MOVIE REVIEW: SPEAK NO EVIL

 

A dream holiday turns into a living nightmare when an American couple and their daughter spend the weekend at a British family's idyllic country estate.

Director: James Watkins

Cast: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Scoot McNairy

Release Date: September 13, 2024

Genre: Drama, Horror, Thriller

Rated R for some strong violence, language, some sexual content and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1h 50m

Review:

Speak No Evil is a thriller with a lot on its mind delivered in a glossy package by James Watkins paired with a fascinating and multifaceted turn from James McAvoy.  Watkins remake of the 2022 Danish film is immediately engaging and efficient in getting to the meat of the story.  The tension ramps up fairly quickly as we get to know each of the couples in greater detail and Watkins smartly allows his cast to carry the film.  Their interactions are increasingly uncomfortable and darkly funny throughout even if there aren't a ton of surprises in the story since it all plays out in a fairly predictable manner.  It all would have been much less entertaining if the film wasn't blessed with such a strong cast headlined by James McAvoy.  McAvoy runs the gamut of emotions, similar to his turn in 2016's Split, as the alpha male who can go from charming to menacing in the blink of an eye.  He maintains an impressive intensity throughout which is impressive but some of his more subtle mannerisms really flesh out the character giving him more depth and pathos.  His simmering energy is the oil that makes the entire engine run but Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi and Scoot McNairy prove to be more than capable of holding their own in slightly less showy roles.  Mackenzie Davis and Scoot McNairy are impressively authentic as a married couple whose dysfunctional dynamics isn't all that difficult to spot.  Davis brings a perfect combination of liberal sweetness and passive aggressiveness to the character that pairs nicely with McNairy's beaten down emasculation.  Their interactions, especially the non verbal moments communicate so much about their relationship in such a believable manner than you can't but appreciate the work both actors turn in.  Aisling Franciosi does something similar as Paddy's pixie of a wife who's disarmingly sweet but clearly hiding something underneath.  They are all fascinating performances which standout even when compared to McAvoy's outsized turn.  The film faulters in its final act where things get crazier and slightly sillier, but it doesn't keep Speak No Evil from being a fun thrill ride.

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of It Chapter 2

Yesterday it was (finally) back to the cinema for It Chapter 2.

Spoiler level here will be moderate, nothing plot-related, but I'll offer one general thought that may be considered spoilerey. Forewarned is forearmed.

Nearly three decades after the events of Chapter 1, the Losers Club is called back to Derry to face off with their old nemesis.

It Chapter 2 is easily the weaker half of this iconic Stephen King tale, and stretching it to a bloated three-hour runtime did it no favors, though steady pacing keeps the movie from bogging down too much. Creature and gore effects are solid, and the de-aging process used on the youngsters from Chapter 1 didn't bother me, though it's been much maligned elsewhere. There isn't much scary about the film--even the cheap jump scares are too obvious to have much effect--but it is blessed with a talented, likable cast, fronted by Oscar nominee Jessica Chastain and Golden Globe nominee James McAvoy. McAvoy and the less-decorated Bill Hader are especially strong throughout. The kids from Chapter 1 are still solid, though with far less to do than in round one. Frankly, the adults are never quite as interesting.

On the strength of its cast and well-formed characters, It Chapter 2 works best when focused on people and relationships. The story of friendship, reconnecting, and redemption is a timeless one that never fails to engage; unfortunately, the horror/fantasy aspects just don't measure up, and even come off a bit laughable. Thanks to a few tweaks, this version of IT feels less melancholy than the original, and I fear it will fade from memory much more quickly.

It Chapter 2 clocks in at 169 minutes and is rated R for "disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some sexual material."

Despite its many flaws, you'll still want to see the Losers Club through to the end with It Chapter 2.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, It Chapter 2 gets six. Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: IT CHAPTER TWO

Defeated by members of the Losers' Club, the evil clown Pennywise returns 27 years later to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine, once again. Now adults, the childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways. But when people start disappearing, Mike Hanlon calls the others home for one final stand. Damaged by scars from the past, the united Losers must conquer their deepest fears to destroy the shape-shifting Pennywise -- now more powerful than ever.

Director: Andrés Muschietti

Cast: Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, Isaiah Mustafa, Jay Ryan, James Ransone, Andy Bean

Release Date: September 6, 2019

Genre: Horror

Rated R for disturbing violent content and bloody images throughout, pervasive language, and some crude sexual material.

Runtime: 2 h 50 min

Review:

It Chapter Two has the unenviable task of trying to tie up the story started in the original film.  Much like the original novel and mini series adaptation the latter half of the story doesn’t quite have the pop or elegance of the first half of the story.  This sequel is bigger and has a more expansive mythology.  It has an impressive collection of big name actors as the grown versions of the Losers Club who all play their roles fairly well.  Still, as you sit through Andrés Muschietti’s nearly 3 hour opus you keep waiting for something amazing or truly terrifying to happen.  It never does as we go through a variety of side stories and back stories.  That’s not to say there aren’t any thrilling or mildly scary sequences because there are but the problem is that it all feels sort of routine leaving the film like a hodgepodge collection of horror tropes blended into a single film.  It’s never a bad film per say but it’s not a great film either.  The main issue is that the central villain is put on display much too often which makes each subsequent appearance less and less scary.  By the conclusion some of the moments come off as funnier as opposed to spine tingling, making it feel closer to a late era Nightmare on Elm Street which is fitting since there’s a visual nod to the 5^th film in that series.


B-

MOVIE REVIEW: DARK PHOENIX

This is the story of one of the X-Men’s most beloved characters, Jean Grey, as she evolves into the iconic DARK PHOENIX. During a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean is hit by a cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this increasingly unstable power as well as her own personal demons, Jean spirals out of control, tearing the X-Men family apart and threatening to destroy the very fabric of our planet. The film is the most intense and emotional X-Men movie ever made. It is the culmination of 20 years of X-Men movies, as the family of mutants that we’ve come to know and love must face their most devastating enemy yet -- one of their own.

Director: Simon Kinberg

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Sophie Turner, Tye Sheridan, Alexandra Shipp, Jessica Chastain

Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action including some gunplay, disturbing images, and brief strong language

Release Date: June 7, 2019

Genres: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Runtime: 1h 54 min

Review:

It’s typically not the biggest compliment for a film when you start comparing it to past entries in the franchise only to confirm that it’s not as bad as some of the series low spots.  In this case, Dark Phoenix isn’t the collective disaster that X-Men The Last Stand was and it’s far more palatable than X-Men Apocalypse.  That doesn’t necessarily make a good film though, it’s serviceable at best.  The first two acts of the film rush through exposition and tries to get the audience to care about Jean Grey whom we’ve spent barely anytime with as a character in the previous films.  Sophie Turner just isn’t terribly engaging as the titular character, her acting ranger here seem to consist of staring blankly into space angrily.  The real shame is that the film is stacked with excellent actors and actresses across the board.  Jennifer Lawrence is barely given much to do and her character’s storyline doesn’t land the way it should.  It’s a consistent issue with the film, its first two acts feel like an emotionless slog peppered with some respectable action sequences.  Jessica Chastain’s character and performance exemplify this since she’s a walking talking emotionless villain who’s not so much a character but a plot device to move the story forward. She’s utterly wasted throughout the film, much like Michael Fassbender whose role feels more like an extended cameo.  James McAvoy fares slightly better but it not enough to turn the tide, the films final battle is solid but strangely Simon Kinberg decided it was a good idea to uses certain beats from The Last Stand.  Since the final act was entirely reshot, it’s hard not to see a problematic production turn into a messy uninspired film.

C

MOVIE REVIEW: SHERLOCK GNOMES

After a string of garden gnome disappearances in London, Gnomeo & Juliet look to legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes to solve the case of their missing friends and family.

Director: John Stevenson

Cast: James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J. Blige, Johnny Depp

Rated PG for some rude and suggestive humor.

Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy

Runtime: 1h 26min

Review:

Sherlock Gnomes is a fun and lighthearted sequel that works more than it doesn’t even though it doesn’t deliver a ton of surprises.  Going through the basic of Sherlock Holmes mythology in gnome form plays out in a fun family friendly manner.  Johnny Depp provides the voice for Sherlock Gnomes and gives him a fun self centered narcissistic voice.  Depp and Emily Blunt spend the better part of the film together and they have some fun chemistry.  McAvoy spends the better part of the film on a separate storyline which means that he and Blunt don’t have a lot of interplay which was the highlight of the original but it’s all in service of the story.  The film has a solid message of not taking loved ones for granted which is a bit more thoughtful than it really needed to be for this type of family film which is refreshing. 

B

Cindy Prascik's Triple Feature Weekend: Sherlock Gnomes / Peter Rabbit / Pacific Rim: Uprising

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for that rarest of treats: a triple feature. On the docket: Sherlock Gnomes, Peter Rabbit, and Pacific Rim: Uprising.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

First up: Sherlock Gnomes.

When all of London's garden gnomes go missing, it's up to the world's greatest detective to solve the case.

 

Like it's predecessor Gnomeo and Juliet, Sherlock Gnomes banks on good-nature and likability for its appeal. It's not a game-changer and and it won't be remembered by awards voters when that time rolls around again, but it's the most enjoyable movie I've seen in a good long while. The movie is blessed with a terrific cast, including newcomers Johnny Depp and Chiwetel Ejiofor, returning favorites James McAvoy and Emily Blunt, and...yes...Ozzy Osbourne, whom the filmmakers are wise enough to use in moderation. The art and animation are pretty, bright, and colorful, if not revolutionary, and the cute story bounces along to a cheerful score by Chris Bacon, peppered with familiar snippets of Elton John songs. Sherlock Gnomes expertly rides a fine line, working for kids of all ages while also entertaining adults. There is nothing here that will disturb or upset the young ones, but, in addition to the tunes, there are several adult gags that aim far enough over kids' heads that parents won't be left answering uncomfortable questions afterward. If the message is familiar, the movie delivers it in such charming fashion you won't even mind. Sadly, there's no Jason Statham gnome this time around (*sobs*), but I still loved Sherlock Gnomes exactly as much as I expected, and I expected a LOT.

Sherlock Gnomes runs a quick 86 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude and suggestive humor." (Though the more crass bits from the trailer are missing from the finished product.)

 

Sherlock Gnomes is great fun for all ages. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Sherlock Gnomes gets eight.

 

Next on my agenda: Peter Rabbit.

 

Rabbits and humans jockey for territory in a somewhat abrasive fairytale.

 

Well, dear reader(s), if there's one thing I want you to know right off the bat, it's that Peter Rabbit probably isn't as bad as you'd think from the trailers or from everything you've heard. Make no mistake, it has BIG problems, but it overcomes most of them for an enjoyable outing.

 

Getting the bad news out of the way first, we'll begin with the obvious: Those damn rabbits. They are utterly insufferable, like the brattiest, most annoying kids you've ever met. It makes rooting for them impossible, even when the film hits that "delivering the message" point where the relevant parties are supposed to become the best versions of themselves. While the physical comedy mostly works, and Domhnall Gleeson's expressions and timing are impeccable (more on that later), the film's "jokes" are painfully bad, especially a couple awkward attempts at social commentary. The movie struggles mightily to settle on a tone, doubling-down on unfunny attempts at humor and, especially towards the beginning, coming across rather nasty. Finally, though the parental guidelines don't mention it, there are a couple things in this movie that may be upsetting to younger kids. At one point when the rabbits' well being is threatened, there was a small boy in my screening screaming, "I don't like it! I DON'T LIKE IT!" so...um...take care with those little ones, will ya?

 

Now the good news, and there's more of it than I expected. Leads Domhnall Gleeson and Rose Byrne are ridiculously adorable and have great chemistry. Gleeson, who seems to be in every single movie these days and continues to prove he's pretty amazing at everything, shows off some solid comic chops, working mostly opposite a tennis ball on a stick that would later become the film's talking woodland creatures. An almost-unrecognizable Sam Neill is also great (as always) in too little screen time. The story never really goes anywhere you don't expect, but I'm not sure you'd want it to. Songs pop up awkwardly throughout the movie, but there are some great pop nuggets that are no less enjoyable for the weird placement. Ultimately, the charm of Gleeson and Byrne outweighs the negatives just enough to make Peter Rabbit worth your while.

 

Peter Rabbit clocks in at 95 minutes and is rated PG for "some rude humor and action."

 

I'd taken a pass on Peter Rabbit weeks ago, and only saw it this week by virtue of a cinema schedule that left a huge gap between Sherlock Gnomes and Pacific Rim. In the finest example of backhanded praise you're likely to find today, I can tell you it was certainly better than spending two hours sitting in the hallway. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Peter Rabbit gets five.

 

Closing yesterday's triple-header was the sequel Pacific Rim: Uprising.

 

Hey guys...guys...we're cancelling the apocalypse again, 'kay?

 

Uprising is a big step down from the original Pacific Rim, and I can assure you with a reasonable amount of certainty, dear reader(s), that I didn't find it so only because it's missing Charlie Hunnam and Idris Elba. (Though that won't ever help in my eyes, obvs.) The film suffers from paper-doll characters and painfully bad dialogue, but is salvaged somewhat by its likable cast. Though the action is solid, the plot is weak and filled with predictable twists. Lorne Balfe's score is properly epic, and the effects are as massive as a movie-hugeness junkie like me could hope, but, ultimately, if you want brainless fun with big robots, Transformers is a better option.

 

Pacific Rim: Uprising is a witless good time that you'll forget almost as soon as you exit the cinema. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Pacific Rim: Uprising gets six.

 

Until next time...

 

MOVIE REVIEW: ATOMIC BLONDE

Oscar® winner Charlize Theron explodes into summer in Atomic Blonde, a breakneck action-thriller that follows MI6’s most lethal assassin through a ticking time bomb of a city simmering with revolution and double-crossing hives of traitors. The crown jewel of Her Majesty’s Secret Intelligence Service, Agent Lorraine Broughton (Theron) is equal parts spycraft, sensuality and savagery, willing to deploy any of her skills to stay alive on her impossible mission. Sent alone into Berlin to deliver a priceless dossier out of the destabilized city, she partners with embedded station chief David Percival (James McAvoy) to navigate her way through the deadliest game of spies.

Director: David Leitch 

Cast: Charlize Theron, James McAvoy, John Goodman, Sofia Boutella, Til Schweiger

Release Date: Jul 28, 2017

Genres: Action/Adventure, Suspense/Thriller

Rated R for for sequences of strong violence, language throughout, and some 
sexuality/nudity

Review:

Atomic Blonde is a stylish spy thriller that’s a great vehicle for a kick ass Charlize Theron.  That’s really the main attraction here, watching Charlize Theron repeatedly beat up anyone and everyone in a variety of fashions.  The film’s action sequences are impressive works of art that really highlight the director’s strengths.  The two major sequences, one involving a rope and lots of police and the finale which is one of the most brutal fight sequences in a long time, are when the film hits its peak.  The plot though is a slight weakness, the spy plot is pretty basic, missing microfilm, and there aren’t nearly as many twist and turns as you’d expect.  Still it’s got enough style blended with a strong 80s soundtrack to make it memorable.     

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Atomic Blonde

Dearest Blog: Thanks to a half-day closing at the office, I was able to avoid the weekend rush and catch a Friday-afternoon screening of Atomic Blonde.

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

Against a backdrop of the tumultuous days leading to the fall of the Berlin Wall, agents from several nations race to claim a stolen piece of valuable intelligence.

 

Regular reader(s) will have heard me say time and again that I haven't much interest in movies about women, but apparently my interest can be piqued when said women are beating the ever-lovin' crap out of everyone. Take note, Hollywood.

 

If we're being honest, Atomic Blonde is mostly a bunch of wild action sequences strung together with a thin of bit spy-thriller thread. The plot is compelling, with a few great twists, but it can't steal the spotlight from the movie's fight and chase scenes. It is a testament to how great the action is that you won't mind that a bit. It's a testament to the rest that the movie still has a few surprises up its sleeve. 

 

The lovely Charlize Theron is...well...lovely, ceaselessly making fashion statements while knocking people's lights out. (Note to self: Anyone dressed too nicely is probably a spy.) Theron is mesmerizing, carrying the movie as effortlessly as her character puts down the bad guys. James McAvoy, Sofia Boutella, Eddie Marsan, John Goodman, and Toby Jones round out an excellent supporting cast. Atomic Blonde features terrific graffiti-style graphics on the titles and credits, some beautiful scenery, and the best fight choreography I've seen in many a day. Full marks for all of the above, but if I told you any of that was the movie's high point, I'd be lying. No, the best thing about Atomic Blond is its wonderful soundtrack, featuring a couple-dozen of the 80s best nuggets, including the original German versions of two of my favorites: Peter Schilling's Major Tom (Coming Home) and Nena's 99 Luftballons. As most of the film's brutality is set to music, a final face-off is all the more effective for being backed by nothing but the sound of punches landing and people getting the wind knocked out of them.

 

Atomic Blonde clocks in at 115 minutes and is rated R for "sequences of strong violence, language throughout, and some sexuality/nudity."

 

These days people talk a lot about the importance of representation in film. I'm not sure anyone will be calling Atomic Blonde an "important representation for girls," but if, like me, you're a girl who would rather jump off a cliff than sit through Wild or its ilk again, it's certainly a step in the right direction. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Atomic Blonde gets eight.

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: SPLIT

An outing takes a sinister turn for three teenage friends (Anya Taylor-Joy, Haley Lu Richardson, and Jessica Sula) when they are kidnapped by a ruthless stranger (James McAvoy) and imprisoned in his basement. They soon learn that their captor has multiple-personality disorder, forcing them to plot their escape without ever knowing which of his 23 personas -- young or old, male or female, benign or monstrous -- they will confront on the way out. Written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan. ~ Violet LeVoit, Rovi

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Cast: James McAvoy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Betty Buckley, Haley Lu Richardson, Brad William Henke, 

Sebastian Arcelus

Release Date: Jan 20, 2017

Rated PG-13 for Some Language, Disturbing Thematic Content, Disturbing Behavior and Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 57 min.

Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

M. Night Shyamalan hasn’t made a good movie in a long long while.  I’ve personally found him to be one of the most frustrating and annoying directors in recent memory.  Typically his films have an interesting premise but he can’t help but show us exactly how clever he thinks he is.  Spilt suffers from similar issues.  Shyamalan is helped greatly by some stellar performances from James McAvoy and Anya Taylor-Joy.  McAvoy is fully committed to the role and its fun watching him switch through personalities with incredible ease.  McAvoy’s role is the center piece but Anya Taylor-Joy is nearly as impressive in a more subtle role.  Taylor-Joy continues to impress after her star making turn in last years The Witch.  She displays some impressive talent that bodes well for her in the future.  Sadly, both performances can’t save a messily made child abuse allegory.  In a better filmmaker’s hand, this could have been a special film that could have really taken advantage of the strong performances.  Instead Shyamalan delivers a heavy handed child abuse parable all the while sexualizing his young stars with some outright creepy shots and plot devices.  Like every M. Night Shyamalan there’s a twist and a pointless cameo by the director.  The twist is entirely inorganic and comes entirely out of left field, its sole purpose is to remind audiences that Shyamalan made decent films a long time ago.

C

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Alice Through the Looking Glass & X-Men: Apocalypse

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the maligned pair of Alice Through the Looking Glass and X-Men: Apocalypse. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

Well, dear Reader(s), I was prepared to tell you neither of these pictures is as bad as you've probably heard, but last night I spent good money to watch How to Be Single, so, by comparison, now I guess I'm prepared to call them both Oscar worthy. 

 

First on the docket: Alice Through the Looking Glass. The further adventures of Ms. Kingsleigh and her whimsical Wonderland friends. It's probably fair to say that Through the Looking Glass is the sequel nobody who isn't collecting a paycheck from it ever wanted, but I'm pleased to report it's really not all that bad. 

 

On the positive side, the movie boasts enjoyable performances from Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, and Helena Bonham Carter. Colleen Atwood's costumes are glorious, and Danny Elfman provides a magical score. 

 

The film kicks off with an exciting high-seas action sequence, sets and cinematography are beautiful throughout, and there's some nice CGI work. On the downside, there won't be much middle ground on Depp's Mad Hatter; if you don't love it, you're likely to hate it, as I did with that weird, fluttery thing Anne Hathaway kept doing with her hands. 

 

In one of his final roles, Alan Rickman has barely three lines. Finally, though the movie mostly keeps a good pace and isn't overlong, the final act slows to a snail's pace. Alice Through the Looking Glass runs 113 minutes and is rated PG for "fantasy action/peril and some language." 

 

It's hardly special, especially from a company that inspires the devotion that Disney does, but Alice Through the Looking Glass provides a couple hours of enjoyable escapism. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Alice Through the Looking Glass gets five. Fangirl points: Richard Armitage and Andrew Scott. 

 

Next on my agenda: X-Men: Apocalypse. When a godlike mutant threatens to destroy the world, the X-Men must band together to save it. X-Men: Apocalypse isn't a perfect film, but it's good fun and hardly deserves the critical beating it's taking. The movie has a fantastic cast and does a fine job of fairly distributing screen time, though, once again, its Evan Peters' Quicksilver who manages to steal the show. 

 

If a brief, crowd-pleasing appearance by a certain someone isn't precisely a surprise in this Internet age, it definitely retains its impact on the audience, if not really on the plot. Apocalypse runs overlong and is a bit convoluted, but the action is terrific and keeps things moving at a good pace. Some great effects and huge set pieces make the movie well worth seeing on a big screen. 

 

X-Men: Apocalypse clocks in at 144 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence, action, and destruction, brief strong language, and some suggestive images." The weakest link in a pretty strong trilogy, X-Men: Apocalypse is still worth your movie dollar. Of a possible nine Weasleys, X-Men: Apocalypse gets six. Fangirl points: Zeljko Ivanek and a Duran Duran "Rio" poster on the wall! 

 

Until next time... 

 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: X-MEN: APOCALYPSE

Director: Bryan Singer 

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Oscar Isaac, Nicholas Hoult

Release Date: May 27, 2016

Rated: PG-13 for brief Strong Language, Action and Destruction, Sequences of Violence and Some Suggestive Images.

Runtime: 2 hr. 23 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

X-Men: Apocalypse isn’t the rousing success that Days of Future Past but it’s a fairly enjoyable X-Men adventure.  That’s not to say there aren’t issues.  The most glaring of which is the general waste of talent.   The cast is made up of excellent actors but none of them are really given anything substantial to do.  Oscar Isaac’s turn as the titular villain is decidedly underwhelming.  The character isn’t particularly interesting and his four horseman, three of which seem utterly useless, sound like a better idea than it actually is.  Michael Fassbender’s Magneto is still the most interesting character in the redux series but even his story feels a tad bit tacked on and inorganic.  Thankfully it’s a swift movie with it rarely muddling down or lingering too much on minutia.  The action is impressive all around especially Evan Peters rescue sequence which is more elaborate and impressive than the one in the Days of Future Past.  As a whole, the film has plenty to like but I can help but feel like it’s a missed opportunity.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Victor Frankenstein & Creed

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Thanks to my employer's generous early dismissal yesterday, I got an early start on the holiday weekend at Marquee Cinemas. 

 

Hollywood owed me an apology for those two stinkers last weekend, and I'm pleased to report they couldn't better have made up for it than with Victor Frankenstein and Creed. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

First on my agenda: Victor Frankenstein, a new twist on an oft-told tale. Victor Frankenstein is much more a story of man than monster, a sort of "origins" movie, told from the perspective of Frankenstein's young associate, Igor. Daniel Radcliffe effectively continues to distance himself from his Harry Potter days, running the physical and emotional gamut as Igor. He is fantastic! James McAvoy brings the crazy to his entertaining portrayal the (in)famous Victor Frankenstein, perpetual frantic motion and spit. (Seriously, had this been filmed in California, they'd no longer have a drought problem.) 

 

The movie boasts lovely costumes and set design, a healthy dose of humor, some groovy effects, the expectedly-high gross-out factor...annnnnd...for as much as we see of him, the Monster looks terrific. 

 

Victor Frankenstein runs a quick 109 minutes and is rated PG13 for "macabre images, violence, and a sequence of destruction." As with any re-imagining of a classic, Victor Frankenstein won't be everyone's cup of tea, but I kinda loved it. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Victor Frankenstein gets seven. 

 

Next on the docket, the latest installment in the Rocky saga: Creed. An aging Rocky Balboa reluctantly signs on to train the young son of his friend and former rival Apollo Creed. 

 

It's a holiday weekend in the US and I'm sure everyone's busy with family and friends and shopping, but as a self-decreed Internet authority, I must insist you MAKE TIME TO GET OUT AND SEE THIS MOVIE. 

 

Michael B. Jordan is amazing as the young Creed--so good you'll have no choice but to forgive that last Fantastic Four movie!--and Sylvester Stallone is as reliable as you'd expect as the reluctant mentor. 

 

I'm sure he could play Rocky in his sleep by now, yet he's no less effective, sympathetic, or heartbreaking for it. Creed moves at a good clip, despite a runtime that's a tad longer than it needs to be. 

 

The boxing action is well executed--and thus a bit much for the non-enthusiast--and the story is extremely well crafted. If the movie is a tad hokey at times, it's so much more genuine and emotional and inspirational, with just enough of the right kind of humor at the right times. 

 

The Liverpudlian baddie is so broadly drawn I half-expected his walkup music to be Love Me Do, but that's a tiny quibble with what's overall a really-extra-super-great movie. (Also his handler is Dwalin from the Hobbit, so...POINTS!) Creed clocks in at 133 minutes and is rated PG13 for "violence, language, and some sensuality." 

 

Creed will leave you feeling like Judd Nelson at the end of The Breakfast Club. It is everything I love about movies. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Creed gets eight. Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of X-Men: Days of Future Past

Dearest Blog, today it was off to the cinema in the hope that X-Men: Days of Future Past would live up the hype. I am pleased to report I was not disappointed.

Spoiler level here will be mild, limited to one very specific, non plot-related...um..."asset" that I must mention.

Logan travels to the past to try to change history and avoid a terrible fate for mutants and humans.

Well, dear Blog, whenever the 70s are in play, one thing's for sure: the fashion is going to be good for laughs, whether intentional or not. While Days of Future Past doesn't go full American Hustle, it's fair to say the ascot is not Michael Fassbender's best look.

I love the cast of X-Men: Days of Future Past like I've loved few others. Were I to make a bullet list of the acting awesomeness, we'd be here all night. Suffice to say everyone is just great, and it's worth mentioning that Evan Peters--who is routinely terrific in American Horror Story--is every bit as good as his better-known castmates in his sadly limited screen time.

With its wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey plot, Days of Future Past could have ended up a convoluted mess, but instead it's handled expertly, a clever story that never bogs down. If the movie feels a little too long, I can't say there was so much as a minute I wasn't engaged. The effects are solid and--yes!!--we do get one (1) "pants optional" scene with the ever-fit Mr. Jackman. (The movie gods have heard my prayers!) If I had one complaint, it's that I kinda feel like what's the point of anything happening if you can just go back and make it un-happen, or what we'll call "The Heroes Effect."

That sounds like a pretty huge problem, but it diminishes my enthusiasm for neither the film nor the franchise.

I did not see this in 3D, and I can't say I felt like I was missing anything.

X-Men: Days of Future Past clocks in at 131 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity, and language."

X-Men: Days of Future Past gets full marks for writing, acting, directing, and effects, and a few small quibbles won't stop me from calling it a truly great movie.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, X-Men: Days of Future Past gets eight.

Until next time...

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MOVIE REVIEW: X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST

Convinced that mutants pose a threat to humanity, Dr. Bolivar Trask (Peter Dinklage) develops the Sentinels, enormous robotic weapons that can detect a mutant gene and zero in on that person. In the 21st century, the Sentinels have evolved into highly efficient killing machines. With mutants now facing extinction, Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) volunteers to go back in time and rally the X-Men of the past to help change a pivotal moment in history and thereby save their future.

Director: Bryan Singer 

Cast: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen.

Release Date: May 23, 2014

Runtime: 2 hr. 11 min. 

Genres: Sci-Fi Action, Superhero Film, Action, Fantasy

Review:

All in all I don’t think I’d be too far off base by saying that X-Men: Days of Future Past was probably more challenging endeavor than assembling The Avengers.  Thankfully Bryan Singer is back in the drivers seat along with an incredibly strong script which works surprisingly well even with the all the characters and timelines at play.  Singer’s ability to weave complex storylines while keeping the story’s heart is his gift to the series.  Watching him build this epic story will leave most fans even more bitter that he choose Superman Returns over the third X-men film.  Everything about the story is huge and the action set pieces are simply dazzling with the film rarely faltering during its 2 hour runtime.  James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence are all in fine form.  They’re all much more comfortable in the characters skin bringing even more depth and meaning to each of them.  Hugh Jackman also gives us his best turn as Wolverine since X-2.  The original cast gets their moments to shine even if some of the new characters mostly serve as superhero fodder with the exception of Evans Peters Quicksilver who’s gone from the film far too quickly.  X-Men: Days of Future Past was probably one of the most anticipated film on this years calendar and is a rare example of a film delivering in spades.

A-

[Full Trailer] X-Men: Days of Future Past

The full trailer of the upcoming X-men: Days of Future Past really gives a peek at the scale of the spectacle that’s going to be on full display.  The trailer is quite impressive since it gives us a better look at the story and sentinels both past and future models along with plenty of hero shots. 

My expectations are pretty high, hopefully it delivers….

[Trailer] X-Men: Days of Future Past

That nerd screech you heard earlier today was just a normal reaction to the next big comic book movie on the horizon. After being revitalized by prequel/reboot X-Men: First Class, the franchise suddenly had some interesting avenues it could explore but most were surprised when it was announced they’d tackle the legendary Days of Future Past storyline helmed by Bryan Singer and mixing the old cast with the new one.

Personally, I think this might be a more daunting task than The Avengers because of how established the characters are in the old and new iterations. This first trailer gives us a glimpse into the ominous storyline with plenty of glimpse at the returning cast members, more so than the more recent incarnations. It’s not heavy on effects, most aren’t ready, which actually benefits the trailer getting me even more intrigued, check it out below…

MOVIE REVIEW: TRANCE

A thieving art auctioneer seeks the help of an alluring hypnotherapist in order to repair his damaged memory and recover the treasured Goya painting that he stashed following a brazen heist in this kinetic thriller reteaming Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle with Trainspotting and Shallow Grave screenwriter John Hodge.. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi

Director: Danny Boyle

Cast: James McAvoy, Vincent Cassel, Rosario Dawson, Danny Sapani, Tuppence Middleton.

Release Date: Apr 05, 2013

Rated R for language, Graphic Nudity, Sexual Content, Some Grisly Images and Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Danny Boyle’s pulse pounding techno noir film Trance is a mind bending assault on the senses. It starts off with a wonderfully shot heist that provides the mcguffin for the plot. Once Rosario Dawson’s character is introduced it’s easy to wonder what’s real and what’s not. It’s a film that’s best during the journey down the rabbit hole. It’s a bendy journey which borders on directorial excess but it’s never boring. The film and performances are all incredibly engaging even if the actual plot is a poorly built match stick castle which relies a little too much on chance. James McAvoy gives a wonderfully frazzled sweaty performance as the sort of lead. Rosario Dawson, sporting an impressive hair bun, is just luminous as the hypnotherapist. Dawson just commands the screen every time she’s on it regardless of how ludicrous the situation. Vincent Cassel character is underwritten but he’s always dependable. Boyle’s film would have faired better if it’d been left open ended since it’s so intent on playing games with our senses. Still it’s the type of film that’s probably worth revisiting.

B-

First Look At "X-Men: First Class" Cast

After sitting through the eye gouging bad X-men Origin Wolverine, I don’t know if I have any sort of hope for any future outings, even though Darren Aronofsky’s The Wolverine is intriguing, but this cast shot looks kind of fun….

Courtesy of DarkHorizons.com



The first photo from "X-Men: First Class", the 60's set prequel to the franchise, appeared on MSN today and has been confirmed. MSN later took it down at 20th Century Fox's request that the photo is unauthorized which suggests it's not a final version.

In the photo from L TO R: Michael Fassbender as Magneto, Rose Byrne as Moira MacTaggert, January Jones as Emma Frost (aka the White Queen), Jason Flemyng as Azazel (aka Nightcrawler's father), Nicholas Hoult as the Beast, Lucas Till as Havoc, Zoe Kravitz as Angel Salvadore, Jennifer Lawrence as Raven Darkholme (aka Mystique), and James McAvoy as Charles Xavier.Courtesy of DarkHorizons.com