Wild

(*** out of five)

     From the director of Dallas Buyers Club, comes his new film, Wild.   It's a beautifully shot movie about a young woman who travels the entire Pacific Crest Trail over a period of three months.  It is a true story and from the book about Cheryl Strayed.  I have not read the book, but I'm sure it's good.  Also, don't confuse Wild with another movie that just came out called Tracks.  While the two have a similar plot, the characters are extremely opposite.
     The film opens with Cheryl (Reese Witherspoon) setting off on her trip.  With little to no experience in hiking, she is so unprepared that she cannot even put on her own pack, which receives the nickname "Monster" by some other hikers.  Along the way, she has flashbacks about her family and her life before the hike.  Cheryl was a good kid growing up, and then after a traumatic event, she becomes promiscuous, and a heroin addict.  After her husband cannot take care of her anymore, he files for divorce.  Cheryl realizes the place she in, and believes the hike will help her rediscover the girl she used to be.
     The cinematography is beautiful.  I knew there were several different terrains along the Pacific Coast, but it is breathtaking to see.  It made me want to bust out my old hiking gear from storage.  Much of the film takes place in the Mojave Desert.  It gradually changes to grasslands, mountains, and forests.  It is scary that she is by herself.  She has a few dangerous encounters with men along the trail.  But the good news is that she does make some friends, too.
     The opening scene is quite gruesome, and we know that she has been hiking a while before the story starts from the beginning.  There is always a part of her that is wanting to quit, and she is constantly tempted.  The only contact she keeps on the road is with her ex-husband.  It hurts her to contact him, but it also teaches her an important lesson about the mistakes she made and the affects they have on others.  Cheryl reflects on wisdom given to her by her mother, Bobbi (played by Laura Dern), and recognizes what to do in uncontrollable situations.  This hike is teaching her how to grow up, how to mourn when it is deserved, and how to be strong without the expectations of others.
     I didn't feel extremely moved by Wild.  It might have been that I recently saw Tracks, or that Into the Wild was such a great movie.  Either way, it is a movie that I will watch again soon.  It was entertaining and emotionally moving, but not to the extreme.  Some people might describe it as a "feel-good" film, and every now and then, I need to see a film like this. It won't be a hugely nominated film, and Witherspoon has taken on tougher roles, but it'll be fun to talk about.

Birdman

(**** 1/2 out of five)

     Wow!  This film was a shocking surprise.  You may have to visit a local independent theater to see it, but it is definitely worth every penny.  I originally thought Jake Gyllenhaal would be winning the Academy Award for best actor after seeing Nightcrawler, but I have never seen such phenomenal acting from Michael Keaton.  And honestly, I didn't expect him to pull off a performance like this.  I probably would have skipped this one if I hadn't read the other critics raving about it.  Now, I understand what they meant.  It also took some real balls for Michael Keaton to play the role that he did, considering it is partially shadowing his real life.  So, what's Birdman about?
     Michael Keaton plays a washed-up actor.  He was famous for two Birdman movies he did years ago (obviously the Batman films).  The entire movie is set in a theater, shot in eight continuous shots.  Yes, this was a little distracting to me.  I kept waiting for edits, but they barely happened.  I went home and researched the cinematography.  Eight shots.  And I only noticed one.  Basically, it feels like watching a play.  The actor is trying to put on a Broadway show, rejuvenating his previous fame, but struggling with his identity throughout the movie.  Emma Stone had an amazing scene in which she tells him that he is a failure and his glory days are over.  Another character, a theater critic, tells him that he is a celebrity, not an actor.
     As opening day approaches, a new supporting actor is needed, and Edward Norton is introduced into the film.  Just like Michael Keaton, Norton is obsessed with himself and his importance, causing a thrilling clash between the two.  Keaton is reappearing into stardom, and he cannot have Norton getting in his way.  The Birdman actually speaks to Keaton several times in the film, and even appears a few times as his malicious voice of reason.
     What makes the movie so edgy, is that, yeah, this is where Michael Keaton is right now.  He hasn't done any movies in several years.  He probably misses the gossip about him.  Think about it.  When's the last time you heard about a movie starring him?  He is trying to make his big comeback.  In Birdman, he does.  Congratulations Keaton.  You nailed this one.
     Birdman is a fast-paced drama, and it will keep you entertained the entire time.  It has its deep moments, specifically when Birdman is telling Keaton that the audience doesn't care about his thought-provoking play; they want explosions and gunfights.  The viewer might feel a bit guilty.  I know I did.  Birdman is a film that cinema has been missing.  It will entertain and move you in many ways.  Do not miss out on this spectacle.  And good luck to Keaton!  You deserve the Best Actor award for this one.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

(*** out of 5)

     Mockingjay Part 1 is the film that is starting to wrap up loose ends.  If you haven't seen any of the other films, then you will most likely not understand what is going on in this one.  The first two films are now readily available on Netflix if you are needing to get in the game.  Pun intended.  I was slightly skeptical as to why the last book was being split into two films, but after seeing it, I completely understand.  I do not consider Mockingjay an action film, but a drama buzzing with sci-fi.  Here is what to expect.
     *SPOILER ALERT: IF YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE FIRST TWO FILMS, DO NOT CONTINUE UNLESS YOU HAVE NO DESIRE TO SEE THEM, AND, FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON, YOU WANT TO READ THIS REVIEW.  I DON'T JUDGE.*
     Mockingjay Part 1 is an intriguing flick, but it struggles to find its independence from its predecessors.  The Hunger Games presents us with Katniss Everdeen, a teen struggling to protect her mom and sister in a community that is barely alive.  After she and Peeta win the Hunger Games, a small spark of rebellion has started to appear in the other districts.  In Catching Fire, she is thrust into the political world, trying to comprehend how she can be a public figure.  Unhinged from the terrors of the first games, the President throws a broken girl into a second round of games.  As turmoil heats up in the districts, she is rescued during the games, but her beloved, on-screen boyfriend is left.
     This new film is dark.  Hunger Games and Catching Fire are all about the games; the audience is rooting for a winner.  Mockingjay not only shocks the characters into reality, but the audience as well.  The lives of countless others now count on the direction that Katniss takes.  Just like fighting for freedom in the Hunger Games, she now has an army at her disposal.  However, she must prove that the war she sparked is worth fighting for.
     The dark undertones carry throughout the film, from beginning to end.  It opens with Katniss in a hospital, tinted with dark yellows.  She hears someone crying and gets out of bed to find Finnick sobbing on his bed, wishing that everyone were dead.  Shortly after, several people are shown getting executed at gunpoint in the districts.  Later in the movie, Katniss is asked to sing for the Mockingjays.  The Hanging Tree is haunting.  She sings while the audience sees a group of rebels attempting to bomb a dam at the Capital.  Yes, like everyone else, I was dreading that this was about to turn into a corny musical number, but it doesn't.  It's probably one of my favorite scenes in the movie.
     Under the advisory of the rebel leader, President Coin, Katniss must learn to accept that she may never see Peeta again, and if the battle is worth fighting for.  Can she stir the rebellion and get them to wage war?  Or will she fail, leaving the other districts at the mercy of the Capital?
     The movie lacks action.  I felt a little empty after leaving.  While the story was required in order to set up for the final film, it didn't seem to stand out.  I did enjoy the drama and hope that the last film follows in its steps, yet giving it the action that it deserves.  The running time is around two hours, but it goes by fast.  If you have a free night and nothing on your plate to see, this one won't disappoint.

Nightcrawler

(*** 1/2 out of 5)

     Having a random Tuesday night off of work, I browsed through local showings and decided upon the film, Nightcrawler, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.  The previews did not reveal much about the movie, so I only knew from reading reviews what the premise was about.  To help aid a potential audience, it is about a crooked man who wants to be successful at something.  This man eventually finds out that he has a knack for getting gruesome videos of crime scenes, and attempts to sell these to local television networks.  Gyllenhaal did an excellent job of encompassing a character that crucially defines the entire movie.  I would not be surprised if this film earns him any awards.
     What struck me the most about this film was how it made me feel.  The main character is a crook, and although I knew he was creepy and villainous, I found myself rooting for him.  The director never reveals any back story.  The film opens with the main character stealing copper and other metals to sell at a junk yard.  He's all alone, poor, and committing theft just to make it by.  How did he get there?  At first it matters, but as the story progressed, I asked less about the back story, and more about the future of the character.  The film builds and builds, eventually leading up to a fun car chase.  He's a bad guy with a good goal, willing to stop at nothing to reach it.  I left the movie with malicious grin, and I'm sure many others will, too.
     I know there are several other popular films out right now, and the new Hunger Games is about to be released, but Nighcrawler is a film you don't want to miss.

Interstellar

(*** out of 5)

     For starters, I would like to apologize for the long gap in between movie blogs.  There haven't been any movies that I have been interested in seeing, but a friend reminded me that, as a movie critic, I have a responsibility to see everything.  This is true.  Lately, I have been sitting at home, indulging in television shows such as American Horror Story, and The Walking Dead.  I will try to be more open-minded when it comes to seeing movies I have no interest in.  Let's talk about Interstellar.
     One phrase comes to mind after seeing this film: Meh.  Maybe I expected too much from director Christopher Nolan, but it was much less of a bumpy ride and more of an emotional roller coaster.  The basis of the movie is that Earth is running out of food, and a father agrees to pilot a spaceship through a black hole in search of other planets with food.  The concept is simple and intriguing.  The previews didn't reveal much.  There are several amazing actors in the film.  The story is easy to follow.  The graphics are okay.  The running time is way too f****** long.  Two hours and forty-nine minutes.  Be prepared.
     Rather than focusing on space exploration, the film truly focuses on the relationship of a father and daughter.  The father is traveling in space trying to find an answer to Earth's problems, while the daughter is trying to find the answer on Earth.  Two souls, separated by space, trying to solve the same problem, makes an excellent parallel.  For me, their dialogue became tiring after a certain point.  Honestly, I was waiting for one of them to die so the movie could continue on.  And I am not going to spoil anything, but the ending tried too hard to be existential and weird.  Imagine last year's film, "Gravity," but with less action and more dialogue.
     Yes, there were times when I was on the edge of my seat, especially with the haunting musical score.  There are a few action sequences, and a few times when I was shocked by scientific data the astronauts uncover.  Overall, it wasn't a bad film, but the running time and the constant emotional display in the film took it from sci-fi to drama.  I did talk with a few people that enjoyed it, and one of my friends that I saw it with even cried, advising that her parenting instincts really made a difference as to how she reacted to the triumphs of the main character.  I'd say it is worth seeing, but only once.  I know that I won't see it again until it hits DVD.

Gone Girl

(**** out of 5)

     I had planned on seeing this on opening night, but due to work and a weekend out of town for a bachelor party, I had to wait until Sunday.  I've been very excited about Gone Girl ever since they announced a film was in the works, and I was impressed by the outcome of it.  While I think the buzz of possible academy awards is being a little overdone, I did enjoy this film.

     If you haven't read the book, I highly recommend it.  Gone Girl is about a man who finds out his wife has gone missing.  Evidence is slowly uncovered, pointing to Amy's husband as the kidnapper and possible killer.  But don't expect the entire to film to be a mystery.  About a third of the way through the movie, the plot completely changes.  Unfortunately, that is all I can reveal about the plot.  Unlike the book, the movie smoothly transitions through the three parts.

     The reason, I believe, that this movie will be so successful is how it was developed.  David Fincher is an amazing director when it comes to adapting books (Fight Club, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, as well as The Social Network and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button).  You may have read and then seen The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which offered very different perspectives.  The director does the same with Gone Girl.  The book is written with intermittent journal entries.  The movie starts out the same, but then lets the writing fade and the characters develop.  Another great aspect was that the author of the book also wrote the screenplay, adding a slight change to the ending (and for those of you that were hoping for a major change like me, you'll be disappointed.  It changes a little, but nothing major).  It's hard to place in a category, because it is part mystery, part thriller, part romance, and part comedy.  I hate the characters, because they are terrible people, but I am drawn to them, wanting to know how they are going to unravel.  You will laugh, you will be frightened, and you will be grossed out but a gruesome bloodbath scene.

     Ben Affleck (Nick Dunne) and Rosamund Pike (Amy Dunne) did such an amazing job of encompassing the characters.  I had no issues with the casting.  I don't even like Tyler Perry, but his role in the movie was fine.

     So, why did I only give it four out of five stars? If I don't leave a theater wanting to call all of my friends and tell them about it, then it only gets four.  The film is fun, but it's nothing that leaves a long-lasting impact.  For a fun and dark escape, give Gone Girl a chance.

Tracks

(***1/2 out of 5)

     Not to be confused with another film called "Wild" staring Reese Witherspoon, Tracks is a film based on the true story of Robyn Davidson's 1,700 mile trek across West Australia.  In the 1970's, Robyn, nicknamed "The Camel Lady," set out on an incredible journey funded by National Geographic.  It's an inspiring tale of how lonely one can feel, but how free they can feel at the same time.
     While there isn't too much of a plot, the cinematography and score set the tone for the entire movie.  And Mia Wasikowska encompasses the character in a great portrayal.  As you follow this girl, four camels, and her dog, it's hard to decipher the reason she is doing this.  There are only a few glimpses of her past, but they are pivotal.  Is she crazy?  Is she determined?  Or is she a little bit of both?
     Another great thing the director did was show how much one person can communicate with the earth and its people, with the audience able to share.  There are parts when the language of the Aborigines is not subtitled, when the camels are being disobedient, when the dog is the friend to lean on, and yet the only characters that she has the hardest time understanding are human beings.  I did feel for her during these sequences.
     Don't expect a big adventure.  It's more of an emotional drama than it is an action film.  And if you are an animal lover, beware that animals are often killed for food and other reasons during the movie.
    A delightful film, it might be hard to find if you do not live close to any independent cinemas.  It should be available to stream or rent in a few months if you cannot make it to the theater.  This film is definitely not one to miss.

The Maze Runner

(*** out of 5)

     I don't want to lie and say I had no intention of seeing this movie, but it was definitely at the bottom of my list.  On a late night whim, and a desire to see something on the XD screen, I wound up seeing The Maze Runner.  Due to the overwhelming amount of Dystopian dramas, my first thought when I heard of this movie was that it was going to be just like all of the others, featuring a romantic, teen-drama, you-have-to-save-your-family-and-the-world, film.  To my surprise, it wasn't.
     The Maze Runner is about a colony of boys who wake up in the center of maze, with no recollection of who they are or where they came from.  The maze opens during the day, and a group of "runners" maps as much of the dangerous labyrinth as they can, before the doors close at sundown.  The main character has memories and a dire urge to make it out of the maze.  His new presence jeopardizes the colony for unknown reasons.
     After seeing the film, I read the critics reviews and I would have to agree with them one hundred percent.  This director created a sense of urgency, as well as a darker tone, making it a refreshing change from the other films out there.  At times I was scared for the characters, because without a past, they don't really have a meaning.  I have not read the books, but I enjoyed the way the story was told.  Was it worth seeing in the theaters? Definitely.  The graphics are amazing and it was a fun film. 

Mortified Nation: A Documentary that Shares the Shame

(***out of 5)

     Yet again, there was another uneventful weekend at the box office.  Thankfully, I am part of a small film critics forum that helped me find a film.  To be honest, I had never heard of the Mortified movement.  Several people get on a stage and read entries from their childhood journals.  It's embarrassing for the people on stage, but heartwarming because the audience can relate to the tough times of being a teen.  You should expect to smile, and to feel for each individual character.  After watching the documentary, you will want to go out and read all of your old journals.  In the preview, one of the directors basically tells us, that no matter who you were growing up, we all went through the similar struggles.  This movie is streaming on NETFLIX.  It's better than anything that hit theaters this weekend.
     The documentary covers parts of several different stories.  I noticed on Netflix, there is the ability to watch a separate documentary that is mostly just stories.  The documentary intrigued me, because I was thinking, "Why would someone want to get on stage and humiliate themselves like that?"  This is covered in the feature, so I won't spoil it for you.  If you have Netflix, give it a watch.  It's also available to rent on iTunes.

The Summer Sizzle Has Ended

     It's official: This summer's movie season has officially ended.  There is one movie on my list to see right now (Boyhood; running time 2hr 42min), and it's only playing in independent cinemas.  Last weekend, three movies were released: The November Man, As Above/So Below, and If I Stay, none of which peaked my interest.  So what did I do?  I went and saw Guardians of the Galaxy again.  I caught up on some of my Netflix shows, and I rented movies.  This week, I will just do a quick review of each movie I rented.

     I didn't have high expectations for The Amazing Spider-Man 2, which is why I probably ended up liking it.  I don't know the comics as well as some, and did not know that a certain character would be getting the ax, so I was somewhat shocked at the twist.  It was one of the better rentals available right now, but wasn't the most "amazing" movie I've seen lately.  Good rental.

     As a huge fan of the Muppets, I knew what to expect from The Muppets Most Wanted.  While it did not compare to it's predecessor, I still enjoyed it.  It's a little bit darker than the other films, and the celebrity appearances are still galore.  Tina Fey and Danny Trejo had me laughing.  I was also glad about closure that was given to the fans about Rizzo not being in the last film.  Fan film.  Fun film.

     About Alex is a film in the reunion genre.  After Alex attempts suicide, his friends all reunite to take care of him.  The chemistry between the actors was excellent.  While the story was not exactly original, the dynamic of the characters had me hooked.  I enjoyed this film for the aesthetics, but it's a film that you will only want to see once.

     I feel bad for this film.  I really do.  I had read the book.  The movie followed it well.  Unfortunately, the critics nailed this film.  They said that the acting and story were fine, but the director made it look like another tween film, not bringing anything new to the dystopian dramas (I have a feeling we will be hearing a lot of this with The Maze Runner and others in progress).  It's wasn't bad at all.  I recommend renting it.

     A Haunted House 2.  I'm a Marlon Wayans fan.  I laughed twice in the film.  It sucked.  Skip this one.

     I know This is 40 has been out a while, but I had never made the time to see it.  I finally got my chance to rent it this weekend.  It became available to digitally rent on September 1.  Just like most of Judd Apatow's films, it was a great story, but the film was way too long.  At one point, I took a twenty minute break.  I haven't reached 40 yet, but, to me, their relationship was believable.  If you have the time to spare (2hrs 14min), then give it a shot.

There you have it.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

(** out of 5)


     What can I say other than there aren't any films out right now that I haven't seen?  This was a last minute decision, on my part, and on the part of the studio that decided to make this film.  It looked like it was done in a rush, and well, it doesn't beat the original.
     This is a Michael Bay film.  You will see some of the exact direction styles, and even hear some of the exact same sounds heard in the Transformers movies.  And Shredder was, pretty much, a transformer.  He is even referred to as "robot ninja" in the film.  I also wanted this movie to be more about the turtles and less about April O'Neal (played by the most talented actress in the history of cinema, Megan Fox).  Please note that was sarcasm.
     I think the director and producers had a hard time trying to make this a kid-friendly film, but a fan-friendly one, too.  It wasn't serious enough for older audiences, but it was a little too violent for younger audiences, earning it's PG-13 rating.   The film wasn't horrible, but it wasn't anything worth remembering.
     The villains of the movie are a gang called The Foot that are raiding and stealing from the city.  The turtles have never been outside the sewer, and while they are going against Master Splinter's rules, they decide to become a group of vigilantes to help New York.  April O'Neal discovers the vigilantes and must help them on their mission.  Pretty basic story.  There's also some funny jokes and some not so funny ones.
     TMNT really picked up about two thirds through the movie.  A great action sequence takes place on a mountain, followed by rooftop battle in the city.  Being a huge fan of the television show LOST, I laughed at the reference made at the end.  There's also some superhero jokes, and a fart or two.  I think the audience that appreciated the movie were fans of the originals.  The story did not elaborate on their love for pizza or skateboarding, but both are in the film.
     Not the worst movie, but not really worth the money.  I'd recommend waiting for this one when it comes out to rent.

Guardians of the Galaxy

(**** out of 5)

     Yes! Yes! Yes!  This film was the surprise hit of this summer.  I enjoyed it so much that I constantly browse movie times to see if I can squeeze it into my hectic schedule.  The previews did not do this film justice.  The night I saw it, I was extremely sleep-deprived from a long day, but I was dragged opening night by a friend.  From the beginning of the movie, I was wide awake and hooked.  If you haven't seen this film, you are missing out.  Go see it.
     Why is this movie so popular?  If you are like me, you saw the preview and thought, well, that looks okay.  And it also looked kind of stupid.  I don't know much about comics, and I didn't know what I was about to watch.  I just remember a talking raccoon and a giant tree-monster-thing.  Not to mention, the lead actor, Chris Pratt, hasn't really been a lead in a big film before.  What made this film different from all of the other comic book movies that Marvel has put out?  I'll tell you: it was hilarious.
     Guardians was not just an action-packed film, but I was laughing throughout the entire movie.  There are jokes from the beginning to the end, making it entirely different from the serious Marvel movies that have one or two jokes strategically placed in the films.  In other words, the other Marvel movies are serious.  Guardians was not, making it refreshing.  Something new.  Something different.  There's even jokes about genitalia; one of them particularly had the entire audience burst out laughing.
     What's the plot?  A group of misfits and renegades are forced into saving the universe by stealing an ancient artifact that could end life as we know it, if it falls into the wrong hands.  There's a thief, an assassin, a bounty hunter and his sidekick, and a soldier seeking revenge.  And don't expect them to like each other right off the bat, because they don't.  They grow together and bond by the end of the film.  The on-screen chemistry worked well.
     I loved this film.  I was worried how Chris Pratt would be as the lead in Jurassic World, but after seeing Guardians, my confidence has been lifted.  Go see Guardians of the Galaxy.  I hope you won't be disappointed.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

(* out of 5)

     Look at the poster for this film.  It's an English speaking ape, riding a horse with an assault rifle.  I hated it.  I am clueless as to why the critics gave it such high ratings.  I saw this film with a friend who really enjoyed it and was upset that I didn't appreciate it.  I will write a few good things about it, but this movie was stupid.
     First of all, the last film was entertaining (Rise of the Planet of the Apes, starring James Franco).  I had anticipated that the sequel would at least be comparable to the first film.  It turned out to be a political film, mostly centered around the apes.  There is a clan of humans that is still alive, and they are discovered by an army of apes.  Cesar, the ape from the first film, is the leader.  Just like his previous owner had given him a chance, Cesar wants his army to give the humans a chance.  Can they be trusted?  Or will they try to put them in cages again?  The main human characters are trying to generate electricity to their colony, but the water wheel is located in the forest of the apes.  A treaty is formed, but is slowly torn apart by prejudices and misunderstanding.
     The movie is a lot of talking and not that much action.  There are also a lot of subtitles, so if you have vision problems, make sure to sit somewhere that won't hurt your eyes.  It's a slow film, but if you like political discussion in movies, you will probably enjoy it.  The movie is also more related to the traditional Apes films.
     The film felt long with a two hour and ten minute running time.  After all of the talking dies down and the action beings, there is a scene that ruined the entire thing for me.  Look again at the poster.  Imagine the ape on the horse jumping through flames, yelling and double-wielding guns.  I burst out laughing.  So did other people, including my friend.  For a scene that seemed so epic, it was ruined in a second.
     Not a fan.  I will more than likely never see this one again.  I do not recommend it.

Lucy

(**1/2 out of 5)

     When I first heard about Lucy, which was not long before it's release, I thought, Wow, this sounds like an interesting summer film.  How come I haven't heard anything about it?  Due to the amazing graphics in the film, I assume that's where the marketing money went.  Overall, the movie was somewhat entertaining, but if you haven't seen it, you aren't missing out on my much.
     I have never seen anything starring Scarlett Johansson that thoroughly disappointed me.  While I do not believe that every film she has done is amazing, I've never left the theater wishing I hadn't seen the film.  If there had not been a Hollywood star in this film, I wouldn't have seen it.  Her acting was fine, as was Morgan Freeman's.  The graphics were incredible.  The sound mixing may get it nominated for an Academy.  The story, while short-lived, was fun.  Like the majority of this summer's films, it didn't do well.
     Didn't they already make a movie just like this?  That was the common question I heard anytime this film was brought up in conversation.  The problem is that no one seemed to be able to pinpoint what movie this was.  And why?  Because it was a relatively low-budget film called Limitless, starring Bradley Cooper.  He finds a drug that helps him unlock a higher percentage of his brain, just like Lucy does.  While I don't deny that this is an interesting concept for a movie, Limitless seemed more realistic to me.  In Lucy, her brain allows her to do things such as changing her physical appearance and killing someone just by looking at them.
     The film started out with a wonderful plot for a thriller.  Lucy is abducted and forced to be a drug mule.  While in route to board an airplane, she is apprehended and beat.  A kick to her stomach causes the drug to release inside of her, and that's when the movie really begins.  Lucy has to understand what is happening to her before time runs out.  Unfortunately, the film ran out too early.  I had so many questions that I was hoping would get answered.  The movie picks up it's pace, and then ends.  Just ends.  The running time for Lucy was just a little over an hour and a half.  The movie needed to be longer, especially since it's a film that was supposed to require a lot of thinking.  As a graduate in anthropology, I enjoyed some of the references such as the title, but felt things were made too obvious.
   So, should you see this film?  Maybe if the options at Redbox or the Dollar Theater are limited.

Devil's Knot - On Netflix

(***1/2 out of 5)
     As many of you already know, the only big film to come out this weekend was Transformers 4.  I will most likely see it, but it's not one I care about enough to see on opening weekend.  Therefore, I was subjected to the Decent Movie Hunt on Netflix.  Trying to find an enjoyable movie on Netflix (that isn't a piece of junk) is a challenge, one that I enjoy.  Each week, I browse and browse until I find something interesting.  I've finished season two of Orange is the New Black (great show).  The summer of 2014 is not the summer of films.  Summer of 2015 will be, but this summer, uneventful.  My Netflix "Recommends" section revealed Devil's Knot.  I had seen the preview for this movie not long ago, and had planned on seeing it.  I gave it a shot.
   The movie is a typical Southern murder mystery, except that it is based on the real story of the West Memphis Three.  Three teens are accused of murdering three young boys in a ritual involving witchcraft and satanism.  I was so young when this event happened that I barely remember it.  I just remember brief clips on the news.  Pam Hobbs (Reese Witherspoon) is a mother of one of the murdered children.  Like the rest of the small town, the evidence points to the three teenagers who the town considers "weird."  Ron Lax (Colin Firth), a private investigator, sees this story on the television and is inspired to help the accused.  While most of the movie takes place in a court room, the horrific story unfolds, causing the defense and the offense to question the side they should support.  While Pam wants justice for her son and the others, she also begins to question the story.  Is it possible that the town might be sentencing three innocent teenagers to death?
   I was highly intrigued by this film.  I had to use all of my will power from getting onto the internet to know how the story ended.  The film was haunting and emotional.  The direction was handled appropriately, helping me sympathize for the characters.  I also love the setting of the South.  Many of the critics panned the film, but I think that it is because with two Academy award winning actors, they might have had their expectations too high.  Reese Witherspoon's character was believable.  While Pam wasn't the most dynamic character, I had no issue with her acting.  Colin Firth?  Not his best performance.  But I think his character was not well-developed either.
   Overall, this film was highly underrated for something that went to Netflix at such a fast rate.  I recommend it if you want a good murder mystery to watch.  And for those of you who do not have Netflix, I did see it for rent at Red Box.  Is it worth buying?  Not until it's in the $5 bin at Walmart or Target.  I'm just glad I found something good enough to watch that prevented me from looking for news on a possible Sharknado sequel.

22 Jump Street

(***1/2 out of 5)

     And here you have it ladies and gentlemen: the bromantic comedy of the summer.  This film was full of laughs, but a story very different from the first.  If you are looking for a warm comedy with lots of rated-R humor, go to the theaters and see 22 Jump Street.
     I'd have to say that this films predecessor, 21 Jump Street, was funnier, but this one didn't fall far behind.  Schmidt and Jenko appear in an action-packed opening, but it results in ultimate failure, causing them to be reassigned on a college mission.  Unlike the first film, Jenko (Channing Tatum) gets to have all of the fun, where Schmidt (Jonah Hill) is the campus loser.  This change ultimately impacts their friendship.  The film constantly teases the masculinity and femininity of the characters.
     It did not have an intense "cop mission" like the first film.  Don't get me wrong, it does have one, but the film focuses on the meaning of being a team.  It hilariously criticizes that meaning of bromance, even with a scene where they are treated as if they are romantically involved.  The film made a great oddity out of their friendship.  These two actors have great on-screen chemistry.  There are a few references to the last film, but if you haven't seen it, you will still enjoy the sequel.
     Speaking of sequels, I was upset that the film often made fun of sequels in the film industry.  I feel as if this happened because there will not be a third film.  After reading several interviews with the actors, it sounds like this story is over.  There credits of the film also make fun of this.  I felt like the film was criticizing itself, which dropped my opinion of the film, only slightly.  Proving that people do like sequels, this film had the second biggest R rated comedy opening weekend in film (The Hangover II being the first).  Maybe that will change the producers and the actors minds.
     If you are looking for some summer fun, go see 22 Jump Street.  The only other competing film right now, in my opinion, is Neighbors.  And if you are looking for one more laugh, there is a little stinger after the credits.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

(*** out of 5)

     I am a huge nerd and was so excited about this film.  The films continue to impress me, especially after the last film, X-Men: First Class.  It was fun, action-packed, and character-driven.  I couldn't believe the producers were able to get so many academy actors into one film.  Most films that have tons of famous actors tend to "droop," and I think that's the only reason I gave this film a three-out-of-five rating.  My best friend and I discussed that we thought this was the second best film, First Class being the best one.
     If you haven't seen the previews, which will not ruin the movie, the plot is simple.  Set in the future, humans and X-Men face extinction after a robot designed by men turns against its own kind.  The opening is an intense sequence.  It's dark, and the characters that we loved are all grown up and ready to die if they need to.  It opens with Charles Xavier and Magneto working together.  This is how desperate the mutants have become.  It was in the last film that the audience discovered their previous friendship.  Kitty, who you may remember as the girl who can run through walls, has figured out a way to time travel in short distances.  It's dangerous and can damage the physical body.  In order to prevent the extinction of the world, someone must travel back in time to stop the production of the robots.  Logan, aka Wolverine, is the only one who can survive physical damage in time travel of this proportion.  He must travel back to create an alliance among the mutants.
     The majority of the film takes place in 1973.  All but Logan are young.  There are a few flashes to present day, but not many.  There were so many characters brought back in the film, that it lacked certain character development, a pet peeve of mine.  The story made up for this.  The audience gets a lot of Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence).  She is the one who the plot focuses on as, believe it or not, the enemy.  Because I have seen all of her movies, I'm used to seeing her as the heroine.  This was great!
     The ending of the film was an adrenaline rush.  Obviously, I can't tell you what happens, but you won't be disappointed.  For comic book fans, there IS something after the credits.  I had no idea what it was but I was later informed.  Overall, if you haven't seen the other X-Men films, you probably won't understand this one.  Watch the last four films and then see this one.  You won't be disappointed.

Godzilla

(** out of 5)

     When the teaser trailer for this remake appeared at Comic Con over a year ago, the film became extremely hyped up.  So, did this film really roar to life?  Sadly, I did not think so.  I took me a while to figure out if I even liked the film or not.  I had reevaluate my expectations of the film, because there are many films that I have had too high of expectations for.  I did not want to discredit the film on these grounds.  Was it a fun movie? Sort of.
     The opening of the film is about a man studying patterns in earthquakes.  Godzilla's previous invasions were kept a secret.  They used the bombing of the Pacific Islands as previous war grounds.  I found this to be creative.  The scientist leaves his child at home to head to work with his wife.  I developed feelings for the husband and wife, but that part of the story ends abruptly. I felt like I had wasted my time.
     Many years later, the son is introduced as a grown man in the military.  He lacks any type of character development.  This strongly hurt the film; I did not care if he lived or died.  His family is briefly throughout the movie.
     The film did follow the traditional Godzilla films.  It focused more on the peril of the monsters and less on the destruction of humanity.  In most end-of-the-world films, there is at least one character that I want to win.  Half-way through the film, the plot becomes pointless.  The audience was simply waiting for the monster fight to take place.  When a character announces that the monsters will fight, it just becomes a waiting game and the film drags until the last twenty minutes.  Was the fight worth the wait?  Not really.
     Is this film worth seeing in the theaters?  No.  Worth renting?  Sure.  I believe the film was heading in the right direction for a Godzilla revamp, but it didn't succeed.  The action was fun and the graphics were decent, but overall I would say it's okay to skip this one entirely.

Short Term 12 - On Netflix

(**** out of 5)

     Short Term 12 is an independent film and remake.  While most people have never heard of it, this film received critical acclaim by Rotten Tomatoes.  It is one of the highest scores this famous film review website has ever given.  One of my film friends down in Austin, Texas, advised me that I should watch this on Netflix.

     While reading the review, I read a synopsis of the plot.  For the first time in forever, the synopsis did not reveal much about the film.  I wish this happened more often.

     Short Term 12 is centered around Grace (Brie Larson), who works at a home for disturbed children.  There is never an actual summary of the place itself, but Grace walks newcomer Nate (Rami Malek) through the facility and its functions.  The film follows Grace through her daily life as an employee and as a person, and how such a small person can carry some of the hardest burdens.

     Grace truly cares for the kids, but she must also explorer the life she has away from them.  She faces individual choices, and is not the most accepting of help from her co-worker/boyfriend, Mason (John Gallagher Jr.).  It's an extremely touching film.  I was highly impressed.

     In my opinion, Brie Larson is underrated.  She has incredible talent.  Don't believe me?  Watch The United States of Tara. She also made an appearance in the Spectacular Now.  I wish the film had been nominated for Academy Awards, because it definitely deserved a few.  If you have Netflix, you can stream it online.

Man of Steel

(**out of 5)

     I think the other critics nailed it when they said that Man of Steel "was the most anticipated film of the summer but also the biggest disappointment."  I was stoked about seeing this, but I also didn't expect anything great because I don't enjoy the direction of Zack Snyder.
     This is yet another action film in which I did not feel for the character.  I did not care if Superman lived or died.  He did not develop any strong connections, and I am surprised that a sequel to this is already being filmed.  Russell Crowe was the only redeeming factor of the film.  The opening was great and the scenes he appears in throughout the film feel the most important.  Lots of talent was wasted on Diane Lane.  She was not the quirky mother from the original.
     I am not going to spend much time on this one.  Incredible graphics.  Russell Crowe.  And nothing else.

1 Year Later

It's almost been one year since my last post.  Oops!  Due to my work schedule (back on night shift), I was not able to make it to the movies for a while.  However, now that summer 2014 is here, I will try to do this differently.  I did see every Academy nominated film.  If I have time, I will try to post some reviews for those of you who are still renting flicks rather than making it to the theater.