie for The Hunger Games, but I did. The cast alone had me sold on this movie. I honestly can't say I was too intrigued by the trailer, but the performances from the cast definitely made the movie seem worth while as a fan of thriller films.

So this is a remake, which I never watch the original film, but I'm definitely interested in seeing the original now. This movie started out at a decent pace as we get introduced to all of the characters, and story. I enjoyed most of the beginning, but I have to admit, I expected a little more. I enjoyed the performances from the cast, especially Roberts and Ejiofor, but the story felt like it had a few holes and left me with some unanswered questions. However the movie did thrill and I was a bit surprised by the ending, but I needed just a little more and I would have totally been won over. With that being said though, I still left the theater pleased, mostly because my emotions were drawn in.

I hear this remake is no comparison to the original. But if you're like me and never saw the original, this one will still do the job. Although the story didn't have enough beef, it still satisfies with great performances, and interesting ending...B+

Movies in Review: "Our Brand is Crisis"

I love a good political movie, and this movie sparked all of my interests. Sandra Bullock is always a hit of miss for me in films, but I am still a fan of her work. I liked how she looked in the trailer and felt this would be a role that was a hit. The cast looked great, so I was expecting the movie to be just as good.

I liked it, although it didn't really pack the punch that I hoped it would. Some scenes that captured my interest in the trailer kinda fell flat in the movie. Thornton was great, but I wish there were more scenes with him and Bullock because their on-screen chemistry made for some interesting dialogue. I enjoyed Bullock, although it took a minute for her character to get rolling. The best scene in the movie was the bus scene. That scene packed the energy that I wish the rest of the movie had.

The movie was cool, and the performances were good, but the movie lacked power and energy. I wasn't bored, but I have to admit, I was expecting a bit more. It wasn't as fun or funny as the trailer...shrugs...B-

Movie in Review: "Burnt"

The trailer for this movie didn't really look that exciting. To be quite honest I didn't really get the story from the trailer either. However I am kinda partial to movies about food, says my inner fat girl...smh. I also have a thing for Bradley Cooper, and his gorgeous baby blues. I wasn't expecting much from this one, but I was ok with going along for the ride...

The movie wasn't great, but also not a complete waste of time...sorta. The story was a little all over the place and erratic. I think if it had more focus, it might have been a better film. There were too many characters but no real background or character development. I kinda think the film would have been better if some of the characters had been trimmed down. Adam Jones played by Bradley Cooper had way too much going on, and most of it made little sense. I enjoyed the food scenes and the sequences with Sienna Miller, and Daniel Bruhl, but the movie didn't feel as if it had much purpose, except for the one powerful scene with the character Michel. It was one of the only scenes that sparked any emotion from me.

The only real thing this movie did was make me hungry. My eyes enjoyed the sight of Bradley Cooper, but other than that...eh. It wasn't a horrible movie. It's just not one you'd race to the movie theater to see. I might recommend it for a matinee, or even an evening in with RedBox...C

Movies in Review: "Steve Jobs"

There must be some overwhelming fascination with Steve Jobs with this man sparking 2 biographical films within 3yrs of each. I would usually ask if this was necessary, but in this case it definitely was, since the first film was just mediocre for such a brilliant and complex man. Although I thought Ashton Kutcher definitely had an impressive resemblance to Jobs, it was Fassbender who captured his intricacies to perfection. I had no interest in seeing a repeat of Steve Jobs story, however I was very interested in seeing Fassbender.

Michael Fassbender is the man. Although he looks nothing like Jobs, it still felt like I was watching Steve Jobs. I didn't know the man personally, but Fassbender's performance exuded everything I had heard or read about him. He was a brilliant and intricate businessman, and we have a chance to feel all this in a story that is centered around 3 different product launches in his career. Within the launches we get to see the development of his relationship with his daughter, which was nice subplot that made Jobs seem human. Kate Winslet also gives a phenomenal performance as Jobs confidante. Their chemistry was great. It was like watching 2 great friends, with Winslet rounding out Fassbender. There was so much information packed into this film. Not one word spoken or a scene empty or a waste.

If you are fascinated with Steve Jobs, this is one biographical film that I think you will enjoy. It felt like this movie to the most important parts of his life and put it beautifully in a 2 hr theatrical feature...A

Movies in Review: "Bridge of Spies"

I'll admit, this trailer wasn't the most interesting cold war thriller trailers I've seen. Actually I thought the trailer was kind of dull. The only thing that did pique my interest in this film was Tom Hanks, who I have an undercover crush on. I love me some Hanks, and always enjoy any movie he headlines. Unfortunately, I think many people felt the same way I did about the trailer because this movie ranked #3 for this weekend's ticket sales, even falling behind The Martian, Which has been out for 3 weeks now...smh. Although the trailer didn't appease me, I was confident I was in for more than the trailer was letting on.

Thank goodness I went bet on Tome Hanks because I got a movie I thoroughly enjoyed. However I don't think many of you will find the appreciation I found for it. The movie isn't fast paced at all, kind of moves at a nice steady medium pace. For those of you who like big theatrics, and over the top action, you also won't find that here. The thrills in this movie are presented in the most subtle way. Just enough to keep you interested throughout its 2 hour running time. The best part about this movie was the script and the performances. Tom Hanks was superb as lawyer James B. Donovan. It is hard not to be captivated by this man's performances. I also enjoyed the character Rudolf Abel who had one of the most profound line's in the movie "Would it help?" The movie has a way of appearing to lose focus, due to a few subplots that all work cohesive for the story.

This one has everything that matters going for it. I smiled when I left the theater having spent my money on a theatrical work of art. I love it when movies get back to what matters, story, writing, directing, performances, all on point. If you appreciate a GOOD movie without all the bells and whistles, then this is one I think you will enjoy...A!

Movies in Review: "Pan"

My kid has me watching Jake and the Neverland Pirates allllllllll the time. So I got a little excited when I watched the trailer and Captain Hook was one of the characters being featured in this film. Like seriously...I got super excited...lol. I also have a thing for Rooney Mara, who looked super awesome in the trailer. I knew I had to make this one a mother and son date. I was just hoping my 2yr old would find it as entertaining as his mother hoped it would be.

Unfortunately for this movie it didn't do well at all in the box office...smh. Critics totally crapped on this movie. I read some of the complaints, but cannot find myself in agreement. I enjoyed this movie. The movie starred as very cute young actor, who was fun to watch. The story had nice upbeat pace that held my little one's attention throughout. I loved the punkish feel to the film, and although this was catching most of the flack, I didn't find the use of CGI to take away from the film. I enjoyed the scenes in the village the most, because of the wonderful use of color.

I laughed, my kid cried...lol, but fun was had by all. I found this movie to be super cute and a fun for a family outing. I got everything I expected from it and more. If it helps in your decision, my kid walked out of the theater saying he wanted to see it again...lol...B+

Movies in Review: "99 Homes"

The movie trailer for this kinda hit close to home. I know too many people who lost their homes to foreclosure. I'm a fan of Andrew Garfield, and Michael Shannon is such a riveting actor, I had this one on my personal must-see list. The trailer tore at my heart-strings, and had my attention. I expected the movie to do the same.

Ugh...this one was just too damn hard to watch. I was on the verge of tears, and anger throughout most of the movie. You know how something is portrayed on film there is always some truth to it in life. I'm not sure this was the film's aim, but I left the theater hating bankers, brokers, and the judicial system...smh. Let me just say, you will too. Besides my own personal feelings, the movie was great. It has a strong plot and great performances by both of their leads. I'm sorry, but am I the only one who thinks Michael Shannon is the creepiest, heartless man on-screen. He seriously scares me...lol. 

This one is a winner, but be prepared to have your emotions in an uproar. I'm still pissed. Although just a story, I'm having a hard time separating it from the truth of how things are happening in the housing industry. The 80yr old man though...smh...Ugh. Don't you love it when a movie has your mind twisted...I do...A!