50/50 Review (2011)

50/50 Review (2011)

 

  Inspired by a true story, 50/50 is the story of a young man, Adam, (played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who finds out that he has a very rare kind of spinal cancer and his chances of living are 50/50.
  I was shocked at how much I loved this movie. How the script manages to keep a smooth tone while combining humor and drama with such ballance and respect is extremely impressive. The cast, which includes: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogan, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston, and Anna Kendrick all give STUNNING performances. Joseph Gordon-Levitt has really put the standard high with this Oscar deserving accomplishment.
  50/50 is realstic, funny, sweet, charming, genuine, original, fresh, and uplifting.  Director, Jonathan Levine, has done something most filmmakers would never dare to do and he has done it well in this satisfying dramedy. It's a story about survival, friendship, loyalty, and life that will leave you crying tears of sadness and tears of laughter. Being by far the best movie of 2011, I will reward 50/50 with 5 out of 5 stars! (A Must See)

Argo Review (2012)

Argo Review (2012)

  Let me start off by saying, Argo deserved every nomination and Oscar it was presented with. It was well done, brilliantly acted, amazingly directed, and simply incredible.  Ben Affleck executes this film in such a way that never in any moment does it feel too long or lagging. The opening scene sets a tone of uneasiness that will keep you at the edge of your seat the entire time.
  Yes, there are a some inaccuracies historically that some may have gripes with, but overall I would say this was an astounding piece of work and would give it a 5 out of 5 stars. (A Must See)

Chasing Mavericks Review (2012)

Chasing Mavericks Review (2012)

  Though this film was visually impressive, it lacked unpredictability and a good script. It had a few moments that were somewhat touching and a few lines from Gerard Butler to make it bearable, but overall it was plagued with cliche's of every drama you've ever seen and lacked passion from the filmmakers. 

  It was a mediocre film with cool surfing stunts and images, but it was bland and would probably surf the same waters as Soul Surfer.  

  Does it a completely wipe out? I wouldn't say so. It does have its sweet moments, but not enough to make up for the poor execution. I give it a 2.5 out of 5 star rating. (Watch If Free)

 

Jack and the Giant Slayer Review (2013)

Jack and the Giant Slayer Review (2013)

  Jack and the Giant Slayer was an entertaining movie but it was a bit slow at first and could have ended a bit sooner. The acting performances from Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor and Stanely Tucci were all very good and the CGI giants didn't bother me half as much as I thought they would, which was surprising. But were they great? No. They were okay if you ignore all the cheesy burping and farting that the director apparently felt needed to be there. It was cheesy, but amusing and fun. I liked the chemistry with Jack and the Princess and I enjoyed Ewan McGregor's character even though some of his lines gave me flashbacks of Starwars... Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. 
  Overall I did enjoy this movie, but it must be seen with low expectations and I probably wouldn't watch it again. I give it a 2 out of 5 stars. (It's Okay)

Snitch Review (2013)

Snitch Review (2013)

  There were lots of things that I liked about this movie. The script was pretty good and the plot was intriguing.  Really my only gripes with the film is some of the acting. Dwayne Johnson was decent as the lead but a lot of better actors could have been cast. It was very hard to ignore the fact that he is massive and buff as he tries to play the normal dad who works in construction. However, I did enjoy the fact that he was the one receiving the beating which was a bit of a twist compared to his other roles of playing the tough guy.
  Jon Bernthal, who plays Daniel, was surprisingly effective in this film. I had never heard of him before but would be very interested in seeing him in more movies. Susan Sarandon and Berry Pepper are also good in their roles.
  The movie trailer is a bit misleading, leading audiences to think this is an action film when really it's more of a drama. Overall this movie was cheese, but it was good cheese. I will give it a 3 out of 5 stars. It was good, but failed to WOW me due to some of the casting. (Rent It)

The Beaver Review (2011)

The Beaver Review (2011)

  Mel Gibson gives a solid performance as his character in The Beaver, showing a darker side of himself that is very different, but not exactly in a good way. 

  Anton Yelchin, Jodie Foster, and Jennifer Lawrence also give solid performances, though there isn't much for them to work with.

  The Beaver is hardly a flawless movie and it isn't for everyone, but I admired it's bravery. Jodie Foster really balanced the film with some amusing humor and dark tones, while keeping it somewhat realistic within the world.

  Foster does an excellent job of telling multiple stories and keeping it interesting, though at times the audience must suspend belief about what is happening. I will give this very mediocre film a 2 out of 5 stars. (It's Okay)

Warm Bodies Review (2013)

Warm Bodies Review (2013)

 
  Honestly, I didn't expect very much going into this film even though a lot of the critics raved it.  

  Unfortunately, it was exactly what I thought. It seemed like they were trying to do far too much with it. At some moments it was trying to be a comedy, other times it was trying to be a drama, different times it was going for horror. In the end, it all just played together in a quirky, but convoluted way. 

  The acting performances from Nicholas Hoult and Teresa Palmer were solid, but they didn't have much to work with. I continually found myself wondering when it would end and how much stranger it could possibly get. It was very hokey and the action scenes were the most boring parts. Maybe it's just me, but I didn't find the comedy to be as amusing as everyone said. It was generic and overall didn't work in the slightest. I am going to have to give this one a lousy 1 out of 5 stars. (Hate It)