Sully

Sully is the about the terrible but amazing story of flight 1549. The film stars Tom Hanks in the title role of Sully. Alongside Hanks is Aaron Eckhart as his first officer. The film is also directed Clint Eastwood.

Since this film is based on a true story many people are going to know the ending of the story, but Eastwood was able to do something very good with his. He kept his storytelling abilities in top form. This film is prime example of good storytelling vs. a good story. Eastwood does a great job telling this story and really putting you into the shoes of Sullly and what had been going on in his mind at the time. The tone and pace of the film are perfect. Eastwood moves the story swiftly and gets great character moments all the way thought the film. The realistc tone of the film does great work because the story actually happened in real life. He also does one of the greatest theme in movies having his character contestly question himself and think "Am I a hero?" or a unlikly hero. He has done this theme many times the one that always comes to mind is Gran Torino. I love this theme in films and this one is great at it with Sully constantly questioning himself if he made the right call.

The parts of this film that seemed a little weaker. Are plot of the film and some scenes that just didn't really need to be in the film. The problem with the plot is that you know what is going to happen the whole film. It is a very predictable not becasue the story is true, but the the stuff you didn't see you knew how it was going to end. They do some scenes when Sully is younger that didn't really add anything to the film. Now before I say this I liked Tom Hanks in the film. He was good. Great even. Its just that we have seen him play this role a thousand times. It's nothing different from Hanks well performed but just your standard Tom Hanks role. Overall, this film is a great drama telling an amazing tell of what it is be a everyday hero. It is worth the watch at least once. With some great acting and amazing direction from Eastwood.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Don't Breathe

Don't Breathe, how to rob a blind man 101. The story is about 3, I would say 20 somethings, trying to rob a blind man who has recently gotten a lot of cash. The film is headed by the man that directed the remake of the Evil Dead. It also has the same team so that means alongside Fede Alvarez direction we have Sam Raimi in the producers chair.

If you have been reading this reviews for awhile you would know that I am huge Evil Dead fan. I love all the films. Includeing the remake. I think it is one of the best horror remakes. Up there with The Fly and The Thing. So this is also makes the first original film for Alvarez. This film is masterfully directed by this man. He has you white knucked the whole film. When the kids enter the house too when it really hits the fan. It is a non-stop horror thriller. He also was able to make a postmodern slasher with this film. He was easily able to put in that house with great sound design. The viewer hears every creeck and breath in the film. If you are a fan of sound design this film has it in spades. Much like this years The Conjuring 2 great work form the people behind the camera. This film has such a smiple story, but makes up for it with great storytelling. From simple changes that makes things creepy to just down right disturibing. If I had a movie to compare this too it would be if Green Rooms ideas and horror knowledge met with The Conjuring 2's budget. Making for one of the best stright horror films this year. The acting all around is great. The killer being mostly silent the film to the mains not doing anything stupid and understanding what type of situation they were in.

Guys, this film honestly blew me away. The only real problems I have are very minor complaints. One being the score is a little weak, but its because the film is so focused on making the atmosphere of the house so think and rich. I think it would have been a better idea to leave the film scoreless. The other complaint would be the "gangster" of the group is annoying, but I believe that was intentional. So its not a knock on the kids acting or the writing of the character its just a stright fact. If you are looking for a solid horror film. That has great fan pleaseing moments, stylish on point direction, and atmosphere so great you feel that your are  the house. Go see Don't Breathe you will not be upset.

RATING
4 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

I am no longer able to post trailers for the film but I will put the links in the review so you can watch them on youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76yBTNDB6vU

Suicide Squad

Suicide Squad is next film in the DC film series. The film is about the team dubbed Task force X which is a group of super villains that can be controlled to do something that no one else can do and if they die or try to escape they can be disposed of. The film is directed by David Ayer and stars a ton of people. The big three that everyone wants to talk about is Will Smith as Deadshot, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn and last but really not least the front man of 30 Seconds to Mars  as The Joker.

Oh lets put a smile on that face. Leto. Leto. Leto. You had me worried there for a little but you did a good job. You crewed those scenes up and were having a blast doing so. I can't what to see you in the next Batman film. Moving on to the real cast of the film Smith does what Smith does best playing a completly cocky and crazy character that is just way to cool for school. Doing a great job there as well. Then Robbie coming in and just stealing the show as Harley Quinn. Really these three did a great job of really understanding the ins and outs of there chararters. They are the highlights of the movie. Actully all the acting and characters are the highlightes of this film. They all feel like real characters and we aren't just told information about them. We actually get to see them be characters which is real nice change of pace for DC. Ayer really did a great job of making a very character driven film. Which I honestly knew that he would. Just look at his last film Fury. Very character driven. The tone of the film was spot on and adding the just right amount of fun this film needed to work.

This film does have issues like all movies. The story telling in the film is really messy and a very jaring when they switch gears from each act. It does have a story but it really takes a backseat to the characters. Which I know a lot of people hate. I really don't mind a lackluster story if you give me good characters. Also the film was trying way to hard to be like Guradians of the Galaxy. It really didn't need to be. This film had the legs to stand on its own. I think Ayer style clashed with the style of James Gunn imitation. I don't know if this was the Studios call or Ayer trying to be like Gunn, but it didn't need to be here. Overall, I think this film is good. Not great but good. I walked out very entertained by this film. It has a lot of good characters and they feel like the characters from the books which is awesome. I do think if you are a fan of this characters and want to see a okay action film. Check it out.

RATING
2.5 out of 4 Ticket Stubs.

WB, what the hell are you doing. Suicide Squad should not be my favorite film out of the three you have made. This film is a lot better then BvS. Mainly because Suicide Squad is just messy as to were BvS is just plan stupid. How in the world do you get the Villains so right, but get the heros all wrong. I recently watch the extended cut of BvS. I still don't like the film, but it is a better movie. I find it funny that the things that were cut are about as long as the world building stuff that you forced into the film. If you would have just left out the world building. The film surrounding it would have been better. Then you apartly cut a lot of stuff out of this film as well. I know that there are great films somewhere in all these movie, but WB just keep shooting itself in the foot. The thing that these films really need to do is get a Kevin Feige. The problem with all these film is they have no one really who cares about these characters in the right spots. Get someone like Geoff Johns or Bruce Timm. In that producers chair let them be the head of the universe because they have done it before and better then what we have now. Please for the love of God fix this and the rest will fall into place.

Now, on to my second grip. Really a petition to stop reviewing DC films. This is by fair the dumbest thing I have ever heard. I don't even get paid to do this and I find this childish and backwards. Why would you want to stop someone from talking about your movies. People love to talk about films or at least the people I talk to. This is what we, I personally live for. I love to talk about why I don't like this movie or why I love this film or what could be cool if they did this. I understand that fans are afraid that movies won't get made. Why is that a bad thing? You still have the comics. The stories that these films are based on they can't take those away from you. But by ending film reviews like that you ending all dissciuon on the film good or bad. Unless you are okay if its postive. Like mine which is a postive review for the film. Do you want me to take mine down? Critics are not always right and they aren't always wrong. They are just a opinions on the piece of art. Would it suck to not see this stuff in live action? Yes, but does that mean I gonna sign something that takes away someones right to talk about film. Hell no.

Lights Out

Lights Out is the Directoral debut of David F. Sandberg the man who was behind the short of the same name. This film is about a family that has been hit by hard times. When the mother has started to go a little crazy and is talking to someone in the dark. When they find out that something is actually in the dark. Her son and daughter must save the family from the evil force.

Lights Out was a short film that honestly is very impressive. Sandberg really was able to own the scene with great teasion on a very low budget and a very short run time. So when you go from short from to long from you have to learn how to create good characters and good story. Sandberg kills it with creating a pretty good story and really good characters in this film. The characters in this film are all very smart and not boring. So they aren't just body bags. You want to see them make it to the end of the film. That comes from the director and the actors. All the actors do a really good job on this film. No one gives a poor performace. Even the kid actor in this does a good job. The tone of the film is very solid. Sandberg was able to keep a white knucked thrill ride feeling for the the whole run time. Making good use of the lights and settings.

This film does have some very small problems. I would say mostly in the story department. It is a well done story of the family tore apart, but the creature backstory I think needed some fixing and some possbile more scares.The film is very fast and goes by quickly clocking in at just over 1 hour and 30 minutes. If they would have more scares I think this film would go from being a film that I thought was great to one that I loved from start to finish. Overall for a first time feature film maker this one they did a great job. I say also watch the short that this film is about. It's the same name so it shouldn't be to hard to find.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Swiss Army Man

Swiss Army Man is driected by new comers known as the Daniels (Daniel Scheinert and Daniel Kwan). The film is about Hank (Paul Dano) who has found himself lost and ready to kill himself when Manny (Daniel Radcliffe) comes a shore. Manny is a dead man that has some powers that will help Hank go home.

The Daniels have arrived and they have made a statement with this film. Much like a earlier A24 film (The Witch). This is the pairs directorial debut and man was this film unique and odd way to start. The style is finding the beauty in odd, gross, and random things. The film is honestly beautiful and very funny. The two really know how to tell this odd story about life. The films tone works and the pace is great never getting boring. The script is really well done being able to make this unbelievable stuff believable. Also carrying these themes that it whats to talk about to the viewer. The Daniels you now have a fan and I will easily want to watch your next film.

Dano and Radcliffe are amazing in the film. They have great back and forth. The also play this stuff off really well and straight as they can. Parts are supposed to be funny and parts are supposed to be thoughtful. My hats off to the part becasue I can only imagine what they thought when they got the script. Swiss Army Man is a wholely goofy film. It takes that goofness and constantly slams it in your face for it whole run time. So for some this will be a huge turn off. Which this I can completely understand. This is one of the few films. I am gonna recommend to everyone even if it is odd as all hell. Just because there maybe something you may enjoy in the oddness. I really don't have any faults for the this film. It is hands down the best comedy I have seen all year. With being really funny and also having something to say about life. Go see it. Watch the trailer below if it is not your taste then skip it but if you at all a little bit interested then see the movie. I give it my highest praise

RATING
4 out of 4 Ticket Stubs
I am also gonna post there short - https://vimeo.com/110808221
Here is the Trailer- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4v92gXetGqA

The Legend of Trazan

The Legend of Trazan stars Alexander Skarsgard as the classic king of the jungle Trazan. The story is how John Clayton(Skarsgard) must return to the jungle were he grew up to protect his homeland from a plot to enslave the nation by the evil Leon Rom (Christoph Waltz). The film is directed by David Yates the man who was behind the last 4 Harry Potter films. It also stars Margot Robbie as Jane and Samuel L. Jackson as George Washington Williams.

I would say the best thing that this film had going for it was the casting. You have all 4 of the main actors in roles that fit the roles very well. Skarsagard is good as Trazan. He really sells the look of the man. He fits the role. He is very quite in the film and that actually really fits the character of Trazan. Robbie is very good as Jane being a very good foil to Waltz for most of the film I would say. That brings me Waltz who plays your standard villain with a evil scheme, but the actor that I think that honestly kind of steals the show is Sam Jackson and let me explain why.

I didn't hate this film, but honestly you don't really need to see it. The film is unbelievely standard. Nothing to exciting happens. Nothing about the style or acting really comes off as good or bad because no one is really having fun with this source. Jackson is having the most fun with his role which is why he steals the show. The film is far to serious in tone about a man who swings from vines and yells at the top of his lungs. It goes the route of trying to make it real. When Trazan doesn't need to real. The film has zero heart. The only real person I can blame is Yates. The reason why the last four Harry Potter films worked was because of the Dark and gritty tone he brought to the table, but for a Trazan film it just doesn't work. Also there are some really odd shot choices in the film a lot of wide angle close of ups on faces that are just off putting. If you are looking for a movie that you are looking to put on in the background this will work becasue you won't hate the movie but you also won't love it as well.

RATING
1.5 out 4 Ticket Stubs.

Beauty and The Beast (1991)

Beauty and the Beast is the animated musical film done by Disney Anaimation Stuidos in 1991. It is one of the three films to be nominated for best film of the year by the academy. Some people don't really take that to much to heart, but it truly amazing for a film like this to get that. The story is about Belle and the Beast. Belle's father gets lost in the forst and is captured by the beast and held prisoner. So Belle goes and saves him from the beast and takes his place.

Beauty and the Beast is stunning to this day it coming out in 1991 and still looks good. That maybe the Blu Ray update I watched it one but it is one of the best Blu Rays I own. So I highly recommed that buy. I personally love this film. It is my favorite Disney film. I love the characters to the songs to story. The one thing that I think that honestly makes that takes the film from a good kids movie to a just a great film. Is the characters and how well realized they all feel. Belle is one of the strongest leads in Disney history. She goes and save her Dad and wants advanture. Gaston with his looks could be the male lead but is truly a great villain. Then you have my personal favorite King in a Disney film The Beast. All the characters are mirror images of each other. Gaston and Beast are so alike. They are both vine in the beginning and they both are full of rage. They don't know how to be kind, but the Beast changes as to Gaston does not. Beast has a great character arc. The reasons behind Belle and Beast falling for each other also makes a lot of sense. Belle has always been the odd one in town and The Beast was scary. Both of them aren't perfect, but there imperfections is what each other fall for. When you have all this character from your leads. Then you have some of the best side characters in Lumiere and Cogsworth. They are funny and very memorble, but they never steal the story.

The music of the film is unbeileveable. I mean the musical numbers are good, but the musical accompaniment is just on a whole other level when it comes to Disney film. There is always some sort of music in the background and not a single piece of it is bad. All the musical numbers are amazing. Now taste is music is so personal, but "Be Our Guest" and "Beauty and the Beast" are the standout songs that almost everyone remembers. Beauty and the Beast never stops going the film has a relentless pace. Moving from scene to scene so fast. Never getting bored, but never not lingering if it needs to be. Like something I noticed on this viewing is just the acting done by the animators. Like some scene every frame tells emotion of the characters. Beast does this very well. You can see a lot of it in his eyes and I think them cutting to his eyes at the end of the film is a great way for Belle to realize who he is is.

Beauty and The Beast at least to me is the top of the Disney Anaimation stuidos. It looks, feels, and sounds amazing. All the chararters will be remember after the first watch. The romance is one of the best ones done by Disney. The only other film that is close to this one I think is maybe Tangled so that is saying a lot. I hope that the live action version coming out next year is good. From the teaser that was released I think they are at least on the right track. Go and see this film if you haven't seen this film before. Go and Be and Guest at Beasts castle.

RATING
4 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Finding Dory

Finding Dory is the sequel of the highy successful film Finding Nemo. This film has all the voice actors return to there great roles Albert Brooks and Ellen DeGeneres. This one is about Dory and her nasty memory problem and how she has forgotten her family and now much like Nemo find them.

Finding Dory to me was an unneeded film. Finding Nemo was a perfect story. Great character develpoment. Great adventure. Then to top it off great laughs. This film comes up and could almost seem like a cash grab. Which it problemly is, but man did they make a great film out of this cash grab. Finding Dory has all the love and heart that the first one had. It brings us right back to this world of fish. The CGI animation is amazing. Which I almost don't need to say for Pixar. The character design for the fish is so loveable and just fits them all so well. Baby Dory maybe the cutest thing on the planet right now. Putting the story all on Dory was a great move from the writers. She carries this film well and also has a great arc for herself. All the side characters are memorable. None being annoying and always entertaining. Brooks is great, DeGeneres kills it, and Ed O'Neill (Hank the Octopus) almost steals the show. The tone is perfect almost all the way thought the film. 

Finding Dory almost has zero issues. The biggest one in my eyes is the first act and I would say the overall message. The movie starts off a bit rocky and goes by a little to fast for my tastes. Then the overall message doesn't really exist in the film, but the first one didn't have one as well. These are only very minor complaints. This film is going to be one of the best films of the year for sure. I would love to see it again and I hopefully well. Dory, way to keep swimming. 

RATING

3.5 out of 4 Ticket Stubs. 

The Conjuring 2

The Conjuring 2 is the sequel to the The Conjuring. James Wan returns to direct this one with of course Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga returning to there roles as the Warrens. This time the Warrens are pushed into the spotlight with the events of the Amityville case and when strange things start to happening to a family in England they must go and help that family there.

James Wan is a very instresting director. He has gone from making very low budget films like Saw and Dead Silence. To making huge box offices smashs like Fast and Furious 7. So its almost needless to say that this man has a lot of talent. I do personally think he fits perfectly into the horror genre as a director just because he is so good at it. The Conjuring was one of the best big budget horror films that has come out in the recent years. This film lives up to the first one in many ways. I thought the smooth direction and set design was one of the best things of that film. Once again those two thing stick out for this film. Wan is the master of the scene he knows how to build teason and keep your holding onto the sides of your chair. Then the house that they designed was one of the creepiest old houses I have ever seen in a film. Just a great work by the set design people. The house felt like it had its own personality.I loved it for this reason.  The acting in the first was very good. This one is no expection. Wilson and Farmiga have great chamisty on scene and look and feel like a real couple. They make you really care for them and you don't want to see them go. Which is the opposite for most horror film main characters.

This film is very good and has a lot of great scares none of them being a false or just a poor mans jump scare. Where this film hurts is the pace of the film and the 2nd to 3rd acts. I think the 1st act was perfect, but slows down a ton in the last two thirds. There really isn't much they could have cut out, but I could still see some stuff that could at the very least been spead up a bit just so we have a more impact climax. The Conjuring 2 is easily a worthy sequel to the original. I had a lot of fun with a good amount thrilles and still saw a good film. It is easily worth your time.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadow

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out Of The Shadows is the sequel to the  2014 version of the film. In this film we have the Shredder teaming up with the evil villain Krang. All actors return for the human performances. So you have Megan Fox as April O'Neil and Will Arnett as Vern. It does add characters as Casey Jones played by Stephen Amell and Brain Tee to replace the CGI monster Shredder.

Thing that needs to be good in this film is the Turtles. All of them are pretty good in the film. They flesh them out even more in this film. Really putting the spot on them this time around. With less focus on the April and the side characters. Which is what the film should have done. There is also one other actor that I was surprised about with this film and that was Tyler Perry as Baxter Stockman. I thought he was pretty good. He was wonderfully over the top, but I could tell was having a lot of fun in the role. Something that I think the film really needed to have. I as a fan well say that they do have some pretty great fan service moments as well.

Even thought they get the central thing right the rest of the film fails at all basic storytelling and character motivation. The attempt do the arc with the Turtles trying to figure out if they want to be human, but they never really explore or explain why they choose what they choose. Krang is so shot gunned into the film that really comes from no where. All the other actor don't really do anything or just aren't good. Jones character goes all over the place in the film. Then to top it off the action of the film is pretty dull and boring. Overall, this film is great for understanding what the fans want but has no idea of how to tell a good story around it.

RATING
1 out 4 Ticket Stubs.

X-Men: Apocalypse

X-Men: Apocalypse is the next X-Men film in the huge X-men film franchise. This is also the 4th film headed by Bryan Singer. The cast is massive everyone returns to there roles Micheal Fassbender, James McAvoy, Jennifer Lawrence, and Nicholas Hoult. This film also has the return of fan favorite characters with new actors. We have Sophie Turner playing Jean Grey, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, and Alexandra Shipp as Storm. Probably the biggest cast of characters in a X-Men film yet and still isn't all of the people in this film. The film follows the rise of the villain Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) and his plans to of course destroy the world and it is up to our heroes to stop him.

So this is the third time for some of these actors to play these characters. One actor of the bunch stuck out the most to me as just really understanding and owning his character. This really should have been Micheal Fassbender's film. He steals every scene he his in and some of the heartache that this character goes thought just cements him in this role. No one really turns in a bad performance in the film and Singer has always been able to pull out great performances from his actors. Singer also did a great job with direction of this script because it is a huge story. Clocking in at just around the two and a half hour mark. We have a lot of shots that give us that epic scope that this film was going for. We get a lot of great action also in the later half of the film. It does what the summer blockbusters are own for doing. His tone is perfect for the film and Singer just knows this world that he created for these characters.

Singer did what he could do with this script. I do think the film is fair to long but it's to no fault of  the directors. He was able to switch from each story very smooth and balanced it for the most part very well, but when it comes down to it the film just has to much to do. We have the origin stories of  around seven characters in this film. That is a lot. Most of the origin stories get about a second of screen time but seven is just to much. One of those origin stories just plainly didn't need to be in the film. It's great to see this character in the film, but just slows  the film down. Apocalypse was a great villain, but with including the arc about Magneto (Fassender) makes you think that this film should have been about him more. Plus you could still do the intro of characters and we didn't need another lengthy origin story for Apocalypse. Overall, I think this is the worst of the Singer helmed X-Men film. Is it better then Origins and last stand? Yes, but not by much.

RATING
2 out of 4 Ticket Stubs.

The Nice Guys

The Nice Guys is the next film helmed by Shane Black (Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang). The film stars Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe, and Angourie Rice. The story is about a PI Holland(Gosling) taking the case of a woman who thinks she has since her died niece. Holland ends up crossing paths with a guy who ,beats up people up for a living, Healy (Crowe) and together they get themselves mixed up with a murder mystery adventure that they need to solve.

Black is known for these types of films. He has been involved with three of these buddy cops mystery films before. Penning the original Lethal Weapon and writing and directing the hugely underrated Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. So this being his third attempt at this type of film he hopefully should have a good idea how to make one. Black nails the tone of this film and writes some amazing characters. I hope this film makes some money because I would enjoy seeing these guys on screen again. This film even has all the Black staples you have the voice over, the humor, and the Christmas season (well at least at the end of the film). All three of the actors are on point in this film. Gosling playing the goofy overtop character and Crowe playing the straight man was perfect casting. So many laughs come from the back and forth of those two alone. I also would like to mention Rice. I have never seen her in a film before this, but she steals the show as Gosling daughter. She feels like Penny from Inspector Gadget which just makes me laugh. In a good way.  Black easily sets this film in the late 70's with the soundtrack and the look of the film. It also makes sense that this film be placed in the 70's era because the mystery would not work in today's modern society.

Even thought Black had made very story or mystery heavy films before I think he has always had a problem with actually telling them. The story is good, but it is easily a weak point of the film.  It's nothing to write home about. The characters be them great, don't have much of an arc as well. There are what seems to be attempts to have arcs with them, but I think they fall flat in the film  Black does have a problem with moving the story along in the middle of the film. It stays in one area for far too long be it there is some great humor bits, but the story doesn't really move forward.

The Nice Guys is a great buddy cop film. Filled with great characters, pretty solid action, and an okay mystery. It could bring back a film genre that we really haven't seen for awhile. If this was the sleeper hit of the summer I wouldn't mind that at all because Black and company do a great job of recapturing the 70's. I hope we see another adventure from The Nice Guys.

RATING
3.25 out of 4 Ticket Stubs.

Southpaw

Southpaw is a boxing drama film directed by Anotine Fuqua and starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Forest Whitaker. With Rachel McAdams in the female lead role. The story is Billy Hope (Gyllenhaal) is the light-weight champion of the world. He is the best and undefeated, but when a massive tragedy happens. This sends him on a downward slope losing everything. As you get to watch him fight for everything again.

To start off, I loved the style of this film. It was so gritty and super real. Like it had that quality to where you never thought you were watching a film. Just like a behind the scene documentary on this boxer and his life. The film was really well shot with having a lot of dark and muted colors having that greyscale look to it which I personally love. Fuqua also handled the whole film very well. The tone was constant at keeping that gritty feeling. Also, the pace was very well done. It was a two-hour film and felt like two hours of content, but was never boring. Gyllenhaal is the main selling point of this film for a lot of people. Everyone wants to see this film for his performance. Was it good? It's Gyllenhaal so of course he was good. Better than good I would say great. He really truly becomes the character and loses himself the role mentally and physically. It really is an impressive performance and he is likable all the way through the film. Also, James Horner had a very good score and it's sad that we had to lose a great composer.

There are few problems with this film. It really comes down to the script. The plot you can see coming from a mile away. It follows all the boxing stories that you have seen before. The one good thing about that is that it does those things so well that you don't seem to mind that much, but still nothing new there if you were looking to see something with a smart twist or something of that nature. The characters are held up by good performances but aren't written the best. Like I think the actors added a lot to the characters. Which is a good think it's just something I noticed. So in the end the film that I knew was going to have an amazing lead performance and very well styled direction had those in spades but loses a lot for being nothing new.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs.

Vacation

Vacation is the continuation of the highly successful Nation Lampoon's Vacation. This one follows the story of Rusty Giswold taking his family to Walley World. The film stars Ed Helms as Rusty Christina Applegate as his wife and Leslie Mann as Audrey Giswold.

This a remake and continuation of the series and it does that to a key. The film never loses that over the top misadventure of driving to a theme park. The one thing that I personally was happy with that it very much feels like a Vacation film, but it does have its own feel due to how gross-out meters changed because of other films. It does make you laugh a lot of the time, but it is all the same type of jokes. I can tell that this would be a good film to go see with friends. Just because everyone can enjoy it once. If you are a fan of the film series there are enough easter eggs that you will enjoy it just for that alone.

Now this is going to be a super short review because there really isn't much to talk about. This film is going to change you if you don't like these types of movies. Run away. You won't change your mind if you see this film and it will just be a waste of your time. I thought this film had its moments, but the trailer gave away to many of the good jokes and this doesn't have many quotable lines. I still had fun with this for what it was, but I think next time I will pass a Vacation.

RATING
1.5 out 4 Ticket Stubs

NO TRAILER, to many Spoilers.

Pixels

The Pixels, the full-length film based on the short film made by Patrick Jean. Starring Hollywoods latest picked on man Adam Sandler. I used to be a fan of Adam Sandler films, but he has been on a the biggest down slope for the longest time. The story of the film is the United States sent up a video into space showing the culture of the 80's. In this video, they showed off older arcade games. Now it's 2015 and they believe this to be a declaration of war. So they make the war into a game and the only people to stop them are Adam Sandler (Same Benner), Kevin James (Will Cooper), Josh Gad (Ludlow Lamsoff) and Peter Dinklage (Eddie Plant).

Sandler and the Happy Madison crew have been a rut. Not making any good films. Not making any huge amount of money. In general, sadly, just wasting a lot of peoples time. This film, I think, is the light at the end of the tunnel. This film is nothing short of Oscar worthy compared to his last few films. The film overall has this great 80's feel to it. It shot like an 80's film and has the story of an 80's film would have. Even has the classic 80's score. Which all makes sense given the what the film is about. It feels a ton like Ghostbusters or at least steals a lot of the story beats. The comedy is good, but more on that later. All the actors get the shine in their own way which I personally liked. No one really steals the show, but it doesn't feel phoned in. Also, the film has a few very funny and cool cameos that I will not spoil for you. They all worked really well together on screen. The film's director Chris Columbus made a very sharp looking film and did a good job of switching tones from being funny to more light-hearted to action packed. The film also never really felt slow and always keep the story moving. I also will mention the CGI  having a very cool look and pixel look. Just because of its source.

The comedy of the film was good like I mentioned, but it isn't "I was rolling on the ground funny". It does miss. It misses a few times, but not enough for the film to not be good. It needed just bit more of the stronger jokes in the some areas. Also, the world building wasn't done well enough. I first off can't believe I am saying that in an Adam Sandler film, but back to the review. They do some things that I am happy they do, but they don't explain how they are done or shown. They make sense in the context of the film but still should have been shown. It's like they did 3/4 of the work but forgot about that last 1/4.  Also, this film is a very recycled film from Sandler, which to me is not a bad thing, but it also isn't anything fresh. Overall, this film feels like older Sandler film going back to the days of Wedding Singer, but with a Ghostbusters skin over it. Having good jokes well still having a heart to the story.

RATING
2.25 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Ant-Man

Ant-Man the worlds smallest superhero. This is the next film for Marvel and the start of Phase 3. The film stars Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly and Michael Douglas. The story follows Scott Lang (Rudd) who is a man down on his luck after being released from prison. Till Hank Pym needs him to steal some stuff that could possible  have huge negative effects on the world.

Marvel, Marvel, Marvel. I have to hand it to you guys. After hearing that Edgar Wright had left the project. I thought this was going to be your first major miss. I was so wrong. This film was a very well made film. The film had great characters and just  perfect casting for Hank Pym in Michael Douglas. I want more of him in the films down the line. I doubt I will see it, but a man can dream. I really enjoyed the way they took this film. It wasn't your typical superhero film. It wasn't that "I got to stop this bad guy by beating him up" type of story. This truly was a heist film it just had a lot of Superheroes in it. This is much like how Winter Solider was a political thriller with superheroes in it. All the actors were very good. No one in the main cast really missing a beat. Rudd was great as Lang to match the perfect acting done by Douglas. Rudd is a very much welcomed addition to Marvel team. The film is also funny which is good, but I have more to say on this later. Also the action in the film is very impressive just cool to watch and very well done.

Now, the negatives of this film. I am starting to get sick of the comedy that Marvel is putting into its films.  This film it worked, just because they know how nuts this all is. Like its kind of that we realize how odd and off the is off the wall this situation is funny. But I hope there next film is more serious. I am not saying not to have wit, but tone it down. The other big problems with the film is this film is very, very recycled. Big time with the villain it isn't a bad performance, but just nothing memorable about him. This one is once again just very well made film like all the other Marvel superhero films. Which is I am starting to get sick of sadly. I personally think that Marvel films are going to see a decline soon and not just Marvel film, but Superhero films in general. Only time can tell. But this film luckily, for us is still a great time at the movies.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Inside Out

Inside out is the next film by the production studio Pixar. Inside out is about a little girl named Riley, when I say that I mean it is truly is all about Riley and how she thinks and most importantly how she feels. Humans are all run by people that are embodiments of simple emotions. When Joy and Sadness go missing. Riley goes into a downward spiral.

Saying Pixar's films are amazingly animated is almost goes without saying. This film has a wonderful and completely bright amazing style. The film is full of a wonderful array of colors. The script of the film is also filled with the same wit and creativeness that the animation has. This film makes you go thought all the emotions that you meet in the film. You will be happy all the way to sad. It made me laugh and made feel extremely sad for some characters. This film has one of the smartest scripts yet from Pixar. Not only is this concept a brilliant idea, but it is fleshed out and makes a great world. They put little details into this film that only enhance the film and make it better in so many ways. The word that came to my mind after viewing this film was mature. I am not saying that the film is for mature audiences only, but the film just feels very mature. It has a great theme and everything they do in the film just supports the theme. The voice acting of the film is spot on going from Amy Poehler as Joy to Lewis Black as Anger. No one gives a bad performance and are a real treat to watch on the screen.

This is one of the few films that I really don't have many comments on the negative section. The biggest negative part is the adventure part of the film. It isn't as intense as some of the other Pixar films like Wall-E or Toy Story. It is good don't get me wrong, but not to the level of there other films. This film is truly a return to form for Pixar. If your a fan of there earlier work you will not be disappointed.

RATING 

3.75 Out of 4 Ticket stubs

Jurassic World

Jurassic World, is the next film in the Jurassic Park series. The film had been in development hell since 2005. So it's great to see the film series' return to the box office again. The film is directed by Colin Trevorrow and stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard. In the male and female leads. The plot is that it takes place after the failings of the first park and now, the park has finally been opened as the trailers have said. So thing goes terrible wrong as many Jurassic films tend to do.

Chris Pratt, really shines in this film. He is the star of the film not saying Howard was bad or anything, but Pratt really does really great work in the film. He is easily the most interesting character the film has to offer. When he is on the screen the film really just clicks and feels like a great summer action blockbuster. The score of the film also should be mentioned, Michael Giacchino had some big shoes to feel when it comes to replacing John Williams. He does very well as the composer of the film. I liked a lot of the pieces he had thought out the film. Then finally the CGI of the film was very impressive. All the Dinosaurs feel like they are actually on the screen and have a lot of texture and detail to them. Which is leagues above the third Jurassic Park film. So you can really see how far we have come in technology.

Now, don't get me wrong when I say this, but I actually did enjoy this film. At least an hour of it. I thought it was a fun summer blockbuster, but that is truly about it.  I personally will never watch this film again. The characters and script of this film are not the best. Like I said before Pratt really shines because he was the only character that had a good plot and was a well written character. Howard's acting was good, but had a terrible introduction so I never was attached to her character. The kids of the film also have nothing intersecting besides a plot that we have seen a million times and have way too much backstory that takes away from the main plot of the film. This whole film just felt way too busy and was a just a mix bag of stories that got thrown to together because it changed so many hands. I will give massive props to Trevorrow, who I could tell was a big fan of the original film. Giving tons of nods to the first one and showing some great recreations of scenes that we all know and love.  My closing thoughts on this film is that it feels like a lot of wasted potential. Going from doing something very cool and smart back to being mind numbingly stupid the next. The film really tries to uncover the bones of the first one, but only barely scratching  the surface.

RATING
1.5 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Entourage

Entourage is based off the HBO show and is following the end of the show. It stars all the characters from the show and takes place right after the show. The story is Vincent has been given the chance to be a first time director and take on this new huge project. This is the story of the normal crew and their misadventures as they get this film made. The film stars all the cast from the showing returning to their roles and adding a few stars. Such as Billy Bob Thornton.

Now, the problem with films that based off the show and are continuing the story from the show. Is that it effectively splits your audience in half. I watch a lot of shows, but was I never able to see an episode of Entourage. I also, love it when a show gets to continue its story if the ending isn't the best or didn't really have one or just wants to continue telling stories of these characters. I am looking at you Serenity/Firefly, Star Trek, and the latest Veronica Mars feature, but when it's the first film like this one is you have to explain a lot of back story. So the people who haven't seen the show well know what is going on. Entourage does a nearly perfect job of this. The first 30 minutes of the film tells you the back story of the characters and fleshes them out so you get to know who each one of these guys are. They also made a great comedy plot. Which all takes place in the "real" world of LA. This film was very funny for someone who has never seen the show and I can only assume that is better for people that have seen the show all the way to its end. All the jokes land if you are in to the over top comedy style of the show.

My biggest problems of the film is that a lot of plot is very slowly shown thought out the film. It feels like a longer version of the TV show. Which is sadly probably what it is. The main plot doesn't really move. Its there and contest, but doesn't go anywhere till the last bit, which wraps up everything very fast. Also if you don't like the comedy of the show, you should avoid the film as well. They don't change that in the slightest. At least that is what I have been told from friends who have seen the show. Now, I would recommend this to fans of the show. They have easter eggs and story ends to all the characters. I would also recommend this to people who wanted to watch the show and just ever got around to seeing it. It has that Tropic Thunder like metahumor that I personally really enjoy and if you like that film. I think you will enjoy this one as well.

RATING
3 out of 4 Ticket Stubs

Mad Max: Fury Road

Mad Max: Fury Road is the sequel to Beyond Thunderdome and is the reboot to the Mad Max franchise. So if you don't know much about the franchise it is an post apocalyptic world where gas and water is the most valuable things you can have. It stars Tom Hardy as Max (replacing the Mel Gibson) Charlize Theronm who shares the opening credit title card with Tom Hardy (more on that later) and Nicholas Hoult. The story is your basic we need to get this group of people to to this area. Basically becoming the one of the worlds longest chase scenes.

I am gonna start with the negatives before I get into the positives about this film.  One of them being that this film is a genre film. It is an action film start to finish. It is a insane action film start to finish. Heavy on the insane or Mad... I couldn't help myself. So if this isn't your genre, you may want to skip this one. Also the writing is the weakest part of the film. Not bad, just the weakest part. That's it for the negatives. Time to gush.

This film is the best action film of the year. The only other one that is a contender is Kingsmen. This film is a masterpiece. Everything this film tries to do works. It does to a masterpiece quality. The acting in this film is perfect. Hardy is great as Max. A very good replacement for Gibson. The star of the film thought really is Theron. Her character has a great arc and the best moments in the film. Really stealing the show from Hardy. I was glued to the screen every time she did something. Furiosa (Theron's character name) is gonna go down as one of the great women of cinema. Up there with Ripley and Sarah Connor. I am telling you now. The action of the film is perfect. This is the my type of car film. The stunts they do can only be described as beautiful chaos. Everything they do, you are gonna want to see again and again. Plus it is mostly all practical effects. Those cars are really there flipping. I have been quoted as one of those guys that says that "they don't films like they used to". This film made me shut the hell up. George Miller is the man by the end of this film. Your gonna say watching  this film and saying just how did they do that,  more times then you can count. All the characters are strong. Including all the smaller characters. The film also looks amazing. I knew that from the trailer, but there are shots that just took my breath away. This maybe the best of summer. Done Gushing I swear.

I am not a fan of this series. I have only seen one of them. Two counting this one. I understood the film all the way thought so you don't need to see the others to get this one. So for the love of God gives this film money. So that we can get more films made this way. My rating for the is film is of course is

RATING
4 out of 4 Ticket Stubs