Divergent Review (2014)

Divergent

  Much like the Divergent book, if you start to analyze the plot too much, the entire foundation falls apart. However, if you are able to suspend belief of the unoriginal plot, than you might enjoy this film.

  Shailene Woodley gives a really good performance as Tris in this film, really capturing her character. Theo James, is decent, but feels a little wooden at times. I also felt like Kate Winslet was a waste, she didn't have much to work with.  

  As far as accuracy, the movie is a lot like the book until the very end. If you liked the book, than you will probably enjoy this. 

  The film itself was very pretty to look at. The Cinematography was on point, the soundtrack was absolutely amazing. 

  For me, it was entertaining, but it isn't for everyone. If I don't think about it too hard 3 out of 5 stars. (Rent It)

Transcendence Review (2014)

Transcendence 

  Wally Pfister makes his directing debut with his highly ambitious film, Transcendence. As Christopher Nolan's cinematographer, he seemed to pick up on Nolan's big cinematic concepts, and ambitious plots. While I am appreciative of this, I believe that Pfister's execution is still quite amateurish. 

  While the first act of this movie was quite good, the rest of the movie seemed to fall apart by acts 2 and 3. Suddenly, it feels like we're in a whole different movie and it becomes this unbelievable drama with these crazy ideas that even he doesn't seem to fully grasp, let alone the audience. 

   Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall are the leads in this film and they are really really great as is the rest of the cast. 

  Sadly, I didn't enjoy this movie as much as I wanted to. 2 out of 5 stars. (It's Okay)

Belle Review (2014)

Belle

  Belle is the true story of a biracial girl who is adopted into an aristocrat family. 

  This story is quite a different one and it is really interesting to see into the life of a biracial girl in the 1900's. 

  Gugu Mbatha-Raw, who plays Belle, has this real feminine strength and charm that really works in favor of her character.

  It's directed beautifully, extremely layered, and has a great cast. It's one of those timeless movies you can watch over and over again and still feel fully effected each time. 

  Belle is a real winner for those who enjoy period films and are looking for something a little different. 5 out of 5 stars. (A Must See)

Gimme Shelter Review (2014)

Gimme Shelter 

 

   Gimme Shelter has moments where it moves and it has moments where it's laughable. Venessa Hudgins shows some acting chops here, but sometimes it feels like she's a little inconsistent in her delivery, especially with the accent she was trying to pull off. 

  Gimme Shelter had good qualities and themes, but the tone was uneven. A lot of potential, a lot of tugging at the heart strings, but ultimately it ends up being a really well done lifetime movie.

  2.5 out of 5 stars. (Watch If Free)

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit Review (2014)

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit

  This movie was surprisingly better than I thought it would be. Chris Pine and Kiera Knightly show some good acting chops in this safe spy thriller. 

  I will say one thing, you're not going to see anything new in this film, but that doesn't mean it's bad. The plot is interesting, the characters are interesting. You do get invested and you do want to know what will happen. 

  I'd say that Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit is actually a pretty solid movie. Only problem, is the ending. It was very anticlimactic and unsatisfying which makes it not as memorable. Unfortunate, but it happens.

  I give this film a 3 out of 5 stars. (Rent It)

Non-Stop

Non-Stop

  Non-Stop's trailer gives you exactly what you're going to get in this film. A fun, nail-biting experience with an interesting plot and a sub-par ending.

  Like most Liam Neeson films, we get a little deeper plot than we expect out of these kind of films, we get to watch his character beat the living daylights out of people, we get to watch him figure out some kind of mystery, and we get to watch him be the hero. Over all, it isn't a bad film, but it is quite mediocre if you're looking for quality cinema. 

  If you like Liam Neeson movies, than I do suggest seeing this entertaining popcorn flick. 2.5 out of 5 stars. (Watch If Free)

Pompeii Reveiw (2014)

Pompeii 

  Now to review one of the most laughable movies of 2014! Pompeii. This pile of poop took itself soooo seriously, and it was so terrible, that I literally watched it as a comedy. 

  The acting was so bad, the dialogue was ridiculous, the plot tried to copy aspects of Gladiator and even used some of the same lines, and the characters are so dang annoying that you want them dead by the end of it. 

  This film has no redeeming qualities, it is absolute trash. 1 out of 5 stars. Wasn't even worth the Redbox dollar. (Hate It)