Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Jungle Book, The Angry Birds Movie, Now You See Me 2

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Now You See Me 2 and Warcraft...except I couldn't bring myself to face Warcraft and ended up catching up on The Jungle Book and Angry Birds instead. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. (I'm assuming everyone knows Warcraft is terrible from the trailers?) 

 

First on the docket: The Jungle Book. When the vicious tiger Shere-Khan threatens his life, Mowgli, a boy raised by a wolf pack, is forced to flee his jungle home. 

 

The Jungle Book is a gorgeous film, and a vote of confidence for CGI at a time when, let's face it, even the biggest-budget CGI is starting to look a little dodgy. The movie is probably eighty-percent jungle and jungle animals, and the only time you can tell most of it is fake is when the bear starts singing. I've never seen a real one sing. 

 

Then again, my experience with bears is somewhat limited. Outside its technical virtures, the movie's main plus is some great voice work from the likes of Idris Elba, Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Lupita Nyong'o, Christopher Walken, and Scarlett Johanssn. 

 

Unfortunately, it's merely a silver lining on what's ultimately a pretty boring picture. The movie tiptoes around its brutality, with most of it played out off screen. It would have served no one's purpose for a kids' film to be a total bloodbath, but the impact of losses is certainly diminished. There are chases and plenty of other action, but the movie is plain dull in its execution. 

 

The second half, in particular, seems to drag on forever. The Jungle Book clocks in at 106 minutes and is rated PG for "some sequences of scary action and peril." Worth a look for its technical prowess alone, 2016's Jungle Book sadly falls short of the animated feature on which it's based. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Jungle Book gets five. Fangirl points: Giancarlo Esposito. Again! 

 

Next up: The Angry Birds Movie. An island of peaceful, (mostly) happy, flightless birds faces a threat from neighboring green pigs. 

 

Whoa. Trippiest. Synopsis. Ever. Dear Reader(s), I have not even a passing familiarity with video games. 

 

Luckily, The Angry Birds Movie is pretty cute, and I don't think I missed out on anything for not having spent hours with my nose in my phone, playing the Angry Birds game. Angry Birds is a great-looking picture, full of gorgeous animation and bright colors. The film boasts an impressive array of voice talent, including Jason Sudeikis, Josh Gad, Peter Dinklage, and Sean Penn. 

 

The plot is pretty thin, but the film keeps moving and doesn't bog down. There's some charming humor alongside some that's truly disgusting...at least for grownups...as well as a lovely score by Heitor Pereira. The Angry Birds Movie runs 97 minutes and is rated PG for "rude humor and action." It's no game-changer, but Angry Birds is a bright, colorful, quick-moving film that's fun for the whole family. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Angry Birds Movie gets six. 

Fangirl points: Angry Birds was created in Finland. This movie kicks off with a Black Sabbath song. (I'm not joking.) 

 

Finally, the closer on yesterday's agenda: Now You See Me 2. After hiding out for 18 months, the Horsemen resurface to perform their greatest heist yet. 

 

When the first Now You See Me was released into a summer of prequels, sequels, and reboots, I recall lauding it as a breath of fresh air in a sea of franchise installments. Of course, then Hollywood had to go and commission a sequel because...Hollywood. 

 

The good news is, if the sequel wasn't entirely necessary, it is a great time nonetheless. NYSM2 raises the stakes from the Horsmen's first outing, meaning even more incredible stunts that require even more suspension of disbelief. 

 

I mean, faking one's death can't possibly be as easy as depicted here (more than once) or everyone who has a crazy ex or owes on a credit card would be doing it! Still, the movie doesn't take itself too seriously, so playing along isn't a problem. Some of the illusions are spectacular, in particular, the rain-manipulation trick hinted at in the trailers, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns to hold your attention. 

 

The cast is terrific from top to bottom, with Jesse Eisenberg again the standout. Lizzy Caplan's character is a somewhat brash replacement for Isla Fisher, but she's great fun and will grow on you quickly. Daniel Radcliffe continues to distance himself from his Potter past with a funny, quirky performance as the film's baddie. 

 

The movie gets a bit preachy here and there, but it's mostly a thrilling, layered ride. Now You See Me 2 clocks in at 129 minutes and is rated PG13 for "violence and some language." That rare sequel that is as good as, and perhaps even better than, the original, 

 

Now You See Me 2 is great fun and (still) something a little different for the summer blockbuster season. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Now You See Me 2 gets seven. Fangirl points: DanRad in *another* movie about magic! 

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE CONJURING 2

Director James Wan brings this supernatural thriller to the screen with another real case from the files of renowned demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.. Reprising their roles, Oscar nominee Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson star as Lorraine and Ed Warren, who, in one of their most terrifying paranormal investigations, travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits.

Director: James Wan

Cast: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga, Frances O'Connor, Madison Wolfe, Simon Delaney

Release Date: Jun 10, 2016

Rated for terror and Horror Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 13 min.

Genres: Horror

Review:

The Conjuring 2 is a strong if slightly forgettable sequel that doesn’t have the same bite as the first film.  James Wan continues to prove he’s one of the stronger directors in the horror genre as he runs through a series of tried and true horror tropes.  In the hands of lesser directors these tropes would feel tired and come off as ineffective.  Wan is capable of finding the perfect tenor of a sense to set up scares which jolts the audience even though most of them know its coming.  While its director and cast are strong, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga are just as committed to their roles as the first tie around, there’s a strong sense of familiarity with the story.  The majority of the film plays out exactly as expected with few surprises in store save for a random Elvis impersonation from Patrick Wilson.  Personally, I’d love to see this franchise continue with Wilson and Farmiga but it’ll need some slightly fresher material to keep it’s bite.    

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows

Dearest Blog: Yesterday I donned my brand new Turtle shirt and headed out to Marquee Cinemas for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo risk exposure to save their beloved New York from the evil Shredder's latest nefarious plot. 

 

Dear Reader(s) the best and most important thing I can tell you about Out of the Shadows is this: the movie is EXACTLY as advertised. If you pay your cinema dollars to see this because the trailers look like fun to you, you will have a great time. 

 

If you pay your cinema dollars just to complain that it isn't The King's Speech, well...I feel a little sorry for you. 

 

The movie opens on a beautiful aerial shot of New York City, and, throughout, the City serves as an important supporting character. Famous landmarks are prominently placed, and both the Knicks and Rangers enjoy a bit of Turtle PR. 

 

TMNT2 boasts some nice action sequences, with well-choreographed fights and exciting chases. The effects are solid, and the CGI looks good, in particular as regards the Turtles' facial movement and expressions, which are terrific. 

 

Of course the movie's principals are heard and not seen, but the supporting faces are notable: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Laura Linney, Tyler Perry, and Dean Winters. 

 

Newcomer Stephen Amell brings an earnestness to Casey Jones that is notably lacking in his Oliver Queen. 

 

The film is quite funny, if often juvenile, and the soundtrack boasts some pretty cool tunes. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows clocks in at 112 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sci-fi action/violence." If you saw TMNT2 and didn't enjoy it, I can only ask, in the words of another famous turtle: "Why don't you like fun?" 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows gets seven. 

 

Until next time... 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: OUT OF THE SHADOWS

When the evil Shredder develops his own mutants, Bebop and Rocksteady, the Turtles must team up with April (Megan Fox), news reporter Vern Fenwick (Will Arnett), and their new vigilante friend Casey Jones (Stephen Amell) to defend New York City from destruction. Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo and Donatello also face an impending invasion from the deranged extraterrestrial Krang in this sequel to 2014's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Dave Green directed this action comedy, with Michael Bay serving as a producer. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Release Date: Jun 03, 2016

Rated: PG-13 for Sci-fi action violence.

Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Director: Dave Green

Cast: Megan Fox, Will Arnett, Tyler Perry, Stephen Amell

Review:

The first film in the rebooted Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series wasn’t a perfect film but it did get primary characters down which has always been sorely missing from the Transformers franchise.  The sequel opens up the world bringing in a handful of classic characters.  The action sequences are bigger, well staged and pretty fun for the most part.  The voice talents for all the animated characters are all spot on with Noah Fisher getting all the best lines throughout.  Stephen Amell and Tyler Perry join the franchise with both proving a mixed bag.  Amell lacks any charisma and chemistry with Megan Fox so he’s just bland throughout.  On the other end of the spectrum is Tyler Perry who’s hamming it up every chance he gets.  The film’s plot is decidedly wacky but it kind of embraces its zaniness, even some of the laughs are decidedly broad. Still, it’s hard for children of the 90’s not to get nostalgic watching some of these characters pop up on screen.  

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

Worshiped as a god since the dawn of civilization, the immortal Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) becomes the first and most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) lead a team of young X-Men to stop their seemingly invincible nemesis from destroying mankind.

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 Review of The Nice Guys

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for one of 2016's best offerings thus far, The Nice Guys. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

When a mismatched pair of sleuths goes looking for a missing girl, they find something far, far bigger. Well, dear Reader(s), THIS is how it's done. The Nice Guys wraps a clever mystery in some great comic bits, and fleshes it out with outstanding performances throughout. 

 

Co-leads Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling are terrific together, with Crowe reminding us why he's one of the world's best-regarded actors, and Gosling displaying some excellent comic chops. 

 

A particularly strong supporting cast includes 15-year-old Angourie Rice, who is precocious but not in the annoying way of so many child actors, and Matt Bomer, no less great for being somewhat under-used. 

 

The mystery at the heart of The Nice Guys will keep you guessing right to the end, and the film features some great action sequences as well. The humor ranges from subtle verbal exchanges to broad physical comedy. 

 

Gosling's bathroom-stall scene, partially featured in one of the trailers, is one of the funniest things you'll ever see, and not at all in a crass "bathroom humor" way. Set in 1977 (for the record, my favorite year of my favorite decade), The Nice Guys displays the music and fashion of the 70s in all their glorious disco majesty, a treat to behold. Finally, the picture is well paced and smart enough not to wear out its welcome, a true cinema home run. 

 

The Nice Guys clocks in at 116 minutes and is rated R for "violence, sexuality, nudity, language, and brief drug use." The Nice Guys is a smart, funny, all-around excellent picture. With Summer Blockbuster Season kicking in, it probably won't hang around long, so I strongly encourage you to get out and see it while you can. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Nice Guys gets eight and a half. Until next time... 

MOVIE REVIEW: NEIGHBORS 2: SORORITY RISING

Two years after feuding with a rowdy frat that moved next door to them, young parents Mac (Seth Rogen) and Kelly (Rose Byrne) are about to have their second child and move to a new house. Unfortunately, their attempts to sell their current home hit a snag when a sorority led by a rebellious college student (Chloë Grace Moretz) become their new neighbors. Desperate to get rid of the hard-partying gals, the couple forge an alliance with Teddy (Zac Efron), the former fratboy who tormented them the last time around. Directed by Nicholas Stoller. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Nicholas Stoller

Cast: Seth Rogen, Rose Byrne, Zac Efron, Chloe Moretz, Selena Gomez

Release Date: May 20, 2016

Rated: R for crude sexual content including brief graphic nudity, language throughout, drug use and teen partying.

Runtime: 1 hr. 32 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising provides some hefty laughs here and there throughout it’s runtime but never really hits the level of consistency of the original.  There’s a haphazard attempt at feminism throughout the film which is about as subtle as a hammer.  It’s a weird mixture since it could have been an interesting slant if it’d been handled properly.  As is, this sequel is another raunchy ride through a recycled plot with characters which are never really fleshed out.  It’s a shame because Chloe Moretz seems like she would have done well with the comedy.  Rogen and Byrne ease back into their roles easily with their interplay being a highlight of the movie.  Byrne continues to impress in her comedic roles but she feels a little underused.  Sadly, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising is another comedy sequel which will be easily overlooked and forgotten since it never reaches the level of the original.

C

Cindy Prascik' s Review of Money Monster

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the entertaining-as-it-is-depressing Money Monster. 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers or if you've personally been hosed in the Market, I guess. 

When one of his stock tips proves to be a bust, a brash TV presenter and his crew are taken hostage by an unhappy investor. Money Monster is a bit hokey at times, but that's about its only shortcoming. 

Blessed with two of Hollywood's most capable and engaging leads, George Clooney and Julia Roberts, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling, the movie grabs your attention and does not let go. 

Jack O'Connell is also terrific, and it's a credit to his performance how easily you'll begin to side with the guy waving the gun around. 

Money Monster expertly maintains tension throughout, spelled with perfectly-timed humor, and is smart enough not to wear out its welcome. 

The movie's very obvious message is about greed and corruption, but also paints an uncomfortable picture of today's society, as as the hostage situation plays out on live television as "entertainment." 

Money Monster clocks in at a smart 98 minutes and is rated R for "language throughout, some sexuality, and brief violence." It may not bring much new to the table, but Money Monster is an exciting and well-acted picture that's well worth your movie dollar. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Money Monster gets seven (and fangirl points for Giancarlo Esposito). 

Until next time... 

MOVIE REVIEW: CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

Political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability when the actions of the Avengers lead to collateral damage. The new status quo deeply divides members of the team. Captain America (Chris Evans) believes superheroes should remain free to defend humanity without government interference. Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) sharply disagrees and supports oversight. As the debate escalates into an all-out feud, Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) and Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner) must pick a side.

Release Date: May 06, 2016 RealD 3D 

Runtime: 2 hr. 26 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Director:Joe Russo, Anthony Russo

Cast: Chris Evans, Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie

Review:

Captain America: Civil War is a busy film that has a lot of ground to cover.  It’s the type of film that has a clear agenda and while the story is fairly predicable it never bores you much, the first act is a tad slow moving, as it moves its chess pieces into place.  The Russo brothers deserve a massive amount of praise for keeping all the proverbial balls in the air while giving each character their time to shine.  It’s an impressive trick considering the size of the cast and none of the characters feel short changed.  The new additions add a welcome breathe of fresh air with Tom Holland’s Spiderman leaving the biggest impression.  As always, the action set pieces are massive and impressive with the airport battle shown in all the promos being the centerpiece.  The best action sequence though might be a fight in an apartment building which is a masterwork of choreography.  Captain America: Civil War is a fun film with a healthy bit of pathos at play but when everything is said and done the story isn’t quite as ground shaking as some have made it out to be. 

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Captian America: Civil War

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the highly-anticipated blockbuster Captain America: Civil War. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from trailers and the odd Internet clip. 

 

Well, dear Reader(s), I've got good news and bad news. The good news is Civil War is a pretty great movie. 

 

The bad news is it doesn't even come close to the masterpiece that preceded it, Captain America: The Winter Soldier. To justify my disappointment, I'll be making some comparisons...not, as regular reader(s) might expect of me, to that *other* costumed hero grudge match movie that came out a few weeks back, but rather to some of Cap's Marvel stablemates. 

 

There are a good many positives here, though, so let's get started with some of those. This cast is a gift. Most everyone is a fantastic talent in his or her own right, and the chemistry among them is extraordinary. Stoic and steely-eyed Chris Evans remains the perfect embodiment of our all-American hero, and is 100% effective in selling Steve Rogers' Boy Scoutish worldview. Sebastian Stan is incredible, but, while he has more screen time this outing, he unfortunately seems to have fewer opportunities to really showcase his skills. 

 

Disappointing. A longtime Stan-Fan must be forgiven for being a little over-enthusiastic about the Captain America movies, as they're pretty much the only decent movies this gifted actor ever makes. 

 

The other returning Avengers are solid as always, and newcomers Tom Holland, Daniel Bruhl, and especially Chadwick Boseman all turn in terrific performances. Those are some BIG impact moments when Black Panther and Spider-Man turn up; electricity rolls through the room like a lightning strike. Civil War includes so many Marvel favorites it's jokingly been called "Avengers 2.5," yet it never shortchanges its titular hero, a remarkable feat in its own right. 

 

Much like The Winter Soldier before it, Civil War opens the action with a massive, complicated sequence that's as much espoinage as ass-kicking, and the overall scope of things leaves some dodgy CGI quickly forgotten. There are plenty of one-liners to go around, and the story itself is engaging, if not as smart or interesting as its predecessor. On the downside, permit me to copy and paste from a hundred previous reviews: This movie is TOO. DAMN. LONG. No excuse for this thing exceeding two hours, certainly it should never run longer than 2:15. 

 

Civil War needs some serious editing, and I don't mean by taking a hacksaw to entire scenes, I mean, as always, by using an Xacto knife to trim it to a sharper, more manageable whole. Civil War gives the original Avengers a run for its money in the battle fatigue department, and much of the fight choreography isn't even all that interesting, particularly by comparison to the stellar Lumerian Star sequence in CATWS. The movie's humor also misses the mark a bit too often. 

 

Unlike Guardians of the Galaxy, which expertly rides a fine line between brilliant and so-goofy-it's-actually-brilliant, Civil War often shoehorns silliness into scenes where it fits poorly with both mood and content. 

 

The deadpan wit of Tony Stark and Sam Wilson always sets well, but Peter Parker, and, to a much lesser degree, Scott Lang, are jarringly stupid at all the wrong times. By comparison to the Winter Soldier, even Henry Jackman's score feels like it's missing something. 

 

Captain America: Civil War runs 146 minutes, and is rated PG13 for "extended sequences of violence, action, and mayhem." It's not a perfect movie, but if you bring those expectations down just a smidge, Civil War is a fun, action-packed bit of brain candy. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Captain America: Civil War gets eight.

 

Until next time... 

 

 

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Huntsman: Winter’s War

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Last night I did that rarest of things for people my age, I made plans to be out on a work night. On my agenda: Marquee Cinemas' sneak-peek of The Huntsman: Winter's War.

 

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

 

I enjoyed Snow White and the Huntsman, but confess I was underwhelmed by the idea of a sequel. In the four years since the original was released, I've even convinced myself it only seemed good due to being released in close proximity to the unfortunate Mirror Mirror, which did such an awful job of (re)telling the same story. However, I have good news for you, dear reader(s): This sequel does NOT suck!

 

The Huntsman gets off to a bit of a slow start, but once it gets rolling, it doesn't stop. The movie's not going to land on anyone's Academy Awards shortlist, but a good cast, nice special effects, and great fight choreography help the thin storyline earn its two-hour runtime. 

 

Chris Hemsworth is charming and easy on the eyes, and Charlize Theoron, though too little used this go-round, is the highlight of the movie as she reprises her evil queen role with wicked relish. Emily Blunt and Jessica Chastain are troopers despite seeming weirdly miscast, and supporting players Nick Frost, Rob Brydon, and Sheridan Smith are especially entertaining in smaller roles. 

 

There are some dodgy Scottish accents to work around, but the players are otherwise more than solid. A fantastic score by James Newton Howard, some very pretty sets and locations, and an ever-changing assortment of stunning evil-queen dresses all help make The Huntsman worth your movie dollar.

 

The Huntsman: Winter's War clocks in at 114 minutes and is rated PG13 for "fantasy action violence and some sensuality."

 

It's not buzzy, nor is it the sort of picture you won't be able to stop talking or thinking about, but if you're looking for an entertaining couple hours filled with action and eye candy, The Huntsman is well worth your time. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Huntsman: Winter's War gets six.

 

Until next time...

 

Cindy Prascik's Review of Criminal

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas to see my main man Gary Oldman in his new movie, Criminal.

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

In order to thwart a nefarious plot, an experimental procudure is used to transfer the mind of a murdered agent into a notorious criminal.

Dear Reader(s), I had genuinely high hopes for Criminal. It's been awhile (four years, to be exact) since Gary has had a critical and/or box office winner, and this one looked like it might break the chain of disappointments. Alas, it was not to be.

Right off the top, Criminal is saddled with one almost-insurmountable handicap, that is, Kevin Costner's acting abilities...or lack thereof. If he were a bit player, or in any supporting role, really, you might get around it, but not when he's the focal point of the whole picture. Sure, the lead character is meant to be a thug lacking social graces, but the way Costner grunts his way through the movie, he might as well be a gorilla...and that's probably not a very nice thing to say about the acting talent of gorillas.

The supporting cast is solid, in particular an under-used Ryan Reynolds, but it's just not enough. Gary's character does a lot of barking orders at people, a somewhat angrier and less honorable Jim Gordon. It's fine for what it is, but it hardly taxes his talent. (Though, for the record, he looks really, REALLY good!)

Criminal presents an interesting premise that fails in its execution. The writing is atrocious, with allegedly top-notch agents acting so stupidly you'll want to scream at the screen. There are a few laugh-out-loud bits prompted by Costner's character's inappropriate behavior. They're uncomfortable, but, curiously, still one of the more entertaining things about a movie that otherwise sleepwalks its way to one of the most insufferably hokey endings ever.

Criminal clocks in at 113 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and language throughout."
In my book, Gary Oldman is reason enough to get out and see ANY movie, but, if you're looking for another reason to see Criminal, you won't find it.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Criminal gets three.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE BOSS

Academy Award®-nominated star Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids, The Heat, Tammy) headlines The Boss as a titan of industry who is sent to prison after she’s caught for insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget.McCarthy is joined in The Boss by an all-star cast led by Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage and Kathy Bates. Directed by Ben Falcone (Tammy), the comedy is based on an original character created by McCarthy and written by McCarthy and Falcone alongside their Groundlings collaborator, Steve Mallory. The film is produced by McCarthy and Falcone through their On the Day productions and Will Ferrell, Adam McKay and Chris Henchy through their Gary Sanchez Productions.

Director: Ben Falcone

Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, Kristen Schaal, Kathy Bates.

Release Date: Apr 08, 2016

Rated R for Sexual content, language and brief drug use.

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

The Boss is a comedy that’s sporadically funny and consistently uneven through out.    It’s not nearly as bad as Tammy, also directed by McCarthy’s husband Ben Falcone, but it does feel like a missed opportunity.  The supporting cast is made up of an excellent collection of comedic actors like Tyler Labine, Cecily Strong and Kristen Schaal but proceeds to give them nothing to do.  Kathy Bates passes through and doesn’t really add much to the film which is a shame because it does seem like there’s a much funnier movie in there but it just never hit’s the sweet spot.  Melissa McCarthy, to her credit, is committed as always and she delivers some of the films funniest lines.  Peter Dinklage seems incredibly at home on the comedic side, I just wished his character was a bit more fleshed out.  Overall it’s a forgettable comedy that’ll probably end up on a late Saturday afternoon double header with Identity Crisis.

C

Cindy Prascik's Review of Hardcore Henry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: With this weekend's promising new releases opening nowhere near me, yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the...um...less-than-promising Hardcore Henry. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

 

A man awakes in a laboratory to discover he's acquired a bunch of robot parts, but lost his memory.

 

Dear Reader(s), I'ma be straight with ya: With time to spare between halves of yesterday's double-feature, I stepped out of Harcore Henry, sat in the hallway, and wrote something akin to Spinal Tap's infamous "S**t Sandwich" review. However, the well-stated enthusiasm of one of my cinema buddies caused me to give the movie some additional thought, and, with thanks to Paul at Marquee, here's a more considered opinion.

 

Hardcore Henry is quite unique. Shown entirely through Henry's eyes, the viewer sees all the wiggly-jiggly action in the first person. While that's not always a great choice for your viewing enjoyment (and thank heavens it's not in 3D!), the filmmakers get full marks for commitment and attention to detail. Every bit looks entirely authentic. 

 

Sharlto Copley is his usual brilliant self, changing personalities like I change my socks. Like Sebastian Stan, Copley is a fantastic actor who usually deserves better than the projects he or his agent chooses, but, on the plus side, even a bad movie is so much better for having him. The action sequences are very well-choreographed, and the film is also smart enough not to wear out its welcome, clocking in at a quick hour and a half.

 

Now, the bad news: the violence and portrayal of women in Hardcore Henry are straight out of a teenage boy's dream. Even I--Number-One Expendables Fan--have to admit that the pointless chaos wears thin pretty quickly. The picture’s clearly more interested in grabbing your attention with something weird or shocking than keeping it with a well-thought-out story; the plot is riddled with holes and bizarre moments that make no sense...even in the context of something that makes so little sense overall. 

 

Minus anything more substantial underlying it, the incessant brutality is a lot to take, and the non-stop action can't save the movie from being a bit of a bore. 

 

Hardcore Henry runs 96 minutes and is rated R for "non-stop bloody brutal violence and mayhem, language throughout, sexual content/nudity, and drug use." 

 

Harcore Henry certainly isn't everyone's cup of tea, but, if you're looking for something well and truly different at the movies, it might just be for you. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Hardcore Henry gets three.

 

Until next time...

 

Cindy Prascik's Review of Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Dearest Blog: With Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice opening worldwide this weekend, it's a fair bet I'll be spending most of my holiday break at Marquee Cinemas. 

 

As goes the Bat, so go I. Probably the biggest spoiler here is that I loved this movie, otherwise nothing you wouldn't know from the many trailers and clips making the rounds. 

 

As the world wrestles with the pros and cons of Superman's protection versus his unchecked power, Gotham's most famous resident weighs in. 

 

 Dear Reader(s), if you have access to a computer or a tablet or a smartphone or a TV, you've probably already heard somebody say something bad about Dawn of Justice. I am here to tell you why the naysayers are wrong, and, though it may surprise you, I have more (if not better) reasons than: "Batman. Duh." Batman v Superman is an epic tale, crafted by a fan for fans. 

 

This picture is setting the table for what's to come, and, as such, it's got a lot of balls in the air, and plenty of appearances that earned applause from the crowd each of the three times I've seen the movie so far. Ben Affleck is not only a great Batman/Bruce Wayne, he is ideal for where the DC cinematic universe now finds itself. 

 

He's older and more jaded, but no less strong or purposeful (some might say pig-headed!). I was a little stunned by the vitriol directed at Affleck's casting--the guy's always seemed a bit benign to inspire such passion--but I confess, seeing him in the Batsuit gave me a mad crush that went from zero to Renner in exactly two hours and 31 minutes. 

 

Most of the supporting cast is equally terrific, with Jesse Eisenberg unsurprisingly the standout as super-villain Lex Luthor. Gal Gadot makes a fantastic Wonder Woman, and from the young men's reactions at Thursday night's sneak-peek...well...let's just say I'm glad I don't have to clean that theatre. Jeremy Irons, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, and Laurence Fishburne all contribute more than their fair share towards elevating the movie from good to great. Batman v Superman boasts sweet fight choreography, nice effects, some intense battles between good and good as well as good and evil, and a fair few chuckles, too. 

 

Dawn of Justice does have some flaws, and, lest I be accused of too much fangirling, it's only fair I mention those. Like so many movies these days, this one could have used a trim. Coming in at two hours or even two-fifteen wouldn't have cost the picture any massive cuts, just an edit here and there on those lengthy battles, chases, and flashbacks/dream sequences. 

 

The titular faceoff, in particular, though any fanboy's dream, strays a bit into overkill. Holly Hunter is a great actress, but listening to her speak is like nails on a blackboard; by her third line I'd have given anything to have ANY other actress in her role (except maybe Carey Mulligan, because we all know how I feel about that one). 

 

And then there's Henry Cavill, bless his perfect, perfect self. Cavill attempting to cob together memorized dialogue with the appropriate facial expression is nearly as difficult to watch as Charlie Hunnam desperately trying to cling to an accent for more than five minutes. 

 

I adore Cavill, and I think he's about as perfect a Superman as a person could want, but his acting chops could use some work. Truly, those are the only problems I had with Batman v. Superman. My bottom line on Dawn of Justice is this: Many people were determined to hate this movie before they ever saw it; that is the unfortunate reality of the Internet age. 

 

Many people are determined to compare the movie to Marvel in general, and to the upcoming Captain America movie in particular, but DC is DC; it is not trying to be Marvel (nor should it), and I'd rather enjoy each for what it is than pick either apart for what it isn't. 

 

At last check, there was about a fifty-percentage-point difference between critics' and fans' ratings of Batman v Superman over at Rotten Tomatoes, so I guess, you, dear Reader(s), can let somebody else tell you what to think about this movie, or you can go and see for yourself. If you go with an open mind, I think you'll enjoy what you see. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice clocks in at a whopping 151 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality." 

 

While it's not *quite* as magnificent as The Dark Knight or Watchmen (each of which holds a spot in my top ten movies of all time), Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice is an entertaining epic and a perfect launchpad for DC's next phase. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice gets eight and a half. 

 

Oh, and, for the record, I've got a milestone birthday coming up this year, so somebody be a dear and get me Affleck in that Batsuit, won't you? 

 

Please and thank you. 

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE

Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) share the screen in this Warner Bros./DC Entertainment co-production penned by David S. Goyer and Chris Terrio, and directed by Zack Snyder. Amy Adams and Diane Lane return as Lois Lane and Martha Kent, respectively. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Director: Zack Snyder

Cast: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Gal Gadot, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne

Release Date: Mar 25, 2016 

Rated: Rated pg-13 Intense sequences of violence and action throughout, and some sensuality.

Runtime: 2 hr. 31 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is a movie that’s got a lot going on both on screen and behind it.  Setting up an expanded DC movieverse along with being accessible to the general public and pleasing fans is an incredibly tricky thing to accomplish.  Needless to say, this film is an undertaking in every sense of the word and according to the professional critics it fails.  I went in expecting the worst and left scratching my head.  Not because the movie was awful, I was preparing for Sucker Punch level of Snyder bombast, but because I really don’t understand where most of the critics are coming from.    It’s a massive sprawling story appropriate for the icons on hand.  It isn’t perfect but it’s an impressive film that’s got some heft to it.  Since Snyder is a comic book fan so some of the fan service, particularly the dream sequences, will leave the uninitiated a tad lost.  It’s far from overkill but I can see how the complaint would be lodged against the story’s structure since some of the sequences feel abrupt.  As for the story itself, it feels like a traditional comic book narrative with nefarious plans at work to get our heroes to the titular battle.  There’s not a ton of surprises since the big turns are telegraphed in a fairly obvious manner along with all the oversharing via the prerelease trailers spoiling some of better reveals.  The cast does make the entire thing enjoyable even if the lofty themes can be a bit overbearing at times.  Henry Cavill seems far more comfortable in his role this time around.  Cavill gives the character some much need layers even though there is only so much room to maneuver given the characters traits.  Ben Affleck though has much more room to deliver a much more vicious, exacting and world weary Batman.  I had my doubts about Affleck when he was cast but he delivers the goods.  The biggest question mark, for me at least, was Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor.  On the surface his Luthor feels different that past iterations, especially on film, but once you get past all the ticks and speed talking, you’re left with an amalgam of the comic versions of Lex Luthor, the businessman and mad scientist. Jeremy Irons and Holly Hunter both have interesting supporting roles with each begging for more screen time, Irons in particular.  Gal Gadot leaves the biggest impression in her supporting role as Diana Prince aka Wonder Woman.  Gadot fits the role much better than expected and plays the character with a perfect mix of mystery, strength and confidence.  It’s impressive enough that it’ll leave you anticipating the solo Wonder Woman film even more.  Aside, some of the quibbles mentioned previously, there is a sense that the story needs some wrangling in.  A good 20 to 30 minutes could have been trimmed to make it a sleeker more effective film.  Its lack of focus is felt most in the final act where the film has built a massive head of steam leading to a massive showdown only to be bogged down by other secondary story threads.  It’s not fatal but noticeable.  As is, I find it hard to believe that comic fans especially DC fans wouldn’t find a lot to like here.  Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice doesn’t quite hit it out of the park but its pretty damn close.  

B

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Bronze & Allegiant

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for another ho-hum late-winter double-bill. On the docket: gymnastics comedy The Bronze, and the third installment in the Divergent series, Allegiant. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you won't have learnt already from trailers and the usual Internet scuttlebutt. 

 

First up: The Bronze. A former Olympic sweetheart is coerced into coaching another hopeful from her small Ohio town. Dear Reader(s), many of you are well aware that being a Sebastian Stan fan is a hard row to hoe. My first encounter with Stan was his stellar turn in the brilliant-but-short-lived TV series Kings. 

 

Unfortunately, outside a lucky spot at Captain America's side, his projects surrounding that one bright, shining moment have been complete crap, and I can declare with authority that The Bronze ranks among the worst. And when a guy's resume includes The Covenant...well...that's really saying something! 

 

The Bronze is a mean, crass little comedy, and its occasional shots at sincere moments are unfailingly trite. Melissa Rauch is foul and unsympathetic in the lead, fronting a crew of just-slightly-less-despicable supporting characters, including Gary Cole as her long-suffering father and Stan as a rival coach; only Thomas Middletech's Ben is half-likable. The movie follows the same predictable path as a thousand bitter redemption stories before it, sans that bit where a viewer might actually be rooting for a character...ANY character. 

 

The much-ballyhooed acrobatic sex scene between Rauch and Stan (she used a stunt double; he did not) is so deeply unfunny that I was embarrassed for everyone involved. Pretty much the only genuine thing about this dud is the cute little town of Amherst, Ohio, which portrays itself in the movie and undoubtedly deserves better. The Bronze runs 108 excruciating minutes and is rated R for "strong sexual content, graphic nudity, language throughout, and some drug use." Avoid this at all costs. I mean it. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Bronze gets one, for the single time I laughed over the course of its painful duration. 

 

Next on my agenda: Allegiant. Tris and Four find out what's on the other side of the wall. Dear Reader(s), there's no sugar-coating it: Sitting through Allegiant is like watching paint dry, and that might be slightly underselling the entertainment value of watching paint dry. Though stakes are high for our heroes, the movie has zero tension, and there's even less chemistry between Shailene Woodly and Theo James. Allegiant's special effects are about as shabby as an old episode of Doctor Who. 

 

The dialogue is painful, and the characters are one-dimensional and uninteresting. There are a few cheap laughs courtesy of Peter (Miles Teller), and a two-hour eyeful of James is never a bad thing, but Allegiant otherwise has little to recommend it. Allegiant clocks in at 121 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense violence and action, thematic elements, and some partial nudity." It is, perhaps, the natural bane of the first half of a story split in two that it advances the plot without much excitement, but unless you're utterly invested in the whole of the Divergent series, Allegiant is hardly worth your time. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Allegiant gets three. 

 

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: 10 CLOVERFIELD LANE

A young woman (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) is forced to cope with her new life after waking up from a nearly fatal accident in this thriller from director Dan Trachtenberg. After narrowly avoiding serious injuries in a car wreck, Michelle (Winstead) awakens in the care of a man who claims to have found her at the scene, and who brought her to his home after a catastrophic chemical attack devastated the surrounding area. John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr. co-star. ~ Tom Ciampoli, Rovi

Director: Dan Trachtenberg

Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher, Jr., Cindy Hogan, Douglas M. Griffin

Release Date: Mar 11, 2016

Rated PG-13 for some Violence, Frightening Sequences, Brief Language, Thematic Material and 

Threat

Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.

Genres: Drama, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

10 Cloverfield Lane is an impressively taut thriller that probably would have been better off leaving the Cloverfield connections off.  That’s not to say it’s a terrible connection to make, it also hasn’t hurt its box office, but it’s subtle at best and it could prove slightly distracting to some.  On its own, 10 Cloverfield Lane brings back memories of some of the better Twilight Zone or Outer Limits episodes.  The small cast benefits the film since each of them delivers strong performances.  Mary Elizabeth Winstead spearheads the film as a combination of Ramona Flowers and Macgyver.  Her character is probably one of the most adaptable and resourceful female leads in recent sci-fi history.  John Goodman is just as impressive as the is he /isn’t he nutty guy.  Goodman has an excellent talent of going from nice guy to nuts in the blink of an eye with little effort.  It makes for a wonderfully tense film which builds to a crescendo displaying a talented hand behind the camera.  The final act is sure to be divisive since it opens up the claustrophobic atmosphere giving us a totally different feel to the film.  Personally, I rather enjoyed it throughout as an effective sci-fi yarn.

B

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Gods of Egypt & London Has Fallen

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the laughable double-bill of Gods of Egypt and London Has Fallen, or, as I like to call it, The Unintentional Gerard Butler Film Festival. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know or have guessed from the trailers. First on my agenda, Gods of Egypt. Exiled god Horus reluctantly teams with a mortal to reclaim his crown and save Egypt. 

 

Dear Reader(s), I'ma be straight with ya: if I could just post that little emoji that's laughing so hard it’s crying, that'd the most accurate review of Gods of Egypt you'd find anywhere. Since I call myself a movie blogger, though, I'd better try a bit harder. Much has been made of Egypt's casting white faces in roles clearly meant for people of color. But wait...the ridiculousness hardly ends there! This picture boasts some of the most laughably bad dialogue I've ever heard. 

 

EVER. The costumes range from elementary-school pageant to pole dancer. (One thing gods and mortals apparently have in common: a great rack!) While the movie has some nifty effects, it's also got some of the worst green-screen work you'll ever see outside an episode of Once Upon a Time. There's a veritable grab-bag of accents, and that's not even accounting for anyone besides Gerard Butler! In fact, the acting is across-the-board so hilariously terrible that even the mighty trio of Rufus Sewell, Geoffrey Rush, and Chadwick Boseman can't combine for one decent performance. Now, having said all that...I found Gods of Egypt to be a great laugh. It's so bad that I can't believe it's anything other than willfully so, a B-movie that somehow scored itself an A-list budget. 

 

Oh, and, for the record, the movie was written by Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, whose previous credits include Dracula Untold and The Last Witch Hunter, so...yeah...if you're wanting your picture to be taken seriously, maybe don't hire those two, m-kay? Gods of Egypt clocks in at an excessive 127 minutes and is rated PG13 for "fantasy violence and action, and some sexuality." 

 

If you're looking for a good laugh at Hollywood's expense, it doesn't get funnier than this. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, 

 

Gods of Egypt gets four. 

 

Next on the docket, the sequel London Has Fallen. When the American President (Aaron Eckhart) again finds himself in peril, it's Secret Service agent Mike Bannon (Gerard Butler) to the rescue. London Has Fallen is essentially just an excuse to combine massive chaos and destruction with a healthy dose of "'Murica!" 

 

The plot is paper thin, as world leaders pay the price for civilian casualties of an earlier strike against terrorism. You don't need to guess which world leader gets out alive, thanks to his ballsy protective detail, who also happens to be devastatingly handsome and quite the comic to boot...oh, Hollywood! Though a sequel to 2013's Olympus Has Fallen probably wasn't strictly necessary, this second installment doesn't overstay its welcome, and it's a decently good time if you enjoy a couple hours of watching stuff blow up around a pair of pretty good-looking guys. 

 

Some great talent--Morgan Freeman, Jackie Earle Haley, Melissa Leo--is wasted here, turning up for basically a cup of coffee and a paycheck, but the movie's certainly no worse for having names like that among its cast. 

 

As cinema escapism goes, you could do a lot worse (although the guy behind me who snored loudly for the duration might say different). London Has Fallen runs a quick 99 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and language throughout." 

 

While you won't need to remember its name long-term for this year's awards season, in the short term, London Has Fallen provides a healthy dose of brain candy. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, London Has Fallen gets five. 

 

Until next time...