Wh-....But..... I mean.... I've heard of depressing movies, but this is just unfair.
"The Boy in the Striped Pajamas" is the story of the Holocaust through the eyes of the young son of a high-ranking German Soldier during World War II. His sheltered existence and naivety help him see a young Jewish Prisoner as a friend rather than the vermin his Father and country see him as. As he gets to understand his new friend, he has trouble wrapping his head around why the young boy is supposed to be his enemy and tries to help him on the way.
This is a heartwarming and heartbreaking movie all at the same time. The innocence of the young boys juxtaposed with the monstrosity that was the Holocaust really puts into perspective just how difficult it was for young children on both sides of the imprisonment to comprehend what was really going on. The two young actors who played the German boy and the Jewish boy did so with surprising skill and understanding of what exactly each scene was about.
This has, without a doubt, one of the most depressing endings of any movie I have ever seen. It is painfully beautiful and horrible, and had me just staring through (not at) the TV screen once the credits started rolling. I don't even... Wow. Just wow. I'm I'm writing this literally 5 minutes after watching it and I am still in shock. The beauty of innocence and the horrors of war all in one.
This past week the makers "The Amazing Spider-Man 2", starring Jamie Foxx playing a white man (yes I know that's not true) released a teaser trailer with the revealing of Electro... It looks weird, and I'm not a a fan, but we shall see where it goes.
Kick-Ass 2 (8/16/13)
Looked better than the first trailer. I'm still not sure this story can carry a franchise, but we shall see. I'm not too excited for it at this point.
Metallica Through the Never
So, this is a movie that combines a Metallica concert and the Vancouver Riots? At least I think it's Vancouver. Or are these riots unrelated to the 2011 Stanley Cup loss? Either way, this seems to be an interesting way to have a concert film. I'm intrigued even though I don't care for Metallica.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (11/22/13)
I was getting kind of tired of the old trailer and losing my interest in seeing this movie. Then I saw this and it peaked my interest again. Well played, "Hunger Games". Well played.
Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (1/3/14)
I don't know much about Mandela, but I feel Idris Alba was the perfect casting for him. I can't wait to learn more about him from this movie. Who says you can't learn anything from a movie?
Last Vegas (11/1/13)
Look! It's "The Hangover" for our Dads!
Rush (9/27/13)
For those of you have seen it, this trailer is way different from the first. It's less inspirational, but just as intense and entertaining. This is definitely a movie I look forward to.
The Fifth Estate (10/18/13)
I don't know how to feel about this. I'm not a huge fan of what Julian Assange did. I get why he did it, but I don't think it was necessary. I never cared enough to look to deeply into it though. But I love Benedict Cumberbatch. I just feel Julian Assange's hair is gonna bug me throughout the entire thing. Oh, well. We'll see.
I love this time of year because the quality of movies coming out is starting to get better as studios make a run for the Oscars! I can't wait until next years 24 Hour Marathon!
I seem to have a love or hate relationship with horror movies. I either love them, or I think they are the biggest piece of crap in theaters at the time. And I've noticed a pattern. Give me a slasher movie where you see the killer 1,000 times before he actually gets to the main characters and I hate it. Give me a movie where you don't see who is doing it, why they're doing it or how they're doing it and reveal a little bit of information at a time and I love it. "The Conjuring" does just that.
Now, I wouldn't consider myself a firm believer in ghosts. The best description I can think of is that I am a ghost-agnostic. A ghostnostic if you will (shut up). I have seen and heard things that could only be described by two things in my mind. One: ghosts, and two: I am schizophrenic. And knowing what my Grandfather went through as a schizophrenic, I'd prefer the former.
Now, I don't scare easily in movies. But if it's a movie about ghosts or demon possession, I will act like a little baby. If a ghost-movie followed me around for it's plot, it'd be more of a comedy.
This is the part where I scream "Aw, Hell Naw!"
and run away if it were reality.
The fact that "The Conjuring" is based on someone's actual experiences freaks me out even more. I don't even care if it's massively exaggerated, if anything even remotely like what happened in the movie happened to me, this is how I'd react:
For those of you who don't watch this show, check out Psych on Netflix!
This movie does a great job at keeping you interested. Like I said above, it's better when they slowly reveal information to you rather than tell you everything at once. That's why I don't like the Freddy Krueger or Jason movies. They're too much of an open book in the beginning.
"The Conjuring" is an intense movie that has some laughs (both intentional and unintentional) but overall is a pretty freaky and entertaining movie. Although I don't agree with the 'R' rating. It should be PG-13. The MPAA is getting softer than it already was!
South Korean films are a lot of things, but if I had to narrow them down to two, it would be f'ed up and insanely good! Perhaps that's just the films that were popular enough to be shown over seas, but that's how I see them for now. And one man stands in the forefront of the f'ed up and insanely good category. "Oldboy" director Chan-wook Park. And his first English speaking film continues with that pattern for the most part.
Wow, what? Opening a trailer with something so intense is simply perfect! There is no beating around the bush here. They are telling you exactly what this movie will be like from the very beginning. "Stoker" tells the story of a teenage girl named India, who's father dies on her 18th birthday. At the funeral, her Uncle whom she'd never met until that day shows up and stays at their house for a while. Things, while already creepy from the first shot of the movie, begin to get creepier as India's mother begins finding herself infatuated with the devilishly handsome Uncle (not on her side of course).
This is one of those movies that reward the patient viewers. While it keeps you tied in from the opening shot with it's spectacular cinematography, the story slowly reveals what is going on and is often times confusing. But it all comes full circle in the end.
I love movies that do that. I forget who said it, and a quick Google search didn't help me at all, if you know who said it, comment below, it could have been Hitchcock, but I heard a saying that went "suspense isn't about what you show the audience. Suspense is about what you don't show them". That is the perfect way to describe this movie. Throughout the entire film, it seems as if they are showing you meaningless information, but for the patient viewers that stick around, everything becomes oh so clear and oh so fantastic.
I was expecting Dr. Manhattan to appear throughout most
of the movie, but he didn't. Mind Blown!
This is definitely the kind of movie you have to watch again to see what you've missed. I've only watched it once, but I'm sure I've missed a lot of information and hints. Things that could have been hidden in the music and sound effects that I missed because I was watching it at 4 AM on very quiet with subtitles because everyone was asleep. I really need to move out of my parents house.
Everyone in this movie was so intense, and so great. Matthew Goode was especially Goode (Yeah, I did it!). He was the perfect blend of creepy and charming. But look at that face. The latter wasn't hard for him at all, was it?
My Grade right now: B+. It could go up the more times I watch it. Great movie.
Also, do yourself a favor and watch the original "Oldboy" before that stupid Spike Lee version comes out.
Giant Robots fighting giant monsters... what else could you want in an action movie?
How about Charlie Day!!!
As the trailer shows, "Pacific Rim" is about a not to distant future in which Monster Aliens begin to attack the major cities of the world. To fend them off the World Powers come together to create the Jaeger program. They begin to build giant robots piloted by two people to fist fight the monsters back to hell!!!! AWWWWWWW YEAH!!!!!
Despite it's terrible acting and cheesy dialogue (which was expected) "Pacific Rim" is an extremely entertaining movie with giant fight scenes (pun intended, sorry). This is the movie that all men wanted to see when they were kids. It just wasn't possible until now. When you see this movie, you must first connect with your inner child.
Possibly by playing a game of night crawlers with Danny Devito.
This is the kind of movie where you can't be digging for logic through out the entire thing. Seriously. Come on. It's a movie about GIANT ROBOTS FIST FIGHTING GIANT MONSTERS!!!! Why are you looking for logic in the first place! It is a movie that doesn't take itself seriously and neither should you! So STOP IT!!!! STOP IT NEW YORK MAGAZINE!!! STOP IT!!!
Spike Lee has possibly done something to make me hate him more than I already did. He took one of the best South Korean movies ever made, (seemingly) took out major plot points and toned it down to make it more tolerable for the American masses. Granted, this is all just speculation on my part at this point, but why? Why did he tone it down for Americans if that is what he did? The people who would be insulted by the original aren't going to see this movie anyway. I'll still see it, but why? Also, be on the look for messages forcing White Guilt on you throughout the entire movie... Spike Lee... go back to watching the Knicks suck!
How to Train Your Dragon 2 (6/20/14)
I have to admit, this was a little bit underwhelming for me. I loved the first one, and as cool as the flying sequences are, this just seems like a gimmick to me. "Oh, look! Now he can fly too! Come see this movie!" The art of subtle teasers is lost on some. Either way, I look forward to this.
The Grandmaster (8/23/13)
Chinese movies always have beautiful cinematography. Even if the story isn't good they're always pretty to watch.
12 Years a Slave (10/18/13)
Wow. This movie looks great. It has everybody's favorite people! Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Not to mention Paul Giamatti! This just feels like an Oscar contender already!
Saving Mr. Banks (12/20/13)
Speaking of Oscars, here's another film that may be a contender! The story behind the struggles Disney had obtaining the rights to "Mary Poppins". Little fun fact, the author hated that they casted Dick Van Dyke as a British person and refused to watch it... what a jerk!
Out of the Furnace (12/6/13)
There are only two things I don't like about this trailer. Zoe Saldana and Pearl Jam. Other than that it looks good.
Seventh Son (1/17/13)
I feel like I won't be able to hear anything but a drunken southern accent coming from Jeff Bridges mouth in this. It looks interesting, but I'm not really a huge fan of fantasy movies.
Filth (10/4/13)
If I were to judge Scotland on this trailer and "Trainspotting" alone, I'd say there is a massive drug problem there. I feel like the title of this movie is a very good warning to anyone who is offended easily.
I had some friends who were lucky enough to work on this movie. Unfortunately, they didn't receive credits, but it must have been a hell of an experience. Also, unfortunately, this film has been receiving bad reviews. People are too cynical these days.
Starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp, "The Lone Ranger" is a retelling of the old TV show from the '50s. It is about an masked Texas Ranger who partners up with a Native American to fight justice. It's a pretty cut and dry plot, but Gore Verbinski makes it entertaining.
For some reason, this only has a 26% on Rotten Tomatoes. This brings me to my rant section of the blog.
I don't like Rotten Tomatoes system at all because the critics can only choose "Approve" or "don't Approve". Given them two choices will not necessarily define what they thought of the movie. Take for instance my opinion of "The Purge". Did I like it? No. Would I recommend it to a friend? No. Do I think it's better than the 38% that rotten tomatoes gives it? Yes. I think, if we're talking percentages like it's a grade, I would say it was a 52%. For a movie to be fairly critiqued and rated, you need at least a system of 1 to 5.
Anyway, I digress. This movie was quite enjoyable. That doesn't mean I thought it was good. There is a difference between enjoyabl-ity (shut up) and quality. There was a time when I would have said this movie was stupid because it wasn't deep or meaningful. But that's when I was in my movie hipster days. All hipsters and cynics are just immature people who haven't grown up enough to realize you can enjoy the stupid things from time to time. Not everything needs to be philosophical. Some things can just have action sequences that defy the laws of physics.
Now, brings me to my hypocritical point in the blog. Historical Inaccuracies! That is one thing that is unforgivable in my mind. In this movie, they sang "The Star Spangled Banner" as the national anthem in 1868. "The Star Spangled Banner" wasn't adopted as the National Anthem until 1931. It's earliest recognition as a national song was by the U.S. Navy in 1889, 21 years after this movie takes place!
Also, Johnny Depp isn't Native American... but who cares?
What does all my ranting and going off topic mean? It means people shouldn't be so critical. If you legitimately hated this movie, I understand. But to give it a low rating just because it wasn't "The Godfather" or "Gone With the Wind" is just silly. I hate how cynical this world has become.
I think it's safe to say that the reason the first "Despicable Me" was so popular was because of the minions. The hundreds of little yellow three stooges-esque guys had some of the funniest parts in the last one, and I think the studio got the message. They were a lot more prominent this time around.
In this hilarious sequel, Gru is hired by the Anti-Villain League to find out who has stolen a serum from a lab in Antarctica... actually the whole lab, not just the serum. The serum changes cute, little things into giant, coked out purple monsters! Kind of like if the Incredible Hulk and a crack-head had a child together. Gru sets up surveillance in the local mall and hunts down the villain all while trying to raise his newly adopted daughters, all the while, the minions start to disappear!
They did what to Kevin?!
As with the first one, the real selling points of this movie are the minions. Every scene they have is hilarious and even overshadows Agnes' adorableness. They sing songs on multiple occasions and there is even a cameo of Boyz 2 Minions.
It's been a while since I've seen the first one, but everything I remember about it had to do with the minions. But I can't be sure which one is better.
Honestly, they should drop the whole act with Gru and the girls and just make a movie about the minions. I'd pay to see that. And I don't have to pay.
Overall, this was a fun movie. Anyone who saw this, did you notice the "World War Z" nod towards the end? Or am I crazy?
Vince Vaugh playing an irresponsible man that has a bunch of responsibility thrown at him one day? And then he's got to face said responsibility? He has such diversity! This movie could go either way, but other than Chris Pratt, I'm not too excited about it.
SNOWPIERCER (TBA 2013)
...What? I'm not exactly sure what's going on here. But it definitely looks interesting. And I like most of the cast. Should be an interesting movie to watch.
RIDDICK (9/6/13)
As tempted as I am to make bad puns, don't worry. I won't.... This looks RIDDICK-ulous....... Damn it! Sorry, it slipped. "Pitch Black" and "The Chronicles of Riddick" were OK, but I don't think they warrant a third one. From what I hear though, a lot of people like these movies. I'm not too sure.
THE LIFEGUARD (8/30/13)
Ah, another movie thats gonna piss me off. Not only for the immaturity of the main character but I also feel it will be filled with indie music and try to be deeper than it is. Who knows though. It might surprise me.
THE BOXTROLLS (9/26/14)
By the creators of "ParaNorman" and "Coraline", "The Boxtrolls" looks like another dark, stop-motion animation movie that will surprise it's audiences. With voiced by Simon Pegg, Sir Ben Kingsley, Nick Frost and Richard Ayoade I feel this movie will actually be pretty good.
A HIGHJACKING (6/21/13)
There is a film coming out similar to this one starring Tom Hanks. It's called "Captain Phillips". They both seem really good. It's weird how filmmakers make similar movies so close together, but I guess it's a product of the hot topics of the year.
REDEMPTION (6/28/13)
Jason Statham looks weird with long hair...
PACIFIC RIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (7/12/13)
In honor of my most anticipated movie of the summer.... WE ARE CANCELING THE APOCALYPSE!!!!
Roland Emmerich can't seem to make an original movie. First it was "Deep Impact" being released the same year as "Armageddon", now "White House Down" is released the same year as "Olympus Has Fallen"...
OK, maybe it's only two examples, but still! And each of his movies have been worse than the other ones.
One word of advice, Roland? STAHP!!!!
OK, so we I feel as though I don't need to tell you what a movie as creatively named as "White House Down" is about, so I will just move on. The one thing that made "Olympus Has Fallen" great was that it didn't take itself too seriously. It knew it was a mindless action movie and didn't try to be anything else. "White House Down" forced political opinions in the opening 5 minutes. Granted, they are opinions that I agree with, but nothing bugs me more than a movie trying to mean more than it is.
No one is going to look at "White House Down" and think "Gee, I sure learned a lot about the War in Iraq and Afghanistan today! I'm going to volunteer at my favorite candidates campaign head quarters! Golly!" They're gonna look at the first hour of the film and say "Where the Hell are the explosions?! 'Olypmus Has Fallen' had killed like a hundreds guys by this point!". Stop trying to be something you aren't, Roland!
How can you root for someone who goes for a job interview
in the President's Secret Service with their tie tied like that. My tie looked better
at my first middle school dance! COME ON CHANNING!
In this, Jamie Foxx's character "The Leader of the Free World/The President of the United States" about a million times, presumably following it with "Woah, woah, woah". I don't know, I stopped paying attention. But, I highly doubt the President ever refers to himself as those things in any situation other than introducing himself to someone who just came out from under a rock, let alone in the privacy of his helicopter to his Press Secretary or whatever the heck Maggie Gyllenhaal was supposed to be.
There were only three things I like about this movie. Jason Clarke, Jimmi Simpson and Richard Jenkins. It just wasn't good. It does however do a great job at showing how stupid the media is.
SPOLIER! But not really, because I'm just saving you 2 hours of your life, 1 of which doesn't even have explosions in it.
If a girl is brave enough to post a video onto Youtube of her captors, DO NOT show her picture on-air when she is still in captivity... If the captors are smart enough to take over the White House, they're smart enough to be watching the news while they do so to see what's being said about them and the situation. The media is and always will be filled with idiots.
Yeah, yeah, I know I'm posting this on Wednesday, but I wrote it on Tuesday, so... shut up about it!
Also, this past weekend had no movies that were intriguing for me so I didn't find it worth my while to go to work on my day off and see "The Heat" or "White House Down". I saw the latter tonight and a review will follow shortly.
HELL BABY 7/25/13
The creators and stars of "Reno! 911"? Keegan Michael Key? Thomas Lennon? Robert Ben Garant? This looks like it's going to be a hilarious movie. I could see it being a dud among those whoe weren't a fan of the show, but I for one am excited!
CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 9/27/13
My good friend Kevin Bridge will probably love this movie. It's going to be filled with bad puns! TACODILE... SUPREME!!!! The first one was a surprise for me. I thought it was going to be terrible and it was not. It was actually kind of awesome. I can't wait for this to come out.
THE COLONY (TBA)
It's never a good sign when a movie has already been released overseas and has yet to be given a release date in the states. In what looks like a combination of "30 Days of Night" and "Blade", Lawrence Fishburne stars in what could be a terrible thriller, or a pleasant surprise. Meh, I'll see it either way.
THE CONJURING 7/19/13
Ray Brown's excited for this one! I hope they do the thing they do in the trailer and mix the interviews with the film. It would be awesome, even if it's a complete hoax. I know many people don't like movies like this, but I am intrigued!
ESCAPE PLAN 10/18/13
Who doesn't like old action heroes? These kinds of movies are refreshing in a world where most action movies take themselves far too seriously. Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwartzenegger know how to make a good, mindless movie! Can't wait!
THANKS FOR SHARING 9/20/13
I feel like this is the softy version of "Choke" released in 2008. But all I care about is that Josh Gad is in it. He's my boy! I'd give him a big man hug if I could... yeah I said it.
THE COUNSELOR 10/25/13
This teaser doesn't tell me anything other than Brad Pitt, Cormac McCarthy, Michael Fassbender, Ridley Scott and Javier Bardem are involved. And frankly, that's all I need.
EUROPA REPORT 6/27/13
God, the more I am remind of Sharlto Copley's awesomeness, the more I love him! Although, these movies make scientists look like a bunch of idiots, I tend to enjoy them. I wish this wasn't just a limited release. I must look for the closest theater!
PRINCE AVALANCHE 8/9/13
This looks like your standard indie comedy. It's got everything it needs. Emile Hirsch, the character with a mustache, and an obscure job that makes the characters stay outdoors a lot. Only this time, the characters remind me Mario and Luigi... The Super Mario Bros.
FROZEN 11/27/13
So a Snoman and an Elk become friends... It makes you wonder if Disney makes drug use mandatory for all of their story writers.
I hope you guys saw a trailer that intrigued you! I've been thinking about doing all of this stuff as a YouTube Channel as well. What do you guys think?
