Cindy Prascik's Reviews of Doctor Strange & Hacksaw Ridge

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for Doctor Strange and Hacksaw Ridge, two movies that I anticipated about as much as a fork in the eye. (Any 80s metal fans guess what I'm listening to as I write?) Fortunately, one of them had the decency to be better than expected. 

 

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

 

First on the agenda: Marvel's latest cinema smash, Doctor Strange. Following a car accident that cost him his career, an arrogant doctor is awakened to a whole new world. Ladies and gents, if I had to describe Doctor Strange in one word, that word would be "trippy." 

 

Of course I'm gonna use a lot more words than that, but...yeah...trippy. I saw it in 2D, but I'll go on record as recommending the 3D unreservedly; I'm entirely convinced it's worth-the-upcharge spectacular. Inception-Meets-Pink-Floyd-Laser-Show special effects are Doctor Strange's primary virtue, but Marvel has hit it out of the park on casting again, as well. 

 

Benedict Cumberbatch is mesmerising as Strange, and make no mistake, he HAS to be. 

 

Strange is the Dr. House of comic books; he's abrasive and needs the right portrayal for fans to warm to him. In Cumberbatch, he's got it. Chiwetel Ejifor and Mads Mikkelsen lead a supporting cast that is almost uniformly terrific. 

 

The movie could have done with more Rachel McAdams and less Tilda Swinton, but Benedict Wong nearly walks off with the whole thing anyway. Michael Giacchino's epic score provides perfect accompaniment to the huge set pieces and fantastic action. 

 

The movie features the requisite Stan Lee cameo and a couple quick reminders that you're supposed to love it because it's from the people who gave you the Avengers. Guys...THE AVENGERS!! 

 

Don't forget now! Marvel's trademark humor occasionally seems shoehorned into situations where it feels awkward, ill-fitting, and inappropriate, but it mostly hits the mark. Story-wise, Doctor Strange is a generic origins tale that dwells too long on certain bits, making it seem bloated even though it's not really that long. It's a movie with some great elements, but hardly a great movie. Doctor Strange clocks in at 115 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sci-fi violence and action throughout, and an intense crash sequence." Doctor Strange never fails to entertain, but, ultimately, it's nothing special. 

 

And if that's not Marvel's corporate slogan...well...it should be. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Doctor Strange gets seven. 

 

Fangirl points: Benjamin Bratt! Michael Stuhlbarg! 

 

Next up: Hacksaw Ridge. A young man whose faith keeps him from carrying a weapon hopes to serve as a combat medic in World War II. (A.K.A. "War is Hell. Literally.") 

 

Hacksaw Ridge is an inspiring tale that, in someone else's hands, might have made a great movie. In director Mel Gibson's hands, it's two hours of being clubbed over the head with an agenda. Andrew Garfield heads a magnificent cast with zero weak links. 

 

I'd hoped this might be Garfield's step up to a long-deserved Oscar nod, and I'm not sure it's that, but he is brilliant nonetheless. Hugo Weaving is heartbreaking in a scene-stealing turn that'll have you digging for the Kleenex, and Luke Bracey, Sam Worthington, and Vince Vaughn (you heard me) flesh out a memorable supporting cast with excellent chemistry. Sound mixing and editing are spectacular as well. That's the good news. 

 

The bad news is, Hacksaw Ridge has little else going for it. An excessive runtime exacerbates the feeling that it never gets anywhere. The terrible physical toll of war is detailed in such up-close, prolonged excess that it strays into Tropic Thunder territory. War = Bad. We've got it. No need to spend half the film focused on men you can't tell from lunchmeat. 

 

The faith angle gets full marks for its earnestness, but, again, is so unsubtle as to be comical. If I'd rolled my eyes any harder, I'd be writing this out the back of my head. Ultimately, you can't help feeling such an extraordinary story deserved better. Hacksaw Ridge runs 131 minutes and is rated R for "intense, prolonged, realistically-graphic sequences of war violence, including grisly, bloody images." 

 

Hacksaw Ridge is an inexcusably pedestrian telling of an amazing tale. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Hacksaw Ridge gets four. 

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of Inferno

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the latest in Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series, Inferno. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

 

After waking in a hospital, suffering from amnesia, Professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) teams with Doctor Sienna Brooks (Felicity Jones) to thwart a global threat. Okay, dear reader(s), here's the thing about this Langdon series: these movies just oughta be better than they are. 

 

All the pieces are there, yet the finished product is always decidedly mediocre...in fact, the middle installment was so forgettable I had to double-check to make sure I'd even seen it before moving on to the new one! Inferno, like its predecessors, is fortunate to have the eminently likable Tom Hanks reprising his role as Langdon. 

 

No matter what else a movie has going for or against it, Hanks generally guarantees it'll be at least watchable, and certainly that's the case here. Jones, on the other hand, is her usual blandly irritating self; if not for her weird teeth, you might mistake her for ten other actresses of similar age and appearance. Inferno boasts more of the series' usual lovely locations and tidbits of historical interest. 

 

There's action aplenty, with our heroes spending much of the picture running through crowded streets and imposing buildings, but ultimately the whole thing just feels too silly for something that pretends to be so intellectual. 

 

Inferno clocks in at 121 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of action and violence, disturbing images, some language, thematic elements, and brief sensuality." 

 

Inferno is a passable afternoon's entertainment, but, sadly, it's nothing special. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Inferno gets five. Until next time... 

 

PS: Dear Cinemas Everywhere: I know Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence are the cutest people on Earth, but that Passengers trailer is getting old REAL DAMN FAST. 

 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES

An ordinary suburban couple (Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher) discover that their hospitable new neighbors (Jon Hamm and Gal Gadot) are actually government spies. Soon, all four of them are caught up in an international espionage imbroglio. Greg Mottola (Superbad, Adventureland) directed this action comedy. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director:Greg Mottola 

Cast: Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Isla Fisher, Gal Gadot, Matt Walsh

Release Date: Oct 21, 2016

Rated PG-13 for

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Keeping up with the Jones is a fun little comedy.  As a spy movie satire it’ll never live to last year’s Spy or even Mr. & Ms. Smith which it borrows heavily from as well.  Still, it’s light and breezy direction by Greg Mottola makes for an enjoyable if inconsequential comedy.  Its biggest strength is its cast.  The foursome of Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Isla Fisher & Gal Gadot are likeable throughout with each shining at one point or another. The plot in of itself is thread bare with nary a surprise in sight.  This oversight does leave the film lingering past its expiration point.  It’s a shame because with a slightly better script and plot this could have been something special. 

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the newest installment in Tom Cruise's Jack Reacher franchise, Never Go Back. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing of consequence that wasn't revealed in the trailers. 

 

Attempting to prove the innocence of an Army Major accused of espionage, our hero finds himself embroiled in a high-reaching conspiracy while facing off with a secret from his past. 

 

As I spent quality time with my best friend the Internet this morning, I saw a fair few headlines along the lines of, "How Can the Jack Reacher Franchise be Fixed?" and I thought, "Come on, Internet, we're only on the second installment!" 

 

At any rate, I'm not sure the thing needs a complete overhaul, but a few tweaks are definitely in order. Never Go Back is a predictable action flick where everybody does pretty much exactly what you'd expect. 

 

That's not always a bad thing, but there were a few cases here where I really, really wished they hadn't, in particular the tried and true plot mechanism: "bratty teenager continually risks everyone's safety with foolish behavior." The kid, in general, was an annoying and pointless addition to this sequel, and, should there be more Jack Reachers, I hope she never turns up again. 

 

On the plus side, the ass-kicking is also exactly what you'd have expected, that is, AWESOME! The movie wastes little time getting started, and features great end-to-end action with exciting chase scenes and well-choreographed fights. The backdrop of New Orleans' spectacular Halloween parade makes the climax especially fun. 

 

Tom Cruise capably carries the lot on his shoulders, alternately heroic and funny, ever the ideal leading man. Cobie Smulders is passable in the female lead, nothing special in a nothing-special part. 

 

The real star of the show is Patrick Heusinger, who somehow manages to be mesmerizing in a blandly typical baddie role. Despite having a true Hollywood A-Lister in the lead, Never Go Back ultimately feels very low-budget, like maybe Cruise (who has the top producer's credit) did what he could out of his own pocket, but might have benefited from a little more help. 

 

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back clocks in at 118 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and action, some bloody images, language, and thematic elements." Jack Reacher: Never Go Back could be the poster child for unnecessary sequels, but it's also a pretty good time. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Jack Reacher: Never Go Back gets six and a half. 

Fangirl points: Holt McCallany, Aldis Hodge, and Robert Knepper, who earns senior billing but barely earns a paycheck in a total of about five minutes onscreen. 

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Accountant

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas to see my Bat!Boyfriend's new flick, The Accountant. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. A CPA with a dangerous clientele handles more than just the books. 

 

The Accountant is a mystery/thriller with a protagonist who may be difficult to warm up to. It's unhurried and often uncomfortable due to the aforementioned protagonist's failure to respond/react to certain situations in the "normal" way. Sound familiar? 

 

If you saw The Girl on the Train last weekend, I'm sure it does. However, unlike The Girl on the Train, The Accountant boasts well-plotted action, solid performances, a couple nice twists, and is funny only when it means to be. 

 

The titular savant, Christian Wolff, is unable to deal normally with people, but his mathematical genius is invaluable to his unsavory clients. Ben Affleck perfectly portrays the mannerisms typical of autism spectrum disorders, creating a character who is sympathetic even when he's doing some pretty bad things. 

 

Jon Bernthal, J.K. Simmons, and John Lithgow are terrific in supporting roles, and Cynthia Addai-Robinson is a pleasant surprise as the FBI agent hot on the tail of our mysterious money manager. (I've always thought she was one of the worst actors working, but maybe when you're on Spartacus there's just nothing for it!) 

 

The Accountant is brutal at times, certainly not for the faint of heart. There's a short spell right about the hour mark where the movie starts to drag a little, but it picks right back up and is otherwise deliberately-paced but never dull. 

 

Wolff's inappropriate and seemingly rude interactions with people and situations outside his comfort zone spell the dark tone with amusing moments that are never a mean spirited laugh "at" autism or its manifestations. 

 

The movie could have explained itself better in a few spots, and the runtime might have benefitted from a trim, but The Accountant is a suspenseful yarn that'll keep you on the edge of your seat. 

 

The Accountant clocks in at 128 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence and language throughout." 

 

The Accountant is a solid thriller featuring satisfying twists and a standout performance by Ben Affleck. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Accountant gets eight. 

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Reviews of The Girl on the Train & The Birth of a Nation

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the buzzkill double-bill of The Girl on the Train and The Birth of a Nation. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. First on the docket: The Girl on the Train. An unhappy divorcee makes up stories about the people she sees on her daily commute, then becomes entangled in the case when one of them goes missing. 

 

The Girl on the Train is such a pedestrian mystery that, never having been anywhere near the novel, it took me approximately 23 minutes to clock exactly how it was going to play out...and that was far from my final check of the time, believe me. 

 

Emily Blunt plays the titular girl as a sloppy, irritating drunk, and the supporting characters are so odious it's impossible to care what happens to any of them. (Though I'd forgive Luke Evans for pretty much anything once he started peeling off those clothes.) 

 

A few laughable bits--including a full-on Cameron Frye moment in a gallery--spell a miserable whole that plods along with varying versions of events. Who's telling the truth? Who's lying? 

 

You'll stop caring long before this mess crawls to its predictable finish. About the only things The Girl on the Train has to recommend it are a properly menacing score by Danny Elfman and a couple frames of Evans' glorious bod. 

 

The Girl on the Train runs an excruciating 112 minutes and is rated R for "violence, sexual content, language, and nudity." The Girl on the Train is a slow, dull exercise that made me want to throw myself on the tracks. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Girl on the Train gets four. 

Fangirl points: Luke Evans. Luke Evans' abs. Luke Evans' bottom. 

 

Also, a girl in a Damned shirt...yay! Next up: The Birth of a Nation. The true story of Nat Turner, a slave and preacher who orchestrated a rebellion in 1831. 

 

The Birth of a Nation is difficult to watch, and more than once I had to look away from the brutality and abuse. Performances are fantastic across the board, with Nate Parker and Aja Naomi King outstanding in the leads, and Armie Hammer his usual reliable self in an important supporting role. 

 

Turner's Christian faith is central to the story, but the movie also exposes the contradictory nature of the Bible and those who presume to speak for their gods. 

 

The subject matter is unpleasant enough to make the film feel much longer than it is; for the duration I kept thinking the last thing we really need right now is yet another reminder of how horrible people can be to one another. 

 

Only afterward did it occur to me, maybe exactly what we need right now is a reminder of what happens when people are encouraged to treat others as less than themselves. 

 

The Birth of a Nation clocks in at an even two hours and is rated R for "disturbing violent content and some brief nudity." The Birth of a Nation is a well-acted picture with a timely, important message, but, sadly, none of that makes it a truly great movie. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Birth of a Nation gets five. .

 

 Fangirl points: The aforementioned Armie Hammer. Mark Boone Junior (Bobby Elvis)! 

 

Until next time... 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN

In the thriller, Rachel (Blunt), who is devastated by her recent divorce, spends her daily commute fantasizing about the seemingly perfect couple who live in a house that her train passes every day, until one morning she sees something shocking happen there and becomes entangled in the mystery that unfolds. Based on Paula Hawkins’ bestselling novel, The Girl on the Train is adapted for the screen by Erin Cressida Wilson and Taylor. The film’s executive producers are Jared LeBoff and Celia Costas, and it will be released by Universal Pictures.

Director: Tate Taylor

Cast: Emily Blunt, Rebecca Ferguson, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Luke Evans

Release Date: Oct 07, 2016

Rated R for violence, sexual content, language and nudity

Genres: Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Is it possible to make an interesting movie with a cast of characters who are all unlikable and fairly terrible?  The Girl on the Train tries really hard to pull it off and has a decent amount of success even if the “mind blowing” twist is telegraphed fairly early on.  Tate Taylor is clearly trying to emulate David Fincher’s Gone Girl but he’s not as talented a filmmaker to make it work.  As is, the film is a surprisingly engrossing tale of bad people doing bad things repeatedly.  Taylor’s real talent is getting some truly impressive performances out of his cast especially Emily Blunt.  Blunt is incredibly impressive throughout with multiple scenes set up to showcase her acting chops.  Haley Bennett, who looks distractingly like a Jennifer Lawrence clone, is just solid even though her character feels unwritten.  It’s a shame because the character seems to be most interesting of the group.  The Girl on the Train is trying it’s hardest to be some special but it never quite gets there.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: THE MISS PEREGRINE’S HOME FOR PECULIAR CHILDREN

After a family tragedy, a boy named Jake (Asa Butterfield) follows a series of clues that lead him to a mysterious orphanage on a remote Welsh island. There, he discovers a community of children with unusual abilities, and learns he is destined to protect them. Eva Green, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Dickens, Allison Janney, Judi Dench, Chris O'Dowd, Rupert Everett, and Terence Stamp co-star. Directed by Tim Burton, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children was adapted from Ransom Riggs' debut novel of the same name. ~ Daniel Gelb, Rovi

Director: Tim Burton

Cast: Eva Green, Asa Butterfield, Chris O'Dowd, Allison Janney, Judi Dench

Release Date: Sep 30, 2016

Rated PG-13 for violence and Peril and Intense Fantasy Action

Runtime: 2 hr. 7 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

Tim Burton’s newest film is a welcome return to his glory days as a director.  The book seems ready made for Burton and give a certain feel that works in the films favor.  The cast seems to be having a blast, for the most part, with a radiant Eva Green leading the way.  Green is always the most interesting person on screen and the film loses some pop when she’s not on screen especially during an extended absence in the final act.  Ella Purnell gives the best performance of the titular peculiar children.  It’s a shame her story and character isn’t fleshed out more.  Also not helping matters is the film’s male lead.  Asa Butterfield is possibly one of the blandest actors I’ve watched in a long time.  His line deliver is so stiff and uninspired that it almost feels like he might yawn in the middle of it.  On the other end of the spectrum is Samuel L. Jackson who’s so over the top that’s its jarring when he first shows up.  Its not good or bad just odd.  Equally odd is just how thinly written the villain is.  It’s a shame because with a better lead and more dynamic villain this might have been scratching the top tier of Burton films. 

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children & Deepwater Horizon

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for a double-bill of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Deepwater Horizon. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers or perhaps the news. 

 

First up: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Some characters straight out of his grandfather's bedtime stories turn a young man's ordinary existence upside-down. It goes without saying that a story with "peculiar" in the title is ideally suited to director Tim Burton. All of Burton's more recent projects have earned critical ire (mostly deserved), and, if Miss Peregrine isn't quite the Burton of old, at least it seems to be a step in the right direction. 

 

The film boasts glorious production design, some lovely set pieces, and stunning locations; Burton has not lost his ability to find beauty in even the strangest and most macabre things. Colleen Atwood's costumes and a wonderful score by Michael Higham and Matthew Margeson perfectly compliment the eerie atmosphere. 

 

Unfortunately, though the story is compelling, the movie seems to crawl along at a snail's pace. There's too little of the stellar Eva Green (who was born for this role), and too much of the bland child cast. 

 

Asa Butterfield is perfectly dreadful in the lead; he might as well have been reading from cards. Nothing points to 3D being a worthwhile investment on this one, aside from the fact that, in 2D, the movie's often too dark to see what's happening. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children clocks in at 127 minutes and is rated PG13 for "intense sequences of fantasty action/violence, and peril." Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is visually impressive enough to earn your big-screen dollars, but, sadly it's also something no idea so magical should ever be: kinda boring. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar children gets five. 

 

Fangirl points: Keep your eyes open for a rare and delightful Tim Burton cameo! 

 

Next up, the based-on-true-events tale of Deepwater Horizon. 

 

An explosion on a free-floating offshore drilling rig has disastrous consequences. Dear reader(s), Deepwater Horizon is one of those movies whose trailer was so ubiquitous and irritating that I worried the movie wouldn't have a chance of overcoming it, but I'm pleased to report my concern was mostly unfounded. 

 

Mark Wahlberg stars as Mike Williams, a technician on the rig who is central to this telling of the story. We're introduced to his insufferably cutesy wife and daughter (Kate Hudson and Stella Allen), then to most of the rig's crew through his eyes, giving viewers just enough of each person to make sure they'll be acceptably sad for the unlucky ones. 

 

The supporting cast has a fair few familiar faces: Kurt Russell, John Malkovich, and my celebrity boyfriend (per a super-scientific Buzzfeed quiz) Dylan O'Brien. There's enough setup to make it clear who're the Good Guys and the Bad Guys, and then--BOOM!--disaster. 

 

The film doesn't waste too much time getting there and, to its credit, moves along nicely throughout. The bulk of the picture plays out as the rig's situation deteriorates and crew members try to save themselves and others. Deepwater Horizon does a perfect 180 from its advertising, showing individuals behaving heroically, minus the frustrating chest-thumping vibe of the trailer. 

 

The movie's disaster effects are spectacular, with sound mixing and editing in particular deserving full marks. It's a bit dark and jiggly at times, but that only adds to viewers' ability to share the terror the folks aboard that rig must have felt. 

 

Two small and random quibbles: Did Williams' wife really take time to do her nails over the course of these harrowing hours? 

 

They're pink the whole movie, then a French manicure when she and their daughter reconnect with him at the hotel following the rescue. Also, looking at photos of the crew next to the actors portraying them, I'm thinking my wish to have Beyonce star in the story of my life isn't so unrealistic after all.

 

Deepwater Horizon runs 107 minutes and is rated PG13 for "prolonged, intense disaster sequences and related disturbing images, and brief strong language." 

Deepwater Horizon might have been better suited to summer's action season than to awards season, but it's an edge-of-your-seat tale that hopefully will make the world more cautious and aware going forward. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Deepwater Horizon gets six. 

 

Until next time...

 

MOVIE REVIEW: THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

In this remake of the classic 1960 oater of the same name (itself a Western remake of Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, The Seven Samurai), seven gunslingers join forces in order to protect a small town from a mining tycoon (Peter Sarsgaard) and his goons, who plan to seize the residents' land by force. The seven-man army is led by a mysterious bounty hunter (Denzel Washington), and also includes a sharp-witted gambler (Chris Pratt), a troubled ex-Civil War soldier (Ethan Hawke), a mountain man (Vincent D'Onofrio), an expert knife thrower (Byung-hun Lee), an outlaw (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo), and a Comanche warrior (Martin Sensmeier). Directed by Antoine Fuqua (Training Day). ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Cast: Denzel Washington, Chris Pratt, Ethan Hawke, Vincent D'Onofrio, Lee Byung-hun

Release Date: Sep 23, 2016

Rated PG-13

Runtime: 2 hr. 12 min.

Genres: Action/Adventure

Review:

I’ll start by saying that I’ve never seen the original The Magnificent Seven film so I don’t have anything to compare it to.  The plot itself has been recycled multiple times so the story itself doesn’t hold much in the way of surprises.  Antoine Fuqua seems to know this so he tries his best to honor the classic westerns of yesteryear.  As such, you get plenty of scenic cinematography and high intensity shoot outs throughout.  Ultimately, the only way this film would maintain anyone’s interest would be because of the cast.  Denzel Washington holds the entire film together as the steely eyed bounty hunter.  The film is at it’s best during the first half as the team is assembled and we get a taste of each of the characters being assembled.  Some of which get more time than others but in the end you can tell the actors are just having a blast.  That keeps the film fun and interesting even as we start heading into very well worn territory in terms of story.  As such, The Magnificent Seven is an enjoyable bit of entertainment that could have used a tad bit more depth to make it truly standout.

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Magnificent Seven

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas for one of my more anticipated offerings of 2016, Antoine Fuqua's remake of The Magnificent Seven. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. 

When a brutal robber baron tries to steal a town right out from under its inhabitants, the townsfolk turn to an eclectic band of gunslingers to defeat him. So, dear reader(s), you're tired of remakes and reboots and rehashes, right? I hear ya. Hollywood apparently doesn't, but I do. Scarred though you may be by lady Ghostbusters and a decidedly Michael Bay-ish Ben-Hur, I'm asking you to give this one a chance. Please. 

Throwing the universe's most watchable actor, Denzel Washington, into an ensemble picture is a bit like putting a perfect diamond on a CZ-tennis bracelet--no matter how good the rest is, it won't compare--but he does a masterful job of leading this pack without actively scene-stealing. 

His diverse group of not-so-merry men is uniformly fantastic, with Byung-hun Lee and the brilliant Vincent D'Onofrio nearly walking off with the movie. Gunfights are tightly-choreographed chaos, a delight to watch. The picture also boasts some majestic scenery and a lovely score by Simon Franglen and the late James Horner. 

Throughout, it feels like a throwback to the glory days of Hollywood westerns. Among The Magnificent Seven's relatively few weaknesses: It relies just a little to heavily on Chris Pratt's appeal, while criminally wasting the lovely Matt Bomer. 

Haley Bennett overacts like a madwoman at times. There are some weirdly obvious inaccuracies, like blindingly-white teeth all 'round, and a few prominently-placed prostitutes who more closely resemble 1980s video extras than anything from the wild west. The entire cast is sweat-shiny for the duration...except Denzel, who is cool as a cucumber until the very end. 

Also, the movie is occasionally so very traditional as to appear almost comical on today's cinema landscape. This remake defies many current cinema norms. Though a battle is the picture's primary focus, there are no bloated, never-ending fight scenes. The pace is deliberate, but the movie is never dull. There's surprisingly little graphic gore, despite a Game of Thrones-esque body count. 

The single female lead provides opportunities aplenty, yet she's never shoehorned into a romance with any of our heroes. Finally, this film is utterly disinterested in kicking off a franchise. Come on, reader(s), when was the last time you walked out of the theatre without feeling like you'd just been set up for the next sequel? 

The Magnificent Seven is a beautifully-filmed, epic western that features top-notch performances from some of today's best and most-loved actors. Simply put, movies like this are why I go to the movies. 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, The Magnificent Seven gets eight. 

Until next time... 

Cindy Prascik's Review of Snowden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to Marquee Cinemas to check out the latest from Oliver Stone: Snowden. 

 

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. Convinced the US government's spying has gone too far, a CIA consultant steals information to expose its secrets. Snowden is awards bait at its most obvious. 

 

Timely, contentious subject matter combines with decorated talent to peg it an early contender, but that doesn't necessarily make it a great movie. 

 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is compelling as Edward Snowden, though his deliberate method of speech is nearly as distracting as his French accent was in The Walk. Rhys Ifans and Nicolas Cage turn in terrific performances as Snowden's CIA mentors, and Melissa Leo, Zachary Quinto, and Tom Wilkinson are fantastic as the journalists who helped break Snowden's remarkable story. 

 

While Snowden's tale is undoubtedly fascinating, the movie seems to drag. Your attention isn't likely to wander too far, but you'll be getting mighty fidgety by the second act. A political story by default, Snowden may annoy both sides of the aisle equally. 

 

Unlike last weekend's pristine cinema hero, Sully, Ed Snowden is no squeaky-clean good guy; his reasons were brave and selfless, but he still broke laws intended to protect the country he loves so much. Is he a heroic villian? A villianous hero? The movie asks the questions, but isn't all that convincing in its answer. Snowden is distractingly desperate for awards, but there are some great moments to be found. 

 

A scene where a video-screen Ifans looms cartoonishly-large over Levitt's doubting Snowen is particularly effective. 

 

The film maintains tension throughout, but a cheesy ending leaves you feeling like it was all for naught. Snowden clocks in at 134 minutes and is rated R for "language and some sexuality/nudity." Snowden is a reasonably entertaining outing, but its heavy-handedness is ultimately its downfall. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Snowden gets five and a half. 

Fangirl points: Timothy Olyphant! Until next time... 

 

MOVIE REVIEW BLAIR WITCH

Director: Adam Wingard 

Cast: Wes Robinson, James Allen McCune, Callie Hernandez, Corbin Reid

Release Date: Sep 16, 2016

Rated R for Terror, Some Disturbing Images and Language

Runtime: 1 hr. 29 min.

Review:

The Blair Witch Project was such a singular moment in cinematic history that it’d be impossible to recreate the buzz and feel of watching that original film.  Regardless, Adam Wingard tries to do just that with mixed results.  This sequel is really just a remake of the original film with updated technology and a shiner gloss.  Blair Witch follows a lot of the same beats of the original film with a few twist and turns to spice things up a bit.  The third act offers up some interesting questions about what’s really happening but it’s not enough to make this a truly memorable film.  There are some fun sequences but there are just too many moments that emulate the original film. Occasionally, going so far as to lift shots and dialogue from the original.  This slavish adherence to the original leaves this sequel unable to find its own footing and feel.

C+

MOVIE REVIEW SULLY

Tom Hanks stars in this portrait of airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, which depicts his successful emergency landing of an Airbus A320 on the Hudson River in January 2009. In the aftermath of this unprecedented and heroic feat, the traumatized pilot must endure second-guessing by investigators, the weight of sudden fame, and his own doubts about his actions that fateful day. Anna Gunn, Laura Linney, and Aaron Eckhart co-star. Directed by Clint Eastwood. ~ Violet LeVoit, Rovi

Director: Clint Eastwood

Cast: Tom Hanks, Laura Linney, Aaron Eckhart, Autumn Reeser, Sam Huntington.

Release Date: Sep 09, 2016

Rated PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language.

Runtime: 1 hr. 36 min.

Genres: Drama 

Review:

Sully is an impressive piece of filmmaking that showcases the type of heroism that’s rarely shown.  Clint Eastwood directs his film with a steady hand showing the dichotomy of emotions that Captain Sullenberger was going through after his miraculous landing.  Tom Hanks is perfectly cast as Sullenberger, displaying the levels of introspection and self doubt that his character was going through.  It’s a thoughtful piece of filmmaking which screams award season contention.  It’s an impressive character study that’s well acted and directed through even though there is a sense that film has been padded a bit.  It’s an odd sensation to watch an hour and a half film that feels much longer than it is.

B+

Cindy Prascik's Review of Sully

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: Today it was off to Marquee Cinemas to kick off Awards Season with Sully. Spoiler level here will be mostly mild, nothing you haven't seen in a trailer or on the news. Sully is based on the true story of pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who made an emergency water landing on the Hudson River when his plane lost both engines shortly after departing Laguardia Airport. 

 

Sully is an entertaining movie, but probably a bonafide awards contender for Tom Hanks' performance only. The true story is compelling enough, but this telling is painted with such broad strokes as to be almost comical at times. 

 

The picture is hampered by awkward dialogue and cartoonish good and bad guys. Even when Sully's decisions come into question, the movie wants to make sure you remember whose side you're *supposed* to be on. A good movie lets you make up your own mind, and a truly good movie gets you where it wants to without beating you over the head; that seems well beyond Sully. 

 

On the plus side, Hanks carries the film with his usual flair, a performance that should be good enough to land him on most of the Best Actor shortlists, especially considering the Academy really owes him one for the Captain Phillips snub. 

 

Aaron Eckhart leads a solid supporting cast full of faces you'll recognize even if you may not know the names. Anything--and I do mean anything--having to do with the flight itself is beautifully filmed, from takeoff to unexpectedly-damp touchdown. There's one glorious moment when that nose-diving aircraft seems to be coming right off the screen...made me a little wistful for 3D! Finally, the movie is smart enough to recognize the limitations of the story it has to tell, and clocks in with a very reasonable runtime. 

 

Sully runs 95 minutes and is rated PG13 for "some peril and brief strong language." Though it occasionally strays into Airplane! territory, Sully is an inspiring outing built on another stellar leading turn by Tom Hanks. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Sully gets seven and a half. 

 

Fangirl points (there are a lot of 'em this time): The USS Intrepid! Sam Huntington! Holt McCallany! Valerie Mahaffey! My beautiful New York City!! 

 

Until next time...

Cindy Prascik's Review of Mechanic: Resurrection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dearest Blog: yesterday it was off to the pictures for Jason Statham's latest, Mechanic: Resurrection. 

 

Spoiler level here will be pretty mild, mostly nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers. A former assassin is forced out of retirement when the love of his life (whom he's known for all of three days) is kidnapped. 

 

Alrighty, folks, I gotta tell ya: if this isn't the dumbest movie I've ever seen, it's good and damn close. 

 

However, it's also pretty funny (usually not on purpose), so I'm not suggesting you shouldn't get out and see it while you can. I have a feeling it won't be around long. The picture kicks off with a good, old-fashioned Statham ass kicking, and smartly keeps 'em coming regularly. 

 

As spectacularly ridiculous as they often are, they're genius compared to everything in between. Jessica Alba is as vapid as she is gorgeous, offering a performance that mostly consists of vacant looks that are meant to pass as terrified (I think?). 

 

Tommy Lee Jones: WHAT ON EARTH ARE YOU DOING HERE?? Continuity issues abound, most notably Alba's split lip that keeps appearing and disappearing, and good and bad guys are as broadly drawn as any Saturday-morning cartoon. 

 

The movie boasts action end to end, yet still feels a bit slow at times. Breathtaking stunts, gorgeous locations, and a rip-roaring score by Mark Isham help salvage the whole, but, sadly, this is just not a very good movie. 

 

Mechanic: Resurrection clocks in at 99 minutes and is rated R for "violence and language throughout." Mechanic: Resurrection is good for a laugh, but it probably just should have stayed dead. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Mechanic: Resurrection gets four. Until next time... 

 

MOVIE REVIEW DON’T BREATHE

Three friends (Dylan Minnette, Jane Levy, and Daniel Zovatto) plot to end their money woes by burglarizing the home of a blind recluse (Stephen Lang), but the heist quickly goes awry when they discover that their target is concealing a horrifying secret -- and that he isn't as harmless as they had thought. Directed by Fede Alvarez (the 2013 Evil Dead remake). ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Fede Alvarez 

Cast: Dylan Minnette, Jane Levy, Stephen Lang, Katia Bokor

Release Date: Aug 26, 2016

Rated R for the Language, Disturbing Content, Sexual References, Terror and Violence

Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.

Genres: Horror, Suspense/Thriller

Review:

Don’t Breathe is the kind of stripped down thriller that doesn’t seem to get made much anymore.  The film is being sold as a horror movie but it’s really just a straight forward thriller with some slight horror tendencies.  Fede Alvarez carefully sets up his setting and delivers some genuine scares and tensions the full run of the film.  It’s an interesting piece of cinematic alchemy with large portions of the film moving along with nary a word of dialogue.  The cast does it job with the home intruders delivering a decent amount of terrified looks.  The most memorable thing about them is Jane Levy’s odd fashion choice of pantyhose with shorts and sheer top for a home invasion.  Stephen Lang is appropriately intimidating but I get the feeling he could pull that off on a bad day.  

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of Ben-Hur & Kubo and the Two Strings

Dearest Blog: Yesterday it was off to the chariot races...erm...off to Marquee Cinemas for Ben-Hur and Kubo and the Two Strings. Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

First on the docket, the ill-advised remake of Ben-Hur. An exiled prince returns home to seek revenge on the brother who wronged his family.

Regular reader(s) may recall that religious-themed movies fall at or about Nicholas Sparks-level on the list of "Things I Endure Only Under Duress."

I have no great love for 1959's Ben-Hur, but it's an iconic enough piece of cinema that even I recognized this remake as a bad idea. However, I think any movie with Jack Huston is a very good idea indeed, so I headed out to cheer on my man in his silly chariot race.

*sigh* The good news is, while Ben-Hur is far from a great movie, it's not nearly as terrible as I'd feared. Let's get the bad out of the way first, shall we?

This remake is a good 90 minutes shorter than its predecessor, but it still goes on a bit. Some of the dialoge is wrong for the characters and/or the time period, and some of it is just plain wrong.

The first act features some weirdly awkward time hops, the second act is a criminal waste of Morgan Freeman, and the ending is so cheesy it's almost physically painful, but....... Jack Huston is in nearly every single frame of this picture.

I mean, almost every last one. When a guy's the sole reason you plunk down your ten bucks for a ticket, it's hard to complain about a movie that ponies up like that.

Huston is a truly great actor and Ben-Hur doesn't come close to giving his talent a workout, but he does as well as anyone could with it.

There are some gorgeous costumes and nice looking sets, and the film's sound effects are particularly well done. I'm not a believer, myself, but Jesus (whose appearance amounts to little more than a cameo), provides a timely and important reminder that we have to start being better to each other. Really, people. Finally, if the chariot race is what puts butts in the seats, that sequence is a well-executed nail-biter, even if you already know the outcome.

Ben-Hur clocks in at 124 minutes and is rated PG13 for "sequences of violence and disturbing images."

Ben-Hur isn't quite the disaster most anticipated, but that's hardly a ringing endorsement. Oh, and, Jack...if the best of your last three movies is Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, it might be time to have a little chat with the agent.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Ben-Hur gets five. (But I'll probably see it again because...SO MUCH JACK HUSTON!)

Next up: Kubo and the Two Strings. A boy sets out on a quest to find the magical items that will protect him from an old enemy.

Kubo and the Two Strings is a gorgeous telling of a gorgeous story. The art and animation are breathtaking and unique, and the tale reflects its culture while being signifcant and relatable to everyone.

Big-name voice talent, in the form of Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey, adds to the film's appeal, as does a lovely score by Dario Marianelli. (Be sure to stick around for Regina Spektor's haunting cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" over the end credits!) On the downside, the story is a little slow at times, and some parts may be too scary for younger viewers.

The 3D is also kind of pointless, so don't waste the extra three bucks if you can avoid it. Kubo and the Two Strings runs 101 minutes and is rated PG for "thematic elements, scary images, action, and peril." 2016 is proving to be a banner year for really great animated offerings, and Kubo and the Two Strings is among the best.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Kubo and the Two Strings gets seven and a half.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: BAD MOMS

Three overstressed, overworked mothers (Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn) decide to blow off their responsibilities and have some fun, but their wild ways cause them to clash with a rival mommy (Christina Applegate) who's dedicated to preserving the facade of her perfect life. Jada Pinkett Smith co-stars. Written and directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Jon Lucas, Scott Moore 

Cast: Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Kathryn Hahn, Jay Hernandez, Annie Mumolo

Release Date: Jul 29, 2016

Rated R for Full Frontal Nudity, Drug and Alcohol Content, Language Throughout and Sexual 

Material

Runtime: 1 hr. 41 min.

Genres: Comedy

Review:

Bad Moms is a fairly straightforward women behaving badly comedy that offers a decent amount of laughs.  It’s a great showcase for Mila Kunis who is a gifted comedic actress who’s deserved a showcase for a while.  Kunis is great in her role but Kathryn Hahn nearly steals the show as her bawdy new friend.  Hahn is always the most interesting person on screen and covers for some underlying script issues.  Kristen Bell is solid if unimpressive, mainly due to a thinly written character.  There in lies the films biggest issue.  The actors really make a weak script far better than it should be.  The characters are all types more than actual people.  It’s not a terrible flaw since the actors all turn in solid work but noticeable enough to make you wish they’d spent a bit more time fleshing these characters out.

B-